#william brandt one shot

[donaweasley]

I NEED MORE WILLIAM BRANDT FICS!! PLEEEEASE!! 😭😭😭

This one is so pretty!! 😍

Just A Scrape

Mission: Impossible One Shot

Pairing: Reader x William Brandt

Other Characters: Ethan Hunt, Benji Dunn, Luther Stickell, Ilsa Faust

Warnings: violence and swearing

Request: “Gah I won’t give up, tumblr can’t hold me back, so a William Brandt oneshot, where reader is a fem!agent and the team goes on a mission, but it goes really bad and reader has to save Brandt, but she gets shoot in the process. Brandt is all panicky, but she says it’s no big deal, but it is and they almost lose her. After she survives Brandt ends up confessing his feeling for her, and reader assures him she feels the same. Wooo I am so excited, I love you, thank you!! 😍💕” – anonymous

Word Count: 2,939

A/N: sksjfshdf ok when mi: ghost protocol came out i had THE biggest crush on brandt and then it died down and then it deadass just came up to bite me in the ass again for no reason so i’m glad your request went through, bless u for requesting something for him, ily too and i hope you like it!!!! 💖💖💖also i am literally writing this in the office at work because i had to come in super early and i have an hour or two to kill so

please reblog/leave comments, they’re very much appreciated!

Your name: submit What is this?

Brandt has to use every ounce of self control he has, control every nerve in his body, not to smile with relief when Ethan assigns you to help Luther hack into communications and the building computers while him, Brandt and Benji infiltrate the office the team is currently watching from afar. Despite being just as competent as the rest of the agents, Brandt hates seeing you out in the field, finding himself constantly distracted by the worry of something happening to you. He can see the tiniest flicker of disappointment cross your face — he knows how much you like to be in the action, after all — but you simply nod at Ethan before looking over your shoulder to smile at Luther, who grins back at you.

Keep reading

[shoshiwrites]

Prompt requested by @kmk1701d, "a kiss while in close proximity." Thank you so much, Katt! A big bouquet to @junojelli for all things backyard garden, and to @basilone for talking me through at least seven different ?!?! moments ♡ Bucky Egan/War correspondent OC, also on Ao3! Warning here for emetophobia [brief, non-graphic].

september song

A package finds her in Norwich, under the September sun. It’s covered in stamps and ink, pressed haphazard over Evie’s careful hand. Jo carries it out to the back garden, a glass in one hand and the stuffed envelope in the crook of her arm, holding a notebook and novel and pencil besides. It’s optimistic, the amount of things she’s carrying, like she won’t just want to sit and laze under the trees, feel the sun on her face, sip her weak tea.

It’s become a place she goes when she needs something like rest, the oasis that’s hardly one if she thinks about it — the Anderson shelter and the squash blossoms and the cabbages. But there’s the sun on the red brick of the house, the little potting shed, the trees bearing russet apples and the ivy and the last lingering clematis, the scent of it like almonds.

In the summer, the June and July evenings, she’d sit out here with whichever correspondent was staying in the room next to hers, or play cards with the land girls down from Manchester and Hull. Kay had brought drinks out from the kitchen, little cocktails in haphazard glassware sweet-talked out of the housekeeper’s care, Kay’s spectator pumps clacking on the flagstone path.

She slides a fingernail under the lip of the envelope, wincing as the paper snags. Nothing inside seems to be damaged, though. There’s a letter, a packet of photos embossed with the name of a Philadelphia studio, a few more tied with a white ribbon. The ones Angelo took, Evie’s letter explains. Evie’s fiancé — husband, Jo mentally corrects now — is a hobbyist photographer, as much as finances and the war allow. There’s a smaller envelope too, with a few flower petals dried and pressed between. White roses, from Evie’s bouquet.

Guilt washes over her — Evie doesn’t know about William, about the whole awful mess. Nobody at home does. Kay knows, she’d had the front seat to the aftermath, the whiskey thrown up in the bathroom and the thumbnails Jo had bit down to the quick. Kay had brought her ginger ale and brushed back her hair and told her the war needed Jo Brandt, not Mrs. William Merrick. Jo had smiled and told her that was hogwash, but nice hogwash, and then promptly thrown up again.

She hadn’t been able to sour a letter home with it, what seemed like such petty personal news.

The photos, of course, are beautiful. The studio shots of Evie and Angelo, Evie in the suit Jo knows is dove-gray gabardine, light enough for summer, and Angelo with the tie pin Evie gave him the last Christmas Jo shared with them stateside. The family posed in front of the altar, and outside the church. Angelo’s shots are of the reception after, and Evie outside on the sidewalk. The sunlight catching her earrings, the beading on her Juliet cap, filtered through her birdcage veil. There are the hydrangeas in vases, and the table set with a small cake and hors d’oeuvres, the homemade wine, the cousins sat on Evie’s lap. Angela and John asked about you of course, Auntie Jo.

Evie steals the camera for a few, Angelo with his jacket off and shirtsleeves rolled up, looking every inch the man in love. Like he hasn’t always looked at her like that, every day of their lives. Jo feels still, all of the sudden, just now hearing the birdsong over the walls, too caught up in the photos and the love that pours from each word of Evie’s letter. I don’t know if it will still be in fashion, she writes, but you’re welcome to the cap and the earrings. They would look so nice with your hair, Jo. You’d be welcome to the suit too, but I know you have something white planned for the family. William’s family, she means.

She swallows.

They hadn’t gotten to the planning, actually. Nothing beyond what was expected — the church, the white dress, the flowers, the reception back at the house with a dinner. There wasn’t a dress hanging in the closet, only the ring that now lived in the back of a drawer in her desk inside the house. The only official stamp was the engagement announcement in a Philadelphia newspaper. The one that ran months ago. She wonders why no one had pressed them to marry before they had both left for England.

She gathers the photos back into the cardboard sleeve, back into the package. Lifts the envelope of rose petals to smell the faintest scent, and then replaces those too. Leans her head back, thinks of fishing her sunglasses from her trouser pocket. She’s got a haphazard outfit on, the loose trousers and sandals and a button-down with the sleeves pushed up, her watch, her hair hastily pulled back. An outfit for a rare day with no appointments, only the scurrying of a reporter trying to finish something to send off. She’d made her edits in the morning, and gone over some of Kay’s contact sheets after her second cup of coffee. Maybe she hadn’t earned the rest, but it’s too nice of a day to not at least sit out around the lunch hour. She’ll be back in London under rainclouds soon enough.

She’s too uneasy to keep her eyes closed for long, thinking of wedding gowns and absent rings, wondering how she became the type of girl who needed a diamond.

Her mother had a silver band that she wore every day that Jo had known her. Jo guesses there were some things even her father wouldn’t have pawned for drinking money.

After she’d gotten up off the bathroom floor, Kay had told her of a cousin who was married for the fourth time last spring. This time to a count, Kay had said. Something in her eyes told Jo she didn’t think it would last. A few of the correspondents they know in London are divorced, or functionally so. Several unmarried, to various degrees.

She wonders how you become the type of person who marries four times. Did it mean you’d given up on a certain kind of love? Maybe they know something we don’t, Jo thinks.

She doesn’t have too much time to ponder the question. At once she hears the noise of the door behind her, the one from the kitchen out to the garden, and footsteps, and poor Muriel the housekeeper’s voice leading someone back out to Jo in her chair.

“- should be right out here-”

“There she is.” It’s half-crowing, affectionate. “Thank you, Muriel.”

How does he even know- She turns, replaces her tea carefully on a stepping stone. “Major Egan.”

Affectionately annoyed, at the title. “How many times do I have to tell you to call me John?”

She’s not surprised he found her through the front of the house, not surprised Muriel’s smiling affectionately at his back as she closes the door, as he walks over to her.

“Force of habit,�� she says. A useful one, one to ought to keep if she knows what’s good for her. For any of them. Like they’re not a hundred miles past that by now. “What brings you up here?” She scans around for another chair, wonders if he’s already refused a cup of tea.

“Oh, I need a reason?”

She stills, suddenly feels her cheeks pink with sun.

“Buck’ll let you write about him,” he says, almost like a non-sequiteur. “Finally agreed.” She’s amused, faintly, by what that agreement might have looked like. He can read it on her face, nods a little along with her. “Just tipped his chin up like this,” he says, on the verge of smiling. “You know.”

“Wonderful,” she says, and there’s not a hint of shadow in it.

He looks at her lap, and her letter, and her book, and her pencil. “I’m sorry, was I interrupting something?”

That almost makes her laugh. Like he’s ever cared about interruption.

“No, I won’t get to a proper reply sitting in this chair,” she says. “Can’t write too well on my legs.”

“Any good news?”

Oh. She can’t lie about it, can she? The photo sleeve still in her hands. “Two dear friends were just married, actually.”

“Fantastic,” he says, the shine out of his voice, but no less sincere. He sounds almost quiet.

Before she knows it, she’s profferring the photo of everyone out on the front steps of the church, Evie squinting beautifully into the sun, Angelo looking at her, his arm around her waist.

“They look happy,” he says.

“Mmm.” She could keep talking, she knows. Maybe she’s afraid of what she’ll say.

He hands the photo back to her, his thumb careful against the edge. “This is a nice place you’ve got here.”

There’s a physical relief she feels, turning to something like the vines and the trees to talk about. Other than the photos. Other than the fact that’s he’s quieter than usual, has been for weeks. When he’s sober, at least. “I just enjoy it,” she says. “Not much help in the garden besides wheeling dirt around.” She can barely keep a window box alive. Her roommates only leave her in the company of plants with their very precise instructions.

“Can the major get a tour?”

She looks up at him, quirks something of a smile, squints over his shoulder in the sun. Like she didn’t just tell him she’s useless in a garden apart from sitting in it. “If I can’t offer you a chair, I probably should.”

