#we’ve always gotta center the men ya know ya know

[lesbiansanemi]

Idk there’s also something to be said for the absolute distaste and hatred of lesbian headcanons in general in fandom spaces. Like never mind that these ppl can’t fathom how a woman would ever exist without being into men, they can’t even not get mad when someone says they think a fictional one doesn’t like men. Like you have such a hatred of lesbians you can’t handle someone else saying they think a fictional woman doesn’t fuck men. Like holy fuck

[pixie-mage]

I don't know if i was supposed to send two characters for the same writing prompt but i'll try this since Rexy needs some love. 9 -L !

From this NatM Writing Prompt: [ x ]

(Either way works! We all love our Puppy-saurus Rex! ^^)

Characters: Rexy Adjectives: Lonely

~  ~  ~  ~  ~

From near his usual perch in the lobby, the skeleton of a tyrannosaurus rex watched from empty sockets as the museum’s night guard came tearing out of an archway on the right, being quickly pursued by a younger teen.

“You got the keys, right Nick?” the guard asked.

“Of course I did,” the teenager replied, rolling his eyes. “The only person Dexter plays ‘keep away’ with is you, Dad.”

“A simple ‘yes’ would have been fine, Nicky.”

The guard - Larry Daley - came skidding to a stop in front of the circular desk at the lobby’s center, slipping behind it and digging through a bag he had stowed there. He pulled out a single hockey glove and a goalie blocker, shaking his head in irritation as he did so.

“I thought the Mayans were past this,” he muttered. “They were behaving so well this week. And then this–”

Rexy approached Larry and Nick with his tail wagging, his bone already held tight in his teeth. He made a little whining noise in the back of his throat and bent down, looking to all the world like he wanted to play. He dropped the bone at Nick’s feet.

“Not now, Rexy,” Larry said, sounding distracted. He barely spared Rexy half a glance as he tugged on the glove, then tossed the bag to his son Nick.

There was a whirring as a small remote-controlled car sped into view from an archway on the left, through which sat the Hall of Miniatures.

“Get gaited, Laredo!” a small southern voice piped up from inside the car. “We’ve got a hell of a hootenanny goin’ on between the two halves of the hall. Them Mayans ‘re fightin’ like kilkenny cats. We had about twenty men downed by poisoned dart last I checked.”

“Tweny-four, to be exact,” a second voice spoke up, a miniature Roman General. “My men are diligent and our shields may be strong but the Mayans are an unpredictable adversary. Much like the Americans when we first were at war.”

There was a fondness in the last phrase. Not that Rexy noticed or cared, but it was there all the same.

“Now don’t you get sappy on me, ‘Tavius,” the cowboy scolded. “Keep yer head on straight. We’ve gotta get them Mayan boys under control ‘fore all hell breaks loose.”

“It already has, Jedediah,” Octavius said. There was a muffled thump from inside the car, followed by an “Ow!” from the centurion.

“Guys!”

The two miniatures stopped bickering, staring up through the tiny windshield of the car to meet Larry’s disbelieving eyes.

“Seriously?! Mayans. Bigger problem.”

“Of course, my liege.”

“You got it Gigantor.”

“Alright.” Larry nodded. “Nick and I will try and get as many of them back into Guatemala as we can. You two just - get your people to try and push them back.”

“Am I locking them up or are you?” Nick asked, already wearing a hockey glove and a blocker like his father.

“Uh–” Larry thought for a moment. “You. Better you than me, in case Dexter decides to show up for a round two.”

Nick giggled.

The remote-controlled car whirred back into motion, and the familiar noise made Rexy’s head perk up. Oh! He knew this game! He picked up his bone again and brought it over to the tiny car, tail wagging all the while. Play? Chase?

“No can do, Rexasaurus,” Jed shook his head. “We’ve got a group o’ crazy tribesmen to wrangle.”

Rexy whimpered, head tilting to the side.

“Not now, Rexy,” Larry reaffirmed, this time looking Rexy right in the eye sockets. “Later. Okay? We’re kind of busy right now.”

Rexy whined, but the group was clearly focussed on a much more important task. Larry and Nick took off into the Hall of Miniatures with the miniature car speeding after them as quickly as it could go.

The lobby fell silent.

Rexy’s tail drooped against the ground.

The dinosaur whimpered into the empty room, nobody around to hear his lonely plea. He just wanted to play. Lately, things in the museum had been so busy that Larry was always being pulled to every corner of the building...and Nick often spent more time with the huns or Ahkmenrah than he did anywhere else. Plus Jedediah and Octavius were most often seen together rather than apart, and though this used to mean they’d be happy to spend some time driving around the museum dragging a bone while their local Tyrannosaurus chased after them, it had become rather difficult to find them as of late. It had become rather difficult to find anyone to play with as of late.

And as for the rest of the museum...well. Rexy whimpered again and put his rib back where it belonged, circling the spot he stood a few times and settling onto the ground. He tucked in his tail and let out a deep sigh.

Many of the other museum occupants were still too afraid to get close to him.

With that sad little thought, Rexy  found himself dozing off into a light sleep in the center of the museum lobby, completely oblivious to the smiling faces that were watching him from a distance.

“He is asleep, I think.”

“So he is. This may be easier than we first thought, my dear.”

Creeping down the stairs on soft feet, Sacagawea motioned for Teddy to stay quiet and stay where he was. She approached the snoozing dinosaur and smiled adoringly once she was close enough to see that he was, indeed, fully asleep. She nodded up toward the balcony above where Teddy stood waiting. The former president was quick to join her in the lobby.

“I will go find the others,” Sacagawea informed him. “Could you seek out Larry and Nick? The Mayans were not part of the plan tonight, but I imagine they will be finished soon.”

“Of course my dear.”

Teddy took her hand, pressed a kiss to her fingers, and swiftly followed the path their night guard had taken a few minutes prior. Sacagawea smiled softly to herself. If given the choice, she would gladly indulge herself in spending more time with her love rather than send him off on a mission...but today was significant. She had a more important task to handle. With one last glance toward the sleeping tyrannosaurus, she vanished back up the stairs and down the hall.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Rexy awoke slowly an hour or so later. His tail quivered as he stretched, huffing a breath out his nose and yawning widely, his massive teeth bared for all to see. He thought, for a moment, he might still be sleeping...because the lobby was terribly dark. It was difficult to see, and as the dino got back to his feet, he was careful not to move too much lest he trip in the dark...or worse, accidentally step on a friend. What was going on? Where was everyone? Why were the lights off? Rexy made a rumbling, questioning noise in the back of his throat, confused and curious.

“Ready?” a quiet, familiar voice whispered from somewhere to Rexy’s left. He turned his head, trying to find its owner. “Okay...3...2...1…”

“SURPRISE!”

Lights flared to life throughout the museum, the sound of switches being flipped completely drowned out by the sea of joyous voices that had filled the air. Rexy took a step back, surprised and startled, trying to understand what he was seeing.

Everyone was here. Everyone. Larry and Nick stood by the front desk, Larry with one hand still lingering near the light switches. A sea of miniatures covered the desk’s surface. The huns were grouped off to one side near the eskimos, the cavemen were all making excited noises somewhere near the back of the crowd, and vikings, statues, civil war soldiers, and more were mixed among the rest of the museum’s inhabitants. A select few animals had been let loose to join them, Dexter among them, and Sacagawea and Teddy were standing side by side near the front of the crowd. Ahkmenrah was leaning back against the desk, and when things began to settle, he murmured something in an undertone to Larry behind him.

Larry nodded. He abandoned the desk and made his way through the crowd, a paper bag in his hand, a beaming grin splitting his face.

“Happy Birthday, Rexy!” he announced, drawing another round of excited cheering from the gathered crowd. Larry’s expression was bright and warm and excited, and when he finally reached Rexy he held up a hand to pet the dinosaur’s nose. Rexy leaned into it, more than a little happy to be on the receiving end of the night guard’s affections after so long of going without it.

Not that a few weeks was that long in the grand scheme of things, but it certainly felt like ages to the puppy-like tyrannosaurus. A rumbling noise started up in the back of his nonexistent throat and he leaned down to nuzzle his skull against Larry’s chest, his tail wagging happily behind him.

“I know we don’t know your real birthday,” Larry went on, scratching along Rexy’s jaw, “but I figured the day you arrived at the museum was as close as we were gonna get. One hundred years ago today. Can you believe that?”

Rexy leaned into the scratches, making happy little noises all the while, and Larry chuckled to himself.

“Ya like that big guy?” he smiled. “Heh. Hang on, I’ve got a present for you.”

Present? Present! Rexy sniffed at the bag in Larry’s hand when the guard held it up, eager to see what was inside. Present. For him? Really?

“Yeah buddy! That’s for you!” Larry said. Rexy nipped at the bag and Larry pulled it out of his reach, chuckling. “Hang on! Hang on, Rexy. Let me get it out first!”

Larry reached into the bag and pulled out what looked like the biggest dog bone in the world. It would be huge for most dogs, but for Rexy? It was perfect. The dinosaur crouched where he stood, in full play mode, his tag wagging wildly behind him. The onlookers grinned and giggled and laughed at his antics. Larry glanced back over his shoulder at them, his eyes sparkling. He returned his focus to the overeager puppy-saur in front of him.

“I know, you’re excited,” he nodded, holding up the bone with some effort. “But here’s the thing. I can give this to you now–”

Rexy made little rumbling noises at the prospect, dancing a little on the spot.

“–or! Hang on, buddy.” Larry stifled another laugh. “Or we can see what everybody else got you. Okay? There’s more presents from everyone, not just this one.”

Rexy looked torn. Play with bone, or get more toys. Bone. More toys. Bone now. Bone later? Toys now...toys later…

It was a very difficult decision.

Until the remote-controlled car came speeding into view.

“Hey! Rexy!”

Jed was practically hanging out the window of the car, waving his hat to get the dinosaur’s attention.

“Hey there big fella!” he called, grinning ear to ear. “Guess what we’ve got!”

The car raced past, driving straight between the dino and the night guard, and it was only then that Rexy’s attention was caught by the colorful toy being dragged by the car. It wasn’t as big as the bone Larry had gotten him, nor was it even a bone at all, but it was eye-catching and made jingling noises as it was dragged along, the colorful ball rolling and bouncing slightly in the wake of the car it was attached to.

Rexy was off and on the chase before Larry knew it, and he - along with the others at the very front of the crowd - had to duck to avoid the swing of the dinosaur’s tail.

Larry grinned.

“Rexy looks exceedingly happy, Larry,” a warm voice appeared at Larry’s side. “I think this party is already a raging success and it has barely begun.”

“He does look happy,” Larry agreed. He turned to smile at Ahkmenrah, who had come to stand beside him and watch the oversized puppy play chase through the lobby and front halls of the museum. “Thanks for the idea.”

“You would have thought of it yourself eventually,” Ahk inclined his head toward the ‘guardian’, smiling all the while. “You are rather creative yourself, and you care greatly for everyone here. It would have crossed your mind at some point I’m sure.”

“Still,” Larry shrugged, pocketing his hands and turning back toward Rexy. “He’s been so down lately. Thanks for the help.”

“You are more than welcome.”

“Dad! Dad! Dad!” Nick came up behind Larry, tugging on his arm. “Can I get Rexy’s new ball out? I think the car needs to recharge soon and–”

“You don’t need to give me a reason.” Larry shook his head with a smile and pointed toward the desk. “It should be back there with the other gifts. Just - try not to let Rexy pop it on the first night. If we can get it to last a week at least I’ll be happy.”

“Sure!”

Then Nick was gone, digging through the gifts with abandon. Somewhere in the distance, a whoop and a holler rang through the air alongside a shout of “ONWARD!” as a tiny car drove whiplashing circles around the giant dinosaur looming overhead.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~

The night had gone about as well as Larry and Nick had hoped. The ball Nick had sought out earlier was, surprisingly, still in one piece. The exhibits had had a fun time playing some form of “keep away” with Rexy, the ball bouncing and soaring back and forth over the crowd while Rexy tried to snatch it out of the air. Attila and his men had played tug-of-war with the dino at some point, the sturdy rope they had been using now shredded and sitting in a pile on the desk. Nick and Ahk had taken a few turns riding on the dinosaur’s back, much to the enjoyment of all involved. An oversized plush toy sat in Larry’s lap (courtesy of Sacagawea and the civil war soldiers) looking a little chewed on, but mostly still in one piece. He was leaning back against the wall at the back of the lobby, past the stairs, and Rexy was curled up nearby. He was gnawing happily on the bone from the beginning of the evening.

There was about an hour left until dawn, and some of the exhibits had already begun making their way back toward their displays. Teddy and Sacagawea were organizing a small group to help clean up the remnants of the party...and Larry would join them soon too. But first…

Larry reached over, rubbing his knuckles against Rexy’s nose. The dino leaned into the affection, a happy rumble bubbling up from somewhere near his chest.

“Did you have a fun birthday, buddy?” Larry asked. Rexy’s tail thumped loudly against the floor a few times, and Larry smiled. “I’ll take that as a yes.” 

The guard sighed softly. His smile faded.

“I’m sorry I haven’t been paying attention to you,” he said quietly. “I could just say that it’s because the museum has been more...lively than usual lately, but that’s no excuse to make you sad.” Rexy lifted his head, tilting it in question. “I know you’ve been kind of lonely lately, and I’m sorry. Some of the other exhibits noticed and told me about it. I’m sorry that I didn’t see it myself. Nobody should ever feel forgotten, alright? That’s - ya know. That’s Friendship 101, and I’ve been kind of a bad friend. Haven’t I?”

Rexy whined softly and nuzzled Larry’s head as gently as he could. The night guard smiled weakly and held up a hand to pat the end of the puppy-saur’s nose.

“It’s nice of you to forgive me, but...still.” Larry was quiet for a moment. Then– “I know I can’t always have time to play with you, same with Nick. I have a job to do and he’s my backup when things get hairy. But I’m gonna try to be better. And…”

He looked thoughtful, as if trying to decide if he should say anything or not.

“...and I know we keep other dinosaurs locked away in the B-wing. I’ll talk to McPhee and see if we can’t get you a friend on display out here, so you have someone to play with. Okay?”

Rexy panted happily and his tail whipped back and forth along the floor, thwacking the walls on either side in his exuberance.

“Okay, okay!” Larry laughed. “Calm down, buddy. I said I’d talk to McPhee, but it’s up to him. No promises! But I’ll try. Alright?”

Rexy bumped his nose against Larry’s shoulder, then flopped his head down right up against the night guard’s crossed legs.

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

When the sun rose later that early morning, and when the first few guests began to filter in through the museum’s front doors, McPhee swore the sharp-toothed smile the tyrannosaurus wore was wider than it had ever been before. But surely it was a trick of the morning light...right?

~  ~  ~  ~  ~

[A/N: This was a lot of fun to write! I haven’t written much in the NatM fandom yet, so this was a really fun practice...and we all know Rexy deserves all the love. Hope you enjoyed it!]

[ninjakasuga]

Sonsal Celebration Year 2, Day 7

On the seventh day of the Sonsal celebration hosted by @boundforfreedomsonsal we have the prompt of peace. Something I’m sure many of us would have loved to have seen the Freedom Fighters get to enjoy when their respective series came to an end. Sadly the screw-ups of Archie Comics, Ken Penders well being Ken Penders, and a little of Sega’s own mishandling caused us to never truly see Sonic, Sally and Co. have their day of peace canonically. Luckily we fans can fix that.

PEACE: 

“...It brings me great pleasure to formally announce the end of the war started by Julian Kintobar, aka Dr. Robotnik, and perpetuated by his counterpart Dr. Eggman. Any and all allies of the two Empires created by these evil men have also been dealt with, leaving no one seeking to resume their mantle. Not only has this long, and difficult conflict finally over-.” Pausing in her speech, Sally took a lungful of air, but her smile never waned, as she also purposefully dragged out the pause to reign in the audience more. “All the nations of Mobius, be they any species of Mobians, or Humans have signed a hopefully lasting peace accord to not only end any potential future conflict but bring all the peoples’ of Mobius together as they never have before.” Despite prepping herself to keep her emotions in check, Sally found her eyes moisten but she kept a straight face, save for the smile widely forming as she couldn’t hide her joy. “We don’t have to live in fear anymore, and our world is truly free from tyranny. Everyone gathered here or not, thank you for your contributions. Now… LET’S CELEBRATE WE ALL EARNED IT!!”

At Sally’s last words, the crowds gathered before the stage in front of Castle Acorn hollered and cheered. After ten-plus years of living in fear of an evil scientist and his armies; the planet Mobius was free at last. Watching her people be happy made Sally’s heart glow with a warmth she didn’t know she needed. Bowing her head she turns from the podium and walks over to where her friends waited for her; especially a certain Hedgehog with a matching wedding band on his finger just like hers. As she wiped her eyes Sonic took a few steps to meet the distance, instantly his arms were around her for a hug and their lips met for a quick, but sweet and loving kiss.

Once it broke, her dear childhood friend, lover, and husband all rolled-into-one flashed one of his well-known grins. “Way past speech Sal.” “I started to nearly cry at the end.” She giggled, rubbing her eyes some more. “You’d think after all my practice I could have nailed it better.”

A familiar hand rested on Sally’s shoulder, with a soft southern drawl reaching her ears. “Aw heck Sally-girl, so you started to mist a little. Nobody will blame ya’ I mean fer’ Pete’s sake you did just announce the end to a nearly thirteen-year war we’ve been fighting since we were kids.”

Bunnie’s husband, Antoine moving to stand beside his wife, and as always holding her hand, gave a nod with his own smile. “Oui, as my dear beloved put it, no one would be zee upset at you being over the joy with the war’s end.”

Moving over a young two-tailed fox wrapped his arms around Sally’s waist, giving a squeeze before looking up so his gaze could meet Sally’s. A smirk mirroring Sonic’s adorning his face. “I think what we’re getting at Sally is, you did great, so don’t think you messed up the speech for getting misty-eyed.”

With a loud, merry chuckle Rotor merely crossed his arms as he walked closer himself, the old gang gathering once again. “I think I’m going to have to stand by the others in saying you did great Sally. Personally, even after my stint as a council member, I’d have choked up half-way through that.”

Unable to help herself, Sally giggled, enjoying the banter as she looked at her husband and friends with a playful smirk. “What is this, pick on Sally after her speech day?”

As if on cue, Nicole materialized from a nearby emitter, and reached over to pet Sally’s head. “Maaaaybe, we all just love you and wish you still are too hard on yourself. Your speech was lovely, to the point, but also if I may add, the start of the tears I think helped the audience accept this was ‘finally’ over.”

Looking at the faces of her dearest friends, Sally internally acknowledged they were right, and simply held her arms out. “Freedom Fighters… one last group hug? As a team?”

Without a word, the band of friends all formed a group hug with Sally at the center. A multitude of emotions coursing through each of them as their bond as friends and Freedom Fighters held them together and steered the course of their lives as much as the war that forced them to grow up so fast. One by one, not an eye was dry as happy tears began to leak from everyone and their mutual holding of one another tightened but never enough to cut off oxygen.

“D-do you think now that the fighting’s over we won’t see each other much anymore?” Murmured Tails in a soft voice as the thought crossed his mind. It was one that briefly flared when they first thought they won after Robotniks’ defeat. Of course, now things were so different than it was back then. He had his parents whom he was still making up for lost time with. Rotor still had family in the Tundra waiting for him. Sonic, Sally, Bunnie, and Antoine were married and could now start their own lives. Nicole was probably gonna be busy since she now had a bio-nanite living body and could have her own life beyond the administrator of the city and the nanite colony.

Reaching over, Sonic ruffled the head-fur of the fox he deemed his little brother affectionately. “Heck to the no there li’ bro. We all might do our own things for a bit but we ain’t gonna just treat the other like strangers.” Eye twinkling he eased from the group hug to wrap his arms around Tails and give him an affectionate noggie. “Plus don’t forget you’re big brother to Manik and Sonia. That means you’ll see us plenty since Sal and I are also on tap babysitters from time to time like you are.”

This seemed to assure the fox while smiled and wiped his eyes, his expression much cheerier now. “Heh, good point, us big brothers gotta help teach the li’ sibs right?”

“That’s the spirit!”

Giggling, Bunnie smiled at the scene of brotherly love and looked over to Antoine, a crafty, yet loving gaze sent his way. “Now that we know no boogie-man is gonna pop outta th’ ground. I’m all for enacting our plans for extended second-honeymoon Sugah-Twan.”

At the mention of this idea, the coyotes’ eyes twinkled as he held up his wife’s hand and kissed her knuckles. “Oui, oui  my love, I am how do you say..? ‘All-in’ on this idea.”

The rabbit’s own eyes sparkle with love and plans, lots of future plans. “Maybe we could start planning for our own li’ brood?” When her husband’s only response was to blush but nod his head vigorously, Bunnie laughed and leaned in to kiss him. “I love you, ya’ you big sweetie!”

“Going for kids already?” Inquired Rotor with a raised eyebrow, and a smile.

“We’ve been discussing it a lot, and frankly being a Mom is something I wanna be, so why not?” Bunnie giggles, her cheeks flushed as she rubbed her belly longingly. “I got all mah parts flesh again, and we don’t gotta fight, so dreams and rest of our lives here I come!”

“Speaking of extended honeymoon’s…” Sally walks over and hugs Sonic from behind. “That sounds like a wonderful idea.”

Nodding, Sonic rested his hands over hers around his waist. “Yeah, we didn’t exactly get to have one. Just a long weekend to ourselves.” Rubbing his chin, Sonic began to ponder on where they could go. With the planet free now, sans any areas in need of rebuilding the sky was the limit.

Then a thought hit him, with a grin he urges Sally to follow him. The two make their way over to another group of friends who were like they had been, celebrating. “Yo Knux’!”

Hearing his nickname, Knuckles the Echidna looked away from the discussion he was having with Vector and Julie-Su. Spying the Hedgehog and Squirrel-munk coming his way. “What’s up Sonic?”

“Can Sal and I borrow your island for our proper honeymoon?”

“Excuse me?” His spines bristled mostly on reflex to anyone mentioning doing, well anything with his island.

Knowing how easy it was for Sonic to antagonize Knuckles without trying, Sally interjected. “What he means Knuckles, is could we visit Angel Island and just… have our honeymoon there? We’d stay out of the way, we’ve just never, been there without some crisis going on. All the different biomes and vistas just scream to be explored and enjoyed.”

“Plus given it flies over the planet the views off the edge are gorgeous.” Quipped Sonic, who now clapped his hands together and bowed his head humbly. “C’mon Knux it’s the perfect place for newlyweds to get lost and have a good time.”

Covering her mouth, Julie-Su snickered. “Oh, you bet it is.”

Picking up on this, Sally smirked widely. “Oh? Maybe you can give us some tips?”

Running with the topic, Julie kept on still smirking widely if her cheeks were now a bit pinker. “Well, not per se Knuckles and I’s make out spots but I can recommend some. Although one mutual spot I must, ‘must’ recommend is this tiny waterfall that has a small spot where an overhanging rock creates this gap big enough for two people to stand inside without being constantly pelted with water. Hmmm..” Her cheeks brightened and her body fidgeted with the memory. “Nothing like standing under the falls with your man behind you, wailing-.” Putting a hand over his ears, Vector turned away, loudly and in a very grumble-y voice chanted. “La-la-la-la I can’t hear youuuu!”

“Walkers alive Julie!” Knuckles exclaimed his muzzle beat red as he gently grasped his girlfriend by the arm. “I don’t think anyone needs to know those details!”

Both Sally and Sonic snicker, and yet also mentally filed away this idea and would get the exact location from Julie later. Refocusing, Sonic reached over to pat Knuckles on the shoulder. “So joking aside, whaddya say Knux? It’s your call but it’d be a way-past cool favor. You know we won’t disturb anything nor go where we shouldn’t.”

“Please? We’ll owe you and Julie.” Sally added, trying to sweeten the deal with the cute-eyes routine and a pouty lip.

After just staring at the two with his usual impassive expression, Knuckles let out a long sigh but then smiled. “What the heck, sure. Consider it a done favor anyway since you guys helped bail me and the island out a number of times-OW!” At a sudden pinch, he looked at Julie. “What was that for?”

“They were gonna owe us a solid and you dismissed it? Knuckles, honey, my one and only…” She cups his face, and pinches his cheeks. “You always accept being owed a favor back! Think about the possibilities!”

“Ow, ow, ow sorry!”

Laughing, Sonic waved a hand. “Consider the favor still on, and thanks a million!” He insisted, figuring he should offer if to help Knuckles out of his situation with Julie in thanks for letting them stay on Angel Island.

“You won’t even know we’re there! Promise!” Sally quipped, giving both Echidnas a hug. “Thank you so much!”

Rubbing his nose, Sonic couldn’t help but smile as he looked around at his friends and the gathered crowds all celebrating. It took a long time, and probably more sacrifices than he would have liked, but finally, they had peace.

He closed his eyes, saying a silent prayer to the fallen, those he knew and those he didn’t. He wasn’t a religious sort but the departed were owed respect. He hoped they could rest easier now, just as those still alive could now truly live their lives to the fullest.

[trashboatprince]

I just can’t stop with the Ashtoreth stories, I love her so much.

And this is an excuse to dress her up in something pretty and to have her be a bit more open with Francis.

On with the fic!

--

The Dowlings were hosting a party, a huge event for different people they knew from both the United States and the UK that they were friends with and/or worked with.

And Nanny Ashtoreth was invited, as a way of saying ‘hey, thanks for watching our kid for the past four years, here’s something instead of a bit of extra pay.’ Not that she didn’t need it, money was no issue for a demon, but still. At least she had the night off, Warlock was going to be watched over by Harriet’s mother who was invited, arrived, but decided to spend time with her grandchild.

Nice lady, even told Ashtoreth that her style of dress was rather beautiful, much more appropriate for ladies.

Ashtoreth found herself in the large hall where events too place in the house, dressed to the nines in an outfit that Crowley may or may not have spent too much time planning on a day off a few weeks back in his flat. 

The dress was a deep black, the back opened, trailing down just above her lower back in an almost-teasing way. The front complimented her small chest, nice collarbone, and shoulders, held up by the thinnest of spaghetti straps.

The dress went down to the floor, but there was a slit in the side that went up her leg in a way that many a man had noticed this evening. The heels helped a lot with that.

Ashtoreth, Crowley, were a demon of fine tastes and rather liked being the center of attention in a room full of eyes when it suited them best.

