#we'll see if it makes it past the bullet point stage

[spacedlexi]

oh nooo i really need to finish this fuckin fic already im getting ideas for a new one

[nattyontherun]

More On To Oblivion:

hi-ho, can't sleep so since i've posted the fic already, short as it is right now, i thought hey! lemme just do some explaining for why the fuck it's the way it is?? that way i make my job less hard with the writer-y bits!

(i can't sleep so i'm talking,,,, shhh i didn't say that)

On the Rating:

thinking of changing that, actually . next chapter, so ch3, will be more of the same - build up for the plot at large which is, ngl, a wee bit more complicated than i thought it would be in writing ch1. i don't have a hard and fast, bullet pointed skeleton for every chapter but i've got a very generalized outline of things i want happening... and the fic being rated for Teens feels lacking. no it absolutely is lacking.

would it be disingenuous to leave it at T until the plot changes up enough to warrant a level up? or should i change the rating now and leave everyone to wonder at my justification as the fic (very slowly, UGH) progresses? questions, questions and no answers in sight as yet.

the cast!

unlike in HF where we really did just have like, two MAIN main characters in shisui and sasuke, to oblivion has an ensemble cast🙏 the taggings are listed in order of both how much of the character we'll see in-fic and how much we'll focus on them. where HF was all about growth and healing with minimal outside interference, this fic is... well it has a plot🥹

in one of those oneshots i wrote after HF, there's this scene where shisui rants up a storm at sasuke about konoha, how rotten it can get yk? just, having to live in the village knowing that the truth of your family's murder has been suppressed to keep the peace - when the "peace" used to justify that extermination didn't even last more than a handful of years. this fic directly confronts that. actually, it's specifically because every single character engages in the village whether as the leader, in kks' case, or as proponents to its growth and success post-war, its kind of a necessity that everybody has an opinion about what goes on yk?

i feel like ppl who came into the fic expecting romance and fucking are gonna be disappointed by that sjshsjshshsh there's gonna be SOME of that, but very minimally, and right at the end lmao. fic subscribes to the idea that there is no room for personal growth within self and relationships in an environment in perpetual turmoil lmao

the polycule 💃

it's still happened lmaooooo, like i just get crazier about the idea the more i sit with it! though, i forgot to say in the AN, and i'm too much of a sleepy cat to go back and edit it in, but i meant to mention that kakashisasu(???!!!ship name???!!!) isn't gonna be like a right angle. like... the dots connect in all directions despite how things are playing out rn! 🙏

i will say, however, that development for each relationship on a personal, one on one level, is different between each pairing because yk, they enter the story in different stages of their lives with different agendas and opinions abt each other. kkss are halfway in love already, but kkshs probably need to fight it out for another several dozen chapters before they can even stand to look each other in the eye without wanting to kill smth and that's not even touching shsasu who haven't!! even!! met up yet!!! (gawd what did i get myself into?? lmao😭)

the timeline

woof. the timeline! WOOF! HF had the benefit of sticking incredibly close to just one stream of happenings in a very linear format,,,, to oblivion? not so much. the past, whether it's ten years ago, during the fourth war or even just prior to the fic happening is AS important to the story as the story itself, unfolding. if i decided to tell this fic in a linear fashion, a, it would be very boring and retrace too much of canon and b, it would be very LONG. like staggeringly long, enough that i'd probably tire of writing the fic long before i even reached where we are right now in the fic - there is SO MUCH yet to uncover

what i will say is that canon largely stays the same except for some staple fanons of mine, some seen in HF, and others very specifically for this AU. for the obvs staples, there's madara is final baddie and no VOTE2 so no losing arms for either of my babies - god forbid. the major deviation from HF is that i've reduced how debilitating Ssk's mental health issues (if you will) can be in presenting themselves, though we do have some of it cropping up within the fic if you're the type who reads very line by line. there's also, ofc, the fact that shisui has been ALIVE for all this time - but i'll save all the explaining for that to shisui when the time is appropriate.

but yes, it's because the past matters SO MUCH for how this fic develops that i really saw no other way to progress with it than mixing everything up. and i do mean EVERYTHING. what i will say is that there are certain periods where we can kinda cluster scenes together to form an idea of how all this shit is happening only Now.

war/between canon era: so far we only got one scene from here, from ch2

pre-tribunal, post-war - a LOT of scenes fall here, so it's broken up even further into two periods: 1. while sasuke is incarcerated post 4th war and 2. after he's left incarceration but before the tribunal (ch1 has a LOT of afterward scenes, in particular)

pre-massacre: these scenes will tend to be more kkshs focused so happy hunting for when there's more of them!

pre-trial, present day after shisui appears: this is the main storyline and will be the easiest to follow, go figure!

pre-trial, immediately post-tribunal: i've only written perhaps a scene or two(?) from this period, i don't see it cropping up as much as the others because it's only there specifically for relationship and character building. i'm squeezing a lot of post-canon pre-fic character development in to explain away why some of our faves may be acting a wee ooc, and i can't begin to explain how consequential the tribunal is, personally and politically for all of team seven oh lawd😭

i can't stress enough that i drafted much of the bedrock of this fic immediately after HF,,,, but while my intention (heh, hehe) (translate what the characters before "to oblivion" stand for, okay, its funny i swear!) remains the same as what it was then, my focus has become more... hm, exacting. sharpened.

writing is an inherently personal affair, i think. to write is to put meaning to the thoughts that swim around your head, whether that's by poetry or prose, through the guise of imagery or character work. i write fic because i like writing fic, and wanna be able to read work that satisfies me personally. i've got an itch in my brain and to oblivion has become, essentially, an outlet for my thought process. so if there's anything you find in it that speaks of a very particular kinda way of thinking, shall we say, keep poking at it. i very much am having a conversation with you.

and that's a wrap, i have a shift in seven hours and i desperately need sleep sjsjsshhsshsh

[lokis-army-77]

If You Please

Chapter six

Bucky Barnes x Reader

Word Count: 3280

I'm bad at writing descriptions, so this is basically a reader insert into The First Avenger and then we'll see how it goes from there.

