#yes which I’ve also requested 5 times the first which was only given partially and when I tried to email about the missing portion she

[kitsunabi]

*hires me for my ability to work outside of ‘typical’ work hours*

*proceeds to grill my clients about why they’re class times are week ends and or late nights*

Tbh this is up there with:

*dor sets my rate + travel svc + mileage*

*dor complains that I’m too expensive to hire bc mileage*

[ilooklikeaburntchickenugget]

Stalker

A/N: I got another random idea, so I wrote it! Pairing: Gerard Way x F!Guitarist!Reader Word count: 2,499 Warnings: Stalking, attempted kidnapping/assault, swearing

Every band member had their own identity that fans knew. Gerard was the frontman, Frank was crazy, Ray was known for his hair, and Mikey was known for being shy and behind the scenes.

But you had a pre-established identity being the only woman in MCR, which made you not only more identifiable but made fans love you more and more. There were lots of pros to that including the overwhelming amount of support you got from all the fans who were girls.

But that separation from the rest of the band through that identity brought its negatives too. Take for example how often your body was shamed online because you weren’t all that tiny. Or how some associated your personality with being a “closeted mean girl” when anyone who knew you personally would say just the opposite. There was always a label that had to be stamped on your forehead as a woman to remain relevant, and none of the guys had to deal with that, making it harder sometimes to deal with. But you had eventually learned to take everything with a grain of salt and brush it off.

But as soon as the band became a world wide phenomenon, things escalated for everyone, usually in a positive manner. For you it did too, that was until the worst of the worst happened.

The first time anything actually did happen was a stormy night, perfect setting for everything to go wrong. It was around 4 am and you were awoken by a flash of light outside your window. You brushed it off assuming it was just some lightning, closing your eyes again and trying to go back to sleep. But the light flashed a second time, this time remaining to stay through your window. You groaned, getting up from your sleepy state and putting on your slippers so your feet wouldn’t freeze.

You had a gut feeling, a bad one, so you crouched under the bedroom window where the light flashed through only letting your forehead and eyes look over it. Down below on the first floor was a figure you saw. You crouched back down again, your breath quickening. Maybe you were just seeing things, you thought. You looked back up and the figure became more apparent. It seemed to be a tall man judging by the build and short hair, in a long coat with a flashlight, the light that had shined in the window. You looked around briefly, seeing something in their hand that you could’ve sworn was a knife. Your breath stopped as you crouched down again and grabbed your phone, dialing 911 in the case anything worse happened.

You sat on the floor next to your bed for a few more seconds, clutching the device close to your chest. Then, the doorbell rang. Your eyes went wide as you took a deep breath, remembering that you had installed security. Checking the app on your phone, you saw the man in all black, but you couldn’t identify anything on his face, probably due to the ski mask, freaking you out even more. This time you knew it, there was a knife in his hand.

You went back to your phone app, this time actually calling the police. You stayed on the line with the operator in the case anything happened, but by the time the cops arrived the man was gone, leaving no trace behind. Only the security footage you had.

They only asked you a few questions, saying they would open a case since the person was armed. Then they requested you call someone to come pick you up while they investigated around the property and you agreed.

The first person you called was the most obvious. Your boyfriend of four months, Gerard (aka lead singer, obviously). You nervously put the phone up to your ear, he picked up at the second ring despite it being 4:30 in the morning.

“Y/N/N?” He asked through his groggy voice, “What’s wrong?” You took a deep breath.

“I’m, um, this is going to sound fucking crazy, I know.” You sighed, “Basically I need you to come pick me up. I’m at my house but the cops are here and-” “The cops?” He asked, this time obviously completely awake, “What the fuck happened? Are you okay?” “Yes, Gerard, I’m fine, just a little shaken up.” You admitted, “A guy came by the house with a knife and tried to get in. The cops scared him off but they have to look around the property and all.” “I’ll be there in 5.” And he didn’t lie, it literally took him 5 minutes to get to your house despite the fact you knew it was probably a 15 minutes drive. He rushed in, passing the police, as you gave them the clear that he was okay.

He grabbed you in a large hug, squeezing you tight as you hugged him back. “Are you okay?” He asked, looking you up and down as concern and fear was painted on his face.

“Yeah, just a little shaken.” You admitted, as he pulled you into another hug.

“Sorry to interrupt,” One of the police men came over to you two, “Do you have any idea what any motive could’ve been? A crazy ex maybe?” You shook your head.

“No, none of my exes would do that.” You admitted, when a lightbulb went off in your head that seemed to freak you out even more. Gerard seemed to notice.

“What?” He looked down and asked you.

“Both of us are in a pretty big band,” You explained to the officer, “So maybe it could’ve had something to do with that?” “Like a fan, you’re thinking?” He asked and you nodded, “It’s very possible. Most celebrities have had pretty bad encounters when it comes to stalker fans.” You nodded having heard other stories. Gerard’s eyes went wide. “I would suggest you stay out of the house for at least the next week to two, so if anyone does come back it’s empty. And here’s my card with my cell, so if you see anything weird just ring me up. We’ll have an officer patrol around the area 24/7 for the next few weeks so they’ll be there if anything happens.” He handed you the card which you graciously accepted, “May I ask what band you’re in?” “It’s called My Chemical Romance.” You began, “I’m one of the guitarists, and he’s the lead singer.” You looked to Gerard who smiled lightly.

“Oh, I’ve heard of you guys.” He said and you two nodded. “Well we’ll definitely keep an eye out, alright?” He said and you nodded.

“Thank you so much, officer.” You lightly smiled and he did the same back.

“No problem.”

You went back to Gerard’s place as it was now 5:30 am. “Are you tired, still?” He asked you, as you two walked in. You shook your head. “I’m not either, I’ll make us some coffee, okay? You just go sit back and relax. You’ve been through enough shit this morning.” He kissed the top of your head and you lightly laughed, walking over to sit on his couch. Gerard’s house was much bigger than yours, with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Granted you recorded a lot of your music there so the extra space was needed.

Your boyfriend came back a few minutes later with two mugs, putting one down in front of you and sitting besides you on the large couch. “Do you want to talk about it? It may help.” He suggested and you lightly nodded. You went through everything, like you had given to the police earlier. Talking about how you saw the knife, and the bad gut feeling, all of that. At this point you couldn’t tell who was more scared, you or Gerard. “What if it is a crazy fan?” You asked, “How would they have even gotten my address? I thought we all worked so hard to keep all of that super private.” “I don’t know.” He admitted with a sigh, “It could also just be a weird person. Or someone who may have mistaken that house for someone else’s.” You nodded understanding. “Why don’t we take the day off, okay? I can call the guys and let them know not to come over-” You shook your head.

“I think working will help get my mind off of it.” You admitted, “I appreciate your idea, but I need to distract myself. “Alright.” He nodded, “Well if you need a break, just let me know, okay?” You nodded.

You hadn’t heard anything for a week, but you stayed with Gerard for that time. Partially because you wanted to, but also because he insisted you do so for your safety.

That was until one night at 3 am your phone went off. You groaned, getting up and checking it only to see it was your security app. Your eyes went wide and you grabbed your glasses. You checked and there, again, was the person. “Shit.” You muttered, finding the card with the officer from the previous weeks number written on it.

“Honey?” You heard Gerard groan, moving towards you. “What’s wrong?” He was still half asleep.

“He’s there, again.” You sighed, typing the the numbers. Your boyfriend shot up immediately as you were speaking to the officer, and he promised that he had units on their way, though you clarified that you weren’t at the house.

Your emotions were a jumbled mess. Part of you was freaking out because your stalker was back, but you also felt safe because you were not there and with Gerard. Another part of you felt angry that this could happen, while hope seemed to run through your veins thinking about how you would finally figure out why you were being stalked.

The two of you were just sitting in his bed, duvet still covering you in anticipation as you waited for a call back. When you heard the ring you immediately answered. “Hello?”

“Ms. Y/L/N, we caught the suspect.” The officer spoke and you took a deep sigh of relief, “We’re going to update you actively on this, but first we need to interview him. My advice from here on out would be to contact your attorney, if you have one, and get a restraining order immediately. It can be done within the next day so if we have to release him on bond he can’t come near you or your home.” “Okay, thank you.” You sighed again, planning on calling your lawyer first thing when you woke up.

“If you have any other questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to reach out to me, alright?” “Yes, thank you so much.” You two hung up and you looked over to Gerard. “They got him.” You said, and he lightly sighed as well in relief. “The officer advised me that I contact our attorneys tomorrow to get an emergency restraining order, for obvious reasons.” “Sounds good.” Gerard admitted, rubbing your back a bit. “Let’s try to go back to sleep, okay? We’ll deal with all this in the morning.” You nodded, falling back under the covers with him, tucked under your arm.

-A brief time skip, as in like 8 hours later or something-

“He what?” You asked your attorney as you and Gerard were suited in her office.

“According to the police report, which I just received this morning, your stalker, James Horrow, thought in his mind that you two were married.” Your mouth was open, your eyes squinted in both confusion and shock as Gerard leaned back in his chair, wiping his hand over his face.

“Jeez,” He sighed, “So he’s crazy?” Your attorney nodded.

“Seems like it.” She sighed, “As much as I hate to say it, this happens pretty often with celebrities. What is most shocking though is he was armed and was planning on kidnapping you.” This time you leaned back in your chair, closing your eyes to let everything soak in.

“So he’s crazy. And violent.” Gerard added.

“We’re putting in an emergency motion today for a restraining order against him. He doesn’t come from any wealthy family and doesn’t seem to be very financially stable so there’s a good chance that if he’s offered bond by the judge he won’t be able to pay it, but you can never be sure.” You nodded in agreement. “However, there should be no reason the judge shouldn’t sign this. I’ve had a few cases in front of her. She’s very fair and good at her job, so I don’t foresee her not granting us the motion. But in the meantime, you two stay safe and probably at Gerard’s house. I’ll give you a call when I have any news.”

“Thank you so much, Patricia.” You smiled and she smiled back.

“Of course.” She shook both yours and Gerard’s hand before you two walked out of her office.

You got into your car, Gerard taking the driver’s seat and you taking the passenger, slumping down into the leather, sighing. “You alright?” Gerard asked turning to you.

“Oh yeah, I’m totally fine with the fact that a psycho dude managed to figure out my private address and showed up to my house with a knife to kidnap me because I’m his imaginary wife.” Gerard sighed, grabbing your hand and squeezing it. “I’m gonna have to get a full fucking security team at the house now because I don’t know how many people now know my address.” You closed your eyes for a few moments letting your internal anger radiate out of your body.

“Or you could just move in with me.” Gerard said next, and you looked at him strangely.

“Don’t make me move in with you out of pity.” You rolled your eyes.

“This isn’t out of pity.” He admitted, “I genuinely want you to move in, have for a while now, actually since like a week after we started dating.” He lightly laughed, “I mean, it’s ultimately up to you. But I know I would feel a hell of a lot better if you were with me so if this happens again at least you’re not alone. And if you feel the need to get some form of additional security besides just the cameras, we can do that too.” He gave your hand another reassuring squeeze.

“You sure you’d be okay with that?” You asked and he nodded.

“Positive.”

“Fine,” You lightly smiled back, “I’ll move in with you.” “Great.” He smiled, beginning to reverse out of the parking spot.

