#with nate being more confident to the point of being cocky and coming off as arrogant and even impatient with his enemies

[achilleswishes]

I think the biggest difference between natehawk via death dependency goes something like

Nate: You're going to kill me? Do you promise?

Hawk: You're going to kill me? Whyyyyyyy? Why? ;w;

[eyrieofsynapses]

so today I just watched the first episode of Almost Paradise! And I’ve gotta say, I am impressed. I already had it on my watchlist but I was planning to wait to watch it for a while until I could let Eliot fade a bit from memory, just so I wouldn’t automatically think of him while watching Kane. But I ran into an article this weekend about how it was filmed in the Philippines and the details of that, and my curiosity was piqued considerably more, so I figured... why not? 

(I also started White Collar this weekend and that was very enjoyable, but that’s a post for another day.) 

Anyway, my brain’s buzzing now, so have some first impressions and reactions, plus initial meta-analysis because I am intrigued. In hindsight I probably should have recorded first impressions while I was watching, but I’ll do my best to remember the bits that stuck out. Warning for... exceedingly long post.

ooo, okay, so he’s got a medical condition. I faaaaintly remember reading about this in the summary but I didn’t pay much attention to that, oops.

telling a guy played by Chris Kane not to get his heartrate up! that’s definitely gonna happen. definitely. one hundred percent. not like this guy loves fighting or anything

(also tbh the joke about, ah, sexual dysfunction admittedly left a sour taste in my mouth, because I do not go for that kind of thing, but... this is Devlin and Kane, so I’m trusting, based off Leverage experience, that they aren’t gonna be too inappropriate. [In hindsight there are actually interesting meta reasons for this so the sour taste has dissipated somewhat.])

this poor doctor. she’s so done with him. 

...he’s definitely not gonna pay attention to the monitor is he

that journal’s gonna get zero use oop

(I was duly impressed when he actually did use it later)

huh, liking how we immediately dive into the effect tourism has had on the Philippines. so we’re getting some commentary here too? I can deal with that

...wow. bad shop. eek

I’m sorry but I am loving the touch with the floorboards and such breaking beneath Alex. the look on his face is just perfect

and the monitor goes off! for tbh the last reason I expected it to first go off for, excellent 

MOTORCYLE? did they give him a motorcycle?!

awww no it’s the baddies who have the motorcycle :(

hmm this should be interesting. loving the look of this leader guy tho

--aaaand good asthetic guy is dead! with an ice pick! creepy and creative! 

bar. no way this could go wrong

internal battle! understandable that Alex wants out, buuuuuuut if he’s anything like I suspect he is--

--yup, picking a fight, with a damn pool cue--

--not picking a fight?

...picking a fight. by being friendly. *sigh*

yuuuuuuuup. that’s definitely good for your heart

badass fighting scene! with a pool cue, that’s a new one! love seeing Kane take ordinary objects and turn them into fighting tools

(ngl this had Eliot vibes. that said I am thrilled to see how damn good these fight scenes are and this is making me even more excited for Redemption)

aaaaaaaaaand oh fuck this was a police setup. which. I actually did not see coming, huh

ahahah they’re pissed! because he messed up their bust? or because he just saved their asses? 

...probably technically the former but I suspect the latter is also true

refusing to get Involved being foreshadowed by his indecision earlier! of course he’s going to get Involved anyway, only question is how

“hitter” I SEE YOU. I SEE YOU AND YOUR REFERENCES. I SEE YOU DEVLIN AND KANE

pfffffffffffFFFFFT the meditation, oh gods

that voice. oh Alex. 

I genuinely cannot tell if this is him actually trying or if this is him begrudgingly making an attempt because he has to

lacquering(?) the doors, which, hey, actually look pretty nice--this place is gonna look good when it’s done isn’t iii--

oh fuck Alex is being attacked

(this is definitely something to be concerned about. yes. totally. not like we haven’t already seen him take down a bunch of guys.)

with a garrot! this is definitely totally not how he’s gonna get Involved

oh my gods the detail with the paint. nothing says Competent like getting irritated at how the baddie interrupted your house restoration

hehehehe Involved

oooh, hmm, he thinks they sent the guy after him? what kind of corruption has Alex faced? I mean it’s not an unreasonable fear, but jeez, it sounds like this has happened to him before. doesn’t say much good about the DEA...

huh, this is a level of disturbed I haven’t seen from Kane before. which, granted, I have only seen him in Leverage, but I’ve never seen him pull this out before. the voice crack is an excellent touch

also, worth noting, Alex is definitely a notable level of... hmm, paranoid? this is just a tad bit frantic, though that’s understandable from a guy who almost got killed while in the middle of an attempted meditation

oh god being cocky in the middle of a briefing. poor Kai 

--being cocky and competence porn! of course he takes the watch and turns it into a lesson

...he must be a hell of a teacher

(also, bonus points for actually using the journal. maybe he’s taking this health thing more seriously than I thought he would?)

may I repeat: COMPETENCE PORN

uh-huh, you’re so not involved, definitely, Alex, not like you’re gonna get pulled straight into this or anything

Ernesto is just watching to see how things play out, Kai is... trying to do things the right way, and Alex...

...Alex gives precisely zero fucks. buddy you are so not subtle

right, walking straight into the lion’s den! radiating confidence! terrifying

this is a disturbing level of truth he’s sharing for this lie. I mean, best lies are crafted from truth, but... jeez

hm. so is Alex also a “I don’t like guns” type guy? 

(probably not for the same reasons as Eliot doesn’t [his is definitely more in the “they make it too easy to kill” department whereas I would guess Alex has either more tactical or PTSD reasons], but, hmm. this is something to watch for)

(did they know they were bringing back Leverage when they set up Almost Paradise? I’m genuinely wondering if they didn’t write some Eliot traits into Alex specifically bc they knew Kane missed playing him)

this is a fantastically confident level of grifting--what exactly did he do in the DEA, precisely?

...ah. cool asthetic guy. stuffed in the freezer. gotta admit, I definitely didn’t see that one coming. creepy! 

(and it looks like you actually managed to shake Alex a little, hah)

aaaaaand in the meantime we have Kai following his advice! in an... interesting way. hm. 

(surprisingly this does not annoy me that much in hindsight. not sure why)

and understandably, this does not go over well! except, oh, fuck, DEA guy. this ain’t gonna be good

...worse. worse than I thought. what happened to you, Alex? former partner? whaaat

“attacks”? 

this gonna be the typical “traumatized white dude has Anger Attacks” type thing? 

honestly I immediately went “probably not” given how it was handled in Leverage. wasn’t sure though. but that does leave the question of what sort of attacks? it doesn’t seem like it’d be meltdowns, so what does that leave? 

hmmm. DEA guy is an Ass. we Do Not Like him. I’ve known Alex for less than half an hour but you do not do that to him. you do not use trauma against your guy, Jerkface. 

cutting a deal? this should be interesting

...well shit. I. am sincerely hoping Kai isn’t about to walk in on anything too bad

this definitely isn’t gonna be a fight though, that I called right off the bat

--bottles. dammit

oh, Christ. attempted OD or just drunk?

just drunk! good! well, very Not Good, but better than the other thing

pffffft dunking him in the water and then him going straight back to the water when he sees her, that is both absolutely hilarious and deeply concerning

aaand I’m agreeing with Kai but also, poor guy just got confronted with a hell of a lot of things that would raise his trau--

...mm. yeah. that’d be it. 

...I. was. not expecting that much backstory info straight off. holy cow, Alex. that is. messed up. someone get this man a hug

“one of the guys that cared too much”

(...like you?)

(or is that why you won’t let yourself care now?)

fuck, there was a lot more to that boat scene than I thought. ow

partner who betrayed him like that? I’m just. gods. 

Trust Issues is definitely gonna be a Thing isn’t it

can we just take a second to appreciate how Christian Kane is playing the absolute hell out of this character

aaaand Kai brings him back to the city for a Heartwarming Reminder of why he was in the game! this is very tropey but it is, as John Rogers has pointed out, an instance of the “well-worn writing tool” rather than feeling cheesy! 

holy crap Kai has lost. a lot of people. oh man

ahahahaha classic “why did you bring me here?” line! you know why, Alex. you know why

oh, and Ernesto gets a chance to help him out! I’m already enjoying this so much

awww and Kai shows up to help encourage him! with coffee! supportive friend and very obvious but honestly okay love interest! good!!!

(what the heck is with Devlin and his crew and sticking Kane with two besties? based on Ernesto’s dynamic with him I’m guessing this isn’t gonna be an OT3 but. I am loving the trend)

“I’m gonna regret this in the morning” pfft

huh, working with the DEA agents. not like he’s gonna go off script or anything. that’s totally not gonna happen is it

hehe irritated look while they’re putting on the mic. he is so very unimpressed

--”little episodes”--episodes? 

moment of appreciation for the un-forced-feeling diversity in these police squads

“how’s the anxiety?” I’m sorry what

hold up, when we say “episodes”--are we talking panic attacks? does Alex have actual goddamn anxiety? 

...actually with PTSD? that would make complete sense. I am... intrigued. I am really hoping that that’s the case, actually, because having seen how well they handled Parker and her PTSD in Leverage (as well as Nate’s and Eliot’s) I have a lot of faith that they could pull that off really well, actually. That would be good. 

ppFFFT TAKING OFF THE WIRES RIGHT OFF THE BAT

wait what. you’re telling them everything? what’s your game here? 

“get that frikkin gun outta my face!” yup, not a fan of guns! no disarming though? huh

(also can we just. appreciate how Kane manages to make “frikkin” sound just as much like the cuss it’s replacing?)

(LET ALEX SAY FUCK)

oh. OH

hi Ernesto! hi Kai! I see what y’all doing

ohhhhhhhhhh Alex you goddamn genius. Getting rid of all of the drugs so there’s no way the precise thing he was claiming to be doing can happen. I like this

THE MEDITATION COMING ON ON THE RECORDING I CAN’T--OH MY GODS

Alex please tell me you know how to disarm a gun. please. guns are not effective at that distance

OH. OH I DID NOT SEE KAI COMING. 

got ‘em! murder confession, how did I not see that coming? good stuff

Kai can fight! 

KAI CAN FUCKING FIGHT WOW

I am very much appreciating Kai right now

also is that a FLYING KICK from Ernesto?

they better give these people more fight scenes

aaaaand straight into the water, oh god. I’m assuming this was a choice made because Alex is familiar with this territory? ...I do not think I want to know where Alex learned to fight underwater.

(I really really really want to know.) 

how the fuck has your monitor not gone off by now Alex

choking him out underwater, okay, wow 

what size are your lungs? this is long

extra kudos for excellent underwater filming and wow I am hoping the actors actually came up for air

(this is also unreasonably beautiful for a scene where you’re choking out a drug lord. the water is so pretty)

Evil DEA guy (no I am not going to learn his name, he doesn’t deserve it) is gonna be Alex’s Agent Sterling, isn’t he? this should be interesting

heh, police chief is taking his side! good stuff, good stuff

(it is very nice to see Alex getting some people in his corner after knowing what hell the DEA put him through)

Alex has fallen so damn hard for Kai. this is very very adorable actually

awww he’s really getting into fixing up the shop, isn’t he? I’m sincerely looking forward to seeing how he gets this up and going, it really looks like he’s enjoying himself

somehow I am starting to wonder if the cocky “oh yeah I’m opening up a gift shop how exciting huh” thing at the start wasn’t... actually genuine. he... is enjoying this, isn’t he? good. very good

I am unreasonably invested in this man’s wellbeing for one episode in

!!!!!!!!! HE GETS HIS PARADE

AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

giving him his reason to keep going! yes! yessss

oh Alex you are attached now. you are very attached. good luck my dude and don’t let the trust issues get in the way

this is a good show. this is a heckin awesome show. 

also, side note, it is SO PRETTY

I am just loving loving loving all of the scenery. competence porn AND landscape and city porn. beautiful. perfection. excellent

...that was. much longer than I anticipated oops 

anyway, conclusion: hot damn this is a fun show! I am very excited to keep watching this. Alex officially has my heart, even if he’s a bit of a cocky bastard sometimes. Kane is fucking hilarious. (More reasons to be excited for Redemption!) Kai and Ernesto also have my heart, and I am extremely interested to see their character development. 

Honestly, the beauty is surprising. I didn’t expect to just enjoy how pretty it is. The blues of the ocean, the intense tropical colors, even the run-down gift shop--there’s such a gorgeous aesthetic to it all. If I wasn’t already invested in the characters and plot, I’d be invested for that alone. 

So... I have some thoughts on Alex and the show structure.

He’s obviously very disillusioned. There’s a lot of nods to the idea of war--he’s commonly referring to himself as a soldier, as a veteran, maybe as a casualty. I’m gonna take a totally wild guess here and say this show is going to be focused on the drug issues in the Philippines. (Wow, Synapse, how the heck’d you guess that?) I do find describing the war on drugs as a war, and going into the terminology that comes with it, very appropriate, and I like how this show is actively calling this to attention rather than using it as a convenient plot. They’re actually addressing the issue and discussing its impact. And given how overlooked certain aspects of the impact of the drug war on the Philippines is, this is a good choice, especially in order to alert American viewers to the issue. I’m curious to see how they handle that.

Again, interesting drawing parallels to war, too, and comparing it against the likes of WWI and Vietnam. It really gives that sense of weight to the issue and defines a vital aspect of it: the impact of the war on drugs on the people involved. It emphasizes that the people who are fighting it suffer consequences and PTSD just as a soldier in the field does, and it also emphasizes, with Kai, that it isn’t just the people actively fighting who bear the consequences. It’s also the people on the sidelines--it’s the families, the people on the streets by the gunfights, the economical impact, etcetera. 

But there’s also an element to Alex’s character that automatically makes him relatable to a lot of people... and it has nothing to do with the PTSD, nothing to do with the war on drugs, nothing really to do with the main issues. It is, simply, the intense hopelessness and depression that comes with trying to make a difference. In his case it’s making a difference on a severe worldwide issue. But the vast majority, if not all, of Almost Paradise’s audience should be able to relate to a feeling of never doing enough. And there’s certainly a large section of that group who can relate to being part of a fight that never seems to end. Doesn’t matter what you’re doing--if it’s driven at helping, it rarely ever feels like you ever do enough. But the advice given is excellent. One of the best things to do, when you’re feeling hopeless over this, is to focus on and take deep joy in the impact you do make. 

Alex is an expression of a frustration that a lot of people deal with. This, I think, is one of the reasons why he instantly drew me--and presumably the rest of the audience--in (outside of a fantastic actor and great humor). He’s relatable. He’s something that most people can see a part of themselves in. 

Anyway, symbolism and real-world talk aside, this is just... fun. It’s genuine fun. We’re covering rough issues, but there’s a lot of well-written tropes in here too that are written in that way that makes them enjoyable to relive rather than painful. The humor is delightful and plentiful. There’s a lot of beautiful feel-good moments. I’m suspecting this’ll be a comfort show, and I am perfectly all right with that. 

Onto the next episode!

[zhauric]

Character Profile (Music Edition): Asande Stormborn

For many of us, music is a source of inspiration for our characters, so I want to know what songs inspire and/relate to your muse! Choose between 10-15 songs, compile them into an album and tag some friends to share the beat!

*I am twisting this into something of my own creation. For Asande, this list is in chronological order and basically a story, background of her life from past to current. Please note some of these vids are NSFW due to nudity and violence. Lyrics are also a given. Mainly the Rihanna ones other than the first two.

Hate That I Love You - Rihanna and Ne-Yo

This is the beginning of the true shaping of Asande when she fell in love with the previous captain of her ship, Gareth Coldren. She felt he was everything she wanted and at the same time hated the fact she was in love with someone once again after being betrayed by her former love.

Loyalty - Kendrick Lamar and Rihanna 

Loyalty was (and still is) big for Asande after her being betrayed previously. She wanted to know all that Coldren was loyal to. Was it her? Was it the treasures and gil? Was it to pirating? Where did she fit in the hierarchy.

Kiss It Better - Rihanna (Partial Nudity Warning)

Speaks to her lust and passion especially for the man she had fallen for at this point of her life. Despite the arguing, the fighting the desire and need overrides that and her passion controls the demands of her heart and mind.

Just Give Me A Reason - Pink and Nate Ruess 

Things begin their change and she feels torn. is the love a lie, is there a reason for her to stay because she’s no longer feeling things are how they were and this she’s not wanted where she wishes to be.

Stay - Rihanna and Mikky Ekko 

She feels they are going in circles. She feels he is her savior and he has a way to make her feel there is nothing and no one else for her.

Love The Way You Lie - Eminem and Rihanna (Domestic Violence Warning)

The toxicty of the relationship grows and she deals with physical abuse on top of mental and verbal. She walks a line closing her eyes to it, suppressing herself to it though the threat of her moving on is growing.

Devil In Me - Halsey

She feels a part of her waking inside. A part, a fire that Coldren has always known existed but has kept buried making her a shell of herself but she is coming to the realization.

I’m Gonna Show You Crazy - Bebe Rexha 

Asande’s breaking point. She is told who she should be, what her worth is by someone else’s measure and she’s no longer wanting to be in a box of someone else’s creation.

Without Me - Halsey

The point Asande has finally had enough and takes her life into her hands instead of leaving it in the hands of another. To find who she is and to no longer be abused and used to someone else’s design while realizing all she did for Coldren to achieve while she remained stagnate.

Dancing With A Stranger - Sam Smith and Normani 

The period after a relationship that held meaning in her life. The need to feel someone near her again has her reaching out to those she doesn’t know whether to hang around or to warm her bed.

Bad At Love - Halsey, I’m A Mess - Bebe Rexha, Sorry - Halsey 

These three are grouped because they speak to Asande’s mindset at this point. She thinks love isn’t for her, that she is too broken, a mess and her walls are built guarding her heart from such for the better of any seeking more. In her mind at least.

Bitch Better Have My Money - Rihanna (Nudity and Violence Warning)

Asande begins unloading her frustrations in her pirating and sets a tone for her captainship to make certain none of the crew doubt her resolve and that is the captain they need and wanted all along.

Nightmare - Halsey, Nice For What - Drake, Bad Guy - Billie Eilish 

This is where Asande is beginning to break all shackles, all confinements and assumptions of who and what she was supposed to be. She is embracing who wants to be and not caring about the thoughts of outsiders or imprisoning herself to the social norms. She is basically saying fuck that box you think to put me in *smiles*

Drink To That - Rihanna, Glamorous - Fergie and Ludacris 

Embracing the party life and the materials that come with the path of being a pirate that seeks the thrill of adventure and chase of gil. Shrugging off whispers behind her back and any have ill content for her to live her own life. 

Pretty Girl Rock - Keri Hilson, Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored - Arianna Grande 

Her confidence in who she is on display in how she carries herself including definite cockiness. She knows what she offers to watchful eyes and holds her head up high. Also despises being bored which she will openly tell anyone.

*No need for any I tag to do it in the format I have and I added more songs than originally asked on the meme. Just an idea that came upon me while putting it together. Probably won’t do the same for Kaelivh though *smirks*

Tagged by: @yokasaris @captainkurosolaire @yuki-yukichan My thanks. 

Tagging: @divine-ruin @nihil242 @ivyffxiv @nocturnedreaming @seina-kurokiba @niomemizune  @esme-selah @herd-of-halla @thorcatte @unabashedrebel @halcyonic-aether @silvernsteel @mteshi-ffxiv @carmen-ffxiv​

[nelllraiser]

hot girl bummer — nate & nell

location: dell’s tavern parties involved: @deadicated-nate

Nate rarely went out to drink socially. It was nearly every day that he made up some terrible excuse for why he couldn’t go grab a drink with his assistant after work, but for some reason today was different. Maybe it was the full moon that had him acting bolder than normal, but after he closed up the office, Nate carefully made his way over to Dell’s. The tavern was still pretty empty, the after work crew not yet bombarding the place with their work day complaints, so Nate had his pick of seats. In true Blackthorne fashion, he chose the most secluded table he could, furthest from the rowdier people in the place and closest to the emergency exit. He ordered a plate of sliders and a pilsner and settled in to be as social as he ever was, content to just watch the people filter in and out of the historic bar.

The day had begun with Penelope going out after a successful jaunt in the Ring, having partaken in the fighting today rather than just watching. At some point though, the post-fight drinks had begun to die down, and the young woman had sent her friend away after spotting a rather agreeable looking man in the corner of the tavern. She shooed the other girl off, muttering something about getting herself a ‘hot piece of man-meat’ before making her way over the the secluded table that Nate was frequenting. But...as she grew closer, her plans changed. Had she ever seen someone look so thoroughly like they were expecting the very burger they were eating to come alive and attack them? And that was saying something when she lived with her sister, Abby. So instead of opening up with some terrible pick-up line, she shifted gears. “I’m buying you a drink.” It wasn’t really a question, and it didn’t look like she’d take no for an answer as she reached to insistently poke the man in the shoulder. “You look like you need much more than just that pilsner.”

Nate looked up at the new addition to his corner, his brows raised in surprise. People rarely came over this way unless they worked here and were dropping off his order. Sometimes they even put a few chairs around as a barrier for him. But the woman who approached him, demanding that she buy him a drink and poking him in the shoulder threw him for a loop. He froze like a deer in headlights, a small, nervous smile ghosting on his lips. “Oh uh, yeah, sure…” he mumbled, scooting his meal over to make room for the new person. She was familiar, one of the odd sisters that were a White Crest staple. He eyed the woman carefully and took another hesitant bite of his slider, making sure he chewed fully so as not to choke. “Did you uh...wanna sit down?”

Penelope couldn’t help the somewhat amused smile that was sneaking over her lips, uncertain as to just how this poor creature could look so lost and startled in the same exact moment. It was like he’d wandered onto Earth by accident, and seemed far too surprised that there were other people inhabiting it. Not to mention, she was rather pleased he’d readily agreed. It made things easier that way. It only took a second for her to promptly plop herself in the seat next to him with a “Yeah, thanks,” her own drink still in hand as she looked over the meal he’d ordered. “So what’s your name?” Nell didn’t wait for his answer before saying, “I’m Penelope. But why are you over here all alone?”

Nate was easily surprised and readily made any situation awkward like it was his job. His fingers fumbled over the tiny burger and his mind was running a million times its normal speed, quickly calculating all the added dangers of having this girl anywhere near him. At the same time, even the brief conversation they’d had was more socialization than he’d had in weeks. He may still be human – for now – but that humanity needed more humanity to thrive. “Nate.” He kept his hands wrapped around the small morsel but he let out a tiny smile. “Honestly, I like people watching. And it’s uh, less dangerous.” He nodded to a pair of rowdy men playfully shoving each other. “The drunk crowd gets a little pushy.”

Penelope watched with a healthy amount of somewhat judgmental concern as the man seemed to approach his burger as if it were a puzzle. Just eat the damn thing. How had he managed to survive this long if he scrutinized all his food this heavily? “Nice to meet you, Nate.” Her elbow came to rest on the table so she could prop her chin in her hand, leaning in towards him a little as she settled in her chair. “Who were you watching, then? Any favorites?” She wouldn’t mind if he said she’d been interesting to watch, even if it was decently self-centered of her to think. But was it her fault that she could put on a show? “Those guys?” she confirmed as she looked over at the offending crowd. “They’re all talk no bite. As soon they’re a few drinks in, they're crying about their dead dog from fifteen years ago.” She went on without pausing for breath. “I haven’t seen you here that much before. Do you usually go somewhere else?”

Nate tried not to flinch when Penelope’s elbow landed on the table. He focused on chewing before he spoke again, making sure he wouldn’t have to rely on anyone in this bar for the Heimlich Maneuver. The girl spoke rapidly, leaving almost no room for him to interject. Not that he minded. Nate was a man of rather few words, especially when he was suddenly thrown into the most social interaction he’d had in weeks. “They still manage to knock a few people over before that happens though.” He could feel himself shrinking back just thinking about it. “Uh no, I just kind of... stay in most of the time. Or I sit back here.” He motioned to the little bar of stools surrounding them. “Most of the time people don’t try to break through to see me,” he shrugged, taking a long gulp of his drink, suddenly thankful for the next round coming.

The poor guy. He looked like he was just waiting for the world to cave in on itself. Nell waited patiently while his response time seemed to double her’s, but perhaps not all that patiently. She didn’t hesitate to reach out and give his forearm a little pat, one that was meant to be something of a comforting motion, though she wasn’t particularly the best at that. “That’s alright. I’ll just knock them over back.” Looking at the corner he’d indicated, her lips turned into a little frown, brow furrowing. “You mean the...bar stool jail?” That settled it. She was going to help this obviously dejected and hopeless man. “You know what we should do? After your drink comes that I got for you, I mean. Well- first we should do a couple of shots. But after that- we should do karaoke.”

Nate smiled. Penelope was a petite girl, but also one that, from their short encounter, seemed like she probably could handle herself when it came to drunks like those guys. Probably a lot better than he could, at least. His smile froze when she reached out, having nearly forgotten what human touch actually felt like. He tried to remind himself that normal people touch other people, and that just touching someone doesn’t kill them. This wouldn’t kill him. Probably. “It’s- it’s not a jail. It’s a...protective barrier.” Nate eyed his barstool haven and hoped she didn’t just stand up and kick them all out of the way. The last thing he needed was for them to gain the attention of the semi-pro wrestlers over there. “Shots, oh no...I don’t uh, I can’t even remember the last time I did shots.” He could. It was a decade ago. “And I’m uh…” He ran a nervous hand through his dark curls. “Not uh...much of a singer. Really.”