And she was so thrilled to find that this was a formal affair, everyone was dressed in their best clothes, so her going nuts with the dress was totally worth it to stand out more. She even included onyx and silver jewelry to complete the look, with a red gemstone broach around her neck, held with delicate lace.

She was living it up, taking the attention off of women who had spent money to look so good when all she had to do was snap her fingers. Ashtoreth loved when she riled people up and caused trouble without having to lift a finger, and this was just the sweetest plum.

Demonic work could happen in all the best ways, especially when you got to look amazing while doing it.

Several men, including her employer had asked for her hand to dance, but she declined. “I’m waiting for someone.” She’d tell them, and it wasn’t a lie.

Her eyes, still hidden behind her shades, kept looking towards the door. Was he not coming? Even the staff had been invited, again, to prevent them from getting a raise, so that meant Francis was supposed to be involved. Did that angel not get the invite? His stupid costume must has scarred off the Dowlings from inviting the gardener.

She sighed, sipping at her wine until she heard a bit of chatter from some of her fellow staff members. Two of the maids were close to her, whispering between the two of them, and Ashtoreth listened in.

“Did you see him? That weird gardener?! I almost didn’t recognize him!”

“I didn’t know he wore anything other than the smock! And did he style his hair?”

“And... do something with his teeth?”

Ashtoreth looked around and her eyes widened behind her shades as she spotted the gardener across the room. He was dressed in a white suit, classically Victorian, with a faint blue button up. He accessorized his suit with his golden rings and his pocket watch from his normal attire when he presented himself as Aziraphale.

He looked so clean in his white suit, even his shoes were polished up! His hair was combed and tamed, rather than the mess of curls he always sported. Heck, as Francis, his hair had grown out a bit in the back and the man had bothered putting it back in a bit of a ponytail.

His teeth were indeed missing, just the front poking out a little bit over his bottom lip, nothing like the buck teeth the fool had decided on when figuring out his look for Brother Francis.

He looked positively handsome this evening, it’s been so long since they’ve attended a fancy part that Ashtoreth forgot that Francis had a magic touch when it came to style for the lavish.

He glanced over at her and smiled, walking across the room to approach her. “M’ dear,” the accent was still there, “you look as radiant as them beautiful black roses ya had me plant in the garden fer ya.” He took her gloved hand and gently placed a tender kiss to the back of it.

“Well, Francis,” She smirked, “I didn’t think you could actually appear human, but here you are.”

“Ay, I know when to look me best.” He chuckled, standing up straight as he looked at her. “Sorry I’m late,” the accent was dropped as he whispered gently, “took me a bit to figure out how to look perfect for you.”

“Angel, you always look perfect to me. Even with that stupid get up.” She whispered back. The music in the room shifted, people moved towards the dance floor.

“Care to dance?” The demon asked, and Francis looked a bit startled.

“My dear, you know quite well that angels cannot dance. Well, I mean, I know one dance, but it’s not appropriate for this sort of event.”

“Who the hell cares, I wanna dance. I’ve been waiting an hour for you to show up and I gotta break in these heels.” She grabbed his hand, leading him out to the dance floor as the music began to play a familiar classical piece. Ashtoreth couldn’t quite place it at the moment, but she was sure Aziraphale had a record of it in his shop, or at least original sheet music for it.

Sounded like Chopin, but that’s besides the point.

Francis looked rather nervous as they stood together, so Ashtoreth took the lead. She place his hand on her shoulder, her own going to his waist, and their free hands clasped together. “It’s simple, just follow my movements, no one else here is dancing correctly either.”

“I-If you say so, my dearest.” He swallowed the lump in his throat as he looked up at her, she was so much taller in these heels, it was rather exciting.

They moved slow to the music, moving about the floor around other couples and dance partners as the music continued on. Francis took the chance, resting his head against her chest, breathing in her scent of perfume and bath oils, along with her natural demonic scent that he was so use to it never bothered him.

Just part of his dear friend’s charms, really. He smiled as he closed his eyes, the music changed, people kept dancing, he didn’t bother trying to notice that some people were looking at the two of them as they danced.

Ashtoreth heard some whispers, that the gardener was dancing with the nanny! That he was feeling her up with his face there, the lucky bastard! Why would she dance with a man that looked like a human toadstool. Okay, that last comment got a nasty glare from Ashtoreth, causing the comment maker to spill her drink on herself.

She smirked and continued to lead the dance as Francis kept himself pressed against her. “You’re a wonderful dancer, Crowley.” He whispered at her, his eyes still closed.

She wanted to tell him that he’s stepped on her toes three times and nearly knocked them both down when he stepped on her gown, but she didn’t have the heart to ruin the moment. “And you’ve improved since the last time we’ve done this.”

The last time was when Aziraphale dragged him to a party during the 20′s and they both fell into a pool when they tried to dance together. It’s funny now, but at the time both were a bit upset cause a lot of people saw that.

She kissed the top of his head as she continued on, ignoring the stares and comments now. It was just them, no angels, demons, or humans could ruin this rare moment of public tenderness between them. They didn’t get to be open like this much, so Ashtoreth and Francis were going to take advantage of it the whole night.

[animefan-overran]

What’s on your mind... (Contestshipping)

Ok, so Contestshipping has got to be in my top 10 ships in pokemon, it’s just so perfect. This is my first time writing a fanfic so constructive criticism is appreciated. 

****PART ONE****(RATING: HIGHLY SUGGESTIVE SITUATIONS)

“Ugh, Drew I don’t want to do this right now. Why can’t we take a break and eat?” May tapped her foot impatiently “I heard there’s a great noodle shop right around the...”

“May!” Drew interrupted. “You’re never going to succeed if all you can think about is your stomach. C’mon, surely you have it in you to partake in one more battle, unless you’re too weak that is.” Drew smirked

May stared daggers in the green haired boy’s skull, but he took no notice. Sometimes, he really got on her nerves. All she remembers is him walking up to her after their last contest asking if he could train with her. Why did he even want to train with her? The only reason he was here is because she allowed it, so why was he being so hard on her? However, as much as she hated Drew pushing her limits, there was still a small part of her that found him kind of endearing, and sometimes even attractive.

“Hello, Earth to May, are you in there? Why are you staring at me like that? Maybe Max was right, there really is nothing up there.” Drew shook his head “Or maybe my looks have put you in a trance. Eh, I can’t say I blame you. I know I can have that effect o...”

“Will you shut up! I was not caught in a trance,” May lowered her voice, “I was just thinking” she blushed as she stepped back whilst pressing her index fingers together a couple of times. “But that doesn’t matter right now. What’s important is that I put you in your place.” May’s voice slowly got louder as she pulled out a pokeball. “Skitty, c’mon out,” May launched her pokeball onto the practice battlefield. 

“Skitty” Skitty excitedly jumped out onto the field. Excited to be by May’s side.

“Ok, Drew. You’re on, one more battle. Just know I’m not going easy on you!”

“Hm,” Drew laughed “I wouldn’t want you to, hun. I like it when you go all out” Drew winked. “Ok Masquerain, I choose you!” Drew hurdled the pokeball out in front of him.

“Masquer mas” Masquerain chanted as it prepared for battle.

May blushed and quickly looked away from Drew’s gaze. What the heck is that supposed to mean? May thought. Surely he can’t be flirt... NO, why would he do that. What could he possibly see in me? NO! He’s just trying to get on my nerves, yeah. I need to stay focused! I can’t let Drew win!

“Oh, it’s on, cabbage-top” May grinned evilly. “Skitty, use Blizzard!”

“SKI-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-TY” Skitty let out a spiraling blast of cold wind and ice pellets at Masquerain.

Drew looked at the beautiful display of icy crystals looping down at their target. Wow, Skitty’s Blizzard attack has so much control and power. May must have really been training hard with Skitty since the last competition. She really has grown into quite a beautiful trainer... wait, I have to focus! Drew called out his next attack.

“Masquerain, dodge it and use Bubble” 

“Mas-MAS,” Masquerain blocked itself with its wings and let out a jet stream of bubbles that coated only about half of the icy shards hurtling towards it. It tried to hold out but it was too much for it to handle. Slowly, Masquerain huddled lower and lower to the ground until it fainted.

“Masquerain!” Drew ran over to and huddled over it. How could he let this happen? If he wasn’t so distracted by May, he wouldn’t have been so late to call out an attack. Now, his Masquerain was hurt, and it was all his fault. He lifted Masquerain off of the ground and gently held it “Masquerain, we got to get you to a pokemon center!” Drew looked over at a bewildered May running towards him.

“Do you need assistance? I hope Masquerain is alright! There’s a pokemon center just a couple of blocks from here. I can come with you, afterall you gave my Beautifly a run for its money with your Flygon” May smiled.

“Um, it’s ok... I...” Drew quickly snapped back to reality “I mean, yeah sure you can come if you want. I gotta say though, that Skitty of yours truly is amazing. It really knows how to pack a punch. I can really tell you two have been practicing your Blizzard attack. Keep it up, and you’ll have no problem winning in pokemon contests all over Hoenn.” Drew flicked his sweat glazed hair away from his eyes. 

May glanced at Drew, and searched his eyes for any signs of sarcasm, but came up empty handed. Was Drew actually giving me a genuine compliment?!? Wow, maybe he’s not so cold hearted as he puts off. May reasoned and slowly smiled. “Well thank you Drew, you’ve definitely gotten stronger too, uh but we should get going, your Masquerain really isn’t looking too hot”

“Yeah, you’re right. Let’s go!”

When they finally reached the Pokemon Center, May and Drew gave their pokemon to Nurse Joy and proceeded to wait out in the lobby. That, however, was hours ago. Naturally, as time would have it the more the trainers waited, the more worried they became for their pokemon.

Drew’s mind was racing to the brim with awful thoughts of his Masquerain. “Oh, man, I really did it this time, didn’t I! If only I wasn’t so distracted!...”

“Huh, why were you distracted?” May asked in return. Drew’s eyes widened as he realized he was talking out loud. “Oh did I say distracted, what I meant to say was if only I wasn’t so, uh inactive!” Drew insisted. “Yeah, my reaction time sucks right now, I guess I need to work on that.” 

“Hmmm” May looked intently at Drew. She knew he was lying. Afterall, he has already displayed some of the best reactions she has ever seen in the past. Something was throwing him off for sure, but she didn’t quite know what it was. She was even further confused because she considered him a friend. Why wouldn’t he want to tell her what was on his mind? Unless... it was about her. May smiled. If her theory was correct, then that had to be it. May’s stomach started tangling itself into knots, and what she did next even she could not have predicted.

“Drrreeeew, we both know you’re lying” May sang as she scooted closer to him just to test the waters a little. Caught off guard, Drew looked away from May’s gaze as he gulped. From that point, that was all the evidence May needed to proceed with her interrogation. “Now, are you gonna tell me what was distracting you, or do you want me to say it out loud for everyone in the pokemon center to hear.” May taunted, as she used her hand to rotate Drew’s face back towards her. Drew’s eyes were completely dilated from embarrassment. She wasn’t really going to humiliate him, but she was really good at bluffing, so she played the part. 

“I uh um, you know I was just thinking about your Skitty and its Blizzard attack.” Drew admitted. He wasn’t lying necessarily, just not telling the whole truth, he reasoned with himself. Feeling a sudden burst of cockiness out of nowhere he himself started a little detective work of his own. “And what about you May?”

“Ma mee?” May stammered blushing softly.

‘Bingo,’ Drew thought. “Yes you, you were distracted before our battle, and don’t try to lie about what...” Drew paused and got closer to her ear “or who was distracting you.” he backed away smugly. “Because we both know the answer to that million dollar question.” 

At this point May was ripped to pieces. She could feel her heart beating even in her feet. How was he doing this to her? Nevertheless, he made her excited, and he seemed to bring out an edge in her that no one else could. 

May couldn’t take it anymore, and considered telling the truth to Drew. What would he say? At this point she didn’t even care, even if he laughed at her. She brought her face closer to Drew’s until they were inches apart. “Well, at  least I can admit that I was distracted by my opponent... unlike some people.” May whispered slowly as her lips grew closer to Drew’s until they were barely brushing his. 

“m ma May, I” Drew stuttered weakly. 

“And the fact that you’re not moving away...” May moved back to a reasonable distance “proves I’m right”. May gloated in victory as she stared at the green haired boy practically at a loss for all words. “Drew, we’ve been friends long enough for me to know you better than you think” 

Drew just looked away, his face as red as a rose. “Oh yeah, well...”

“Thank you so much for your patience, all your pokemon are happy and healthy once again!” Nurse Joy beamed as she came into the lobby followed by Chancey with May and Drew’s pokemon. “I hope I didn’t interrupt anything.” 

“Oh no, you’re fine! Thank you so much!” May quickly stood up to take her pokemon. 

“Um, yeah thanks!” Drew added grabbing his pokemon as well.

May and Drew were walking out of the pokemon center. When May decided to set up Drew one last time to take her bait. “You know Drew, you were looking kind of nervous at the end of that conversation. As far as I know, young men aren’t supposed to let embarrassment get the better of them when faced with a difficult question. I guess you’re still just a...”

“Don’t even finish that sentence May! You and I both know we aren’t ten anymore! I am a man, now” Drew pulled closer and closer to May, and May backed further and further away from him until she was backed up against the wall. “but maybe I need to show you that.” Drew’s lips made their way to May’s ear once again, his words dripped like honey “you are a persistent girl May, I’ve always admired that about you, so I’ll tell you the truth... but not here. If you want to know everything, I’ll be an open book. All you have to do is come by my place later today, be there by 3:00, and come alone.” Drew smirked, and finally sauntered off. “I gotta go for now May, all of that training has made me hungry. See ya later, yeah?” 

May stood motionless in utter disbelief. What did she get herself into? And whatever she just witnessed was a new side of Drew that she had never seen before. It was downright sexy, and every part of her knew it. Drew was like a drug to her at this point, and she needed to know exactly what was on his mind. She finally composed herself together, and checked the time. 12:00 May read. I guess I could go get something to eat, and then, I need to head home and get ready to go to Drew’s. Even her own thoughts were foreign to her, as she headed out of the pokemon center in search for a good restaurant. Even so, she kind of liked them...

****END OF PART ONE****

I hope everyone liked it. As I said before, this is my first fanfic, so I’ll probably get better with time... like most people, lol.

[purkinje-effect]

The Purkinje Effect, 35

Table of Contents. Go to previous. Go to next. Hey holy shit hello you are at Park Street Station and I am begging your patience. At this point we have found a vault we do not want and a lack of cooperation we do not want and no information useful to solving what’s wrong with Vault 82 and we’ve been waiting nine eighteen months for an update.

____________________

The pocket door opened. Before Valentine and Geek lay twenty bodies or more. At the center of the carnage, blood-spattered and spaced out, stood a heavyset man in a black tuxedo and fedora, and a tall lean dark-haired woman in a dove grey sequin evening gown, respectively each wielding a submachine gun and a baseball bat. Angel, the mishmash Mister Handy, had gotten involved in the fray, and hovered at a close distance drenched in blood.

Hancock and ‘Choly are in the middle of that pile, Geek panicked, putting his knuckledusters back on. The fuck happened, that these two mowed down their entire outfit?

The mobsters seemed to be sizing up the odds of overcoming the robot. Before Valentine and Geek could act on their hunch that the’d have to somehow overcome Skinny Malone and Darla themselves, ‘Choly came out from behind some shipping crates with an utter nonchalance, hobbling toward the two mobsters with his cane at a cool pace. He’d slung his rifle over his back, and instead drawn an odd-looking suppressed revolver from the gun harness hidden beneath his white vest. But, he holstered it as he approached Skinny and Darla. If they’d seemed pleased with their job well done, ‘Choly appeared to have shot over the moon.

The chemist was shorter than either of them, and tilted up on his toes to whisper in their ears. Even before he came back on his heels, they had started out of the vault at a full sprint. He clapped his gloves together in delight, transfixed in bliss, and he started to double back to his hiding place, only to stop short.

“Not another step closer.” Hancock cocked his shotgun and steadied it over the top of the crates at ‘Choly. “The fuck was in that dart gun. Why did they do that!”

Valentine and Geek stay frozen in the doorway, still bewildered by the situation. The pink ghoul couldn’t find relief just yet, beyond knowing his companion had survived. 'Choly had not yet noticed their presence, but Hancock had. The ghoul in road leathers only made eye contact with them long enough to communicate with them his dread, before playing it off that he’d been eyeing Angel.

‘Choly crumpled and put up his hands, exasperated.

“But I took care of them for us, didn’t I? Why’s it matter how! Just when I started to think I was doing everything right for once, and now I feel like I’m back to scratch with you. What’s it going to take to win you over? What’s that Pink Plymouth got that I don’t?”

“Don’t make me compare you n’ him. Not fair t’either of you.”

“Mister Carey is right to ask what you believe he did wrong!” Angel approached the chemist and ghoul with the intent to get involved. “Everyone is safe. I’m the only one who’s got any dings or scratches, last I checked. The only mistake I calculate he might’ve made in your eyes is he let those last two criminals live!”

Hancock didn’t budge, his eyes locked on ‘Choly. “Stand down, Angel.”

Its ocular lenses swiveled to its owner.

“Sir?”

“Of course!” ‘Choly teetered on awkward laughter from the stress. “It’s all just a lot of words. Isn’t that right, Hancock? I’m out of bullets, and those were my last three Sweet Nothings. The good mayor wouldn’t fire on an unarmed man, would he?”

Geek squared up his stance, ready to rush the chemist.

“I don’t know about him, but ME--”

He came unstuck, only to meet Valentine’s outstretched arm. The synth wasn’t strong enough to hold back the pink ghoul with just one limb, but the gesture grounded him just enough to get his attention. All the while, he heaved in place.

“If you value your limbs attached, you’ll stay put. That cannibal bluebird will put itself between you and its owner before you can land even one punch.” Valentine cocked the .44 and aimed it at ‘Choly with both hands. “But my aim’s decent enough, I could definitely get a shot in.”

“Geek!” ‘Choly squeaked, jerking to look their way. His wide eyes darted between the two men across the room. “Oh--! You got the door open!”

Geek snarled.

“If I gotta crush that tin can--”

“Woah, woah, woah! Fellas, ease off.” Hancock stood, easing up his grip on the shotgun just a bit. “We’re just. We’re just talkin’. Like he says.”

“Still say fists speak louder’n muzzles. Fuckin’ creep.” Geek scowled at ‘Choly, who stared back with a slighted intensity. “What’s to talk about, then?”

“Seems the Scollay Square Swain’s embroiled in a bit of a love triangle. Par for the course.” Valentine’s cigarette bobbed loose on his lip. He pocketed the gun, hoping Hancock would stand down too. “Thanks for bringing an entourage to bust me out, Hancock.”

Before Hancock could reply, Geek put his hands to the patch of fence on his face. Stuttering, he pointed insistently at Valentine with an awful wide-eyed frown.

“HE WAS LIKE THAT WHEN I FOUND HIM, I SWEAR IT.”

The cigarette fell from Valentine’s mouth, and he blinked. It took him a moment to process the implication there’d ever been a risk of his being eaten. The comprehension sublimated into a sharp barking laugh. Geek let out a tepid chuckle.

“No cannibalizing this bucket of bolts today. Guess we should be proud of ya for good behavior.” Valentine shepherded the conversation back to Skinny and Darla, pointing in the direction they’d vanished off to. “Care to explain what happened here? You tell ‘em they left the oven on or something?”

“You could say that.” ‘Choly resumed leaning into his cane. “They’ll probably run for a good thirty minutes before Nothing wears off... By then, they’ll be so exhausted and dehydrated that they won’t know where they even ended up.”

“You always had that stuff?” Aghast, Geek’s face slacked. “That shit sure as hell ain’t nothin’.”

“We were cornered in, and I’m out of bullets. And darts now, too. I didn’t feel like we had another choice. There were too many of them for Angel to take care of on its own.” ‘Choly sniffed, stiffening even further. “It’s only got a serial number formally, but I’ve been calling it Sweet Nothing. For, ah, the whispering thing. Synthesizing it is almost impossible. It takes a patent precursor from the-- from a military base. I. I have to ration them.” The color washed from his glistening face as he described it. “Before you ask, yes. I used my last three of them.”

Geek started pacing and worked on inhaling his flatware stash. Valentine shifted in place, watching ‘Choly. The chemist buttoned back up, produced a handkerchief, and removed his glasses long enough to wipe his face.

“Before he started running with Darla, I would’ve sworn up and down neither of ‘em deserved to be on the receiving end like that. Some people should never meet. They brought out the absolute worst in each other.”

“You’re one of the only people with enough history with that lunkhead to defend him,” Hancock ribbed. He let out a low whistle and dropped his rifle to his side finally. “That stuff’s gotta have one helluva hangover when it wears off.”

“Can we... walk and talk?” Valentine pressed. “This place’s given me the worst case of cabin fever.”

The two ghouls and synth agreed and started back the way they’d all come, with Valentine leading the way. Angel addressed ‘Choly before he could question the others’ feelings regarding the mobsters.

“Come along, Mister Carey. Can’t let them get too far ahead of us.”

The chemist relented and mounted. He kept his mouth shut, acting closed off from the group. Nick tapped his fedora brim up at ‘Choly.

“The name’s Valentine, by the way.”

“Melancholy. I’m sorry. This is nothing like I expected.”

“I think Hancock’s the only one of us expected anything close t’what happened here,” Geek muttered, in an attempt to deflect any sense of alienation off Nick.

The pink ghoul continued slipping flatware through the gaps in the muzzle.

“You’re still mad. I get that. But look!” Hancock walked backward to face them, and flourished his arms outreached to them, grinning encouragingly. “It was a fantastic idea that we split up. Took way less than an hour. Can you imagine if we’d all gone down that elevator shaft and gotten surprised by Skinny’s lot? Hoo boy! Sure surprised him!”

“Some trust exercise this turned out to be.” Geek zipped up. He patted at his chest with an unconscious thoughtfulness, having fallen behind everybody. “I wanna come back down here, with some muscle an’ extra hands. Accidental or no, stuff from at least half a dozen other vaults got shipped here instead. Includin’ 82. You remember the invoice at Vault-Tec HQ, John? Two gardening kits? One of ‘em’s down there in the cafeteria, still in the crate. Other one might be, too.”

“Done and done! I’ll bring some of the Neighborhood Watch down here, tote it back to Goodneighbor. We can crack it open, take a look at it. See what they intended to ship out.”

“What’s so important about some gardening kit?” ‘Choly barely shoved down an acrimonious whine. “Mine didn’t have any plants in it, living or dead.”

“Vault-Tec typically set up each location with its own sustainable food sources,” Valentine explained. “Any vault that saw continued use longer than the experiment’s intended course either had to continue relying on those same indoor farms to do so, or resign to trading with outsiders. Vault produce is some of the cleanest and healthiest there is, provided you can broker their trust. Two vaulties whose vaults didn’t have any produce whatsoever, though. That’s mighty curious.” The synth grinned when it clicked for him. “Hancock! You scraped together the help of two vault dwellers to get the vault door open. Color me impressed.”

“I have my moments.” Hancock rolled his shoulder, only to grunt from an injury sustained from the scuffle. “Course, doesn’t hurt two vault dwellers happened to be in Goodneighbor at the same time...”

“Kit wasn’t the only thing I found, though.” Geek pulled one of the Vault 114 Vault Suits from his coveralls and zipped back up. He handed it up to ‘Choly with a shit-eating sneer. “A souvenir, Ruski. Dunno about you, but I’m glad this ain’t the hole I crawled out of.”

“I, yes. Hear hear.”

‘Choly hastily shoved the jumpsuit into Angel’s storage compartment. He tried to spur Angel to go on without the others, but the Mister Handy would not.

“You and I are out of ammunition, Sir. None of us is in any condition to get in further scuffs, especially not alone. We must stick together to protect one another.”

“I, hah. Hah. Yes. Of course. How, how silly of me.”

“Something the matter, Melancholy?” Valentine wondered, dripping with irony.

‘Choly’s mouth became a thin line, and he kept himself and Angel off to the side without straying too far.

“I suppose I just realized I left the oven on.”

The synth murmured, and fell back to walk alongside Geek with a nearly paternal earnest.

“Vault 82, you said. You really are from out of town, aren’t you?”

“Family’s from Providence.” He couldn’t place why, but despite his appetite issues, he felt comfortable conversing with this synth. Though the very notion of the armature beneath the skin of a synth had always nettled him, Nick’s demeanor felt so... real, so easy to talk to. He could understand why Hancock cared whether this individual was safe. “Y’know anything about 82? This year’s my first time above-ground, and only locals seem to know we’re down there tucked inside a state park. Travel sure don’t seem like a leisurely activity anymore. Say. Fenway Park. I remember a sign, a... Valentine’s Detective Agency. You that Valentine?”

“Yours truly. Take it you didn’t travel for leisure?”

“My vault’s got these food dispenser machines. I think they’re fritzin’, ‘cause everybody’s been gettin’ sick. But it’s all we eat, and all we can eat anymore, after two centuries livin’ off the stuff. I figure, with the reason you came down here, that the kinda sleuthin’ you do is mostly missing persons cases. But you mentioned some knowledge regarding vaults. Are you positive no other vaults you know of have food dispensers? They produce a... ration paste. Like a custard, but good for ya.”

“You came all the way out here, looking for a way to save your vault’s population. If you’re not averse to working with a synth detective, I might be able to lend a few circuits. Hopefully turn this into a productive cross-state adventure.”

“Doubt it’d hurt to have a fresh set of eyes on this. Dunno your rates, but--”

Valentine waved him down with a smile.

“...Well, now that I’m free to report back to Darla’s parents what happened, I can close that case... and take on another, if you’d like. I’d even do it pro bono, all things considered. This aims to save lives here. Not to mention, you did just rescue lil’ ol’ me.” Before Geek could say a word, he continued. “Give me some time to catch up in Diamond City. I’ll go through my paperwork, to see if I can’t locate any information that would be useful. Is three days good for you? And I should probably borrow the .44 a little longer, if that’s all right with you. To get home in one piece. I’ll return it when you come visit my office. How’s that sound?”

“I, of course. You bet. Thanks. ...Not t’be difficult, but I’m not allowed back in Diamond City.”

“The ‘no ghouls’ thing isn’t as strictly enforced as you’d think.”

“The ghoul thing’s recent. Like, last week recent. And unrelated. I pissed off one of the merchants and she got me kicked out.”

“I don’t even have to guess. Myrna.”