Warnings: Canon typical violence

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Masterlist

It had been almost five months since I had left for London. Five months without Steve and nearly six without Bucky. I knew Steve had been traveling the country doing musical numbers to help sell war bonds, something I would have to tease him about later. He was here in the camp today and I had plans to go visit him when I was finished with my work. Peggy and I had been gathering intel on the movements of HYDRA, and there were signs that Dr. Zola had been using American POWs as experiments for his own super-soldier serum. We had arrived in Northern Italy about two weeks ago, there was a Hydra base a few hours away that we were keeping an eye on. We had reason to believe that Zola had moved to the base some time ago.

I was sitting at my desk scanning through some files when Peggy burst through the tent and into the makeshift office. I looked up at her questioningly. “You aren’t going to like this,” she said and handed me a small yellow telegram. I opened it and quickly read the contents.

107th infantry captured by HYDRA. Heavy casualties. Azzano, Italy.

I felt time stop as I read and reread those few words. Bucky was in the 107th. I quickly sprung to my feet and headed for the tent opening. Before I could cross the threshold Peggy grabbed my arm. “Let go of me Carter, I have to go save him,” I said, yanking my arm away, with little to no effort.

“Would you stop for a second?” She grabbed my arm again. “You can’t go rushing into this, you need to think carefully. You can’t just waltz into a HYDRA base by yourself, it's madness.”

“Yes, I can. Now let go of me.” I yanked my arm out of her hold and reached over to the coat rack next to the opening of the tent and grabbed my jacket. It had started raining an hour ago and the dirt paths had become small pools of mud but I didn’t care. I ran quickly through the rain toward the stage on the other side of the camp, Peggy right on my tail. The mud made it harder to run as fast as I wanted to, I had almost fallen twice. When I made it to the stage no one was in sight. I jogged around to the back and looked all over until I saw Steve in a corner with his sketchbook in hand.

“Steve,” I called out, quickly making my way to him. He looked up from his sketch and smiled at me.

“Hey Kid, I didn’t know you were here. It's good to see you.” he walked toward me and gave me a hug, which I returned but abruptly pulled away. He gave me a concerned look when I stepped back. “What's the matter? You usually like my hugs.”

“Steve now really isn’t the time for hugs. We just received a telegram, Bucky's regiment has been captured by HYDRA. I’m not sure if he was captured with them but if he was I’m going to get him and I need you with me.” I watched as his eyebrows furrowed. His face contorted with emotions. He grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the stage tent and soon we were running to Colonel Philip's tent.

Steve barreled into the tent and went up to Colonel Philips. “I need to see the casualties list from Azzano.”

The Colonel looked up from his desk and shook his head at Steve. “You don’t get to give me orders boy. Now go on,” he said and started to go back to what he was doing.

“I just need one name, Sir. Sergeant James Barnes of the 107th.”

Colonel Phillips' eyes widened a bit and he looked at Peggy and me. “I’m going to have a conversation with you two that you won't enjoy,” he scolded and shook his pen at us.

I stepped forward to be beside Steve. “Sir, we just want to know if he’s alive,” I pleaded.

“His name is B-A-R-” Steve started to spell off Bucky’s last name.

“I can spell,” He spat sarcastically. He got up from his chair and paced to the table behind him. Holding up a handful of letters he stopped. “I have signed more of these condolence letters today than I care to admit. I'm sorry for both of you but the name does sound familiar.” I took in a small gasp of air and my face fell.

“What about the prisoners? Are you planning to rescue them?” Steve asked with more concern in his voice.

“The plan’s called winning the war.” Philips quipped out.

“But Sir. If you know where they are why” Steve was cut off.

“They’re thirty miles behind the lines. Through some of the most heavily fortified territory in Europe. We’d lose more men than we’d save. I don’t expect you to understand that, because you are a chorus girl.” A thick silence could be felt when Philips stopped talking.

“I understand it just fine Sir,” Steve said in contempt.

“Then I suggest you get going. From what I understand, you have somewhere to be in the next 30 minutes.”Colonel Philips said as he walked off.

“Yes Sir, I do,” Steve replied and stormed out of the tent. I looked past where he had been standing and looked at the map that was off to the side and realized that Steve had seen where the HYDRA base was pinpointed. I ran out after him.

I caught up to him in the backstage tent where he was packing up a bag. I started to grab some of his things and helped. Peggy arrived frantically minutes later. “Are you both planning to walk to Austria?” She asked.

“Yes, If that's what it takes to save him,” I stated.

“You heard the Colonel. Your friend is most likely dead, there’s no point.”

“You don't know that.” Steve countered.

“But you can’t go, The colonel's devising a strategy, if he finds out what,” Peggy starts but Steve cuts her off.