Thankfully, Nell was fairly adept at making sure she was able to get out of sticky situations, be it through physical or magical means. Her time at the Ring in addition to practicing since she was young had left her confident in her abilities, perhaps bordering on cocky sometimes. When he seemed uncertain about being touched, she took her hand back, not wanting to make him more uncomfortable than he already seemed. Putting her chin back in her hand, she let out a musing hum. “Mmm, looks more like a jail to me.” But her words still held the teasing air that punctuated most of her sayings and doings. “Just one shot?” she asked with wider eyes than before, doing her best at giving a pleading, little look. “I’ll buy that one, too.” The corner of her mouth twinged at his endearing movements before she continued on. “Not much of a singer? That doesn’t mean you can’t sing. Besides— the point of karaoke isn’t good singing. It’s to have fun.” Part of her wondered if a good tumble in the sheets actually was what he needed to get him to truly relax, but she was fairly certain he’d keel over clutching his chest if she so much as hinted at such a thing.

Nate rolled his shoulders and eyed the wall of liquor behind the bar suspiciously. He was well past his shot taking days, but he remembered them fondly. Nights out with his college roommates, night spent dancing and laughing with Mari. But those days were so long ago they felt like a whole different person’s life. That Nate wouldn’t have hidden himself away in the corner like this. That Nate wouldn’t shy away from another human’s touch. His sad smile said it all. “Maybe just another drink? I don’t think I’m ready for shots.” The girl was confident and smiling and Nate wondered what it felt like to be so carefree. To be so confident in yourself to just go up to a stranger and ask them to take shots and sing bad songs in front of people. It made his stomach churn a bit, but mostly due to imagined nerves. “Even bad singing is uh...scary. Even when people expect it to be bad.” He smiled again, a touch of the sadness lifted. “Do you go to karaoke a lot?”

He was considering it. Penelope was fairly certain of that as she saw him eye the wall of alcohol, and she waited not so patiently to hear his answer. Nearly quite literally on the edge of her seat in anticipation, she slumped a little when he found another polite way to say no. There was a trace of a pout on her lips, but she recovered in a moment to take what she could. “Alright. Deal. One more drink after this first one.” Nodding towards the incoming waiter, she thanked them for delivering the glass she’d ordered for him. “Shake on it.” Her hand went forwards, as if this was a very serious business deal. Nell’s nose wrinkled a little in her confusion and amusement, shaking her head at Nate’s latest claim. “What’s so scary about bad singing? Everyone else there is gonna be just as bad. Maybe even worse.” But perhaps this was all too much too soon for him. “Tell you what. How about another compromise. They’ve got these things called karaoke rooms now. Nice and private. A warm up for the real show later on.” A shrug tugged at her shoulders, glad to see that he at least was still smiling. “Not really. It was just the first thing that came to mind. Maybe you were just born to sing.”

Nate’s stomach relaxed a bit, more comfortable in the fact that it didn’t seem like she was going to force him to relive his freshman year of college. Not tonight, at least. He smiled and returned her handshake, agreeing to stay out in the big dangerous world just a little bit longer. “I seriously doubt they’ll be worse than me.” The singing wasn’t even the scariest part. Sure, it was terrifying, but all those cords and electronics around all those drunk people and sloshing beers? It was an electrocution waiting to happen. “People can hear you. That’s terrifying.” The waiter came by and dropped off some fresh drinks and Nate reached out maybe a bit too eagerly. These days he didn’t drink much, too afraid of the kind of trouble he could get into if he didn’t have all his senses about him, but socially, a couple beers sounded really darn good. “Karaoke...rooms?” He asked suspiciously. “So only like...you and the people you come with can hear you? And there’s no one like...running it? And commenting on the singers?”

Nell’s smile only brightened another 100 watts as he seemed to accept her offer, and dare she say, peep his head out of his shell in the slightest. “We’ll see about that. Either way I support you and your singing.” But once again she was brought to another grin by his words, and she leaned in almost conspiritally this time, as if she was letting him in on a secret. “There’s something I need to tell you…” Her tone was hushed for once in her life. “People hearing you is...kind of the point.” She watched as he readily took his drink, pleased that he seemed to be loosening up in the slightest and with his increased eagerness to take the glass. “But it’s okay it’s not scary. My parents always said that when you’re performing. The best full-proof thing to do is to imagine everyone else in their underwear.” A nod shook her head slowly as she sensed her hook might have caught. “Yep. And entire room with just us. No one to hear you or comment or run it besides you and me.” She wiggled a little in her seat as her anticipation grew. “So what do you say? Wanna try it?”

Nate couldn’t help but keep a genuine smile on his face. Penelope was practically buzzing with excitement, and he could tell it was because he acquiesced, even just a bit. He felt so out of practice being in a conversation and this girl was definitely had more energy than he remembered having ever in his life, but he had to admit this was a little more fun than just sitting alone. “I appreciate that, but uh...really, you haven’t heard me. It’s...pretty terrible.” He shrunk away just the tiniest bit when she leaned in conspiratorially, but he let out a small chuckle. “I think that uh,” he tried not to blush, his hand shooting up to twirl into his hair. “That might make everything so much worse? What if someone’s going commando?” It was the first joke he’d made in what felt like years and it felt foreign on his tongue. “I don’t...uh…” He looked around the room wildly trying to find some sort of excuse as to why they couldn’t run off to some karaoke room for him to not only make a fool of himself, but to put himself out into a whole new world of danger. “I think maybe another time?” He could already feel the girl’s disappointment growing. “Definitely another time, though?” He amended.

More than anything, Penelope was glad to see what was hopefully a real smile on his lips. The fact the Nate seemed to be loosening up even a little made her deem tonight a success. “I’ll be the judge of that when I hear it.” Honestly, she couldn’t care less about whether or not Nate was a good or bad singer, she just wanted to get him into that karaoke room— and maybe even eventually in front of a crowd. As he pulled away she leaned back once more. Apparently it wasn’t just casual touching he wasn’t fond of but just...proximity in general. Nevertheless, a gentle grin came back to her lips as she watched him fiddle with his hair, finding it rather precious. But she was delighted to hear him make a joke, and it showed in her healthy laugh. “Then you have to tell me who it was that’s going commando, because I wanna know if my theories are right.” Her face fell as he denied her offer, but truthfully she should have seen it coming. However, a moment later it had righted itself once more, as it seemed she wasn’t entirely down for the count. “Definitely another time, then. Don’t think I’ll forget that you promised.”

“Fine. But you gotta promise not to laugh. Too much, at least.” Nate smiled sheepishly, not even able to remember the last time he sung in front of someone. It was probably something stupid to make Mari laugh. A sad edge tried to tug at the corner of his mind, but he shook it away. There was plenty of time for the ghosts of his past to latch onto him. For a moment, he was enjoying the distraction Penelope was giving. Eager for a chance to turn the conversation back to the present rather than making ludacris plans that were far outside of not only his comfort zone but his danger zone, Nate chuckled and took another sip of his beer, letting his eyes scan the room. “Probably that one.” He pointed to a portly gentleman by the bar. He was a man whose hair had started to leave him long ago, yet he still clung to the few patches that remained, despite it making the whole picture look much worse. “But I don’t think he went commando on purpose.” For a moment, Nate felt like his old self, joking and carefree, not worried about the curse he carried and what would happen to him or anyone near him when he died.

“I promise.” Nell’s spine straightened, and she raised a hand as if making some sort of vow. “I promise not to laugh...too much. Just the standard amount for karaoke. I’ll let you get a couple of good chuckles in at my expense as well, I suppose. It’s only fair.” This time Penelope’s laugh came stronger as Nate picked his target, and it only grew in strength as he provided his theory. “Do you think it’s chafing under there?” Her grin was teasing, eyes crinkled at the corners with amusement. But then she hummed, looking around the bar for their next victim as she swung her feet a little above the bottom of her chair. “That one,” she said, pointing out the biggest of the men Nate had been eyeing nervously earlier. “I bet he’s wearing hot pink underwear with cute little kitties on them.”

Nate wrinkled his nose at the thought of the rotund man’s Old Navy jeans chafing against his unprotected...bits. He laughed and took another swig of beer, enjoying himself for the first time in what felt like a decade. Maybe it was. The man tried to stay away from social interactions at all costs and he’d done a pretty good job. But Penelope with her exuberance and determination had reminded him how nice having fun felt. “Oh, for sure,” Nate’s eyes followed hers over to one of the roughhousing guys, the most ‘macho’ of them all. “I’d guess unicorns and rainbows over kitties, though.” His eyes drifted down to the nearly empty beer in front of him. “See? Imagining them in their underwear is more of a distraction than a confidence booster.”

Nell couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped her as she saw the distaste for over his own features, but she was delighted as he continued to play along. And to think he’d been mooning after his bar stool prison not ten minutes ago. “Are you...challenging me?” Her words were pseudo-offended, her brows raising with to match the tone of them. “I suppose it could be a mix of all three. Why limit himself?” She followed his gaze to the glass, remembering to say, “I still owe you one more, don’t I?” A little shake of her head was the beginning of her answer. “But you’re thinking more about their underwear and less about being nervous, aren’t you? Distraction is a confidence booster.”

Nate raised his hands in surrender. “I’m just sayin’, uh...he seems like more of a unicorn man to me. But you’re right, he might be a fan of all of them!” He chuckled lightly, feeling the buzz of the beer filtering through his system. Ordinarily, he limited himself to one, maybe two beers on any occasion. Alcohol was one of the leading causes for poor decisions and deadly accidents, after all. He looked up at Penelope dubiously, feeling bad for having turned down so many of her offers tonight. Plus, he had already agreed to it. Somewhere in the back of his mind he felt like this girl might be the death of him. “One more.” He shook his head, a small smile playing at the corner of his lips. “I dunno if I’d rather be distracted by crippling anxiety and nerves or overweight frat guys in frilly underwear. There doesn’t seem to be a winning scenario, is there?”

Penelope laughed once again as he seemed to acquiesce to her underwear predictions, though she shook her head at his apparent readiness to give in. “No, no, stand your ground! Don’t let me bully you into it!” Honestly, part of her was starting to wonder how Nate had survived this far in life with the little bit she’d gotten to know him in just the last fifteen minutes or so. But she waited with wide eyes for his answer, head cocked to the side to see if he’d keep his word of a third drink. “Perfect.” Her grin was wide as she waved at the bartender to bring over another round for Nate.  “Isn’t old frat guys in frilly underwear a bit less anxiety inducing than a sense of impending doom? Or maybe the winning scenario is just enjoying making a bit of a fool of yourself in a private karaoke room with your new friend, Nell.”

Nate winced, still smiling, and tried to stand his ground. “Yeah! Uh...definitely just the unicorns then!” It was unconvincing. But he laughed and felt a lightness in his chest that hadn’t been there for far too long. He graciously accepted the new beer, his third of the night, and leaned back slightly in his chair. His stomach muscles pulled against the action, much more used to being curled up in a defensive position rather than the lounging of someone who was used to going to bars and socializing without worrying if they were going to get Final Destinationed. “I don’t know that it is,” he laughed, for a moment feeling like the old Nate. But then the frat guys in question toppled over a table, sending glasses flying and shattering all over the room. Anyone who was watching Nate would have thought the sky was falling with the way he reacted: throwing himself to the ground and cowering under the table for protection. Once the coast was clear, he squeezed his eyes shut, already feeling the sting of heat rushing to his cheeks. Normally when he had these kind of freak outs, there wasn’t someone close by to witness it. “I- uh...sorry,” he mumbled, getting back into his chair. “I think karaoke might uh...wait a bit. I’m sorry- I’m- I’m just...I’m really jumpy…” He began to pull out his wallet, picking out some bills to cover his dinner. “I- maybe another time though? I- just- I have to go...it was lovely meeting you, I’m sorry…”

Nell’s head shook in bemusement, though she gave him a supportive smile. “Close enough. We’ll work on it.” It wasn’t so much a question as it was a promise. But with every inch more Nate seemed to relax, Penelope celebrated a quiet victory, glad she could help him to destress a bit, even if for this short stretch of time. However the air shifted along with Nate’s expression, and a little frown dipped in concern was soon overtaking her lips as she scrambled to her feet herself while Nate fucked for cover. For a moment she crouched underneath the table with him, worry on her features. “Are you alright?” It was a stupid question. Obviously he was not alright. “Hey, it’s okay,” she said in a softer voice, remembering not to reach out to touch and comfort based off his former reactions to her moving towards him. As Nate righted himself, she rose too, sending a scorching glare in the direction of the offending overgrown frat boys, curbing her instinct to curse them out loudly from across the room for Nate’s benefit. She was worried he might shatter if she drew attention to their area. “No, it’s fine. We said later anyway. So we’ll just go...later.” This poor man. What had made him this way? “Wait- wait just one second.” Then she was furiously scribbling something on a piece of paper, and handing it to him. “My number, ‘cause I’m not letting you escape the karaoke room. You sure you’re okay to go by yourself, though?”

Nate scrambled to collect his belongings, his fight or flight response was already heavily weighted towards flight and it had been deployed in full force. “Y-yeah, yeah I can manage it. My office isn’t far from here I’m just gonna- I sleep there half the time anyway-” His words came out in a rush, as if he was speaking one long word. He paused for a second, reaching out and taking the small piece of paper and staring at it before sliding it into his coat pocket. It had been ages since someone had given him their phone number outside of professionally. Like, at a bar. He started shuffling towards the emergency exit, a door he knew wasn’t alarmed at the moment, thank god. “We’ll uh...see about the karaoke room. But I- thank you. For talking to me. I just- I’m sorry. I gotta run.” Or hightail it at a safe speed at least.

Penelope’s concern wasn’t really curbed by Nate’s words, and she was toying with placing a little, nondescript safety charm over him before he went on his way. But she nodded in an encouraging manner as he took the number, glad he seemed to have accepted it. “Okay just- call me if you need anything, yeah?” But her frown deepened as he said thank you for something as simple as talking to him. As if it had been a favor. But she’d...wanted to talk to him. Still did. Nell didn’t have time to unpack that while he was trying to flee though, so she simply replied with, “Thanks for talking to me, back.” Before he hit the door, she was already whipping around to begin the cursing out of the men she’d held back earlier, her voice no doubt carrying. She was gonna give them a piece of her mind for scaring off her new friend.

[suffering-and-happy-about-it]

The Girl With A Red Shirt (A Red Shirt, part II.)

A/N: This is for @papisully, bcs I just wanted to, alrite? Also, you, as the reader, are drunk as hell in this, just letting you know. Also, the reader is drunk and cocky as shit, so let me live, pls. 

Description: Victor Sullivan, treasure hunter and a businessman in his late thirties. One day, he got back from his gig and met a cute girl in his favorite laundry; just to forget his talisman there. And so, the trouble with the girl starts.

Mood for this one-shot: It just somehow went from Location by Khalid, went through Let’s Get Lost by G-Eazy and Devon Baldwin and somehow ended up at Tumblr Girls by G-Eazy. But you know the drill, listen to what you like to.

Warnings: I might get too carried away by smut. I did an oopsie. 

“Don’t ask me why,” Sully said to the cell phone he had pinned to his shoulder with his head. He was smoking a cigar, calling someone and shaving at the same time. His mind was blown away not even a half an hour ago and he was actually curious about how many things he can multitask at once. “But Imma not gonna come tonite.” 

“But we’re finishing the last pieces of the gig!” A woman with an Australian accent shouted back. She seemed to be mad at him and Sully couldn't say even a word back. They were almost done, after all, and he will be missing during the most important meeting of all. “You know how useless can you be when you get the intel on paper and not personally!”

“I just can't come to see ya tonite, Chloe. I have some different things planned.” Except his planes came to the sight before twenty minutes, maybe even less. He wasn’t sure about that. 

Victor just needed his red shirt back, because he didn't feel complete without it. It was his talisman, after all, wasn't it? And a ridiculously hot girl who chewed bubblegum all the time had it on and she asked him to take it off. 

Was he actually mad to miss this opportunity? Bet your best cowboy hat that he wasn't.   

“You suck my blood so much it isn't healthy, Sullivan. You’ll have to count on Nathan to give you the intel. But I'm genuinely scared of the idea, God knows what would he tell you,” Chloe answered in a seriously irritated tone. 

She and Charlie Cutter were usually the brains of the operation, Sullivan was the money giver and transport reinsurer and Nate was used to be the dumb monkey and muscle. 

“Why couldn't you choose any other day?” She asked when Sully shouted a curse word out loud. He cut his chin on a place where it seriously hurt and he almost killed himself, when he jumped over a stool in his bathroom while he searched for a piece of toilet paper to stuck on the wound. 

“Some plans just come without expectation, love.” He answered when he saved himself from bleeding out. 

“Okay. But you'll need to study OUR plan then, don't forget about that.” She finally gave up and hung the phone. Sully finally got the time for himself to have a quick shower, put some cologne on and to choose clothes to not look like an old archeologic discovery. 

He settled down on a plain white t-shirt, his bomber which he wore while he was driving on a motorcycle and some old pair of jeans. He looked like a man close to his forties, he couldn't lie to himself. But at least he had some personal style.

And Y/N looked like she was into him, so he wasn't worrying as much as he would normally do. Having a woman of her age showing him some affection gave him boost on his pride and gave him some sort of confidence. 

Okay then, he answered her text finally. He was smiling wickedly to the screen of his phone while his tongue was stuck out a bit. Just tell me the place where we'll meet. I'll be there. 

Again, he wasn't waiting too long for a response. She just shared her location with him and he was more than kindly willing to see her. So Victor took his car and went on a short drive to see her. 

He came on the address that she sent to him after not even twenty minutes, looking at a house, there was a seriously loud party on. He had to say that he was disappointed. He looked forward to being alone with her; he really did. 

Not to mention countless scenarios brushing over his head. His imagination was more than kind when it came to those things. Which things, you might ask?

Things like having that girl sitting on his lap in that shirt which was his, slowly taking it off while her smile became larger because she could see the things she caused him, that beautiful pain in his lap. The slow blinking of her eyes while they became darker with lust while she took the jeans off her body, throwing them far, far away. Victor closed his eyes as he inhaled slowly, crawling off his car after that. 

There was a house full of people. Full of young chicks who were smiling at him while they sipped their beer with devils in their eyes. Some pop song was on and there were a few couples dancing, making out in a wild pace; everyone could see that they'll be in the bedsheets together in the next twenty minutes. 

Victor was never actually fond of parties. Yet he didn't seem to be the man, he liked to be with a woman in private, just him and her, not on a loud place, maybe on a walk or on a dinner. Not even at his marina days, which happened twenty years ago, he wasn't actually a party animal. 

The guys seemed to be amused by him; he was at least twenty years older after all. They were all buffed, all young and they seemed to be the funny ones, the cleverest in the whole world and the perfect lovers for someone like Y/N. And he was just there, an old man trying to look cool. 

Maybe he was reading to her in a bad way after all? Maybe he heard what he wanted to hear? Maybe she wasn’t into that idea? 

He almost turned around and walked off the house, letting her to keep his favorite shirt. But then he saw her. 

Well, at first he saw that shit which belonged to him. The shirt showed more and more as she jumped during the dance. Y/N was dancing on the table with another girl, in short, denim shorts and his shirt on, her ponytail was swinging from side to side and her eyes were partially closed as she sang the lyrics. 

He leaned onto a wall, smiling lightly as he watched her. She was smiling, dancing on the table and the youth was dripping from the tips of her fingers. Sometimes, she grabbed that second girl, pushed her body onto hers and put her hands onto the girl’s ass, sliding them into her back pockets.

“You're her dad or what?” A girl leaned next to him and offered him a cup of beer, watching Y/N on the table, putting the show-off. 

“Do I look like her dad?” Sullivan asked with amusement, taking the offered cup and smiled at the girl. She was a redhead with huge glasses on, yet she didn't look like a nerd. It made her round face cute and it just got along with her personal style. 

“If you are, she has an incredibly handsome dad, I must say,” redhead took a sip from her cup and then she trailed her look back to Y/N. “She’s always like that.”

“Seems to be funny enough to me,” Victor answered as he took another sip. He was becoming more and more thirsty as Y/N took the other girl’s to face into her hand, motioning that she might kiss her, yet she didn't. 

“If you like her, you better stop and you should find someone different. She’s almost unreachable for most of the guys out here. And, no offense, old pal, but you're definitely far after zenith for a girl like Y/N.” The girl patted his shoulder as she left him standing there. 

The song finally stopped and Y/N threw her hands into the thin air as the people around them started to clap. Then she high-fived the girl and accepted one boy's hand as he helped her to get off the table. Then she noticed him standing next to the door. Y/N felt as her smile grew a bit larger. She was drunk at that point; she always was when she was on a party of this type. 

Normally, she wouldn't be able to even foreshadow having something with a girl, but when she was drinking, she didn't care. When she was this level drunk, she was able to kiss literally anyone.

Or at least before. Now, she has one particular person on her mind. She wasn't truly believing that Victor will come there to see her. She thought he might not have the balls to strip the shirt off her. But she smiled when he truly came. 

“Hey there, washing lady,” Victor offered her his cup of beer because she seemed to be thirsty as hell. She didn't hesitate at all, drinking almost all of that beer. Y/N seemed to be really gentle, small and cute next to him. He was a giant next to her and that caught the attention of a few girls, including the redhead, and a lot of boys. Nobody actually believed that she would be into that guy, but these things happen.

“I'm glad ya here,” she threw her hands over the back of his neck, looking him to the eyes. Victor leaned in, forgetting all about him being a gentleman, putting his fingers into the back pocket of her denim shorts, bringing her lap closer to his. 

“Well, you told me to take the shirt off. Who am I to not to listen to a lady's wish?” Victor looked into her eyes as she smirked. He felt the redhead just focusing her stares in his direction and he was really proud to prove her wrong. 

Without any foreshadowing, she just leaned in and kissed him. Their lips crushed hard and he could feel her heat just slowly trailing his body as well. She was definitely drunk as hell, but Victor wasn’t complaining. It gave her the courage he liked and pushed him further as well. 

“Come then. I’m not able to wait for you any longer. You let me hang on for almost a week and you didn't come to wash your clothes in the meantime,” Y/N whispered with her eyes pinned to Sullivan’s, taking the cup out of his hand.

She tugged his hand as she navigated them through the house. Victor felt the stares surrounding them and yet he wasn't more proud until that day. 

They took a short hike on the stairs and Victor let her take the lead. She was looking around, changing short looks with other people. Every second she checked Victor. She was afraid that he would leave even tho he was holding her hand in a tight grip. He wasn't planning on leaving her there at any circumstances. 

Finally, she found a bedroom without anyone inside and she let out an animalish growl as she turned around and slammed the door shut, locking them. The music was loud so much Victor couldn't even hear his own thoughts which was actually a good thing. He didn't want to be bothered with his own thoughts. There was no space for rationality at the moment. 

It all happened so fast. Heated kisses stopped only when there was a need to breathe, fingers circled in his air and a smell of desire and passion in the air. Only growls mixed with the music could be heard in the thin air. His bomber flew off his body in an instance, just laying down on the ground just so he could feel her hands roaming his body. 

Then the shoes and socks left their bodies at an equally fast pace, disappearing into the unknown. There was no need for words, no need for anything. There was only her and him alone in a room and desire was burning on each of them.

"What the hell are you doing to me? Just rip the shirt off, stop teasing me, Victor." She begged into his lips and tried to take the shirt and take it off by her own force. Victor immediately stopped her, holding her wrist in a tight grip.

“You're so impatient, young lady,” Victor whispered as he pushed her and let her fall directly on the bed. “You need to learn some patience,” Sully whispered with a voice sounding more like an animal than himself. He had to say that he really adored that a young girl of her nature was able to do that to him. 

He learned how to have his own nature under control while he was in the marina. It looked like if it happened a hundred years ago, it was more than ten years ago and even now, sometimes the man who was working as a marina soldier showed up in him. Especially in times like this.

Victor wouldn't describe this part of himself like a dominant or selfish part, not at all. He just became sure in everything he has done, he was direct and he knew a few ways how to make her scream under his touch. All it took for her was a will to listen. 

“And if I don't want to be patient and I'll be a naughty girl?” Y/N asked as she swung on her knees, taking his belt to her small soft hands, trying to undo it with the grace of a horny beast. 

Victor held her wrists with a small effort to that touch, only a little push was needed to knock her off on her back, pushing his body directly on hers and letting his face rest in front of hers. He stayed in that position a while, he listened to her heartbeat and the rhythm of how she breathed. 

Y/N looked like a painting with her face full of the sweet expectations, she had rosy cheeks and a naughty light in her eyes. Her lips were swollen because of the urgency of the way he kissed her and he felt how much was her body trembling under his weight. 

She was sweet like honey and intoxicating like a shot of alcohol. His head was spinning a bit and if he couldn't feel the heat in between her legs, which was burning through their pants, he would stay in this position for forever. 

“Then I would have to use some methods which are used when I'm taming a little baby girl like you are,” Victor answered in a low, perfectly husky tone even though the voice was raspy and it was stuck inside of his throat. 

He lowered his hands after he made himself sure that she would stay in a position with her hands above her head, kissing her throat hungrily as he made a few of love marks and bites here and there. Victor couldn't help himself, some urge inside of him directly needed to mark her as his, for everyone to see when they left the room. He also expected her to stop him, but when she closed her eyes and panted in a sweet high tone, he knew that he's doing the right thing. 

His hands slowly lured over her, unfortunately, still clothed, body, caressing it through the fabric of his most beloved shirt. With a quick movement, he took off his white shirt and threw it all over the small bedroom. Y/N didn't even give him a quick look, because she used her own hands to unbutton the shirt. She slipped out of it, standing on her elbows and finally watched, how handsome he was. 