“YES-- Christ.”

The detective laughed as they took the stairs back up into the station terminal.

“Don’t sweat it. I’ll smooth it all over before you get there. If you’ve met Myrna, you know the Great Green Jewel’s not just anti-ghoul, but anti-synth, too. And I live there. They make exceptions.”

“Nick, you’re a peach.” Hancock grabbed him and pulled him into a tight hug. “I’m glad Skinny’s bunch didn’t rough you up too bad. The Commonwealth would be worse for wear without you in it, man.”

“Most of us want to see good and justice in the world. The only thing that makes me different is, my desire for that’s programmed.”

As they stepped out onto the Common streets again, Hancock patted Valentine on the shoulder.

“Don’t sell yourself short, my friend. We won’t keep you. I know at least three people back in Diamond City alone who’ve probably been worried sick about you for weeks.”

“Sure is great to feel useful and wanted,” ‘Choly snapped. He managed to finally spur Angel onward now that they’d emerged topside. The chemist and robot zipped off toward Goodneighbor.

Nick shot a stern stinkeye his way from under the brim of his hat, but said nothing until he and the robot had vanished around a corner.

“You really know how to pick ‘em some days, Hancock.”

“Give the guy a break. He’s still grappling with a bends-deep case of Rip Van Winkle Syndrome. He’s probably just weirded out by your... you-ness.”

Nick took a little too long to reply, obviously preoccupied.

“I’m going to... take his cue and scram, too. I’ll see you in a few days, kids.”

“Toodles!” Hancock waved to him, and got to walking with Geek.

“Toodles?” Geek rolled his eye at him. “--Ugh, finally.”

He ripped off the muzzle, and poured the open box of Abraxo Powder straight into his mouth.

“I am not going to ask where you got that.”

Go to Next »»»

[atc74]

Anything You Can Do

Square(s) Filled: Girl Power for @spnfluffbingo2019

Warnings: playground antics, flirting, fluff, ahhh, IDK, it’s fun! Implied sex as payment (it’s REALLY not what you think)

Summary: Jared opens his man-child mouth and it’s on! It’s a karaoke battle for the ages and the ladies are in it to win it! But, when this crew shows up, there are no losers!

Pairing: Reader x past OC, Rob x Reader, Jensen x Briana

Word Count: 4455

Written for: @spnfluffbingo2019

Beta’d by: @alleiradayne​ who was crazy enough to support this idea from the beginning and my dear @amanda-teaches​, whom I would be lost without. 

A/N: I wanted to do something really fun and who of us wouldn’t be up for some of this on a Friday night???!!!! All the songs were painstakingly chosen for reasons. There are also some shameless plugs for my boys Louden Swain. 

Also a shout out to my friend Beth @brooksba, who took all the amazing photos found in the graphic below!

It was a rare convention weekend when all the guests showed up on a Friday. The green room was fuller than normal as Jensen, Jared, Rob, Rich, Briana, Kim, Y/N, Ruth and the boys from the band sat around shooting the breeze. The green room always had a relaxed and playful atmosphere and this time was no different. 

“Oh come on! You cannot burp the alphabet!” Jared scoffed as Briana picked up a warm soda from the table and opened it. 

“Why, cause I’m a girl?” she challenged him and the room exploded with the disbelief of all those in attendance that Jared dare say such a thing to her, or any of the women on the convention circuit. 

“Well,” Jared looked around sheepishly, waiting for someone to help him. 

“Nope. You’re on your own with this one pal!” Rich slapped him on the back. “You have awakened the beast.”

“I just mean, you’re little and…” Jared tried to come up with another reason. Christ, Gen was going to kill him when he got home. 

“I may be little but I am fierce, Jarpad,” Briana grinned and chugged the soda. It wasn’t long before a symphony of belches in the form of the alphabet song erupted from her. “Anything you can do I can do better. I can do anything better than you.” She sang as she high fived Kim and Y/N. 

“No, no, no. Not this again,” Jensen chuckled, shaking his head. 

“Oh yeah! I am so down for this. And this time, a wager perhaps?” Rich went into full on emcee mode. “What do y’all say about a battle for the ages? A karaoke battle, if you will. It is Friday after all.” 

“Yesss!” The women shouted. 

“Winner picks the losers costume for the next convention?” Rich continued, knowing he had the ladies all in for this. “Fellas? You gonna back down from a challenge?” 

“Hell no! I’m in!” Matt Cohen raised his hand. 

“Yeah, I’ll do it. I mean, I am a professional,” Rob joined him, making eye contact with Y/N shyly across the room.

“Can’t leave my fearless leader in the wind. I’ll do it,” Mike Borja threw his proverbial hat in the ring, looking at the last three. 

“Don’t look at me! I don’t sing!” Jared backed away slowly. 

Jensen glanced to Jason, then back to the women, all with shit eating grins on their faces. “I’m probably gonna regret this, but okay. Jason and I are in.” 

“Wait, how did I get wrapped into this? I’m not an idiot like Jared!” Jason defended. 

“No, but you are a team player buddy and we need you if we’re going to stand a chance,” Jensen replied, looking to Briana with a wink. 

“Splendid! The rules are simple. I, and only I, will pick your songs. No one else will know what you are singing but me. Now, go. Be gone. Out damn spot!” Rich grinned ear to ear as he pulled out his phone, making the most epic list of his convention career. 

~*~

“Y/N, girl, are you gonna tell him or not?” Briana asked her pointedly when they got to Briana’s room to get ready for the Karaoke Party.

“Yeah, did you see the way he was looking at you?” Kim chimed in. 

“You guys, I just ended a really bad relationship and he’s my friend,” Y/N said. “I don’t want to ruin what we have.” 

“Then don’t. Just ruin him for all other women!” Ruth giggled. 

“Oh my god Ruthie!” Y/N hid her flushed face behind her hands. 

“And may I point out that you didn’t ‘just’ end that relationship. It’s been over for weeks officially,” Kim reminded her. 

“And you gotta get back on that horse sometime. No time like the present I say!” Briana laughed. 

“Come on, Y/N. You’re an overachiever! Just go out there tonight and be amazing; sing your rock song. This is real life, babe and if you’re lucky, you’ll get a leg up on him and he won’t know what hit him!” Kim encouraged. 

“All’s fair in love and war and karaoke battles,” Ruth chirped. “This is how you’ll win the big one, Y/N, ready steady.” 

“Okay, okay okay! I get it. Gosh, you all sure know a lot of their songs,” Y/N rolled her eyes as Briana dragged her in the bathroom to curl her hair. 

“Aha! You know all the songs, too!” Kim shouted. 

“Yeah, yeah,” Y/N smiled at Briana in the mirror. 

“You’re gonna knock his socks off,” she smiled back. 

~*~

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Friday Night Karaoke! Boy oh boy, do we have a special treat for y’all tonight! During some green room antics earlier, a challenge has been issued,” Rich paused, waiting for the audience to quiet some and let him finish his intro. “Tonight, with you good people as witnesses, will be a battle to battle all battles! The ladies versus the men

of Supernatural will battle it out for bragging rights right here on this stage!!” 

The crowd exploded in cheers and applause. Rich drew a slip of paper from the bowl and the first few fans sang their songs to roaring applause. Briana, Kim, Rich, Rob and Matt all joined in on stage for the fun. 

“Please may I get a warm welcome for Miss Y/N Y/L/N!” Rich announced. 

Y/N walked through the curtain, kissing him lightly on the cheek and whispering in his ear. “I know what you’re doing Rich. I’ll get you back for this.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about darlin’. Now go, sing!” Rich shooed her from his side. 

The beat started and Y/N started rocking her body with its rhythm. “Yeah!”

“I’m coming up so you better get this party started!

I’m coming up so you better get this party started!

Get this party started on a Friday night

Everybody’s waiting for me to arrive

Sending out the message to all of my friends…” 

The crowd was going wild, bouncing and singing along as Y/N worked them into a frenzy with her first song of the evening. If this was any indication of how the night would go, she didn’t care who won, she was having a damn good time, and she made sure the crowd was too as she finished her song. 

“Well, well, well, I guess we really got this party started now!” Rich laughed, pulling another name from the bowl. 

“Please give it up for Miss Briana Buckmaster!” Rich shouted as Briana walked forward. 

Briana took center stage in front of the screen. She was holding her breath, praying Rich didn’t pick something lame. When the screen lit up and the music started, she gave it everything, knowing they had this shit in the bag. 

“Step back gonna come at ya fast

I’m driving out of control

And getting ready to crash

Won’t stop shaking up what I can

I serve it up in a shot

So suck it down like a man

So baby yes I know what I am

And no I don’t give a damn

And you’ll be loving it up

Some days I’m a super bitch

Up to my old tricks

But it won’t last forever

Next day I’m your supergirl

Out to save the world

And it keeps gettin’ better…”

From the first word, the crowd was loving it and singing along with her. Jensen watched discreetly from the side of the stage, cursing Jared for opening his gigantic mouth, but loving the view. Man that girl could sing! And the way she moved…mesmerizing, and he couldn’t take his eyes off her. It definitely keeps getting better. 

Briana finished off her song and Rich stepped up to announce the next name. “You know, Robby, we’ve been doing this for how long? Four, five, sixty years?” 

“Oh about sixty I think, from how old I feel at the end of a convention weekend,” Rob quipped, the audience breaking out in laughter.  

“And never, in all that time, has this next person ever, ever, graced us with his presence on a Friday night. Did you know that?” Rich asked Rob. 

“Never, ever?” Rob repeated. 

“Never. So without further ado, please welcome to the karaoke stage for the first time EVER, Mr. Jensen Ackles!” Rich stepped away, letting Jensen saunter on the stage. The crowd was deafening and could not believe that Jensen would not only attend the Karaoke party, but actually participate!

“Thanks buddy. Don’t make me make you regret this,” he chuckled as the music started and he shook his head. He looked to the side and made eye contact with Briana, a knowing grin on her face. 

“Revvin’ up your engine

Listen to her howlin’ roar

Metal under tension

Beggin’ you to touch and go

Highway to the danger zone

Ride into the danger zone

Headin’ into twilight

Spreadin’ out her wings tonight

She got you jumpin’ off the track

And shovin’ into overdrive…”

Jensen was never one for karaoke, but loved to sing and did so with everything he had. The song, while not special to him in any way, held a new meaning after tonight. He looked out among the crowd and was energized by them. 

“Out along the edges

Always where I burn to be

The further on the edge

The hotter the intensity…”

Jensen closed out his song with vigor, feeding off the fans, much like he does at a Saturday Night Special Concert. He tossed Rich his microphone and practically bounced off backstage. 

“Robby, I think you know what I’m going to say,” Rich paused for dramatic effect. 

“Rich, I might play God on television, but I don’t know what you’re going to say. I might actually be afraid of what you’re going to say,” Rob turned to face the audience, a knowing look on his face. 

“Well Bobbo, we’re gonna turn it up a notch. Please put your dirty little hands together for the one, the only, Miss Kim Rhodes!” Rich roared and the crowd went nuts. Kim ran out onto the stage, a smile splitting her face from ear to ear. She was always a fan favorite at karaoke and Rich knew with the song he picked, this would be no different. 

As soon as the music started, Kim threw her arms in the air and started stomping her feet along with the beat. 

“County road two thirty-three under my feet

Nothin’ on this white rock but little ol’ me

I’ve got two miles till he makes bail

And if I’m right, we’re headed straight for hell

I’m goin’ home, gonna load my shotgun

Wait by the door, and light a cigarette

If he wants a fight, well, now he’s got one

And he ain’t seen me crazy yet

He slapped my face, and he shook me like a rag doll

Don’t that sound like a real man?

I’m going to show him what little girls are made of

Gunpowder and lead…”

“Come on! I can’t hear you!” Kim screamed. “Let’s make sure everyone knows we’re having a fucking good time tonight!” 

“Well, it’s half past ten, another six-pack in

And I can feel the rumble like the cold black wind

He pulls in the drive, the gravel flies

He don’t know what’s waiting here this time

 I’m goin’ home, gonna load my shotgun

Wait by the door, and light a cigarette

If he wants a fight, well, now he’s got one

And he ain’t seen me crazy yet

He slapped my face, and he shook me like a rag doll

Don’t that sound like a real man?

I’m going to show him what little girls are made of

Gunpowder and lead…”

The decibels were so high, it was a miracle anyone could hear anything after Kim finished, whipping the crowd into an even higher gear. 

“Well, Kim really knows how to put on a show doesn’t she? You think she gets that from Zach and Cody?” Rich turned to Rob, who could only shake his head at his friend. 

“I will end you Speight,” Kim’s voice carried through the PA system. 

“Well Bobbo, I guess it’s your turn!” Rich quickly got back to business. 

“Well this should be fun,” Rob commented, waiting somewhat awkwardly for the music to queue.

Now, the Black Crowes were a good band, a great band, but Rob wasn’t sure if this was the kind of message he wanted to send. But he undoubtedly knew it was exactly the message Rich wanted him to send. 

“Baby here I am

I’m the man on the scene

I can give you what you want

But you gotta’ come home with me

“Girl, you have no idea how into you he is,” Briana cooed, her red lips just inches from Y/N’s flushed cheeks. “I couldn’t have picked a better song myself.” She just smiled, throwing her arm over her friend’s shoulders as she watched Rob work his magic on the crowd, and Y/N.

I have got some good old lovin’

And I got some more in store

When I get through throwin’ it on

You gotta’ come back for more

Boys will come along a dime by the dozen

That ain’t nothing but ten cent lovin’

Pretty little thing, let me light your candle

‘Cause mama I’m sure hard to handle now, yessir'am

Action speaks louder than words

And I’m a man of great experience

I know you’ve got another man

But I can love you better than him

At first Rob felt dirty singing this, knowing Richard’s intent behind it, but by the end, stealing glances at Y/N throughout the song, Rob threw caution to the wind. He ran to the side of the stage and sang directly to her. It was no secret to everyone that Rob had a giant crush on her. It was only lost on her. Maybe he could get her to notice. 

Take my hand don’t be afraid

I’m gonna prove every word I say

I’m advertising love for free

So you can place your ad with me

Boys will come along a dime by the dozen

That ain’t nothing but ten cent lovin’

Pretty little thing, let me light your candle

'Cause mama I’m sure hard to handle now, yessir'am…”

Y/N was blushing furiously, her mouth agape as Kim and Bri led her backstage for her next song. She looked like she could use a stiff drink. Or two. Ruthie was headed out just as they walked in. She winked at Y/N and skipped behind the curtain as Rich called her name. 

Ruth was a great entertainer and sang a fun filled rendition of Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, getting the whole crowd involved, even pulling a few fans up on the stage. Mike Borja even joined the fun, then followed it up with ZZ Top’s Sharp Dressed Man. The crowd went wild for Matt Cohen as usual when he came out rapping Macklemore’s Can’t Hold Us like a beast and Jason slowed it down a bit with Tom Petty’s I Won’t Back Down. 

“We’ve got a few more songs for you good people tonight and I know I appreciate you letting these fools take over your karaoke party. Whaddya say we get Jensen back out here?” Rich addressed the screaming fans and it got even louder when Jensen made his way back through the curtain. “Oh Ackles, you’re gonna love this one!”

Jensen gave everybody the most epic bitch face that ever bitched when he realized what song was playing. But, ever the consummate performer, he rolled with it and knocked it out of the park in a way that only Jensen can do. 

This hit, that ice cold

Michelle Pfeiffer, that white gold

This one for them hood girls

Them good girls straight masterpieces

Stylin’, wilin’, livin’ it up in the city

Got Chucks on with Saint Laurent

Gotta kiss myself, I’m so pretty

I’m too hot (hot damn)

Called a police and a fireman

I’m too hot (hot damn)

Make a dragon wanna retire man

I’m too hot (hot damn)

Say my name you know who I am

I’m too hot (hot damn)

And my band 'bout that money, break it down

Girls hit your hallelujah (whoo)

Girls hit your hallelujah (whoo)

Girls hit your hallelujah (whoo)

'Cause uptown funk gon’ give it to you

'Cause uptown funk gon’ give it to you

'Cause uptown funk gon’ give it to you

Saturday night and we in the spot

Don’t believe me just watch (come on)

Briana watched from the wings, her skin heating up as she watched Jensen dance his dorky self across the stage, high-fiving fans, slapping Rich on the ass and stealing Borja’s hat. He could never pretend to be grumpy for long, and she got the feeling he was loving the whole experience and getting closer to the fans that the normal concert allows. 

Before we leave

Lemme tell y'all a lil’ something

Uptown funk you up

Uptown funk you up

Uptown funk you up

Uptown funk you up uh

I said uptown funk you up

Uptown funk you up

Uptown funk you up

Uptown funk you up

“You better go jump on that!” Kim pushed her out onto the stage just as Jensen made his way over to where they were standing. Briana stumbled right into Jensen, but he easily caught her with one strong arm and pulled her with him to center stage. Briana was never a shy one and she wasted no time doing her worst as Jensen finished the song out, his eyes never leaving her  grinding body on the stage next to him. 

Come on, dance, jump on it

If you sexy then flaunt it

If you freaky then own it

Don’t brag about it, come show me

Come on, dance

Jump on it

If you sexy then flaunt it

Well it’s Saturday night and we in the spot

Don’t believe me just watch come on!

“Well that was incredible wasn’t it? Watching two of the world’s most beautiful people get their freak on in front of a couple hundred people? But damn if it wasn’t a good time!” Rich laughed, his body rolling forward as Jensen and Briana made their way off stage. “Oh no Miss Buckmaster! You get that fine ass back here! Might as well bring him with.” 

“Richie, can I at least pick?” Briana pouted, standing close enough so only RIch could hear her. 

“Oh no sweet cheeks! The whole idea was for me to pick the songs!” Rich reminded her. “Besides, the ladies are totally killing it!” 

“Yeah, we are!” she smiled. “Fine. Let’s do this.” 

Briana killed Whitney’s I’m Every Woman, all the ladies coming out to join her, as they tormented the men, Jason even pulling Jared on stage, so he could see how they were getting beat down by a bunch of girls. 

“Brother, it doesn’t matter the competition, women will win every day of the week and twice on Sundays,” Jason slapped him on the shoulder as he headed off stage. “I need a drink.” 

“So Rich tells me I’m up for another one. Hit it Maestro,” Y/N smiled. The music started and she knew she had Rich to thank. This song had become her anthem. He had been a good friend and better listener over the last several months and she was grateful for him, grateful for all of them. She could never picture her life without the crazy family she had found. 

“This is for every single one of you that has been through hell and came out the other side…like a Winchester,” she grabbed the microphone and readied herself. 

“You know the bed feels warmer

Sleeping here alone

You know I dream in color

And do the things I want

You think you got the best of me

Think you had the last laugh

Bet you think that everything good is gone

Think you left me broken down

Think that I’d come running back

Baby you don’t know me, 'cause you’re dead wrong

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger

Stand a little taller

Doesn’t mean I’m lonely when I’m alone

What doesn’t kill you makes a fighter

Footsteps even lighter

Doesn’t mean I’m over 'cause you’re gone…”

Y/N laughed as she danced around the stage, much like she did alone in her apartment or trailer. She finally felt like herself again. 

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, stronger

Just me, myself and I

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger

Stand a little taller

Doesn’t mean I’m lonely when I’m alone

Thanks to you I got a new thing started

Thanks to you I’m not the broken-hearted

Thanks to you I’m finally thinking 'bout me

You know in the end the day I left was just my beginning

In the end

Bouncing around the stage, Y/N closed out the song to a standing ovation and ringing ears. She had never felt lighter. She hugged Rich, giving back the microphone. “Thank you.” 

“You’re welcome, but I ain’t done yet,” he winked at her. “Robbie, you’re up buddy!” 

As soon as the title card hit the screen on stage, Rob groaned internally. The audience picked up the whistling for the first 45 seconds as Rob gave his best friend a piece of his mind, a smile on his face all the while. 

“Rich! What are you doing? You totally set me up for this. I’m going to kill you in your sleep, just so you know!” 

“Ohhh Bobbo, you’ll thank me in the morning and we both know it. Everyone knows it. Now focus and sing Axl!” Rich slapped Rob’s ass before ducking off stage. Rob looked around and caught Ruth and Y/N off to the side, slowly swaying to the tune. 

“Shed a tear 'cause I’m missin’ you

I’m still alright to smile

Girl, I think about you every day now

Was a time when I wasn’t sure

But you set my mind at ease

There is no doubt you’re in my heart now

Said “woman take it slow, and it’ll work itself out fine”

All we need is just a little patience

Said “sugar make it slow and we’ll come together fine”

All we need is just a little patience (Patience)

Mm, yeah

I sit here on the stairs

'Cause I’d rather be alone

If I can’t have you right now, I’ll wait dear

Sometimes I get so tense but I can’t speed up the time

But you know love there’s one more thing to consider

Said “woman take it slow and things will be just fine”

You and I’ll just use a little patience

Said “sugar take the time 'cause the lights are shining bright”

You and I’ve got what it takes to make it

We won’t fake it, I’ll never break it

'Cause I can’t take it…”

Y/N left Ruth’s side and strolled to where Rob stood center stage, his hand wrapped tightly around the microphone, his eyes closed as he whistled the quick few notes. When he opened his eyes, he found her right beside him. 

Little patience, mm yeah, mm yeah

Need a little patience, yeah

Just a little patience, yeah

Some more patience, yeah 

I’ve been walking the streets at night

Just trying to get it right

It’s hard to see with so many around

You know I don’t like being stuck in the crowd 

And the streets don’t change but maybe the names

I ain’t got time for the game 'cause I need you 

Yeah, yeah, yeah but I need you

Oh, I need you 

Oh, I need you 

Ooh this time 

Rob looked down at the end of the song, the ballroom booming with cheers and applause, to find Y/N’s hand clasped tightly in his. 

“All you needed was a little patience,” she smiled up at him. 

“If I can’t have you right now, I’ll wait dear,” Rob admitted, a blush creeping up his cheeks. 

“Take it slow and things will be just fine,” she squeezed his hand and they rushed off the stage, only to be besieged by their friends. 

“I knew it!” Kim threw her hands up in victory. 

“Well that took longer than it should have,” Ruth giggled, sashaying back to the refreshments. 

Y/N watched as Jared and Matt both slapped twenties in Jason’s hand. 

“You bet on us?” Y/N asked, a mix of outrage and amusement as she looked among her friends, her hand still in Rob’s. His face was somewhere between pride, joy and shame. 

“Hell yeah we did,” Jensen chimed in. “Now pay up Buckmaster!” 

“I’m fresh out of cash, Ackles. Sorry,” she swayed towards him. 

He grabbed her by the wrist, pulling her to him. “ I can think of plenty of ways you can work it off.” His deep timbre practically a growl before he kissed her. 

Catcalls could be heard out on the stage no doubt. Rich poked his head through the curtain. “I missed it?” 

“Told ya you would!” Kim hollered, holding out her hand. Rich, Mike, Y/N and Ruth all slipped her their payment. “Jas and I cleaned up. Come on folks, first rounds on us!” 

“I guess it was a wager in more ways than one tonight, huh?” Rob chuckled, turning to face Y/N, a smile lighting up his face. 

“Our friends may have bet on us, but I’m still a winner,” she grinned, lifting her chin to meet his baby blues. 

“Yeah? How so?” he asked.

“Well, I’m pretty sure I got the guy, but I am still missing my winnings,” she stepped closer, mere inches separated them and she could feel the heat emanating from his lean body. 

“What winnings are those?” he whispered, closing the distance even more.

“I still need your payment on the Buckles bet,” she reminded him. 

“Oh yeah, what do I owe you again?” he feigned innocence. 

“Let me think,” she murmured, wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing her lips to his in a sweet and slightly heated first kiss. “I think about a thousand more of those would be a good start.” 

“Seems like a steep wager, Miss Y/L/N,” Rob quipped. “But I think I’d like to up the ante.” 

“You’re on. Just remember, anything you can do, I can do better,” she giggled under his steady gaze. 

“It’s going to be a fun weekend,.” Rob mumbled, grabbing her by the neck and kissed her harder this time, leaving her breathless and wanting more. He pulled away, her lips chasing his. “Patience, my dear. Just a little patience.” 

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[takadasaiko]

Houseguest: Chapter Four

FFN II AO3

Summary: Tony and Steve race against the clock to rescue the hostages and catch the thieves. 

Chapter Four: Close Call

Tony half expected Cap to wait by the car out of spite. The look on his face when he spotted the shield in the trunk would have been hilarious if the situation wasn't escalating every second. He didn't have time to play the debate game.

The man that had stumbled out was dead by the time they got to him and the door had been locked from the inside. Tony did a quick scan and blew it away, opening up an entrance for them.

Gunfire pinged off the suit and he raised a hand to blast the shooter. The man went flying, slamming hard into the far wall, but Tony spun as Cap's shield whizzed past him. It collided with another intruder that Tony hadn't seen and threw him to the ground. Tony flashed a smile even if Cap couldn't see it. "Good thing I brought backup."

"You think you're funny," the super soldier grumbled as his gaze swept the hallway.

"No, I know I am. J, goin' in blind here. We need to not be."

"Still working on getting access to the systems, sir."

"They're our systems!"

"Which have been overridden with an access code. If you would like details on that, it will take a moment."

"Do it, but get me a headcount as soon as you have it. Both sides."

"Of course, sir."

"Has he always been like that?" Cap asked, and for the first time Tony remembered that he'd handed him an earpiece to use. He wasn't used to his conversations with JARVIS being broadcast to anybody else.

"He's gotten a little more opinionated over the years," Tony answered and started down the hall.

"Shouldn't we wait until he-?"

"No point. I know where they'll be." Not that that was any real comfort. About a month before the team tasked with cleanup in New York had contacted him about some highly explosive materials that they'd found. Tests were run there and they were shipped in a specialized, unmanned aircraft that he'd designed and delivered to this facility. It was a hybrid storage and research lab that took a hell of a lot more than your average thieves to actually get inside. And if these guys got in, they'd know exactly where to go.

"You planning on sharing that information?" Cap asked, his tone irritable.

"The labs in the center of the facility."

The blond huffed. "Why?"

"Because that's where the really dangerous stuff is gonna be,"

"Why didn't you destroy it?"

Tony resisted the urge to sigh as they rounded the corner, hating that they were slowed down because they were on foot. If it had just been him he could have rocketed down the halls and been ready to take out any unfriendlies on his way through.