“It will be too late if we wait around for us to win the war, I need to go now.” He grabbed his bag and headed out to one of the jeeps. I stayed behind after spotting a rack with helmets on them. I rushed over and took one with an A painted onto it and then made my way to the jeep as well. I hoisted myself up and into the passenger seat as Steve finished talking with Peggy and she climbed into the back seat. He turned to me and shook his head. “No, get out. It’s too dangerous.”

“I will not. Don't forget we took the same serum, I’m stronger than I look. I can handle it.”

“I said no. I will not be putting you in this type of situation. Even if Bucky is our friend you can't risk your life like this.”

“What and you can? He’s my fiancé and I am coming with you to get him whether you like it or not! Now drive!” I yelled angrily, crossing my arms and turning away from him. I was so angry that I hadn't even noticed what I had let slip.

“Did you just say, fiancé?” I remained silent. I wouldn't talk to him until he calmed down and drove. He sighed and turned the key when he realized that I wouldn't break.

Peggy directed Steve to the makeshift airport a few miles out from the camp. She had made a call to Howard Stark to have a plane ready for us when we arrived. I kept quiet the whole ride, still upset that Steve thought he could keep me from coming. He tried to ask about Bucky and I’s relationship several more times before we reached our destination but I remained silent.

It was dark by the time we arrived at the airport. Before Steve even stopped the jeep I was already jumping out of the front seat, helmet in hand, and heading to the plane that was waiting on the dirt runway. We found Howard sitting in the pilot's seat smiling over his shoulder at us.

“Thanks for your help Stark, I can always count on you,” I said as I took a seat in the copilot's chair. I looked behind me as Peggy shut the plane door and took a seat in front of Steve in the cabin.

“Now what kind of friend would I be if I didn’t fly you into enemy territory in the middle of the night?” He laughed out, patting my left shoulder. I shook my head and grabbed the set of headphones off the dash and slid them on as Howard started the plane down the runway. When we were up in the air. He spoke again, this time to everyone. “We should be able to get you both right at their doorstep.”

Steve looked up from his hands and called out, “Just get as close as you can.” He then went back to his conversation with Peggy.

I looked over at Howard, who was flipping a few switches. “You know, we're all going to be in some deep shit when this is over and done with. I’m so not looking forward to the very long and stern talking to from Coronel Phillips.”

“Oh don’t worry, he’ll get over it. Especially if you bring back the soldiers and destroy the base. And technically I’m not here, so unless you can give him proof that I'm flying, I’m still in my private lab.”

“You always have a plan to get out of trouble don’t you Stark?” I questioned.

“Mostly,” he replied. Some time passed before he called out, “We’ll be over the drop zone in ten.”

I gave an assertive nod and took my headphones off and placed them back on the dash. Then I grabbed the helmet from beside my feet and secured it on my head.

“Also took the liberty of bringing a couple pistols and ammo for you, Peggy said you didn't have time to gather any supplies.”

I gave him a quick “Thank you” and stood from my seat and went to sit beside Peggy. She handed me the second parachute and I quickly put it on. I reached over to where two pistols in a belt holster were laid out on the seat and brought them closer to me. I undid the clasp that held the belt together and brought it around my waist. I looped the strap through the metal frame and pulled it taught. “I’m all ready,” I reported to nobody in particular.

“Okay then, Here’s the transponder, you’ll need to activate it when you’re ready. It will let us know your location,” Peggy said while handing a small almost palm-sized black box over to Steve. He turned it around in his hands for a second before he called out to Howard to ask if it worked.

“It’s been tested more than the both of you, it should,” Howard called back.

Then out of nowhere we were being shot at. We weren’t even five minutes away from the drop site. Howard started dodging bullets, making the plane shake from the harsh movements. Steve suddenly got up and threw the cabin door open. A strong gust of wind went through the plane, knocking me back into my seat.

“Stop, We're taking you all the way in!” yelled Peggy as Steve got ready to jump out.

“As soon as I'm clear, turn around and get the hell out of here!” he yelled back at her. I started to make my way over to the open door when Howard made another sharp jerk, I braced myself with my feet spread and my hands pressed to the top of the plane.

“You can't give me orders,” Peggy called out over the wind.

Steve just shook his head and said “Yes I can, I'm a captain.” Then he jumped out into the gunfire. I stepped closer to the door and took a deep breath.

“Be careful and don’t die.” Peggy gave me a pat on the back and then I jumped.

I closed my eyes and could hear the wind rushing past my ears. I could feel how cold it was on my face. I let out the breath I was holding then pulled the string to deploy my shute. The wind caught in it and I jerked up. This time Instead of free-falling I was floating down rather peacefully, considering that there were guns being fired in my general direction, but that didn’t last long. The shots followed the plane as it flew further away. I spotted Steve as he descended into a small clearing in the dense forest and maneuvered my parachute to follow. I put my legs out in front of me as I got closer and closer to the ground to get ready to catch myself.

When my feet hit the ground, I leaned back so my momentum wouldn’t flip me head over tails. I skidded to a stop and hastily unclipped my parachute from my back and stood up. Steve motioned for me to follow him into the tree line, and I did.

We walked for almost five minutes when we came upon the outside fence of the HYDRA base. It was crawling with guards walking the grounds. I ducked down behind a tree as several large trucks drove up the dirt road beside us.

I looked to Steve and whispered, “What are we gonna do now?” I saw Steve eye the last truck in the line.

“I’ve got a plan. Follow me.” He slowly got up from his crouched position and ran to catch up with the last truck, jumping into the back. I followed closely behind him and jumped into the back a moment later, landing headfirst into Steve's back.

“Ow, you couldn’t have gotten out of the way?” I fussed as I readjusted the helmet on my head.