He was in good shape, without a doubt. His shoulders were really wide as the muscles were appearing perfectly clearly under his suntanned skin. He was scared and bruised in many places; her favorite was a light, yellow bruise under his left armpit. His body was through a lot and she knew it; he told her about what he does for a living. It wasn't a thing to wonder about.

“You are like some fucked up fantasy,” she whispered under breath when she touched Victor's chin while he unbuttoned her shorts. “Can I be your little dirty  kink?” 

“Let me taste and then we'll see, baby girl,” the shorts and panties were far gone now, as she lay in front of him with her legs opened to show him everything Y/N got. She was basically sinking into the mattress, even the little valley dividing her sweet fanny was wet. She was breathing heavily as he watched her, almost waiting for permission. 

Without any other things popping up in his head, he just leaned forward, showing his head directly to the place she was dripping from. His tongue was fast, rough and that's what she needed so badly. She screamed to the roof and leaned from him in a wave of pleasure; so his forearms circulated around the top of her thighs, holding her directly on his face. Victor wanted this girl to be his death and that was a thing he never wanted before. 

He wished to slowly drown in her dripping pussy, he wanted to close his eyes and slowly fall into the warmth of her lap, letting the tightness slowly choke him. Victor would accept all of that with a graceful smile. None of this was forced. He couldn't even remember a single time when he was kneeling in front of a woman, licking and sucking her like he was about to die and her pussy was the last thing that could save him. He growled into the sweetness as he was trying to get more of that juice. 

After a while, her body found its rhythm, slowly moving in the tempo of his tongue as her hand slowly risen up and twirled in his hair, tucking it gently. Her sweet pitches were the thing that was heating up to go further and further, even though his tongue and jaws were hurting.

“No, no, no,” Y/N said in a shaky voice. She tugged his lips from the hottest spot on her body and Victor looked at her with confusion. Was he too rough? Why didn't she tell him that he's not doing her good? What could be done better? “I want to come on ya, Texas. Take those fucking jeans off and just do me good with that dick you're hiding down there.” Y/N leaned in for a short kiss, tasting her own flavor from his lips. 

“I don't believe ya that ya haven't fucked woman in the woods. I mean, look at ya.” She said as she sat down on her ass and started to take her bra off, taking it with the shirt and throwing it on the ground.

“Look at me?”

“You look like a playboy, Texas. Your body just screams that you just lean woman on a tree and fuck the soul out of her body.” She smirked as she lied on her back, circling her fingers around the top of the bed. 

“I mean, I haven't tried it yet,” Victor smiled when he kicked his jeans on a nearby bookcase. He climbed on the bed in between her legs, watching as her breasts moved up and down. “But if you're up to this sort of things, you can teach me.”

“Fuck me hard, mister Sullivan and then well see,” she whispered in a quiet tone. He mumbled shirt curse word under his breath; he hadn't think about condoms until this minute. 

“Just do it, Texas,” she wiggled her hips from side to side with a smirk of a naughty girl. “I'm on my pills.” 

He didn't need any other words. This was everything he needed to hear. He wanted to fuck the words out of her mouth and the teasing out of her head. Victor took her left hand in his right, entwining their fingers together and crashing his lips into hers as he slowly buried himself inside of her. No words were needed at that moment. It was just the two of them, breathing, sighing of a high woman and animal man growls and the song downstairs just slowing down and thrifting into another one. 

He wasn't gentle with her at all. He was bouncing into her in a rough, quick tempo, he wasn't holding back anything. She was moaning his name with grace and gratefulness, being completely full of his dick. One of their hand was entwined with each other, holding each other in a tight grip, the second one was holding on the headboard od the bed, trying to hold it tightly from moving. 

They were already heard all over the second floor and they knew that, but nothing could stop them at that point.

Her little valley was burning hot and wetter than Niagaras, her boobs were jumping in the tempo which their bodies were moving in. She tilted her head backward, closing her eyes with a sweet symphony out of her mouth. Victor leaned into her throat and started to bite into the tight, firm skin she got there.

They weren't too far from achieving the heights of orgasm. At one point it seemed that she wasn’t able to even breathe as she whined and shaken bit, holding him close by putting her leg on his waist. He could feel her little sanctuary where he was buried tightening in light vibrations at first, just as those words escaped her mouth. 

“I'm about to come, Texas.” 

And that's what made the bomb inside Sullivan just wildly go off. He wasn't gentle with her until that point, but now he went fully in, fucking her into the mattress like a machine. Her body just moved into his as she arched her back and shook her head as the sounds were just escaping her mouth. They went higher and higher as the closed her eyes firmly and all of a sudden...

“Oh my fucking God, Victor!” Y/N screamed loudly out of pure extasy as her body shaken firmly, she held him in her arms as he continued on fucking her to release himself; now holding the head of the bed in his arms as the sweat was pouring from him onto her skin. 

Y/N was lucky enough to find a new level of ecstasy with him. Normally, the guys stopped when she was done, just handling their boners on their own; but Victor wasn't that kind of guy. He wanted to mark even on the place where no-one could see it. Her pussy was wet and handling him so good that he hadn't got any reason to stop until he felt, how the energy is released from him. 

Then, after all of that, he slowly put his forehead on hers, trying to catch his breath. He didn't even notice how wet both of them are because of the sweat and how red her cheeks were. She was still holding his back, trembling a bit, her eyes were closed. She held herself close to him, her pussy was holding his dick, her thighs were holding his waist and her hands were on his back. 

He could finally see what he caused to her - the left side of her neck was practically violet, full of bloody love marks and bites; there were a few on the other side of her neck as well, but not as much as on the other side.

“Are you alright, baby girl?” His palm slowly smoothed her wet hair, definitely released from the ponytail. 

“I've never experienced anything as good as this, Texas,” Y/N said quietly as she kissed him slowly, with that tender, post-sex passion. Sully slowly crawled out of her body, lying next to her, watching her slowly turning to lay on her belly. 

“So you asked if you could be my kink, did you?” Sully trailed his hand from her shoulder to her waist, gently caressing the skin of per perfectly shaped bum. She nodded, smiling into her forearms. “I'm sure you can. But what now?” 

“What about just take the clothes on and leaving this place together? Take me wherever ya want, Texas.” She sat, searching for her panties and denim shorts. 

“God. I want to fuck you again as soon as I can.” Sully whispered as she slowly put her bra on, hiding it underneath his white t-shirt and that motorcycle bomber. Her hair was all around her face in long waves and she was smiling, still having rosy cheeks and sweaty forehead. 

“So come on, we’ll see what we can do about that.” She tried to speed him up while he was taking his boxers and jeans on. When he was all tidily done, she took his hand in hers, taking him out of the house. Sullivan couldn't describe the pride when she moved her hair so every single person could see her marks. She showed them as war scars, she wore them proudly. 

So they left together that day. And the days after as well. 

[ambitionsource]

AMBITION Season 1 ♫ “Special Snowflakes” [ 1.04 ]

CREATED BY Esther (rapunzles) & Maggie (quincywillows)

BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE – The performers hustle to make a statement at the annual winter showcase. Hoping to bridge the divide, Riley endeavors to make friends with the techies. But getting in good with Isadora and Lucas may ask more than she can handle.

47 Minutes (8.5K words) || No warnings apply.

[ ← Under Pressure ] [ S1 Synopsis ] [ Extra, Extra → ]

( Follow along with the music on Spotify here! )

INT. AAA - HALLWAY - DAY

The holiday season is upon us at AAA! Spirits are high and the students are chipper as they wander the halls in their best sweaters. Small gifts are exchanged, books are haphazardly thrown into lockers. Temporary academic freedom is soon upon them!

On the wall outside the black box theater, focus is drawn to one poster in particular. It’s an advertisement for the annual winter showcase, a four-night event in which each class gets to show off their stuff after a busy semester of honing their craft.

INT. AAA - BLACK BOX THEATER - DAY

Inside the classroom, all our usual favorite performers are assembled to discuss the event. CHARLIE GARDNER is back with his usual harem of girls, a safe distance from his former tutee. In the corner, FARKLE MINKUS searches Hanukkah gifts for his family, working through a lengthy list. This is the week where performance slots are divvied up, and all of them are eagerly chattering about who is going to get the closing number. RILEY MATTHEWS, naturally, doesn’t see what all the fuss is about, questioning it as YINDRA AMINO stands behind her and braids her hair.

Riley: Don’t we do a group closing number? What’s the big deal?

Farkle: Haven’t you been here for like months already? How are you still not caught up on how things work around here?

ZAY BABINEAUX, seated up on one of the desks nonchalantly, pays Riley the courtesy of explaining why it’s such a big deal who gets placed where.

Zay: It’s the standard rules of performance memorability. You either want to open or close: if you go first, everyone else will be subconsciously compared to you throughout the duration of the show. If you go last, though, you’re freshest in the audience’s mind and are able to essentially blow everyone else out of the water.

Maya: Which, as we all know, is my calling card. So it would be an honor to do so this year, thank you very much.

Farkle disputes this, claiming the closing spot is his to behold. Yindra leans over and points out to Riley that this bantering is the exact reason they all have to audition and get placed in a specific order, rather than just volunteering for placements. Riley raises her eyebrows, still not totally on the same page as her more ambitious classmates.

Zay declares that they’re both wrong, he’s got it in the bag. When Maya and Farkle express skepticism, Zay hops off the desk and steps up to the plate to prove his point.

Song Cue ♫ ♪ “Santa Tell Me” as performed by Ariana Grande || Performed by Zay Babineaux (feat. AAA Sophomores)

Zay kicks off this upbeat and dance-worthy Christmas contemporary, loose and playful with it. He sings around each of his classmates in the classroom, concluding with Riley and giving her an affectionate tap on the nose, before leading the brigade out into the halls.

INT. AAA - HALLWAY - DAY

The sophomore class takes to the halls, following Zay and his pop hit and collecting fellow students along the way. It’s refreshing to watch a number in which everyone involved is just having fun, and everyone is actually participating.

JACK HUNTER  spots them from down the hall, conversing with CORY MATTHEWS. But it’s the holidays, and he just wants the week to be over, so he doesn’t bother to reprimand them for dancing in the hallways. They make their way to the auditorium.

INT. AAA - AUDITORIUM - DAY

The performers enter the theater and disrupt the quiet that the techies were enjoying, LUCAS FRIAR, ISADORA DE LA CRUZ, and the others conversing at the center of the stage. As they get closer Lucas makes a quick exit, hopping off the stage and disappearing before he gets inevitably pulled into the chaos.

DAVE WILLIAMS, DYLAN ORLANDO, ASHER GARCIA, and NATE MARTINEZ aren’t so lucky, but it’s honestly not a problem. The holidays allow for momentary truces, and they join into the fun and energy of the number as the full assembly claps and dances together to the conclusion of the song. Shawn and Angela enter together as Zay is showing off some impressive vocal runs, more so surprised by how everyone actually seems to be getting along for a second.

As the number comes to its end, Angela commends Zay for such an impassioned performance. On the flip side, Shawn shuts it down with a swift “NO ARIANA” for the showcase. They’re going for classic, he states. Zay is offended. Maya and Farkle are like ha ha.

Cue title sequence.

INT. AAA - ERIC’S OFFICE - DAY

Riley has a new initiative in mind as far as leaving her mark on the school. Clearly, this performing thing is rigged and stacked against her, so performing is not going to be how she wins people over. But she’s been more attune to the cultural divide than anyone else considering she’s not so deeply entrenched it, and she can’t get her mind off it – especially considering the kindness Isadora extended to her and the weird conversation she had with Lucas.

So her mind is made up. She is going to befriend the techies and bridge the divide.

To do this, however, she knows she will need help. So she goes to her uncle Eric and essentially lays out her grand plan. She’ll befriend the techies, and hopefully doing so will allow her to find the key to bringing the school back together.

Eric: I do support this notion, but I have to warn you it’s not going to be easy. Grander men than you have tried.

Riley: Well, maybe it doesn’t take a man. Maybe it takes a scrappy, plucky gal with cute brown eyes and… questionable hand-eye coordination.

Eric can’t help but smile at that one. Riley continues, explaining that she’s already had good moments with a good number of the techies one-on-one, and she really believes she could make something happen. But she needs to know any relevant information about them going in, so she wonders if Eric has another history lesson up his sleeve about the tight-knit cohort. She requests any pertinent information she should know about them going into this, deeper than the brief overview we got in the pilot.

Eric agrees, giving her a little more on each of them by flipping through the yearbook again and finding their photos. As he points to each of them, he gives us a little more about each of them. It’s the first verbal establishment that Dylan & Asher are a couple (and basically inseparable), first hints that Isadora isn’t neurotypical, and some silly commentary on how Dave is just… a special human being.

When Eric begins detailing Lucas’s misbehavior and track record with the school, Riley ventures the question of what Eric really thinks about him.

Eric: And all that was just last month.

Riley: So, what? Do you think that’s all he is? Is he a lost cause?

Eric: No. No, I don’t think anybody is. But it’s difficult to figure out just how much good there is inside a person when they won’t meet you at the same level.

Riley absorbs this, her wheels turning once again. Finally, it’s time for her to do what she’s always done best – meddle.

Angela appears in the doorway, asking if Eric is ready to go. When Riley questions what is going on, Eric explains that he is stepping is as an impartial guest judge to help figure out what the order of the winter showcase performances should be. Riley once again is impressed by how intense all of this stuff is around here.

When Angela asks if she has any special requests for them to take into consideration as far as her placement, Riley waves her off. She’s not going to add any more trouble to the situation, and she’s got bigger fish to fry. Riley glances at the open yearbook one last time, looking at the photo taken of the sophomore techies.

INT. AAA - HALLWAY - DAY

Riley catches up to Isadora on their way to the auditorium, approaching cautiously and waiting for verbal acknowledgement before she approaches. She wonders if it would be alright for her to join her at lunch that afternoon, a request that surprises Isadora. She’s inherently distrustful, trying to find the ulterior motive at play.

Isadora: What, bored with your starlit classmates already? Really have to slum it already?

Riley: No, no. No, not slumming. No, I just – you were really nice to me the other day.

Isadora: I gave you a paper towel.

Riley: And a paper towel was exactly what I needed! It would be an honor to repay the kindness and join you for lunch. Not that I’m – not that me hanging out with you is a kindness. I’m not saying… I only mean –

Isadora: We eat at the corner table. If you’re truly that desperate.

Isadora opens the door to the auditorium, disappearing inside. Riley does a little dance to herself, before catching the door and jogging in after her.

INT. AAA - AUDITORIUM - DAY

Angela, Shawn, and Eric have taken seats in the center section of the auditorium, the remainder of the class scattered in front and behind them. Up on stage, Maya, Zay, and Farkle stand waiting for permission to begin – the only three that desperate to scrap for the closing slot. When Maya makes such a commentary about how they must be the only three that care enough, Yindra fires back with the sentiment that it’s more like there’s no point in trying because they have a mysterious way of always getting what they want.

Angela asks if they all understand how this audition will work and have had enough time to study the song. All of them scoff, expressing varying levels of confidence and cockiness.

Zay: Please. I could do this number in my sleep.

Farkle: I only got the sheet music this morning and I’m still certain I can sing circles around the rest of these dumb-dumbs.

Maya: Can we just put our money where our mouths are already? Standing so close to mediocrity is making my mascara run.

Eric gives Angela a nod, gesturing for the three of them to begin. They take their places, the three of them lined up and facing away from the audience.

Song Cue ♫ ♪ “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” as performed by Brenda Lee || Performed by Zay Babineaux, Maya Hart, and Farkle Minkus

The three divas split up the lines, taking turns spinning around and launching into the song. Although the track is relatively innocuous and certainly not a diva number, they somehow manage to turn it into one. While performing choreography together, they’ve got their full wattage smiles on but are also lowkey elbowing one another and working to stand in the front the most. It’s well-performed and honestly so humorous to watch.

As they finish the number they strike a pose, the three of them close together and out of breath and grinning through their teeth. But they also sneak a few choice words in to each other, smiles unmoving.

Farkle: I’ll eat both of you alive.

Maya: You say that as if you could beat me in a fight and I wouldn’t easily break your twigs-for-arms.

Zay: I’m seriously going to vomit all over you and your designer shoes.

Charming! We love a trio of polished performing divas ready to tear each other to shreds.

INT. AAA - CAFETERIA - DAY

The techies are seated at their usual table, the rest down the row while Lucas and Isadora take their usual spots across from one another at the end of the table. Life is proceeding as normal… until Riley floats towards them and plops down next to Isadora, commenting on how wild that diva performance was and launching into chatter.

Isadora isn’t fazed by her presence considering she knew it was coming, but Lucas is floored. He freezes with his fork halfway to his mouth, staring at Riley as she engages Isadora in conversation. It’s impossible to tell whether his reaction is negative or not, but he’s definitely not breathing anymore. Isadora snaps him out of his shock.

Isadora: Lucas, did you forget how to use your limbs? Either eat it or don’t.

Lucas clears his throat, dropping his fork. Riley can’t help but smirk a little bit, sort of reveling in the feeling of having the upper hand. Isadora raises her eyebrows at his weird behavior.

Isadora: What? You act like you’ve never seen another human being before. You know Riley. What, do you need me to introduce you two?

Lucas: No, yeah, I know her. I just didn’t… realize she would be joining us.

Riley meets his gaze, not allowing herself to be intimidated. She offers him a smile, waiting until Isadora is done talking to take the reins of the conversation again.

When she asks about their holiday plans, Isadora mentions the small party that the techies are throwing. It’s a tradition they’re attempting to start off after a successful run last year, and they’re already eager to start prepping for it. At this suggestion, Riley lights up. She fancies herself a bit of a party planner, and offers her services in helping them plan the festivities.

Essentially, she inserts herself into the techie party plans, and Isadora and Lucas don’t care enough or still don’t know how to react properly enough to refuse, respectively. So they’re like sure… fine. You can help. Riley has found her in.

INT. AAA - AUDITORIUM - DAY

After deliberating and based on an inscrutable variety of criteria, Eric has the honor of announcing that the closing slot will be going to Maya this year. Everyone is like woo, big surprise. Angela also informs them that the remainder of their slots will be posted on the wall outside the black box, before Maya jumps up and interrupts the news bulletin.

Maya: Thank you, Miss Moore and Mister Matthews. It truly is an honor to have been chosen.

Zay: No one asked for a speech!

Maya: Now, I know that my selection may be a bit of a bummer to some of my less talented but equally driven classmates. Fear not, hopefuls, because as it turns out my closing number may just need a dance partner. Thus, I’ll be holding auditions to see who can actually keep up with me.

This actually intrigues them. Then, she turns to NIGEL CHEY, pointing at him and gesturing him towards her.

Maya: Chey, front and center. I’ve got a proposition for you.

The class departs, buzzing with this new opportunity. Eventually they all shuffle out, and soon enough it’s just Angela and Shawn remaining. They take to cleaning up the auditorium in silence like they usually do, but in the spirit of the season Angela decides that maybe she’ll broach a conversation. She asks him what his holiday plans are.

Shawn is gruff in his response, stating he has none and that he’s always hated this time of year. Angela is like “well, with that attitude,” but Shawn goes on to point out that he hasn’t had anything to celebrate since like the early 2000s, so what does she expect from him? Considering part of that lack of cheer is her fault, Angela is a little stung by the guilt she suddenly feels.

Still, she’s not just going to let this drop. She states that he shouldn’t spend the holidays alone. It’s not right. He shrugs her off, but there’s a seed planted there. Wonder what it will harvest…

INT. AAA - CLASSROOM - DAY

Riley joins Isadora after school to help Dave and JADE BEAMON make decorations for their party. They’re all homemade, and as they work together Riley gets to learn more about the two of them. Most importantly, she learns that Jade is a wicked talented costumer and basically single-handedly makes most of what they perform in during class. Riley is stunned to learn this, and it’s clear that she is fiercely underappreciated by the performers.

Dave asks if Riley is going to come to their party this year. Riley isn’t sure how to answer, but Isadora steps in and basically claims it’s up in the air, “as people say”. This isn’t a flat no, so Riley will take it.

INT. AAA - DANCE STUDIO - DAY

The class is assembled in one of the available studio classrooms, crammed up against the mirrors while Maya and Nigel stand front and center. Maya thanks them all for coming, before throwing focus to her potential three dance partners – Farkle, Zay, and Charlie. She also gives a special thanks to Nigel for agreeing to perform with her this afternoon, carrying his violin with him. Now, it’s time for the games to begin.

Song Cue ♫ ♪ “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” as performed by Lindsey Sterling & Sabrina Carpenter || Performed by Maya Hart (feat. Zay Babineaux, Farkle Minkus, and Charlie Gardner)

Nigel launches us into the auditions, playing his violin to the classic holiday tune with a vigor. While Maya is orchestrating all of the nonsense, Nigel is clearly the musical star of the number. Maya theatrically surveys the three boys, before pointing to Charlie and wiggling her finger at him. Come hither, auditionee #1!

Charlie and Maya dance together ballroom style while she launches into the song. Charlie is a great dancer, and they’re not a bad match. But she has other dance partners to test out, Farkle practically chomping at the bit to show his stuff. So when she wraps the first verse she spins Charlie away, moving onto the next one.

Farkle steps up next, the two of them continuing to waltz. On the lyrics “you’re a monster, Mr. Grinch,” Maya looks very pointedly at her partner and Farkle makes a snarky face in response. They continue their pas de deux as Nigel launches into his violin solo, Maya transferring to Zay halfway through and allowing herself to be swept away. She gives Farkle a sassy little wave. He rolls his eyes, waving the two of them off and marching back over to stand with Charlie.

Zay and Maya work effortlessly well as dance partners, evenly matched. They’re energetic, polished, and almost a given pair considering Zay is the best dancer in their class. Maya spins him away and back towards the other two, coming to stand in front of the three of them and surveying her options (“Now given the choice between the two of you, I’d take the…”).

This is where the number turns on its head. Rather than making a choice, Maya opts for the “seasick crocodile” and dances away from all three of them. They stand there for a moment, bewildered and trying to figure out who she chose – Charlie nudges Zay and points indicatively to Farkle, seeing as he must be the seasick crocodile. Farkle holds his arms out, offended.

But no, none of them are the seasick crocodile, and none of them are going to be her dance partner. The whole thing was an elaborate ruse, and Maya will be taking to the stage for the closing number on her own. She dances around the rest of the number gleefully, dancing out of reach of the boys who try to stop her after they realize they’ve been duped.

As each of them approach her, she dodges and essentially knocks them to the floor.

Maya: The words that best describe you are STINK! [ Charlie hits the floor ] STANK! [ Zay hits the floor ] STUNK! [ Farkle falls and she steps over him delightedly. ]

The class is in hysterics, no group enjoying this spectacle more than the techies. Lucas and Isadora are in stitches, leaning into each other and trying to stifle their laughter. Riley is just in shock, somewhat amused but also mortified on their behalf.

Maya finishes out the number with a flourish, dancing with Nigel as he continues to play. Zay doesn’t even bother to get back up, crashing onto the floor and flipping Maya the bird.

Maya ends with a cheeky little laugh, coming to Nigel’s side as he plays the last note on his violin. She leans up and kisses his cheek, hitting their final pose. She snapped!

As the kids are clearing out, Farkle grumbling to whoever will listen about how ridiculous this whole scenario was, Riley hangs back and waits for a moment with Charlie. She makes sure no one else is around before approaching him, telling him that she thought he made a great dance partner and didn’t deserve the ridicule. He waves her off, claiming it’s not that big a deal and worse could’ve happened.

Riley asks him if he would consider doing a duet together. She’s still got Lucas’s words rattling around in her brain about the real her, and she’s taking plenty of steps lately to be a little bolder. As she points out, just because they don’t have the closing number doesn’t mean they can’t vocally blow the roof off this place, so to speak. They don’t have to be divas to put on a dazzling performance, especially if they combine their efforts.

Charlie doesn’t need to be asked twice. Charmed and more than happy to comply, he agrees to a duet with Riley. Maybe a little too eagerly, all things considered.

INT. MATTHEWS APARTMENT - DAY

That afternoon after school, Christmas decorating is on! This is a normally coveted tradition in the Matthews household, but due to how on the rocks Cory and Topanga have been as of late, even the holiday spirit is dwindling a bit. Auggie doesn’t notice so much, but Riley is well aware of the chill that has settled in between her parents.

Thusly, it’s a relief when she gets a text notification from Isadora that they’re here for their next techie party errand. Riley informs her parents that she has to run, Cory only getting to question where she’s going for a moment before she’s out the door. He probably wouldn’t much prefer the answer anyway, so he should be grateful.

INT. SUPERMARKET - DAY

The next task for the techie party is in full swing – grocery shopping! Riley joins Isadora, Asher, and Dylan as they cruise through the store, stocking up on all needed supplies. That is to say, Riley and Isadora have the list and are doing all the work while Dylan pushes Asher around in the grocery cart and they keep adding extraneous, unnecessary items to the list.

Asher: [ reaching for an obnoxiously sized jug of apple cider ] Oh, dude, we definitely need this. Isa, can we get this?

Dylan: Yeah, Isa, we need to get the cider!

Isadora: We already have our listed drinks, put that back. Would you stop picking up whatever is in arm’s reach? We’re not shopping with Rockefeller.

Riley utilizes the opportunity to be as helpful as possible, reaching for whatever Isadora states next from the list and keeping up conversation. She tries to get a little bit of dirt on the techies, mostly as to why they’re so grumpy and constantly at war with the performers.

Asher: It’s really not that much of a mystery.

Dylan: Yeah, you’d be this way too if you were constantly ignored.

Isadora: Or put in a ton of effort just to see it get disrespected and disregarded.