“Now will you redo your damn kitchen?” You asked him. He lightly laughed.

“It isn’t that bad-” “Gerard it’s atrocious!” You sat up defensively, “It’s a monstrosity to anyone who knows how to cook!” “Hey I can cook!” He defended himself.

“You made pancakes one, and they burnt. They were literally black.” He rolled his eyes, “It’s okay, I’ll teach you more. After we completely redo the kitchen.”

[erin-bo-berin]

Double The Surprise

MASTERLIST

Prequel to Thing 1 and Thing 2

Surprise! A new fic, two days in a row? I know, who am I? This was an anon request to do a gender reveal party of the twins from Thing 1 and Thing 2, so I made it sort of a prequel. I’ve linked the fic in case you haven’t read it. One thing to note, I included Diana, but in a more normal state so no Alzheimer's or schizophrenia. I’ve wanted to write something where she was free of any illnesses, so I added her in this like that. Besides, she’d DEFINITELY be there. Also, take a shot every time I say pink and blue, lord I was getting tired of saying that myself so sorry about that. Enjoy some Spencer and the team cuteness. Happy reading!

Spencer Reid/Reader

Rating: G (fluff)

Word Count: 3,285

You knew it was a mistake to let Penelope be in charge.

Not that she was bad at it at all, in fact she was wonderful. But when she had a secret that she actually wanted to keep a surprise, her lips were sealed tighter than your old jeans.

Penelope Garcia—the technical analyst at the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit and your husband, Spencer Reid’s teammate, coworker and friend—was the best at planning parties. Which is how she had gotten you and Spencer excited about the idea of a potential gender reveal party for the baby you and Spencer were expecting this fall.

You were currently 21 weeks and a bit larger than normal, although your doctor wasn’t worried. She had explained it could be due to the baby being bigger—your husband was over 6 feet after all—or perhaps you were a bit further along in your pregnancy than she first thought. Either way, at the last appointment, she had assured you that everything was looking fine.

The last appointment was also when you were able to find out the sex of the baby. 

Since you and Spencer really wanted to have a gender reveal party with your friends and the other team members of the BAU, you had invited Garcia to come along to the appointment. She would be informed of the sex and also have the results handed to her in a manila envelope, for the baker who would create the cake.

You were regretting your decision though because you were currently dying to know what baby Reid would be. It was amazing though, Garcia hadn’t even breathed the hint of a clue.

She was the worst person to keep a secret, so it was ironic when she refused to give into your pleading.

The gender reveal party was going to be this upcoming weekend, still a few days away and you were struggling with the anticipation.

The party details and planning helped curb your desire to know, though.

When Garcia had first suggested the idea, not long after you and Spencer announced your pregnancy, you were slightly hesitant about it. You didn’t know much about them or if anyone would even come. With the help of Penelope and her promise to take care of everything, you started coming around to the idea.

She was an excellent party planner because even though she took care of everything, she left plenty of room for you and Spencer to decide on details and things you wanted. Many nights were spent laying in bed, the two of you looking at gender reveal party ideas on Pinterest.

You actually thought Spencer was more excited for this party then you were. It was nice to know he was just as excited for it, though.

“Do you think she’d cave and tell us what we’re having if we surprise her with a red velvet cupcake?” you’d asked Spencer, one night that week.

“It’d probably be tempting for her, but I doubt it,” he answered you, “In fact, I’m surprised she’s kept quiet this long. She’s the worst at keeping secrets.”

“I know. I had her pegged to tell us within a day,” you huffed.

Spencer chuckled, kissing your head.

“Just think, it will be worth the wait when we find out what we’re having on Saturday.”

•

Surprisingly, Saturday did come rather fast. Although at the same time, it felt like eons to you. 

You were bursting with excitement for the party, which was to be held at David Rossi’s house.

Garcia had given you and Spencer strict instructions to not arrive until after 2 pm. She, with the help of her boyfriend Luke Alvez we’re going to be setting up everything for the party to keep the final display a surprise as well.

You were just as eager to wear the new outfit that Garcia had bought for you to wear—she really had thought of everything.

You had to admit, the ensemble was pretty cute.

You’d dressed in the sleeveless maxi dress that was designed in an alternating pink and blue chevron style and white flats that were partially hidden by the long skirt of the dress. Your bump was fully on display in the outfit, but it just made the dress seem even cuter.

It also helped that it was extremely comfy as well.

The finishing touch for the outfit was a flower crown. Yes, a flower crown. Garcia went all out when she did things, that’s for sure. 

It was a thin band of flowers that sat nicely on your head. One side was decorated with pink flowers while the other half had blue. With the entire outfit complete, you had to admit, Garcia definitely had picked a cute ensemble.

Spencer had come in just as you’d finished getting ready and whistled, making you blush.

“Why if it isn’t the sexiest baby mama around,” he grinned slyly, wrapping his arms around you from behind, “You look beautiful, Y/N.”

“You look rather charming yourself,” you chuckled.

His appearance wasn’t that much different than it was from his work attire. His suit pants and dress shirt were the same as usual, but Garcia had gotten him a pink and blue chevron tie to match your dress.

“Not exactly something I’d wear every day, but I like it,” he smiled, “Ready to find out what our baby is?”

“More than ever.”

•

The first thing you saw when entering Rossi’s backyard was a sign on the iron gate door to his backyard. 

There were a handful of pink and blue cardboard, cutout circles hanging on the gate door, along with a pink and blue cutout onesie that said We’re here for the sex. It made you laugh. This definitely had Garcia written all over it.

“I’m sure Rossi is thrilled with that hanging on his gate door,” Spencer laughed.

He took your hand and pushed the gate open into a pink and blue wonderland. 

You gasped as the two of you walked further into the backyard. Not only was the actual decorations and set up amazing, but the turnout was just as shocking.

The entire team was there; Emily Prentiss, Matt Simmons, his wife Kristy and all five kids—you’d specifically told Penelope that all the BAU kids were welcomed, you had a special place in your heart for them, just as she did.

JJ was there with her husband Will and her two boys Henry and Michael. Tara Lewis was there as well, always ready for a get together. Of course David Rossi was there as well with his third wife Krystall that he’d recently married again.

Luke and Penelope were of course in attendance, but what surprised you most was seeing the unexpected and surprise guests that Garcia had most definitely arranged to show up.

Former Unit Chief Aaron Hotchner was there with Jack, who was now taller than you. They both greeted you with a hug and their congratulations. Jack said he was mostly excited for cake and you couldn’t argue with that.

Derek Morgan, wife Savannah and little Hank Spencer Morgan had made it too. These kids were growing faster than you would like because now little Hank was 4 quickly approaching 5.

“Pretty boy!” Morgan greeted, hugging Spencer tightly, “It’s about time you became a father.”

You greeted Savannah and Hank, who was in his mother’s arms, suddenly a lot shyer than normal. After speaking to them both for a minute, they too went back to socializing with the others.

What was most surprising was seeing your parents and Spencer’s mom, Diana Reid.

“Mom! Dad!” you exclaimed, hugging them.

“Mom!” Spencer said, hugging Diana, “I’m so glad you could make it.”

“You think I was going to miss my grandbaby’s first party? I think not,” she grinned.

After greeting your parents, you hugged Diana yourself.

“It’s so good to see you Mrs. Reid,” you kissed her cheek.

It had been a little bit since you’d last traveled to Las Vegas with Spencer to visit her, not long after you’d married. Before that, you’d seen her at the wedding.

“Oh honey, you know I told you to call me Diana,” she beamed, “You’re the Mrs. Reid around here. How are you feeling?”

She rubbed a hand across your belly and you smiled.

“Feeling rather large, if I do say so myself,” you chuckled.

“Well there’s a good reason for that,” she winked, making your brows furrow in confusion.

Garcia was just on her way over to the three of you as Diana spoke and suddenly, she sped up, rushing over.

“Diana! How about I get you some punch and refreshments!” Garcia exclaimed, leading Diana away.

She turned to you and Spencer as she led his mother away.

“Take some time and look around before we do the reveal!” Garcia hollered.

“Come on, I wanna check things out,” you told Spencer.

You were beaming so big that he couldn’t help but chuckle and indulge you. He was pretty curious to check out everything too.

First off, there were pink and blue balloons everywhere. 

At the table where the food and refreshments were at, were gold letter balloons that spelled out the phrase Oh baby. 

The actual food spread was rather impressive too. There were finger sandwiches of chicken salad, turkey and ham, mixed nuts, vegetable plates with dip and of course, much to your delight was Alvez’s homemade salsa and guacamole, along with chips to dip. You’d be eating good this afternoon, that’s for sure.

The sweets were all gender themed, which was an adorable touch.

There were blue and pink chocolate covered strawberries, blue and pink cake pops—a mustache on the blue cake pop sticks and a bow on the pink ones—and hilariously enough, there were M&Ms in two bowls. One with peanuts were labeled Nuts and the other with plain was labeled No Nuts, hence the mystery of the baby’s sex.

“That’s ingenious,” Spencer commented, laughing, grabbing a handful of some.

There were blue plates with matching napkins and pink plates with pink napkins, along with alternating blue and pink jars that held the opposing color of plastic ware in them. 

At the very end of the refreshments table sat two huge glass jugs with spigots filled with blue and pink drinks. The blue was named Bouncing Blue Punch whereas the pink was Sweet Pink Lemonade.

“Wow, Luke and Penelope really went all out,” you gaped, amazed.

“And you haven’t even seen the best parts,” Garcia said, seemingly appearing out of thin air next to you, “Come on!”

She tugged on your arm excitedly, dragging you to another section of the party. You laughed, trying to keep up with her, looking behind you at a grinning Spencer who was following behind the two of you.

The first thing she had to show you, made you tear up thanks to the damn pregnancy hormones.

It was a canvas of animals in a little hot air balloon and the “balloons” were made up of thumbprints from all the guests, in the color of their guess of the baby’s gender. Even the kids had all done one.

There were a variety of pink and blue thumbprints, each one signed by the person. At the bottom of the canvas it read: Oh the places you’ll go.

“We all made our guesses and I put this together a week ago so it would be dry and ready to display for today,” Garcia beamed.

“I love it,” you said, your hand covering your mouth, still shocked at how beautiful it was, “Spence, this is going up in the nursery for sure.”

“Definitely,” he nodded, looking at it himself.

“This is amazing. Thank you, Garcia,” you breathed.

“Oh honey, we’re just getting started on the tour. Come on, there’s more to see.”

The next display was another interactive guessing game.

This was a chalkboard that read Twinkle, Twinkle, little star. How we wonder what you are!

One side of the board represented the boy votes and the other represented the girl votes.

“This is where everyone was able to vote as they came in with their guess,” she said.

You looked closer. So far a girl was winning by two.

“I also included two more interactive little games,” Garcia said, leading you to two more chalkboards.

One had Guess The Date written on it and the entire month of September written out. Your due date was approximately September 25th, which was listed at the top and sticky notes covered the dates of different attendee’s guesses on when the baby would arrive.

“Oh that is super cute,” you laughed.

Your eyes scanned over the numerous guesses.

Some had guessed as early as September 6th and others had guessed as late as September 30th.

“Pinterest, I’m telling you,” Garcia quipped.

The next board had a list of girls and boys names. Underneath the board and easel on each side was a basket, in the matching colors, slips of paper inside.