“How was I supposed to know you’d come barreling in straight into my spine. I'm the one that should be saying ow.” He argued back. I pushed him out of my way and looked around, my eyes soon landed on the two HYDRA guards sitting at the other end of the truck.

“Uh, hi,” I mumbled. Then within a second, they were both up out of their seats reaching for Steve and me. One of them put their hand on my left shoulder and I grabbed it with my right hand and twisted. I kneed him between his legs when he fell to the ground I gave him a good kick to the head, knocking him out. Reaching down, I grabbed him by the collar and threw him out onto the road along with the guard that Steve had taken down.

I heard talking as the truck drove through the gates of the base. I felt us slowing down and pretty soon the truck jerked into reverse. We both waited in silence to see what was going to happen. I heard some footsteps coming closer to us. Steve, also hearing them, moved over to where the tarp-covered the back of the truck and positioned this shield in front of him. A guard lifted the tarp up and Steve swiftly took the guard out by hitting him with the shield. I came up beside him and stuck my head out and looked both ways, making sure no one would see us leaving the truck.

“This way,” I whispered as I jumped from the back of the truck. “I know where they probably keep the prisoners.” We headed out into the large open yard where several vehicles were being kept. Carefully maneuvering past stationary and moving guards we made our way to the back of the main building. “They’ll be keeping them in the lower levels. There should be several staircases leading to the main basement level out here, we just need to find one.” I said over my shoulder to Steve who was directly behind me.

It took no time at all to find one of the staircases and descend into the darkness. I spotted a door at the bottom of the stairs and went to open it but it was locked. I looked over to Steve who moved in front of me to look through the window of the door. He tapped on it twice and when the door was opened by a guard he slammed it onto the man's head. The man fell to the ground unconscious and I nimbly slipped over him and through the door. Reaching to my right thigh I grabbed the pistol out of the holster. They were only to be used as a last resort, but with this building being as big as it was, there was no telling what trouble we would run into.

Steve took the lead onto the large factory floor. We passed hundreds of what I assumed to be nuclear bombs, which were in various stages of development. I couldn't believe my eyes. HYDRA had been able to make multiple high-tech bombs and back in the states, the Manhattan Project was still ongoing. We kept walking until an unmanned workbench came into sight. There was a glowing circular ring on the table, surrounded by what seemed to be high-tech hand grenades. Steve and I both grabbed one, looked at it, and then shoved them in our pockets.

“Steve, I think the entrance to the basement cells is this way,” I whispered, pointing over to a set of stairs a few feet away from us. We sprinted to them and started down. After making it down three flights the stairwell opened up to a large dark room with bared holes in the floor. “This is where they are being kept. There’s one guard in here, so you take him and I’ll go down to the next floor.” Steve nodded. Slowly he crept up behind the guard and I turned to go down to the next floor where the cells were located. I heard the guard fall and the jingle of keys as Steve took the guard out.

“Throw the keys down and I’ll start unlocking the cells,” I called out and jogged down the line of cells to where Steve stood, staring down through the bars. He tossed the keys down to one of the men and they handed them to me after I put my pistol back in its holster. I unlocked a few of the doors before I took the other keys off the chain and handed them out to some of the soldiers so they could help free the others faster. When they were all out of the cells I made my way to where Steve was.

“Is there anyone else? We’re looking for a Sergeant James Barnes.” Steve questioned the men around him.

The one in a red beret spoke up, “There’s an isolation ward somewhere here in the factory, but no one has ever come back from it.”

“Okay men, the tree line is northwest, about 80 yards past the gates, after that follow the creek to the clearing. You need to get out fast. We will meet you there when we get everyone we can find out,” I order out to the group of men.

“Do either of you know what you’re doing?” asked one of the men at the front.

“Sure we do, I’ve knocked Adolf Hitler out over 200 times.” Steve started then turned to run back to the stairs and I followed suit.

Tag list:

@ginger-swag-rapunzel

@underc0vercryptid-reads

[stardancerluv]

Roman’s Rough Day

This was written specifically for @theblackmaskclub Enjoy!

One shot here.

Warning: Smut. Semi exhibitionism, regular sex, breath!play, teasing, Roman gets shot, Language.

Gazing, into the mirror you were making sure your hair and make-up was just right. Despite, your concern from not hearing from Roman all day, you still had to preform tonight. You were on edge. He had not called you back or even sent a text message. That was unlike him, especially when he had an important meeting.

When, all of a sudden Zsasz came into your dressing room.

“Zsasz, excuse you.” Turning, you were taken a back. You leaned against your dressing table arms crossed. Annoyance, running through you. “This is my private dressing room, you of all should know that.”

He rolled his eyes, “Listen, Songbird.”

“I have a name. Only Roman can call me Songbird.”

He gave you a look.

“Alright, what?” You and Zsasz had always been politely distant to each other. He thought you made “boss” weak and he was not afraid to let know that.

“Roman, got shot.” He said flatly.

“What?” You felt as if one of his knives struck you in the heart. You stood up, uncrossing your arms. “Is he ok? Where is he?”

“He’s ok. It was a mere flesh wound.”

“And...”

“I, he didn’t want you to practically pounce him when you see him.”

Now, you were the only who rolled your eyes. “I am not a child, if I see that something is wrong with Roman, I can curb myself.”

“Alright. Well, he’ll be down shortly.” He eyed you. “The show must go on.”

You took a deep breath. “Yes.”

He opened the door, he made a wide sweeping gesture. “After you.”