"Sir, I've gained partial access," JARVIS' voice echoed in his ear. "There are five more, heavily armed. Two are guarding fifteen employees in the conference room in the northwest corner, two in the lab, and one guarding it."

"Thanks, J. Cap, you wanna take a left and follow the hall all the way to the conference room on that side of the building."

Steve shot him a hesitant look. "We should stick together."

"No way I'm letting them leave with what they came for, and if we hit them first they'll start killing hostages. This is the play we've got. You with me?"

There was only a beat of hesitation before Cap nodded. "Let me know if you need backup."

"You don't have to worry about me, Cap. I've got it handled." He didn't wait for a response as he activated his flight capability and jettisoned down the hall towards the lab. Rogers was perfectly capable of rescuing a few hostages, but the real challenge was going to be stopping the thieves without turning the whole site into a crater in the ground.

                                                 _______________

The thug tasked with guarding the lab didn't know what hit him. Tony sent him sprawling and then landed hard, skidding to a stop. JARVIS had him in the door half a second later, but the easy entrance didn't extend to what was on the other side.

They had come prepared with tools and casings for transport. One of the intruders - a woman dressed in the Stark Industries lab coat that must have made it easier for her to slip in - was loading the material into the case, the other leveling a weapon that had Tony wondering if one of the other facilities outside of his direct perview had been hit.

The weapon charged quicker than it should have been able to and Tony barely got out of the way of the first blast. He wasn't so quick for the second one and it clipped him hard in the side, the momentum throwing him against the floor. The HUD readout flashed a warning of compromises in the suit's integrity, but he didn't have time to read it. Instead he used the repulser beam in one glove to drive his attacker back, raising his other to aim it at the woman trying to escape with the alien tech. "No so fast," he warned.

"You're going to let me go," she said.

"And why's that?"

A loud BANG shook the floor of the facility and Tony whipped around to look towards it.

"That was the first and least of a collection of bombs we have set up amongst all of this extremely explosive material you have lying around here. They'll go off, one after another. I don't think you can get everybody to a safe distance."

"I have protocols in place to -"

"Contain it? Yeah. I put a hole in your automated systems. So you can take me in or you can get over to the control room and try to get your containment dome up manually to keep your little lab from frying a ten mile radius. Your call, Iron Man."

Another explosion shook the building and make the decision for him. He spun and was in the air and flying down the hall before he dared waste another precious second. "JARVIS…?"

"I fear she was right, sir. I have no access to the safety protocols."

"Shit. Cap, you got everybody out?"

"Working on it. What's going on over there?"

"They set the whole place to go up. Get everybody out and clear of the fence line."

"What about you?"

"I've got security measures in place to keep this place from hurting anybody outside of it. I need to kick 'em into gear and then I'm right behind ya."

"Tony…."

"Get them out, Cap, and keep them out. I can move a whole lot faster than you."

"And if the thing blows?"

"Haven't found anything that can breach my armor yet." Well, not fully, at any rate. That blast had certainly put a sizable dent in it that he felt all the way through to his ribs. "Just, uh… watch for a woman trying to blend in. SI lab coat. Dark hair."

"That's half the people with me, Stark," Steve growled.

"She'll be attached at the hip with a case full of alien tech. Gotta go. JARVIS, mute the comms," he instructed as he landed, grimacing at the sight of the damaged control panels. Alright. This was alright. At least he could get it there.

"Are you sure that is wise, sir?"

"I need to concentrate, J. Can't do that with Cap in my ear questioning my every move." He moved to the first panel and then the second, but he found what he was looking for on the third and started in. "What do you have on our mystery woman?"

"I thought you needed to concentrate, sir?"

"Just…. run a search from the feeds." He heard what sounded like a grumbling acknowledgement from his AI and Tony's fingers slid across the keyboard.

"Search complete, sir."

"Hold that thought, J. Everybody out?"

"All Stark Industry employees and Captain Rogers will be clear of the fence line within moments. It would appear several of the intruders have broken free as well."

Another explosion sounded in the distance, this one echoing into another one like it had sparked it off. If he waited any longer the dome wouldn't have time to contain the worst that was yet to come. "Well let's get this party started then."

"Sir, the building has already been damaged, and the odds of you making it through before the dome closes-"

"I know the math." On both his odds and everybody else's if he tried to hedge his own bets. He'd just have to be faster. He slammed his gauntlet against the start button and leapt into motion, flames meeting him at the door. Well, he did always like testing his limits.

                                                _______________

The alarms were screaming over the shouts of the employees that were being evacuated. Past the fence line, just like Tony had said. Steve still didn't like it. If Stark was right, the whole facility could go up at any moment and there was still no sign of him. Well, if there was one thing the Battle of New York had taught him, it was that Howard's son had a lucky streak.

Sirens sounded in the distance, fire and rescue incoming, and he scanned the crowd.

"Is that everybody?" the security guard asked, pulling Steve's attention around.

"Everybody but Stark," he acknowledged and move towards a woman with a silver case. "Hey."

She took off, but didn't make it very far in the crowd. Steve caught hold of her and pulled the case out of her hand as gently as he could manage. "Watch her," he told the security guard, and blue eyes turned back to the building, narrowing at the way the air started to shimmer. It started low and seemed to solidify as it arched upwards. It looked like some sort of force field. He wasn't sure if that should be possible, but it was a Stark facility.

Another explosion rocked the building and Steve could feel it through his boots. The force field continued to climb up as another shook, the windows blowing and smoke poured out of the new openings, flames following quickly behind. With the speed at which the dome was closing up, anything or anyone left behind would be caught in a contained blast. Tony might have brushed it off and assumed his suit could take the hit, but it was worse than a grenade in a foxhole. More like the grenades he'd tossed into a few tanks in years past. Either way, it never ended well for the men inside.

The explosions were constant now, one setting off the next, and the wall was doing its job by holding it in. It funneled the fire upward toward the rapidly closing hole in the top.

And then there he was, rocketing up to and through the hole, the pressure forcing him faster than his suit might have been able to move on its own. Steve found himself loosing a breath he hadn't even realized that he was holding as he watched Iron Man shoot higher than the flames as the dome closed and cut them off. Cheers erupted even as he saw Stark falter, one of his stabilizers sputtering, and he started his uneven decent back to the ground to land hard.

Law enforcement and medical was arriving behind him, but his focus was on the red and gold suit that was straightening again. It opened up to release its pilot. Tony stumbled out, knees buckling, and Steve darted forward to catch him. "Easy," he said as the dark haired man immediately tried to push him away.

"'m okay," he mumbled.

"I can see that," Steve answered, and he couldn't help the fond smile that tugged at his lips.

"Just got my bell rung." He turned to look at the dome, and Steve was pretty sure he would have toppled over if he hadn't had a firm grip on him. "Look at that. It worked. Not that I had any doubts, of course."

"Tony Stark. Wish I could say I was surprised to see you here," a voice greeted from behind Steve.

The inventor did manage to pull free of Steve's steadying hold this time and he flashed what was probably supposed to be a charming smile. It might have been, too, if the left side of his face weren't caked with blood. "Hey look. My two favourite captains. Rogers, meet LAPD Captain Jim Ito. Jim, Captain Steve Rogers."

"Stark drag you into this?" the police captain asked and Steve tried for a reassuring smile.

"I thought he might need some backup and he wasn't going to call you guys in."

"Well we're here now."

"And I've got a present for you. Over there. Ellen Mira. Where's her case?"

"I've got it," Steve said, holding the case that hadn't left his hand up for inspection.

"Good. They don't get that."

"What's in it, Mr Stark?" Captain Ito asked, his dark eyes narrowing and Tony somehow managed to straighten a little more.

"What she was trying to steal."

"Then it's evidence."

"You don't have the containment facility for it. I have several."

Ito's gaze swept him up and down. "One less than you did."

"If there's anything we can do to -" Steve tried, but the police captain turned an irritable look on him.

"Get him out of here and keep him away from my investigation," he snapped and motioned to his people.

Steve looked back to Tony who shrugged, grimacing as he did. "You heard the man. Time to call it a night."

With the facility half destroyed by the explosions and the fire losing oxygen under the dome, it had turned out to be one hell of a night.

                                                _______________

TBC

Notes: Pepper told him not to get blown up or shot at, so what did he do? He got shot at and blown up. Of course he did... Honestly, trouble just finds him.

Next Time: Tony is a grouch and Steve gets a look behind the mask.

[thewalkingdeadimaginings]

It was Fate

Hey love your writing, been reading it all day and just wow. I was wondering if you could please write a one shot where Negan saves someone with mouth to mouth or something like that sorry for the weird request thanks

Hi, human trashcan here! I thought for the thanksgiving holiday, I’d get off my ass and actually post a one shot. I was working on a one shot for the anniversary of my friend’s passing but that was all the way back in July so I think I’ll save it for December on what would’ve been her birthday. I missed posting on here to be honest. And I’m here with another Negan one shot for you guys. And thanks a bunch for 2,000 followers! That’s pretty freaking wild. I’ve never had 2,000 followers on any of my social media before so this is super weird haha! ANYWAYS, enjoy! And hope you guys had a fun holiday! <3

It was never a dull moment. Every day offered a new adventure. And every day was a good day, at least for Negan it was. It felt like he had the entire world in his hands. Still, it felt very mundane sometimes. Would it kill the world to give him some excitement once in a damn while.

Just like any other day, Negan and his boys were heading over to Alexandria to collect their offering. Dwight was driving while Negan sat beside him, Lucille rested in between his feet. Negan leaned back in his seat, sighing heavily, “Goddamn. We should just set up camp in Alexandria. Avoid this long ass trip to and from.”

“You didn’t have to come,” Dwight pointed out, “You know I’ve got it handled.”

Negan nodded, “I know ya do, D. But I gotta admit I just love payin’ that asshole, Rick a visit every now and then. I’m just rambling.”

“You’ve been acting…not like yourself lately,” Dwight remarked, “Maybe it’s none of my business but um…everything okay?”

“Everything’s fine,” Negan said with another sigh, “Just bored. I can do whatever I want, I have all those wives to keep me company, and I’m bored. Can you believe that shit? Need something, someone to get me outta this rut.”

“Who knows,” Dwight said, “Every day is so different. But how many people have we run into just running around these roads on a random afternoon? Seems like the rest of the world is pretty much dead.”

“Shit, gettin’ a little dark there,” Negan chuckled. The truck driving in front of Dwight slowly came to a stop as they were rounding the corner and Negan groaned, leaning over to try and get a peek, “What the hell are they stopped for?”

Dwight took the key from the ignition and opened up the car door, “Gonna go find out.”

Negan climbed out after him and started tapping on every vehicle he passed by until he reached the very front. They had stopped in front of a pond where a few of his men and had up to but Negan wasn’t the slightest bit focused on them. He went straight over to Simon, resting Lucille on his shoulder, “You wanna tell me what in the fresh fuck is going on here?”

“I don’t know,” Simon grumbled, “They saw something over by the pond. Told them not to stop, that we’ve got shit to do but they wouldn’t listen. Probably just one of the dead ones or something.”

“Ah hell,” Negan muttered. He turned and headed down the small slope that went down to the pond. His men were leaning over as far as they could without actually getting into the water and he shoved through them, “What the fuck are you looking at?”

“Someone was thrashing all around in there,” one man said, “But I can’t see them now.”

A young woman’s head popped out of the water, gasping for air. She thrashed around in the water, her eyes wide and filled with fear. They were all so surprised to see her come up that they couldn’t grab her in time before she plunged back down. “Holy shit,” Negan gasped. He shoved his bat at the man to his right and threw his jacket down onto the dirt, “Someone’s apparently gotta get off their ass and move!” Negan dove into the water, finding the girl being tugged down by a dead one, though it moved a little slower because it was underwater. The girl was losing consciousness by the time Negan got to her. With no weapons to kill the dead one, Negan simply kicked it and tore the girl from its grip. He brought her up to the surface, inhaling sharply as he was finally able to take a breath. Carrying her dead weight, he swam awkwardly to the shore, laying her soaking wet body down onto the ground.

“Everyone back up!” Negan shouted, “Give us some space!”

“Doesn’t look like she’s breathing,” one of Negan’s men said, placing his hand over the holster that held his knife.

“Don’t you dare,” Negan snapped. He clasped his hands together and pushed down on the center of her chest, pumping rapidly. He took a break from that and tilted the girl’s head back and lifted her chin. Pinching her nose, he covered her mouth with his, and blew. He was surprised by how panicked he was. He shouldn’t care if this complete stranger lived or died but there he was continuing with the CPR. At first it seemed hopeless. He pressed against her chest as many times as he could as hard as he could and he gave her as much air as he could and it seemed he’d lost her.

It all started out as a simple fishing trip. You’d just wanted something to eat tonight as food had been so hard to find. You had been alone these past few weeks and that meant that no one could tell you to watch out when a biter came up behind you. It had surprised you and you slipped into the deeper part of the pond. The biter went with you and sank but it didn’t accomplish this without taking you down with it. You hadn’t even thought to call for help as you hadn’t seen another soul in weeks. The trucks driving by had been quite the shock and you were actually able to cry out once before being pulled down to the bottom of the pond. You caught a glimpse of a dark haired man reaching for you before you blacked out. There was a strange feeling of peace that washed you. Is this what death actually felt like? Everything you ever worried about fading away? No longer caring about the pain of all that you’ve lost, all that you’ve experienced. All that trauma and heartache was gone.

The peace you were feeling was starting to get farther and farther away. Your eyes fluttered open and the first thing you saw was the same dark haired man blowing into your mouth. You pushed him off of you, coughing up a bunch of water that just splashed back into your face. The man helped you sit up, his hand on your back as you continued coughing and hacking, breathing in deeply.

“There she is,” he said, patting your back, “Thought we’d lost you there. How the fuck did you end up in that little predicament.”

“Tried fishing,” you panted, slicking your wet hair back, “Guess I should try other ways of finding food.”

The dark haired man looked over the others that were suddenly surrounding you and he shook his head, “Cancel our little trip. We should take her back to the sanctuary.”

“That won’t be necessary,” you said in between coughs, “I’m fine now.”

“You’re soaking wet and you almost died,” he persisted, “And you’re all alone. You won’t make it alone. Just come with us, won’t you? Just for a little while?”

You sighed, “I will if you tell me your name.”

He smiled and stood up, taking you by the hand and helping you up onto your feet, “The name’s Negan.”

You were slightly startled by all the trucks Negan had with him but you still left with him. It probably wasn’t your smartest move but he had jumped in the water to save you from a biter. He couldn’t be that bad, could he? And not only that, he was offering shelter. And you needed shelter desperately. And food. Seeing the sanctuary overwhelmed you even more. You had gone from being all alone to being in a place overflowing with people. You were sitting in the backseat and Negan was peeking at you through the rearview mirror, picking up on your anxiety.

“You’re gonna be okay,” he said, “Just stick with me. Hey, you never did tell me your name.”

“Y/N,” you replied, “This is…a lot. Oh and I’m sorry you guys had to cancel whatever trip you’d planned.”

“Don’t worry about it, darlin’,” Negan said, “Always can just go back next week.”

Once you were safe behind the gates, Negan had you set up with a room of your own, some food, and a dry, clean change of clothes. You were even able to take a bath and clean the last few weeks off your body. You’d turned the bath water grey but at least you were clean. No one had been this nice to you up to this point. You were fed, warm, and most importantly, safe. Could it get any better than this?

“Y/N?” a voice spoke up from behind the door of your new room, “You decent?”

“Come in,” you called back, taking a seat on your new bed. You fought back the urge to get excited over your bed as the door creaked open and Negan’s large frame stood in the doorway, “Oh, Negan. Hi! How’s it going?”

“I was just about to ask you the same question,” Negan said, “How’re you liking your new setup here?”

“I’m trying not to like this too much,” you said, smoothing out the bedspread, “Feels too good to be true. So unreal, ya know?”

“I hear that,” Negan chuckled, “But get comfortable, Y/N. If you want, this could be your new home. I gotta thank you by the way.”

“Thank me?” you said with a laugh, “For what?”

“Been in such a rut,” Negan said, shrugging, “I had said right before we found you that I needed something exciting to come along. Or someone.”

“So a drowning girl is just what you needed,” you teased. Negan looked a little flustered for the first time after this entire time of being confident and cheeky, “I’m kidding. Well, I was looking for safety and more people and then you came along. So, it would seem that…I dunno, it was fate that we found each other.”

“You think so?”

“What would you call it?”

Negan smiled, kicking his foot and looking down at the ground, “Guess I’d call it fate, wouldn’t I?”

You laughed and stood from your bed. You joined him at the doorway and grasped onto the collar of his leather jacket. You weren’t sure what to expect from your stay here in the sanctuary with Negan. Hell, you didn’t even know much more about Negan other than his name and the rather intriguing baseball bat wrapped in barbed wire that he carried everywhere. But maybe you needed something exciting too.

“You’d have to,” you giggled, “Just ain’t no other explanation. But it looks like we’ve got so much more excitement heading our way, Negan.”

HI IT’S BEEN A WHILE, HOW ARE YA? HOW HAVE YA BEEN? I hope this one shot was okay. It’s been a bit since I wrote a one shot and I’m a little rusty. But anyways, love you guys! Have a good holiday weekend 😊

[hannahindie]

What You Wake For

Characters: Reader, Team Free Will (sorta kinda, you’ll see), and a voice that you might find familiar. Word Count: 2,742 Warnings: Nothing, really. I honestly don’t think there’s a thing you need to be warned about. Nope. A/N: This was written for my “Han’s Sing It With Me! 800 Follower Challenge”, and was requested by the ever wonderful @trexrambling. The song she chose was “Progress” by MuteMath, which you can find HERE. This was another one that I tweaked until I got it exactly where I wanted it. I hope you don’t mind me slightly deviating from course, though it is about Team Free Will, water bear. The surreal sound of it kind of made me think of a dream, or like when you first wake up and you aren’t sure where you are.

Quick note: The main italicized portions are the...narrator? Yea. The narrator. lol I mean, I guess the aesthetic (which she won! just so you know), kinda gives it away. Just keep going, you’ll see.

Beta’d by the ever wonderful @masksandtruths. Thanks for the late night talk through, even if I did fall asleep on ya. ;)

As always, tags are at the bottom. If you’d like to be added, please let me know. :)

In Lebanon, Kansas, there stands a building. The building itself is unremarkable; iron barred windows and soot stained chimneys make it look formidable, and though it has been there since most people in Lebanon can remember, no one has ever been inside.

The power plant was completed in 1935 and its existence just accepted. Up until a few years ago, it had been abandoned, quiet and cold, its windows dark. If you were to ask people in town, they'd tell you that they aren't sure when they began seeing the old muscle car sitting by the ancient, rusted door, just that it would sometimes disappear for stretches at a time, only to reappear without warning. Like the sudden appearance of the power plant, the presence of the car was just another thing that they accepted without question.

I’m telling you all of this because I need you to know where you are, I need you to remember...but just telling you...not really my bag. I’m a storyteller, a pretty good one if you were to ask certain audiences, so we’re going to take this nice and slow, introduce it like...easing yourself into cold water. ...Okay, that wasn’t the best...you know what, don’t worry about that. Just look in front of you. You should see a large, iron door.

Suddenly, my eyes snap open. Whoever is narrating whatever…this is...in my mind, wasn't wrong. I'm standing in front of a huge, seemingly abandoned power plant. I slowly walk down a small set of stairs, my legs shaky like I haven't used them for awhile, but stop just as I get to the door. Despite the fact that I have no idea where Lebanon is, or why I'm here, or even who I am, I know that opening strange doors to abandoned buildings...not my jam. Also, the question remains: why am I listening to a voice in my head, and so calmly?

You're probably wondering why you should listen to me. I would tell you but I don't think you'd believe me. So just follow along, huh? Think of this like...the ghost of Christmas past. Well, present, I guess. Just...just...okay, fine. What if I told you that if you were to open that heavy front door, you’d find that instead of entering the bottom floor of the power plant, you were instead led onto a balcony that overlooked a large room? Not just any room though, one of the most important rooms in existence, and at the center, a backlit table showing a map of the world. Computers and communication devices line the outside edge, and at the very back, steps lead up into what appears to be another large room. There are chairs and small tables along the upper balcony and around the room below. Though it appears to be mostly untouched, you would probably see an abandoned beer bottle on the map table, along with a couple of books left open to marked pages, as if someone had been deep in research before disappearing. Does any of that strike your fancy? C’mon, I sold that...I gotta write that down. So how about it? Gonna open that door?  

My hand reaches out on its own accord, and surprisingly the door pulls open easily, as if left unlocked. The door creaks open and I step inside, squinting as my eyes adjust to the dim light.

On this particular day, the building appears to be empty. I can feel the presence of something; an overwhelming sense that this is home. That something leads me down the stairs and across the room, and my attention is drawn to the giant telescope at the back of what appears to be the library.

Yea, there's a telescope, which is impressive, but not what you should pay attention to. No, it’s the table that’s important. I know, I know. I said I would ease you into this, and I am, I am, but we’ve only got so much time, and it’s running out. I’m not trying to tell you to hurry it up...but...hurry, please?

The solitary lamp that has been left on shines down on initials, carved carefully into the table top. I want to reach out and touch them, two sets of familiar letters that I can’t seem to drag my eyes from. After a moment of staring at them, and an odd sense of impatience that doesn’t seem to be coming from me, I reach out and trace the rough edges, barely grazing them with my fingertips, and that feeling of home sweeps over me again. These initials were carved with love, and that’s when I see the third set of initials, a little newer than the other two. There are still splinters of wood scattered around the freshly marred table top, as if whoever had carved them left in a hurry.

D.W. S.W. C.W.

These initials are important. You know these initials, you know them as well as your own. They are a piece of history for anyone else that finds them, an important discovery after the owners are long gone, a remnant of a time when the world depended on them. A sweep of the room will show that whoever lives here keeps it neat, and despite the rogue books that are lying on the table, everything seems to be in its place. Even the books are neatly arranged, stacked perfectly at the edge of the table. Like I said...everything has a place. It’s time to move on, though. The great hourglass of life is tickin’ away, don’t want to waste it in this room. C’mon, let’s go.

I look around the room for a moment, trying to grasp the memory prickling the back of my mind. My gaze drops back to the carvings, and something pulls, a tightness in my chest as I stare. The impatience returns, and I find myself walking away from the library and down a hallway. There are doors on each side, all of them closed, but none of them stand out. Something is leading me through this labyrinth, although it’s hard to tell what that something is; it’s familiar and safe, a recognizable warmth that I can’t quite put my finger on. I continue to follow it, because up until this point, I’ve been given no reason to fear this place...unless you count the disembodied voice that keeps telling me what to do. I follow my feet until they stop at a closed door: Room Eleven. The knob is worn brass, the shine gone after years of use. I reach out to grab it but hesitate. As of now, this place has been empty, but I’m not about to just walk into a stranger’s room.

Go ahead, you can open it. No one is here to stop you.

The door creaks open, and a dull light greets me; clearly, no one takes the time to turn off lights around here. Though dim, it gives me a good view of the room, where every single thing is exactly where it should be.

Guns are displayed carefully on the wall, a single empty space suggesting that whoever lived here favored that particular one. A hamper sits in one corner, a faded blue and green flannel draped over the side; clearly a favorite, and I’m tempted to pick it up. Again, I hesitate. Why the hell do I want to pick up some unknown person’s dirty clothes?

See, that’s the very reason you need to pick it up. Pick it up, put it on, think about why the pattern is familiar. I think I’ve made myself pretty clear, you’ve got some remembering to do, I can’t give you all of it. I mean, I could, I can do whatever I want, but it’s better this way.

So I do. I grasp it gently, my fingers grazing over the soft fabric, and if I thought something pulled at my heart before, it feels like it’s in a vice now. It’s like a punch in the gut, the sudden wave of love that sweeps over me. For a moment, I can’t breathe, it’s like the air is sucked out of my lungs and I hold the shirt to my chest, my eyes closed as I try to calm down. I slip my arms into the warm flannel and pull it up over my shoulders. It’s occurred to me that whoever brought me here...did so sans clothes. Maybe this is a dream, like one of those dreams that you show up to school naked. The bossy voice interrupts my thoughts again.

Look around the room, try to spot the more important things; headphones laying on the desk, the cord neatly wrapped around them, a picture of a young child and their mother, another picture of a man and a woman, smiling at each other widely. Particularly that last one. That’s the most important one of all.

I pick up the picture and run my fingers across the man’s face. His impossibly green eyes sparkle even in the worn ink, and I’m reminded of a field full of daisies. The memory is gone in an instant, but I have this vague feeling he is involved. One more look around the room, and I see a desk with a journal next to a pile of old books. The room, though inviting enough that I’m tempted to curl up in the neatly made bed, has nothing left to discover for now, it seems. I walk outside and shut the door gently behind me.

Without thinking, my feet carry me down the hall, where I stop in front of an open door; Room Fifteen. It’s barely furnished, although the bed is made. The only light in this room is what is coming through the door, which just so happens to land on a picture of three men laying on the desk; the green eyed man from the previous room, a tall man with shaggy brown hair, and a serious looking man in a trench coat, his eyes the brightest blue I think I’ve ever seen. All three seem to be amused by something, but the man to the right is squinting as if unsure of what the joke actually is. I flip it over and find a label written in messy handwriting: Me, Sam, and Cas. Team Free Will at its finest. There’s no date, although it seems more recent than the previous photograph I found. Though I am clearly drawn more to the green eyed man, I feel a great fondness for the other two. Are they my family?

Oh, there it is….there...it...is. It’s coming back, isn’t it? Team Free Will is the name they’ve given themselves, but you are closer to the truth. I know we haven’t got much time but every moment of time’s just an answer to find. I need you to know what you're here for, what you breathe for...what you wake for, what you bleed for. These men, they’re what you hope for, what you live for. I need you to remember why. Keep searching.

I lay the picture back where I found it, and wander back into the hallway. As I travel, there are more rooms on each side, but none of them are important. At this point, I think I’d feel it if they were. That is, until I reach room Twenty-One. I stop, and just like at Room Eleven, my hand slowly reaches out for the knob. It’s not closed all the way, however, and a gentle push is all it takes to gain entrance.

The room is set up in a similar fashion to the other rooms, however, instead of weapons hanging on the wall, there’s a coat rack and a filing cabinet lining one wall. The shelf behind the bed is lined with research materials and random artifacts, and a television is on the dresser facing the bed. The desk is neatly arranged, notebooks stacked evenly, and pens laying in a row. Much like the library earlier, everything has a place, and I can tell whoever organized that room probably resides in this one. There is love in this room, and though different from whatever I felt in Room Eleven, it’s familiar and safe.