Dylan: The performers have no idea how much we do for them, and the teachers perpetuate it.

Asher: And they never say thank you.

Isadora: Do you have any idea what it’s like to have no one acknowledge all the hard work you do?

Riley: Oh, I’ve got a hunch or two.

Dylan and Asher change the subject as they get to the candy aisle, reaching for a specific type of chocolate and claiming to Isadora that they have to get this. They have to, because it’s Lucas’s favorite and it is technically on the list. Technically. Please, Isa, pleeeeease?

Isadora: Alright, alright. Whatever. Gremlins.

Isadora off-handedly explains to Riley that Lucas never adds anything to the list and lets everyone else decide what food they’ll have but he only has one necessity – chocolate. There’s something slightly endearing and unexpected about that.

Riley: Yeah, I noticed he hasn’t exactly been around much on these party planning trips.

Isadora: [ defensively ] Well, he’s got a lot going on. But also, he’s got the most difficult job at the end of all this, so we don’t really push him to do much more.

Riley isn’t sure she wants to know what that means or entails. But Isadora has already moved past it, chastising Dylan and Asher for adding like five things to the cart that they didn’t account for and directing them towards checkout.

INT. JACK’S APARTMENT - NIGHT

Shawn is over at Jack’s house for dinner, a tradition that seems to be semi-regular between the two of them. Over the meal, the two of them are reminiscing about what Christmas used to be like back in the good old trailer park. This is where Jack’s reputation as a man who built himself from the ground up is truly reiterated, but he does not hold as much bitterness in his heart over it as his half-brother.

Shawn: Christmas was shit, don’t you remember? I mean, there was the year that dad gave us each a basket of used clothes from the thrift store, and he didn’t even wash them.

Jack: Well, that’s what the laundry basket was for.

Shawn: Or when he used to volunteer as Santa at the mall and we’d wake up on Christmas morning to him passed out, still in costume, on the floor in front of that scraggly piece of crap we called a tree.

Jack: Oh, come on. I always liked hangover Santa.

Shawn: Why is it such a big deal that I let the holidays back into my heart or whatever? This isn’t a Dr. Seuss book, my heart isn’t going to grow three sizes just because I elect to plan some stupid festivities for the break.

Jack isn’t sure what advice to give him, but he points out that it’s less about the holiday and more his heart. Like, he thinks Angela is just looking out for him in regards to getting out of the rut he’s been in for the last few years. Yeah, the holidays don’t mean much, but maybe they can be the first step. Shawn doesn’t look convinced, but it’s a thought…

INT. AAA - BLACK BOX THEATER - DAY

The sophomores are assembled before class, working on homework and other projects before the bell rings for lunch. Farkle declares to whoever will listen that he’s figured out the trick here, the reason Maya was selected over him. It’s because he’s Jewish.

Farkle: I mean, why would they give the closing slot in a largely commercially Christian dominated showcase to the Jew? It’s problematic, but not inherently surprising.

Zay rolls his eyes. He’s so tired. In any case, Farkle has decided that rather than complaining about the problem but not doing anything to remedy it, he is planning to write a Jewish holiday song of his own. Enough of this dreidel, dreidel crap. He’s going to dedicate his showcase slot to singing something truly Jewish… as soon as he writes it. That can’t possibly go wrong.

INT. AAA - CAFETERIA - DAY

Riley is with Lucas and Isadora at lunch again. She is keeping track of all their party preparation tasks in an agenda, and it’s clear that Lucas finds this amusing. Isadora admits that she’s been a lot of help so far, prompting the question yet again whether or not Riley will be invited to attend this shindig. They’re warming up to the idea, but there’s still hesitation. They just don’t know if Riley will be able to handle what it requires to be in attendance, that’s all.

Riley: Oh, I can handle it. Whatever it is, it’s handled. It’s not even a thing.

Isadora: It’s more a matter of whether or not we think we can trust you.

Riley: Well, okay then. Let’s prove it. Take me for a test drive.

[ Lucas chokes on his water. Isadora gives him a look, and Riley of course never realizes when she says something potentially questionable. She’s got a knack for it. ]

Isadora claims that before deciding any of that, they still have a couple of tasks to complete. Mainly, getting a Christmas tree. This surprises Riley, who is still in the dark about where this party is even taking place. Isadora clarifies they’re only looking for a small one, but won’t divulge more information than that.

Throughout the exchange, there’s a quip between Lucas and Isadora that hints at the fact that she’s autistic. Riley takes this information in stride.

Riley: Oh, you’re autistic?

Lucas: Is that a problem?

Riley: No, no, not at all. I just didn’t know. I’m a very huggy person, so let me know if that bothers you.

Isadora: It does. Don’t hug me.

Riley: Got it. No hugs for Isa. Make sure to tell me if I do anything like that subconsciously, okay? I don’t want to make you feel uncomfortable.

Isadora obviously appreciates this sentiment, and Lucas seems mildly impressed. He’s like wow, someone respecting my best friend and being generally considerate? In this school? That’s hot.

This all bodes well for Riley. She might just get her in with the techies yet.

INT. MAYA’S APARTMENT - DAY

Maya is hard at work going through lists of Christmas songs, narrowing down which song she’s going to do at the winter showcase. Her mother enters from her room, dressed in her uniform for work and in the midst of tying up her hair. Maya asks if she has a moment to help her narrow it down, Katy sliding into the seat across from her at their table.

Maya: I’m thinking “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” because you know, classic. But there’s a lot of potential in taking “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and really amping it up from the lame low levels that Andy Williams kept it at.

Katy: Both good options. But you know, [ reaching out and taking Maya’s hands across the table ] my favorite Christmas song was always “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Don’t know why, it just always made me truly feel the holiday season.

Maya: Yeah, it’s a great song. But it’s not going to blow everyone else out of the water.

Katy: … does it have to?

Katy doesn’t get time to elaborate on the question, already going to be late for work. She leaps up and gives Maya a kiss on the top of the head before fluttering off. Maya absorbs this sentiment, clearly not prepared to get philosophical and change her whole way of thinking on such short notice. She looks back to her shortlist, dissatisfied.

EXT. CHRISTMAS TREE FARM - DAY

A light snow is falling as Isadora, Riley, and Lucas make their way through the rows and rows of fir trees. Isadora leads the charge while Lucas sort of lags behind, rattling off a very specific list of criteria to Riley and explaining her full-proof process of finding the perfect tree. She’s a tree expert, essentially, so really they should be in and out in no time. No waiting up! Isadora marches onward, clearly a woman on a mission.

Riley watches her go, glancing over her shoulder towards Lucas. She debates whether to say something, hesitating before striking up a conversation. It’s clear that Lucas isn’t nearly as scary as he comes off at school, but he also… really doesn’t know how to interact with people. Let alone Riley Matthews.

Riley: How about you?

Lucas: Huh?

Riley: Would you consider yourself a tree expert?

Lucas: Oh, uh… no.

They’re side by side now, walking at the same pace. Riley explains that tree shopping is all part of the celebrations with her family, to which Lucas doesn’t have much to say (Lucas: Oh, we don’t celebrate. Much). But Riley’s a rambler, so she just starts nervously going on about what Christmas preparation at the Matthews entails.

Lucas is a little like oh so she’s still talking, okay. But he listens anyway, stuffing his hands in his pockets and torn between glancing at her and staring at the ground. She’s really hard to look at, for some reason. And snowflakes keep getting caught in her hair and her eyelashes…

Lucas: [ interrupting her ] You’ve got snow.

Riley: I’m – I’m sorry?

Lucas: Snow. It’s… you’ve got some on your –

[ He gestures noncommittally to her face. Riley sort of reaches up, towards her eyes, and he gives her half a nod. ]

Riley: Oh. Oh.

[ Riley works to wipe her eyes. Lucas glances away, sort of embarrassed for no reason. Feeling bashful is unfamiliar to him. ]

Lucas: Yeah, you got it.

Riley: [ After a moment. ] You’ve got some, too.

Lucas: Huh?

Riley: Snow. Just there –

[ Riley, not thinking, reaches up and almost goes to… what? Wipe at his eyes? But he backs away from her. ]

Lucas: I’ve got two hands.

Riley: Oh, yeah. Right. For sure. Yeah.

Well. That could’ve been worse. Lucas wipes at his eyes while Riley looks away, pressing her lips together and trying not to overthink that whole awkward conversation.

Isadora saves them both, running back up to them and claiming that she’s found the perfect tree. Her excitement is palpable and totally divergent from the persona she puts off at school. As she darts away, Lucas jogging off, Riley looks after them. After a moment, she smiles, before following in their direction.

INT. MINKUS HOME - NIGHT

Farkle is up after dinner, surrounded by crumbled pieces of paper and struggling to finish his song. EZRA MINKUS comes over to bother him, questioning what the heck he’s doing. After Farkle explains his grand pursuit to right the wrongs done to their Jewish culture by the American Christmas commercial industry (which Ezra definitely doesn’t get), his brother begs him to sing the song for him. And so he does.

Song Cue ♫ ♪ “Jewish Holiday Song (Original Composition)” || Performed by Farkle Minkus

The number is well put-together but unpolished, and continues to reflect Farkle’s perfectionist nature and he continually interrupts himself and changes lyrics, rewriting as he goes. Ezra doesn’t care at all, totally enthralled and encouraging his performance.

The longer he has to just perform it, the more Farkle starts to loosen up and get into it. Halfway through he’s on his feet, at full energy levels, and Ezra jumps up to spin and dance around with him. Certainly more humanity and genuine love of the craft from Farkle than any of his classmates might ever see.

INT. AAA - AUDITORIUM - DAY

The sophomore class is assembled, spending their class time preparing the stage for the holiday break. Half the class is out in the front of the school, where the showcase will be held.

Most of the techies are gone setting up outside, but Lucas and Isadora are inside with Riley. They’re sitting at the bottom of their usual crop of seats up in front of the technician’s booth, Riley standing in front them but not quite yet allowed to cross the threshold. Behind them, Dylan and Asher are goofing off.

Riley sighs, watching them deconstruct the sets from the first semester. Although it’s been a special kind of hell, she claims she’s going to miss the auditorium over break. Isadora tells her she doesn’t have to say goodbye yet, which confuses her.

Lucas and Isadora exchange knowing looks, before she goes on to explain the final task of the party. Tonight, after the showcase when everyone has left, the techies are going to sneak back into the auditorium and have the party there. Riley is floored by this.

Riley: You mean you’re going to sneak back in after hours. Like, break in. You’re going to break into the school.

Isadora: We warned you. Figured you may not be able to handle –

Riley: No, no, um. I’m not – and how exactly do you plan to do this?

A moment of silence. Riley looks between them before letting her gaze drift to Lucas, who is avoiding her gaze and smirking, twirling a pen in his fingers. Oh, right. Of course he’s going to break them in. Silly her.

Isadora states that Riley has been a big help and is more than welcome to come to the party – if she doesn’t rat them out. It freaks out every goody-two-shoes notion in her body, but she knows what she set out to accomplish this week. She squares her shoulders, ready to be bold. She claims she’ll be there and that she’s looking forward to it.

EXT. AAA - FRONT ENTRANCE - NIGHT

The night of showcase is here, audience members filing into the seats set up outside the school. The front of the building has been decorated for the holidays and lighting systems have been set up to allow for the top of the steps to act as a stage. It’s a pretty cool set up.

Most of the Minkus clan is searching for their seats, Ezra holding onto JENNIFER MINKUS’ hand as they make their way. He looks up towards the building and his face lights up, waving eagerly.

INT. AAA - ATRIUM - NIGHT

Farkle is looking out the doors, catching the eye of his brother. He sees him waving and lightly waves back, before the students are called together for pre-show circle.

Angela gives them all a rousing, energetic speech, telling them to close their first semester out with as much vim and vigor as possible. Everyone nods along, that holiday season acting as a powerful source of energy. With that, they put their hands in and countdown together, launching us into the showcase.

Song Cue ♫ ♪ “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” as performed by Pentatonix || Performed by AAA Sophomores

EXT. AAA - FRONT ENTRANCE - NIGHT

A montage ensues of the first half of the showcase, all of our recurring characters performing their songs and numbers. Zay opens the showcase, although with what song we don’t know. He definitely performs it with less enthusiasm than Ariana, though.

Haley and Clarissa play their cellos. Chai, Sarah, and Darby do a trio song and dance, dressed in cute holiday outfits. Nigel plays his violin. When Farkle takes the stage to perform his Jewish song, the audience clearly loves it.

No more so than his family. Jennifer is all smiles, and Ezra is dancing along from his seat. Only one thing could dampen this moment – the absence of Farkle’s father, who hasn’t shown up. This stings a little bit, but Farkle knows he’s a busy, important man. He tries not to let it get to him, finishing the performance with a flourish and not letting it show on his face until he’s back safely behind the doors of AAA.

INT. AAA - ATRIUM - NIGHT

Riley is staring out at the assembled crowd, trying not to go back on her decision to be more bold. Shawn approaches her and asks if she’s nervous, which yeah she is, but in front of him it’s more because she’s planning to break into the school later tonight behind his back. She keeps it together, but barely. Shawn wishes her luck, patting her shoulder.

Charlie approaches her, raising his eyebrows and asking if she’s ready. Riley takes a deep breath, then nods. Together, she and Charlie step through the doors.

EXT. AAA - FRONT ENTRANCE - NIGHT

Charlie makes his way to the microphone first, Riley hanging off to the side to wait for her entrance. He gives her a smile. Maya comes up behind Riley, asking when the two of them decided they were going to do a duet together. Riley shrugs, claiming they’re just trying to put on the best show possible.

Song Cue ♫ ♪ “The First Noel” as performed by Josh Groban & Faith Hill || Performed by Charlie Gardner & Riley Matthews

And boy, do they keep to their word. Charlie and Riley sing well together, and their chosen duet is a powerhouse all its own. It gives Riley the chance to truly show off her vocal ability, keeping true to her conversation with Lucas and trying to share that level of passion with the rest of the world. She isn’t going to spend the rest of her time at AAA hiding in the background.

The divas are shocked, totally not expecting the new kid to end the semester by actually posing a challenge. The techies look impressed, Dylan and Asher huddling together to exchange a whisper about it. But given the smiles on their faces, it’s nothing negative. Isadora seems impressed too, but when she looks to Lucas next to her, he doesn’t seem surprised at all.

Their performance is met with resounding applause. Riley sort of goes to nudge Charlie in congratulations, but he takes a step further and hugs her instead. Hey, it’s the holiday season. Riley hugs him back, grateful that he agreed to be her duet partner.

INT. AAA - ATRIUM - NIGHT

Maya is preparing for her closing number, doing vocal warm-ups and pacing to herself. Her phone ringing distracts her, and when she picks up it’s Katy on the other line. She explains that something has come up at work, and she’s going to have to close because the other waitress didn’t show, so she doesn’t know when she’s going to get there.

Maya is shattered by this, looking for alternatives, asking if someone else can, wondering if she’s going to make it at all. Katy apologizes profusely before explaining she has to go, quickly. She hangs up, Maya left side-swiped by this news. But the show must go on. Zay comes up to tell her it’s her turn to close the show, but he can immediately tell something is up with her. When he ventures the question, she puts her cool facade back together and claims everything is fine.

EXT. AAA - FRONT ENTRANCE - NIGHT

Maya runs up to the pianist first, whispering to him before taking her place at the microphone. She gives a little introduction to who she is and asks for one more round of applause to everyone else who has come before her – a classic diva courtesy. Then she explains what she’s about to perform.

Maya: I originally had a different planned for this evening. And I’m sure my classmates could’ve told you how in character it was for me. But um… someone really important recently asked me if everything had to be about the performance. And I thought the answer was yes, but I think tonight, I want it to be about something different. Tonight, it’s about her. But I hope you all enjoy.

Song Cue ♫ ♪ “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” as performed by Sabrina Carpenter || Performed by Maya Hart

Maya launches into her mother’s favorite Christmas tune, starting off soft and sentimental. But of course, she is still Maya Hart, and as the song progresses she ramps up the vocals and totally kills it. Everyone is honestly surprised she didn’t go for the big blowout finale, but somehow this was just what they all needed. Somehow, this was exactly right.

As the showcase comes to an end, the full performing class assembles outside the school while Angela and Shawn take center stage at the microphones. The techies are standing off to the side, still sort of in the shadows but present. Angela thanks everyone for coming and for their continued support of their students at AAA, and then rouses the audience for one more round of applause.

Shawn is about to jump in but Angela beats him to it, encouraging a round of applause for the techies as well. The techies seem surprised by this, but everyone happily gives it. Riley is clapping very enthusiastically in the front row of the performers. Farkle and Maya look confused at the shout-out, sharing a look but clapping along anyway.

Then Angela invites them all to join in for one last number, passing the stage off to the students.

Song Cue ♫ ♪ “Sleigh Ride” as performed by Pentatonix || Performed by AAA Sophomore Performers

The true closing number to the showcase is upbeat, fun, and a true demonstration of their combined talent rather than how they always seem to be pitted against one another. Our often forgotten students – Yindra, Nigel, NICK YOGI, CLARISSA CRUZ, and CHAI FRESCO – take the solos.

At the last second, Katy manages to make it and catch the final number. She slides into a seat in the back, meeting Maya’s eyes and giving her a big smile. Maya is… soft, grinning even wider as she performs.

Out of focus, the techies are dancing around and sort of mockingly singing along, so happy that another hell semester is done. Asher and Dylan each have an arm around Lucas, essentially forcing him to sway with them. Isadora isn’t being goofy, and she’s like… you’re all so stupid but you’re my crew so I guess it’s fine. So it’s endearing.

EXT. AAA - NIGHT

The clean-up has wrapped, another winter showcase come and gone. Maya and Zay are hanging around outside in their cutest winter attire, waving goodbye to Angela as she heads out and congratulates them on a great performance. Riley and Charlie exit the school together, Maya and Zay giving them an intrigued look as they approach.

Riley congratulates them all, Charlie approaching and giving Zay a nudge on the shoulder. Maya asks Riley if she’s coming to the after party at Chubbie’s – more out of curiosity than an invitation – and Riley stammers, explaining that she has other plans. But she won’t say what those other plans are, and kind of runs away before they can ask any more questions. Oh, Riles.

Farkle exits the building and comes down the steps, approaching the remaining three. He congratulates them all, as is courtesy, and Charlie commends him for his original song. It was a real crowd pleaser. Farkle tells Maya he thought she did a fantastic job with the closing number, and it’s genuine… even if she was a bit sharp. Maya lets this slide, thanking him for the compliment.

Farkle makes some subtle commentary about how he’s sure they’ll all have a great time at the diner… without him… totally nonchalant. Maya exchanges a look with Zay, before turning back to Farkle and being like “Farkle, would you like to come?” Farkle acts casual, brushing it off, but then he’s like “well if you INSIST.”

Maya shakes her head, leading the way down the street. Farkle is clearly excited, jogging to catch up. The four of them head out in their cute little winter coats and hats, we love them.

EXT. AAA - BACK ENTRANCE - NIGHT

Shawn makes his way to his car, the last one to leave. As soon as his car leaves the parking lot, Lucas pops his head out from behind the side of the building, followed by Isadora, then Riley. Riley asks if the coast is clear, to which Lucas lightly shushes her. The rest of the techies poke their heads around, showing that the full brigade is present. It’s break-in time.

As the opening score of Home Alone underscores, Lucas leads the skilled and effortless break-in for their after party. Riley is nervous, but she didn’t rat them out. She passed their tests. So when Lucas is holding open the auditorium doors for them to dart in and it gets to Riley… he doesn’t turn her away. She heads inside, Lucas glancing over his shoulder before shutting the door behind them.

INT. SHAWN’S APARTMENT - NIGHT

Shawn settles into the lonely and plaintive silence of winter break, dropping his bag and keys on the chair by the door with a pronounced thud. He sighs, making his way into the kitchen and hardly bothering to turn on the lights. That is, until a knock at the door disrupts his silence. He pokes his head around the corner, evidently not expecting anybody.

When he opens the door, Jack greets him cheerfully, holding food for a potluck and swooping his way inside. Before Shawn can object, Eric, Cory, and another half a dozen teachers flutter their way inside, giving him warm greetings and setting up stuff in the kitchen and living area.

Angela enters last, clearly having arranged the whole thing. Shawn is like what the hell is this – although with far less bite than his bark would have you believe – when Angela gives him an affectionate head tilt.

Angela: I told you. No one should be alone during the holidays.

There’s a moment where it’s unclear whether Shawn is going to accept this aggressive form of care or kick them all out… until he steps back to let Angela in fully. She smiles, entering as he closes the door behind them.

She actually isn’t done though, as she claims she has something for him. She pulls out a simple gift for him – a book of poems that alludes to one of the reasons they initially fell in love. Reparations, maybe?

Angela: I figured, if we’re working on your frozen heart, maybe a little more culture could help. You used to love these, after all.

Shawn is touched by the gift. He takes it tentatively, before lighting up with an idea of his own. He asks her to hold on, disappearing back into the small hallway that leads to his bedroom. When he returns, he’s clutching something in his hands rather than the poetry. It’s a beautiful artfully crafted seashell. It’s not wrapped, but it was definitely meant for her at some point.

Shawn: I saw it at a flea market a couple years back when I was traveling, and couldn’t help but think… I don’t know why I actually got it. But it was always meant for you.

He holds it out for her, waiting for her to take it. Now that’s tea. Angela takes it tenderly, the two of them exchanging uncertain but soft smiles. Then, Angela nudges them to go mix and mingle with their co-workers. As “Jingle Bell Rock” floats in…

INT. AAA - AUDITORIUM - NIGHT

The techie party is in full swing, the music playing over the sound system considering they’re the ones who know how to run it. Their tiny tree has been set up center stage with a few chairs sprawled around it. The majority are seated around it, laughing and eating and exchanging small gifts with one another. Dylan is seated on the floor in front of Asher’s chair, a string of garland worn around his neck like a scarf. Jade is showing Jeff the quality of the colored pencils she got as a gift in her sketchbook. Isadora is finishing the final touches on the tree decorating, attempting to direct Dave.

Riley is standing a bit away, just absorbing the warmth and marveling at the family dynamic of these oddballs that seem so standoffish at first glance. It’s a wrong perception, that much she’s sure about. The practical king of this very sentiment, Lucas comes over to join her.

He asks her if she feels like a badass or not after her first little taste of danger. She admits that she does, but she’s far more entranced by the little tradition they’re attempting to establish here. Riley makes some soft commentary about their crew and how he’s clearly a major part of that… Lucas waves her off, but she insists that it’s true.

She says something else slightly flirtatious, giving him a smile before floating off to join the main group. It takes Lucas about three seconds to comprehend the fact that that conversation actually happened, during which Dave hisses to catch his attention. He and Jade point above Lucas, where mistletoe has been set up. He and Riley were standing underneath it the whole time and didn’t even realize it.

Lucas, weirdly bashful again and embarrassed, huffs and walks away. Dave and Jade are trying not to laugh, gesturing him towards them to rejoin the group. Thus, the techie celebration ends nice and cozy, warming all of our hearts. God bless us, everyone!

We’re going to need it.

END OF EPISODE.

[shambhalala]

Mistletoe (Uncharted Headcanons)

Hey guys!

My good friend @heroes-x-thieves gave me the idea for some Uncharted character headcanons that fits with this wonderful time of year, so I hope you enjoy them!

What would they do if they were under the mistletoe with you?

Nathan Drake

This adorable man loves any excuse to show his partner a bit of affection. Chances are, he’s the one dragging you two underneath the mistletoe in the first place.

“Honey, look! It’s fate!” “Uh, Nate, I don’t think it counts if you dragged us underneath it” “Well, I’m countin’ it in my book. C’mere!”

His confidence is almost a little embarrassing at first; what must everyone around you think?

But that embarrassment disappears the second you stare into those kind, blue eyes. They’re brimming with love and adoration, all for you. How can you possibly deny a look like that?

He sensed your slight unease, so he places one hand on the back of your head, making you feel safe and secure, before capturing your lips in a soft kiss.

He draws back a little, expecting that you’ll want the public display of affection to be over as soon as possible, but is pleasantly surprised when you lean in again, bringing your hands to his jaw to keep him there.

His eyes are sparkling with bliss once your lips disconnect. “Merry Christmas. I love you”.

Samuel Drake

As much as Sam adores his partner, he likes to play it a little smoother than his younger brother. He gently edges you two underneath the mistletoe, and pretends not to notice it at first.

He waits for you to point it out, and when you do, his eyebrows shoot up in mock surprise, eyes comically wide.

“Sam, there’s mistletoe above us”. “Oh, there is? Huh, so there is. How remarkable”.

You two smile at each other; he obviously planned this. Blush creeps onto your cheeks whilst Sam appears cool as a cucumber, head tilted and one eyebrow cocked.

Sam decides to move your awkwardly cute staring contest to the next level, and gently cups your face with both of his hands, pressing his lips to yours gently.

As you two melt into each other, he guesses you’re pretty comfortable, so he nibbles your bottom lip, just to get your heart racing.

“Merry Christmas, sweetheart. There’s more where that came from, if you’ll have me”.

Victor Sullivan

This man has seen (and probably performed, let’s be honest) every cliché in the book, so any mistletoe you two find yourselves under is by complete accident.

Sully looks up and frowns at first, mistaking it for a weed. “Who in the hell lets weeds grow on the goddamn ceiling?”

Once you tell him what it is, his eyebrows are up with an elongated “ooooh”, followed by a brief awkward silence.

He looks at you, and you swear there’s a tiny smile peeking out from underneath that moustache of his. You’re blushing in anticipation of what’s going to happen.

Without a word, Sully leans forward, puts one hand on your shoulder, and gently plants a kiss on your forehead.