“I’m not...oh never mind.” You walked past him. You were shook to the core knowing something happened to Roman. You tried to see if you could see him in the crowd, but be was nowhere to be seen.

After making your way to the stage, you briefly spoke with the piano player and discussed the line up. You’d sing songs you knew Roman liked.

As you walked up to the microphone, you inhaled deeply. A hush came over the club then the spotlights illuminated you as you grabbed the microphone.

*****

Resting his elbow on the door of the Bentley, Roman was confident that he did not like this guy. He was never fond of this part of Gotham. It was dirty and it smelled worse then his territory on the docks.

It was slaughterhouse row. All the meat that fed Gotham and Metropolis for that matter was slaughtered there.

Even with the windows closed he could already smell the putrid smells that filled the area. He took out his handkerchief and held it to his nose. He smiled.

He was remembering this morning, he had watched a smile spread across your face as he had come over to you. He had tilted your face up to press a kiss against your soft lips. He promised you, lhe would be back at the club before you sang tonight.

Perhaps, he’d stop and get you flowers or something, you had dropped enough hints that sometimes boyfriends gave their girlfriends something simple like that. He didn’t like things simple but if you liked it, he would try.

“Boss, you ready?” Zsasz asked.

Just then he realized they had arrived. “Yeah! As much as I am going to be.” He tucked the handkerchief back into his suit-jacket’s breast pocket.

He took his gun out, he made sure all the parts were working and that it was loaded made sure it was loaded. This kind of meeting that guns were needed. He liked meetings on his own terms, this one wasn’t.

Zsasz, sounding incredibly bored, reminded him of what was going to happen. “It’s supposed to be just one of Harvey’s lower level men.”

“Zsasz , I know....Blah, blah...”

“....who had thought we could talk about getting protection for this.”

“Blah, blah...” He rolled his eyes. “This better go fucking smoothly.”

“We’ll handle them either way.” Zsasz commented confidently.

��Harvey, knows better then to fuck with me, you.”

Zsasz then got out of the car, Roman waited till be gave the all clear. He grimaced. There was not a soul around.

“Are we supposed to go in there?” He pointed to the door.

The double metal doors slid open. A figure came into view. “Roman Sionis?” Hollered the person.

“Is that Sammy the Fly.” Roman asked Zsasz quietly. He had been in no mood to have this meeting.

“Yeah.”

“Sammy! How good to see you!” Roman shouted back.

A bullet whizzed by his head and hit the pavement. “What the fuck!” He screamed. He pulled out his gun and ducked down. Seeing someone finally, he shot at them.

“We’re going to take you out Sionis!”

“Not today!”

He lined up Sammy the Fly, and pulled the trigger. He went down. Opening the car door, he looked around. “Get the fuck down and stay down.” He screamed at his driver.

Turning back to , “we gotta clear fucking building.” Zsasz, remarked. “The intel tells us there are ten of them.” He saw, as he took down two more men. He crept from behind the car door, and got a few more of himself. “We’re getting these assholes.”

That’s when he was slammed to the ground, a scream was torn from his lips. An image of you flashed before his eyes.

Zsass, got two more then, everything grew silent. From the ground, he looked around.

“What the fuck?” He finally screamed. Zsass, was immediately helping him up. As he sat up, he saw that blood came from a slice on his upper arm. “One of them got me!”

Zsass practically grabbed, pulled him into the car. “Get us to the fucking doctor.”

“There is going to be fucking blood for this.” He promised.

*****

Roman, glared at the floor before him. “Hey! Stop tugging that hard, it fucking hurts.” He snapped as the doctor, who sewed him up. He turned to Zsasz, “You break it to Y/N when we get back to the club. I am changing out of this fucking suit before I come downstairs.”

“Sure boss.”

“No one can see me like this. I can’t appear weak.”

He barked a laugh when he saw that Harvey had left him a voicemail. He held it to his ear.

He pulled it way. He smirked. “Looks like Harvey wants to talk.” He chuckled. Scrolling he saw your messages and swallowed he had hated not calling you back but you were a good girl you would understand.

*****

You let the piano’s melody run through you and let your voice work it’s magic. Despite being filled with concerned, you were putting on a fantastic performance.

“Come fly with me, let's fly, let's fly away...If you can use some exotic booze...There's a bar in far Bombay...Come fly with me, let's fly, let's fly away....”

You almost stopped right there when you saw Roman walking over to the stage. Your heart skipped a beat.

“Come fly with me, let's float down to Peru...In llama-land there's a one-man band...And he'll toot his flute for you..Come fly with me, let's take off in the blue...”

He drew closer and closer still as you sang. You began to sing solely to him.

“Once I get you up there...Where the air is rarefied...We'll just glide...Starry-eyed...Once I get you up there....I'll be holding you so near...You may hear...Angels cheer, 'cause we're together....”

You could distinctly see a wide smile spread across his face. He looked at you over the top of his tinted shades at you.

“Weather-wise, it's such a lovely day...Just say the words and we'll beat the bird...Down to Acapulco Bay...It is perfect for a flying honeymoon, they say...Come fly with me, let's fly, let's fly away...”

If only you two could disappear. You needed to know what happened. Your mind clouded with worry. Your heart raced looking at him. Though you would finish the final hour.

“Once I get you up there...Where the air is rarefied...We'll just glide...Starry-eyed...Once I get you up there...I'll be holding you so near...You may hear...Angels cheer, 'cause we're together...”

You watched as his lips curled into a smirk. It made you wonder what he had up his sleeve.