There is a mirror on the opposite wall from where you’re standing...you should go look into it. You might be surprised to see that your face is the one in the picture with the green-eyed man. A lot of things have happened. The thing you need to realize though is that despite everything, despite the confusion I’m sure you must feel, the three men represented in these rooms are important. They’re important to the world, but especially to you. They are your home, your family. They fought for you when no one else would. They saved you, and you them. You sacrificed yourself for them. But they need you...which is how you ended up here.

I don’t have time to explain the why or the how. It’s not important. Well, I mean, I guess it will be important eventually, but what you need to know right now is that these men...they have a job to do. The love and the loyalty and the passion all outweigh how broken they all can be. I like to compare them to the Japanese art of kintsugi. It’s where you take broken porcelain and fix it with gold and silver so that it’s still functioning, still whole, but you can see the history of it, and everything it has survived. You...well, you are the gold. And for them to move on to the next part of their journey, they needed you back.

I stare in the mirror, my fingers tracing a ragged scar that crosses my collarbone and disappears under the borrowed shirt. There are scars criss crossing my arms, and a nasty one on my thigh, just beneath where the hem of my shirt rests. What happened to me? And what does this voice mean by ‘needed me back’? Where have I been? I see something black peeking out from under my collar and I pull it back. The black tattoo there stands out in stark contrast to my pale skin and I’m suddenly hit with a memory. Two brothers trying not to laugh as I get my first tattoo, the green eyed man holding my hand, his eyes crinkling and dimples popping as he bites his lip. Dean. Sam. I gasp and the memory is gone. This is my home. This is my family.

That’s my girl, you’re remembering. It’s not a lot, I know, but it’ll be enough. Our time is up, you need to head back to the war room. You know, the one with the fancy map table? I know this is confusing, and I wish I had more time to explain. I’ve told you so much and so little at the same time, I blame my writer’s brain. Gotta make things more wordy than they need to be, I’d say that’s probably why the world has gone off the tracks as much as it has...but I’m doing it again, so let’s just leave it at that, huh? They will be able to explain some of this to you, and some of it...well, some if might be best left unsaid.

Everyone’s counting on you, even if they don’t realize it. Remember, kintsugi. You will be the gold that holds them together, your courage and love and confidence...all of it. All three of them need you, don’t you waste a second doubting that. It’ll be hard, I know. And before you ask, I just know, okay? I know...well, I know a lot. Kind of my thing. Now go.

I walk back down the hall and towards the room I first walked into. It is still empty, and all I can think to do is stand awkwardly in the middle of it. I hear voices, laughter, and the creaking of the iron door as it’s shoved open. Three sets of footsteps echo through the large, open room, and all three come to a stop when they see me standing there. My eyes meet Dean’s and his mouth drops open. All three stare at me for what seems like hours before Dean finally breaks the silence.

“Y/N?”

Like what you see? Would you like to see more? You can check out my master list HERE. 

Forever Tags: @trexrambling @pinknerdpanda  @wheresthekillswitch @emilywritesaboutdean @arryn-nyxx @emptywithout @escabell @charliebradbury1104 @jarpadandjensenaremyheroes  @deanssweetheart23  @canadianjelly @super-not-naturall @aubreyreadsstuff @dean-winchesters-baby @melissaj616 @fandomismyspiritanimal @keepcalmandcarryondean @assbutt-still-in-hell @owllover123 @rosie-winchester @amionthetumbler @duubaduu @hiimaprofessionalfangirl @goldenolaf25 @authoressskr @nanie5 @mrssamfuckingwinchester @zincomms @kathaswings @crazynerdandproud @barbedwireandbubblegum @sandlee44 @boxywrites @justanotherdeangirl @smalltowndivaj @captainradicalpassion @myloveforyouxx @atc74 @mrsbatesmotel53 @easelweasel @there-must-be-a-lock @masksandtruths @thelittleredwhocould @jotink78 @amanda-teaches @ilsawasanacrobat @squirrel-moose-winchester @mjdoc90 @anticipate1003 @mrswhozeewhatsis

Dean Only: @akshi8278 @valkyrieslament @lavieenlex @highonpastries

[shaniahnoel]

Buttercup Pt 4/?

Word Count: 2282

Warnings: Swearing, bullying, depiction of an anxiety attack

Part One / Part Two / Part Three | Part Five

A/N: Things get confusing between our pair in this segment; as always, I appreciate any feedback/suggestions/ideas.. whatever ya got! 

When they were a block from her house, Sweet Pea began to slow his pace. The pair had walked home from the park in silence. Sweet Pea had both hands wedged into his leather jacket, while Sophia had one arm loosely interlocked with his. They stopped at the corner and Sweet Pea glanced down at her. She removed her arm from his, tucking her hands into her pockets and took a step back.  

“Thanks, P. I’ll see ya later.”

He nodded, and she turned to continue home. The hurt lingered, but she hadn’t known how to address it. Sweet Pea may have been exposed for a minute, but she doubted he’d be receptive to her vulnerability. It was when she reached the halfway point that she noticed the mist that had begun at the park becoming heavier. Within seconds the downpour began. Without thinking about it, Sophia threw her head back and let the rain wash over her. There was a rumble of thunder and she opened her eyes in time to see the next crack of lightening cross the sky. Her lips parted in awe, enraptured by the display within the sky.

“Does your death wish include electrocution?”

Sweet Pea’s voice came from behind, startling her. His inky hair was plastered to his face and water dripped down his nose as he looked at her. Blushing, Sophia realized he’d stopped to watch her go in and therefore had seen her stand, like an idiot, in the middle of the sidewalk. He was smiling, though, a soft smile which she returned tentatively.

“C’mon,” she said, grabbing his wrist and pulling him along with her. When they got under the porch roof, she turned him around and commanded him to watch the continuing storm.

“Isn’t it beautiful?” she said, like a kid excited about her Christmas presents.

“Yeah” Sweet Pea murmured, glancing down at her.

Sophia was so enraptured by the storm that she hadn’t dropped her hand from his wrist right away. When she did, he shifted so that his hand was still almost, but not quite, touching hers.

As the meeting at the Whyte Wyrm approached, Sophia was more and more confused. The storm had lasted only another ten minutes from when it started, and Sweet Pea left the moment it broke. She had watched him go, though he never turned back. Her aunt eyed her speculatively when she came through the door soaking wet, but said nothing as she squelched up the stairs.

She lingered in the shower for a long while, letting the warmth loosen her muscles.   The day kept playing in her mind: Toni, the park, that she was pretty sure Sweet Pea nearly held her hand. It was all a messy whirlwind, swirling endlessly around her mind.

“If you’re coming to the meeting you need to get outta the shower, princess.”

The razor in her hand slipped, nicking her knee.

“Fang? I’m in the shower!”

“Yeah? I assumed you weren’t showering with the curtain open and more importantly, I gotta get ready for the meeting, too.”

She poked her head out of the curtain, holding the rest of the curtain taunt.

“I’m going?”

“You punched a Ghoulie in the face…you’re like the center of the whole thing there, Buttercup.”

“Fair point. Now get out so I can dry off!”

When the door closed behind him her heart began to race. She’d never even been allowed to the Whyte Wyrm and having her first time be a meeting did not seem ideal. Then there was Sweet Pea and whatever all of today was to consider. Scowling she dried off and then tiptoed to her room, considering her clothing choices. Her style hadn’t developed much since leaving the Northside, but she didn’t think sticking out would be the best option in the Serpent’s den. By the time Fangs came knocking again she was wearing dark skinny jeans, with a white v-neck, and—

“Is that my flannel?”

“Borrowing!”

“You can’t just take my shirt. Mom!”

Rachel poked her head out of her bedroom. She looked between the two of them, assessing the situation. She just looked at Fangs, wondering what he expected her to do. He gestured to Sophia and the oversized flannel as if the argument was apparent and Rachel rolled her eyes.

“Y’know, maybe if I had given you a real sister you would be better at sharing.”

Sophia burst out laughing while Fangs scowled.

“If you put perfume on in my shirt…”

“It’ll be a large improvement to your current smell?” Sophia finished for him. “Now c’mon Grumpy, we gotta go meet the other dwarves!”

Rachel smiled, a little sadly, as they went out the door. No one had told her what happened that day, but she was a Serpent’s wife, so she could guess well enough. It made her nervous to see Sophia become close to them as she wasn’t sure that she could handle it, but she also knew they’d protect her from anything on the outside.

The Whyte Wyrm was just like any other bar, Sophia assumed. Except of course for the fact that nearly every patron donned the S somewhere on their body be it clothing, tattoo, or both. Her outfit may have been a little more subdued, but she lacked the trademark snake, marking her an outsider. The Serpents her age welcomed her in easily enough, the incident at school gaining their respect. The older Serpents looked at her appraisingly as she stuck to Fangs shadow.

She found herself a space on an unoccupied barstool and took in the scene before her. All of the Serpents were gathered around a man who she thought was called Tall Boy. The nickname brought her some amusement especially as she compared him in height to Sweet Pea who stood back and to the right of Tall Boy. She smiled at Sweet Pea who acknowledged her with a nod, his Serpent face back in full force. Sophia thought that maybe she’d talk to him after the meeting and try to work out what was happening. It seemed like a night for resolutions.

The meeting was surprisingly formal given the ragtag group of bikers. Sophia was called forward, introduced, and made to recount the tale of what happened. Toni vouched for her and the older Serpents began to look at Sophia with a touch of admiration in their speculation. After that they began to discuss how they would handle it both in and out of the school. The police were always ready to come after the Serpents and so it all had to be done carefully. Sophia began to tune out then and let her gaze wander about the room.

Her eyes found Sweet Pea again, but this time he wasn’t alone. A girl with short-spiked hair stood close to his side, as close as they’d stood this afternoon. She wore her leather jacket like a second skin, the choker on her neck boasting several spikes, and a Serpent tattoo peeking out of her collar. In a word, Sophia would have called her badass. In a sentence she would have said, “she’s everything I’m not.” As the girl stood on her toes to whisper in his ear, Sweet Pea glanced up and met Sophia’s eyes. She stared back with a hint of defiance until he turned his attention to the girl at his side. When he looked back, she was gone.

She walked home, cursing herself for thinking that she could belong with Serpents. Even when she tried to fit in she stood out and try as she might, she’d never be like that girl. Her eyes burned as she thought about Sweet Pea. Sure, he was annoying, but she was starting to see something in him and she thought maybe he saw something in her, too. Yet here she was walking the empty streets back to her home while he cozied up to his Southside Girl. Maybe, she mused, maybe I shoulda never tried to be on the South Side. She pulled out her phone and a few calls later she was on her way to the North Side.

The bell rang as the group walked into Pop’s. It was the first time Sophia had seen her North Side friends since she’d moved to the South Side. The looks they gave her as they entered said it all, they were there because she was a curiosity. As Annabeth walked over Sophia became aware of her scuffed shoes and oversized flannel. When Derek sat across from her she realized she’d formed a habit of slouching. She pinched her hand under the table, forcing herself to keep in the moment and to rekindle the friend group she desperately needed in this moment.

That’s where Sweet Pea found her an hour later. He strolled into the diner and scanned the room for her. He found her in the corner, surrounded by North Side princesses. Her back was to him, but he recognized Fangs flannel instantly. He sat quietly in a booth, purchased a drink and waited. They needed to talk, but in the meantime, he listened.

Sophia’s laughter stood out to him immediately. It wasn’t her real laugh, the one that made her eyes light up. It was the fake one, the one she used when he would call her North Sider. He listened as she tried to make conversation, clenched his fist as they threw back handed compliments her way. Sweet Pea tried to tell himself that she deserved it for leaving the Serpents to join up with North Siders, but he couldn’t quench the protective instinct. Then the privileged North Siders started to talk about the South Side. Sweet Pea prepared to stand and intimidate them but, for the first time, Sophia spoke up timidly.

“You guys really don’t know anything about the South Side. They’re not what you think!”

“Oh please, we’ve seen them. That pink-haired chick throwing herself at taken men.”

“Don’t talk about Toni like—”

“And then there’s that pathetic follower you call your cousin.”

“Fangs is NOT—”

“And what about the leader? The tall one. He’s hot, in a high school drop-out, beat my girl kind of way.”

And then she was screaming:

“SHUT UP! You all don’t know a damn thing. That girl is Toni and she’s the sweetest girl I know, Fangs is NOT pathetic, and Sweet Pea,” she paused, only a moment’s hesitation, “Sweet Pea is one of the smartest and kindest people I know. It’s people like you who make people like them be assholes.”

As she finished her rant Sophia became aware of several things: first that she was standing, fists pressed into the table in front of her, two that someone had lightly gripped her wrist, three they all looked behind her apprehensively, and finally that she had actually said all that she was thinking to the group of people who sat before her.

“Look at you, Sophia. Went to the South Side and came back a Serpent’s Slut.” The voice was scathing, but less confident.

To Sophia it sounded like it came from the end of a long tunnel. Her breath stuck in her throat and her heart slammed inside of her chest. The lights of the diner seemed to shimmer before her. Her eyes burned, but she wouldn’t allow herself to cry. The hand on her wrist gripped more firmly, but pulled gently. Sophia followed the hazy man out into the darkness, praying that it would swallow her up. Once she was given space from the North Siders, she recognized the shape leading her as Sweet Pea. Her heart stilled for a moment, but then she remembered, and the panic was back again.

She allowed herself to be placed into the passenger seat of a truck she didn’t know he owned. Her knees curled into her chest, her knuckles whitening as they pressed her firmly in on herself. She rocked gently, eyes brimming with tears, begging him silently to leave so that she could let it consume her. She didn’t belong anywhere. She couldn’t be with the South Side, she couldn’t go back to the North. She was alone. She’d always be alone. It wasn’t like the other times; this time she was sure the anxiety would leave her lifeless. Dimly she was aware of Sweet Pea making a call beside her. She could hear the raised voice of Fangs on the other end, and vaguely processed Sweet Pea’s assurances of handling something though she wasn’t sure what. That is until she found herself being pulled into Sweet Pea.

He pulled her gently onto his lap, his long arms forming a cage around her. He gently rocked with her, a large hand moving in rhythmic circles, murmuring soft words under his breath. Sophia tried to listen, but his gesture released the flood. She pressed her face into his neck, drenching his shirt. She shuddered as she tried to draw breath, tried to stop the tears from coming.

“It’s okay,” Sweet Pea whispered, “It’s all going to be okay.”

His lips already by her ear pressed into her temple and lingered. He flexed his arms around her, tightening the hug. Her breathing slowed, her heart rediscovered its rhythm. She looked up at him and found his chocolate eyes melting into hers. He lifted a hand and wiped a stray tear from her face. Sophia saw him glance at her lips before bringing his gaze back to hers. She held still, unsure of what would happen and not knowing what she wanted to happen. A night for resolutions.

“We have to talk.” She choked out, her voice weak. Sweet Pea nodded, a small frown appearing.

A/N: Obviously I don’t own any of the Riverdale characters, but Sophia and her relationship with our beloved Sweet Pea are my personal creation as well as the plot lines herein. There may be some basis on events currently happening in Riverdale, but not necessarily.

[mariesmemes]

Various Tim Burton films sentence starter meme:

Nightmare Before Christmas: “Since I am dead I can take off my head to recite Shakespearean quotations.” “For it is plain as anyone can see, we’re simply meant to be.” “Nice work, bone daddy.” “You’re jokin’, you’re jokin’!” “Just because I cannot see it, doesn’t mean I can’t believe it!” “Haven’t you heard of peace on earth and goodwill toward men?” “We’ve got to find ___! There’s only ___ days left until next Halloween!” “___! You came back.” “There’s children throwing snowballs.” “Whatever you say, ___.” “Perfect! Open it up. Quickly!”

Edward Scissorhands: “Hold me.” “I can’t.” “I am not complete.” “Goodbye.” “I love you.” “The light concealing cream goes on first. Then you blend, and blend, and blend. Blending is the secret.” “I didn’t mean to cut your face.” “Never let anyone tell you you’re handicapped. You’re…. special.” “No matter what, ___ will always be special.” “Where is everyone?” “___. The guys and I were talking, we’d like want to invite you to our card game on Friday night. Would you like that? Only thing is, you can’t cut!” “Forget about holding her hand, man. Think about the damage he could do to other places.”

Beetlejuice: “What are your qualifications?” “I’ve seen the EXORCIST ABOUT A HUNDRED AND SIXTY-SEVEN TIMES, AND IT KEEPS GETTING FUNNIER EVERY SINGLE TIME I SEE IT… NOT TO MENTION THE FACT THAT YOU’RE TALKING TO A DEAD GUY… NOW WHAT DO YOU THINK?” “Of course I can see you.” “Well, I’ve read through that handbook for the recently deceased. It says: ‘live people ignore the strange and unusual". I myself am strange and unusual.” “You look like a regular girl to me.” “Because if I tell you, you’ll tell your friends, your friends are callin’ me on the horn all the time, I gotta show up at shopping centers for openings and sign autographs and shit like that and it makes my life a hell. Okay? A living hell.” “What’s wrong?” “We’re very unhappy.” “What did you expect? You’re dead!”

Dark Shadows: “Are you stoned or something?” “When did they start allowing women of the night on the estate grounds?” “What if I made you?” “I must admit, those have not aged a day…” “I don’t feel comfortable discussing this with you.” “Fifteen and no husband. You must put those birthing hips to good use at once lest your womb shrivel up and die.” “You’re weird.” “I am a lover and I am a sinner.” “Enchanted. But I shall call you ___, a name so wonderful to me that I could not stand to lose a single syllable of it.” “What sorcery is this?” “I have to hand it to you. This is a happening. I guess the only thing missing is Alice Cooper.” “ …ugliest woman I’ve ever seen .” “ It is said that blood is thicker than water. It is what joins us, binds us… curses us. My name is ___, and my curse has finally been broken.”

Sleepy Hollow: “Villainy wears many masks, none so dangerous as the mask of virtue.” “Is he dead?” “That’s the problem. He was dead to begin with.” “We haven’t heard your name yet, friend.” “I have not said it.” “It is truth, but truth is not always appearance.” “I have shed my tears for ___… and yet my heart is not broken. Do you think me wicked?” “No… but perhaps there is a little bit of witch in you, ___.” “Why do you say that?” “Because you have bewitched me.” “Watch your heads.” “No. No, not nothing.” “A kiss, from a lovely young woman, before she saw my face or knew my name.” “Good-bye, ___ ___. I curse the day you came to ___.” “___, why are you in my room?” “Because it is yours.” “I have not.”

9: “We had such potential. Such promise. But we squandered our gifts, our intelligence. Our blind pursuit of technology only sped us quicker to our doom. Our world is ending. But life must go on.” “What happens next?” “A group must have a leader.” “You’re nothing but a coward.” “You are a blind man, guided by fear.” “Sometimes one must be sacrificed.” “He was old! He was WEAK!” “NO! Stop! You mustn’t destroy it! Don’t destroy it. They’re Trapped! They’re inside! They’re INSIDE!” “We… awakened something.” “But where did it come from? Why is it hunting us?” “When we awoke in this world, it was chaos.” “I don’t believe it!” “The source! The source! Go back… to the source.”

Sweeny Todd: “Noooooo! Would no one have mercy on her?” “I can guarantee the closest shave you’ll ever know.” “They all deserve to die.” “There are two kinds of men and only two.” “___, you didn’t!” “Ugh! All that blood!” “You’re barking mad! Killing a man what done ya no harm!” “A pleasure, ma'am.” “___… you have to help me!” “Out.” “___, please, I…” “OUT!” “All this running and shouting, wot’s going on?” “I had him! His throat was bare, beneath my hand!” “There, there, dear, calm down…” “NO!” “Is everything alright, ___?” “I beg your indulgence, Anthony. My mind is far from easy. In these once familiar streets I feel shadows… everywhere…” “…Ghosts.” “Foolishness.”

[angelsd0ntkill]

End of Year Questions

I saw this ask meme going around and I thought I’d answer them all, not only because that’s What I Do, but also coz I enjoy this kind of year-in-review thing.

1. Song of the year? Ignoring release dates, my picks are “Morrigan” by Children of Bodom, “Drink” by Alestorm, “As If It’s Your Last” by Blackpink, and “Roppongi Rumble” by Warmen.

2. Album of the year? Look, man, The Forest Seasons (Wintersun) and Two Paths (Ensiferum) were good shit, but I gotta give this one to Alestorm’s No Grave But The Sea. That was what first pulled me back into paying attention to music releases, etc. and it’s a damn great album!! Also, shout-out to Children of Bodom’s I Worship Chaos because even though it came out in 2015 I only listened to it this year. Oops. :X

3. Favorite musical artist / group you started listening to this year? WARMEN, no doubt about it. Why did I put off listening to them for so long...?

4. Movie of the year? One Piece Film Gold.

5. TV show of the year? I don’t keep up with new TV shows at all so I’m giving this one to Firefly. Watched it for the first time this year and absolutely adored it.

6. Episode of tv or webisode that defined the year for you? Ehh, I can’t really answer this, TV shows aren’t important enough. Plus, well, see above.

7. Favorite actor of the year? Bruh, I don’t know who people on this site are talking about 90% of the time when it comes to actors, I don’t know shit.

8. Game of the year? Pokemon Go. :^D Also Neko Atsume. I know, I’m late to the party.

9. Best month for you this year? Probably July. My friend Andrew came to visit and we had a blast, I hung out with Hana and J, I got naked with J, I still had hopes that would go somewhere... it was nice. Good times. :^)))

10. Something that made you cry this year? ... the fact that that didn’t go anywhere, and probably never will. And yet I keep hoping. 

11. Something you want to do again next year? Fall in love, maybe with someone who Definitely deserves it this time? Alternately, have visitors from Canada.

12. Talk about a new friend you made this year. Hana is an incredible person with incredible style and the coolest vibe and personality. Her make-up skills are a thing to envy and so is her whole wardrobe, from her lolita pieces to the things she’s made herself. Her sense of humour is so on point, she can always make me laugh. She’s really open and honest, and I feel like she always knows what to say when someone’s having a bad/hard time, which is great, since she’s one of the volunteer leaders at the mental health place I go to (Verso). She’s one of the few people I feel like I can go to with anything. We like similar but different things -- like, we both like metal and pop; anime; super heroes; collecting figures/dolls, etc.but we have very few matches in terms of bands, series, characters, etc. She’s also my only irl friend who Gets internet/social media culture, which sounds ridiculous tbh. I love hanging out with her at Verso, going shopping, having coffee, hanging out at her place, hitting the bar(s), whatever. We’ve got plans to go to Helsinki in January at some point and I’m already excited. :3

13. How was your birthday this year? It was nice. My three youngest siblings were still here at that point, and the youngest of them had her birthday the day before mine. She’d gotten some cash, and so on my birthday we went to Hyvinkää to a shopping center. I remember I showed them the hamster I wanted and then caught the youngest two whispering because the youngest could afford it and wanted to get it for me as a birthday gift. ;A; I told her not to, of course, since ya can’t just buy a hamster without a cage and stuff, but my heart melted.

14. Favorite book you read this year? “The Cyber Effect” by Mary Aiken, “Pimp State” by Kat Banyard, and “The Lucifer Effect” by Philip Zimbardo were all pretty striking reads.

15. What’s a bad habit you picked up this year? Drinking to (try and) ease the pain. Don’t worry, it’s far from a problem, I doubt it can really even be called a habit at this point, but. It’s a thing.

16. Post a picture from the beginning of the year.

This is actually from New Year’s Eve, but I’m not sure if the clock had struck 12. Featuring my uglyass old glasses and my brother creeping in the corner.

17. Post a picture from the end of the year.

This is my most recent selfie, I think. Or at least the most recent one that isn’t shitty. ;D

18. A memorable meal this year? One meal when my siblings were here. We were having fries and different kinds of chicken nuggets, and damn they went fast, I forgot how that happens in a family with lots of kids, like u almost have to fight for your fair share. xD

19. What’re you excited about for next year? Finally seeing Children of Bodom after all these years.

20. What’s something you learned this year?

I cannot, in fact, have any man I want.

I can control my reactions to feelings of jealousy, and one day I am sure I will master them.

Exercise does, in fact, help ease depression. I hate to admit it, but it’s true. Not the miracle cure those “Have you tried yoga?” folks seem to think it is, though.

A whole lot about human behaviour, considering a lot of what I’ve read as well as discussions I’ve had with people.

Some things about politics and social justice.

What it feels like to get hit on my random drunk men (in broad daylight on a fucking weekday). It’s not fun, and I’m still Super Offended that my therapist suggested I enjoyed it a little the first time it happened.

21. What’s something new about your place of residence (room, home, or general location) now vs the start of the year? Fewer anime figures. Not by a lot, but. I’m trying, man, I’m trying.

22. Favorite place you visited this year? This little cafe at the harbour when Andrew was here. OR, OR, the cat cafe, also with Andrew. OH!! AND THE VIKING RESTAURANT, I almost forgot!!

23. If you could send a message to yourself back on the first day of the year, what would it be? Me: [spooky ghost voice] Beware the beautiful long-haired man!! Past Me: Which one???? Me: [disappears spookily]

24. Did you keep any New Year’s Resolutions? My only resolution was to Keep Being Awesome, and I do believe I have kept it. I may have even become MORE awesome. ;D

25. Did you create any characters (in games, art, or writing) this year? Describe one. Depressingly enough ... I haven’t. At least not any fleshed out ones. I scribbled a short thing in Finnish class earlier this year that had two unnamed characters, but that’s it. One was a short lesbian on her way to a quest that would result in her becoming a certified witch, the other was a lanky, curly-haired asexual dude who saw her waiting in the rain & just wanted to check on her but ends up getting swept up in the adventure. Oh, the girl’s sister left on her quest a year before but never returned so the girl’s also searching for her. There’s 3 vague characters for the price of 1 lmao.

[saegusakin]

Guardians of the Galaxy: The Fan Musical: Act 1

i’m so sorry i’m not sure how this happened but uh, this exists now enjoy it, i guess? idfk all credit for the fanfic goes to me but all songs belong to their original owners and performers

Act 1

Stage lights up. The stage is dark apart from a chair where there sits a young boy holding a Walkman casette player, center stage. He stares at the casette player silently, before rewinding the tape on it again. This boy is YOUNG QUILL, and as the tape plays and he begins singing, the stage lights slowly go up to reveal that he is in a hospital waiting room.