He holds out a hand, lets her press heavily down on it as she stands. More than she thought she’d have to. Her things go in the chair where she’s just been sitting, the curve of sun-faded, striped fabric. It’d make a nice picture, Jo thinks. Kay would move a couple of things, maybe take a stray flower and place it to the side for a shot. Her hand feels warm.

She waves a hand over the shelter in self-explanation, watches him nod in seriousness. There’s the little stone path that leads to the back wall, more ivy, the late-season potatoes and heads of cabbage. There’s a rickety little folding chair against the side of the potting shed, and she assesses that maybe she’s the one who belongs in that, and him in the other. He’d have more trouble getting off the ground than she did, though.

There’s a nice slant of shade, too, between the shed and the wall.

“Anything good in there?” He’s nodding towards the shed.

She’s trying not to narrow her eyes. Trying not to think of a hundred things. She’s only ever poked her head in.

Before she can say something — dirt, gardening tools, who the hell knows — he’s taken her hand and ducked under the doorway.

She’s careful not to trip over the step, close to him now inside the tiny shed. There’s a counter bare of seedlings, now that it’s sunny mid-September, a few implements to the side, the back shelf lined with dusty pots and some old glassware, the rich smell of soil.

“Not much to see,” she says, which is a lie too, if you know how to look.

His voice is almost imperceptibly hoarse, and serious. “‘M not really interested in the tour, Josephine. Not anymore, at least.”

Her voice is faint, as his hands find her hips. “Might’ve guessed.” She can’t think about it, the letter or the photos or his voice, the edge of despair, of anger, her own empty hands.

There’s a moment as those own hands find him, the wool of his uniform, as they look at each other in the dim, filtered light. The dirty window. The silent asking, the way she stills, and lets him press his mouth to hers.

She winds back her foot, tries to kick the door shut. The action falls short, just barely, and he huffs a soft laugh against her cheek. Kicks the door back, for real, with his boot. He’s warm, from the sun. She imagines she is, too.

“Did Major Cleven really say we could do a feature-” she starts, and the face he makes is something she’d bottle if she could.

“Start by calling it something else, Josephine,” he says. “You’ll scare him off-”

Now that’s a joke, and she’d smile if she weren’t busy kissing him again, tracing her thumb along his cheek, his jaw, his ear.

Little surface scar-dings against his neck, raised tissue tinged red, and she can’t think about what flak does, how a person can’t be so easily repaired.

He’s pulling her closer, uniform pressed against the thin rayon of her blouse, keeping, she notices belatedly, her hair from a spider’s web behind them.

She tastes the faintest hint of ale in his mouth, against his lip and his mustache, and something else — something sudden and deep and sweet. He’s smiling, and she can see a tiny dark scrap between his teeth. He looks almost sheepish, like a kid caught with chocolate on his face before dinner. “I saw some blackberries on my way over here,” he says. “By the roadside.”

“Bring me any?” She’s smiling.

“Thought you might like to go uh, gather some,” he says, like it’s something he’s trying on for size. Gather. Like this is a novel set in deep summer, and not a war. “Had to see if they were any good.”

Maybe she’s being ridiculous — it’s all for the war, anyway. The squash and the cabbages and the apples and the potting shed revived after a decade and change gathering dust in the back of an old house.

She and her roommates will help Muriel put up the apples soon. Hattie and Nancy, the land girls, had mentioned making pies. Blackberry and apple — it sounds like something her mother would have made.

“Kiss me again,” she says. His mouth is tarter now, the tip of his tongue pressed against her teeth. She half-swallows a yelp as he lifts her to the counter, lets his hands settle back on her hips, trailing his mouth across her jaw. “New calculations, Major?”

“Tactical reassessment.”

A laugh bubbles in her chest, surprisingly heavy. “What’s your objective?”

“Top secret.”

Her fingertips play at the epaulet of one shoulder. “Not too hard to guess.”

“I don’t hear you guessing.”

She pulls him, gently, back to her mouth.

“You needed this,” he says, firm and a question at once. Something in her ribcage sings. “Couldn’t risk you not getting it.”

“Getting what?”

“A good kiss.” She drags her thumbnail gently across the back of his neck, the short hairs there, watches his eyelashes flutter ever so slightly. “Someone else might have, couldn’t risk that, either.”

She leans back a little, still tight in his hold. “Wouldn’t let them,” she says. Breathes, like it’s a secret, like she didn’t just say it out into the quiet.

She wants to stain her fingers picking blackberries with him, his mouth, hers. Hear about the moments he stole as a kid. Share her own. Maybe they can have that here, on a September afternoon.

[helyiios]

Bedside lullaby

(Brandt/Hunley, 1.5k hurt/comfort drabble. Pre-relationship, but if you squint real hard it’s here)

One shot. One bullet, straight to the stomach. There had been blood, of course. A lot, he’d heard. They’d kept Luther close to him until backup had arrived, and by the time they were there, their Secretary was covered in gore.

Serves him right for trying to be a secret agent à la Ethan Hunt, he thinks, grumbling to himself as he throws his shitty coffee cup in one of the hospital’s bins, leaning back against the corridor’s wall. Some people are meant to give orders from the comfort of an office, there was no need of changing the order of things.

One of the doctors suddenly catches his attention, nodding to him as if to make him understand that he could finally come inside his superior’s room. He’d been waiting for around seven hours, had visited approximately all that a visitor could, had seen the different wings of the buildings at least twice, and had had the time to count the amount of ceiling lights in wing W, which were at a total of 247. How fucking peachy.

“He’s awake,” the man in the white coat tells him, but truth be told, he’s barely listening to him, “he’s extremely numb and vulnerable, so try not to push him too much. The bullet barely grazed his stomach, a few millimetres more and he was a gone man.”

That’s great, thanks a lot.

“Alright,” William Brandt says instead, offering him a tight lipped smile. “Thank you.”

“Of course. We usually only allow family, but the man who was with us in the ambulance gave us your contact info. We assumed he had no other next of kin.”

“Yeah I’m…we’re coworkers,” he defers, technically not lying. “Sorry, I’ll leave you to it. Thanks again.”

The doctor nods curtly, exiting the room quietly. Brandt watches him disappear around the corner of the corridor before inhaling deeply, smoothing the lapels of his jacket, trying to pretend like he hadn’t just spent the most boring and stressful day of his life. And anyway, his face and the dark bags that adorned it would probably tell the story for him. No need to play pretend.

He makes his way inside the hospital bedroom, taking in how spacious it was. The bathroom was wide, and there was a small couch near some sort of diner table. He almost wants to roll his eyes at this—how many missions had he gone through, waking up in the world’s shittiest and least clean hospitals he’d seen ? Talk about special treatment.

His superior is in the bed, one arm hooked to a catheter, his chest rising and falling to the rhythm of the bipping of the machines, eyes closed. He looked almost peaceful.

“I know you aren’t sleeping,” Brandt groans, grabbing a chair and letting it drag on the floor with an uncomfortable screech, “asshole.”

“Ow,” comes the immediate reply, “you could afford to give a little more sympathy to a wounded man.”

“If you had stayed in D.C, you wouldn’t be here.”

“One has to make sacrifices, in this line of work,” Alan Hunley retorts, but his voice isn’t either playful nor amused. He sounds extremely tired, and he has difficulties speaking. “It’s fine. I made it out, in the end.”

“Barely, yes.”

“Yes, sorry about that, I’m sure you learning of my demise would’ve brightened your day considerably,” Hunley offers, finally daring to let humour slip through his words, “I’ll do better next time, I promise.”

“I don’t fucking feel like joking, Alan,” Brandt almost spits, fists closed in anger, “this isn’t funny !”

“No, it’s not.”

The Secretary closes his eyes again, sighing deeply as he let his head sink deeper into the hard pillow. The drops in his IV were falling almost in synch with the beating of his heart.

“Why are you here ?” he asks then, turning his face a little so they were looking at each other, “don’t you have mission files and reports to fill ?”

“I’m here because you’re a lonely guy whose closest next of kin is his subordinate,” Brandt icily replies, locking their gazes forcefully. “That’s a little sad, isn’t it ?”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I’m sure your mother is fond of coming to your bedside everytime you hurt yourself on missions.”

“Okay, funny guy. Hilarious. Just—that was a really close call. And I don’t feel like joking about it, is all.”

“I’m not making jokes,” Hunley notes, “I’m deflecting. The mood of this place is daunting enough as it is, no need to add your forever gloomy face to the mix.”

“My face isn’t gloomy. I’m—concerned.”

“Well, you shouldn’t be. I’m alright, I’ll be good as new in a few months, ready to overwork you and your team of self sacrificing idiots.”

“Unless you’ve forgotten, you are part of this team too,” Brandt says, “and anyway, talk about self sacrifice when you’re the one who jumped in front of a bullet.”

“How sweet. Just what I needed,” the other mocks, the shadow of a smile still appearing on his bow shaped lips. “I may be the one who has gotten shot, you don’t look too well either. Did you run into a wall, perhaps ?”

A scoff, and Brandt’s crossing his legs self consciously, tugging at his loosened tie.

“I’ve been here since 1AM yesterday,” he mumbles, running a hand through his short hair, “there isn’t much to do, in a hospital.”

That seems to take Hunley by surprise.

“1AM ? But it’s early morning.”

“Yeah, Sherlock. It’s almost 9AM.”

A frown.

“Why on Earth would you stay the night ?” the older man asks, clearly confused, “that seems counter productive.”

“Oh, are you fucking kidding me ?” Brandt frustratedly exclaims, throwing his hands in the air, “because someone needed to check on you, is why ! Because there needs to be someone to tell the IMF if their Secretary General fucking died in surgery !”

“While I appreciate the sentiment, I’m sure doctors would’ve notified you all the same without you having to stay here,” Hunley remarks, raising his index at him. “All I am saying is, you could use some sleep. That look on you is…ghastly.”

“Honestly, go fuck yourself,” the other annoyedly replies. “I stayed because I wanted to. And yes, I look like shit, but at least you’ve got someone to talk to while you’re waking up from your surgery, and you’re not staring at the ceiling waiting for God knows who until God knows when.”