“Weather-wise, it's such a lovely day...You just say the words and we'll beat the birds...Down to Acapulco Bay...It's perfect for a flying honeymoon, they say...Come fly with me, let's fly let's fly...Pack up let's fly away....”

People were cheering and clapping as you finished the song. You sang to not feel the anguish at the idea of him being wounded. You watched as Roman turned to the people in the club. They all grew silent.

“Wooooo...” He gave a call of excitement. He started clapping. ”Let’s hear it again for my little song bird tonight!” People cheered and clapped. He turned back to you, offering a hand. You happily took it and climbed down from the stage. “Tonight, our song bird will be taking flight early but she will be back in a few days time.” He addressed the club.

More cheers filled the club. With a twirl of his finger, you could hear him groan softly as he did and the piano began playing a lively tune.

Holding your hand, people moved so the two of you could easily make it to wherever, you walked. “We’re going up to the penthouse.” He told you, in a determined tone so only you heard it. He pushed the button, and you waited. Since Roman, yourself and Zsasz were the only ones who used it, you didn’t have to wait long.

It dinged and your heart practically felt like it would leap out of your chest as you both walked in. That’s when you saw a fairly large bouquet waiting in there. You gasped and looked at Roman. “Roman!” You exclaimed.

He smiled and unbuttoned his suit jacket. He sighed and leaned against the wall beside the buttons in elevator. You scooped up the bouquet. “Do you like baby?” He looked pale now that you were away from the lights in the club.

“I love them.” You inhaled deeply. “They are amazing.” The doors, swung open and you followed him out. He went and sunk into his chair that sat near a very large table. He took off his tinted glasses.

The sight of the table still gave you butterflies when you would look at it. That first night neither of you could wait to get to his bed. You shifted onto it and he had climbed over you.

You hopped onto the edge of said table, placing the bouquet beside you. Crossing your legs, you let your leg swing a little as the worry you had been filled with was draining away. “Roman...”

His blue eyes met yours as he held a finger up. “Baby, I’m ok.” He paused. “Just fucking hurts.”

“Good.” You would let him tell you what he wanted you to know.

“We handled it too.”

“I’m glad.”

“Damn,” He shifted in his seat so he faced you more. “Look at you.”

You took a demure pose. “I always try to look good for you.” You tell him simply.

“You look very good.” Bracing himself on the arm rest with his good arm he stood. He then came over to you. “That’s awfully long I can’t even see you.”

“Far too long in some cases.” You agreed. Bending over, you grabbed the hem of the dress. You raised it till it sat on your thighs.

“Much better, your legs were hiding.” Without him saying a word you uncrossed your legs and opened them. He came closer till was between your legs.

He rested a hand on one of your thighs, he gave a soft squeeze. “One has to demure and alluring while preforming for you.”

“Exactly. I can’t let anyone get any ideas about my girl.” He chuckled. “You do belong to me after-all.”

His hand went from your thigh to your throat. “Right, baby?” He gave a soft squeeze. Excitement blossomed in the pit of your stomach, that was your Roman. The glint that always made your breathless was in his eyes. “I belong to you.” He kissed you then.

You let yourself melt into it, all the worry and frustration just disappeared. Beside the taste that was uniquely him, you could distantly taste a martini he must have had before coming down to the club.

He broke the kiss slowly, his lips lingering with yours before he spoke again. “Do you remember what we have done on this table?” His eyes mischievous.

“I’ll never forget.” You swallowed. “Do you remember what I under this table?”

You saw him press his lips together. You had felt ignored that day. He had taken one phone call after another. Promising the next and the next one would be the last but it didn’t happen. You decided to get his attention.

You had crawled under the table, something he had failed to notice. You had deftly crawled over to him and began undoing the button then lowering the zipper of his slacks. He had tried to shoo you, your hands away but was unsuccessful.

In the end, he enjoyed you blowing him while he was on the phone. Of course at that moment, you had no idea what he’d have in store for you. But you still ache deliciously from the memories of what he did. He licked his lips then. “I do.”

His hand dragged from your throat, down the front of your body till he reached the now very wet apex between your legs. “Roman.” you breathed. You grew wetter as his hand was there just holding you “Yes, baby.”

The elevator must have dinged and the door must have opened but none of those sounds touched your ears. To be honest, you were only focused on him.

“Oh damn, it sorry boss.” You heard Zsasz mutter.

Roman didn’t move his hand and you barely looked in his direction. You became flustered when you heard his voice.

“Zsasz, I fucking told you I am taking the rest of the night off.”

“I..I..I..fuck never mind. I will swing by tomorrow.” What you did hear was what sounded as if someone racing away.

Roman, evilly smirked at you. “Do you think he knew I was holding you, that I felt as you got wetter upon being exposed?”

“I hope not. Though I’m sure he hears.” Zsasz, lived a floor below. Why have a bodyguard if be wasn’t close by.

“Damn.” Roman, muttered mostly under his breath. He took a step away. “Scoot to the edge.” He demanded. The reaching for your panties he tugged at them, you shift so they’d come off. He tugged once more and then they fell off your legs and fell to floor.

The thin straps of your dress fell half way down your upper arm revealing how you had not needed a bra to look that amazing under your dress. “Free your arms.”

“Ok.” And soon you did, the dress was a mass of fabric scrunched up at your waist.

He came over, licking teasing your breasts. As he stood there. He looked at you and shook his head. “Take the rest of that dress off.” You did as you were told.