“This here is where the guests have tried to guess what your number one name for a boy and a girl is,” Garcia explained.

“So that explains why you asked for our top name for a boy and a girl,” Spencer mused.

“Yup.”

You looked at each column. There were a total of five names on each side.

The boys’ column included:

Carl

Aidan

Luke

Alexander

Matthew

The girls’ column included:

Daisy

Abrielle

Gabriella

Penelope

Paige

“Penelope? Luke?” you chuckled.

“Hey, for all they know you could be naming a kid after us!” she protested.

You smiled, seeing yours and Spencer’s top two picks on the lists—Abrielle for a girl or Alexander for a boy.

“Last but not least,” Garcia beamed, “You gotta see the cake. It’s amazing.”

The three of you walked to a table in the middle of the party where there were two chairs and a cake resting on the table.

“Obviously since it’s baby Reid, you two will be the center of attention,” Penelope said.

On the table was a beautiful cake decorated with blue and pink icing roses. One side was strictly pink roses and the other blue. The finishing touch was the various sized edible pearls that had been delicately placed in the center of each flower.

You audibly gasped.

“Penelope, it’s gorgeous!”

“Isn’t it though? I was in awe when I picked it up,” she commented.

“So the inside will be the reveal, right?” Spencer asked.

“Yes sir,” she smiled, “You guys ready to find out the gender?”

“Yes, please!”

You were practically bouncing on your heels like a child eagerly awaiting candy.

“First, I wanted to give you guys a little gift,” Garcia said, rushing over to the table where Luke sat, holding a gift bag.

“Garcia, you know we said no gifts!” you protested.

“Yeah, I know. But you know me,” she scurried back over, handing you the bag, “I can’t keep huge secrets.”

“What are you talking about?” you laughed, opening the bag.

Inside was a simple, cute, white baby onesie.

On the front, it said We’re having a baby! with the word baby scratched out.

“Why’s the word baby crossed out?” Spencer asked, peering over your shoulder at it.

He seemed to be just as puzzled as you were.

“Wait, there’s something else in the bag,” you observed, reaching in to pull out the second object.

It was a second white onesie that read Make that TWO babies!

“I couldn’t keep such a big secret obviously, so I told the entire team and they wanted to chip in on a present to announce it to you—this isn't all the gift though.”

You were stunned beyond belief and absolutely overjoyed.

“Twins?! Spence, did you hear that? We’re having twins!”

You turned to see your husband as white as a ghost, starting to sway.

“I-I-I think I need to sit for a moment,” he stammered, falling into the nearby metal folding chair.

“Spence, you okay?” 

You rushed to his side—as fast as your pregnant body would let you, that.

“Yeah, fine,” he muttered, still looking dazed, “Everything just started spinning there for a moment.”

Garcia was by his side with an unused paper plate, fanning him, just in case he was actually going to pass out.

The rest of the party’s eyes were on the spectacle, all of them clearly amused.

“Who knew the kid could create twins! Even his sperm is brilliant,” Derek hollered.

Everyone laughed at that and the fact that Savannah immediately stuck a sandwich in his mouth to quiet him.

“There are kids here, Derek!” she whispered loudly.

“Twins, huh?” Spencer asked.

The poor thing looked dumbstruck. 

“You sure you’re okay Spencer?” you asked, worried.

It’s like it took him a moment for it to finally sink in because he turned to you, a big grin on his face.

“Y/N, we’re having twins!”

He grabbed your face, kissing you, not caring about all the onlookers. You turned scarlet when he pulled away, a tad bit embarrassed that everyone was watching, but you were just as happy as him, so you couldn’t complain.

“My baby boy is going to have twins,” Diana smiled, coming over to wrap her son in a hug, “I was so excited when I heard that I almost ruined the surprise earlier!”

“Oh so that’s what you meant?” you asked, laughing.

That was definitely a good reason for you to be larger than normal. Your body was home to not one but two babies for the next little while.

“You knew, mom?” Spencer asked.

“Oh of course, Penelope called everyone,” Diana answered.

“You know I can’t keep a secret!” Garcia exclaimed, “This was my biggest one yet! It was the only way I could make it without bursting.”

“Speaking of everyone else,” JJ said, bringing up another, slightly larger gift bag, “This is from all of us, Hotch and Morgan included.”

“You wanna open it?” you asked Spencer.

He shook his head, indicating you could, so you did.

You pulled out a long, wood, plaque that read:

Our family is growing by

4 feet

and

2 hearts 

At the bottom, there was an engraving.

Reid Twins

It was absolutely perfect.

There were definitely tears on your end as you made your rounds hugging everyone and saying your thank yous.

You made your way back to the center table to Garcia, who you gave another huge hug.

“Thank you so much for putting together such an amazing party,” you said.

“It was my pleasure,” she smiled.

“Cut the cake already!” Both Jack and Henry hollered simultaneously, making everyone chuckle.

“I can’t argue with that, now can I?” you responded.

You managed to pull Spencer away from the conversation he was having with some of the guests and you both put your hands on the knife, cutting through the cake. It reminded you of your wedding reception, but this was ten times more exciting; you were expanding your family with the man you were in love with.

The entire backyard counted down.

“THREE!”

You looked over at Spencer, a big smile on your face. At this point, you didn’t think much more could surprise you than the news of having twins.

“TWO!”

He winked at you, silently reassuring you that no matter what the result, you two would raise these babies as a team.

“ONE!”

You both lifted up the slice, revealing a two layer cake; one layer was pink and one was blue.

“It’s a boy and a girl!” Spencer cheered.

You were pretty sure this day couldn’t get any better. 

You and Spencer would soon be welcoming fraternal twins; Abrielle Jade Reid and Spencer Alexander Reid. 

Little Abbie and Alex were going to be incredibly loved.

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[k7l4d4]

Midnight Striga: Fairy Tail/Owl House Cross Fic Episode 5 Part 2

Hello all, it’s me, back again with another chapter of the Midnight Striga!! I hope you all enjoy. Thank you.

“... And that’s everything I know about human anatomy.” Luz finished, as Gus eagerly wrote down her answer while the others watched in amusement. She quirked her eyebrow at the younger boy’s enthusiasm. For the past 20 minutes she’d been answering his questions as best she could, and each answer got her a huge grin, a bear hug at one point, and frantic scribbling across a notebook he had produced. It was like having a little brother, really, but less annoying… for now.

Clearing her throat, Willow decided to broach a topic that had been on her mind since they started this trip. “So, Miss Owl Lady, is it true that you’re cursed?” Willow carefully asked.

“Yup.” Eda bluntly replied. “One hundred percent.” She shrugged, unbothered by the question. “Not much I can really do about it, but I’ve learned to live with it.”

“So the legend is TRUE!?” Gus exclaimed, eyes wide with shock, and a little excitement.

Eda snorted. “Not hardly.” At the confused looks she got, even from King and Luz, Eda elaborated. “The general idea is right, but the whole thing is skewed.” Eda paused, glancing up at the sky. “I don’t know where the part about the Covens clambering for me in school came from, ‘cause it’s the first I’ve heard of that, unless they’re talking about the times they ambushed me to join at the early Coventions; that honestly just annoyed me, and it’s partially why I don’t like the things. If I’m gonna make a decision like that, it’ll be by myself, thank you!” She huffed, getting soft snorts from the others.

Grinning at her audience, Eda continued. “As for the whole ‘ego’ thing, I was already well-known troublemaker around Bonesburough, so even if it did go to my head, my behavior wouldn’t have changed at all.” This got nods of agreement from Luz and King, and looks of dawning understanding for Willow and Gus. Knowing what she would have to share next, Eda took a deep breath. “For my curse, I can tell you for fact that it wasn’t the Titan, or whatever cockamamy story the EC spread; a Witch cursed me. Specifically, they broke into my room and cursed me the day before try-outs for the Emperor’s Coven.” She said softly, provoking gasps from the group; shock from Willow and Gus, and outrage from her roommates, something that brought a smile to her face. Clearing her throat, she continued. “As for me denouncing the Coven System,” she said, making air-quotes, “All I did was say that Covens weren’t for me and forfeited my match for a spot in the EC.” She finished, gaining bewildered stares from the two Hexside Students.

“You gave up a spot in the Emperor’s Coven?” Willow breathed out, unsure if she was appalled or impressed.

“Why!?” Gus exclaimed, utterly flabbergasted by Eda’s decision.

Eda shrugged, indifferent to their confusion, but willing to explain. “Because I only cared about joining so I wouldn’t have to have any of my magic sealed. Plus,” She sheepishly rubbed her head, blushing lightly in embarrassment. “The other person actually cared about joining the Coven to help people. I could get the same outcome I wanted by not joining a Coven at all, but they wanted to make the world a better place. I’d say I made the right call.” She finished.

Willow and Gus were amazed. They still couldn’t really wrap their heads around her worldview, but the fact that she was willing to give up such a prestigious position that would’ve given her exactly what she wanted because her opponent had more selfless reasons… It was inspiring. King was bewildered; Eda’s motive for forfeiting went completely over his head, as he just couldn’t understand giving up power so someone else could get it, but he perfectly understood her view of being herself, no one could challenge the mind of the King of Demons. Luz… Luz was shocked, face gone white at what Eda had just said.

“Okay, wait a minute, back up. What did you mean, ‘seal your magic?’” Luz demanded, shaking with barely repressed anger.

Eda blinked. “Uh, I did tell you that joining a Coven means you can only use magic associated with it.” She pointed out. She was honestly a little shocked about how viscerally the kid was reacting, with Willow and Gus actually looking a little frightened at her reaction.

“You told me that, yes, but you didn’t tell me they actually made it IMPOSSIBLE!!” She shouted. She was furious. She had already thought the system here was pretty twisted, but this was beyond the pale.

“Well, how does the Human Realm do things?” Willow broached, hoping to change the subject. Gus nodded his agreement to her question, though more as a result of genuine curiosity. Eda herself was a little curious; the kid had mentioned offhandedly that the way the Boiling Isles did things was very different from back home, but never elaborated.

Luz snorted, feeling bitter. “That’s an understatement.” She inhaled, taking a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. Slowly dragging a hand down her face, she elaborated. “Back home, we have Guilds. Guilds basically act as a way for Mages to get work reliably; as part of a Guild, missions and requests are sent in, which a member can take to complete in exchange for a listed reward. Joining a Guild is neither permanent nor mandatory, it’s just a way to make things more convenient for Mages, that’s all.” She raised her head, looking them all in the eye. “Also, being in a Guild has no bearing on what type of magic you can use or know; while some Guilds may have certain requirements for joining, they are rarely, if ever, connected to what type of magic you know.”

“But how do you keep everything from falling to Chaos!” Gus exclaimed, mind whirling at the influx of information.

Luz shot him a flat look. “It’s not anarchy; we do have an overarching organization that deals with magic-related matters and crimes, but we don’t have anything cementing an absolute structure to things. If you break the law, whether you do so using magic or not, you still have to answer to law enforcement and will be punished. There’s just no reason to suppress or control magic to such an extent. Most people, whether they have magic or not, just want to live their lives, so forcing them into a particular system or group makes no sense.”

“But what about people mixing magic?” Willow asked.

Luz blinked. “What about it? It’s no different from using magic any other way.” She shrugged, not seeing the big deal.