“Mm. That would imply that I want to talk to you.”

“Well, you are. Aren’t you ?”

A huff.

“Alright, sure. You look jumpy, though. Are you sure you’re alright ?”

“Am I sure I’m a—fuck, Alan !” Brandt can’t help but yell, face in his hands, “you almost died ! What is it about that that you don’t understand ?!”

“No, William, I understand the gravity of my situation quite well, thank you very much. What I do not understand, is why you seem so worked up about it.”

The younger man lets out a high pitched scream inside his palms, shaking his head dejectedly. His shoulders are shaking.

“Brandt ?”

“I guess I got scared, alright ? I got—I got scared you really were dead,” he finally says, defeated. When he raises his head again, his eyes are wide. “I panicked, and I felt helpless. I knew I should’ve taken the job with the rest of them. Fuck.”

“Well, I’ve made it out, haven’t I ?”

“A few millimetres to the left and you wouldn’t have,” he continues, parroting the doctor’s words. “I don’t know, okay ? I was scared. Fuck. I don’t even know why I’m admitting this to you, it’s going to inflate to huge ego of yours.”

Hunley lets out a soft laugh at this, clenching his fingers as his catheter slightly shifted on the sheets.

“I’m touched you seem to…care so highly of my person to worry that much. But I promise to you, William, that I am quite alright. Nothing I can’t recover from, at least.”

“I know that,” Brandt mumbles, averting his eyes. “It’s whatever. Forget it. Forget I said anything.”

“No, I think it’s sweet,” the other jokingly remarks, “but really, you should go home and rest, now that you know that I’m okay. You really don’t look good.”

“‘s fine. I’ll sleep on the couch.”

“My, are you playing bodyguard ?”

“If that’s what it takes for you to stop putting yourself in stupid situations you aren’t used to tackle, sure,” Brandt says, shrugging stiffly as he took his suit jacket and tie off. He folds them on the back of the chair neatly, patting them for good measure.

There’s a slight pause, and the muscle in his jaw visibly tenses. Like he’s thinking about something.

Finally his hands rises, barely, landing on the other man’s, palm warm.

He gives a soft squeeze, something that’s barely there.

“It’s good to have you back, mister Secretary,” he settles on saying, the corner of his mouth curling until what could be considered a smile. “Don’t go dying on me while I sleep.”

He takes his hand off, and Hunley finds that he misses its warmth.

The other’s snores keep him awake.

[atlanticcanada]

'The biggest rivalry': Bedard, Canada set for world junior semifinal against U.S.

Brandt Clarke was a month short of his sixth birthday.

The moment, however, remains etched in his memory.

John Tavares scored a dramatic hat trick for Canada against the United States in a wild 7-4 victory on New Year's Eve at the 2009 world junior hockey championship in Ottawa.

Clarke and his family were in the building -- hanging off every shot, save and hit from the stands.

"The electricity in the building," he said of what still resonates some 14 years later. "The red jerseys all the way to the top ... 20,000 people, winning the game against the Americans.

"It's unmatchable."

With another mouth-watering instalment of the bitter rivalry set for Wednesday thanks to Connor Bedard's overtime heroics for Canada in the quarterfinals, Clarke is confident his teammate and the country's best player -- just like Tavares that frigid night in the nation's capital -- will rise to the occasion.

"I don't expect him to take any steps back," the Los Angeles Kings defenceman said following Tuesday's brief practice. "All I've seen so far is him take steps forward. Even when it's hard to imagine him still being able to take steps forward, he's done it.

"I don't think that'll change."

Bedard has not only changed a couple lines in record books at the men's under-20 tournament.

He's torn it to shreds.

The presumptive first pick at the 2023 NHL draft set five national or tournament marks early in Monday's triumph against Slovakia before a breathtaking solo effort in OT nearly blew the roof off a frothing Scotiabank Centre.

Bedard has registered the most goals (16) and points (34) all-time by a Canadian at the tournament. He's also set the national record for points (21) and assists (13) at a single event, and has the most points ever by a player under age 18 from any country.

But for all the accolades, the 17-year-old North Vancouver, B.C., native has made a habit of quickly turning the page.

His headline-grabbing performance in the quarterfinals was no different.

"That's really incredible for him to be able shut out or ignore all the media and how much attention he's getting," Canadian goaltender Thomas Milic said. "He's a team-first guy. A quote I like is, 'A rising tide lifts all boats.' Us having team success is contributing to him and everyone else."

"He doesn't sit there and dwell on the biggest goal of the tournament," Canadian head coach Dennis Williams added of Bedard, who didn't speak to reporters Tuesday. "You wouldn't have known that after the game -- his focus was already on to the next challenge."

That comes Wednesday in the latest clash of the sport's North American powers.

"Every kid's dream," said U.S. forward and Winnipeg Jets prospect Rutger McGroarty. "Playing in a barn like this against your rival, it'll be a fun one.

"It just gets us juiced up to see that atmosphere, see how crazy it's going to be."

Whether it's the Olympics, world juniors, world championships or any other level, extra motivation isn't necessary when the countries hit the ice.

"Don't think we need to go in as coaches and get the room going," Williams said. "If anything, we've got to calm them down."

Tavares, Sidney Crosby, Joe Sakic, Haley Wickenheiser, Marie-Philip Poulin and many others have risen to the occasion in similar moments.

This Canadian iteration is hoping for the same.

"All of us dreamed of this as kids," said winger Brennan Othmann. "This is the game, this is the moment."

"The biggest rivalry," added forward and Ottawa Senators prospect Zach Ostapchuk. "And for us, personally, it's, big. It'll be really exciting."

For all the points Bedard has put up, the Americans are also dangerous, especially the top line of Logan Cooley, Jimmy Snuggerud and Cutter Gauthier, who sit second, third and fifth in tournament scoring.

"Skilled guys," said Canadian centre Logan Stankoven, who plays alongside Bedard and is No. 4 in the points race. "They strike fast and quick."

Taking the body will be a big part of Canada's mindset against the Americans, including trying to make life difficult for their undersized defence corps.

"They don't like the physical play," Clarke said.

For all the drama Monday, one area where the Canadians will look to improve is faceoffs after a success rate of just 45 per cent.

"We're chasing the game too much there," Williams said. "We were going to position before possession."

Canada lost to the U.S. in the final of the 2021 tournament in the COVID-19 bubble in Edmonton in the countries' last meeting at the world juniors.

"Super special," Milic said. "These are games I loved watching growing up. We're pretty fortunate to be able to be in this position to play in one and really have a big battle for our country."

Canada got to this point thanks to another spectacular performance from Bedard, who dropped to one knee for his own version of the "heartbreaker" celebration made famous by U.S. great Patrick Kane after scoring the winner against the Slovaks.

"That was pretty cool," Clarke said. "Especially in a big setting like that. The whole building's going crazy, the whole building's chanting 'M-V-P' for him.

"That's what he's been doing all tournament -- just breaking hearts."

Bedard and Canada will look to do the same against the Americans.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 3, 2023.

from CTV News - Atlantic https://ift.tt/uDa4pFx

[radicalrascals]

@etxrnaleclipse for 🎰 5 random muse pairs

Gloriousness awaits below the cut, cuz it long. It very long.

~ ~ ~

Matt Stirling - Niamh Murphy

Not every soul makes it to the afterlife. Some get stuck. Especially those yearning for closure, haunting the realm of the living until their murderer is found. Niamh is a spirit farer, an expert in handling souls and taking them to the afterlife. She's also an expert in being dubbed a weirdo and a fake. But what she's definitely not an expert in, is cracking murder cases. So it happens that after getting the boot again, and again, and again with the local police, Niamh ends up at Matt Stirling's doorstep. Initial wariness aside, his knowledge of human nature tells him that trusting the Irish loudmouth is at least worth a shot. And really, she manages to pull important hints out of thin air that eventually lead to closing a cold case. Now they keep working together every now and then, with Niamh providing sometimes vital information for Matt's undercover work, and Matt keeping her out of trouble. It's an unlikely friendship, but they somehow made it work.

~ ~ ~

Eric Carlson - Liam Talbot

Petty criminal, spellslinger with no formal education. When Eric Carlson accepted his latest target, it should have been a walk in the park. William Donovan Talbot. His dark magic escapades have claimed quite a lot of lives. Collateral damage. But no excuse. He knew how to go about things, and tracking down his target was a breeze. But that would be when the easy ended and his assignment would quickly veer into the realm of the impossible. Because Liam proved to be quite resistant to being killed. Neither had the upper hand over the other. No gun-fu and vampiric reflexes, no hexes and thievish hiding skills could turn the tide. The longer their enmity persisted, the more absurd it would feel. In moments of weakness, both felt drawn to each other. They could fight, then end up in each others arms, but the next morning Eric would have his gun pointing at Liam and Liam had a hex on the tip of his tongue. Where there were insults and teasing, there was a mutual understanding, and eventually they both had to admit that they were just both broken in their own right, and perhaps deserved each other.

~ ~ ~

Leopold Grimm - Robyn Whittaker

One early morning, the sun had only just began creeping over the horizon, Robyn heard a frantic knock at her door. She was ready to haul the disturber over the coals, but when she answered the door, her anger turned to sympathy in the course of a very short-lived rant. The man outside was remarkably young and exceptionally old at the same time. His face was weatherbeaten and fresh scratches met ancient scars on a canvas mostly obscured by the hood of his heavy coat. The man was pleading to be invited in, to escape the sunlight. His story was so absurd, it could've been straight from a novel. Perhaps even her own. In a bout of bravery Robyn let the vampire in and they spent the entire day talking. With the sunset, the vampire would leave and Robyn was left wondering if their encounter had been all but a dream. A few nights passed and she would find an unstamped letter at her doorstep, in beautiful cursive with a little bouquet of dried forget-me-nots. No, she wouldn't forget him. She'd see to it that he lived on, in stories that would make his infinitely sad eyes light up with joy again.