“Y’know I’m not one for celebrations, but… what the hell. Merry Christmas, darlin’”.

Charlie Cutter (I FORGOT TO INCLUDE CUTTER IN MY MENTAL HEALTH HEADCANONS I’M SO SORRY)

Charlie’s a smart man. The second he sees that mistletoe above you two, coupled with your radiant gaze, all that intelligence suddenly becomes very… scrambled.

“Oh. Uh. Right. Yes. Mistletoe. Poisonous, I believe. People normally, uh… kiss, underneath it?”

You giggle and nod encouragingly, which seems to calm his nerves. He scratches the back of his head nervously and looks anywhere except at you, until he can’t avoid his desires any longer.

“Bollocks to it. C’mere, sweetheart”.

His hands are warm on either side of your face as he eagerly plants his lips on yours, making your breath cease in your throat.

Your heads are spinning, and neither of you want this to stop. When it eventually does, Charlie has the most peaceful smile on his face that you’ve ever seen.

“Merry Christmas, love. Seems I uh… have very good taste”.

Rafe Adler

As cool and collected as he likes to appear, Rafe isn’t always the most observant of men. You two are busy chatting away when you collapse into a fit of giggles, pointing to the plant dangling above your heads. Rafe looks up in confusion, blinking in astonishment when he realises what it is

“Awh, Rafe, look! Mistletoe!” “How in the- well, whatever. Let’s get this over with”.

He doesn’t mean it maliciously; he just doesn’t like being told what to do, especially by a plant, damn it.

He leans in and hooks two fingers under your chin, pressing his lips to yours softly. The kiss lasts a little longer than you expected, not that you mind; Rafe must be enjoying showing the world that you are his, despite his initial reservations.

His hand lingers underneath your chin even once the kiss has ended, and he stares into your eyes lovingly.

“Merry Christmas, my little diamond”.

Harry Flynn

This man is so smooth and cocky that he puts Sam to shame. He spots the mistletoe from a mile away, and makes it his damn mission to get you two under it before you can say “jingle bells”.

Once you’re under, the fun is only just beginning for Flynn. He points upwards, then, with the most shit-eating grin you’ve ever seen, he says “looks like it’s your lucky day, love”.

Before you know it, you’re bending over backwards as he scoops you into his arms and leans over you, giving you the biggest smooch of your life before you can draw a single breath.

You’re too staggered to even feel anything. He pulls away and keeps you in the same position for a few more seconds, revelling in your surprised expression. That smug grin never leaves his face as he helps you regain your composure.

“Now, was that the best Christmas present ever, or do I have to show you again?”

Elena Fisher

Not normally one for slacking off on the job, you were surprised that Elena even noticed the mistletoe in the first place.

Her eyes widen and she grins in delight, turning to you with expectant puppy eyes.

“Just a quick one? Please? Then we’ll get back to work!”

Like you would ever deny her, especially with a look like that. You smile, lean in, and peck her lips gently.

Elena isn’t just a romantic, though; she knows what she’s doing. She brings one hand to the side of your face just to keep you there a little longer, knowing you’ll happily oblige.

Her eyes are sparkling with love and a hint of mischief when she pulls away, her hand lingering on the side of your face.

“Not bad for a mistletoe kiss, I’d give you at least a six”. “A six?!” “Well, you can always try again, see if you can do better”.

Chloe Frazer

Chloe isn’t one for heroics or romance, so when you two spot the mistletoe, she declares a race.

“Last one there buys drinks!” she calls, already five steps ahead of you.

You’re panting by the time you get there, and Chloe is stood victoriously with her hands on her hips, laughing at you.

“Well well, sunshine, looks like it’s my turn to take the reins” she states, already wrapping her arms around your neck.

Your lips collide before you can even catch your breath, her tongue invading your mouth in her usual flirtatious manner.

She breaks away just as you begin to crave more, leaving you panting out of more than just exertion. This woman really knows how to drive you crazy.

“Merry Christmas, love. So, drinks are on you then?”

Nadine Ross

Nadine Ross is possibly the sweetest but most romantically oblivious person you have ever known, so any little romantic gestures you educate her on are very special to the both of you.

Surprisingly, Nadine spots the mistletoe before you do.

“That plant, I know that. Mistletoe, right?” (she’s not just an animal nerd, people).

You nod, and she smiles knowingly, her eyes softening as she stares at you through hooded eyelids. She obviously knows all about this particular tradition.

You two lean in at the same time and your lips touch softly. It’s tender and sweet as always, but you feel your heart swelling in your chest at how she didn’t even need your help this time.

“Always wondered why a plant meant so much to people, but I’m startin’ to get it now”.

I hope you all enjoyed that! Also, I apologise for not including Asav in this; I know some of you like him, but I honestly could not come up with any ideas for his character for this headcanon. I hope you understand!

Happy holidays!

[starfriday]

CHIPS, directed by Dax Shepard is releasing across cinemas in India on March 24th, 2017.

Dax Shepard (“Hit & Run,” TV’s “Parenthood”) and Michael Peña (“Ant-Man”) star in the action comedy “CHIPS,” directed by Shepard from his own script.   

Jon Baker (Shepard) and Frank “Ponch” Poncherello (Peña) have just joined the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in Los Angeles, but for very different reasons.  Baker is a beaten-up former pro motorbiker trying to put his life and marriage back together.  Poncherello is a cocky undercover Federal agent investigating a multi-million dollar heist that may be an inside job—inside the CHP.  

The inexperienced rookie and the hardened pro are teamed together, but clash more than click, so kick-starting a real partnership is easier said than done.  But with Baker’s unique bike skills and Ponch’s street savvy it might just work…if they don’t drive each other crazy first.

“CHIPS” also stars Rosa Salazar (“Insurgent”), Adam Brody (“Think Like a Man Too”), Kristen Bell (“Bad Moms”), and Vincent D’Onofrio (“Jurassic World”).

The film was produced by Andrew Panay (“Earth to Echo,” “Wedding Crashers”), who previously produced Shepard’s “Hit & Run,” and Ravi Mehta (“Get Hard”), and is based on the popular television series created by Rick Rosner.  Robert J. Dohrmann, Nate Tuck, Rick Rosner, Michael Peña and Dax Shepard served as executive producers.

Collaborating behind the scenes were director of photography Mitchell Amundsen (“Ride Along 2”), production designer Maher Ahmad (“Hangover 3”), editor Dan Lebental (“Ant-Man”), costume designer Diane Crooke (TV’s “Parenthood”) and composer Fil Eisler (“Empire”).

Warner Bros. Pictures presents, an Andrew Panay Production, “CHIPS” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment company.  

ABOUT THE MOVIE

SEX, DRUGS & HIGHWAY PATROL

What happens when you team up a former X-Games star with a busted-up body and a painkiller habit, and an over-sexed undercover Fed with too much confidence, give them each a badge and a bike and set them loose on the sun-baked highways of Southern California?  

CHIP happens.  

More to the point, if you’re writer/director Dax Shepard, you deliver a buddy cop comedy loaded with enough action, stunts and hard-R humor to push it to the legal limit.

Shepard also stars as Jon, opposite Michael Peña as his partner, Ponch.  “This is about two very different guys with vastly different agendas and skill sets, who have to learn how to ride together, pick up the slack for each other and ultimately trust each other with their lives,” Shepard says.  And if that sounds a little high-minded, “It also has nudity—though granted, mostly of me—and epic chases, destruction, and explosions.  I don’t think we went more than three days on this movie without blowing something up.  The action is real, the jumps are real and the fights are almost real.”  

In other words, this ain’t your parents’ “CHIPS.”

Jon Baker is a newly minted officer of the California Highway Patrol, CHP for short.  Jon’s a mess.  But, fueled by optimism, prescription meds and a single-minded desire to make good and win back his ex-wife, he’s ready to face any challenge or humiliation with everything he’s got.  For now, that means playing it by the book, keeping his nose clean and writing lots of tickets.  Just one problem: he’s stuck on day one with a take-charge partner who doesn’t give a damn about any of that.

Francis Llewellyn Poncherello, aka Ponch, is actually Miami FBI agent Castillo, a guy with a big success rate and the swagger to match.  He also has a pathological weakness for women, especially women in yoga pants, which is a much bigger problem now that has to straddle a bike every day.  Perpetually cocked and locked, he’s in L.A. undercover to smoke out a dirty-cop robbery ring inside the CHP.  

Of course Jon doesn’t know this up front, including the fact that he was picked as Ponch’s partner only because they figured he was too green to ask questions.  Or get in the way.  

But when things get real out there, these two newest members of the force have to find a way to get past each other’s bulls**t and get on with it, because they have only each other to rely on.

Producer Andrew Panay, who collaborated with Shepard on the 2012 romantic action comedy “Hit & Run,” signed up for the ride as soon as he read the script.  “It’s incredibly funny, and wall-to-wall action,” he says. “The comedy is edgy and the action is a little throwback because it’s not a lot of visual effects.  We did most of the stunts in-camera, and Dax does a lot of his own stunts, so it feels authentic.”

“I can think of a lot of movies that are funny but I don’t remember the action, or it was just background,” says Peña.  “This is obviously a comedy, but Dax wanted the jokes and the stunts to work together so when we transition into the action sequences there’s validity to it.  He really gets the setups and the payoffs and how to break down the characters so people can relate.”

It helped that Shepard was writing about something he loves—motorcycles—and that he knew the players.  “I started this project knowing Michael and I were Ponch and Jon, so I could play to our strengths.  A lot of times you’re writing in a vacuum because you don’t know the cast, but I could be more specific here.  My passion is motorcycles and cars, so I knew we’d be doing a lot of riding, and that gave me the freedom to write scenes where we’re talking trash over a chase.  All of that definitely informed the kind of story I was going to tell.”

Shepard was committed to showcase a range of stunts with high-performance machines. “I wanted great motorcycle action from a variety of disciplines, so we have motocross-style stunts, road race stunts, drifting, a lot of different things,” he lays out.  “We needed bikes that could jump and corner tight with amazing speed and braking, bikes that could handle stairs.  But I couldn’t do those things on stock CHP bikes because the logic wouldn’t hold up.  The bad guys could have whatever they wanted, and that was a completely different vibe, but I had to figure out how to get Jon and Ponch onto cool motorcycles to catch up with them. That introduced the premise of Ponch being undercover FBI.”  

The writer/director also took a page from his own life by giving Jon the need to figure out what makes people tick.  “Jon’s always trying to understand why he does what he does.  I’m very much interested in what drives me, or what drives other people, so that became a part of the character,” Shepard explains.  That translates into Jon trying to analyze his hug-averse partner, or, say, figure out why Ponch requires so much “alone time” in the bathroom multiple times a day…  

A running joke in the film, Jon’s touchy-feely observations contrast with Ponch’s more down-and-dirty commentary, like the way he has to enlighten his out-of-circulation partner on the current sexual scene—namely certain back door maneuvers Jon had no idea had gone mainstream.  

Either way, what it boils down to is them being themselves.  And being guys.  “Ponch and Jon come from opposite directions on so many things,” says producer Ravi Mehta.  “Not only tight-lipped versus TMI, but Jon’s a stickler for the rules and Ponch likes to fly by the seat of his pants, so they start out not clicking at all.  But once they’re through fighting it, and let their guards down, they actually feed off of how different they are.  That’s when it becomes more of a bromance and a true partnership.”

That means owning their screw-ups as much as merging their talents.  

Citing the inspiration he drew from the late ‘70s/early ‘80s TV series created by Rick Rosner, who is now one of the film’s executive producers, Shepard says, “To me, the key elements of that show were the setting, the bikes, and the fact that Jon and Ponch were heroes.”  And as much as those characters were unique to the show, his Jon and Ponch are different. This is a new incarnation, with its own personality—a big-screen “CHIPS” for a new generation that takes the stunts, action, and comedy further than the small screen would allow.  

It wouldn’t be the CHP without Southern California.  “The CHP is emblematic of California and we worked incredibly hard to keep this production in Los Angeles,” says Mehta.  “We made sure L.A. was featured in the art direction and the action, so audiences will see parts of the downtown area as well as beaches and deserts.  There’s even a chase through pine trees in the Angeles National Forest.”

“Growing up in Detroit, where it was overcast a lot and freezing cold, I loved L.A.-based films,” says Shepard.  “For me it was a two-hour vacation to sunny SoCal.”

But this take on California living is far from laid-back. “The story is constantly moving,” says Vincent D’Onofrio, who stars as Lieutenant Ray Kurtz, a veteran cop with the power to make a whole lot of trouble for the new recruits.  “It wows you with the action and the motorcycle scenes.  Then so many of these actors are also great comedians and they’re just killing it.”  

The “CHIPS” main starring cast includes Adam Brody as Clay Allen, an FBI agent Castillo shoots “accidentally on purpose” in Miami before taking this West Coast gig as Ponch.  His arm in a sling, the still-pissed-off Allen follows Castilo to L.A. as the bureau’s point person on the case.  Rosa Salazar also stars as CHP officer Ava Perez, who shares Jon’s love of hot bikes…and possibly other things, if only he’d get with the program.  

Not surprisingly, “CHIPS” bears little resemblance to the day-to-day lives of actual CHP officers, some of whom worked with the production to keep everyone safe during their location shoots on active roadways.  “The officers on set with us were great sports,” says Shepard.  “It goes without saying, we have nothing but respect for the job that law enforcement does every day to keep us safe in the real world.  Everything we did was to the extreme and played for entertainment.”

In fact, there was a great deal of cooperation between the CHP and the filmmaking team, from informal pre-production meetings over the content and logistics of the script to a tour of the organization’s Sacramento training facility.  “During the shoot, they gave us escorts on scouts, which gave us freeway access that would have otherwise been nearly impossible to secure,” Panay recounts. The filmmakers were even granted access to the CHP headquarters in downtown Los Angeles, which, he adds, “was something we had been hoping for and was the pinnacle of our working relationship.”

But in case there’s any doubt about what audiences are in for, “CHIPS” opens with this friendly disclaimer: This film is not endorsed by the California Highway Patrol.  At all.

TO SERVE AND BRO-TECT

The oldest rookie to ever join the force, as his supervisor points out, Jon Baker may not seem like an obvious candidate for the job—that is, until his fellow recruits see him ride.  Clearly, “The Baker” is still a force to content with on the road, but, says Shepard, “As an X-Games motocross competitor he had sponsors and fans; he had the money and the glory and the great life.  That’s all over now.  He’s had about 20 surgeries, broken a lot of bones, and he’s not in the best physical shape.  He’s in a transition period.”

Mostly, Jon is still reeling from the breakup of his marriage.  Karen, played by Shepard’s real-life wife Kristen Bell, is a trophy from his heyday that he can’t let go.  He’s convinced he can get her back once he gets out of his slump, so he continues to live in the tiny guest room behind the luxury home they once shared, and that Karen still occupies, just to remain close.  And, in spite of her total lack of interest, Shepard offers, “he continues to attend couples therapy.  Alone.”

At the same time, the former star athlete is focusing on a new career path he hopes will make his ex take notice.  The only thing he really knows how to do is ride a motorcycle, so he picks a profession for which that advantage might tip the odds in his favor.  

But, whatever his motives, Shepard notes, “It turns out that once they decide to give him a badge, he takes this job very seriously.”

Not so with Ponch.  In his mind, this ace fed is just passing through.  He’s here to wrap up his assignment, hang up his helmet and go home.  The truth is, Ponch’s high-profile cases have created some high-profile collateral damage, and sending him to California was good for the bureau in more ways than one.  Sure, he’s here to break up this insider ring.  But, since he was caught sexting with the wife of a drug kingpin he just busted in Miami, it would also be better for everyone if he was out of town, and out of touch, during the trial.

“Yeah, he’s a little bit of a sex addict,” Peña acknowledges.

“I actually like some of Ponch’s quirks,” the actor continues.  “He’s kind of clumsy, for one.  He thinks he can do anything, so, even though he can’t really ride a bike that well, he’s always pushing that limit.  His ego gets in the way and sometimes he crashes.  But beyond that, he’s capable at what he does and he’s really focused on the case, and I like that about him.”  

Peña’s portrayal, Mehta feels, “preserves the machismo of the character while bringing a whole level of comedy to it with these very human flaws.”  

For Shepard, “I couldn’t see anyone but Michael in this role. He’s a phenomenal actor and effortlessly charismatic, even when he needs to be angry or embarrassed.”

Matched up with Jon, it’s a sure bet he’s gonna be angry and embarrassed a lot.

What Ponch expects in a partner is someone who can follow orders, keep his mouth shut and not draw too much attention. Unfortunately, none of those things describe Jon.  On the other hand, Jon’s ideal partner would be a generally more easygoing guy who knows how to take a bunny hill without rolling off his ride, and is open to a little meaningful conversation from time to time.  

“So much of the story is about their dynamic,” says Peña.  “Ponch is very logical and focused on the present, and Jon is more in tune with his feelings and about fixing his marriage, like he’s always ‘three beers too deep’ with the intimacy.”

To his credit, Ponch comes to grudgingly acknowledge Jon’s instincts as a detective, not to mention his insane skills on two wheels.  As they continue to work together, with all the minute-by-minute sacrifices and real heroism that entails, they begin to understand more about each other. “Ponch starts to meet Jon in the middle and maybe even attempt a more emotional point of view, and it’s funny to watch him try out this completely unfamiliar approach,” he adds.

The bottom line is, they have a job to do.  Someone in the CHP has been running a series of armored car robberies with black-and-whites and motorcycles, in broad daylight, to the tune of millions of dollars.  And that’s not all.  There was a suspicious suicide at one of the recent heists, which gives the guys their first promising lead.  The questions are: who in the department is involved?  Who knows what’s going on and who doesn’t?  

Their investigation soon turns toward Ray Kurtz, played by Vincent D’Onofrio.  Whether or not he proves to be one of the cops they’re after, no one denies that Kurtz is one scary dude.

As D’Onofrio sees it, “Kurtz has been around a long time and he’s a bit of a hardass, but he’s also a really good cop and I think everyone on his team respects him.  He’s in a tough situation and he has to get out of it.  Whenever I play characters like this, I don’t play them necessarily as good guys or bad guys but just people. I feel for his situation and the difficult things he has to do, to get what he needs done, and that’s his part of the story.

“He has a problem with Ponch right away, and goes after him,” D’Onofrio goes on to reveal, “but there are also moments of lightness where they’re talking back and forth and it’s just crazy and funny.  We did different versions, from super funny to serious, because my character has issues and you don’t know what’s going to work and how far you can go.”

As Jon and Ponch dig deeper into the case and find new ways to run afoul of Kurtz, they also catch the attention of officers Ava Perez and Lindsey Taylor—played by Rosa Salazar and Jessica McNamee.  Lindsey calls Ponch for herself, while Ava sets her sights on fellow bike enthusiast Jon.  At least that’s what he thinks when she invites him on an off-road excursion.    

Extenuating circumstances would never stand between Ponch and a hot date, but with Jon it’s more complicated.  At the first hint of Ava’s interest, he launches into full disclosure.  Says Salazar, “It’s touching that he wants to repair his marriage and says so.  He’s like an open wound, vulnerable, but in a nice way.  Ava likes that, and she’s obviously attracted to him but she’s a brass-tacks type of woman, very straightforward and real, and what she actually says is, ‘Get over yourself.  I just asked you to go for a ride.’”

“It’s important that Ava have the upper hand on Jon at all times,” Shepard comments.  “She’s witty and sarcastic, cool and tough.  She loves motorcycles and she loves being a cop.  I worked with Rosa on ‘Parenthood’ and she’s wonderful.  She brings great ideas to the table.”  

On reading the script, Salazar recalls, “It was the funniest thing I’d read in forever but that’s not surprising because Dax is the funniest guy you’ll ever meet.”  About the action, she thought, “I’m gonna get so hurt on this movie.  I’m going to be jumping over barriers and there’s fire, and fights, and helicopters.  But I love action-comedy and Dax assured me it would all be safe and it really was a blast.”

Ponch, meanwhile, heats things up with Lindsey.  “I get to kick ass and chase bad guys around,” McNamee says. “The relationship Lindsey strikes up with Ponch is kind of unlikely and unexpected, so it’s cool to play into all of that.  Jon and Ponch certainly come in and shake things up.  I think for Ava and Lindsey there’s a kind of ‘fresh meat’ instinct to it, but they also find them endearing and charming in their own odd little ways.’”

Throughout all of this, Ponch touches base with his former FBI colleague turned bureau contact Clay Allen.  Supposedly calling the shots on the case, Allen mostly ends up eating Ponch’s dust after arriving five minutes late to the party every time.  It’s a role based largely on “anger and indignation,” observes Adam Brody.  “When Allen and Castillo—now Ponch—were working together in Miami, things went south.  Ponch shot a suspect through Allen’s shoulder and he’s still mad about it.  He feels that wasn’t necessary.”

Shepard credits Brody’s expressions and keen timing for elevating the role beyond his expectations. “He’s just so funny and so quick—anything you throw at him, he will say it in such a way that immediately makes it twice as entertaining.”   

Adds Brody, “At first, it looked like the part was mostly playing straight man for Ponch, but when I arrived on set it was, no, what they want is for Allen to be an idiot.  And I really liked that, because I love playing an idiot.”

“Dax’s dialogue is amazing, so we had all these well drawn characters on the page,” says Panay, “but what we looked for in assembling this fantastic cast were actors who could also push the comedy in their own way.  Dax likes everyone to open up and swing big.”

Also suiting up for the “CHIPS” cast is Isiah Whitlock Jr. as Ponch’s FBI boss, Peterson, who runs the gamut from disgusted and ticked off to full-on apoplectic.  But he still manages to find laughs in anything that puts his least-favorite employee on the hot seat. Jane Kazcmarek is Ponch’s supervisor Captain Lindel, a woman with a shockingly relaxed sense of protocol; Richard T. Jones is officer Parish, the wrong man with whom to pick a fight; David Koechner is Pat, a wrestling trainer who doesn’t appreciate Jon’s unconventional technique; and actor/environmental activist Ed Begley Jr. takes an ironic turn in the unlikeliest role his fans could imagine, for reasons that will be obvious the instant he speeds into frame … in a Ferrari.  

Kristen Bell dives into the role of Jon Baker’s carefree ex, Karen, the undeserving object of his self-improvement efforts. Marking her fourth big-screen collaboration with Shepard, Bell says, “Karen needs to be the person audiences don’t want for Jon.  They should be shouting, ‘No, don’t do it!’  Karen is vain and all about appearances, and she thinks she’s the ultimate prize.  Things started going south in their marriage the day he stopped placing first in his events.  That’s the kind of person she is.  

“Dax almost didn’t cast me,” Bell contiues.  “After he wrote the role, he sat me down and said, ‘I’m not positive you can be as unlikable as I need you to be for this,’ which I took both as a compliment and an insult,” she laughs.  “Because I can be very unlikable.”  

SETTING EACH OTHER RIGHT

WHEN THINGS GO WRONG

To boost the level of action on “CHIPS,” from bridges to bathtubs, Shepard reunited with renowned stunt performer Steve De Castro.  De Castro, who first served as stunt coordinator for him on “Hit & Run,” enlisted pros as well as the best stunt riders to execute the trickiest and most spectacular maneuvers.  Also on board were special effects coordinator Larz Anderson, production designer Maher Ahmad, and cinematographer Mitchell Amundsen.

“With Mitch, you get kinetic action; the camera is always moving.  He’s a cowboy,” says Ravi Mehta, who had worked with Amundsen and knew he would be a good fit.  “Selecting key department heads is just like casting, you have to put the right pieces together.”

“He shot a ‘Bourne,’ he shot ‘Mission Impossible’ and ‘Transformers,’” Shepard offers in short, “so this is a guy who’s been in that pursuit vehicle and operating a crane for hundreds of hours.  I had a very accomplished team all around.  We were in very good hands.”  

Shepard kept the action as real as possible.  “That was our whole approach.  The most we did digitally was to swap out a bike, so generally if you see something happening on screen, it happened,” he confirms.  “Everything the motorcycles do in this movie was actually done by someone.  And as much as I could put myself or Michael into it, I would.  For example, we got Michael to do his own burnout in a scene and it got a fantastic reaction from him.”

The film opens with a bank robbery, shootout and pursuit through the crowded streets of Long Beach, which doubled for Ponch’s home town of Miami.  In the driver’s seat of the lead car, Ponch makes no distinction between the road and the sidewalk.  For audiences, it’s an intro to the ride they are embarking on, and to Ponch a sign of things to come, as this chase is the prelude to a bigger and crazier one set in Los Angeles.   

The L.A. sequence begins with Jon and Ponch after a suspect in a residential neighborhood that opens onto city streets, then takes them up and down a parking structure, across the beach and into the L.A. river basin before culminating on Downtown’s 4th Street Bridge.  There, all hell breaks loose with cars and motorcycles, a helicopter, a SWAT Humvee, a motorhome in the wrong place at the wrong time and yes, even a bicycle cop.  

De Castro outlines one of this scene’s key beats: “We had 100 stunt performers and extras on the beach, with bikes jumping into the sand, going through volleyball nets and heading up a sand dune.  As Jon and the bad guy hit the berm, the bad guy is in front and spins a 180 in mid air, then shoots at Jon’s leg.  That’s X-Games gold medalist Lance Coury.  It’s a 75-foot jump.  When you see the bike spin around it’s what they call a turndown, but he’s doing it one-handed, which he’d never done before.  Then following him over the gap is Dave Castillo, an AMA pro rider who won the Motocross 500.  For them to jump 75 feet and so close to each other, with Lance turning the bike 180 degrees, it’s just incredible.”