All you had on now was your heals and he was still completely clothed, there was something about that excited you further.

“Watch me.” He demanded. You did. He undid his belt, then the button then he lowered the zipper. He made a soft sound and then he took himself out. He was incredibly hard and magnificent, you mouth missed the feel of him there.

“Lay back, baby.”

You did but propped yourself up on your elbows as you watched him come over, you opened yourself wider. You moaned as he entered you.

“Oh Roman.” You wrapped your legs around him as he moved in and out of you. “You feel so good.”

He ran his hands up you body. You arched as you felt his touch. Moving, you came up to him moaning louder as he entered you deeper. You two kissed, your tongues meeting passionately.

The two of you began to move faster. You could feel yourself getting closer and closer. “Roman,” you breathed, you tossed your head back. One of his hands caressed and gently squeezed your throat. You loved how he’s exert his dominance over you. Made your pleasure heighten, as all you could do was moan and writhe under him.

“Are you going to cum for me baby?”

You met his eyes. “Yes.” He slowed his movements.

“Y/N, mmm I want you to cum for me.”

You felt your release came so close. “So close. So....oh Roman.” Then you called out.

“That’s my girl.” He moved into hard and faster within you.

You moaned, it felt so good. “Y/N,” he moaned out your name.

****

Sometime later the you two had gone to lay, recline in his bed. Finding one of his t-shirts, you slipped it on. Sighing, they were very soft and large on you. Laying on your stomach, with an arm draped over him, you looked up at him and his bandaged arm. You listened to how he told you about getting grazed by that bullet.

His slender fingers played with your hair as he spoke. It was unspoken but both of you were relieved to be where you two were. Alone and safe in his bedroom. Though in the back of his mind he slowly plotted his revenge. No one would shoot at Roman Sionis and get away with it.

[bobdylandreams]

Murder Most Foul

Written by Bob Dylan

Recorded "A while back" (according to the twitter announcement) Released 27 March 2020 and later on Rough And Rowdy Ways Tabbed by Eyolf Østrem

The harmonic rhythm (i.e. the regularity with which the chords change) is very loose, and the placement of the chord symbols in the tab below is approximate, tentative. On several points in the recordings it is evident that the accompaniment is more or less improvised.

Here's an attempt at an analysis of the song, musically and contentswise.