YOUNG QUILL: I'M NOT IN LOVE... SO DON'T FORGET IT, IT'S JUST A SILLY PHASE I'M GOING THROUGH...

Lights rise on stage right. DOCTOR is speaking to GRANDPA, while MEREDITH lies in a bed nearby. She is attached to a heart monitor and medicinal equipment. Music condinues underneath.

DOCTOR: Her condition isn't stable. It's getting worse.

GRANDPA: There's something -- we can do something. She's not--I don't want to lose her. Her son is in the other room, what am I going to tell him? She's all he has.

DOCTOR: It won't be easy, I know. But he has time to say his goodbyes. That's more than some get.

GRANDPA: Please, I--!!

DOCTOR leaves. GRANDPA paces the floor as YOUNG QUILL continues singing softly.

YOUNG QUILL: AND JUST BECAUSE I CALL YOU UP, DON'T GET ME WRONG, DON'T THINK YOU'VE GOT IT MADE...

The sound of a heart monitor faintly plays in the background.

YOUNG QUILL: (con't) I'M NOT IN LOVE, NO, NO....

HOSPITAL STAFF: IT'S BECAUSE...

YOUNG QUILL enters near GRANDPA. GRANDPA is barely able to look at the boy, but YOUNG QUILL speaks up first.

YOUNG QUILL: ...Grandpa? Is mom doing...you know, okay? I just...um. I know there's a lot going on, but it's my birthday, and I just...

GRANDPA: Pete, I...

MEREDITH: (weakly, from bed) Peter...

YOUNG QUILL: Mom!!!

YOUNG QUILL runs to be near MEREDITH. GRANDPA, distraught, stays where he was.

GRANDPA: I LIKE TO SEE YOU, BUT THEN AGAIN... THAT DOESN'T MEAN YOU MEAN THAT MUCH TO ME....

MEREDITH: SO IF I CALL YOU, DON'T MAKE A FUSS... DON'T TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THE TWO OF US.

YOUNG QUILL: I'M NOT IN LOVE, NO, NO...

YOUNG QUILL, MEREDITH, and GRANDPA: IT'S BECAUSE...

Music continues underneath. MEREDITH looks up at YOUNG QUILL with a soft smile.

MEREDITH: ...Beautiful. You look like an angel, just like your daddy. So, so beautiful...

GRANDPA: ...Mere, you had a present for Peter, didn't ya?

MEREDITH: Of course.

MEREDITH softly hands over a wrapped present to YOUNG QUILL, who stares at it, and then at his mother. He shifts on his feet, and MEREDITH lets out a sigh.

MEREDITH: I wish you could've met him. He came from space and he practically glowed. Everything he did was blessed by God's good graces. 'cluding you.

YOUNG QUILL: Mom, I--

MEREDITH: My little...

MEREDITH lets out a terrible cough. YOUNG QUILL edges away, but she looks him in the eyes, smiling as if nothing had even happened.

MEREDITH: Now, baby, I hear you've been makin' trouble...why did you beat up those boys, Peter?

YOUNG QUILL: They hurt a poor frog that didn't do nothin'. Poked it with a stick.

MEREDITH: You always were carin' for everythin'. Too much, I'd almost say, but...ya got that from me.

YOUNG QUILL: It doesn't even matter now, mom, are you...okay?

MEREDITH is silent for a moment as the music is quiet.

MEREDITH: No.

GRANDPA looks horrified. YOUNG QUILL stays frozen, but isn't surprised - however, he is on the brink of tears. MEREDITH gently, weakly reaches a hand out.

MEREDITH: I don't want to lie to you. I'm not. I don't know if I'll ever be. But I love you too much to keep you believin' that this is all that's meant for you...your daddy, he's gonna come back, and he's gonna...he's gonna make everything alright. Just like he did for me. You'll be okay, sweetheart, I just...

YOUNG QUILL is edging away from the bed.

MEREDITH: Peter, please...hold my hand.

YOUNG QUILL: No....no!!! I don't want Dad, I want you, Mom! I don't--!!

GRANDPA tries to keep YOUNG QUILL from freaking out, but only results in making him run away.

GRANDPA: PETER!!!

MEREDITH waits, with her hand outstretched for a few more shaking moments as the beeping of the heart monitor slows to a crawl. GRANDPA looks at her lifeless form, and the click of a casette player being turned off is heard. The lights dim stage right as they rise center stage.

YOUNG QUILL is running, a panicked expression on his face as he runs into a tall blue man that lets out a small laugh. This man is YONDU UDONTA, the leader of the RAVAGERS.

YONDU: You look like you're runnin' from some kinda problems, boy. You know runnin' hardly ever solves nothin', right? Yet you doin' it anyway.

YOUNG QUILL: Who...who are you? I don't--I don't need to talk to you. I'm...I'm waiting for my dad.

YONDU: Oh, ya are, are ya? Ae you Peter Quill?

YOUNG QUILL: How do you--

YONDU: The name's Yondu. Yondu Udonta.

YOUNG QUILL: Are you my dad?

YONDU pauses for a moment, and then lets out a loud laugh.

YONDU: Let's just call me an associate, boy. I'm here to take you with me. And from the sounds of things, ya ain't got no choice in the matter, if you wanna keep runnin'.

YOUNG QUILL: My mom is--my mom is dead.

YONDU: We've all lost people, boy. Now, ya got two choices. You can run back to the place where ya lost everything. You're alone. You have to confront everythin' and that's tough for a little boy like you to handle. Or you can come with me.

YOUNG QUILL: Where are we going? Where does dad live?

YONDU: A few wormholes away from here, give or take. We'd be goin' places you'd never seen before. Places you'd never imagine to see. You'd have adventure, you'd have an experience, and you wouldn't have to live with no past mistakes. But...

YONDU smiles dangerously.

YONDU: You'd be travelin' with me. And my men ain't never much messed with Terrans. You'd have to make yourself useful, too, but....ain't you ever wanted to see what it's like beyond the life you have now? Beyond the planet you have now?

YOUNG QUILL: I thought my mom was kidding when she said my dad was a spaceman. I thought that he was an astronaut.

YONDU: Ya thought wrong, kid. Now are you in, or out? We've wasted enough time, and...well. Too long with this and you might not have any choice anymore.

YOUNG QUILL: ...Okay. I don't know if I'll like it too much at first, but I just...

YONDU: It gets easier, boy. Much easier.

YOUNG QUILL: I doubt it.

YONDU: OOH, CHILD, THINGS ARE GONNA GET EASIER.... OOH CHILD, THINGS'LL GET BRIGHTER.  

OOH, CHILD, THINGS ARE GONA GET EASIER... OOH, CHILD, THINGS'LL GET BRGHTER....

YONDU motions for YOUNG QUILL to follow him stage left. Lights rise on the RAVAGERS SHIP. The RAVAGERS CREW is inside and each take a look at YONDU and YOUNG QUILL as they enter.

CREW: SOMEDAY, YEAH, WE'LL PUT IT TOGETHER AND GET IT UNDONE. SOMEDAY, WHEN YOUR HEAD IS MUCH LIGHTER.

YOUNG QUILL takes a look around the ship. YONDU nods at his crew, and the sound of the ship's engines beginning to start up is faintly heard.

YONDU: SOMEDAY, YEAH, WE'LL WALK IN THE RAYS OF A BEAUTIFUL SUN. SOMEDAY, WHEN THE WORLD IS MUCH BRIGHTER...

YOUNG QUILL: What is this? Where am I?

YONDU: You're onboard the ship of the Ravagers. Currently you're on Terra, but you ain't gonna be for much longer. You're one of us now, kid.

RAVAGER 1: OOH, CHILD, THINGS ARE GONNA GET EASIER...

RAVAGER 2: OOH, CHILD, THINGS'LL BE BRIGHTER...

YOUNG QUILL: What is a Ravager?

YONDU: To make things all nice and simple-like, Peter - you're a pirate now. So act like one! 'Course, not too much like one. I can't promise that my men don't get antsy, and I ain't tasted no Terran before. If you get too ahead of yourself...let's just say the last stowaway we had...

RAVAGER 2: He was a great dinner guest!

RAVAGER 1: But very gassy.

RAVAGER 2: Was that you?!

YONDU: Shaddup, the both of yas! Or I'll go ahead and make you next!

RAVAGER 2 gulps. RAVAGER 1 almost laughs before YONDU smirks at him.

YONDU: That was a plural you. RAVAGER 1 immediately gulps as well.

CREW: SOMEDAY, YEAH, WE'LL PUT IT TOGETHER AND GET IT UNDONE. SOMEDAY, WHEN YOUR HEAD IS MUCH LIGHTER.

SOMEDAY, YEAH, WE'LL WALK IN THE RAYS OF A BEAUTIFUL SUN. SOMEDAY, WHEN THE WORLD IS MUCH BRIGHTER...

LA LA LA...

CREW continues singing and dancing. YOUNG QUILL takes a look aronnd the ship, with YONDU as his guide.

CREW (YONDU): SOMEDAY (SOMEDAY, SOMEDAY) WE'LL GET IT TOGETHER AND WE'LL GET IT UNDONE SOMEDAY WHEN YOUR HEAD IS MUCH LIGHTER

SOMEDAY (SOMEDAY, SOMEDAY) WE'LL WALK WITH THE RAYS OF A BEAUTIFUL SUN SOMEDAY WHEN THE WORLD IS MUCH BRIGHTER

YONDU: OOH, CHILD, THINGS ARE GONNA GET EASIER... OOH, CHILD, THINGS'LL GET BRIGHTER...

YOUNG QUILL: OOH, CHILD, THINGS ARE GONNA GET EASIER... OOH, THINGS'LL GET BRIGHTER...

CREW: RIGHT NOW!

The sound of the ship taking off is heard.

CREW (YONDU): RIGHT NOW!

RIGHT NOW!

RIGHT NOW! (YOU JUST WAIT AND SEE, HOW THINGS ARE GONNA BE) RIGHT NOW! (YOU JUST WIAT AND SEE, HOW THINGS ARE GONNA BE..)

YOUNG QUILL grins, standing at the front of the ship as the lights go out.

Lights rise again on the RAVAGER SHIP, A FEW WEEKS LATER. YOUNG QUILL is holding a gun and aiming at a target. He curls his tongue in concentration, almos fires--

YONDU: Quill! I need you!

And YOUNG QUILL accidentally fires and lets out a yelp.

YONDU: What was that?!

YOUNG QUILL: Uh, nothing, Yondu! Just...nothing you need to worry about. Uh. Mark...lin did it!

YONDU: Marklin, get your yellow butt over here!!!

YOUNG QUILL: (quietly, staring down) I didn't even know we had a Marklin.

YONDU: Quill! While I'm dealing with this yellow krutacker, you go out and do what you do best!

YOUNG QUILL (mockingly) and YONDU: 'Crawl into all the little places we can't reach because you's scrawny and small enough.'

YOUNG QUILL: Yeah, I know. Orrr...you'll eat me. (rolls his eyes) Okay. Going.

YOUNG QUILL flicks on his mask, stepping out center stage onto an unfamiliar planet.

YOUNG QUILL: You gotta love that fresh, unbreathable toxic air. Mmm mm. That's the stuff. Love it. Thanks, Yondu! You're a great parental substitute! Ten out of ten! ....I miss--...ugh, whatever.

YOUNG QUILL turns on his walkman, slipping his headphones onto his head.

YOUNG QUILL and CREW: HAIL!  (HAIL!) WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH YOUR HAIR - YEAAAH HAIL! (HAIL!) WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH YOUR MIND AND YOUR SIGN? OH-OH-OH

YOUNG QUILL slides, a confident grin on his face under the mask, which he flicks off for an instant to show off....before coughing and then continuing the song.

YOUNG QUILL and CREW: HAIL! (HAIL!) NOTHIN' THE MATTER WITH YOUR HEAD BABY, FIND IT, COME ON AND FIND IT HAIL! WITH IT BABY, 'CAUSE YOU'RE FINE AND YOU'RE MINE AND YOU LOOK SO DIVINE...

ALL: COME AND GET YOUR LOVE! COME AND GET YOUR LOVE! COME AND GET YOUR LOVE! COME AND GET YOUR LOVE!

YOUNG QUILL dances around for a few minutes before letting out a sigh, and calling YONDU on a wrist communicator device. YOUNG QUILL: Yondu, I'm not seeing anything!

YONDU: Keep lookin', boy! I know there's somethin' out there! Wouldn't send you out for nothin'!

YOUNG QUILL sighs before turning off the communicator. He looks off into the distance, daydreaming.

YOUNG QUILL: I can't wait for the day I'm old enough to not have to listen to this. I'm going to be super cool. Like Han Solo, but better.

QUILL steps on stage as a spotlight shines on him stage right, a triumphant grin on his face.

YOUNG QUILL: I'm going to be suave!

QUILL winks, pointing fingerguns at the audience.

YOUNG QUILL: Cool!

QUILL smooths his hair back, trying to look as cool as possible.

YOUNG QUILL: Capable!

QUILL pulls a small tracking device out of his pocket, staring at it intently as if he knows everything.

YOUNG QUILL: ....Honestly I'm probably really overestimating myself.

QUILL pauses, and puts his hand over his heart in an 'emotionally wounded' gesture, looking at YOUNG QUILL with a surprised frown.

QUILL: Wow, rude.

Both QUILL and YOUNG QUILL look at each other and shrug.

YOUNG QUILL and QUILL: HAIL! (HAIL!) WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH YOU? FEEL RIGHT

QUILL: DON'T YOU FEEL RIGHT, BABY?

QUILL and YOUNG QUILL: HAIL! (OH, YEAH!) GET IT FROM THE MAIN VINE, ALRIGHT! I SAID-A FIND IT (FIND IT) GO ON AND LOVE IT IF YOU LIKE IT (YEAH!) HAIL! (HAIL!) IT'S YOUR BUSINESS IF YOU WANT SOME, TAKE SOME

YOUNG QUILL: GET IT TOGETHER, BABY!

ALL: COME AND GET YOUR LOVE! COME AND GET YOUR LOVE! COME AND GET YOUR LOVE! COME AND GET YOUR LOVE! YOUNG QUILL and QUILL: COME AND GET YOUR LOVE (COME AND GET YOUR LOVE)

ALL: COME AND GET YOUR LOVE NOW!

YOUNG QUILL and QUILL: COME AND GET YOUR LOVE (COME AND GET YOUR LOVE)

ALL: COME AND GET YOUR LOVE NOW!

At this point, a group of MEN WITH GUNS have stepped on stage. YOUNG QUILL and QUILL are still dancing, oblivious to this. They approach AN ORB on a pedistal. QUILL picks it up first, stares at it, shrugs, and hands it to YOUNG QUILL. YOUNG QUILL blinks, taking it, tossing it up and down in his hands, then shrugs again and gives it back to QUILL.

YOUNG QUILL and QUILL: COME AND GET YOUR LOVE (COME AND GET YOUR LOVE)

ALL: COME AND GET YOUR LOVE NOW!

YOUNG QUILL and QUILL: COME AND GET YOUR LOVE (COME AND GET YOUR LOVE)

ALL: COME AND GET YOUR LOVE NOW!

YOUNG QUILL and QUILL: COME AND GET YOUR LOVE!

They turn, and strike identical poses until a MAN WITH GUN pokes QUILL in the back with his gun.

MAN WITH GUN: Are you about done?

QUILL: Hang on. The audience is still applauding. (blows kisses towards audience) Thank you! Thank you! I'll be here all week! Try the veal!

MAN WITH GUN: ....Who are you even talking to?

QUILL: (blinks in confusion, motions to audience) There's a....you know what, forget it. What's up, why the, uh...friendly greeting, fellas?

MAN WITH GUN: Drop the orb! Now!

QUILL: (drops the orb) Hey, hey, you got it, man! No need to get hostile, I'm just a junker!

MAN WITH GUN: You're wearing Ravager garb!

QUILL: ....Wh--this old thing? I got this at an intergalactic flea market, it was a steal. (beat) Literally. I stole it. I don't know what you're talking about!

MAN WITH GUN: You're lying!

YOUNG QUILL: Waitwaitwait! You're supposed to fear me! I mean, you will, when you hear my name! Because I'm the legendary...

YOUNG QUILL and QUILL: Star-Lord!

There is an abrupt silence as the MEN WITH GUNS all look confused.

MAN WITH GUN: ...Who?

Another silence. YOUNG QUILL slowly pats QUILL on the back.

YOUNG QUILL: Well. I've done all I can do. You're on your own, me.

YOUNG QUILL exits stage right. QUILL is left alone with the MEN WITH GUNS.

QUILL: (dejected mumbling) ....You're the worst, young me.

The MEN WITH GUNS cock their guns. QUILL not-so-subtly picks up the ORB from the ground, looks around, and begins to hum a tune, attempting to shuffle off stage.

MAN WITH GUN: ...He's getting away! After him!

QUILL: Uh! GOTTA EAT TO LIVE, GOTTA STEAL TO EAT OTHERWISE WE'D GET ALONG!

MEN WITH GUNS: WRONG!

QUILL: D'ast, I didn't think they'd know how to respond to that!!! Plan B!

He bolts off-stage. The men with guns follow in pursuit. The lights dim, then slowly rise. There is a man center-stage surrounded by WORSHIPPERS. This man is RONAN THE ACCUSOR. Music slowly swells up as worshippers bow at his feet.

WORSHIPPERS: WELCOME TO YOUR LIFE THERE'S NO TURNING BACK EVEN WHILE WE SLEEP WE WILL FIND YOU ACTING ON YOUR BEST BEHAVIOR TURN YOUR BACK ON MOTHER NATURE

RONAN: EVERYBODY WANTS TO RULE THE WORLD

RONAN hits the end of his hammer against the ground lightly.

RONAN: They've called me a madman. A zealot. A dangerous criminal. Yet they - and the rest of the galaxy - have done worse. We Kree are powerful. Remorseless. But because we are simply right, we are shamed. And that is how I am no longer Ronan. I am Ronan...the Accusor. I have no choice, however. The only man to trust me, is Thanos...with his two daughters. Nebula! Gamora! Come!

Two women walk on stage. One woman is green-skinned, and doesn't bother to look RONAN or his WORSHIPPERS in the eye, seeming to try to deliberately avoid their gaze. This woman is GAMORA. Across from her is her sister, NEBULA, who is blue with cybernetic implants. She sneers at the WORSHIPPERS and RONAN disgustedly.

NEBULA: IT'S MY OWN DESIGN

GAMORA: IT'S MY OWN REMORSE

RONAN: HELP ME TO DECIDE HELP ME MAKE THE MOST

GAMORA: OF FREEDOM

NEBULA: AND OF PLEASURE

GAMORA: NOTHING EVER LASTS FOREVER

WORSHIPPERS: EVERYBODY WANTS TO RULE THE WORLD

NEBULA lets out an annoyed huff, as GAMORA glances at her.

NEBULA: I do not believe we came here simply to be backup for your shoddy musical numbers, Ronan. What is required of us?

RONAN: You shall be tracking down an orb that is beyond powerful, for it contains a mystical, powerful infinity stone. It is in the possession of someone else based on hearsay, and Thanos wishes to have it.

NEBULA: Ah. I shall not let father dow--

RONAN: By 'you' I meant Gamora.

NEBULA freezes, and slowly glares at GAMORA, who shrugs. NEBULA stares at her for a few seconds, before sighing.

NEBULA: And I suppose I just sit here and look pretty?

Beat.

RONAN: ....You're pretty?

GAMORA barely resists laughing. NEBULA growls.

NEBULA: Mark my words, sister. One day it shall be I that is sent to do these jobs for father. I shall be his favorite. And you shall be nothing. Nothing to anyone.

GAMORA: I would never wish that upon you.

NEBULA: Then that is what makes you an idiot.

GAMORA: Perhaps.

NEBULA: I CAN'T STAND THIS INDECISION

GAMORA: MARRIED WITH A LACK OF VISION

WORSHIPPERS: EVERYBODY WANTS TO RULE THE WORLD

RONAN: It does not matter who is the favorite child here. What matters is this - we are proving kree supremacy amongst the entire galaxy.

NEBULA: No, actually, I just want to one-up my dumb sister.

GAMORA: Neither of us are kree so neither of us care.

RONAN: (dejectedly) You could've...at least pretended.

NEBULA: SAY THAT YOU'LL NEVER, EVER NEED IT

RONAN: ONE HEADLINE, WHY BELIEVE IT? RONAN, NEBULA, and GAMORA: EVERYBODY WANTS TO RULE THE WORLD

RONAN: And Gamora. Don't get any ideas to betray us horribly and lead us to a magnificent downfall while you'e out.

GAMORA: (flatly as if reading a script) Why would I ever do that. It is not as if I hate everything you are doing and hate you and also wish to kill this man who is not my father and actually killed my real parents. It is not weird calling him daddy at all. I do not want to kill him for that. Goodbye.

RONAN: (sincerely) Have a nice trip!

GAMORA: ALL FOR FREEDOM

NEBULA: AND FOR PLEASURE NOTHING EVER LASTS FOREVER

RONAN: EVERYBODY WANTS TO RULE THE WORLD

Lights dim as music fades out. A voice speaks up while the stage is still not lit, and a spotlight shines into the audience.

ROCKET: They couldn't have paid me to watch this kind of stuff.

A cybernetic raccoon - in all actuality, a person with raccoon ears and a tail - rises from one of the back-row seats as a spotlight shines on him. This is ROCKET RACCOON, a bounty hunter.

ROCKET: I mean, if you'd enjoy yourself seeing stuff like that? I hate to say it, but there's something probably wrong with you. (laughs) But hey, hey. (moves through the audience, points out one) Look at Mr. Smiles over here. Where's your wife, old man? She's in the bathroom, that it? This is a packed house, buddy, don't try to lie to me. You're probably seeing that poor girl over there. (smirks at the girl) Y'know, you can do better. Make sure to give Rocket Raccoon a call if you want to walk a bit on the wild side, babe. (clicks his tongue and glances around) Wait, has anyone seen--talking tree, about yay high? Groot? Groot?!

GROOT, a talking tree, walks out from stage left.

GROOT: I am Groot.

ROCKET: Ah--bw--the production of Hamilton down the street ain't got nothin' on us! I only got sick of it after hearing about it for the 60 millionth time! There's only so much you can do with humie history before it puts me to sleep! But we-- we have showstoppers, my friend. So don't go sneaking out to 'check what's going on'! You didn't even buy a ticket!

GROOT: I am Groot.

ROCKET: ....HOW MANY UNITS DID THAT COST?!?!

GROOT: I am Groot.

ROCKET: ....You ask before you buy these obnoxiously overpriced tickets, it's not--I don't care that you got two!  Now we've gotta make all that back! And it ain't gonna be easy!

Music begins to swell as Rocket storms on stage.

ROCKET: ....No. No. I'm not singing. Not right now. I've got priorities. We need to find a way to make that back--and fast.

ROCKET pulls out a strange device. He moves it around, and then gapes.

ROCKET: The Ravagers--they put this bounty out on this one humie, and it's...d'ast, Groot, if we could handle this, we could have enough units to set us for life! I'm talking the high life, my friend!

GROOT: I am Groot?

ROCKET: That actor is not that great and I have no idea why you'd want to meet him but he'd probably do it for even a fraction of the money we're about to walk into. Let's see, our target is...Peter Jason Quill.

A spotlight shines on QUILL, who walks through one of the aisles in the audience, tossing the ORB up and down in the palm of his hand. Music begins.

QUILL: TONIGHT, I'M GONNA HAVE MYSELF A REAL GOOD TIME... I FEEL ALI-I-I-IVE....

GAMORA walks in from stage right, brandishing a sword.

GAMORA: AND THE WORLD, WE'LL TURN IT INSIDE OUT, YEAH..

GROOT: I AM GROOT I AM GRO-OO-OOT...

ROCKET: SO

ROCKET, GAMORA, QUILL, and GROOT see each other and cautiously all near center stage from their positions.

GAMORA: DON'T

ROCKET: STOP

QUILL: ME

GROOT: I AM GROOT

ROCKET: DON'T

GROOT: I AM GROOT

GAMORA: ME

QUILL: NOW CAUSE I'M--

GROOT: AM GROOT, I AM GROOT

GAMORA makes a lunge for QUILL, who barely dodges, letting out a little hiss.

QUILL: I'M A SHOOTING STAR LEAPING THROUGH THE SKY LIKE A TIGER, DEFYING THE LAWS OF GRAVITY

ROCKET makes another lunge for QUILL, but ends up falling over instead.

QUILL: I'M A RACING CAR PASSING BY, LIKE LADY GODIVA I'M GONNA GO GO GO, THERE'S NO STOPPING ME!

GROOT attempts to grab QUILL this time, but ends up grabbing GAMORA instead and fighting with her while ROCKET attempts to pick himself up.

QUILL: I'M BURNING THROUGH THE SKY, YEAH! TWO HUNDRED DEGREES, THAT'S WHY THEY CALL ME MISTER FAHRENHEIT! I'M TRAVELING AT THE SPEED OF LIGHT!

Lights rise on the set, which is the city of XANDAR. Citizens are already passing by within it.

CITIZENS: I WANNA MAKE A SUPERSONIC MAN OUTTA YOU! DON'T STOP ME NOW!

QUILL: I'M HAVING SUCH A GOOD TIME I'M HAVING A BALL

CITIZENS: DON'T STOP ME NOW!

QUILL: IF YOU WANNA HAVE A GOOD TIME, JUST GIVE ME A CALL!

CITIZENS and QUILL: DON'T STOP ME NOW ('CAUSE I'M HAVING A GOOD TIME) DON'T STOP ME NOW (YES, I'M HAVING A GOOD TIME)

QUILL: I DON'T WANNA STOP AT ALL!

ROCKET has picked himself up and has readied his gun, a smirk on his face. QUILL notices, and immediately tries to bolt while ROCKET takes aim.

ROCKET: YEAH, I'M A ROCKET SHIP ON MY WAY TO MARS ON A COLLISON COURSE I AM A SATELLITE, I'M OUT OF CONTROL

GAMORA has already risen up next to QUILL after tossing GROOT aside. ROCKET messes up his aim and accidentally shoots GAMORA in the foot, and she falls into QUILL's arms.