Production closed the 4th Street Bridge for the melee and mash-up between the Hummer and the bulky motorhome. “Dax wanted to do it practically so we drove a stock H1 Hummer straight through a stock RV at 45 miles an hour,” De Castro states.

Shepard attests, “It was crazy.  I’ve lived in L.A. for 20 years and I’ve driven across that bridge a thousand times, and to have it as a playground for two straight days to demolish motorhomes and crash motorcycles was pretty amazing.  There were many times when I thought, ‘I can’t believe we are allowed to do this.’  We owned a whole exit off the 210 Freeway to blow up a propane tank with helicopters circling and a fireball nine stories high. There are actual cops watching you peel out and do donuts and they’re giving you the thumbs up, which is not a side of law enforcement you usually get to see.”

Bike action being a huge component of the story, the filmmakers needed equipment to support it in style.  Shepard used a range of brands and models, some stock and some custom, including what he calls “a smattering of Harleys and the big BMW snowmobiles,” like the BMW RT1200 standard police models.  For D’Onofrio’s ride, he worked with Harley Davidson to design a custom Electra Glide that, Shepard says, “shoots six foot blue flames out the back and has titanium pegs that shower sparks.”  

Primarily the film featured one of the director’s personal favorites: Ducati, and in particular the Ducati Hypermotard, a versatile and durable model which became Jon and Ponch’s updated “hero” bikes.  “Every time we’re jumping, sliding, drifting, stoppie’ing or free endo’ing them, they were all stock Ducatis,” he says, in the parlance of the initiated.  Even on the beach, the Hypermotards served, with modified knobby tires in front and paddles in back, while retaining their signature look and sound.

De Castro comments, “Michael Peña had just started riding and he did a great job, and Vincent D’Onofrio hadn’t ridden a bike for maybe 20 years but he hopped right back on and we got the shots we needed.”  As for Dax, “He would have made an excellent stunt guy.  He’s a high-level rider on both street and dirt, so it was a great position for me to be in.  I could say, "Hey Dax, I need you to come in faster, I need you to come in hotter.  I'm gonna put the camera here and we're gonna counter with you,’ and still we know everyone would be safe and it would look amazing.”  

Even so, Shepard admits feeling humbled alongside the pro talent, including his double, Joe Dryden, a pioneer of the street bike freestyle.  “Before I started this movie I thought I was really great at riding motorcycles, I would have given myself a 9.  And now that I’ve seen some of the best riders in the world I feel a little weak,” he allows.

“There were a couple of times when Dax wanted to do a stunt but De Castro said, ‘No, you’re not doing that,’” adds Peña.  “That’s Steve’s job.  He makes it fun but safe.  But with a film like this, you really get psyched up to be part of the action.”

Stunt riders also took cameras directly into the fray not only with Pursuit vehicles, but with Covert Camera Bikes, electric motorcycles that can reach 100mph with cameras in front and back.  Perfect for tight situations and able to dolly as needed, they’re effective for bringing audiences into the moment.    

The stunt team worked closely with FX supervisor Anderson and production designer Ahmad, as sets were built and destroyed.  As the big chase segued into the confrontation on the bridge, Shepard gives kudos to “our special effects genius Larz for figuring out how to slide this massive 35-foot RV along the asphalt.  Larz designed a pneumatic cylinder to lift the back wheels.  It slides, then you flip a switch and it comes back up.”

Following the slide, Anderson picks up, “we switched it out for another motorhome that was pre-scored and loaded with a bunch of stuff, held together by nothing, so when it’s hit, it all goes flying.  Dax was great to work with.  He really knows what he wants and he’s open to other ideas that might embellish that—especially if it involves fire or explosions.”  Anderson had plenty of opportunity for that, including the challenge of safely igniting a propane truck alongside a hillside full of brush, for which he made a tank out of foam.  Later, as a truck slams into Ponch’s bike and drags it down the road, he created a literal trail of fire.  

Anderson’s handiwork also appears in one of the film’s major set pieces, a warehouse compound north of Los Angeles near a popular biking site of canyons and valleys known as The Devil’s Punchbowl.  It was the perfect setting for the final showdown involving a variety of vehicles, gunplay and hand-to-hand takedowns, all of which leads to a massive explosion.  

The filmmakers found a property of several acres of desert land, housing a private home, barn and outbuildings that would add peripherally to the set. Says production designer Ahmad, “It had everything we needed except the main building, the warehouse, so I found a spot Dax liked and we built the whole thing from scratch.  Given that the building was for the big finale and needed to be blown up, set on fire and driven through, it was a virtual certainty we would have to build it.  It was about 50 by 100 feet, 25 feet tall, with dozens of windows. We poured a concrete floor.  Then we dressed the inside with old cars and junk, and there was enough space outside to build the wall for the bikes to go over.”  

“Maher is brilliant,” Shepard proclaims.  “I’d show up to sets and they’d be five times better than I even dreamt when I was writing it.  If we had a fight scene, I’d ask, ‘What can I break in this room?’  And he’d say, “That’s breakable, that’s breakable, that chair, that desk, that table, that’s fake,’ and you’re like, ‘Oh my God, I can do anything in here.”

But for all the story’s high-octane action, one stunt audiences will not likely forget unfolds on a more intimate scale.  After a physically taxing day, Jon wakes up unable to move his wrecked body or reach his meds.  He needs a therapeutic soak and calls on a very reluctant Ponch for help getting into the tub.  

Ponch trips, catapulting his naked partner in the general vicinity of the bathtub.

“I had to get into pretty good shape for that, so I could do all my nude stuff on week one and then resume eating what I wanted for the rest of the shoot,” says Shepard with typical good humor.  “I had a harness and a cable, and I was on a ratchet, so, as soon as he lets go they hit the hammer and I just flew into the wall.  It also spun me, so I hit the wall and then went upside down into the tub, bare naked, in front of my crew that just met me two days before.”

“I remember a fair amount of laughter that day,” Peña confirms.  

The tub was made of rubber, as was the wall that absorbed Shepard’s impact. “The room had to be high enough for the stunt and FX guys to run a track up along the ceiling,” says Ahmad, who built the bedroom and bathroom comprising the guest house from an existing home’s dining and living rooms, with an eye toward allowing a straight line trajectory from the bed to the tub.

The designer modified numerous other practical locations, including the interior of a suburban home that gets trashed in a fight between Jon and Ponch and an officer who doesn’t appreciate their snooping.  But the set he had the most fun creating was the drug den.  

“It had to be filthy and disgusting,” he emphasizes. “The direction I got from Dax was that we couldn’t push it too far, and that’s what we did.  We laid down pre-grunge-ified linoleum to protect the existing wood floors.  Then we painted and did horrible things to the walls and brought awful furniture in, like stained mattresses.  The kitchen was all moldy and overgrown with loathsome stuff and rotten food, and we learned a lot about making kitty poop with modeling clay.  To accelerate its drying we put it into a microwave oven at the production office and one batch got away from us.  It set off the smoke detectors and we had to evacuate the building.  But it was the bathroom that just grossed everyone out.  It was completely sanitary and smelled fine but it looked awful.  I love it when a set elicits such an enthusiastic reaction from the crew.”

When Jon enters the house and is physically overcome by the stench, it’s a fair bet that members of the audience will be right there with him—their hands to their mouths.  

Another “CHIPS” location included the Cal Poly Pomona College’s south campus, for scenes set in the Police Academy locker room and gym.  The production also shot interiors and the parking lot of the active L.A. Central CHP Center, just south of downtown.

Finally, as a Valentine to locals, the production included a scene of Jon and Ponch at an Original Tommy’s burger stand—a Southern California institution—and not just any Tommy’s, but the one that started it all, at Rampart and Beverly Boulevards.  

Overall, Panay says, “Dax went for an authentic L.A. feel. This film was shot entirely on practical, Southern California locations.  We did build and augment some sets but we weren’t on soundstages and everything was right here, real and tangible.  Our location team found so many great spots to showcase the action and help make L.A. itself an essential part of the story.”

“What I like best about it is the old-school action, which we put together with a lot of love and I think consequently has a really good vibe,” says Shepard, “not to mention great explosions and amazing stunts, and a lot of comedy.  I hope every scene is as fun for audiences as it was for us, making it.”  

# # #

ABOUT THE CAST

DAX SHEPARD (Jon Baker / Director / Writer / Executive Producer) was born in 1975 in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan. With both parents working in the automotive industry, his first love was cars. He graduated in 1993 from Walled Lake High School, and moved to California in 1995.  Shepard graduated magna cum laude from UCLA with a degree in Anthropology. While attending UCLA, he trained at The Groundlings Theater for improv and sketch comedy. After eight years of auditioning, Dax booked “Punk’d,” his first paid acting role.

Shepard’s notable film credits include “Without a Paddle,” “Idiocracy,” “Employee of the Month,” “Baby Mama,” “The Freebie,” "The Judge” and "This Is Where I Leave You.”  He also portrayed Crosby Braverman for six seasons on the hit NBC series "Parenthood."

Prior to “CHIPS,” Shepard wrote, directed and starred in two features films: “Hit & Run” and “Brother’s Justice.”  

MICHAEL PEÑA (Ponch / Executive Producer) has distinguished himself in Hollywood as an actor with a wide range of performances and has worked with an impressive roster of award-winning directors. Peña earned notable recognition for his performance in Paul Haggis’ provocative Oscar-winning film “Crash,” alongside Don Cheadle, Matt Dillon and Terrence Howard.   He garnered multiple Best Ensemble nominations for his performance as Daniel the locksmith, winning awards from the Screen Actors Guild and the Broadcast Film Critics Association for the cast’s performance.  In 2013, he was seen in the David O. Russell film “American Hustle,” which won a Golden Globe, as well as ensemble awards from the Screen Actors Guild and the Broadcast Film Critics.  It was also nominated for a BAFTA Award and an Academy Award.  In 2015, he was seen in two films to cross the $500 million mark; the heist film “Ant Man,” starring opposite Paul Rudd and Michael Douglas, and “The Martian,” opposite Matt Damon and Jessica Chastain.  “The Martian” premiered at the Toronto Film Festival and went on to win a Golden Globe, was named Top Film by the National Board of Review, and was nominated for a 2016 Academy Award.

He was most recently seen in “Collateral Beauty,” starring Will Smith, Edward Norton and Kate Winslet, and “War on Everyone,” opposite Alexander Skarsgård, which premiered at the 2016 Berlin Film Festival.

He can next be seen in “Horse Soldiers,” alongside Chris Hemsworth and Michael Shannon, and “A Wrinkle in Time,” opposite Reese Witherspoon and Chris Pine. In addition, Peña will also lend his voice to the highly anticipated “The LEGO® NINJAGO® Movie,” and “My Little Pony: The Movie.”

In 2014, Peña starred as civil rights leader and labor organizer Cesar Chavez in “Cesar Chavez,” directed by Diego Luna.  He was also seen in the drama “Graceland,” and in David Ayer’s “Fury,” with Brad Pitt and Shia LaBouf.  In 2012, he was seen in the critically acclaimed “End of Watch,” which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival. For his performance as Officer Zavala, Peña was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award and the film was recognized by the National Board of Review as one of the Top 10 Independent Films of the year.  

Peña has been seen in a range of films, including the independent “Everything Must Go,” alongside Will Ferrell and Rebecca Hall; “Gangster Squad,” opposite Sean Penn, Josh Brolin and Ryan Gosling, and the animated feature “Turbo.”  His credits include “The Lucky Ones,” co-starring Rachel McAdams and Tim Robbins; Jody Hill’s comedy “Observe and Report,” with Seth Rogen; Robert Redford’s political drama “Lions for Lambs,” with Tom Cruise and Meryl Streep; and Werner Herzog and David Lynch’s psychological thriller “My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done,” with Michael Shannon, Willem Dafoe and Chloë Sevigny.

Peña’s other noteworthy credits consist of Oliver Stone’s “World Trade Center”; Clint Eastwood’s “Million Dollar Baby”; Matthew Ryan Hoge’s “The United States of Leland”; Gregor Jordan’s “Buffalo Soldiers”; Antoine Fuqua’s “Shooter”; Brett Ratner’s “Tower Heist”; and Alejandro González Iñárritu’s “Babel.”  

On television, Peña starred in the HBO film “Walkout,” based on the true story of a young Mexican-American high school teacher who helped stage a massive student walkout in the mid-1960s.  Peña received an Imagen Award for Best Actor for his performance.  He recently re-teamed with Danny McBride on the second season of HBO's “Eastbound and Down.”  He also appeared on the F/X drama “The Shield,” in its fourth season, as one of the central leads opposite Glenn Close and Anthony Anderson.  His other television credits include Steven Spielberg’s NBC series “Semper Fi.”

Raised in Chicago, Peña began acting when he beat out hundreds of others in an open call for a role in Peter Bogdanovich’s “To Sir, With Love 2,” starring Sidney Poitier.

ROSA SALAZAR (Ava Perez) was born in Washington, DC, and raised in Greenbelt, Maryland. Salazar’s upcoming film releases include “Maze Runner: The Death Cure” and “Alita: Battle Angel.”

Her past films include “Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials,” “The Divergent Series: Insurgent,” “Search Party” and “Night Owls,” amongst others.

ADAM BRODY (Clay Allen) is a dynamic young actor, who has crafted a distinguished career in film and television.

Brody recently starred in Crackle’s original drama series, “StartUp,” alongside Martin Freeman. He also starred alongside Lily-Rose Depp and Harley Quinn Smith in “Yoga Hosers,” directed by Kevin Smith. In addition, Brody wrapped production on the comedy “Big Bear,” opposite Pablo Schreiber, and will soon begin filming the thriller “The Wanting.”

Last year, Brody starred alongside Uzo Aduba and Maggie Grace in “Showing Roots,” a television movie set in 1977 about two women who try to integrate their small town amid rising racial tension. In addition, Brody was seen in “Sleeping with Other People” from producers Will Ferrell and Adam McKay, which starred Alison Brie and Jason Sudeikis. In 2014, Brody starred in “Growing Up and Other Lies,” directed by Darren Grodsky and Danny Jacobs.  He was also seen in “Life Partners,” starring Leighton Meester and Gillian Jacobs; and “Think Like A Man Too,” alongside Kevin Hart, Gabrielle Union, Taraji P. Henson, Regina Hall and Meagan Good.  

His past film credits include “Revenge for Jolly!,” opposite Kristen Wiig, Elijah Wood, Oscar Isaac and Ryan Phillippe; David Talbert’s “Baggage Claim,” starring Paula Patton and Taye Diggs; “Some Girls,” adapted by Neil LaBute from his play of the same name; “Lovelace,” opposite Amanda Seyfried, Peter Sarsgaard and James Franco; “Welcome to the Jungle,” directed by Rob Meltzer; “Double or Nothing,” a short film penned by Neil LaBute; “Damsels in Distress,” by writer/director Whit Stillman, with Greta Gerwig and Analeigh Tipton; “Seeking a Friend for the End of the World”, alongside Steve Carell and Kiera Knightley; “The Oranges,” directed by Julian Farino from Ian Helfer and Jay Reiss’ screenplay also starring Hugh Laurie, Catherine Keener, Alia Shawkat, Leighton Meester, Oliver Platt and Allison Janney; Jon Kasdan’s “In the Land of Women,” opposite Meg Ryan and Kristen Stewart; Wes Craven’s “Scream 4;” Kevin Smith’s “Cop Out;” Galt Niederhoffer’s “The Romantics;” Karyn Kusama’s “Jennifer’s Body,” written by Diablo Cody; Boaz Yakin’s “Death in Love,” with Josh Lucas, Lukas Haas, and Jacqueline Bisset; Gregg Araki’s “Smiley Face,” with Anna Faris; David Wain’s “The Ten;” Jason Reitman’s “Thank You For Smoking;” Gore Verbinski’s smash “The Ring;” and Doug Liman’s blockbuster “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” alongside Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

Brody memorably starred as Seth Cohen on the popular television series “The O.C.,” directed in the pilot episode by Doug Liman. He also starred as Billy Jones in Neil LaBute’s romantic comedy series “Billy and Billie,” about two step-siblings trying to deal with their taboo romance. His television work also includes recurring roles on “The League,” “House of Lies,” “Burning Love,” “Once and Again” and “Gilmore Girls”; and standout guest turns on “Judging Amy,” “Family Law,” and “Smallville.”  

VINCENT D’ONOFRIO (Ray Kurtz) can currently be seen taking on the complex role of The Wizard in NBC’s “Emerald City,” the reimagining of “The Wizard of Oz.”  The 10-episode mini-series was directed by Tarsem Singh, with whom D’Onofrio worked previously on the science fiction noir film “The Cell,” opposite Jennifer Lopez and Vince Vaughn. D’Onofrio also recently wrapped Eli Roth’s “Death Wish,” opposite Bruce Willis.

Last year, D’Onofrio starred in “The Magnificent Seven,” playing one of the seven gun slinging outlaws alongside Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt and Ethan Hawke; as well as “In Dubious Battle,” based on John Steinbeck’s novel, directed by James Franco and featuring Bryan Cranston, Ed Harris and Selena Gomez.

2015 was also a busy year for D’Onofrio with the blockbuster success of “Jurassic World” and his critically acclaimed role of Wilson Fisk aka Kingpin in the Netflix series “Daredevil,” opposite Charlie Cox. He also starred in “Run All Night,” opposite Liam Neeson.  In 2014, D’Onofrio starred in “The Judge,” opposite Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Duvall.

D’Onofrio was born in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in Hawaii, Colorado and Florida.  He eventually returned to New York to study acting at the American Stanislavsky Theatre with Sharon Chatten of the Actors Studio.  While honing his craft, he appeared in several films at New York University and worked as a bouncer at dance clubs in the city.

In 1984, he became a full-fledged member of the American Stanislavsky Theatre, appearing in “The Petrified Forest,” “Of Mice and Men,” “Sexual Perversity in Chicago” and “The Indian Wants the Bronx.”  That same year, he made his Broadway debut in “Open Admissions.”  He recently starred off-Broadway in Sam Shepard’s “Tooth of Crime (Second Dance).”

D’Onofrio gained attention for his intense and compelling talent on the screen in 1987 with a haunting portrayal of an unstable Vietnam War recruit in Stanley Kubrick’s gritty “Full Metal Jacket.”  His other early film appearances include “Mystic Pizza,” and “Adventures in Babysitting.”  He also executive produced and portrayed 1960s counterculture icon Abbie Hoffman in the film “Steal This Movie,” opposite Janeane Garofalo.

His other film credits include “The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys,” opposite Jodie Foster; “The Salton Sea,” opposite Val Kilmer; “Imposter,” with Gary Sinise; “Chelsea Walls,” directed by Ethan Hawke; “Happy Accidents,” co-starring Marisa Tomei; Robert Altman’s “The Player”;  Joel Schumacher’s “Dying Young”; Tim Burton’s “Ed Wood”; Kathryn Bigelow’s “Strange Days,” opposite Ralph Fiennes and Angela Bassett; Harold Ramis’ “Stuart Saves His Family”; Barry Sonnenfeld’s “Men In Black,” opposite Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones; “The Thirteenth Floor,” opposite Craig Bierko; “The Whole Wide World,” which he produced and starred in, opposite Renée Zellweger; and Oliver Stone’s “JFK.” More recently, D’Onofrio appeared in “Escape Plan,” featuring Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger.  

D’Onofrio starred as Detective Robert Goren in over 100 episodes of the series “Law & Order: Criminal Intent.” He received an Emmy Award nomination in 1998 for his riveting guest appearance in the “Homicide: Life on the Street” episode “The Subway.” D’Onofrio directed, produced and starred in the short film “Five Minutes, Mr. Welles,” and recently appeared in the Academy Award-winning short “The New Tenants.”

KRISTEN BELL (Karen) currently stars as Eleanor Shellstrop in the NBC series “The Good Place,” with Ted Danson, which returns for a second season this fall. She was also most recently seen in “Bad Moms,” alongside Mila Kunis, Kathryn Hahn, Jada Pinkett Smith, Annie Mumolo and Christina Applegate. She will return for the sequel, “Bad Mom’s Christmas,” to be released this November. She will also appear in “How to Be a Latin Lover,” alongside Rob Lowe and Salma Hayek, set for release on April 28, 2017.

Bell starred as Anna in the blockbuster animated feature “Frozen,” which has grossed more than $1.2 billion worldwide, making it the highest grossing animated film and the 9th highest grossing film of all time. Last year, she starred opposite Melissa McCarthy in Ben Falcone’s comedy “The Boss,” and was seen as Jeannie Van Der Hooven in the Showtime series “House of Lies,” opposite Don Cheadle, which wrapped its fifth and final season.  In 2014, she reprised her beloved title role in the film adaptation of “Veronica Mars," which raised $2 million on Kickstarter in less than eleven hours and broke the record at the time for the fastest project to reach $1 million and $2 million. Bell appeared in a guest-starring arc on NBC’s hit series “Parks & Recreation.” She also played the lead role in the independent film “The Lifeguard,” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, as well as starring in and co-producing the comedy “Hit & Run,” written and directed by her husband, Dax Shepard.

Her other film credits include: “Movie 43,” “Some Girls,” “Writers,”  “Big Miracle,” “You Again,” “Burlesque,” “When in Rome,” “Couples Retreat,” “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” “Pulse,”  “Serious Moonlight” and David Mamet’s “Spartan.” Bell’s television credits include: “Veronica Mars,” “Unsupervised,” “Deadwood,” “Heroes” and “Party Down.”

Her Broadway credits include “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Crucible,” opposite Liam Neeson and Laura Linney.  Her Off-Broadway credits include “Reefer Madness” and “A Little Night Music.”

JESSICA MCNAMEE (Lindsey Taylor) has become one of Hollywood’s most sought after and engaging talents. Since beginning her career in acting, she has fostered an impressive body of work that includes both film and television.

She will next be seen in the film “Battle of The Sexes,” opposite silver screen heavyweights Emma Stone and Steve Carell.  The film is slated to open this year.

McNamee recently wrapped production on director Jon Turteltaub’s film “Meg.” She will star opposite Jason Statham in the action packed sci-fi film, which is currently slated for a March 2018 release.

Additionally, McNamee was previously seen as the female lead on USA’s comedy series “Sirens,” starring opposite Michael Mosley and Kevin Bigley. Prior to that, she starred alongside Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum in Michael Sucsy’s “The Vow.” She made her feature film debut in Sean Byrne’s “The Loved Ones,” opposite Xavier Samuel. The film premiered at the 2009 Toronto Film Festival and received the Midnight Madness Cadillac People’s Choice Award. The film also screened as part of the Freak Me Out Pathway at the Sydney Film Festival.

McNamee is best known for her role as Sammy Rafter in the Australian television series “Packed to the Rafters.” In total, the television series has gained 31 Australian award nominations and taken home 13 wins.

ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS

DAX SHEPARD (Writer/Director/Executive Producer) – SEE CAST SECTION

ANDREW PANAY (Producer) – has an entertainment career which has spanned 20 years and his films have earned over $750 million in worldwide box office.  He has built a reputation as a premier feature film producer with an incredible talent for creating original ideas as well as cultivating strong talent relationships.  

Panay created and produced David Dobkin’s 2005 smash hit “Wedding Crashers,” starring Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Christopher Walken and Bradley Cooper.  The film was the highest grossing R‐rated comedy at the time.

In February of 2015, Panay produced “Hot Tub Time Machine 2,” the sequel to the hilarious 2010 hit “Hot Tub Time Machine.” Panay joined director Steve Pink in bringing an all-star cast to the screen, including Rob Corddry, Craig Robinson, Clarke Duke, Adam Scott and Chevy Chase.  

While working at Relativity Media, Panay released the successful family adventure film “Earth to Echo,” based on an original story by Panay and Henry Gayden, written by Gayden and directed by Dave Green, involving a group of kids who follow a mysterious map on their phones, only to discover a tiny creature from another world.

Panay began his career as an executive,  developing the highly successful teen romantic comedy “She’s All That,” starring Rachel Leigh Cook and Freddie Prinze Jr., and the inspiring drama “Pay It Forward,” starring Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt and Haley Joel Osment, based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Catherine Ryan Hyde.

Panay co-produced the beloved romantic comedy “Serendipity,” starring John Cusack, Kate Beckinsale, Jeremy Piven and Bridget   Moynahan. Additionally, Panay created and produced the successful teen campus comedy “Van Wilder,” starring Ryan Reynolds and Tara Reid.

RAVI MEHTA (Executive Producer) is an Executive Vice President of Physical Production for Warner Bros. Pictures. He was the executive in charge of films such as “American Sniper,” “Live by Night,” “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford” and “The Accountant.” He is currently producing “A Star is Born,” starring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga.

He most recently served as a producer on “Unforgettable,” starring Rosario Dawson and Katherine Heigl, opening April 21st, and “Grudge Match,” starring Robert De Niro and Sylvester Stallone.  He also was an executive producer on “Get Hard” and “The Lucky One.”  Mehta began his career at Warner Bros. as a production accountant on films such as “Training Day” and “Romeo Must Die.”

ROBERT J. DOHRMANN (Executive Producer) began his career in the ‘90s in live TV, reality TV, commercial and documentary production.  He established commercial house Mad Molly Productions in 1996, recognized with Clio and Cine Lion awards and nominations for several public service announcement campaigns.  

In the early 2000s, Dohrmann pivoted to feature production, first as a production coordinator and then production supervisor, on such successful projects as “Man On Fire” and “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” as well as the multiple award winners “Little Miss Sunshine” and “Thank You For Smoking.”  