[Verse 1]         C                            F It was a dark day in Dallas, November '63 C                               F A day that will live on in infamy C President Kennedy was a-ridin' high F Good day to be livin' and a good day to die      C Being led to the slaughter like a sacrificial lamb          F He said, "Wait a minute, boys, you know who I am?" G "Of course we do, we know who you are"          Fmaj7 Then they blew off his head while he was still in the car C Shot down like a dog in broad daylight F Was a matter of timing and the timing was right C                                         F You got unpaid debts, we've come to collect                          C                                F We're gonna kill you with hatred, without any respect G We'll mock you and shock you and we'll put it in your face F We've already got someone here to take your place C The day they blew out the brains of the king F Thousands were watching, no one saw a thing C                                              F It happened so quickly, so quick, by surprise F Right there in front of everyone's eyes G Greatest magic trick ever under the sun F Perfectly executed, skillfully done C Wolfman, oh Wolfman, oh Wolfman, howl F                                 C Rub-a-dub-dub, it's a murder most foul [Verse 2] C Hush, little children, you'll understand F The Beatles are comin', they're gonna hold your hand C                                              F Slide down the banister, go get your coat                                       C Ferry 'cross the Mersey and go for the throat G There's three bums comin' all dressed in rags F Pick up the pieces and lower the flags G I'm goin' to Woodstock, it's the Aquarian Age F Then I'll go over to Altamont and sit near the stage C Put your head out the window, let the good times roll F                                   C There's a party going on behind the Grassy Knoll F                                                        [At this point, the string players lose track Stack up the bricks, pour the cement                      of the harmonic rhythm and play a C chord C                                       F                 against the piano's change to F] Don't say Dallas don't love you, Mr. President         G Put your foot in the tank and then step on the gas F Try to make it to the triple underpass G Blackface singer, whiteface clown F Better not show your faces after the sun goes down C                                                            F Up in the red light district, they've got cop on the beat C                                     F Living in a nightmare on Elm Street            C                                               F When you're down on Deep Ellum, put your money in your shoe C                                          F Don't ask what your country can do for you G                                      S Cash on the barrelhead, money to burn G                                F Dealey Plaza, make a left-hand turn C                                                     F I'm going down to the crossroads, gonna flag a ride C                                                       F The place where faith, hope, and charity died G                                                      F Shoot him while he runs, boy, shoot him while you can G                                      F See if you can shoot the invisible man C                                F Goodbye, Charlie, goodbye, Uncle Sam C                                          F Frankly, Miss Scarlett, I don't give a damn G                                         F What is the truth, and where did it go? G                                      F Ask Oswald and Ruby, they oughta know C                                      F "Shut your mouth," said a wise old owl            C                                 F     C Business is business, and it's a murder most foul [Verse 3] C                                         F Tommy, can you hear me? I'm the Acid Queen C                                        F I'm riding in a long, black Lincoln limousine C                                       F Ridin' in the back seat next to my wife       C                                 F Headed straight on in to the afterlife G                                 F I'm leaning to the left, I got my head in her lap G                                          F Hold on, I've been led into some kind of a trap         C                                            F Where we ask no quarter, and no quarter do we give      C                     F We're right down the street, from the street where you live     C                                          F They mutilated his body and they took out his brain     C                                     F What more could they do? They piled on the pain        C                                F But his soul was not there where it was supposed to be at        C                             F For the last fifty years they've been searchin' for that G                                    F Freedom, oh freedom, freedom over me G                                                  F I hate to tell you, mister, but only dead men are free C                                      F Send me some lovin', then tell me no lie C                                       F Throw the gun in the gutter and walk on by C                                       F Wake up, little Susie, let's go for a drive         C                                     F Cross the Trinity River, let's keep hope alive C                                        F Turn the radio on, don't touch the dials C                                       F Parkland Hospital, only six more miles                                                C You got me dizzy, Miss Lizzy, you filled me with lead   F                                        C That magic bullet of yours has gone to my head G                                   F I'm just a patsy like Patsy Cline G                                          F Never shot anyone from in front or behind G                            F I've blood in my eye, got blood in my ear G                                           F I'm never gonna make it to the new frontier C                                   F Zapruder's film I seen night before C                                  F Seen it thirty-three times, maybe more C                                                 F It's vile and deceitful, it's cruel and it's mean C                                     F Ugliest thing that you ever have seen C                                             F They killed him once and they killed him twice C                                 F Killed him like a human sacrifice G                                                        F The day that they killed him, someone said to me, "Son G                                                   F The age of the Antichrist has just only begun" C                                           F Air Force One comin' in through the gate C                          F Johnson sworn in at 2:38 C                                                F Let me know when you decide to throw in the towel C                                      F              C It is what it is, and it's murder most foul [Verse 4] C                                   F What's new, pussycat? What'd I say? C                                          F I said the soul of a nation been torn away C                                            F And it's beginning to go into a slow decay C                                                 F And that it's thirty-six hours past Judgment Day G                                      F Wolfman Jack, he's speaking in tongues G                                            F He's going on and on at the top of his lungs C                                 F Play me a song, Mr. Wolfman Jack                               C Play it for me in my long Cadillac                                 F Play me that "Only the Good Die Young" C                                          F Take me to the place Tom Dooley was hung          C                                            F Play "St. James Infirmary" and the Court of King James       C                                                 F If you want to remember, you better write down the names             C                             F Play Etta James, too, play "I'd Rather Go Blind" C                                           F Play it for the man with the telepathic mind G                                           F Play John Lee Hooker, play "Scratch My Back" G                                          F Play it for that strip club owner named Jack G                           F Guitar Slim going down slow                                 C Play it for me and for Marilyn Monroe [Verse 5] C Play "Please Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" F Play it for the First Lady, she ain't feeling any good C Play Don Henley, play Glenn Frey F Take it to the limit and let it go by C Play it for Carl Wilson, too F Looking far, far away down Gower Avenue C Play "Tragedy", play "Twilight Time" F Take me back to Tulsa to the scene of the crime G Play another one and "Another One Bites the Dust" F Play "The Old Rugged Cross" and "In God We Trust" G Ride the pink horse down that long, lonesome road F Stand there and wait for his head to explode C Play "Mystery Train" for Mr. Mystery F                                   C The man who fell down dead like a rootless tree F Play it for the reverend, play it for the pastor C                               F Play it for the dog that got no master C                               F Play Oscar Peterson, play Stan Getz    C                              F Play "Blue Sky," play Dickey Betts G Play Art Pepper, Thelonious Monk F                           G Charlie Parker and all that junk F All that junk and "All That Jazz" C                                        F Play something for the Birdman of Alcatraz C                   F Play Buster Keaton, play Harold Lloyd          C                              F Play Bugsy Siegel, play Pretty Boy Floyd G                                  F Play the numbers, play the odds      G                                       F Play "Cry Me a River" for the Lord of the gods C                                 F Play Number nine, play Number six C                           F Play it for Lindsey and Stevie Nicks C                                      F Play Nat King Cole, play "Nature Boy"     C                                       F Play "Down in the Boondocks" for Terry Malloy         G                                      F Play "It Happened One Night" and "One Night of Sin"        G                                           F There's twelve million souls that are listening in     G                                              F Play "Merchant of Venice", play "Merchants of Death"     G                                     F Play "Stella by Starlight" for Lady Macbeth C                          F                                       [Finally, a fixed rhythm Don't worry, Mr. President, help's on the way                      is established, sortof     C                                            F                but then Dylan decides Your brothers are comin', there'll be hell to pay                  to mess it up again; C                                                F                 the chords no longer follow Brothers? What brothers? What's this about hell?                   the established pattern] C Tell them, "We're waiting, keep coming," we'll get them as well G                                       F Love Field is where his plane touched down G                                      F But it never did get back up off the ground                   G                      F Was a hard act to follow, second to none                      G                       F They killed him on the altar of the rising sun C                             F Play "Misty" for me and "That Old Devil Moon"      C                             F Play "Anything Goes" and "Memphis in June"                    C                        F Play "Lonely at the Top" and "Lonely Are the Brave" C                                             F Play it for Houdini spinning around in his grave C                            F Play Jelly Roll Morton, play "Lucille" C                                       F Play "Deep in a Dream", and play "Driving Wheel" G                                  F Play "Moonlight Sonata" in F-sharp      G                                        F And "A Key to the Highway" for the king on the harp     C                                                  F Play "Marching Through Georgia" and "Dumbarton's Drums"     C                                             F Play "Darkness" and death will come when it comes      C                                           F Play "Love Me or Leave Me" by the great Bud Powell       C                                           F Play "The Blood-Stained Banner", play "Murder Most Foul"