QUILL: (flirtatiously) I'M A SEX MACHINE, READY TO RELOAD LIKE AN ATOM BOMB

GAMORA punches him, and ROCKET shoots him. He lets out a shriek and lands on the ground, but not before ROCKET shoots GAMORA as well.

ROCKET: ABOUT TO OH-OH-OH-OH EXPLODE! I'M BURNING THROUGH THE SKY, YEAH TWO HUNDRED DEGREES, THAT'S WHY THEY CALL ME MISTER FAHRENHEIT! I'M TRAVELING AT THE SPEED OF LIGHT!

CITIZENS: I'M GONNA MAKE A SUPERSONIC WOMAN OF YOU!

GAMORA, QUILL, and GROOT pick themselves up, and circle with ROCKET cautiously as they did before. They dive at each other, and continue fighting as NOVA CORPS are called in.

QUILL: DON'T STOP ME, DON'T STOP ME, DON'T STOP ME

GAMORA: DON'T STOP ME, DON'T STOP ME, OOH, OOH, OOH

GROOT: I AM GROOT, I AM GROOT

ROCKET: DON'T STOP ME, DON'T STOP ME, OH YEAH!

They all forget temporarily that they're supposed to be fighting and start dancing instead, because they are idiots. QUILL begins air-guitaring and they all cheer.

GAMORA: I'M BURNING THROUGH THE SKY, YEAH!

ROCKET: TWO HUNDRED DEGREES, THAT'S WHY THEY CALL ME MISTER FAHRENHEIT!

QUILL: I'M TRAVELING AT THE SPEED OF LIGHT!

GAMORA, ROCKET, and QUILL: I WANNA MAKE A SUPERSONIC MAN

GROOT: I AM GROOT!

CITIZENS: DON'T STOP ME NOW!

GAMORA: I'M HAVING SUCH A GOOD TIME, I'M HAVING A BALL

CITIZENS: DON'T STOP ME NOW!

ROCKET: IF YOU WANNA HAVE A GOOD TIME JUST GIVE ME A CALL!

CITIZENS and QUILL: DON'T STOP ME NOW ('CAUSE I'M HAVIN' A GOOD TIME) DON'T STOP ME NOW (YES, I'M HAVIN' A GOOD TIME)

QUILL: I DON'T WANNA STOP AT ALL... LA DA DA DA DA DA...

SAAL: This is the NOVA Corps!  You are under arrest! Put your weapons down and cease your dumb musical number!

The four slowly realize what they've been doing this entire time.

ROCKET: ...Aw, FLARK!

Stage lights shut off. They slowly turn on again, and ROCKET, GAMORA, and QUILL are in prison jumpsuits, with GROOT trailing after them.

QUILL: So let me get this straight. You two - Ranger Rick and Giving Tree over there - want me to hand over to the Ravagers. And you, attractive green woman who I probably have a crush on stemming from those weird times I watched too much Star Trek, you want the orb I've got because...your evil dad wants it? And thanks to that mess we got into at Xandar, we're all in jail now. The most high-security jail in the entire galaxy.

ROCKET: Pff. It ain't gonna be like I'm gonna be here for long. I've escaped more prisons than anyone in here has braincells. I'm gonna break out, and you're coming with me, because you're my meal ticket for the next good ten-to-twenty years. So about the rest of my life, give or take.

QUILL: As much as I appreciate the offer--

PRISONER 1 smirks at QUILL. ROCKET glances between the two, and snaps his fingers. GROOT immediately shoves PRISONER 1 away, looming over him intimidatingly.

ROCKET: Listen up, freaks! This one, right here - this is OUR booty! IF you want him, you go through us! Or more accurately, WE go through YOU! Ya got that?! There are mumbles of agreement from the various PRISONERS. ROCKET looks back at QUILL with a smirk.

ROCKET: You were saying?

QUILL: ....No comment.

ROCKET winks at him before QUILL shakes his head. During this conversation, a group of PRISONERS has stolen GAMORA. QUILL glances back to look for her, and realizes she's not there.

QUILL: Hang on, we're missing--!!

ROCKET: Wait. She's supposed to be the most dangerous woman in the galaxy, how did she let some common prisoners capture her so easily?

QUILL and ROCKET look at each other with a grimace.

QUILL: Plot convenience?

ROCKET: Plot convenience.

GROOT: I am Groot.

ROCKET, QUILL, and GROOT make their way to the other side of the prison, where GAMORA is being held at knifepoint by a prisoner. A figure looms over the prisoner, and pushes him aside, taking his knife.

DRAX: Finally. What I've been waiting for my entire life...

QUILL: Wait, time out, that guy hasn't been introduced yet.

ROCKET: That's, uh, that's Drax. The Destroyer. He's been on a revenge quest ever since Ronan killed--

DRAX: My beautiful wife, and my innocent daughter!

ROCKET: ....Yeah. His favoite words are 'die', 'stab', and he's got a bit of an ego. Plus as much as I love fighting? This guy loves it even more. Which is really saying something.

DRAX: It helps fill a void.

ROCKET: I get'cha. (nod)

QUILL: Well, we've gotta save Gamora!

ROCKET: ...Uh. Why? She's kind of the daughter of one of the worst warloads of the entire galaxy and by all accounts she should probably be able to save herself because she's apparently the most dangerous woman in the galaxy unless that was total BS.

QUILL: Because she's hot!

ROCKET: That's debatable.

GROOT: I am Groot.

QUILL: See, he agrees.

ROCKET: No, he said you're shallow and pedantic.

QUILL: I don't even know the definition of the word.

DRAX and GAMORA exhange a glance as QUILL and ROCKET argue in the background.

DRAX: ....Honestly at this point I am debating as to whether it would be a greater punishment to leave you alive and trapped with them or to kill you. Either one seems very satisfying.

GAMORA: I'm dead inside either way so you know. Take your pick.

DRAX: I'm so sorry for you.

GAMORA: HEY! YOU TWO WANNA HELP ME, OR ANYTHING?!

ROCKET: NOT PARTICULARLY!

QUILL: Ah! Um! Hey!

DRAX turns around and looks at QUILL. QUILL freezes for a second.

QUILL: ...IF YOU LIKE PINA COLADAS AND GETTING CAUGHT IN THE RAIN IF YOU'RE NOT INTO HEALTH FOOD IF YOU HAVE HALF A BRAIN IF YOU LIKE MAKING LOVE AT MIDNIGHT IN THE DUNES OF THE CAPE YOU'RE THE LOVE THAT I'VE LOOKED FOR WRITE TO ME AND ESCAPE

DRAX: What.

QUILL abruptly jazz-hands. ROCKET facepalms. GAMORA simply stares. DRAX glances between GAMORA and QUILL.

DRAX: I've made up my mind. It is greater punishment to leave you alive. However, it leaves my killing urges unfufilled.

QUILL: I could always use a new murderous friend. And you're a name character, so you're clearly supposed to be part of the group in some way or fashion. How about it?

DRAX: .....Sure. Why not.

QUILL: Sweet. Okay, how are we getting out of here, though?

DRAX: Don't know. (looks at PRISONER 2) I like this knife. I'm keeping it.

PRISONER 2: (quietly) ....That was my favorite knife....

ROCKET, QUILL, GROOT, GAMORA, and DRAX walk back to the other side of the prison - stage right. Everyone stares at ROCKET.

ROCKET: ....Alright, I've got a plan. Quit giving me the eyes. I'm going to need you all to go along with it, and one of you to get me that prosthetic leg over there. I need it.

QUILL: Roger. What are you going to do?

ROCKET: Ahem. HEY, EVERYONE! I CAN'T STOP THIS FEELING DEEP INSIDE OF ME GIRL, YOU JUST DON'T REALIZE WHAT YOU DO TO ME WHEN YOU HOLD ME IN YOUR ARMS SO TIGHT YOU LET ME KNOW EVERYTHING'S ALRIGHT IIIIIIIIIIII'M

PRISONERS: HOOKED ON A FEELING!

ROCKET: I'M HIGH ON BELIEVING

PRISONERS: THAT YOU'RE IN LOVE WITH ME!

QUILL: LIPS AS SWEET AS CANDY ITS TASTE IS ON MY MIND

DRAX: GIRL, YOU GOT ME THIRSTY FOR ANOTHER CUP OF WINE

GAMORA: GOT A BUG FROM YOU, GIRL BUT I DON'T NEED NO CURE

ROCKET: I'LL JUST STAY A VICTIM IF I CAN'T BE SURE!

QUILL darts off to get the leg. The rest of the future GUARDIANS continue the song.

ROCKET: ALL THE GOOD LOVE WHEN WE'RE ALL ALONE KEEP IT UP, GIRL YEAH, YOU TURN ME ON

GAMORA: IIIIIIIIIII'M

PRISONERS: HOOKED ON A FEELING!

GUARDIANS: I'M HIGH ON BELIEVING THAT YOU'RE IN LOVE WITH ME

The PRISONERS continue dancing and singing as the GUARDIANS slowly make their way towards the exit. They'e stared at, and freeze.

ROCKET: Okay, now let's bring it down slow, folks.

GAMORA: ALL THE GOOD LOVE

DRAX: WHEN WE'RE ALL ALONE

QUILL: KEEP IT UP, GIRL

ROCKET: YEAH, YOU TURN ME ON

GROOT and PRISONERS: IIIIIIIIIIIII AM GROOT! ('M HOOKED ON A FEELING!)

DRAX: I'M HIGH ON BELIEVING

GAMORA: THAT YOU'RE IN LOVE WITH ME

ROCKET: I'M HOOKED ON A FEELING! AND I'M HIGH ON BELIEVING

QUILL: THAT YOU'RE IN LOVE WITH ME I SAID I'M HOOKED ON A FEELING! AND I'M HIGH ON BELIEVING

DRAX: THAT YOU'RE IN LOVE WITH ME...

With the PRISONERS distracted, the GUARDIANS scurry out. The lights dim. The lights come back. Everyone is now on KNOWHERE.

GAMORA: So what was that back there?

ROCKET: That was the more classy version of a prison riot.

QUILL: Yeah, that's nice, but why did we need the leg?

ROCKET: Pff...snrk...because I thought it'd be funny! How did that guy look without his leg? Did he, like, try to dance on one leg?! (laughs)

QUILL: Dude, I paid him for that!

ROCKET laughs again. DRAX lets out a sigh.

DRAX: Explain to me where we are and what we are doing here.

QUILL: ...We literally told you on the way over.

DRAX: I was not listening. I was thinking of something else.

GAMORA: Okay. We're on Knowhere to sell the orb for a profit to my dealer, The Collector. He pays top dollar for anything weird and exotic.

DRAX: That's nice. Why do I care?

GAMORA: There's a bar?

DRAX: You have successfully gotten me to care again. Excellent job, green wench.

GAMORA: Could you not.

DRAX: I could not could not.

QUILL: Alright, both of you, knock it off. Drax, if you wanna check out the bar, it's over there.

DRAX: I want to and I will.

ROCKET: Count me in too.

QUILL: Okay, Groot?

GROOT: I am Groot.

ROCKET: ....Yeah, okay, you can go watch that for a while.

GROOT: I am Groot.

ROCKET: What do you mean by 'I'll be there until Act 2'?!

GROOT walks offstage. ROCKET sighs, hanging his head. DRAX pats him on the back, and they go to have drinks, exiting stage left. QUILL and GAMORA are left alone.

QUILL: ....Sooooooo....

GAMORA: ....Yes?

QUILL: Well. I'm a yonug, attractive male lead, and you're--

GAMORA: No.

QUILL: But!

GAMORA: No. That is my final answer.

QUILL: Gamora. C'mon.

GAMORA stares at QUILL with a deadpan expression.

QUILL: I MUST'VE BEEN THROUGH A MILLION GIRLS I'D LOVE 'EM AND I'D LEAVE 'EM ALONE I DIDN'T CARE HOW MUCH THEY CRIED, NO SIR THEIR TEARS LEFT ME COLD AS A STONE BUT THEN I FOOLED AROUND AND FELL IN LOVE

QUILL and KNOWHERE CITIZENS: I FOOLED AROUND AND FELL IN LOVE I FOOLED AROUND AND FELL IN LOVE I FOOLED AROUND AND FELL IN LOVE

GAMORA: I'm into women.

The music abruptly stops with a record scratch noise.

QUILL: ...Oh.

GAMORA: So no, your pelvic sorcery will not work on me, Peter Quill.

QUILL: .....Okay, I need a love interest. We don't make money without a love interest. Um. Hm.

QUILL looks towards where GROOT left. Sighs.

QUILL: Okay. There are two choices for who my love interest could be at this point and they both make this play pretty progressive, honestly, so points to that. Let's see.

QUILL walks back into the bar and slides up to DRAX.

QUILL: IT USED TO BE WHEN I'D SEE A GIRL THAT I LIKED I'D GET OUT MY BOOK AND WRITE DOWN HER NAME BUT WHEN THE GRASS GOT A LITTLE GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE I'D JUST TEAR OUT THAT PAGE BUT THEN I FOOLED AROUND AND FELL IN LOVE

QUILL and KNOWHERE CITIZENS: I FOOLED AROUND AND FELL IN LOVE I FOOLED AROUND AND FELL IN LOVE I FOOLED AROUND AND FELL IN LOVE

DRAX: ...Quill.

QUILL: Yes?

DRAX: Leave me be.

QUILL: Okie-dokie. That's one out, there's....well. Okay.

QUILL slides up to ROCKET, who raises a brow.

QUILL: FREE ON MY OWN, THAT'S THE WAY I USED TO BE BUT SINCE I MET YOU BABY, LOVE'S GOT A HOLD ON ME!

ROCKET sits there stunned for a good couple of minutes, then looks at QUILL with utter confusion. QUILL smirks.

KNOWHERE CITIZENS and QUILL: (FOOLED AROUND AND FELL IN LOVE!) WHOO, IT'S GOT A HOLD ON ME NOW (FOOLED AROUND AND FELL IN LOVE!) I CAN'T LET GO OF YOU, BABY (FOOLED AROUND AND FELL IN LOVE!) I CAN'T STOP LOVING YOU NOW! (FOOLED AROUND AND FELL IN LOVE!) HEEEEEY!

QUILL drags ROCKET up and pulls him into a dance. ROCKET is still completely stunned.

QUILL: 'CAUSE I FOOLED AROUND, FOOLED AROUND, FOOLED AROUND, FOOLED AROUND, I FOOLED AROUND, I FOOLED AROUND, I FOOLED AROUND FOOLED AROUND AND FELL IN LOVE!

ROCKET: Uh, Quill?

QUILL: Yep?

ROCKET: You know what I am, right? What I look like here? Hi?

QUILL: I've slept with an Askavarian, do you really think I care that much?

ROCKET: Wait, seriously?

QUILL: Yep.

ROCKET: ....Well, this is marginally more acceptable since I don't look as weird as I could, I--

QUILL: (grinning) Yeah-huh?

ROCKET: ....No, wait, I'm a--I'm a flarking animal, Quill! Drax said as much! And I'm going to kill him for it!

DRAX: He is an annoyance who speaks of matters he knows nothing about.

ROCKET: He might be right but he's also an ass! I just--I'M GOING TO MURDER YOU!

QUILL: Rocket--ROCKET, HEY! HEY! TEN MILLION UNITS ROCKET! Work through this, and we'll all be rich, you're just--you're drunk.

ROCKET: Yeah, wonder why.

DRAX: Why does it even matter so much to you?

ROCKET: BECAUSE I DIDN'T ASK TO GET MADE! I DIDN'T ASK FOR ANYTHING! I DIDN'T ASK TO BE SOME CREEPY LITTLE BEAST!

QUILL: Rocket, you're not--

ROCKET: AND ALL OF YOU SIT THERE AND MAKE FUN OF ME! DRAX SAYS IT OUTRIGHT, QUILL JUST...MOCKS ME BY, I DON'T KNOW, FLIRTING WITH ME! GAMORA...GAMORA JUST LOOKS AT ME WEIRD!

GAMORA: I look at everyone weird.

ROCKET: BESIDE THE POINT! YOU'RE ALL ASSHOLES AND I CAN'T SAY I WON'T KILL ALL OF YOU WHEN THIS IS OVER!

CARINA approaches, her hands folded obediently as she looks around at everyone, and then stares down at the ORB intently.

CARINA: Pardon me, but--The Collector... would like to see you now.

ROCKET: Good. Great. Let's go. We're not taking Drax, he can sit and flarking stew, he doesn't want any money anyway.

The lights dim as ROCKET storms offstage, and everyone else exchanges glances and follows, apart from DRAX.

The lights raise on THE COLLECTOR'S LAIR. ROCKET, QUILL, and GAMORA enter. The COLLECTOR'S ASSISTANTS, identical-looking women step out from the other side of the stage and begin dancing. CARINA eyes up the orb as she stands in the middle

CARINA: WHERE HAVE ALL THE GOOD MEN GONE AND WHERE ARE ALL THE GODS? WHERE'S THE STREETWISE HERCULES TO FIGHT THE RISING ODDS? ISN'T THERE A WHITE KNIGHT UPON A FIERY STEED? LATE AT NIGHT I TOSS AND TURN AND I DREAM OF WHAT I NEED!

CARINA approaches QUILL, trying to make a grab for the ORB subtly. He looks at her, confused, until she continues.

CARINA: I NEED A HERO! I'M HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO UNTIL THE END OF THE NIGHT! HE'S GOTTA BE STRONG AND HE'S GOTTA BE FAST AND HE'S GOTTA BE FRESH FROM THE FIGHT! I NEED A HERO! I'M HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO 'TIL THE MORNING LIGHT! HE'S GOTTA BE SURE AND HE'S GOTTA BE SOON AND HE'S GOTTA BE LARGER THAN LIFE!

CARINA bats her eyelashes flirtatiously. QUILL grins. GAMORA shakes her head and ROCKET looks away, huffing.

CARINA: SOMEWHERE AFTER MIDNIGHT IN MY WILDEST FANTASY SOMEWHERE JUST BEYOND MY REACH THERE'S SOMEONE REACHING BACK FOR ME RACING ON THE THUNDER AND RISING WITH THE HEAT IT'S GONNA TAKE A SUPERMAN TO SWEEP ME OFF MY FEET!

COLLECTOR'S GIRLS: I NEED A HERO! I'M HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO UNTIL THE END OF THE NIGHT! HE'S GOTTA BE STRONG AND HE'S GOTTA BE FAST AND HE'S GOTTA BE FRESH FROM THE FIGHT! I NEED A HERO! I'M HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO 'TIL THE MORNING LIGHT! HE'S GOTTA BE SURE AND HE'S GOTTA BE SOON AND HE'S GOTTA BE LARGER THAN LIFE!

ROCKET: Would you all just flarking stop?! Where is your boss?!

CARINA: I do apologize. He appears to be...taking his time.

GAMORA: Great. Now can you quit with the little show you're putting on?

CARINA: UP WHERE THE MOUNTAINS MEET THE HEAVENS ABOVE OUT WHERE THE LIGHTNING SPLITS THE SEA I COULD SWEAR THERE WAS SOMEONE, SOMEWHERE WATCHING ME THROUGH THE WIND AND THE CHILL AND THE RAIN AND THE STORM AND THE FLOOD I CAN FEEL HIS APPROACH LIKE A FIRE IN MY BLOOD!

COLLECTOR'S GIRLS: LIKE A FIRE IN MY BLOOD, LIKE A FIRE IN MY BLOOD, LIKE A FIRE IN MY BLOOD, LIKE A FIRE IN MY - AAAAH!

CARINA, COLLECTOR'S GIRLS and ROCKET (mockingly): I NEED A HERO! I'M HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO UNTIL THE END OF THE NIGHT! HE'S GOTTA BE STRONG AND HE'S GOTTA BE FAST AND HE'S GOTTA BE FRESH FROM THE FIGHT! I NEED A HERO! I'M HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO 'TIL THE MORNING LIGHT! HE'S GOTTA BE SURE AND HE'S GOTTA BE SOON AND HE'S GOTTA BE LARGER THAN LIFE!

THE COLLECTOR enters. He looks around, and sees the production going on.

THE COLLECTOR: Carina, what is this?!

CARINA: ...There's an infinity stone in that orb. Unlimited power. And I intend to...I intend to use it! I WILL NO LONGER BE YOUR SLAVE!

I NEED A HERO! I'M HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO UNTIL THE END OF THE NIGHT! HE'S GOTTA BE STRONG AND HE'S GOTTA BE FAST AND HE'S GOTTA BE FRESH FROM THE FIGHT! I NEED A HERO! I'M HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO 'TIL THE MORNING LIGHT! HE'S GOTTA BE SURE AND HE'S GOTTA BE SOON AND HE'S GOTTA BE LARGER THAN LIFE!

CARINA snatches the ORB out of QUILL's hand and makes to open it.

QUILL: Wait, don't--!!!

ROCKET: Don't you dare--!!

GAMORA: Think about this!

CARINA looks at the three. Then at THE COLLECTOR.Then smiles.

CARINA: I NEED A HERO!!!!

She opens the orb. The room explodes internally. There's a flash of light, and then the stage lights dim as CARINA screams.

Intermission

[kieranoruadhain]

Awakening

Short story WIP, parts 1 through 3. Mature content warning.

prologue

For the first time, the nameless man woke up. 

He felt his lungs filling and emptying. He felt his pulse, rapid and heavy behind a shallow chest. His fingertips brushed the stone slab where he lay and moved to his body, naked and slick with sweat. His eyes burned when he tried to open them. His ears were ringing and he strained to listen.

The world sounded muffled at first, as though someone was speaking to him through thick fabric. Shapes formed in his eyes, then color. White and grey and blue. A ceiling, walls, and windows. Then, he saw two faces, leaning over him. A woman and a man.

“Say something.” The female one spoke.

He recognized the words, but he couldn’t find his voice. Something felt strangled in his throat as he forced breath from his lungs. “Hnnnghh.”

“That’s a start. Try again.”

“Hhn… hello…”

“Good. So you understand me.”

He nodded.

“Welcome back, Kyrahn Oisin.”

He blinked the blurs from his vision and answered, “Mmmhname… my name…?”

“Yes. That’s your name.”

It struck Kyrahn in that moment that he was naked, and there was a woman hovering over him. His hands moved to cover himself and he averted his gaze from her.

“C…clothes…?”

“Yes, of course. Here you go, then…”

He felt fabric fall over his body. A blanket. It was silky smooth, thin, and blue. He noticed how it draped over a single leg and realized he was missing the other. His left leg was gone below the knee.

“Do you remember anything?”

Kyrahn stared blankly at the woman. As his vision became clearer, he could make out her figure. She had long, corkscrew locks of brown hair framing a severe face. She was lithe, muscular, wearing blue and gold robes. The man was younger, smooth-faced and rotund.

The woman spoke next. “My name is Janice Steele. I’m a healer with Northshire Abbey. We found you half-dead in the woods. Can you tell me if you remember what happened?”

Kyrahn still didn’t speak for a long time. He reached up to touch his own face. He had facial hair. It was short. And the hair on his head felt long and oily.

“I don’t remember anything.” He answered. “You told me my name is Kyrahn. I don’t know anything else. Do you know what happened to me?”

The woman smiled, but Kyrahn could tell it wasn’t a happy smile. He didn’t know why. “I don’t.”

Kyrahn fidgeted under his blanket, staring blankly.

“Do you know what Stormwind City is?” Asked Janice.

“It’s in Elwynn Forest, capital city for the human race.” Said Kyrahn.

“So you do remember something.” Janice said, a smile in her voice, but not on her face. “Where are we right now, do you know?”

“Azeroth. Eastern Kingdoms.” Kyrahn continued.

“So you remember basic geography. Good.” Janice mused. “Now. What about yourself do you remember? Where, exactly, were you born? Do you have any parents or siblings? Do you remember your job before you came here?”

“I don’t know.”

“Unfortunate.” Her tone was strange. Hollow. For some reason, her response made Kyrahn uncomfortable. “So while you have nothing to return to, as far as you’re concerned, you’re now a member of the Northshire Abbey priesthood. You are Kyrahn Oisin, born and raised in Stormwind City, and it is your life’s goal to become a healer.”

Kyrahn didn’t know what to say. He just nodded. Janice walked to a shelf and pulled down a few things. He saw a wooden stake in her hands. “Unfortunately, your left leg was badly infected and had to be amputated. We’ve had you fitted for a new one. Brandon, please, help him with his leg.”

The other man retrieved the prosthetic and brought it to him. “Here, I’ll show you how to put it on.” Khyran stuck his leg out, letting the other man attach it for him. Then, he was brought a change of clothes. “We will let you get dressed. When you’re ready, meet us outside.”

The two left Kyrahn alone with his empty thoughts. one

"He was talking in his sleep again."

Dinnerware clinked in the dining hall. Several apprentice priests in their white robes sat over their bowls of red bean soup, chattering about him as if he wasn't even sitting right across from them in obvious earshot. He might as well have been an unoccupied chair.

"What did he say this time." A gruff one with beady eyes said, bored.

Not that it mattered that his peers were talking about him. He never acknowledged their existence, either.  He ate his stew silently.

"Oh, nothing I could make out. A lot of mumbling and snarling. Sounded almost like a dog, he did." Tanis always loved using him as a conversation starter. It was annoying sometimes.

"Wonder if he'll do tricks." A younger one, a blond, said. He picked up a bread roll from the table, laughing. "Oi, Kyrahn! Fetch!"

The bread roll bounced off the side of his head while he ate his stew patiently.

That got a few giggles from around the table.

"Now, now, Jackie. Some dogs ain't that smart. You gotta beat 'em to make 'em do what you want." Said the gruff one.

"No, no! Gotta try positive reinforcement first!" Tanis retorted, picking up a piece of ham out of his stew with his piggy fingers. "Here boy!"

The ham, tossed in his general direction, fell short and landed a few inches from his hand. Kyrahn still sat patiently.

"He won't do a thing. Boring little oaf." Tanis muttered.

"Dogs usually get boring when they're neutered, you know. It's only natural! Not his fault." Said the blond.

More giggles.  Kyrahn's fingers tightened on his spoon. The bean stew was looking very red. He could almost see his reflection in it.  He stopped eating.

"What are you going to do, Kyrahn? Go cry to Janice again?"

"Oh, come now. He doesn't have the balls for that."

The table erupted with laughter from the three other men. Kyrahn stood abruptly and walked away.

"Poor puppy has his feelings all hurt."

"Pansy."

"See ya, Ms. Kyrahn."