~ ~ ~

William Brandt - Gabriel Herrán

Switching sides had been working out for the better of two months now, and though Gabriel was mostly confined to work in a dull, stuffy office, giving the occasional briefing to cops so thick it made him wonder how he was ever worried about being caught in the first place, he had accepted it as his new normal. A somewhat purgatorial normal, a monotonous normal. That was until one fateful day he was very ceremoniously escorted to the IMF hq, where he was to meet his perfect doppelgänger. Or was he the doppelgänger? William Brandt and Gabriel Herrán spent an eternity walking circles around each other, like to stray alley cats getting to know each other. William had studied every detail of Gabriel's (thanks to Detective Carlisle's relentless efforts) impressive file. Gabriel was studying William's gestures and mannerisms and adopting them in a frightening speed. Finally he was tasked with something more than office work. Finally Gabriel could really prove himself. And that this was being dubbed an impossible mission, only fulled his enthusiasm. He agreed before he had heard William's full proposition.

~ ~ ~

Vaneza da Silva - Maria Delgado

Undoubtedly having inherited her father's curiosity, stubbornness and sadly his quality of being a trouble maker magnet, too, Vaneza eventually landed herself in a bit of a mess; During a tense protest in downtown New York, Nessa navigated through the crowd, determined to capture the event's raw energy. Amid the chaos, she got pushed to the ground, hitting her head. Maria Delgado spotted her fall and rushed to help, her calm presence a stark contrast to the surrounding turmoil. As Maria tended to her wound, they exchange names and banter. They shared a few laughs, leading Nessa to joke about getting into trouble just to see Maria again. To preempt Nessa's impish nature, she gives Vaneza her number - under the pretext of medical follow-up. But they both felt a spark of connection that hinted at something more.

[ilsaethanfics]

Mission: Impossible's Mature One-shots

by MissShakaDarling

This story will have a mature one-shot for each and every film except M:I 2 because that movie was not good at all. Also, I will finish it as best as I could. Well, anyways, Enjoy! 😉 ❤️

 Table of Contents

1: His Night with Claire 2: Rescue accomplished 3: Triple the pleasure triple the fun

Words: 1921, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Fandoms: Mission: Impossible (Movies)

Rating: Explicit

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: F/M

Characters: Ethan Hunt, Claire Phelps, Julia Meade, William Brandt, Jane Carter (Mission: Impossible), Benji Dunn, Ilsa Faust, Luther Stickell

Relationships: Ethan Hunt/Julia Meade, Ethan Hunt/Claire Phelps, William Brandt/Jane Carter/Benji Dunn/Ethan Hunt, Ilsa Faust/Ethan Hunt

Additional Tags: Romance, Drama & Romance, Eventual Romance, Fluff and Smut, Eventual Smut, Smut, Vaginal Sex, Vaginal Fingering, Double Penetration

https://archiveofourown.org/works/55401196

[blog-of-a-multitude-of-fandoms]

Share - William Brandt

Pairing: William Brandt x Reader

Characters: William Brandt

Warnings: N/A

Request: N/A

Word Count: 487

Author: Hannah

It was inevitable that you’d get close with someone who you worked with practically all the time.

You couldn’t spend basically all your time with someone and not even get to know them or at least become friends with them.

When you’d first started at the IMF William had been the first person you’d met – he had been super welcoming and made sure to help you as much as he could.

Since then the two of you had gotten pretty close and you would be lying if you said you hadn’t developed some sort of crush on him.

He was just so sweet and kind and. Incredibly attractive so how could you not.

And then the two of you had gotten dragged out on the field together when Ethan decided to do something utterly batshit.

Somehow you and William had ended up sharing a room, not that you were complaining, and yet every night William had taken the sofa in the room rather than sharing the bed with you.

You knew he was trying to be a gentleman, and that warmed your heart, but some part of you just wanted the man to share the damn bed.

And so that evening you had made a point to pile basically all of your belongings on the sofa and made sure with Ethan that William would be absolutely shattered after the day.

And by Ethan helping that meant that Ethan had bugged William all day with errands and random ass questions that probably had nothing to do with the mission, but Ethan was always happy to irritate William.

“I am going to murder Ethan,” William announced as he walked through the door to your room.

You laughed from your spot on the bed. “Why?”

William stopped short as he realised what you had done to the sofa.

He groaned and slowly moved towards the sofa. “What are you doing?”

“I need to move this stuff,” he stated as he motioned to your handiwork.

You shook your head. “Don’t be silly, you’re clearly exhausted just share with me tonight.”

The look on his face was not an impressed one.

“Oh, come on Will,” you flipped back the covers as you spoke. “Where’s the harm in sharing a bed?”

He stood still for about five minutes, opening and closing his mouth as he tried to find something to say in protests against sharing a bed with you.

It’s not that he didn’t want to, he knew that he definitely did want to share a bed with you, but he was essentially terrified of overstepping his boundaries.

Eventually he sighed and disappeared into the bathroom to get changed whilst you celebrated internally the fact that your plan had worked.

But then the realisation hit you – the guy, the one guy that you had had a crush on for god knows how long now was actually sharing a bed with you.

Oh god.

[imwcrkingonit]

Whumptober: Day 12

Prompt: Electrocution

“Brandt?” Ethan’s voice was panicked as he called out the analyst’s name, heart pounding as he listened to the sound of him panting, running…

“I’m almost there!” The older man could hear the sound of fear in Brandt’s words. It was not common for him to show fear, Brandt generally remained calm for quite a while until he snapped, which it why his fear was made all the more obvious when he let it show. He was certain he could hear the sound of his pounding heart and he waited impatiently for him to reach his partner. “Christ…”

“What? Brandt, what is it?” Ethan needed to know. It was killing him being stuck on surveillance due to his injured ankle and being so far away from his partner made him feel so helpless. Especially the moment they had heard Benji cry out with pain before silence reaching their ears.

“He- oh god…” Brandt couldn’t seem to put together a sentence and it was making Ethan feel more and more concerned. “I think he’s been electrocuted, Ethan…”

Limping towards the computer, he frantically tapped at the keyboard, searching through the various security screens, slamming his fist down when he realised that the one in the server room was one they had cut for the sake of Benji and Brandt’s safety. “Goddamnit Brandt-”

“I know I know!” Brandt yelled and Ethan ran a hand over his face, through his hair, as he listened to him fumbling around with his equipment. Then came the tell-tale sounds of breathing, heavy and muffled. CPR. Ethan went silent, praying to god that Benji would be ok. It was something that he had not done for a while now, something he only really did at holiday time with his family, but he now closed his eyes and began to beg any deity that would listen. In his earpiece, he heard the sounds of Brandt’s breaths, followed by what he assumed were compressions. The actions were accompanied by mumbled words.

“Come on, Benj. Come on.” he growled, emotion thick in his voice. “Wake up, Benji!” Down the comm, Ethan heard Brandt’s compressions getting harder and harder and he wondered if he was just beating the younger man’s chest in an attempt to bring him back. Even if Benji returned to the safe house with a bruised chest, he would not care; he just wanted him back.

Seconds turned into minutes and he did not know how much more of this he could take, the sound of Brandt’s desperation bringing tears to his eyes as he sat on the edge of his chair just waiting for something. Anything.

Suddenly, a sounds that was music to his ears, he heard coughing, raspy breaths and he knew that he was back. He had made it and Ethan sat up straight.

“Brandt?”

“I’ve got him…. Ethan, I’ve got him.” Brandt’s words were muffled and Ethan could picture him holding Benji close, burying his face in the technician’s neck as he rubbed his back. “Benji, you’re gonna be just fine.” The second he had confirmation that Benji was alright, that he was alive, a sob escaped his lips and he took in a deep breath.

“Thank god…” he whispered. “You bring him back. Right now, yeah?”

“You got it. We’re on our way.”

[geekcavepodcast]

DC Comics Announces DC Pride 2022 Titles

DC Comics has announced the return of the its annual Pride anthology for 2022 as well as a new young adult graphic novel, three new comics, a Tim Drake special, and DC Pride variant covers on several series.

DC Pride 2022 is a 104-page Prestige format anthology comic containing new stories featuring LGBTQIA+ DC characters. The comic will feature an introduction by Nicole Maines and a teaser for her upcoming DC project. Other contributors include J. Bone, Ro Stein, Ted Brandt, Samantha Dodge, Brittney Williams, and more.  

Creative teams and characters included in DC Pride 2022 include:

Alysia Yeoh and Batgirl story by Jadzia Axelrod and Lynne Yoshii

Aquaman / Jackson Hyde story by Alyssa Wong and W. Scott Forbes

Green Lantern / Jo Mullein story by Tini Howard and Evan Cagle

Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy story by Dani Fernandez and Zoe Thorogood

The Ray story by Greg Lockard and Giulio Macaione

Superman / Jon Kent story by Devin Grayson and Nick Robles

Tim Drake story by Travis G. Moore

and more

DC Pride 2022, featuring a main cover by Phil Jimenez & Arif Prianto (above), a 1:25 variant cover by Jen Bartel, and an open-to-order wraparound variant cover by Joshua “Sway” Swaby, goes on sale on May 31, 2022.

Galaxy: The Prettiest Star hails from writer Jadzia Axelrod and artist Jess Taylor. The graphic novel will introduce new characters to the DC pantheon, such as Taylor, the Galaxy Crowned. “It takes strength to live as your true self, and one alien princess disguised as a human boy is about to test her power!” (DC Comics)

Galaxy: The Prettiest Star (above) goes on sale on May 17, 2022.

DC Comics  will also release a free preview for the graphic novel on Free Comic Book Day (May 7, 2022) titled Galaxy: The Prettiest Star FCBD Special Edition 2022 #1.