Dohrmann made the jump to line producing in 2007 for the critically acclaimed “Sunshine Cleaning,” and has produced and/or managed features ever since, including creative and popular hit projects “10 Cloverfield Lane,” “Get Hard,” “2 Guns,” “Lovelace,” “The Lucky One” and “Jeff Who Lives At Home.”  Bob lives in Los Angeles with his wife Kathleen and their two wonderful children. Dohrmann is a southern California native and UCLA alumnus.

NATE TUCK (Executive Producer) is a producer who has built his career in feature films, branded content, commercials and music videos.  His films have been nominated and have won awards, including two nominations at the 2012 Independent Spirit Awards for “The Dynamiter.”

The path to “CHIPS” started over a decade ago while Tuck and his long-time best friend Dax Shepard were shooting short films for the sole purpose of making each other laugh.  In 2010, they released their experimental comedy with Tribeca Films, “Brother’s Justice,” which won the Comedy Vanguard Award at the Austin Film Festival.  

Based on the film’s success, Tuck and Shepard, with producer Andrew Panay, went on to create and produce the action-romantic-comedy “Hit & Run.” Released in 2012, the film starred Shepard, Kristen Bell, Bradley Cooper and Tom Arnold.

Dating back to his first independent film, “Hairshirt,” which sold to Lionsgate in 2001, Tuck has built his reputation in development, writing, production, financing and distribution as the go-to guy to get it done.

RICK ROSNER (Executive Producer) is the creator and executive producer of a wide-range of projects, including “CHiPs,” the television series that inspired the film.

His other credits as a creator, executive producer and producer include the TV series “240-Robert!” and “Lottery!” as well as the game shows “Just Men!” with Betty White; “Caesar’s Challenge”; “Personals”; “Phone Tag!”; and the iconic “Hollywood Squares.” He was also the creator of “The Paul Lynde Show.”

In addition, Rosner served as producer on such talk shows as “Steve Allen,” “Dave Garroway,” “Philbin’s People,” “The Della Reese Show,” and a producer of “The Mike Douglas Show.”

He was the executive producer of the Emmy-nominated “Warner Bros. Movies – a 50 Year Salute” and the executive producer/ writer of the TV movies: “Panic In The Skies!” “Sky Heist!” and the TNT reunion movie, “CHiPS ’99.”

Rosner served as Vice President of Variety Programs at NBC in the mid 70s and in a partnership with DIRECTV, Rosner also invented the CES Award winning portable satellite system SAT-GO!, which made the front page of the New York Times business section in 2007.

Since 1971, Rosner has been a Deputy in the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department.

MICHAEL PEÑA (Executive Producer) SEE CAST SECTION

MITCHELL AMUNDSEN (Director of Photography) most recently was the cinematographer on “Ride Along 2,” starring Ice Cube and Kevin Hart. His previous films as cinematographer include “Now You See Me,” “Red Dawn,” and “Premium Rush.”

Amundsen’s early credits include being a production assistant for Michael Apted on “First Born” and technician on Francis Ford Coppola’s “Rumble Fish” and “The Outsiders.” He worked assistant camera on Joel Coen’s “Raising Arizona” and was a focus puller on “the Glass Menagerie,” directed by Paul Newman, and  Michael Lehman’s “Heathers” and “Meet the Applegates.”  

He then became a camera operator, working on such films as Wolfgang Petersen’s “In the Line of Fire”; John Singleton’s Higher Learning,”; Nick Castle’s “Major Payne” and “Mr. Wrong”; Betty Thomas’ “Private Parts”; Richard Donner’s “Conspiracy Theory”; Ron Howard’s “Edtv”; Barry Sonnenfeld’s “Wild Wild West”; Billy Bob Thornton’s “All the Pretty Horses”; and Michael Bay’s “Armageddon.”

He subsequently rose to second unit director for Bay’s  “Pearl Harbor,” “Bad Boys II,” and “The Island”; Gore Verbinski’s “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl”; Frank Marshall’s “Eight Below”; Gary Ross’ “Seabiscuit”; Paul Greengrass’ “The Bourne Supremacy”;  J.J. Abrams’ “Mission Impossible III”; and Brad Bird’s “Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol.”

MAHER AHMAD (Production Designer) was born in northeastern Pennsylvania and while in high school worked on stage crews for the local community theater, designing his first stage setting when he was 16.

He attended Northwestern University where he graduated with honors, and went on to receive a Master of Fine Arts in theater scene and lighting design from the same university. After teaching theater design in college for two years, Ahmad then worked as a professional theater set and lighting designer in the first wave of the what is termed “the Chicago theater renaissance,” designing well over 100 theater projects for Chicago theaters including the St. Nicholas, Organic, Victory Gardens, Goodman and many others.  His designs were nominated six times for Chicago’s Joseph Jefferson Award.

Ahmad credits his early theater design experiences and training as contributing greatly to the craft and skills he possesses now. He was hired one day by happenstance to be the local art director in a film that was shooting in Chicago, and from then on worked exclusively in film. He has over 80 film projects to his credit.

Ahmad moved from Chicago to New York and worked there on many features including “GoodFellas” and “Married to the Mob.” Among his many film credits are the period film “Gangster Squad,” with Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Josh Brolin, and Sean Penn; “The Hangover 3”; “Zombieland”; “The Guardian”; “Miss Congeniality 2”; ”Dodgeball”; “Holes”; “Get Hard” and “US Marshals.”  

On occasion, Ahmad lectures about design to film schools, and is a bibliophile with a collection of well over 20,000 books on art, architecture, film, design, technology, and other related subjects.

DAN LEBENTAL (Editor) has edited a wide variety of film and television projects.  He has worked with director Jon Favreau as the editor on the hit comedy “Elf,” “Zathura: A Space Adventure,” “Cowboys & Aliens” and the blockbuster hits “Iron Man” and “Iron Man 2.”

Lebental edited Peyton Reed’s films “Ant-Man” and “The Break-Up” as well as Albert and Allen Hughes’ “From Hell” and “Dead Presidents.”

His other film editing credits include “Thor: The Dark World,” “Couples Retreat” and the Chicago International Film Festival-nominated documentary “Art of Conflict.”

Lebantal worked with director Peter Berg on the 1998 comedy “Very Bad Things,” and then went on to work with him on the pilot for the 2000 television series, “Wonderland.” Lebental has worked as an editor on the pilots for such television shows as “Dinner for Five,” “In Case of Emergency,” “Revolution” and “About a Boy.”

DIANE CROOKE (Costume Designer) is a costume designer based in Los Angeles with extensive experience designing for film, television, print, and web.

Crooke’s career took off when she got the job as costume supervisor for the first three seasons of the hit NBC series “Friends.” From there, Crooke went on to supervise several projects, including six seasons on NBC’s “Crossing Jordan.” As a designer, Crooke spent five seasons designing NBC’s “Parenthood” before designing “Scream” for MTV.

Recently, Crooke has jumped into the feature world, and her work can also be seen in the upcoming film “All Star Weekend.”  

FIL EISLER (Composer) composes music that faithfully embodies both story and character. Known for his signature themes and creative execution, his work can be heard in a diverse range of films, including the 2016 hit comedy “How To Be Single,” starring Dakota Johnson and Rebel Wilson and the upcoming sci-fi/thriller feature “The Titan,” starring Sam Worthington and Taylor Schilling.

In addition, Eisler served as the primary composer for Sundance 2016’s poignant documentary, “Newtown.” He composed the main title theme and acted as music director for the documentary, organizing and leading an all-star line-up of over a dozen Hollywood composers who each donated a piece of music for the film. He was represented at this year’s Sundance Film Festival with Marti Noxon’s “To The Bone,” starring Lily Collins.

Eisler’s scores also continue to enliven the drama in some of TV’s most popular series.  Most notably, he composes for Fox’s hit drama series “Empire.” Other shows featuring Eisler’s music include Showtime's Emmy-winning “Shameless,” as well as Lifetime’s critically lauded series “UnREAL.” For four seasons, Eisler served as composer and conductor on the ABC drama “Revenge.”

In 2008, Eisler was among a select group of up-and-coming composers invited to the Sundance Film Composer's Lab, and in the years since, his projects have garnered critical acclaim on the film festival circuit and beyond. As part of his ongoing commitment to independent film, he returned to Sundance in 2011 with the Inupiaq-themed thriller “On the Ice,” scored the Sundance-backed documentary “Whatever It Takes” and Jonathan van Tulleken's BAFTA nominated thriller “Off Season.” Eisler won the Best Film Score Award for his work on Robbie Pickering's “Natural Selection” at the 2011 SXSW Film Festival. The film was the most decorated of the festival, also winning the Grand Jury and Audience Awards. He continued his work with Pickering on the 2015 Sony feature “Freaks of Nature.”

[defiantkingsnqueens-blog]

Testing Boundaries

Summary: Dahlia sneaks on an out of town mission, when Cash catches her, he pushes her too far when trying to make his point.

Dahlia:

Dahlia knew that when Cash saw her he was going to be furious but she didn’t want to stay home–she was tired of him seeing her as a girl and not as a fighter, and she felt like now was the time to show him, when they were far away from home and he couldn’t just tell her to go home so easily. Once he saw her he was going to have to let her stay. Otherwise…he’d be sending her home by herself, and she knew he wasn’t about to do that. Not to her. So she had followed him and his boys to the train station, making sure to stay far enough away from him and the rest of them, but making sure to have her eyes on him.

When they got to the train station, she got onto the train after them, and followed them into the same compartment. And it had all been good so far, she was watching him laugh and have fun with his guys, but she was suddenly hit with the urge to pee, so she got up, making sure to have her hood up and quickly walked down the aisle, past Cash and the guys, hoping that he didn’t recognize her as she made her way towards the bathrooms.

Cash:

Cash was on a high, the boys had one good raid out of town. Now they were traveling out a bit farther this time. in an attempt to bring home more food. He had given all the boys explicit instructions, but for now they were having fun on the train goofing off. It was the rare occasion that Cash was letting his hair down so to speak, but nobody was going to try anything with a gang of boys all together on a train.

Cash noticed a woman going by, the boys all commented on how hot she must have been if she had her hood up. Cash was checking her out as well, but than he realized he recognized that ass, it was one he tapped often. Pushing up from his seat. “Yeah she’s hot you fuckin tossers because that’s my god damn girlfriend.” He walked up to Dahlia before she could enter the bathroom and gripped her wrist roughly. “What the fuck are you doin on this train? I thought I fuckin told you to stay home because this place was no fuckin place for a woman.” He growled low in her ear god he wanted to kill her right now.

Dahlia:

She gasped, ready to start fighting off some creep when she heard Cash’s voice in her ear. She was caught. Even though she was a little bit scared–after all, she had gone against Cash’s wishes, and she knew he wasn’t happy, but she wasn’t afraid that he would do something to her. She felt suddenly lucky that it was Cash that had stopped her and not some random creep like she had originally thought.

Dahlia wasn’t ready to face him yet. She had thought that she would have time to come up with an explanation and show him that he didn’t have to worry–but he was too quick. She knew he must have recognized her when she walked past him on the train. But even though her heart was pounding, she put on a smile and looked at him. “Fancy seeing you here,” she tried to lighten the mood. She was barely noticing the hand on her wrist, even though it definitely wasn’t comfortable, she was more focused on how she was feeling trapped, between him and the bathroom door.

Cash:

Cash was livid, seeing red. This was supposed to be a fun mission for him and the boys, and she had gone and messed it all up by being there. Cash ran a hand over his lower face as he looked at her with daggers for eyes at the moment. He’d make her regret ever going against his words, and ever following them. This place they were going was dangerous he didn’t need to be worrying about her.

“Don’t.” He started pointing at her annoyed as he tightened his grip before he let her hand go and he slammed the door behind her head with his fist. “What the fuck were you thinking? I mean are you fuckin kidding me now? This isn’t some shit you can just run into.” He ran a stressed hand through his hair. “Now I am going to have to keep my damn eye on you the entire time, if you want to spend time together or some shit its not fucking when we go on a god damn mission.”

Dahlia:

Dahlia was quickly realizing that she had underestimated just how angry Cash was going to be at her. She had thought that he would just laugh or something and they would move on, but by the look in his eyes, she knew that that was not going to happen–that he was furious with her and she didn’t know if she could fix this. But she wasn’t going to back down. She couldn’t, not when she made it this far.

She closed her eyes and let out a hiss of pain when he tightened his grip on her, but then he was letting go. She let out a shout when he slammed the door behind her head, staring at him, her eyes wide. He had never done something like that, and she suddenly felt scared. But she reminded herself that Cash wouldn’t hurt her. “I’m sorry,” she finally managed to say. “I just want you to see that I can do this. I’m just as good as you and the guys. I can fight, Cash, if you will let me,” she argued. “I didn’t want to stay home and let you go by yourself…I wanted to be there.”

Cash:

Cash would never lay a hand on Dahlia, scare her shitless maybe. But he wouldn’t hurt her no matter how furious he was with her in the moment. He should have been proud she was so fearless in defying him. But at the same time he was now worried with having her out. Hearing her hiss of pain, he let her wrist go, not wanting to inflict anymore upon her. “Yeah you better fuckin be sorry Dahlia. I love you, but this was real damn stupid of you. I say no for a reason.” He said, frustration clear in his tone with her.

“You want me to see you can fight? That doesn’t mean you fuckin ambush a mission! You can now put everyone in danger. God you are just so stupid sometimes.” He took a step back shaking his head, he was disappointed in the moment. “Well you want to prove yourself, don’t fuckin get killed you understand me. So help me god Dahlia you defy me again? I will leave your sorry ass in Edinbrough.” He turned as he sighed. He went back to the boys telling them that the plans had changed.

Dahlia:

The one thing that she knew was that Cash wasn’t going to hurt her no matter how angry he may be with her. It just wasn’t what he did. He would make her life difficult in other ways, though, she knew that much. But she was really starting to realize that maybe she hadn’t thought this one through like she should have. She frowned, but when he released her wrist, she rubbed it gently for a moment.. “I’m sorry,” she repeated, looking at him. “I love you too, Cash. You know that I do.”

Even though this wasn’t going the way that she had hoped it would, and she certainly didn’t appreciate Cash telling her how stupid she was, she was determined to show him that she could handle herself and this would be fine. She met his eyes when he told her not to get killed. “I won’t,” she said, the confidence returning to her voice. “I promise. And I will listen to you,” she promised. “For real this time.” She didn’t quite know what do do, so she went into the bathroom and came out when she had calmed down and sat a few rows away from Cash, figuring he didn’t want her there.

Cash:

Cash didn’t know what to do with Dahlia now, he spoke with the boys as him and Nate switched the men around, he watched her sit a few seats away as he sighed. He knew she said she’d listen, and that she loved him. But it didn’t mean that he still didn’t worry. Pushing up from his seat he went over to her as he sat next to her. He was silent for a moment before he turned his hand over and left it out for her to take. “I can’t exactly throw you off the train, and I need all the boys on this mission, I sure as fuck am not going to send you home alone. So you are stuck with me now. You are to stick by my side and we will go out and hopefully have a bit of fun.” He turned his head to look over at her.

“I am a prick, because I care. Jumping on this mission was stupid, really stupid. I would have started you out smaller, but you went head first, so hope you can keep up love.” Cash was still pissed off at her.

Dahlia:

Dahlia didn’t look back at Cash even though she wanted to- her stubbornness to not appear weak was too strong, and she just looked forward instead of looking at him the way that she was feeling. She knew she messed up big time, but she couldn’t erase it and go back, she had to live with the consequences, no matter what they were. When someone came over and sat next to her, she knew it was Cash, but she was surprised to see him. She didn’t say anything to him either, but when he held his hand out for her, she took it after a moment. “Okay,” she said, finally looking at him. “I told you that I would listen to whatever you thought was best. And I promise you, i’ll stay by your side and I won’t go anywhere else.”

“I know that you care, Cash, I never thought that you didn’t. But I did this because I was trying to get you to listen to me, but you weren’t,” she finally explained. “I am not worried, I know that I can.”

Cash:

Cash knew she wanted to look at him, so he just moved and sat with her. He waited for her to take his hand and than loked at her after that. “I know you did, but you have a good way of showing that you listen after I did tell you to stay home.” Cash reached into his pocket and set a pistol down onto her lap. “You will need that, I sure hope you know how to shoot, and don’t shoot me in the damn ass on accident or something.” He teased a bit as he nodded. “Good you are going to need to stay close, these are uncharted waters for us.”

“Well you have bloody damn good way of getting my attention that’s for sure.” He rolled his eyes. “Don’t get fuckin’ cocky on me now.”

Dahlia:

Dahlia wasn’t willing to forget about this, but she was going to do what she had to to make things less…tense between them. Because that wasn’t going to help anyone, that was for sure. She shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t think I said I was going to stay home. You just thought I did.” It was true, but it was a big technicality. She looked down at the pistol that he placed in her lap and bit her lip. “I know how to use it,” she said, looking over at him. “Adn don’t worry, I have no intentions of shooting you anywhere, including in your ass,” she said with a laugh. She nodded. “Don’t worry about me, i’ll stay close.”

She smirked. “If I wasn’t your girlfriend, I think you would be slightly impressed,” she teased. She laughed. “I’ll try not too,” she teased.

Cash:

He gave her a look, as he shook his head. “I fuckin told you to stay home, I believe I told you that this shit wasn’t for you.” He shook his head, as he then ran his free hand over his other leg, as he gave the boys the signal that their next stop was the one they wanted. “I figured you do, hold your own yeah?” He dropped her hand as he stood up. “Never can be sure.” He said as he just bit his lip, of course he’d worry but he’d put that out of his mind.

“If you weren’t my girlfriend I woulda thrown your ass off of the fuckin train, told you to pack it on home.” He shook his head as the train came to a stop. “Lets go this is our stop.” The boys all jumped down onto the platform as he looked up at Dahlia. “The boys are going to go raid food. Were going to go kill a Kings Guard.” He told her, a devilish look on his features. “Still think you have it in you?”

Dahlia:

Dahlia bit her lip and then looked at him, shrugging. “Maybe you did,” she agreed. “But I thought differently. I guess we’ll see what happens,” she replied. She was slowly getting comfortable with him again when it was almost time for their stop. She ran her hand through her hair and then looked at him. “I can hold my own,” she said, with a smirk. At least she thought that she could. If she really could would be another question, and one that she wouldn’t see until  she was put to the test.

“Yeah, I know, but I am your girlfriend so that was never going to happen,” she said with a shrug. She got up when the train was stopping and looked over at him, feeling suddenly unsure with herself, but knowing better than to do something that would show that. And then he told her what they were going to do, and if it wasn’t Cash, she would have thought that he was lying, but she knew that he wasn’t. “Of course I am,” she replied, meeting his look.

Cash:

Cash wasn’t agreeing one bit with any of this, he knew Dahlia. She wasn’t some little flower to him, but she wasn’t as ruthless as one needed to be to stand in this war. She was much like Mason to him, someone he needed to protect. Cash had no idea how to do that when she defied him, so now he’d take her over the edge, and hopefully he could pull her back from it. “Shit isn’t like robbing a store Dahlia, some pussy who won’t shoot for the kill, here? They will go for the heart before they put two bullets in your head.” He warned, if she wanted to be out there he wasn’t about to start sugar coating things.

“You are bleedin’ lucky that you are, although I am seriously considering renegotiating that status at the moment.” A girlfriend didn’t try to get herself killed, no. He searched her features and noticed a bit of fear, good he thought, at least he knew she wasn’t going to be completely stupid about this. “Good, because you are taking the shot come on stay close.” Cash made his way down the platform, as he pulled her down an alleyway. Pushing her up against the building gently he put a finger to his lips. “First thing’s first, listen. Listen to every footstep around you, listen to the heavier ones, the Kings Guards boots are newer, they still have that same heavy stiff foot fall, compared to a normal person working out of their tattered shoes if they have any. If you hear those heavy foot falls than you know they are coming.” He whispered to her, as he looked out and down the street, they were in enemy territory. “The boys are going to do some raids, steal what they can. Distract the main guards, while we take out our guy, this is a bit of revenge.” There was a boy cash lost not long ago, one he didn’t speak about. But he was going to take out the bastard that took his man, the kid was young. The same age as Mason it was why he didn’t let the boy go outside of the city limits. He learned one costly mistake, he hoped Dahlia wouldn’t be his next.

Dahlia:

For Dahlia, she was very quickly realizing that she hadn’t thought this one through at all, and if she had than she should have joined him on something at home, where she wasn’t going to be worried about getting lost or hurt the way that she was now. But when she came up with the plan, she had been sure that Cash was never going to allow her to come with him, that he was going to send her home or have one of his men babysit her until they went home. But this was different. And she knew hat she couldn’t show fear to him. She wouldn’t. At least not if she could help it. “I can handle it,” she said simply, looking at him, but she didn’t think that she could. But it was too late to get out of this.

At his next comment, she just looked at him for a moment, feeling…shocked and a little bit hurt that he would say something like that. “You don’t mean that,” she said, shaking her head. There was no way that he actually meant that, she knew that he didn’t, he was just saying it to hurt her, and to make her feel bad for screwing up so royally. And maybe it worked, just a little bit. Her eyes widened. “Wait, me?” She asked, but he was already pulling her along, and she knew the time for talking was over. Her mind was on hyper drive, he expected her to take the shot? He expected her to kill someone? Her mind was racing a thousand miles a minute, and she couldn’t open her mouth to get any of the thoughts out, she was stuck in silence. Dahlia’s eyes met his when he started to explain what his plan was. She nodded her head after a moment. “Okay,” she said softly, knowing that she had to listen to his advice. It was important to listen to him, because he knew what he was doing and she truly had no idea what she had gotten herself into. “Revenge?” But she had a feeling she knew what this was for.

Cash:

Cash wanted to make her regret ever coming, to realize that he had some means to his madness. Now she was going to come out with him, because he couldn’t spare a man. Each boy had a pair, each man had their assignment. Each strike that Cash took, was carefully thought out between him and Nate. His wild ideas brought to a reality. The boys knew that this was a retaliation mission. One long overdue. Cash wouldn’t let it go either, until he saw the other man’s light go out once and for all. The way, his anger flared at the thought of the man he wanted to dispose of. “Sure you can.” He gruffed, knowing full well she had no idea what the hell she was getting herself into.

Cash didn’t make a comment if he meant it or not. He was thinking with his logical brain at the moment, not with his heart. He couldn’t let that matter get in the way. “Yes you, you are going to take the shot.” He said as he found them a spot to just talk, he laid out his plan to her, as he watched the tremble of her hand. He reached down and grasped them gently. “Take a deep breath, fear is okay but whatever you do, don’t stop like a deer in headlights.” Cash told the woman knowing full well that’d get them both killed. “You fuckin know whose revenge I am getting. It’s time to do so.” Cash just moved to sit on a crate, it was a safe spot for them to wait, for the boys to move into action. “You can always go back to the train, hide out in the bathroom until we return.” He offered her wanting to see if she’d back out.

Dahlia:

For Dahlia, she was entirely too stubborn to back out even if she had the chance. After losing her parents, it had hardened her into something new. For the first time she had felt real hatred, but to actually take a life? Even if it was one of the Kings Guards? That was something that she never thought that she would have to face. Not in her life. But here she was, preparing herself for it the best she could. Dahlia looked at him and frowned when he seemed to doubt her. Her resolve doubled, wanting to prove him wrong. But deep, deep down she knew that wasn’t going to happen, it wasn’t true.

She swallowed and just nodded her head when he said that she was taking the shot. She wasn’t able to form some word or make sense of what they were going to do. So she just…let it drop for now and tried not to think about it too much. When he took her hands in his, she focused on him and looked, taking a few deep breaths. Looking at him was calming her down, she listened to his words and took a few more deep breaths and nodded her head. “I won’t,” she promised, looking at him. But she didn’t know if she couldn’t do that. That was something that couldn’t be helped. “I know,” she said, nodding her head and taking a few deep breaths. “I know why. It’s time for revenge,” she said, leaning over and kissing his cheek. “I’m not backing out,” she said, shaking her head.

Cash:

Cash knew she liked to think of herself as this hardened girl to the world, strong and ready to take on anything. But he knew that deep down she wasn’t going to be able to handle it. Cash had a pretty good judgment of people, he knew the people he took in inside and out. Taking a life wasn’t something done lightly, and he truly hoped he knew his woman that she would back out like he thought she would. However she had a damn good poker face and that she was going to test his limits for what they were worth.

As she freaked out a bit, he kept his voice low and steady, he’d calm her down if it was anyone else he would have thrown them off of the mission already. “That’s my girl.” He relented as he then dropped her hands. “Time for fuckin revenge, eye for a bloody eye. Good.” He looked to his left as he heard some commotion starting up. “Looks like the party’s begun.” Cash grinned, he loved the chaos as he led Dahlia down a few back alley ways, he knew just how to get to the bastard they wanted.

Dahlia:

Dahlia closed her eyes and took a deep breath, running her hand through her hair and when she opened her eyes, she looked at him and tried to move past this and move on. She wasn’t going to freak out now. She had to not freak out and she had to show Cash that he was ready to do this, that she could show him that she wasn’t going to mess this up, that she was ready to be a member of the group.

His voice was calming her down as she stood there. She was slowly starting to realize that she had to calm down, and focusing on Cash was certainly helping. She looked at him and smiled faintly. “I’m your girl,” she repeated, trying to sound more confident. She nodded her head and looked towards the noise as she heard the commotion start. “Let’s go,” she agreed, nodding her head, letting him lead through the back alleys, she took a few deep breaths, not knowing where they were going.

Cash:

Cash just wanted her to go back to the girl he knew, because this version of Dahlia wasn’t the one he liked so much.  No he saw a scared girl, trying to prove herself to the big bad wolf, and that really didn’t fly with him. He just hoped he could get them through this mission alive.