“Well, some kids at school tried mixing magic, and caused chaos! They trashed a bunch of stuff and hurt some of the faculty!” Gus argued.

Luz raised an eyebrow, folding her arms. “And that’s different from any other day, how exactly?” She challenged, causing the two to blink. She continued. “The way you phrased it, they were being reckless; that’s a problem regardless of whether you know or are combining forms of magic. It honestly just sounds like they were trying to show off and went too far.”

“B-But, they wouldn’t have had those problems if they stuck with the magic of their track!” Willow insisted, though she would admit that it sounded fake, even to herself.

“And you know that how exactly?” Luz asked. When Willow clammed up, she added a little more. “Accidents happen, and people get hurt. Those exact same things had to have happened when your people first started practicing the magics that would form the Coven System.” As Willow and Gus seemed to fold in on themselves, Luz relented a little. “Look guys, nobody’s forcing you to learn more than one form of magic. Most people back home don’t learn more than one, either.” As the two perked up at that, she elaborated. “Just because you technically can learn every type of magic, doesn’t mean somebody wants to. People are always going to gravitate towards their personal interests, and that’s just a fact of life. That’s why I think the Coven System is crazy, because it’s putting an unnecessary restriction on people. But that’s besides the point, let’s talk about this sometime else, okay?” She pleaded, wanting to move on from the increasingly frustrating conversation.

“Yeah, as fascinating as this is,” Eda drawled, genuinely being fascinated by the debate, but wanting to get going, “We should really be moving along.”

With that, everyone started heading out.

A sickening crunch ripped through the air. A squelching sound and chewing could be heard as a lumbering figure peaked out of the shadows, teeth stretched into a bloody grin. A shadow darted across the area, silently slicing through the throats of unsuspecting Coven Guards. A Guard uselessly struggled in the air, a long coiled shape contorted around their body, slowly twisting their head to the side as it pulled at them, a snap soon being heard. Figures slowly prowled towards the Covention center, weapons gleaming.

Boscha growled, fighting the urge to snap at the elbows jabbing into her as she walked through the Covention, steadfastly ignoring the glares and whispers aimed her way. Trying to distract herself, she pulled out her Scroll. There were no new messages, aside from another blistering rant from Bo; it made sense, seeing as all of her old clique had blocked her. She snorted at that. It made sense after all, who wanted to deal with the psycho who spent nearly a week beating any and every demon they could find near senseless and had burned the throat of their “best friend.” 

Covertly palming her lighter, she subtly raised it to her lips, sucking in the delicate flame with a relieved sigh, the minty flavor balancing her nerves. She wondered if she might be forming a habit. At least she wasn’t lunging at fires to eat anymore, that had been pretty embarrassing. Glancing around, utterly disinterested in the bevy of Covens, she didn’t notice as she crashed into someone.

“Oof! Watch it you- YOU.” A familiar voice growled out. Glancing down, Boscha spotted the furious form of Amity sprawled down in front of her. Boscha slowly backed up, giving the girl room to pull herself to her feet. “Just what are you doing here?” Amity coldly demanded, crossing her arms. Her voice almost, but not quite, concealing the burning malice within. “I thought you always said Coventions were lame?”

“They are.” Boscha bluntly stated, relieved to be on a familiar topic. She shrugged. “But I’ve got nothing better to do, so I thought I might as well come and check it out. Nothing else going on today.”

Amity raked her gaze up and down the other girl’s frame, feeling a little frustrated at just how nonchalant she was asking. “You really don’t care, do you?” Amity muttered, feeling a smidge of disappointment. She turned a painfully steady gaze to Boscha’s face, locking eyes with her. “Do you really not care about what you did to Skara?”

“Since when do you care?” Boscha asked, feeling surprised. As much as she had previously claimed that she and Amity were friends, Boscha was painfully aware of how detached the girl was from the rest of the clique. As Amity’s face gained a dangerous look to it, Boscha winced at how, well, Bitchy she had sounded saying that. “Sorry, that came out wrong. I mean, since when did you really have a relationship with Skara that would make you ask like that?”

‘Boscha… apologized?’ Amity thought, feeling flummoxed. Steeling herself, a familiar indignation filling her, she focused on the rephrased question, answering it. “Since she came to my house bawling her eyes out into my shirt asking what she did wrong.” She uttered gravely, taking a bitter satisfaction at Boscha’s flinch.

“She-?” Boscha started, feeling a little shocked. She knew that she had hurt Skara, but this? Eyes turning downcast, she morosely uttered. “She’s better off without me in her life.”

“At least you recognize that.” Amity scathingly replied. She stepped close to Boscha, chin to chin almost. “I… have more regrets about my life than I’ll willingly admit, and have done things that kept me up at night from guilt. But you? You betrayed the trust of the person who cared about you the most in the world, not in your right mind or otherwise. So I’m only going to say this once.” She carefully tilted Boscha’s chin down so their gazes were level. “Stay. Away. From Skara.”

Pulling back, lightly dusting herself off, Amity turned on her heel. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a presentation to take part in.” She gave Boscha a backwards glance. “Have a nice day.” She said, almost as an afterthought.

Boscha sighed, morose at the confirmation that, yes, she was an awful friend. Still, at least she could use the Coven to distract herself from how crappy she felt. And hey, maybe Luz was here? ...Pfft! Nah! Chuckling to herself in a bitter tone, Boscha wandered through the Covention, steadfastly ignoring the looks, the whispers, the sneers. It wasn’t any different from her dreams really, just less graphic.

“And here we are!” Willow said, forcing a note of cheer into her voice. The conversation they had had prior still weighed on her and Gus, but they didn’t begrudge Eda or Luz any. It was just… a lot to take in. “The Bonesburough Covention center.” She stated, hands on her hips as Gus made an expansive, showy gesture next to her. She felt a hint of pleasure at the snort of amusement Luz gave at their theatrics.

As they made their way through the Covention, Luz quickly picked up on something. “Wait a minute, are these all, like jobs or something?” She asked, feeling bewildered.

“Uh, yeah?” Gus replied, feeling confused. “Isn’t that how those Guild things worked?”

Luz shook her head, still feeling a little surreal at the sight as she processed it a little more. “Not really? A lot of these Covens flat out don’t need magic at ALL! Heck, there’s a Baking Coven, why would you need magic to bake!?” She exclaimed, gesturing to the Coven stand in question.

The two Hexsiders glanced at each other, neither having ever really thought about it. They shrugged. Luz waved them off. “Forget it, I’ll just chalk it up to another reason why the way things work around here confuses me.”

“Yeah, that’s probably for the best,” Eda mused, honestly puzzled herself as she thought about all the Covens and how little some of them had to do with magic, or, in some cases, magic just made things more difficult. But the way Luz phrased it… She shook her head, not letting herself get sucked down the drain following that line of thought. “King already left to start squeezing these clowns for freebies, so what do you two dweebs want to do while we’re here?” She asked, lightly scratching at the bundled cloth holding her hair in place, turning to Gus and Willow as the target of her question.

The two turned to each other, starting up a whispered debate. This hadn’t really turned out how they thought it would. They had been so excited to show their friend some of their world… and she didn’t like it, moreover she nearly hated it! But, they could still have some fun, even if things weren’t how they expected. Turning back to Eda, a woman they had gained some respect for after learning a bit more of her past. “We could go see the Emperor’s Coven exhibit?” Willow offered, knowing that it would most likely be the most directly exciting thing here, even if Eda didn’t like the group. “I hear they have a special guest!”

“Maybe I’ll be able to get some members to sign my forehead!” Gus cheered, heedless of the sheepish looks from Willow and Luz, as well as Eda’s annoyance. The boy was utterly unshakable in his enthusiasm.

Eda snorted. “Ugh, fine! But if this all turns out to be boring, the three of you are manning my Stand for a week, got it?” She faux-threatened; she wasn’t really going to go through with it, but seeing them squirm was good for a laugh, even if it didn’t phase Luz.

With their plan set, the four headed into the center of the Covention, unknowing of the group creeping through the center, malicious grins all around.

[hockeylvr59]

Promises Part 6 || Auston Matthews/Morgan Rielly

Requested: [ ] yes [x] no

Authors Note: Another piece I have been sitting on partially completed for a decade and a half. This was not how I had planned on things going at first but well...my brain changed its mind and then this practically wrote itself. Team Auston v. Team Mo….let me know. ;)