Poison Ivy hails from G Willow Wilson and Marcio Takara. Poison Ivy leaves Gotham City behind to “complete her greatest work—a gift to the world that will heal the damage humanity has dealt to it!” (DC Comics)

Poison Ivy #1 (of 6), featuring a main cover by Jessica Fong (above), an open-to-order variant cover and a 1:100 foil variant cover by Warren Louw, a 1:25 variant cover by Nick Robles, a 1:50 variant cover by Frank Cho, and a team variant cover by Dan Mora, goes on sale on June 7, 2022.

Nubia: Queen of the Amazons hails from Stephanie Williams, Alitha Martinez, and Mark Morales. The new series takes place immediately after the events of Nubia: Coronation Special.

Nubia: Queen of the Amazons #1 (of 4), featuring a main cover by Khary Randolph (above), an open-to-order variant cover by Jae Lee, and a 1:25 variant cover by Alitha Martinez, goes on sale on June 7, 2022.

Multiversity: Teen Justice hails from Ivan Cohen, Danny Lore, Marco Failla, and Enrica Eren Angiolini. The comic will feature Kid Quick and the other young heroes of Earth-11. Raven, who has refused to join the team in the past, will also play a role in the new series.

Multiversity: Teen Justice #1 (of 6), featuring a main cover by Robbi Rodriguez (above), an open-to-order variant cover by Stephanie Hans, a 1:25 variant cover by Bengal, and a 1:50 variant cover by Failla, goes on sale on June 7, 2022.

DC Pride: Tim Drake Special is a 64-page one-shot from Meghan Fitzmartin, Belén Ortega, and Alberto Jimenez Albuquerque that collect Tim Drake’s story from Batman: Urban Legends. The comic also features a new story that will see Drake team up with his former Young Justice teammates and the Batgirls.

DC Pride: Tim Drake Special #1, featuring a main cover by Belén Ortega (above), and an open-to-order variant cover by Travis Moore, goes on sale on June 14, 2022.

(All Images via DC Comics)

[outoftowninac]

THE FATAL WOMAN / LOVE, HONOR & BETRAY

1930

The Fatal Woman (later known as Love, Honor and Betray) is a satire in three acts by Fanny Hatton and Frederic Hatton, adapted from the French of Andre Antoine. It was originally produced by A.H. Woods and staged by Don Mullally. It starred Alice Brady, and featured Robert Williams. In minor roles, the cast included George Brandt and Clark Gable, who were not given billing out of town. 

Before production, the play was also known as Man’s Enemy. 

The story begins in a graveyard with two dead men talking about love and what it has done to them. One Is a young man who believed In love and shot himself for a worthless girl. The other died middle-aged and portly as a result of a shock dealt him by a worthless wife. As each tells his story we see the story acted by the characters who lived it. The woman in each case is the same. She married the older man a few months after the younger shot himself. Then, married, she had many lovers, last of them the man who took her from her husband he is in the next grave. He rises from the earth and tells his tale The others she killed by lack of love; him she brought to earth with too hungry a love. In the final scene, the lady herself arrives in the graveyard to put flowers on the spots under which her ruined loved ones lie. Now mother of a daughter too much like herself, she hears derisively laughter from below, and knows it is aimed at her. 

Alice Brady (The Woman) was the wife of producer / director / actor / manager / producer William H. Brady. She started acting on Broadway in 1911 and ended her Rialto relationship at the start of 1933. In 1937, she was nominated for an Oscar, and won the following year for In Old Chicago. 

George Brandt (The Chauffeur) made his one and only Broadway appearance in the play before seeking fame and fortune in Hollywood. His first credited film appearance was Under Suspicion (1930). 

Clark Gable (The Lover) was making his third and last Broadway appearance before lighting out to Hollywood for screen success. His first credited principal film role was in The Painted Desert (1931). He won an Oscar in 1935 for It Happened One Night, and was nominated again for Mutiny on the Bounty (1935) and Gone With the Wind (1939).

Robert Williams (The Young Man) is one of several cast members making their final Broadway appearance. He began acting on the Great White Way in 1922 with Abie’s Irish Rose. He died in Hollywood in 1931, after doing four films released that year. 

The play opened as The Fatal Woman at Nixon’s Apollo Theatre on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City on February 24, 1930. Retitled Love, Honor and Betray, the play made one pre-Broadway stop at Werba’s in Flatbush, Brooklyn. 

The play opened on Broadway at Eltinge’s 42nd Street Theatre (later the Empire Theatre) on March 12, 1930. 

“Mr. Woods, who is entitled to a success after many failures, may be able to sell ‘Love, Honor and Betray' to the curious. But I fear they will run out on him before the dogwood blooms.” ~ BURNS MANTLE

“In its present state 'Love, Honor and Betray' has too many of the characteristics of a puppet show. In order to prevent the grave yard scenes from having a depressing effect, the players act as if they were participating in a burlesque. And the humor that Is expected to pass for wit too often passes for stupidity.” ~ ARTHUR POLLACK, BROOKLYN DAILY EAGLE

The play ran 45 performances closing on April 19, 1930. Due to the allegorical nature of the play, no film version was forthcoming. 

[myriadimagines]

Trouble

Mission: Impossible One Shot

Pairing: Reader x William Brandt

Other Characters: Ethan Hunt, Ilsa Faust, Benji Dunn, Luther Stickell

Warnings: violence, alcohol consumption, swearing

Requester: anonymous

Request: “Omg I need a William Brandt x Reader oneshot where the reader is Ethan’s child and a member of his team. Brandt at first thinks that your going to be trouble but after you save his life, he can’t help but fall in love with you.”

Word Count: 1,733

A/N: i rewatched mi: fallout with my mom and halfway through my mom goes WHERE’S BRANDT??? and that was a Mood. also alanna and ilsa are so hot g damn. that is all. i’m not the biggest fan of this but when am i ever when it comes to my one shots but i hope you enjoy

please reblog/leave comments, they’re very much appreciated!

Your name: submit What is this?

You try your utter best to contain your excitement as you trail behind your dad, biting back an eager smile. Ethan casts a quick glance at you, his own lips curling into a proud smile as he can see you practically floating with every step. This is your first mission, having been approved to be out the field, and you couldn’t be more than excited to be joining your dad’s team. Although Ethan has his reservations — what parent wouldn’t after all, having their child in such a dangerous profession — he knows what a capable agent you are, and is more than proud of you for how far you’ve come.

Ethan pushes open the door, leading you into the small warehouse room the team has settled into. Ilsa leans over Benji’s shoulder as he intently fixes up a small gadget, and Brandt and Luther are on the other side of the room, where Brandt listens as Luther explains an enlarged map on his computer. All heads look up as you close the door behind you, and Luther’s lips quick into a smile as he offers you a small nod — Luther has been a family friend who you’ve known since you were born. 

“Team, this is our newest member, y/n.” Ethan introduces you, and you square your shoulders as you can see them all making their own assessments of you, looking you up and down as they silently try to deduce what kind of person you are. Clearing his throat, Ethan adds, “y/n Hunt.”

Benji’s mouth drops open and Ilsa blinks in surprise before she quickly regains composure. Looking around at his teammates reactions, Benji stammers, “Okay, how did I not know you had a child?”

Ethan chuckles, and you step forward as you pipe up, “I’ve heard so much about everyone, and I’m really looking forward to working together.”

“Right, well, I have something you could work on for me.” Luther beckons for you to come closer, and you quickly oblige as Brant approaches Ethan, eyes narrowed as the two of you pass by one another. Ethan raises an eyebrow at Brandt as the two of them gather around one of the desks, Ethan quickly picking up on the obvious hesitation in Brandt’s expression.

“Are you sure this is the best idea?” Brandt blurts out, glancing over to where you and Luther are hunched over a monitor, rapidly typing away. Turning back to Ethan, Brandt continues, “Seems like a conflict of interest.”

“Brandt, I assure you, y/n will be a valuable asset to the team, and I won’t let my role as a father get in the way.” Ethan replies, his tone stern, and Brandt’s lips flatten into a line. Already predicting his next argument, Ethan adds, “y/n may not have as much field experience as the rest of us, but they’re a good agent.” 

Brandt’s frown deepens, but he doesn’t push the argument. Ethan turns away, signalling for everyone to gather around.

“Our target tonight this man. Jeremy Mitchell.” Ethan points to a series of images that appear on the monitor next to him. “He’ll be at an exclusive party tonight, which we’ll all be attending, courtesy of Luther for getting us on the guest list. He knows information that is crucial to us, but he’s also targeted by a number of crime organization because of what he knows. Our mission is to protect him before safely escorting him back here at the end of the night. Understood?”

The team nods, and as everyone scatters to prepare, you approach Brandt with an outstretched hand. “I don’t think I’ve had the chance to talk to you yet. I look forward to working with you, Agent Brandt.”

Brant glances down at your hand, before curtly nodding at you. You seem too enthusiastic to him to the point where it seems almost naive, and Brandt’s worries about your relation to Ethan still plague him. Hastily checking to make sure his gun is loaded before tucking it into his waistband, covering it up with his suit jacket, Brant simply replies, “Don’t know if I can say the same.”

You blink at him in surprise, slowly drawing your hand back as Brandt walks past you. Your eyebrows furrow as Benji walks up to your side, and you mutter, “Jeez, what’d I do to piss him off?”

Benji follows your gaze to where Brandt is. Shrugging, he tries to give you an encouraging nudge with his elbow as he waves his hand. “Ah, don’t worry about it. Brandt’s always the pessimist of the group. Anyway, you ready to go?”

—

“I have eyes on the target.”

You weave in between crowds of expensive ballgowns and clean suits, keeping your head low as to not draw too much attention to yourself. Ilsa’s voice crackles through your earpiece, and you glance up at the second flood to see her leaning against one of the building’s columns, drink in hand as she distractedly swirls her champagne in her glass. She makes momentary eye contact with you, but shows no sign of emotion as her gaze quickly sweeps over you to where Mitchell is standing a short distance away from you.

“y/n, stay focused.” Brandt’s voice suddenly chastises, and you hastily look away as you can see him observing you from across the room, pretending to admire a piece of artwork decorating the nearby wall. “You don’t want to give us away.”