Ever since a rowdy bunkmate forcefully tugged a towel from his waist on his way back from the baths two weeks ago, Kyrahn found no escape from the teasing. Two weeks ago, he never fully cared that a piece of his body most other men proudly carried was gone.

Why was he castrated?

The unanswered question bothered him more than the most cruel of insults.

He laid awake, listening to the snoring of his peers in the dormitories. A full moon cast a bright, pale shaft of light through a single window. A whip-poor-will outside sang sonnets with a distant chuck-wills-widow. Normally the birds would have lulled him immediately, but tonight, he couldn't stop thinking about red bean stew and forgotten dreams.

He didn't remember falling asleep.

For him, it was reality. The taste of copper in his mouth was tangible. The smell of blood that hung in the hallways around him was so strong it stung his eyes.

There were shackles on his wrists and the chains were so heavy he couldn't stand. He was staring up ahead, at the ceiling and walls, because he was afraid to look down. He knew what would be at his feet and covering the floor.

"You can't face it, can you. Coward! Look down!" It was his own voice, somewhere outside his body. He was many things, but not a coward. He looked down.

A faceless dead child stared back at him.

The chains felt heavier with each passing second. Kyrahn struggled to breathe as his upper body was dragged down, down, down by his scrawny arms. The pool of red was inches from his nose.

The chains plunged him into the red pool. He writhed. He tried to scream but blood rushed into his mouth instead. He felt arms reaching down into the pool and he struggled wildly. More arms came and held him down. It was the vengeful dead, dragging him under, screaming his name.

His eyes snapped open. He was tangled up in his sheets on his bed, staring up at Tanis and Jackie's faces.

"I swear on the Light, if you wake us up screaming one more fucking time...!" Tanis gasped, his pudgy face red with anger. He didn't finish his threat.

"What the Fel is wrong with you, anyway?! Aren't you going to say anything for once?!" Jackie sputtered.

What was there to say? Kyrahn just stared back.

"You're insane. I thought Janice brought you here to fix you."

"Aye, he's fixed alright," said a gruff voice from a bed across the dark room.

Too annoyed to laugh, the other trainees left Kyrahn's bedside, muttering to themselves.

He laid awake for the rest of the night. two

The first few weeks of his residence at Northshire Abbey had been a blur. First, he was assessed for his ability to wield the Light. His raw potential shocked the ranking priests, but it soon became clear that he was no healer. He was instructed to “heal” a wooden human dummy, and succeeded in blasting it with a spell so violent and blinding, it seared a hole right through the dummy’s chest. Despite how many times he was asked, and how hard he tried, he couldn’t do anything different. Janice said they’d keep working with him, and eventually he’d be able to do it. She reassured him, before squeezing his shoulder and leaving him to his fruitless endeavors. Despite his frustrations, he worked as hard as he could, to no avail. Two weeks later, however, he was told to attend a particular seminar. Janice seemed sure that he would learn something significant from it. He was dispirited, but attended, all the same. He had entered an auditorium filled with Brothers and Sisters, feeling immediately out of place. Even so, he focused his attention on the center of the room and waited for the professor to begin. 

“The Holy Light is born of righteous thought and feeling,” Professor Heather explained as she hovered over a wounded soldier on a stone table. The trainees gathered around the table all did their best to focus, though Kyrahn could tell they were bored. This was a rather basic lecture- what was so new about it?

“This is why we pray daily, to center our minds and hearts on what is righteous and good.” The healer swept her hands up and down over the soldier’s body. Kyrahn grimaced as his gaze fell once more on the man’s bruises and bite wounds. They said gnolls got to him- he barely managed to hobble back to the Abbey.  

The trainee priests fidgeted, nodding distractedly as they watched Heather the Healer work her glowing hands over the wounded soldier’s bruises.

“It is in righteousness that this man be healed, in the name of the Light. Evil struck him in the forests of Elwynn last night, but the holiness of the Light has seen that he be brought here to have these wrongs corrected. Without balance like this, Azeroth would descend into chaos. For everyone here, we have the unique mandate to restore that balance where it was once lost. All actions in this world must have their consequence.”

The light from her hands faded, then she looked up at her bored students. “…Of course, this isn’t new to any of you.”

“Yeah, uh… what’s the catch, professor?” Asked one of the female students. Kyrahn never noticed her until then- he spent most of his time segregated in the men’s dormitories when he wasn’t training.

Heather straightened from the sleeping, wounded patient and snapped her fingers. “Guards? Bring them in.”

The doors to the central chamber opened, and in walked three armored Stormwind guards, tugging heavy chains. A long string of gnolls entered behind them, their furs matted in blood and their desperate snarls echoing in the wide chamber. There must have been twenty of them. Among the usual male warriors, some of the gnolls were distinctly female. Some were greyed and grizzled with cataracts in their white eyes. Others seemed too young to be dangerous, with their frightened puppy eyes and whimpers.

Kyrahn’s heart sank when he saw them. He looked over at Heather, eyes wide.

“Today is not your usual healing lesson.” The professor continued. “Today, we will learn how to wield the Light to bring justice to the unrighteous.”

“You brought their women, elders and children.” Kyrahn blurted before anyone else could speak. Some of the students quirked their brows at him. Most of them never even heard him speak before. The ones that have knew he never said more than one word a day. Usually “yes” or “no” in response to questions, but never an entire sentence. 

Heather smiled when he spoke up.

“This is some sort of test, right?” Jackie said where he stood near Kyrahn.

“We must focus our hearts on righteousness. Just as the Light can heal in righteousness, it can kill in righteousness. It can sear through flesh, cut through sinews, dig its way into organs. It can build up bodies or tear it away. It is up to you to determine what is righteous here.”

She waved her hand towards the chained and struggling gnolls.

“I’ve assigned each gnoll a number. Now, come here. Take a paper out of this bowl. The number you receive is the gnoll you are to deal with.” Heather proceeded to place a small bowl upon the edge of the stone table where the patient still lay sleeping.

Kyrahn felt a droplet of sweat on his brow. He looked up at the gnolls, now noticing the brands burned into their foreheads.

One by one, the students walked up to retrieve a folded paper from the bowl and opened them.

“Now, go and introduce yourself to your gnoll.”

The number “3” looked up at Kyrahn from the paper. He swallowed thickly, then walked up towards the line of chained gnolls with the rest of his peers. The gnolls thrashed in their chains as they watched the priests. Some of them snarled and drooled.

Number 3 was perhaps the youngest gnoll Kyrahn had ever seen. It reminded him a little bit of a Labrador puppy he saw someone bring into the Abbey once. It had mottled brown-and-black fur framing huge, terrified eyes.

He swallowed, but his mouth was dry and his throat hurt with the effort. All the priests around him just stood and stared at their gnoll.

“All these creatures have a basic grasp of Common dialect. They are not unintelligent savages. They have their own culture and their own societies. However, these beasts continually harass Azeroth as well as their own kind. They do not live in harmony with themselves or the world. It is debatable if they are even capable of feeling love. Instinct, perhaps… but not love.” Heather spoke as she walked up and down behind the students, pacing slowly.

“This is the entirety of a small tribe that was once camped several miles north of here, in the woodlands along the sea. Their chieftain has already been slain, which threw them into disarray. Before his death, this tribe was responsible for kidnapping and killing ten Stormwind soldiers to our knowledge. If this tribe is allowed to live, it is likely they will assimilate into a different tribe, and continue their violent way of life. They are a threat to the safety of Elwynn.”

Heather stopped pacing when she was centered with the group, her arms folded behind her back.

“It is only just that they are slain before they can continue their lives of violence. Reach into that justice, and smite these creatures with the Light’s holy wrath.”

Kyrahn looked around, sweat now dripping down his forehead and long nose. Some of his peers were staring into the eyes of their gnolls with a fierceness in their faces, their breaths quickening in a rage as their hands began to glow.

Others stared at their gnolls uncertainly. The women, the elders, and certainly the babes.

Standing right next to him was the blond, Jackie, his gnoll a young female with a bulge in her belly. He looked about as uncomfortable as Kyrahn felt.

“Me no want die.” He heard a gnoll whimper.

“No die. No die. Take to human prisons. Chain forever. No die.” Another female cried.

“Aaygh, aaygh! No prison. Kill, kill instead.” One of the males growled. “Kill, now. Get done with."

Heather said absolutely nothing. Some of the students looked over their shoulders, as though waiting for further instruction, but Heather gave none.

Then, one of the students cried out in a rage, his hand shooting out into his gnoll, grasping it on the skull. The Light burned and seared into it and it howled. The room filled with the sickening scent of burning hair and flesh. In moments, all the flesh on the gnoll’s head and muzzle was seared off, its eyeballs falling from whitened sockets as it slumped in its chains.

The initiative he took seemed to encourage other students to attack their helpless gnolls. One by one, they began dropping like flies. Some of the gnolls whimpered and wailed as they watched their families die. All the men fell. Two elders were killed. Three women.

But there were a few priests still standing, staring at the remaining of the women, the children, and the elderly.

Kyrahn’s breaths were coming in quick, desperate gasps as he looked at his fellows in the room.

“Well, you heard Heather!” Growled the man who had first struck. “Kill all of them! These creatures will bring suffering to Elwynn!”

“But some of them haven’t even done anything…” Muttered a nearby woman. She must’ve only been in her teens. “I mean… look at her. She’s so old… she couldn’t hurt anyone…” The girl looked over at Gnoll 17, her grizzled white fur so long it fell in front of her silent face.

“I bet she hurt someone at some point in her miserable life.” The gruff man responded, walking up to his peer briskly. “Here, I’ll do it for you!”

“No-!”

But it was too late. A flash of light filled the room and the elderly gnoll fell.

The gruff priest-in-training was taking steps towards Jackie now. Number 4, the pregnant Gnoll, looked wildly towards the approaching menace. She struggled in her chains, moaning, “no… no…” Number 3 began wailing and reaching for the pregnant one, his grubby paws tugging at his chains as he blubbered.

“Hey, back off, Derick!” Jackie said, standing his ground as his peer approached, shouldering past the stunned and silent priests.

“Either you kill her or I’ll do it.”

“Stop it!” Jackie protested.

Derick raised a hand to strike, but he wasn’t aiming at the gnoll, nor was his hand glowing. He hit Jackie square in the face. “You’re all cowa—"

Derick stumbled backwards, a smoking mark on his face.

Kyrahn lowered his hand. He hardly realized what he had done until moments later. He had struck a classmate with the Light.

And he didn’t stop there.

He struck again. And again. Each searing slash of light hurtling towards Derick, hitting him in his body, his face, beating him down.

When the others realized what was going on, they started to shout. “S-stop! Stop him!” 

“No. Don’t stop him.” Ordered Heather in a loud voice. “This is a lesson on justice, after all.”

Kyrahn stopped attacking Derick when he realized the other priest was raising his hands in surrender, but he couldn’t speak, for he was spitting at blood. Kyrahn didn’t give the man at his feet another look, instead, he turned to the chained Gnolls and grabbed at the iron rings.

They began to melt in his hands, pooling in a shiny silver on the floor.

“Go, get out of here!” He told the gnolls.

The female gathered the child up in her arms and ran. The guards started to stop them, but Heather raised her hand in a signal to stay.

The gnolls didn’t look back as they left.

three 

Neither Kyrahn or Derick were penalized for their actions that morning. Both of them received very good marks.

Kyrahn sat in the hospital wing next to Jackie and his broken nose. He was pinching it with his thumb and forefinger over a silk cloth while they waited for a more experienced healer to look at it. The healers were currently busy patching Derick up- Kyrahn was trying not to think about it.

“You’ve got balls, after all.” Jackie said.

Kyrahn fidgeted.

“…You didn’t have to stand up for me like that, you know.” Jackie murmured, his voice decidedly nasal.

Kyrahn shrugged.

“But we’ve- I’ve… I’ve been a real jerk to you.”

Kyrahn didn’t say anything.

“You know…” Jackie said with a weak chuckle. “This whole time I thought the only words you knew were ‘yes’ and ‘no’. Why don’t you ever talk? You’re fooling us all with all your acting stupid and stuff…”

Kyrahn opened his mouth, then shut it and shrugged. A silence fell over the hospital wing.

“Where did you come from, anyway?” Jackie asked quietly. “I mean, most of us are here because our parents sent us, or we got drafted, or we just genuinely want to study the Light. I mean, personally, I came here because my parents are assholes and I wanted to live somewhere else, you know? But you…” He hesitated, looking over at Kyrahn’s sunken features. “Janice brought you here out of nowhere, wouldn’t tell anyone where you came from or why you were half dead when you were dragged in.”

When Kyrahn didn’t reply, Jackie kept talking.

“She disappears a lot, sometimes for weeks. Always studying from weird books when she thinks no one’s looking. Don’t think we haven’t noticed. Most of the guys think you were some kind of unusual patient of hers, like… some of the others she brought back from her long trips into nowhere.”

Kyrahn looked over at Jackie, one of his eyebrows raising.

“The general consensus around the Abbey is that she fixes them. She finds people who are hurt, uh, in the heads. And she fixes them and sends them away. I guess she hasn’t fixed you yet?”

Kyrahn shook his head. “She just told me to stay here and be a priest, so I did. She hasn’t talked to me about my memory loss much.” Jackie frowned. “So it is memory loss, then?” Kyrahn nodded.

“Damn. I’m sorry to hear that.” Jackie breathed, leaning back in his seat. “Man, what I wouldn’t give to lose some of my own memories…”

Kyrahn looked down. “It isn’t pleasant.” He replied. “Sometimes I still have dreams, but they don’t make any sense.”

“Yeah, you talk in your sleep all the bloody time."

Kyrahn frowned. “…I keep having the same dream.” He began carefully. He didn’t follow up with an explanation. This was more than he had spoken to anyone in this Abbey since the day he woke up, and he wasn’t sure if he felt like talking more.

“What’s it about?” Pressed Jackie.

Kyrahn didn’t respond for a while. The sounds of the healers working behind the closed door in the waiting room were all they could hear. Five minutes passed before Kyrahn finally spoke again. “I’m angry about what happened with those gnolls.”

“Yeah, me too.”

“The world is very black and white to me.” Kyrahn said. “But what happened back there. It felt evil to me, but to many of the others, they thought what they were doing was right. And both of us could use the Light through that. I thought the Light only worked in righteousness, but I felt that Derick was being very unrighteous.”

“Scary, isn’t it.” Murmured Jackie. “Yeah, I… I’m bothered by it too. It seems like if we believe we’re justified in what we’re doing, we can use the Light. Doesn’t matter if it’s really justice or not.”

Kyrahn nodded wearily before slowly beginning to speak. “I can’t stop thinking about it. What if they all deserved to die? What if that female and her pups would grow up to kill someone because I let them go?”

“I dunno, Ky.” Jackie paused. “You mind if I call you Ky?”

Kyrahn shrugged, staring off at the wall. A disturbing series of thoughts crept into his mind. What if he had just enabled further murder by saving those helpless creatures? And he had attacked a student to save them, too.

He looked down at his palms. Unscathed, pale flesh looked back at him, but he couldn’t help but to imagine them covered in blood. Red, dark, dripping ceaselessly to the ground. A sudden thought pierced through his consciousness like a spear. The dead in the red hall.

You know what justice should be? You should be dead.

Kyrahn flinched as though struck. Justice for what? What did he do? Why did he keep having that dream? And why did this… overwhelming feeling of shame wash over him? He felt as though he had gotten away with something he should not have done, but he did not know why.

A pang of self-hatred needled into his heart. He must have been shaking, because Jackie spoke to him then.

“You ok?” Jackie asked him.

At that moment, one of the healers opened the hospital door, and a rather disgruntled Derick stumbled out. He gave Kyrahn a rude gesture before stomping his way down the hall.

“Next!” A healer spoke, and Jackie was gone.

The teasing stopped, but Jackie couldn’t be bothered to speak to him in public. Kyrahn supposed it was because he was afraid of losing status with his friends. He didn’t blame him for that.

Besides, poking fun at him was bound to get old eventually. Kyrahn relished the silence that followed, and he was back to being treated as he was after he had woken up and assimilated into their society: completely ignored.

At least, that’s what he thought, until the whispering started.

Occasionally, as he was making his way between classes and prayer sessions, he would hear some of his peers murmuring in the halls. This normally wouldn’t be of importance to him if he didn’t hear something that sounded distinctly like his name among their hushed voices as he passed. They always grew silent when they saw him.

Sometimes, he would intentionally hide behind a corner to hear if passer-bys were talking about him. More often than not, he was just wasting his time. He’d hear gossip about this girl or that, some reports about murlocs or brigands,  or general how’s-the-weather talk he had come to loathe about social types.

But some days, he would get lucky.

He heard several voices, mostly women, talking as they made their way back from the dining hall.

“I heard that Janice has the power to erase memories.”

“Really? I didn’t think the Light could do something like that.”

“It can’t! But I hear some terrible things about shadow-magics. You think she might be dabbling in dark arts!?”

“That’s possible. She’s pretty creepy and weird.”

“Anyway, I heard she did it to Kyrahn.”

“Wot, the eunuch?”

“Yeah! I heard he was some kind of trial run for her. An experiment.”

“That explains how strange he is. Poor guy must have his head all empty and blank.”

“But get this. Get this. I heard she did it because he’s some kind of criminal. Some of the boys say he talks in his sleep, says some rather alarming things.”

“Like what?”

“Like… things that sound like ‘are you dead’ and ‘did I kill you?’ Usually stuff about something or someone being dead. It’s like he’s fixated on it, or something.”

“He must have not had his memories wiped, after all.”

“How do you guys even know if any of this is true? I don’t see anyone asking him what he thinks."

The voices came louder as they neared the hall where Kyrahn was standing, listening. He stood until he could not wait any longer before he quickly walked away, hopefully in time for them to turn the corner and see no one there.

When he was safely out of sight, a flurry of emotions welled up inside him. He felt confused, betrayed, and disturbed. Was Janice really the reason he had memory loss, or were these just the theories of bored gossipers? Did he really talk about death in his sleep?

Was he some kind of killer?

[allson243]

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: REUNITED PART 2 (FANFIC)

"Lately, I've been, I've been thinking

I want you to be happier, I want you to be happier

So I'll go, I'll go

I will go, go, go~" Jedediah & Octavius finishes singing Happier by Bastille & Marshmello.

"WOAHH!" The crowd cheered at the miniatures karaoke performance.

"Great singing guys! That was amazing!" Larry compliments the cowboy & Roman soldier.

"I thank you" Octavius smiles.

"Thanks , Gigantor!" Jededaiah waves.

"You should sing my darling , I would love to hear your voice" Teddy said as he kisses Sacagawea's hand.

"I guess I can perform a song" Sacagawea blushes as she makes her way in the center of the crowd with the microphone in her hand. Ankmenrah was in charge of the music & turned on This Is Me by Keala Settle.

Sacagawea closes her eyes & began to sing.

"I am not a stranger to the dark

Hide away, they say

'Cause we don't want your broken parts

I've learned to be ashamed of all my scars

Run away, they say

No one'll love you as you are

But I won't let them break me down to dust

I know that there's a place for us

For we are glorious

When the sharpest words wanna cut me down

I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drown them out

I am brave, I am bruised

I am who I'm meant to be, this is me

Look out 'cause here I come

And I'm marching on to the beat I drum

I'm not scared to be seen

I make no apologies, this is me

Oh-oh-oh-oh

Oh-oh-oh-oh

Oh-oh-oh-oh

Oh-oh-oh-oh

Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh, oh

Another round of bullets hits my skin

Well, fire away 'cause today, I won't let the shame sink in

We are bursting through the barricades and

Reaching for the sun (we are warriors)

Yeah, that's what we've become (yeah, that's what we've become)

I won't let them break me down to dust

I know that there's a place for us

For we are glorious

When the sharpest words wanna cut me down

I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drown them out

I am brave, I am bruised

I am who I'm meant to be, this is me

Look out 'cause here I come

And I'm marching on to the beat I drum

I'm not scared to be seen

I make no apologies, this is me

Oh-oh-oh-oh

Oh-oh-oh-oh

Oh-oh-oh-oh

Oh-oh-oh-oh

Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh, oh

This is me

and I know that I deserve your love

(Oh-oh-oh-oh) 'cause there's nothing I'm not worthy of

(Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh, oh)

When the sharpest words wanna cut me down

I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drown them out. This is brave, this is proof

This is who I'm meant to be, this is me

Look out 'cause here I come (look out 'cause here I come)

And I'm marching on to the beat I drum (marching on, marching, marching on)

I'm not scared to be seen

I make no apologies, this is me

When the sharpest words wanna cut me down. I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drown them out. I'm gonna send a flood

Gonna drown them out

Oh , this is me~"

The crowd cheered loudly & Teddy was in shock but also he of course enjoyed his lover's singing , it was fantastic.

"You sounded beautiful my dear!"

Teddy kisses her cheek.

"Thank you , Teddy!"

Sacagawea smiles widely and kisses her lover back.

"More Microphones coming up! & Who wants to go next?" Lancelot asked & turns toward Larry with a smirk. "How bout' you dangly bells?"

"Nah , I'm good. You guys can have fun–"

"Then what's the point in being here? Come on!" Lancelot hands Larry the Microphone.

"O-Okay...I guess...I'm not good at singing but I'll do it for you guys"

The music began and in Larry's head was like hey , I know this song...

Well , here goes nothing...

"D-Do you ever feel like a plastic bag

Drifting through the wind

Wanting to start again...."

Great, now I'm in my feelings...

I can totally relate to the plastic bags I see out on the streets...

But Larry continues "D-Do you ever feel, feel so paper thin

Like a house of cards

One blow from caving in

Do you ever feel already buried deep

Six feet under scream

But no one seems to hear a thing..."

"Do you know that there's still a chance for you

'Cause there's a spark in you" His son joins in too.

"You just gotta ignite the light

And let it shine

Just own the night

Like the Fourth of July~!" Lancelot comes in with another Mic along with Jedediah & Octavius singing the next line.

"Cause baby you're a firework

Come on show 'em what your worth

Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!"

As you shoot across the sky-y-y!"

"Baby you're a firework

Come on let your colors burst

Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!"

You're gonna leave 'em fallin' down down down!" Lancelot smiles & looks over at Octavius.

Octavius smiles back & waves at the knight as Jedediah crosses his arms looking away from the two interacting.

Tilly comes in to sing with them as well "Boom, boom, boom

Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon

It's always been inside of you, you, you

And now it's time to let it through!"

Lancelot kneels down beside the table the miniature men stood & sang , looking at Octavius "Cause baby you're a firework

Come on show 'em what your worth

Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!"

As you shoot across the sky-y-y!"

Octavius blushes slightly causing Jedediah to look at them in disgust.

Oh yeah , Lance slot?

Jed turned his best friend facing him & sang "Baby you're a firework

Come on let your colors burst

Make 'em go Oh, oh, oh!"

"You're gonna leave 'em fallin' down down down~" Octavius sang back as he & Jed made eye contact. Jedediah stared back enjoying the moment with his best friend.

"Boom, boom, boom!" Attila & Laaa sang.

"Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon" Tilly sang as she stroked Laaa's hair.

"Boom, boom, boom!" Laaa along with Attila sang again.

"Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon" Larry & Nick finished the last line before everyone clapped their hands & cheered loudly.

The president jumps onto his horse along & shouted "Can I have everyone's attention before we go back to our places? Thank you! I would like to thank our previous night guard, most of all, our dearest friend Larry Daley & his son Nick Daley for visiting us after seven years! We are all happy to see you two again , really!"

"I am also happy to see all of you again. I'm glad we had this kind of night toget–" Larry started coughing but just for a couple of seconds before finishing "Y-Yeah , I'm happy to be here tonight with all of you!"

Nick found it strange how his Dad has been feeling about his health. He notices that he's been coughing & had chest pain earlier. If it seems to get out of hand , Nick will have to confront his Dad to see a doctor. Right now, his Dad is just saying I'm fine & won't admit he's not feeling well.

Everyone was getting to their places before sunrise. Teddy kisses Sacagawea before she heads back to her display.

Before Jedediah can go to his display , he felt a hand grab his shoulder. "Hey Jedediah?" It was Octavius.

"Hey , What is it?" Jedediah asked.

"You okay?"

"O-Of course! Why wouldn't I be?" Jed smiles nervously.

"Y-You seem to be very...I don't know...jealous? When me & Lance are together" Octavius frowned.

Ohhh , right....

"I'm not jealous" The cowboy denies. It was a lie though , Jededaiah was jealous but doesn't want to admit it.

"Oh okay then. I'll see you later tonight" Octavius & Jedediah chest bump each other before leaving to their displays.

"Hey Larry?" Ankmenrah came up to him.

"Oh , hey Ank , need anything before you go?" Larry asked.

"I just wanted to say how it was a delight to see you again. I'm glad you came to see us tonight. One of the best nights we've ever had in so long" Ank smiled.

"I'm glad I came too. Me & Nick were very busy & we didn't have any free time as much. But it's good to see you Ank. How are things going back in London?" Larry had to ask.

"Wonderful!" Ankmenrah said cheerfully.

"That's good to hear. Alright , I'll see ya" Larry patted Ank on the shoulders before walking to Teddy.

"Tonight has been wonderful , Lawrence. Glad you could be here with us" Teddy & his horse makes his way to their spot.

Larry started feeling light-headed & grabs onto the president's saddle.

"Oh dear , are you okay my son?" Teddy asked worriedly.

"Y-Yeah, I'm okay & uh...I'm glad I came" Larry formed a smile.

"Great! Well, Lawrence, sunrise is here , welcome back!" Teddy smiles as he pulls out his sword as the sun had set.

"Thanks Ted" Larry smiles.

"Hey Dad? Ready?" Nick asked.

"Yeah , lets go home" Larry & his son walks towards the main entrance by Tilly.

"See you again tonight Mr. Daley?" Tilly asked.

"Yes! I'll come again!" Larry said before he and Nick walks out the museum & down the steps.

"Hey Dad?" Nick started.

"Yes?" Larry looks at his son.

"Are you okay? You seem to be sick. Is there anything I can do for you?"

"I'm fine Nicky. Don't worry about me. Besides , I will let you know if there's anything. I think I just need some rest"

"Did you talk to your Boss?" Nick asked.

"Not yet. I'll call him when I get home"

Later after Nick goes off to work...

Larry is now back at home. In bed , feeling more ill & tired. Due to his health right now, he called the school to let them know he wasn't coming.

Larry began to cough again. It was more of a violent cough that made him cough blood onto tissue. It was a lot of blood that not all of it stayed on the tissue.

"Oh no"