Warnings: some cursing, illness, angst

Word Count: 3,245

~~~~~~

You’d spent the entire weekend ignoring Auston. Instead of spending your entire day at his place, you’d asked Maria to work daytimes and only gone over the evening that Auston had a game, arriving after he’d already left for the arena and settling into bed before he got home. You knew you shouldn’t be but you were still angry at him for the way he’d acted and the fact that he hadn’t even attempted to apologize. 

Tonight was your date with Morgan and you hadn’t been able to stop thinking about it. Your focus during class was at an all-time low and you spent every minute you had outside of class trying to decide what to wear. Morgan had said to wear something between casual and fancy and that was a very broad spectrum. Dresses had never been your friend, they always made you feel fat because they left your thick thighs and lower legs on display. Jeans were always what you felt most comfortable in but you weren’t sure if that was too casual. 

It was already three pm and you still had no clue what to wear. Flopping back onto your bed, you tried not to cry in frustration. Either you had the worst or the best luck because at that moment your phone rang, Ema Matthews’s name lighting up the screen. You sniffled a bit as you answered the phone and she quickly picked up on it asking if everything was okay. 

“I’m fine. Just hating my body right now.” The words had left your mouth before you could censor yourself and Ema’s motherly clucking reached your ears. 

“Does this have something to do with a certain date tonight?” She asked, tone slightly teasing but comforting at the same time. When you didn’t respond, feeling slightly guilty, you could hear her sighing softly. 

“You’re allowed to go out and have fun, y/n. I’m happy and excited for you. Morgan is a good guy who, from what I’ve heard, clearly adores you, he’ll treat you right. I know you have feelings for mi niño idiota (my idiot son) but give Morgan a chance.” 

“I want to...I’ve been thinking about the date all day. My silly self-conscious thoughts are currently taking over though because I’ve been struggling all day to figure out what to wear. I feel like jeans are too casual but dresses make me feel fat and I want to look good.” Your tone was defeated and you hated feeling this way but all attempts to push past it had failed thus far. 

Your phone vibrated in your hands and you couldn’t help but smile seeing that Ema had requested to switch to facetime. Accepting the request you adjusted your phone while wiping at your eyes. 

“Show me your closet dear. We’ll find you something to wear.” She assured you. You were grateful that she didn’t comment on your insecurities but instead simply wanted to find a solution. Your closet was a bit of a mess from digging through it off and on all day but you slowly scanned your phone around it to give Ema an idea of what you had. You were by no means a fashionista so there really wasn’t much of a selection. “Grab those teal pants.” Ema directed and you pulled out the hanger, laying it on your bed. They weren’t technically jeans but a little bit nicer of a pant and you wondered why you hadn’t thought about them before. 

Ema had you pick out a few blouses, showing her what they would look like with the pants and asking about which were ones you were more comfortable in. Eventually, she settled on a simple black blouse that had ¾ length sleeves. Since you weren’t much of a heel person she directed you to wear your black toms flats and after looking over your jewelry simply picked out a single strand pearl necklace that you’d been given for your undergraduate graduation. 

“What’s the weather like there today dear?” She asked and when you told her it was mid-40s she mentioned grabbing the tan cardigan that was also hanging in your closet as an extra layer in case you got cold. “You’re going to look beautiful. I’ll let you go so that you can do your hair and makeup even though you don’t need to. Take a deep breath and have fun.” She declared and following her direction you focused on your breathing. 

“Thank you, Ema...I really appreciate your help.” You murmured. 

“It’s not a problem. Make sure to send me pictures so that I can torture my son with them.” She teased causing you to laugh softly before assuring her that you would and hanging up. 

----

It was almost 5:30 before you had finished curling your hair and applying light makeup. Morgan was supposed to pick you up in half an hour and you still needed to change and calm your nerves. Quickly you turned some music on, wondering why you hadn’t thought of it before. The sound of the music caused you to relax a little and within fifteen minutes you were dressed. After applying some essential oils to your wrists and neck as perfume, you slid all your necessary items into a small crossbody purse and moved to the couch to wait for Morgan to arrive. 

Thankfully, a knock sounded on your door right at six and after mentally yelling at yourself to stop your hands from shaking you quickly moved to answer it, smiling as the tall defenseman appeared in front of you. He was wearing a simple pair of black pants and a grey button-up and his left hand contained a small bouquet of flowers. Looking him over your heart rate spiked and when his voice reached your ears commenting on how beautiful you looked you felt your cheeks flush with warmth. 

“You clean up well too, though everyone kind of already knew that.” You murmured, reminding yourself to breathe. 

“Oh, these are for you…” He trailed off, having realized that the flowers were still in his hand. Taking them from him you couldn’t help but smile and motioned for him to come inside while you moved to put them into a vase. 

“They’re beautiful, thank you.” You declared, cutting the steps quickly to arrange them while Morgan looked around your living room. With not really living there half the time it was pretty clean thankfully. Pictures of your family and a few of Owen and Auston are scattered around various surfaces and while it seems normal to you, you can’t help but worry that it will seem odd to him. 

He didn’t say anything as he finally came around to lean across the breakfast bar in front of you though. Tossing the excess stems, you wiped your hands on a dishtowel before setting the vase up on the counter of the bar. “All set.” You stated, moving around to the other side of the counter. Morgan’s hand slipped into the curve of your lower back in a guiding motion and after settling from the initial jolt you flushed as another feeling of pure warmth flooded up your spine. 

When you reached his car, Morgan opened the door for you and helped you in before heading around to the driver’s seat. As soon as he started the car, soft music flooded through the speakers and you smiled at the song that was playing over the radio. The drive to the restaurant was quiet but it wasn’t awkward and when you arrived Morgan gave his name to the hostess and the two of you were led back to a corner table. Its location hid you from prying public eyes and you were grateful because you’d surfaced in a few photos with Auston and the social media response hadn’t been so good. You didn’t want to think about what it would be like in a setting that was clearly a date. 

When the waiter came by the first time Morgan ordered wine for the two of you. Looking around the restaurant you smiled seeing that it was nice but not overly fancy to where it made you feel uncomfortable. Alone again, Morgan insisted that you order whatever you want and after it was clear that you’d made a decision he asked about school. Though you weren’t sure how this date would go, you were surprised at how easily you got along with Morgan. He was kind and attentive and his questions showed that he really was listening and interested in getting to know the bits of you that didn’t involve you taking care of his teammate's baby. 

As you sipped on wine and ate some of the best Italian food you’d ever had in your life, you chatted with Morgan about your childhoods, your interests and your plans for the future. In turn, Morgan shared stories about himself, making you laugh repeatedly and filling your heart with a feeling that you wanted so many more nights just like this. 

Morgan had been trying to convince you to order dessert, claiming that if you ordered it he could steal some but that his trainer wouldn’t have to know when your phone started ringing from inside your clutch beside you. It was a ringtone attached to Auston and you groaned audibly murmuring an apology to Morgan as you reached inside to stop the device from making noise. 

Auston had to know that you were on a date and it made you angry that now he was calling when he hadn’t bothered in days. The second you silenced your phone it rang again and when you declined the call immediately it rang a third time. Shaking your head you completely silenced your phone before tossing it back into your purse. From across the table, Morgan sent you a concerned look. 

“Auston is just being a pain. I’m sorry.” You murmured. The second the words left your mouth Morgan’s phone rang and after showing you that it was Auston calling him as well, Morgan answered. 

“Dude...she’s made it pretty clear that she doesn’t want to talk to you right now.” Morgan immediately stated but even from across the table you could hear the pained screams of a baby through the phone. 

“Put her on please…” Auston begged him and with a sigh Morgan handed the phone to you, both of you slightly alarmed by the sound of Owen in the background. “Fuck Y/N. I’m sorry. You’re pissed at me and you have every right to be but please...Owen has been throwing up and I don’t know what to do.” He murmured and you could hear the fear in his voice. Glancing across the table Morgan sent you a supportive nod and you sighed. 

“I’ll be there as soon as I can. Do you have a thermometer to take his temperature?” You questioned. Across the table, Morgan was flagging down the bill and by the time you were off the phone with Auston, Morgan was offering you a hand up from the table. 

“I’m sorry.” You whispered to him as you handed his phone back. “I can take an uber over if you want.” You added not wanting to drag him into the mess that seemed like it was going to continue to follow you despite how wonderful tonight had been. 

“Don’t be silly.” Morgan insisted, his hand falling to your lower back as he led you out of the restaurant. “Do we need to stop at a drugstore?” He questioned and you merely nodded at him, worry growing in the pit of your stomach. Owen was still so small and his immune system was even weaker than most babies due to the circumstances of his birth and not being breastfed. As you reached Morgan’s car, he simply pulled you close to him for a hug. “He’s going to be okay.” He insisted and within a minute you were tucked into his car as he drove to the nearest drugstore. 

When he pulled up out front, you promised that you would be back in just a minute. Morgan murmured to take your time and you quickly hopped out, bursting into the store to search for the aisles containing what you needed. After a few minutes, you had picked up some Pedialyte, a temporal thermometer, and a thing of baby pain reliever just in case. It wasn’t long after you climbed back into Morgan’s car before you had arrived at Auston’s building. 

With Morgan following, you headed upstairs and let yourself into Auston’s apartment, the sound of Owen screaming immediately filling your ears. Auston was attempting to rock him, standing in front of the tv and after dropping the shopping back to the couch, you immediately reached out for the infant. Auston didn’t hesitate in handing him over and you quickly dropped your lips to Owen’s head. He felt slightly warm but not overly so, but the fact that he had been throwing up worried you more than anything. Rubbing his back you just tried to soothe him, the ache in your stomach growing even more. 

“Can one of you open the thermometer for me and can the other fill up one of Owen’s 4 oz bottles with some Pedialyte?” You questioned. It seemed like it was only then that Auston realized that Morgan had come with you though he obviously had known the two of you had been out together. Thankfully though, neither said a word as they worked to do what you had asked, everyone’s efforts fully on taking care of the baby. 

Owen’s screams had quieted a little bit by the time Morgan handed you the thermometer and after running it across Owen’s forehead you sighed in relief. He had a slightly elevated fever but it honestly wasn’t anything to be too concerned about though he did seem paler than normal. 

“Shhh.” You attempted soothing him once more, this time singing softly to him until his eyes were peering up at you but not a sound fell from his lips. “That’s a boy.” You praised, now noticing Auston standing behind you with the small bottle. “Let’s see if we can get you to drink a little something. It’ll make you feel better.” You murmured and after adjusting him in your arms you offered him the bottle. The moment he saw it he started fussing again and you bit your lip, thinking. It took a few more tries for him to take it but when he noticed that it wasn’t his normal drink he sucked eagerly. 

“Hey, Auston...bring me his formula?” You requested and though he seemed puzzled Auston did just that. Looking over the side of the container you gasped and everything suddenly made sense. “When did you pick this one up...and from where?” You questioned. Though Auston answered it was clear that he didn’t understand why you were asking. 

Handing the container back you murmured for him to look at the date and when he did he cursed softly. “Language.” You reminded him softly, just grateful that Owen seemed to at least be feeling a little bit better now. You knew Auston was now blaming himself and you sighed, brushing your fingers over the light hair on Owen’s head. “It’s not your fault Auston...but it is something you need to be aware of in the future.” The formula was nearly a year expired and after seeing Owen’s behavior you were certain that it had been making him feel sick which was why he’d been throwing up. 

“You need to take it back to the store and demand a replacement.” You directed. “Maybe not tonight but if you don’t have any other formula that’s good then you do need to get something because he can’t drink Pedialyte all night.” For one little feeding, it was okay, it would keep him hydrated and settle his stomach but it was not going to give him the nutrition he needed to be used any longer than that. 