You press your lips together in a flat line, struggling not to snap back at Brandt. The night was full of similar comments from him, berating you over the tiniest things he feared would reveal the team to anyone who was watching you. Sucking in a sharp breath, you suddenly gulp down the remainder of wine left in your glass before marching over to Brandt, sidling up to him as he struggles not to look at you in alarm. 

“What the hell are you doing?” he hisses, glancing over his shoulder before back at you. 

“What’s your problem with me?” you hiss back, glaring at him as you barely manage to keep your voice a harsh whisper. You can hear Benji talking in your earpiece, but you ignore him as you continue, “All night, you’ve been picking on me over the most ridiculous things.”

“Those ridiculous things you’re doing are going to get us into trouble.” Brandt growls, and you scoff as your clench your hands into fists. “You could use some common sense-”

“Guys!” Benji interrupts, and you and Brandt flinch as out of the corner of your eye, you can see Ilsa and Ethan on the move, briskly weaving through the crowds. You and Brandt exchange confused glances before Benji’s panicked voice continues, “Mitchell’s gone.”

“What?” you spin around, eyes wide as you scan the crowds, a sinking feeling making itself at home in your stomach as you realize Benji’s right. Running your hands through your hair, you can see Ethan desperately searching the room as Brandt suddenly grabs your arm, pointing at a man’s retreating back disappearing behind an obscured door.

You and Brandt look back at each other, and you reluctantly put aside your argument as you give each other knowing looks, and Brandt moves his hand to his gun. Already on the move, you tell him, “I’ll see if there’s a way to cut them off.”

Brandt nods, not wasting any time as he quickly moves to the backdoor, whipping out his gun the second he steps into the narrow corridor. There’s a flight of stairs going down, and he can hear the faint yelling, the muffled protests and hurried footsteps, and Brandt breaks into a sprint as his finger moves over the trigger. He jumps down the stairs and turns the corner, aiming his gun at two armed men who have Mitchell surrounded, and Brandt yells out, “Hey!”

The two men turn, barely having time to raise their guns before Brandt shoots them. Mitchell lets out an alarmed scream, and Brandt rushes over to him, grabbing his arm as he hurriedly says, “I’m here to protect you.”

Before Mitchell can protest, Brandt’s head snaps up as he hears more men coming down the corridor, and the familiar sound of guns being loaded as their rumbling footsteps grow louder. Pushing Mitchell ahead, Brandt instructs, “Go, go, go!”

The two run down the corridor, narrowly dodging the rapid gunfire that ensues as soon as their pursuers catch sight of them. They navigate the intricate maze brightly lit by fluorescent lights, ducking into whatever door that appears in hope of an exit as Brandt yells into his earpiece, “I have Mitchell, but we’re being chased-”

Brandt grabs Mitchell by the back of his collar as he spots a door to his right, and he pushes it open before shoving Mitchell inside. The two continue to sprint, Mitchell struggling to keep up through his labored breaths, and as Brandt turns the corner, he’s confronted by three men waiting for him with guns. 

“Shit.” Brandt raises his gun, but he’s outnumbered. The three men advance towards him, guns aimed, and Brandt backs up to retreat before abruptly hearing more men thundering up behind him yelling instructions and loading their weapons. 

Brandt suddenly ducks upon hearing the loud burst of gunfire, and he instinctively pulls Mitchell towards him to shield him before he looks up and sees the three men fall, blood pooling out from their lifeless bodies. You run up from where you had managed to sneak up on them, and Brandt’s eyes widen as you grab his arm, breathless as you ask, “You okay?”

“How- how’d you find us?” Brandt stammers, almost too stunned to respond. After a beat, he adds, “You saved me.” 

Your lips quirk into a grin, but it quickly fades as you heard the footsteps getting louder. You grab Brandt’s hand, and suddenly, Brandt doesn’t know why he now suddenly feels more flustered and impressed than he’s felt in his entire life. Heat spreads throughout his body from the simple touch of your fingertips, and you pull him upright and beckon for him to grab Mitchell as you urge, “Let’s move.”

He nods at you, the two of you exchanging a small, tentative smile, and all Brandt can think about is how you’re definitely going to cause him trouble, but not in the way he originally thought. 

tag list: @fairytalesforever / @egg2k16

[fictionallemons]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Mission: Impossible (Movies) Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Benji Dunn/Ethan Hunt Characters: Benji Dunn, Ethan Hunt, Luther Stickell, William Brandt Additional Tags: Birthday, Fluff, Love Confessions, Friendship, Friends to Lovers, Friendship/Love, First Kiss, Birthday Presents, Cinnamon rolls, Short One Shot Series: Part 6 of Benthan Holidays Summary:

On Ethan's 50th birthday, Benji gives him a present. Slight AU because the timeline does not match canon.

[gorogues]

Spoilers for comics in June!

You can see the solicits in full at CBR.

As heard last week, there’ll be a Hartley story in DC’s LGBT anthology!!

DC PRIDE #1 written by James Tynion IV, Mariko Tamaki, Steve Orlando, Vita Ayala, Nicole Maines, Danny Lore, Sam Johns, Sina Grace, and Andrew Wheeler art by KLAUS JANSON, AMY REEDER, STEPHEN BYRNE, TRUNG LÊ NGUYEN, LUCIANo VECCHIO, LISA STERLE, RACHAEL STOTT, RO STEIN, TED BRANDT, SKYLAR PATRIDGE, AND MORE! cover by Jim Lee, Scott Williams, and Tamra Bonvillain Pride card stock variant cover by JEN BARTEL ON SALE 6/8/2021 $9.99 US | 80 PAGES | Prestige | DC DC celebrates Pride Month with nine all-new stories starring fan-favorite LGBTQIA+ characters Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, Midnighter, Extraño, Batwoman, Aqualad, Alan Scott, Obsidian, Future State Flash, Renee Montoya, Pied Piper, and many more! This anthology will also feature: —The thrilling introduction of new hero DREAMER in the DCU (as seen on The CW’s Supergirl)! —A pinup gallery with art by Travis Moore, Kris Anka, Kevin Wada, Sophie Campbell, Nick Robles, and more! —Six exciting new profiles of DCTV’s LGBTQIA+ characters and the actors who play them!

Some TPBs involving Rogues that month -- mostly Digger, for the upcoming Suicide Squad movie, but also the DCeased: Unkillables collection.

THE SUICIDE SQUAD CASE FILES 2 TP written by John Ostrander, Paul Dini, Alan Grant, Dan Jurgens, Len Wein, Gail Simone, and more! art by Ed Benes, Dave Gibbons, Dan Jurgens, Luke McDonnell, Norm Breyfogle, and more! ON SALE 7/27/2021 $19.99 US | 224 PAGES | FC | DC 6 5/8' x 10 3/16' ISBN: 9781779511560 James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad film gathers the weirdest and wildest cast of characters in superhero movie history—from Squad veterans like Harley Quinn and Captain Boomerang to the downright peculiar Savant and the Javelin, and more. Discover the legacy of the film’s eclectic characters in this second of two collections featuring their stories from throughout DC history! The Suicide Squad Case Files 2 features debuts and key appearances of Captain Boomerang, Rick Flag, the Ratcatcher, Savant, Javelin, Blackguard, and Harley Quinn, the Mistress of Mayhem herself. This volume collects their stories from Batman:Harley Quinn #1, Birds of Prey #58, Booster Gold #1, Detective Comics #585, Green Lantern #174, Secret Origins #14, and Suicide Squad #44.

SUICIDE SQUAD: THEIR GREATEST SHOTS TP written by Various art by Various ON SALE 7/13/2021 $12.99 US | 200 PAGES | FC | DC 6 5/8' x 10 3/16' ISBN: 9781779510730 The ultimate graphic novel companion to the high-octane, highly anticipated Suicide Squad movie coming in 2021! Featuring everyone’s favorite DC antiheroes--from Harley Quinn to Captain Boomerang--this collection is sure to thrill any fan seeking more high-stakes black-ops missions where no one is safe! Ranging from classic adventures by John Ostrander to contemporary tales with art by Jim Lee--all the comics heavy hitters who’ve shaped the Squad are featured in this collection! Collects Suicide Squad #10 (1987), Suicide Squad #15 (2012), Suicide Squad #22 (2013), Suicide Squad: Rebirth #1 (2016), Suicide Squad #16 (2017), Suicide Squad #20 (2017), Suicide Squad #47 (2018), and Suicide Squad Special: War Crimes #1 (2016).

DCEASED: UNKILLABLES TP written by Tom Taylor art by Karl Mostert cover by Howard Porter ON SALE 7/13/2021 $17.99 US | 144 PAGES | FC | DC 6 5/8' x 10 3/16' ISBN: 9781779505965 Discover what the villains of the DC Universe did during the events of DCeased! From the hit series DCeased comes a villain’s story about survival during the zombie apocalypse! Vandal Savage hasn’t lived for thousands of years without being prepared. Seconds after the Anti-Life virus breaks out, he has already made contact and begun to assemble a team of people to help him ride out the end of the world. Some of the world’s greatest mercenaries and fighters are brought to his side, all tasked to protect Savage. All Vandal can offer them is survival. Collects DCeased: Unkillables #1-3.

It doesn’t seem like there will be any Rogues in that month’s Flash issues, but just in case...

THE FLASH #771 written by Jeremy Adams art by Brandon Peterson, Fernando Pasarin, Bryan Hitch and Scott Kollins, Kevin Maguire cover by Brandon Peterson card stock variant cover by Brett Booth ON SALE 6/15/2021 $3.99 US | 32 PAGES | FC | DC card stock variant cover $4.99 US| FC | DC The Legion of Doom, Teen Titans Academy, Max Mercury’s Wild West origins, and more! Wally West’s leaps from speedster to speedster throughout time draws to a close as he begins to realize why he’s been sent on his quest by the Speed Force and what might be behind it. But with one last stop before he’s allowed to go home, will this journey break Wally forever or return him to glory?