Cash could sense she was calming down which eased his nerves a bit. “Yeah you are, damn straight you are. And my girl can fuckin’ do this.” He encouraged as they walked through the streets he noticed a man on his own watching the fighting, talking over their wireless to the other men. Cash stopped Dahlia and stood behind her. “That’s our man and this is our shot, go ahead aim and shoot.” He told her. They were no more than a few feet away from the man in silence as he just held her sides to steady her.

Dahlia:

Dahlia was glad when she was finally calming down. She knew that it was so beyond messed up that they were doing this, but she understood why. She understood wanting to avenge him. She knew how much it had broken Cash up when he died, how…he had blamed himself. And knowing that she was helping him get the revenge he wanted and deserved…it made it a slightly easier pill to swallow (though not by much). “Of course your girl can,” she said with a nod, giving him the first real smile. Dahlia had no idea who it was that she was supposed to shoot, and she was glad to have Cash there to guide her. Even though she was starting to feel herself waver again. She nodded her head when he finally pointed out who their man was. She lifted the gun and aimed. She had no idea that she was shaking until Cash held her sides, steadying her, but her hands were still shaking. She lined up the shot, and had her finger on the trigger, but she froze, unable to do it, unable to move.

Cash:

Cash’s life wasn’t all roses, and quite frankly if she wanted to see the good, she had to see the bad. He had been waiting for a long time to get his revenge, to avenge the guard that took one of his men, an innocent boy. “Good girl.” He teased smirking a bit as they went into the alley way, he led her to where the guard would be. He noticed her hand shaking and that she had froze. “I knew you weren’t ready.” He moved behind her pressing his body to hers before he covered her hand with his and his finger slid into the trigger as he looked up. “Anton.” He said as the man looked an Cash took the shot, as he took the pistol and fired two more rounds.

Dahlia:

Dahlia had known that bad stuff happened, but she had never been there to witness it, she had always been somewhere else, at home, and for the first time she was realizing why Cash was the way he was, why he had her at home all the time. It all made sense to her now. But she couldn’t turn back and change it either. “You know it,” she replied, grinning at him. She had been so sure that she could do it, but she just…couldn’t. “Cash…” she trailed off, not knowing what to say, before he suddenly was behind her and his hands were covering hers. It was almost like it happened in slow motion, suddenly his hand was on the gun, and he was calling for the man to look at them-Anton- and the gun went off. Dahlia stared as the bullets hit him, her eyes wide as she stared at the scene in front of her, unable to look away but wanting desperately too.

Cash:

Cash didn’t think she’d be begging to come out any time soon. When she said his name he shook his head. “I know.” He knew all along, she was too good for this war, she liked to think she was hardened to it all, however she really wasn’t. She would always be his good girl, it was why he reached forward and pulled the trigger himself. Cash felt no remorse maybe that made him a monster. Either way he really hadn’t cared. Cash pulled the weapon from her fingers as he stepped closer, he watched the man reaching up gasping for a breath before Cash took one last shot, he turned to Dahlia stained in red as he looked at her. “You weren’t ready to come out.” Was all that he could say.

Dahlia:

Dahlia didn’t know how this was going to change them. She didn’t know if Cash was going to be disappointed in her for not pulling the trigger, or if he was going to be okay that she didn’t. That was the thing about Cash. He was hard to read sometimes, and she just…really didn’t know what to think or do right now. It was hard for her to realize that she wasn’t as strong and hard as she thought that she was. She watched as Cash pulled the gun from her hands, not knowing what he was going to do. She took a few deep breaths as she watched him take one last shot, her hand covering her mouth as she watched him kill the man. “I know,” She managed to get out, her eyes not leaving the dead man.

Cash:

Cash was glad she hadn’t pulled the trigger, he didn’t want her to be him. To be this sort of person. But he wasn’t going to show that hand. He just watched her as he took the last shot. “Lets go Dahlia, get out of here before someone see’s us.” He grabbed her arms and guided her away, he glanced at the watch he wore. “Run, we have to get back to the train the boys won’t be able to hold it for long.” He knew that he was pushing her right now, but he didn’t care as he began to run holding her hand tightly as if to pull her along until they were on the train once more, the boys grew silent, seeing him covered in blood. “So tell me you got some good shit.” Cash said talking like nothing was out of the ordinary.

Dahlia:

Dahlia’s heart was pounding as it all started to hit her what had happened. She let him grab her arm and nodded her head when he said that they had to get out of there and run. She started to run with him as he guided her away from the scene, not really thinking about what she was doing other than running with him. She nodded her head. “Okay,” she said, frowning at the thought of them being left behind. She didn’t really know what they would do if they didn’t make the train. She needed him to push her and get her back to the train, she was starting to shut down and realize what they had just done. On the train, she sat there, staring forward, not saying anything as Cash acted like nothing happened. “We got a ton, Boss,” Mason said excitedly. “Enough to last for a good while.”

Cash:

Cash could see her shutting down, he needed to get her back to the train, as they made it back in plenty of time. He looked at the boys who were all happy and proud. “Good than tonight you boys will eat like Kings you did good work.” He told them as he took his girlfriend’s hand he pulled her up and into the next cabin before he sat her down again. “Talk to me Dahlia, don’t fuckin shut down that won’t help shit. You will go down the rabbit hole faster than I can make you scream my name.” He tried teasing her as his hand slid over her thigh gently attempting to comfort her. “Dahlia, it had to be done, he was a fucker, took one of our own the sick bastard.” Maybe he was the sick bastard but the lines of the war were so blurred that it didn’t even matter anymore.

Dahlia:

Dahlia didn’t hear anything that Cash said with his boys, she was just shutting down and unable to cope with what had just happened. When Cash came and took her hand and pulled her up, she didn’t fight it, she went with him, not really thinking about anything other than that man. It took him saying her name for her to look up and meet his eyes for her to realize that she had even shut down the way that she had. “I..” she swallowed, trying to put her thoughts into words. She had to give him a faint smile when he spoke. “Funny,” she said, shaking her head. “I just…” she trailed off. “I know. I know why it happened,” she said softly. “I wanted revenge too. But seeing it…” a few tears fell down her cheeks. She didn’t even know why she was crying, it certainly wasn’t for that man.

Cash:

Cash wondered if he had taken it way too far with her, he shouldn’t have been that way but he wanted to scare her away from the life he had. Cash reached up and wiped away her tears as he moved to sit next to her, he wrapped his arms around her as he held her tight. “I really fuckin’ love you. I hope you bloody well know that.” He told her sighing softly. “Were gonna head home, than you are going to take a hot shower okay? We can curl up in bed and let the boys have their fun alright?” Cash kissed her head gently as he sighed softly.

Dahlia:

Dahlia looked at him and closed her eyes when he wiped away her tears and then moved to sit with her and wrapped his arms around her. She immediately curled up into him, immediately feeling safe as he held her. She always felt safe when he held her. She nodded her head .”I love you too. I really, really love you,” she said softly. She nodded her head when he spoke. “You don’t have to baby me, you know,” she said, looking up at him, wanting to show him that the girl he loved was still there. “But I love it when you do,” she relented. “And I’d be happy to just have you be there with me.”

Cash:

Cash just relaxed back in his seat as he held her close to him his hand running over her leg to comfort her. “you better love me.” He said as he rolled his eyes. “I thought it was called takin care of you, tho if you don’t want me too than the hell with you.” His tone was playful though. He knew his girl was still there, but it still seemed like she needed a bit of comfort and he was attempting to do that for her. “I fuckin knew it, so you know what let me take care of you tonight.” He said softly, he didn’t do it often enough. “You know I’m proud of ya, even if you totally froze, still proud.” He admitted.

Dahlia:

Dahlia looked up at him and smiled when he held her close to him. She laughed softly and gave him a look. “Of course I love you,” she said, shaking her head like it was crazy to think that she didn’t, even for a second. “Oh, is that what it’s called? But of course I want you too, i’ll always let you take care of me,” she said. She appreciated that Cash was trying to be there, that meant more to her than he would realize. She nodded her head. “Okay,” she said. “I would really like that,” she told him. Dahlia looked up at him, surprised. “Really?” She asked. “Even though I screwed up?”

Cash:

“I know you do.” Cash never really had to doubt that at all. Nor did he really think he was going to question it. “Yeah that’s what its called.” He rolled his eyes, but than gave her a smile when she said she would let him take care of her. Which was a good thing because he wouldn’t take no for an answer. “Yeah even though you screwed up. I really didn’t think you’d do it anyways. I wanted to test how far you’d go to prove a point, but I am glad that you wouldn’t go as far as killin a man.”

Dahlia:

Dahlia looked at him and smiled, nodding her head. “I know that you don’t always think it, but you’re an amazing man, Cash. And I wouldn’t be here without you,” she said, kissing his cheek. She didn’t really think there was much choice in this, but she didn’t care, she was happy to have him take care of her. “So what did the boys get anyways?” She asked curiously. Dahlia frowned when he said he didn’t think she would do it. “I just…I couldn’t. I really tried, Cash. But I’m sorry that I couldn’t do it for you.”

Cash:

“Amazing man that I think just pushed you a bit too far.” Cash was going to keep an eye on her for a little while yet. He just wanted to make sure he hadn’t pushed her over the edge, he’d feel to responsible for it. He smiled however, at the kiss. “Lots of food by the looks of it. Few other goodies, they raided a boot store as well so hopefully we get some new shoes this week.” He shrugged as he saw her frown. “I didn’t want you to do it, that’s the point. I gave you the most outrageous job because I wanted to make sure that you were still on the good side, and you are. You didn’t fail, you passed what I really wanted out of you.” Cash explained. “Though you so owe me dinner.” He teased playfully.

Dahlia:

“I was testing you. I shouldn’t have done what I did,” she said, looking at him. She could admit now that she was wrong about it. That she shouldn’t have done what she did, that she should have listened to him. Dahlia nodded her head and smiled. “We were really running out of food, it’s good that they got more of it. And new boots will definitely come in handy. Yours are practically done,” she said, gesturing to his feet. Her eyes narrowed and she knocked into him teasingly. “Next time you want me to fail a test let me know beforehand?” She teased, wanting to go back to how it used to be, to go back to normal. “Dinner? I will make you whatever you want,” she promised, kissing him.

Cash:

“No you shouldn’t. But you can hold your own, so around town you can go out more with the boys.” Cash relented she got her way, but not before learning a lesson or two, ones that will undoubtedly keep her alive. “I do what I do, to keep you all alive. Its not easy out there and sometimes I get it wrong. But I don’t want to lose a fucking one.” He told her honestly, as he laughed and nodded. “I know I may have told them to pick you a few things up in your size, that weren’t boots.” He smiled, he did think about her after all. “Where’s the fuckin fun in that?” He asked amused as he looked down at her. “We may have to find out what we got.” Cash just kissed her back harder pulling her closer.

Dahlia:

Dahlia looked at him. “Wait, really?” She asked, looking excited. She leaned over and kissed him a few times. “You’re the best boyfriend in the world,” she grinned at him. She was happy that her plan hadn’t been a complete failure, that he was going to let her go out more. She nodded her head. “I understand, Cash. I really do. I know that you’re in a hard position, and i’m not going to disappoint you. You won’t lose me,” she promised, squeezing his hand. She grinned at him. “Oh, you did, did you? I hope your guys have good taste,” she said with a laugh. She shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know, it could be fun,” she said, biting her lip. She looked up at him. “Well whatever they got, i’ll make you whatever you want from it,” she said. She kissed him passionately, wrapping her arms around him.

Cash:

“Yes really, but don’t go fuckin thinking that its going to be anything crazy a few raid missions at most. You ain’t ready for more shit than that yet. Your time will come maybe.” He didn’t want to use her as a weapon in this war though, however, her kisses made it an easier pill to swallow that he’d let her off the leash he had been keeping her on. “I better not, or I’ll burn the whole fuckin world in my wake if I do. So for the sake of those around me, make sure it never happens.” Cash didn’t give a shit, if he lost her he lost the shred of hope and humanity that she provided him. “I sure hope they do as well.” He then looked down at her. “Damn straight you will.” He groaned against her lips as they kissed but someone knocked on the cabin door. “You bloody tosser, every fuckin time.” He said as he looked over at Jimmy. “Sorry boss but we arrived.” He rolled his eyes. “Fine.” He said as he pulled away from Dahlia. “We will finish this later.”

Dahlia:

She shook her head. “I don’t care what it is,” she promised. “I just want to get out,” she said, looking up at him. After what he had put her through today, she wasn’t about to go against him that easily. “I’ll do whatever you want,” she said, looking into his eyes, making sure he knew that she was being serious. That she wasn’t about to disobey him. Dahlia knew that he wasn’t being sarcastic, or anything. She knew he would do it. “You know that I will not do anything that would make you lose me,” She said, shaking her head. She didn’t even think about the possibility of losing Cash. It was completely unfathomable. She was never going to lose him. He was so strong, nothing could take him down. She nodded her head and grinned. “I really hope they do,” she said, with a grin. “Whatever you want,” she promised, continuing to kiss him, knowing it was going towards sex again. But then there was a knock at the door and she pulled away, pouting. “You have terrible timing,” she said, petulantly as she looked at Cash. “Yes we will.” Jimmy rolled his eyes. “I don’t know which of you is worse.”

Cash:

“I know you want to get out, fucking jumping on a mission you had no business being in proved that.” He sighed softly, glad that she was actually going to listen he knew what he was doing.  “I know you wouldn’t, but this is war and we are literally goin against the fuckin’ power it isn’t easy.” He reminded her. Cash just enjoyed kissing her, knowing once they started kissing it almost always led to sex. He growled. “Me when I am fuckin horny you prick. I got a hot piece of ass that I want.” He teased the boy as he grabbed him around the neck as he pulled him closer and ruffled his hair before letting him go. “Lets go, after all you may need help in the shower.” He winked, he had one thing on his mind now and that was getting to the making up part of their fight from earlier.

Dahlia:

Dahlia had to laugh, he had a point. “Well, I got your attention, which was all I really wanted,” she shrugged, leaning forward and kissing him quickly. She nodded her head when he spoke. “I know it’s not easy, Cash. But I promise I won’t screw up this time,” she said, after a moment. “I just want to help you,” she admitted. She glared at Jimmy for interrupting them, and Jimmy held his hands up in surrender. “I’ll have to remember that for next time. Stay away from boss man when he’s horny,” Jimmy said, pretending to write himself a note. He grinned and laughed when Cash grabbed him and ruffled his hair. “Oh, I certainly can’t do that by myself, I need a big strong man like yourself to help,” She grinned, kissing him one more time for good measure. She was enjoying teasing Jimmy.

Cash:

“You damn well nearly gave me a fuckin’ heart attack.” He told her shaking his head but he kissed her back regardless. “I know you want to help me, but Jesus woman.” Cash often wondered if Dahlia truly knew what she was for him, how she was his conscious when he needed it. His pick me up when his mood went sour or when he felt helpless that she was his hope. Cash would lose himself if he ever lost her. That was how much he cared about her.  “Exactly you tosser, stop being such a fucking cockblocker when all I want to do is get laid.” He teased the boy as he kissed her again grabbing her ass to tease Jimmy. “Don’t be jealous I can touch mate, one day a girl may give you a second look.” He teased as he walked into the other cabin and grabbed a few bags. “Take separate paths back we can’t go marchin through town with all this shit to our place, it will be raided quick.” Cash handed some stuff to Dahlia before he led her down one route back to their place.

Dahlia:

“I did,” she agreed with a nod. “But you love me and I love you, so you’re not complaining,” she replied with a grin. Dahlia loved Cash, and that included all of his flaws, although if she were to be honest, she didn’t think that he had all that many flaws. Maybe the ones he had were rather large, but she saw into what he tried to hide so hard. She knew that he loved his men, he loved her, he loved the people that he was fighting for. Otherwise he wouldn’t do half of the things that he did on a daily basis, not just for her, but for Nate, and Jimmy and Mason and all of the other guys. “It’s not being a cockblocker when you two are literally always touching each other,” Jimmy countered, rolling his eyes when Dahlia squealed and laughed, kissing Cash again. “I’ve had plenty of girls,” Jimmy grumbled, going back to the other guys. “Aww, I think you hurt his feelings,” she teased with a laugh. Dahlia watched Cash explain what needed to be done, making sure to take what he wanted her to and bit her lip as she followed him back to their flat.

Cash:

“I love you? Is that what that funny feelin is?” He teased her shaking his head, knowing the girl loved him without a fault it seemed something he appreciated. Cash was an open book despite his walls with her. “Well let me touch damn it, once I am satisfied I can keep my hands off.” It was a total lie, Cash just had a thing for Dahlia and being close. Maybe it was the intense feeling of the war. Cash just shook his head amused. “He will get over it and toughen up.” Cash led her back to their flat as he than just put the bags down. “Boys take stock of everything write me a list.” He instructed knowing it’d take time as he held Dahlia. Leaning into her ear. “Shall we finish what we started on the train?” He asked his girlfriend.

Dahlia:

“That would be it,” she replied easily, grinning at him. “I’m sorry that I didn’t tell you sooner,” she teased easily. There was something about their relationship that helped them get through all the crap they went through. She couldn’t imagine this war without him by her side. It was what made it all tolerable. “Ha, that’s a good one,” She replied with a laugh and a grin. She couldn’t imagine him keeping his hands off of her. They never could. She nodded her head. “You’re right,” she said, grinning at him. When they got back, she put her stuff down as well and bit her lip when he told them to write a list of everything that tehy had gotten. She turned to him and grinned. “Let’s go,” she said.

Cash:

“Making me wait woman always.” He teased back a grin on his face. Cash knew they needed each other at this point it wasn’t a question. “Right its a total lie, but can you blame me?” He smirked knowing she couldn’t. Dahlia knew just how good looking she was and Cash, cashed in on that. “Don’t have to tell me twice.” Cash didn’t care if the boys were in the house as he led her to the bathroom and just locked the doors as he started the shower in an instant he was on her and he figured the next few days were going to be a little rough pleasurably for them.

Dahlia:

“You could do well with learning some patience, my love,” she reminded him, a grin on her lips. Cash and patience were two things that certainly didn’t belong together. But she would continually tease him that he had to be patent. It just didn’t seem to work. “No, I can’t,” she said with a laugh. Dahlia didn’t pretend to think that she wasn’t good looking–she was confident in her looks, and being with Cash certainly helped. She laughed and grinned at him, taking his hand as they went to the bathroom and he locked the door. She kissed him passionately, looking forward to the next few days and the pleasure it was going to bring.

[suffering-and-happy-about-it]

In and out (Part 6) (Nathan Drake X Male reader)

Description: There was a deal between Elena and Nathan to make her way to Yemen for managing to get them to the city. But plans don’t go so easily as they should. Well, isn’t that pretty common thing for Nathan & Co.™? 

A/N: Sorry for the delay! I  am just sooo busy rn. 

Tagging: @march-moon

Mood for this chapter: Come with me now by the one and only Kongos.

Florence wasn't exactly fond of that Y/N actually had some valid reason to keep up with them. Not that she exactly didn't like that new guy, but in her opinion, it was too hard to keep up with them, it was too dangerous and he would be risking his life for some piece of treasure. She just felt like he's wasting their and his time with them.

But Nathan nor Sully didn't seem to mind it that much, they were pretty welcoming of his presence. He was actually a pretty good source of information. Y/N knew a lot of things about the city and lead them directly to the "downtown".

"Okay. What's the deal? Because you're looking like some mummy here and I don't like it." Nathan joined Florence all of a sudden and asked her because she looked seriously frowned and pissed.

"Oh don't worry. I'll manage my situation." She told him in a pretty cold voice. "Worrying about me is your new hobby? Because you're asking me questions like is anything wrong a lot since we got here."

"Don't flatter yourself that much, mum. I'm just afraid that something will go over your mind and you will just blow, maybe stabbing someone to death." Nathan stated in an unsure voice. Florence had to laugh at that because she saw the joke said between the words.

"I just don't like that," she nodded her head in Sully's direction, frowning a bit. "I think it's..."

"He looks like he can look out for his ass."

"You're telling me that because you two had a moment in that hotel room." Florence shut his mouth off and Nathan was surprised about everything she said. A moment they had? Nathan and Y/N had a moment? And what kind of moment?

"You don't know what you're talking about, Florence." Nathan shrugged to answer her as her lips curled into a confident smile.

"Oh, I have a boyfriend for more than ten years and I don't know what having a moment means," Florence stated ironically and sniffed out. "I'm sincerely sorry, Drake. Don't make a saint out of yourself." She said in a low voice and looked at Y/N's little and cute bum.

"I don't blame you. Look at that man's ass." Florence walked down the stairs beside Nate, just a few inches away from Nate. "That precious ass is a true royal jewel."

"If Sully heard you right now," "He would say that I'm right." She laughed as Nathan bumped her arm with his hand with rosy cheeks. Were they seriously talking about some man's ass? And was Nathan seriously enjoying the topic? Yes, he was.

They walked to a first street that was supposed to take them deeper to the city. But there was a barrier with two soldiers next to it, looking like the street is out of order for now.

"Looks like we have complications." Y/N said slowly, thinking about what happened. Why would the streets were closed? He rode here like three hours ago when he was on his way to pick them up.

"We don't like complications," Sullivan said and his face looked seriously dark.

"I'll try to talk to the gentlemen, ok?" Y/N smiled and walked to them in his own, slowly fast pace.

"Now we have the chance to leave him here and just disappear, let's go, guys!" Florence whispered to her partners, trying to make them go away by a nearby alley. She thought that they will be able to walk through the city on their own. They were a bunch of adult people who should be capable to look after themselves.

"Why?" Nathan asked with a frown.

"He's one of us, floweret," Sully stated and looked at his fiancée, still trying to make them vanish into the thin air.

"Don't you dare to speak back to me, you traitor. He doesn't look like a type to handle this sort of life even though you seem to like him!" She whisper-shouted at Sully with an unbelieving face.

"You didn't particularly choose it too and look at how it suits you," Sully stated with a smile directing to that man's back.

"He had that look," Nathan took the ring from under his shirt and showed it to her. "That look of a person who finds themselves in this kind of life. He has chosen this life in that hotel room."

"But I'm worried that he'll not be able to do all of... This." She fenced with her hands pointing at them, at her, at the city, at Yemen, at everything.

"You didn't even give him a chance. What if he surprises us... And there is our favorite guide!" Sully exclaimed in a laughing voice and pointed out that Y/N is coming back. Florence seriously looked like she will stab Sully to death, but she managed to give a fake smile to the stranger.

"Something happened in the center and it is locked down for now. But I know another way in. Let's go!" Y/N exclaimed in an excited tone and went on to another of the alleys.

"Does it involve climbing?"

“Don't act like a pussy and come on, Nathan,” Florence took the lead next to Y/N with stubbornness in her eyes. So the man caught up on them as Y/N lead them through some old, nearly dangerous parts of the town. 

“Shit!” Y/N shouted at once, throwing his hand back to make them stop. There was a very unpleasant atmosphere in the air as he peeked out to see two men standing near the alley he was planning on to take them through.

“Looks like someone doesn't want literally anybody in there,” Y/N stated as he turned to them with an unsure look. He was clueless about what they'll do now. There was another passage through the city, but it would take the whole evening just to get there - and they would be in a tight corner if that would be closed too.

“Well, go on cowboy,” Florence nodded her head in the direction of the men and measured with her look. They seem to be Syrian, yet they had different gear than the official guars at the downtown. “Talk with them.”

“I would do that on my own if I could. But those guys aren't from here; well, it at least seems that they aren't a part of the army locking down the downtown.” Y/N answered her in a bit too loud and stubborn voice than he actually expected.

“Slow down. There must be another way in. We will not give up here,” Nathan felt so disappointed in Y/N. It seemed that he was actually afraid of these guards. He wasn't so sure that Y/N was truly one of them at the moment; because he would try to come up with some crazy-ass plane which only lunatic can come up with. 

“There's is like another way in across the city, but it might be closed.” Y/N sighed and looked at the guards with lips tied up together. 

“Well, it looks like I'm up for a good run, don't ya think?” Florence asked all of a sudden in an absolutely terrible Texasian accent, making all of the looks popping on her. 

“Oh no,” sighed Sully and caressed his sweaty face with his palm. 

“Florence, don't you dare to do it again,” Nathan asked her with a whisper.

“You have a better plan?” Florence rose her eyebrows and then inhaled loudly in a cocky manner. “Go ahead, mister genius. I'm listening.”

“What's this about?” Y/N asked them. He was totally not understanding that situation. He crossed his hands over his chest, being genuinely interested in their bullshit. 

“Just pulling out a plan named Saudi Arabia,” Florence got her backpack off her back, giving it to Sully. “Just a quick question. Hows the possibility they'll burn me alive or kill me by stones?” She asked as she got her shirt off, showing all of them black comfortable and yet still racy bra. She showed the shirt into Sully's arms, making her chest displayed as a trophy. 

Every one last of them must've said that she is nice, but nobody said anything of this out loud. 

“Like, fifty-fifty. I mean, probably depends on their mood.” Y/N answered as she walked passed him. 

“You better be fast, I'll catch up later, boys.” She smiled wickedly as she walked directly in front of the guards, putting her hands on her hips. “Well hello there, boys.” She whispered and laughed like a total psycho as she runs to the nearest alley. The men were thunder-struck, then angry and then both of them run after them. 

“So she has done this before?” Y/N asked them as they walked to their desired alley in a quick tempo. 

“Well it was better the last time,” Nathan sighed in a relief that nothing was in there was at the moment as Victor put Flo's bag over his shoulder. “She completely undressed on a Saudi Arabia market.”