With a sigh, Auston murmured that he would be right back and you heard him grab his keys and wallet before walking out the door. It was only once he was gone that you sat down with Owen on your lap now babbling happily since he had finished the Pedialyte. Once you were seated you felt Morgan approach before sitting next to you. 

“I’m sorry our date was ruined.” You whispered, not wanting to startle the infant who was slowly drifting off, exhausted from his screaming fit. 

“Our date wasn’t ruined…” Morgan insisted, his hand resting gently on your knee as he watched you care for Auston’s child. “You love him don’t you?” He questioned after a moment. 

“Of course I love Owen...he’s pretty hard not to love.” You declared, kissing his soft head and smiling as he clung tighter to you in response. 

“That’s not what I meant and you know it. You love Auston.” Morgan stated softly causing you to sigh. 

“It wouldn’t matter if I did Mo.” You breathed, though you were slightly uncomfortable talking about it. “I’m on a date with you, aren’t I? Or at least I was…” You trailed off. 

“Hey….it’s okay.” Morgan insisted. “Just because you love Auston doesn’t mean that we can’t enjoy our time together. And if I can help you make Auston see sense well then all the better. You’re a special woman y/n. You deserve to be happy.” He declared and you watched as he rubbed a large hand over Owen’s back. “And even if I can only make you happy for right now...well that’s at least something.” 

Turning your head you couldn’t help but take Morgan in for a moment, he was such a wonderful man and you really didn’t know how to process everything he’d just told you. Leaning forward you pressed your lips against his lightly, feeling him smile against you. “You’re gonna make some woman very very lucky someday.” You assured him. 

“Does that mean I can make you happy until then?” He questioned teasingly. 

“If you’re willing to deal with all of this bs...I’d like nothing more Mo.” You murmured, kissing him softly once more, letting it linger until you pulled away needing to breathe. 

“Perfect. Do you know how to skate yet?” Morgan questioned looking shocked when you admitted that you didn’t. “Then that’ll be date two.” He declared, bright smile on his face. “Are you staying here tonight or going home?” He asked after a moment and you sighed thinking about it. On one hand, you were certain Owen was going to be fine, on the other you weren’t so sure Auston wasn’t still going to be freaking out which would cause Owen to feel unsettled and upset. Seeing the look on your face, Morgan kissed you one final time before standing up. 

“Stay here tonight. Make sure the little dude is okay and that Auston doesn’t lose his mind. I’ll call you tomorrow.” He stated, his hands dropping to fall into his pockets. “I had a really good time tonight. So don’t go overthinking it.” He teased, causing you to nod in agreement, standing up to see him out. 

Once Mo was gone, you laid Owen down in his crib before collapsing back onto Auston’s couch. Tonight had just made everything even more complicated and you groaned unsure of how all of this was going to play out. 

Chapter outfit: 

[capricornus-rex]

Two Sides of the Coin (14)

Chapter 14: First Conscious Moments | Jidné Sheedra x Cal Kestis

Summary: Hell-bent on exacting revenge and retrieving the Holocron, the dreaded Darth Vader is now on the hunt for the young Jedi Knight, Cal Kestis. Under the assumption that he still possessed the artifact, while fueled by the intrigue of the boy’s strength and skill with the Force, the dark lord hires the bounty hunter, Jidné Sheedra, to track him down and have him delivered alive. However, the task becomes a trial for young Jidné, as she faces a conflict that tests her beliefs of a scarred past she had hidden for so long.

Also tagging @berenilion @silver-is-in-too-many-fandoms @justtinfoley @stellar-trinity @justtinfoley @peterwandaparker @justtinfoley @superwarsofthrones @queen-destenie @calgasm @cal-jestis @ayamenimthiriel @calsponchoemporium @sweeetteaa @fallenjedii​

Also in AO3

Tags: Fem OC, Jidné Sheedra, Force-Sensitive! Fem OC, Bounty Hunter! Fem OC, Jedi! Fem OC | Special tags for this chapter: Youngling! Jidné Sheedra, Nomara Anesh, Jedi Master! Fem OC, Togruta! Fem OC,

Chapters: 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10 – 11 – 12 | Previous: Part 13 | Next: Part 15 | Masterlist

14 of ?

JEDI TEMPLE, CORUSCANT

Nomara has returned to Coruscant with little Jidné along. Never has she ever been this careful, ignoring the ache of her arm as she held the swaddled child while her free hand steered her ship—with the partial assistance of Evy—until she landed on the east bay of the Jedi Temple. Nomara marched towards the main entrance of the grand temple while shielding the baby with her other wide sleeve, worried that the unusually strong wind might prick her little eyes.

Upon her entry to the temple, she was greeted by Master Yoda, the little sage being waddled with the aid of his cane. The green Jedi noticed the precious cargo in the Togruta’s arm.

“Back so soon, are you, Master Anesh,”

Nomara bowed curtly in return, “I’ve been only gone for a day and a half, Master Yoda,”

Yoda took notice of the swaddled bundle in the Togruta’s arm a second time. A weak smile managed upon his ancient face.

“Something precious with you, you seem to have brought, hmmm?”

An eager grin stretched upon the young Togruta’s face, she knelt down to his level, and then unfurled a portion of the swaddle that covered Jidné’s face. The child cooed at the sight of Master Yoda’s face—curious and delighted at the same time—the old master chuckled while being in the presence of something so small yet seemingly strong.

Yoda inquired about the child’s origin planet, Nomara indulged the old master with the goings on in Eshyn, he expressed his awareness of the planet’s state as he was also informed during council meetings.

“I swore to her mother that she’ll be taken care of,” Nomara reiterated.

“I understand. Trained and cared for, she will be. A good Jedi, she will grow into.”

Upon those final words, Nomara glanced on Jidné again; she afforded a hopeful look at the child’s face and she was greeted with an infectious, angelic smile—the young Togruta wholeheartedly agreed with the elderly master, she could almost imagine Jidné growing up as a Padawna and then a Knight.

When Yoda offered to summon the caretakers, Nomara politely refused and insisted she deliver Jidné to the children’s ward herself. Yoda caved, they ended up walking together to their destination, bowing to greet those whoever comes in their way.

Nomara was pretty sure that she had sensed it: Yoda’s cautious examination of how she behaved towards him regarding Jidné. Attachment was forbidden to the Jedi, since time immemorial that has been one of the primary lessons embedded into younglings’ minds the moment they can comprehend words. However, Nomara’s notion differed from the Council’s, stemming from the like-mindedness of her master, Loriq Caius—he was more inclined to learning the ways of the “Living Force,” an ideology that he and Master Qui Gon Jinn shared and often find one another in concurrence.

Upon their arrival of the children’s ward, a caretaker slowly approaches the Jedi with the child in hand and transfers Jidné into her arms; for a moment, the baby squirmed and cooed a worried tone to which Nomara quickly hushed softly, comforting the child before being held by someone else. Shortly after the separation, Master Caius himself enters the ward.

“Master Caius!” the Togruta exclaimed.

“I heard news that Nomara has returned quite so soon—with a youngling at that—I just wanted to check on my old apprentice,”

“I’m well, Master. And you?”

“Likewise,” Caius leisurely answered.

The banter was abruptly cut off because Jidné’s fussing had caught all of those in the ward, all heads turned to the child. Loriq got the hint. He examined the child who’s settled in that tiny pod of a bassinet while being bottle-fed. From where he stood, he can sense the Force rippling out of the child in an overwhelming magnitude that it’s unusual to see it from one so tenderly young; he rubbed his bearded chin as he joined the others’ observation of the toddler.

The caretaker approached the Jedi.

“With all due respect, Jedi, it is time for the children’s midday slumber. May I request you to exit the ward?”

The three Jedi obliged and bowed at the caretaker who returned the gesture. The room dimmed as soon as they left the room. Yoda excused himself and went the other way; Nomara was now left with her master by the door.

Ever since Loriq saw the child in the nursery and felt her Force ripple, he sensed something else—from Nomara. It’s as if the amount of Force that Jidné exuded, Nomara’s body—although unconsciously—repeats it, like soundwaves resonating with one another. Before the Togruta could walk away, the master gently tapped her shoulder.

“Nomara, do you have a moment?”

Promptly, the Togruta turned around and faced her master. Standing close to Loriq, she never realized that she was nearly as tall as him, with her montrals boosting her height just three inches more until its tips go past his head—memories of her youth reminded her of how she always had to tilt her head in order to look at him in the eye, but now that she’s grown, she didn’t need to take a pace backwards to see him eye-to-eye.

“Something on your mind, Master?”

“You sense something within the child,”

“Yes, the Force is strong with her that… just by looking at her, it’s overwhelming,”

“In addition to that, Nomara, I’m sure you’ve sensed it as well,”

The former, now-grown apprentice doesn’t follow. She pulled her eyebrows together, shooting a puzzled look at her master and wordlessly asking him to elaborate. Loriq decided to rephrase himself, he shifted and began to walk, Nomara followed by his side as they spoke

“I’d like you to recollect your feelings when you saw the child,” Loriq craned his head to Nomara, who kept her eyes ahead. “Search your feelings.”

Eventually, Nomara narrated everything that she saw in Eshyn—beginning with her meeting with Sentuk until taking Jidné with her, as well as what she felt from the little girl. She explains the feeling as a closeness of sorts, as though the pure feeling always finds its way to her, and then she’d resonate with the child—this occurred constantly ever since she and Jidné touched hands upon meeting.

“It’s only natural for two Force-sensitive to have a sort of connection, however, the difference is that connection grows over time. As for you—and Jidné, I suppose—it’s different, unusual even. The ripple is strong, perhaps the better would be ‘current’ given the magnitude of your Force energies’ convergence.”

“I’m not sure if I’m accurate, but are you implying that two Force-individuals may already forge a connection despite how briefly they just met? Do their energies bounce back one another, like a wave?”

“Perhaps. Whichever it is, it’s a rare Force-sensitive trait. I might have to meditate on it soon,”

The sage Jedi Master stopped walking in place, they ended up standing by the tall window overlooking the city and continued their conversation there with enough privacy. Loriq read Nomara’s silence as an eagerness to watch over the child, given that the first chain links of their bond have already closed. Instead of dismissing the gradual attachment between his apprentice and the youngling, he encouraged her with an open mind.

“The Force is telling you something about and through this child, Nomara. I implore you to allow your insights to serve you well, as I have taught you,”

“I’ll keep in mind, Master,”

——————————————————–

26 BBY

Over the years, Nomara has become a frequent audience member in the arena where the younglings—the prospective Initiates and Padawans—undergo their formal training and education. A single session is equally distributed between typical classroom lectures and application, the latter being the children’s favorite part. The Togruta always keeps a watchful eye on Jidné from the stands, but kept herself subtle; she’d often find herself in the company of the other masters—even the members of the Council themselves—as they observed the children from a distance.

Jidné, now seven years old, has made friends with the male Nautolan named Brese, and another human female, Leane. Each child was just one year apart from the other—but Jidné was the one in the middle—the small age gap made it much easier for them to get along. Master Tera Sinube was today’s proctor, he stood at the center of a ring of excited children who couldn’t stay still with their practice sabers in hand.

Tera Sinube tapped the floor with the end of his cane, “Youngling, younglings! Settle.”

The murmurs of the children died down, allowing Master Sinube to begin his session. He briefed them about the practical application of today’s lecture: performing basic lightsaber stances while balancing their dependence on the Force. Everyone in the chamber sensed some of the children’s gradual anxiety, it felt like too big a task for them to juggle between two abilities—one physically, and mentally for the other—including Jidné and her friends.

“Now, now,” Sinube hushed. “I understand that it may sound and look difficult, but remember: if you let the Force guide you, it will come to each and every one of you like second nature. As easy as breathing, if I may so!”

Sinube decided to encourage the class with a volunteer, when nobody stepped forward after twenty seconds have passed, the old proctor decided to find one himself. He followed the line that the children formed, some of them followed him with their heads or eyes while the others stared blankly straight into random portions of the room to avoid eye contact. While the search for a volunteer continued, the Jedi Knights Mace Windu and Shaak Ti stopped by to do some observing as well.

“Master Windu, Master Ti,” acknowledged Nomara.

Her greeting was returned by the two knights. Shaak Ti stood closer to her fellow Togruta by the stands—they were very alike physically, but their unique markings and clothes distinguished one from the other—they watched the session take place by the rails. The Jedi Master asked Nomara what’s already transpiring, the younger Togruta was happy to fill her in with the details.

Windu, on the other hand, stood by the banister though at a few inches away from the pair. His perpetually-furrowed eyebrows looked upon the gathered children surrounding the single proctor, he watched the older Jedi below circle the group of children with crossed arms and a curious scowl.