THE FLASH 2021 ANNUAL #1 written by Jeremy Adams art by Brandon Peterson and Fernando Pasarin cover by Brandon Peterson card stock variant cover by Brett Booth ON SALE 6/29/2021 $5.99 US | 48 PAGES | FC | DC card stock variant cover $6.99 US | FC | DC The lightning-fast and action-packed “Surge” story line races to its conclusion as Wally West returns to the present day with a new perspective on the past and a reinvigorated desire to take back the mantle of the Flash. With one last hurdle to leap, Wally puts the past behind him, but he’ll need to propel himself further and faster than ever before to do it.

[atlanticcanada]

Bedard shines as Canada preps for New Year's Eve matchup with Sweden at world juniors

Brandt Clarke was manning his position on the blue line early in the second period when the action abruptly stopped.

The Canadian defenceman knew Connor Bedard just had the puck on his stick.

Then he didn't.

There were gasps and cheers moments later Thursday night from the red-clad crowd inside Scotiabank Centre when they -- along with the officials and Bedard's teammates -- realized what happened.

The 17-year-old phenom had perfectly placed a shot from a tight, near-impossible angle under the crossbar on the unsuspecting Austrian netminder for his first of two goals in what would turn into an 11-0 romp.

"Very sudden," Clarke said when asked his perspective following Friday's practice. "Then you look at the replay and you're like, 'What in the world?' It was literally a puck-width of space and he put it in there only like he can.

"Pretty remarkable."

It has, quite frankly, been a remarkable week at the world junior hockey championship for the 2023 NHL draft's presumptive top pick.

Bedard has 14 points to lead the tournament -- linemate Logan Stankoven is second with seven -- and he's tied Jordan Eberle's national record of 14 career goals at the men's under-20 event.

The North Vancouver, B.C., native also knotted a Canadian single-game mark with seven points in Wednesday's 11-2 drubbing of Germany before putting up six more against Austria.

"Pretty special," said forward Dylan Guenther, a member of the Arizona Coyotes loaned to Canada for the tournament.

"You don't see that -- ever."

Except you might when No. 16 is on the ice.

And Clarke, a member of the Los Angeles Kings, believes Bedard could play in the NHL right now.

"He's got the drive, he's got the skill, he's got determination," Clarke said. "There's not exceptional status for the NHL.

"But if there was, he'd be the No. 1 candidate."

The star centre for the Western Hockey League's Regina Pats -- coincidentally where Eberle played -- is also just four points back of the record 31 put up over three world junior tournaments by Eric Lindros.

It's unlikely, however, the event will ever see Bedard again with a straight-line path to the NHL coming after this season.

The world junior records are nice, but what Bedard really craves is a moment like the one Eberle is truly remembered for -- his dramatic tying goal in the dying seconds of the 2009 semifinals in Ottawa against Russia.

"If you ask anyone in the country, they'd want to be scoring that goal," Bedard said. "It would be nice to score a big one like he has."

With the tournament hosts set to meet Sweden on Saturday in a New Year's Eve matchup with massive seeding implications, Canadian head coach Dennis Williams said Bedard would trade each of his points for another gold medal after also winning August's pandemic-delayed showcase.

"Everyone loves scoring goals and being on the scoresheet," Williams said. "But getting to know him deep down, he's here for one thing -- he wants to repeat.

"He'll do whatever it takes."

That drive comes, at least in part, from Bedard's appreciation of his dad's profession.

Tom Bedard is a logger in B.C., often starting his days before dawn and spending hours on the road getting to and from his gruelling job.

"Pretty hard worker," Connor said of his father, whose birthday is Saturday. "His schedule's probably tougher than most. He comes home and he's still the most positive guy.

"Realizing what he does makes me feel so lucky just to play hockey."

And Canada feels lucky to have Bedard.

"First played with him at the under-18 tournament," said defenceman Jack Matier. "He was the quiet kid. Coming back here, I really notice his confidence, but also his humility off the ice.

"And a very special player on the ice with his highlight-reel goals and all the skill in the world."

Clarke was asked what he thinks pushes Bedard, a player already being mentioned in the same breath as Connor McDavid.

"People get motivated in different ways," he said. "A guy that knows his abilities, likes to put on a show for people, likes to make plays with the puck, has the utmost confidence in himself. The drives him. He wants to be better than he was last game.

"Just the kind of person he is."

His country couldn't ask for anything more.

SEEDING SCENES

Canada enters the final day of Group A action with six points from three games. Sweden leads with eight, followed by Czechia with seven.

Canada dropped its opening game to Czechia. A regulation win for the Canadians over the Swedes would guarantee them second place ahead of Monday's quarterfinals.

Czechia -- the country commonly known as the Czech Republic -- takes on Germany in its round-robin finale.

MILIC GETS THE CALL

Williams announced Thomas Milic would start in goal ahead of Benjamin Gaudreau.

The only player not drafted when eligible on the Canadian roster -- Bedard and Adam Fantilli get their turn in June -- the 19-year-old netminder has used that as fuel.

"I'm pretty proud," Milic said of backstopping a star-studded roster. "(Not being drafted) is always something that's in the back of my mind. But right now my top priority is this tournament and helping the team.

"If you're playing good, you're playing good. That's all that matters in tournaments like this."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 30, 2022.

from CTV News - Atlantic https://ift.tt/JtCa9N2

[axiomsofice]

Group A:

 Owen Power, D, NCAA

This is likely the only pick that we’ll be able to predict with much conviction. It’s a package that is impossible to ignore, a huge frame, good passing skills, and already contributing at a high level. Seeing as the second-to-last defenceman to go 1st (Ekblad, get well) just started to transform into his best self, and with Dahlin posting uneven results early in his journey, there shouldn’t be an expectation for Power to make the jump to Buffalo next season. Especially given he’d be headed back to Michigan, a higher level than junior, this should be an ideal place for him to hone his craft for a year or two before the Sabre slide him into their top 4.

 Group B: 2nd to 10th

 Some consensus should be coming as we approach the draft, but in general it wouldn’t be surprising for these players to be selected anywhere in this range. Central accounting’s lists were quite surprising and I definitely take their opinions to heart, along with many other opinions as well. I’ve divided them by position.

 Defence:

 Brandt Clarke, D, Slovakia (via OHL)

Clarke went overseas to find playing time this season, playing pro in Slovakia. He’s got a lot of agility, or shiftiness, with and without the puck. He’s aggressive in pursuing offence with his passing and skating, and has the quality to make plays and even score goals when he jumps up into the play.

 Luke Hughes, D, USNDTP

The third instalment of the Hughes Brothers (Quinn and Jack), Luke is bigger than his brothers and amongst the youngest of the draft class. He has all the tools we’ve come to expect from the family interns of puck skills and skating prowess, although time will tell maybe not quite to the level of his brothers, but nonetheless standouts amongst this draft class. Given his age, and playing at a lower level than the rest of these top ranked defenders, the baseline of at least one more year before thinking about jumping to the NHL might be 2 for Hughes. With patience and development, Hughes could prove to have the most upside among blueliners in this class.

 Simon Edvinsson, D, SHL

Not quite as tall as Power, but Edvinsson a big person in his own right. He uses this size and his skating to be a really effective defender. His offensive game, especially his passing and decision making, or perhaps better framed as transitions, is still a bit raw. Surviving in the SHL at this age is definitely an accomplishment, and the hope is that next season he can make a bigger difference in that league. It seems all but guaranteed he’ll be able to contribute in the NHL at some point, the question is more about how much.

 CENTRE

 Matt Beniers, C, NCAA

Beniers is definitely the prospect I’ve seen the most of in the class, and especially early in the season I had almost cone to terms with ranking him number 1. Although it is significant to me that Central Scouting had him as their 6th NA skater. He’ll be described as a 2-way centre, maybe a 2nd line type of centre, and I wonder if it’s mostly due to a perceived lack of upside that others might have jumped past him. Regardless, he’s already succeeding in at Michigan and played a big role on the Gold Medal U20 US team. He supports his teammates all over the ice and is a great passing outlet from breakouts to zone entries. He does have some skill and is probably my favourite to go 2nd overall at this point (June).

 Mason McTavish, C, SUI (via OHL)

Another OHL top prospect who had to venture overseas for ice time, McTavish performed really well in a men’s pro league. Perhaps a bit more powerful in skating and style than Beniers, the situation with the OHL, a strong U18 performance, and a high season end Central Scouting Ranking (2nd NA), it’s likely McTavish will be considered a late riser, even though it’s not as if a strong development curve wasn’t expected. Especially as we get closer to the draft we should expects to see his name solidify itself in this 2-10 group, especially given his position.

 WINGS

 William Eklund, W, SHL

Eklund posted really good results in the SHL this year. He is able to contribute offensively in many ways, and at this point his game seems to be more effective than astounding. Having succeeded at such a high level already it’s hard to imagine he won’t be able to make a difference on an NHL roster in a year or two.

 Kent Johnson, W, NCAA

Johnson might be a good foil to Eklund in that his play oozes skill, often able to makes and see plays at an extremely high level. He was able to translate it into both a strong performance at Michigan, and a high spot on Central Scoutings’ List. The fact that they ranked him above Beniers is very interesting to me, and says that scouts think his game will take well as he moves into higher levels. He is very fun to watch and attacks laterally in a way that only the high quality players can.

 Dylan Guenther, W, WHL

19/20 was strong for Guenther, and a short and strange season for the WHL was enough for him to grow his reputation. He averaged both a goal and an assist per game in 24 games this season, basically playing as well as he could have. The CHL leagues were probably most affected among top development leagues, so it’s hard to know how much that affected things. That being said, should he return to the WHL it’ll be a tall task to improve his offensive output. Despite playing at a lower level he is very much in the mix with Eklund and Johnson, and it is quite likely there will be nothing close to a consensus on which order these wingers are selected.