“Jidné?”

Despite Master Sinube’s gentle tone, the girl was still startled by the mention of her name. She looked to her friends and they subtly bobbed their heads, prompting her to move. She had no choice but to step forward, both hands clutched around the practice saber’s sleeve; Jidné’s nervous eyes found Tera Sinube returning to the center of the circle, patiently waiting as he leaned on his cane for support, then her gaze panned left and right, and then up and down—searching for some sort of visual signal to calm herself.

Her eyes found a pair of near-identical Togrutas standing next to each other at the stands, but her eyes focused on the one whose montrals had indigo patches snaking along the tapering, white tendrils. Somehow, she recognized that Togruta, and all of a sudden, the queasy stomach she had disappeared.

“Jidné, are you ready?” Sinube checked.

“Yes, Master Sinube,”

“Very good. Now, take your saber and put yourself in a stance, any stance,”

The little girl took a deep breath before buckling her knees and holding her saber in a defensive stance. The old Jedi commended the child. Moments later, he summoned an older child, a blond boy whose age may play along the line of twelve or thirteen—with a single glance of the thin braid hanging behind his ear, everyone knew that he was a Padawan.

“Alright, let’s do some light sparring—while keeping in mind the lessons we learned today,” Sinube placed his hand on the blond boy’s shoulder and gently shepherded him to the spot where he stands. “Paz, you may begin with Jidné here.”

“You ready, Jidné?” Paz checked before positioning himself in a stance.

The little girl nodded, following the words of the lecture and then putting it to play. At the first few seconds of the spar, Jidné anticipated the bigger kid’s attack—she got lucky by evading Paz’s lunge by deflecting his strike, holding for a few seconds, and then pull away to recompose herself for the next attack.

This was only the beginning. Janky strikes between the two children filled the room with the blinding lights of the sabers once clashed, both Jidné and Paz with a novice’s footwork before trading strikes; the other younglings who stood close in the action as the two sparred gave way and then returned when they’ve gotten farther.

As the sparring continued, Nomara brings her chin between her two fingers as she watches the action below ensue—it’s evident she was on edge just by spectating from the stands. The other Togruta dismissed the young Seeker’s mannerism as intrigue—as one would when observing something energetic. As for Master Windu, ever so direct of a man, took note of this too, but didn’t come as gently as Shaak Ti does.

“You seem to have your eye on that girl over there,” Mace Windu points out.

“It’s because I was the one who discovered her,” Nomara spoke with a degree of pride, her private smile was just one inch shy of being a grin.

Jidné eventually came to a point where she used a little bit of the Force out of impulse—outstretching her open hand at him caused him to stagger a few paces back from her. When she succeeded, she bought the opportunity to deliver a flurry of blows; it invigorated her when she pulled off a spinning deflect—a heat of the moment sort of thing, despite being a basic spin—which denied Paz a hit on her when he thought he found a window of opportunity.

The other masters continued their observation, Jidné and Paz’s sparring passively encouraged the other children. It concluded when both children had each other at swordpoint—their sabers hovering mere inches above the shoulder. Jidné and Paz quickly retracted their sabers and bowed while facing each other, a customary greeting amongst the Jedi, old and young alike. Tera Sinube hushed the excited children squirming in place and commanded them to settle down, promising them their own chance to spar.

Jidné and Paz were allowed to catch a breather while the other children prepare themselves, Tera Sinube briefly lectured the children again—reminding them of the practicalities of the assignment so as not allow the excitement cloud their senses. While waiting, the little girl surveyed the stands above them, she angled her head where she spotted the Togrutas together and searched for the one with the particular montral pattern.

There you are… Jidné thought, fixating her eyes on the younger-looking Togruta.

Nomara sensed Jidné’s gaze piercing her, she slightly craned her head to the side where the girl and boy sat and waited. Despite their distance from one another, the Togruta flashed a small smile as her eyes met with the girl’s once more.

[aetherical-cosmos]

The Horrors We Bear: Part 2

(⚠ Trigger warning! Death, autopsy procedures, possible post-gore)

I felt I was at a complete loss.

I performed her autopsy, only to find that her lungs were full of water that was not native to Ul'dah but to the western Thanalan area, Vesper Bay to be precise. The silt and clay-like sediment there was slightly caked around her bronchioli and I couldn't really see any other cause of death but drowning. There was only a slight bit of blood in her lungs, possibly from vessels bursting as she inhaled so much water and the over-contracting of her lungs to dispel it. I chalked it up to a classic case of someone drowning her and left it at that.

Who would've done this to someone so young and full of life? Her name was Serena Torwyn. She belonged to a family who loved her. She had friends who were now mourning her loss. A wealthy merchant's daughter, she was in the prime of her life enjoying privileged luxuries but also made her mark in the world as a philanthropist and charitable towards those less fortunate. She was also engaged. However, what didn't escape me before learning this knowledge was the absence of said ring though it was obvious it was something she wore daily by the intention left upon her skin. Nothing of her past suggested anything but an honest, hard work, eager student to learn her family's craft in the jewel trade in order to see it succeed for her own goals. To have that all cut so short so senselessly began to make my blood boil.

My assistant Sera had been taking my notes as I guide her through the entire exam. I checked her eyes, they were milky white with the luster of death. I also checked her body for any other possible wounds, anything that would lead me in a possible direction for better evidence. Nothing. Defeated about this whole ordeal, I sent my entire lab staff home to be with their families so that I might have a bit more peace and quiet to concentrate on this case. All of the signs pointed to a malicious drowning; this was an angry death. I felt it in my bones as I started to cover her back up and place her body back within to cold storage.

The only way I'll know about the actual death is to retrieve some kind of evidence from the bay. Damn my lack of learning how to swim! Dad, Uncle Ivar, Uncle Reese? My brothers? I'm sure they'd be willing to lend a hand.

After such a long morning of trying to figure out what was to come of Serena's case the very next day, I felt I was at a complete loss.

As I sit here at my desk as I mentally prepare for the Torwyn autopsy, I just stare at the blank parchment in which I would start the preliminary findings of my report.

Vesper Bay in Thanalan is quite deep, despite how tranquil and inviting the surface of the water looks, and what evidence I've been able to gather from Serena's autopsy gave me samples of plant life and silt and debris that are not common to Horizon or even outside of Ul'dah. When running the samples that came from her lungs with local bodies of water, Vesper Bay was the closest match. Dad and Uncle Ivar braved early morning fog in order to get to the bottom of the bay and retrieve some samples of the mud and silt.

We had an absolute match.

So, what happened?

I start the autopsy with eagerness to retrieve the evidence needed; my findings collaborate that she was alive when she went into the water, as a fine white foam was found in her airways; the water that had eventually resurfaced and was churned while in the process of trying to be exuded from the body. This happens shortly after death, when the brain is still providing electrical impulses to the rest of the body as it struggles to stay alive without support from the heart or other vital organs.

I make a small incision with my scalpel at the lower area of her left lung, taking care that it doesn't collapse while I hold my finger over the cut to place a small glass tube into it to filter out the contents within. A collapsed lung was messy business and would disrupt whatever evidence may still be in her lungs in order to properly diagnose a CoD and retrieve evidence. The silty liquid within would filter out into a small bucket at the side of the table I kept her on. I'd do the same with the other lung once I gently pushed upon it to make certain that all of the liquid was expelled before I could perform the procedure.

I begin to cut through the layers of her skin and lungs to find that her bronchioli are covered and surrounded with tiny spores, speckles of mud and mold here and there, and lots of silt. He must've had her at close to the bottom when she took her last breath, whether it was shallow or deep water...the silt was the same throughout the bay floor. There is a larger amount of blood in her lungs, moreso than what would normally be found from a drowning. I follow the path through her nose and lower throat to the lungs and see nothing out of the ordinary.

Her lower throat was quite swollen from asphyxiation. I found it curious that a piece of that thick bay kelp was sitting around her throat when her body was brought back to the lab. Could the drowning have resulted from that?

My assistant, Sera Kierney, documents my findings as she remains with me. She's probably one of the few people in this office that has legible handwriting aside from myself and often I have her write out the obituaries for the deceased as she delivers them to the various city-state news criers for me. She's a very special girl, near and dear to my heart as her kindness towards her fellow man just completely astounds me. She sees me smile at her, she remains a safe distance away from me to protect herself from injury or infection.

"Is something wrong, Dr. Nicholaides?" She could always read my concerns like she had a sixth sense for it.

"Honestly, this death...it was angry, violent. I can't help but feel a screaming at the back of my mind that is nagging me forward to discover more about what had happened to her. Listen, Sera, the Sultansworn are requesting this report personally because they believe that the current investigation of certain Syndicate members could be partially related to this case. Whatever findings we come across will be presented to the Sultansworn as evidence. Don't say anything, this particular case has to be 'by the book' politically and if they're involved, this will be one way to find out."

Sera nodded. I could hear her continuing to scrawl out the dictation from me. I could trust her to know that everything I said would be recorded verbatum. "Dr. Nicholaides, this is technically my first time recording a drowning. Would we need to take any special care to the terminology that we use so that way it's easily understood by the officers reading the report?"

Gods, Sera. This is why I chose you.

"Yes. We need to make this as layman as possible for them to understand. Not everyone is familiar with our vocabulary. Medical definitions probably won't be as easily understood by the law enforcement officials as they are for the medical community. So, let's begin with proper, basic procedure about how to diagnose a CoD properly."

I take a deep breath, still inspecting Serena's inner organs for any other clues.

"Alright, let's start with the given obvious:

Drowning: suffocation due to immersion of the nostrils and mouth in a liquid.

Qualifications of Drowning:

• the mechanism of death is complex and varies somewhat with circumstances. It is not simply an asphyxiation due to suffocation in a liquid.

• immersion of the nostrils and mouth is the minimal requirement, typically the entire body is submerged in the liquid.

• the liquid is most commonly water but drowning can occur in any liquid e.g. beer, wine, or some other chemical solution.

Mechinism of Death:

Drowning in the aspirated water is rapidly absorbed from the alveoli into the circulation producing an expansion of blood volume, haemodilution and haemolysis. Within three minutes of submersion is circulatory overload, hyponatraemia and sodium/potassium imbalance together with myocardial hypoxia resulted in a dramatic collapse of systolic pressure quickly followed in the majority of cases by ventricular fibrillation.

In the case of Serena Torwyn, there is terminal pulmonary oedema:

Phases of Drowning:

1. Submersion is followed by struggle which subsides with exhaustion and drowning begins.

2. Breath holding lasts until carbon dioxide accumulation stimulates respiration resulting in inhalation of water.

3. Gulping of water coughing and vomiting is rapidly followed by loss of consciousness.

4. Profound unconsciousness and convulsions are associated with involuntary respiratory movements and the aspiration of water. Respiratory failure precedes heart failure in one-third of cases it is coincident in one-third and follows it in the other third.

5. Death occurs within 2 to 3 minutes. Death is almost invariable when the period of submersion exceeds 10 minutes.

Pathological findings thus far:

Foam in the airways;

Emphysema aquosum - The lungs are voluminous/bulky/ballooned. The pleural surface has a marbled appearance with grey-blue to dark red areas interspersed with pink and yellow-grey zones of more aerated tissue. They feel doughy and pit on pressure. On sectioning there is a flow of watery material. The appearances reflect active inspiration of air and water and cannot be reproduced by the passive flooding of the lungs with water.

Foreign material in airways, lungs and stomach - sand, kelp and silt are found in all airways;

Middle ear and mastoid air cell hemorrhage;

Along with the above listed, she was asphyxiated with the assailant behind her and pulling his force backward with an unidentified object's impression left against the skin of her throat and causing massive contusions from the collarbone to jawline areas."

Sera nodded as soon as I had finished speaking. "That sounds very thorough, Dr. Nicholaides. Is there anything else you'd like to add before I start to close this documentation?"