 Goalie

 Jesper Wallstedt, G, SHL

More and more often were seeing really high ranked goaltenders, and as more of them start to pan out, it’s hard to make a case picking against Wallstedt. Posting great numbers in the SHL as a skater is impressive, but in net the accomplishment becomes truly rare among draft eligibles. The position is volatile, and it often takes time to find the metal stability to be an NHL starter. That’s why despite the dominant results in the SHL, it’s probably best to err on the side of patience. That being said, it’s exciting to conceptualize that he might be able to make a difference at the NHL level in 2-3 years vs in his mid to late 20s as is common for netminders.

 Group C

 This group I would call likely 1st rounders, obviously some of this caliber of player can fall into round 2, even in more normal years. Some might even be able to push over some of the group B prospects ranked ahead.

 WINGS

 Matthew Coronato, W, USHL

The Chicago Steel have a great program, and seem to have a more consistent line of talent than most of the others in their league, perhaps similar to the London Knights of the OHL. That being said Coronato scored at a ridiculous pace, even compared to his teammates. In part thanks to the Steel this league is being seen as more and more credible when it comes to drafting prospects. It is still not quite as strong of a league as the SHL or NCAA, but it might be the only thing that keeps him from going in the top 10.

 Nikita Chibrikov, W, KHL

There is debate about who the best Russian forward prospect is between Chibrikov and Svechkov. In Chibrikov’s favour is the ranking from Central Scouting as well as a really strong U18 performance. It seems every year that the best Russian prospects don’t garner much respect from those who aren’t scouting the region specifically, so it shouldn’t be a surprise for all 3 Russians in this range (Chibrikov, Svechkov, and Chayka) to be selected earlier than one might expect.

 Fabian Lysell, W, SHL

He is not quite as good a prospect as Lucas Raymond from the 2020 draft, yet the two are similar in that they are small, offensively capable wingers who didn’t get much ice time in their draft years, and who are much better at pressuring the puck all over the ice than given credit for. It wouldn’t be a surprise for him to fall a bit due to his stature, but Lysell still figures to go I. The first round.

 Isak Rosen, W, SHL

 Simon Robertsson, W, SHL

 Brendan Othmann, W, SUI

Othmann has the size, power, and skating skills that figure to translate well to the pros. He has the shot and puck skills to be dangerous on the rush and gets a lot of chances to do so thanks to his abilities in transition and counter attacks.

 CENTRES

 Aatu Raty, C, SML

At one point a favourite to be the top ranked prospect in this class, Raty stock has cooled recently thanks to some less than promising results in the Finnish pro league. He’s big and strong enough to be effective along the walls in zone offence, and is able to find open ice in shooting positions. Typically, the Finns employ a utilitarian skillset, disposed to strong 2-way play or substance over style. I believe that this often causes the offensive capability of Finnish prospects to be undersold (thinking of Anton Lundell from the 2020 draft). If supported in the right way Raty could be a steal, especially given the scarcity of strong centres in this class.

 Fedor Svechkov, C, KHL

 Cole Sillinger, C, WHL

 Chaz Lucius, C, USNTDP

  DEFENCE

 Corson Cuelmans

 Carson Lambos

 Daniil Chayka

  Group D

 This group is players I have a first round grade on, but are by no means a lock to be selected afterwards. No doubt that some of this group will be selected from the mid second round and later. At this point there is a greater number of prospects, so I’ll merely name a few that I feel strongly about.

 Forwards

 Logan Stankoven

 Zachary L’Heureux

 Chase Stillman

  Defence

 Scott Morrow

 Stanislav Svozil

[rayofdawnworld]

Fallen Rebel

Hello, here I am, again with another Dark MCU Kink of the Month fic. This one isn’t a one-shot, though so I’m afraid you’ll have to wait a bit for the naughty parts. 

Also, I have noticed a lack of Hawkeye fics, Dark or otherwise which is a pity because Jeramy Renner is in my opinion a SNAK! So... Although it's not Hawkeye, (though that will be coming) Heres one of Jeramy's characters. William Brandt. DARK!William Brandt.

I would like to thank @imanuglywombat for not only making me this beautiful Moodboard but for actually managing to make out what I wanted, out of my very convoluted request.  And I would like to thank @mcudarklibrary​ for hosting this challenge. Can't wait for next month's kink. 

Without further due, ONWARDS TO THE FIC!

Trigger Warnings: 

Mentions Sex Toys. (Blink and you'll miss it.)

Brief Mention of masturbation. (Blink and you'll miss it.) 

Control/authority Kink 

Fallen Rebel

Capter One

She had been SO stupid. She couldn’t even claim that she didn’t know what she was doing, because she did. She wasn’t dumb. She had been her high school valedictorian. She didn’t need her father's connections to get into Harvard. Of course, she knew what she had done. A senator's daughter getting mixed up with Anarchists. Especially followers of the John Larkin Manifesto? And then just to top it all off, agreeing to a foursome. Why? Because Daddy didn’t pay enough attention to her? Mommy was more interested in her charities? Because the hansom intelligence analyst that followed her father everywhere ignored her eighteen-year-old advances? She knew that none of it would matter, knew that none of it would work, yet she did it anyway. 

Lillian Wilkinson looked at herself in her bathroom mirror. 

Her life had gone to shit. First the frat boys she fucked sent a recording to her father, blackmailing him. Then he found out that she had joined an Anarchist group that had been funded by a Russian terrorist cell. She hadn’t known about the cell, her father believed her when she told him, but the damage was already done. That's when she found out that he wasn't only the Secretary of Defense but the Head of a semi-secret agency called the IMF. He called in some favors to one of the IT experts in the IMF to erase all copies of the Sex tape and put the fear of God into the frat boys and erase all evidence of her involvement with any kind of group, Anarchist, or otherwise. He then lectured her for over an hour before informing her that, no, she wasn’t going into Environmental Law, she was going to finish her college year and then claim that the pressure had been too much before dropping out and going to work as some lower-ranking pencil pusher within the IMF. It had been all taken care of. Her actions had put his place within the IMF in jeopardy compromising him. And that had been the last time she had seen him. He had gone to Russia the same evening with the promise that they would finish their conversation when he came back. He never did. Her mother blamed her to some extent. She believed that he had left early for his trip because of their daughter's actions. Trying to convince her mother otherwise was futile. The fact that she had kept to her father's plan not having much of a choice, just sent her mother into a greater spiral of resentment. What would her friends think? 

She hadn't spoken to her mother in over three years. The grieving widow had moved on less than a year after her father's death. She had tried to keep in touch with her mother but, she soon understood that there was no place for her in her mother's new life. 

She did her job, as a legal secretary, she was only one year shy of completing her degree, after all. When the IMF was shut down she had gone on to work as a data analyst for the C.I.A. 

In other words, she put the hard copies of the files away. That's when she suspected it happened. Somewhere in between Brandt, her father's old Intelligence Analyst, becoming an IMF agent and then a C.I.A. agent and being promoted to head of mission control when the IMF was reinstated, he somehow got wind of her Rebelouse Fuck Up. It was only after the inner scandal that was August Walker, that Brandt got all the ammunition and the proof he needed.

August Walker WAS John Larkin. HIS manifesto was what jump-started everything that happened since the bombing in Russia, including her father's death. Solomon Kane, The Apostles, all of it. Everything even remotely connected to any of it was lethal. Even if it had just been a stupid mistake. She would at best, go to jail in some C.I.A. or IMF black site or at worst be eliminated. 

That's when she lost all agency. She was no longer an independent person. Being William Brandts’ obedient minion was far better than the alternative.

And that's how she found herself in her bathroom in nothing but a towel waiting for William to send her a message with instructions on what to wear for the day still flushed from the hot water and her stress relief activity. 

It had started small. Who she could interact with at work, what time she had to be at home, it then escalated to what she could eat and wear to work. Soon after, it spiraled into who she could talk to anywhere, what she could eat, and at what time, the length and type of her exercise regimen. She had none in the past but she did now, overseen by her Lord and Master every Friday night, what she could wear even at home, what perfume she could wear if she could wear perfume. It reached the point that except breathing, dreaming, and thinking, one Miss Lillian Wilkinson had to do everything William Brandt said.

 Just before she lost complete control over her life, she had tried to rebel. Again stupid on her part. She had gone with her boyfriend to Napa Valley for the weekend. When she got home, she was shocked to find it empty with only a piece of paper on the kitchen counter with an address on it. 

It turned out that it was her new apartment. With new furniture, clothes, all cataloged in numbers, and letters, amenities, food, hell she even had a new car, phone, and phone number. The car and phone had locators, the apartment had cameras, her reward for trying to assert herself. He even took her toys away. He had ordered her to leave her boyfriend Or else.

She didn’t want to find out what Brandt would do if she disobeyed him, so she broke up with her boyfriend of three years. She was just thankful that the bathrooms didn’t have any cameras. At least she had a bit of privacy. Everything was luxurious. No, one would ever be able to accuse Brandt of not treating his new pet very well. She had more nice things now than when she was with her parents. Pity the price was her autonomy.  

 She looked at her phone as it dinged. Time to see what Lord Brandt's demands were today. 

Use your white business dress nº 15, black heels nº6, no perfume, no jewelry, minimal makeup, NO underwear. Today you eat breakfast with me. You have 15 minutes.

No underwear? What the hell? She asked herself shocked. And what was this about breakfast? This was a new development. Sure he would tell her what sort of underwear to wear, and if he doubted that she wasn’t wearing what he had ordered he would check, there had been an embarrassing scene once, where Brandt had manhandled her into the bathroom to check if she had worn the underwear he had ordered. She was sure her coworkers assumed, wrongly, that she and Brandt were having an affair. She used to get dressed in the bathroom, to have some privacy, now she just got her underthings on and dressed the rest of the clothes in her room. Walking into her closet and grabbing the dress, she scurried back into the bathroom to put it on. 

She had a sinking feeling that things were about to get worse.