I had to stop and think about it for a moment. I shook my head. "No, none that I can think of, sweeting. I very much appreciate your diligence in making sure the wording is correct."

It was odd that all I could think of was the vision I received when I retrieved her body the night before as I began to close the chest cavity, weaving a fine twine in and out of her flesh as I tried to mend it together as best I could. Once I was done with that, to prevent what bleeding the body had left to do as it wasn't going to mend from the surgery, I peeled off my gloves and pulled out a large, thick, padded gauze to wrap Serena's cold body within to soak up any possible blood that would've leaked. It would've made for bad form if, during the funeral, blood started seeping through her clothes. I couldn't have a poor grieving family seeing such a gruesome sight after the traumatic loss of a loved one.

My assistant pulled out the appendage extensions, sliding them from underneath the main table as we propped Serena's arms upon them. I'd double check them to make sure there wasn't anything I didn't take note of. From there, Sera pulled her arms out, streamlining them above her head as we began rolling her torso, rotating her entire body so that it was a decent wrap. Once we felt content that we had used enough gauze, I used a bonding agent against some parchment paper to seal the gauze against her body to seal in any moisture.

Once I was finished with my work, I was exhausted. The intricate networks of nerves, tendons, and connective tissues are a map of frustration. Sera and I pushed the appendage extensions back underneath the main of the table, picking up her body, putting back on the gurney and wheeling it back to the cold storage. We pulled the metal pull-out ledge out just enough to place her body back upon it as carefully as possible. 1...2...3...we picked her body up via bedsheet and placed her back flatly upon it. Sera was tender in the handling of this young woman's body, being the utmost respectful as she wrapped the sheet back around Serena as if she was tucking her into bed. We pushed the metal ledge back into the cold storage door, Serena's body vaulted within.

I looked down at my clothes, thin cotton tunic and loose color-matching pants. I took off the layer above that as it had a few tiny amounts of blood on it. Instead of sending it to the laundry I just simply discarded it as I began to wash my hands, my thoughts drifting to how we were going to retrieve more evidence I needed from the bay. All I could think about was the cold water to running over the skin of my fingers as I tried to clear my mind. I looked down at my right index finger for a moment, thinking in parallel about where Serena's had cut off at the top digit. I shivered and shut the water off, flinging the water from my hands into the basin as I looked about for a towel. The soft cotton against my skin gave me a sort of odd comfort for a moment.

I walked back to my office and pulled my white lab coat around me. I had several, but this one was my particular favorite as it had "Zarabeth Corynne Nicholaides, Physician/Medical Examiner" monogrammed upon the area between my shoulder and breast. It also carried a few pins: my graduate pin from the academy labeling me a doctor, my honors pin from the place within my class I had graduated, and a commendation from the various city-states in Aldenard for my dedication to my job. One last one was there as it was an amethyst in a gold setting, heart-shaped and engraved "With Love, Daddy and Momma". I looked at it a moment and smiled, I hoped that I had reached that point in my life where they both had finally accepted my path of choice...I at least knew Daddy had. He's already once seen me hard at work, especially while I was comforting a grieving family.

Sera insisted on remaining to clean up the surgery theater. I couldn't help but smile. She knew that I had wanted to get out as soon as I could to take my first breather of the day though the sun was completely set. "Go on, I got this", she'd reassure me. I nodded, "You know how to get a hold of me if you need me for anything. As always, thank you so very much for all of your hard work Sera...it's very highly appreciated."

I walked out, locking her in as I always did. I nodded to the two Flames guarding the office door and took the short route to Iria's office in the Lavender Beds.

I had a sneaking suspicion that this particular case was going to be a difficult obstacle to overcome in the weeks and months ahead and I had to do everything I could to prepare myself mentally for it. I had mental endurance for days but, unlike the typical cases I usually handled on a day to day basis, this one was, I knew for a fact, going to be far more complex than anything that was routine for me. I could only hope that the mental acumen and investigative practices the law enforcement officials of the realm could meet the expectations and succeed the faith the public places into them to find the guilty party and bring them to justice. Time would only tell what was in store for me as the investigation started to unfold. My question wasn't one of whether or not I was prepared, but moreso of what would linger with me in the coming days ahead. It was an obvious given that this case would be a memorable one whether I chose to commit it to memory or not.

Someone would eventually be brought to justice with blood on their hands, and I would eagerly await the opportunity to learn of whom was the guilty party.

[hugotontheonbiquiffinarians]

Arthur & The Myth of Sisyphus

(Arthur/staircase juxtaposed to Sisyphus/rock)

As disclaimer, this may be a generalised statement/inductive analysis, not unique to his diegesis. Will probably be too verbose for some to read, but writing is organic as breathing for me and if I don’t discuss my beautiful clown husband at length, I might very well be caught with a bruised and desiccated lung lol (as you can probably tell, academia is hæmorrhaging into my casual diction)

I’m typing this, more or less, to illustrate my (possibly exhausted) perspective on how significant the staircase is to Arthur’s narrative. Specifically focusing on how it relates to Sisyphus and his eternal struggle to push a cumbersome stone uphill. (Says this all the while knowing I’ll lose said focus by the end of this, oops) That being said, this also just might be some cathartic release in the form of diluted research.

All things considered, with an economy that appears to teeter just so on the verge of instability, most, if not all, may resonate with the impending sense of futility that accompanies society’s defective concept and subsequent flawed execution of ‘adulthood’, including, but not limited to: excessive demands imposed by draconian academia, 9-5 corporate mandates exercised to excess; in addition to parenthood (if applicable). All for the sake of feeding continued survival in a universe where life is erroneously scrutinised under myopic scope of legality. Summarily, we can all embrace solidarity in our respective sharing of adversity, attended by a seemingly endless, merciless journey towards acceptance.

Arthur is my most current muse within the fictional realm (irreplaceable, to boot) so this character study might be more gratuitous than enlightening, but, in essence, I often like to conceive him as a resounding echo that’s effectively sound in giving voice to the voiceless; whispered and indistinct though it may be. However, it could be said that the power of his presence resides, not in the delicate, understated nuance of his vocal tone, but rather the elegant and passionate language of dance pronounced by his feet. Namely, the Sisyphean task of climbing that emblematic staircase.

Whether suffering a daily, if not arduous, ascent one derelict step at a time, or dancing a rhythmic descent to liberation, Arthur’s soles bespeak of a soul that’s been tormented relentlessly throughout the near 40 year span of his existence. Heels throbbing with Weltschmerz, the resulting ache of his travails would often appear as little more than a numbing nuisance to be rubbed away upon a less whimsical return as the prodigal son. In this way, the audience might compare Penny’s impact in Arthur’s life to that of the onerous stone that plagues Sisyphus. Despite being an absent force to her son’s oppressive intimacy with these formidable steps, there is something to be said for the manner in which concern is essentially a wisp in the void when her child’s health utters a silent plea, a murmured urgency, for attention.

Perhaps, we could all agree that a fraction of Artie’s extroverted anger towards Thomas was only partially misdirected. As a means to demonstrate the implied difficulty Arthur expresses for emotional release, especially so for repressed anger, it would have been interesting to witness a scenario in which he doesn’t heed Penny’s request whilst hiding behind a closed door. Given the egocentric brush that paints a broad stroke to her demeanour, would he be vindicated in raising his voice a few decibels ? If for no other reason than to dispel frustration by virtue of necessity. Of course, this isn’t to undermine the fact that Arthur displays potential signs of regressive behaviour (not exclusive to his circumstance but nevertheless germane). A hapless symptom of afflicted childhood incited by an inflamed basis of Nature v. Nurture.

With nearly all sense of identity drifting aimlessly as unanswered queries, there could be reason yet as to why Arthur adopts his Carnival and Joker personas. Beyond factors of aspiration and affinity alone. As someone (myself) who could be classified with mild alexithymia, all the while being fairly averse to labels, the concept of employing alter egos solely to assist in self-expression may not be uncommon, if not muted in translation. In a way that isn’t explicitly stated, we could infer that Arthur enforcing a purpose to evoke genuine smiles and laughter is a means to compensate for those of which he was deprived during his formative years. Speaking as an armchair psychologist, there could be evidenced an intimation of placebo effect for the presence of Pseudobulbar Affect. While this syndrome affects the nervous system and is hence more physiological than psychological, the nature of its infliction could be considered as a bridge between the two.

Certain conditions, of which remain unknown, from his childhood may have contributed to the development of this condition, emphasising a noted relation to thinking patterns. My theory is that any measure of neurosis is directly proportional to the degree of physical complications that may manifest. Arthur is a fairly sensitive man. A rough sketch of this attribute can be observed even whilst Arthur is gallivanting as Joker. In fact, one could even venture to say that his identity is actualised in this form. Cliché ? Yes. But, no less pertinent. Furthermore, a deduction might be made in which Carnival alludes to being a medium that balances the dichotomy between Arthur/Joker.

Yes, these may be points that have been proposed ad nauseam 😶 You also may be wondering: Exactly what role does Sisyphus play in this ?

Ultimately, I’ve come to the conclusion (hagiography) that Arthur, while emotionally sensitive, hardly translates that sensitivity to his visceral being. Revisiting the first bathroom scene, maybe one could see the gloomy reflections of Atlas and Sisyphus reflected in one burdened man, lost in soulful dance. Summarily, he could never strike me as one to admit defeat. To succumb to the siren’s lure of quietus. As illustrated by every Joker rendition before him, Arthur Fleck is no different in how his philosophy materialises. Blending the colours of absurdism and nihilism. While the assertion seems contradictory, considering Arthur’s initial intent to commit suicide on live television, I do believe his animus was strictly encouraged by his comedic inspiration, opposed to an active desire.

Fundamentally, this leads me to my final point (although, admittedly, this isn’t the end, I could literally talk to death about this man, and I will). The contrast of comic styles between Arthur and Murray. This might be the understated controversy of discourse, and my perspective on the matter may be unpopular, if even acknowledged, but just to clear the air, the following assumption isn’t meant to excuse him or his actions. Rather, to offer perspective. If you observe carefully, you might notice that there’s no distinct disparity between Murray and Arthur’s sense of humour. Given the era and its dogged appeals to censorship, Murray’s delivery could be regarded as nothing short of condensed and disguised. As our dear Artie reiterates, comedy is indeed subjective, but, as a matter of course, the brand that either presents isn’t particularly risible given context.

As an audience, we only know Murray on a superficial level. We know he’s a comedian. By the end of the film’s duration, we might have dismissed him as the stock bully. His humour was cruel, callow and sadistic when dispensed towards a man who deemed him a pillar of admiration. However, similar could be said for Arthur’s execution. Consistently morbid and sardonic, these elements of comedy that provoke laughter for Arthur comprise a vague semblance to Murray’s comedic anatomy, despite how patently trite and puerile the latter’s jesting was, when delivered to our undeserving victim.

Arthur was thoroughly justified in his feelings of despondency and disenchantment. Yet, objectively speaking, depending on either side of contention, one’s perception may be determined by whether or not his sensitivity was merely exaggerated when juxtaposed to a comedian who was, more or less, just doing his job; albeit questionably. Unprofessionally. We couldn’t know exactly what Murray was thinking or precisely why he invited Arthur on his show. Surely, public humiliation wasn’t his prime agenda. Curiously enough, I seemed to detect an air of indifference expressed by him when Arthur confessed (*insert delusional gif*). As if it was to be expected.

Ipso facto, with how the sequence pans out, there may have been the possibility of Murray personally investigating the subway murders and considering Arthur a suspect, consequently aiming to extract his confession (a reach, I know ! ) but, maybe not...

Not when the theory of Arthur contriving delusions, having been situated in Arkham the entire time, chimes as possible reasoning.

That, in itself, is a paradox...

...Will we ever ?

[upsmymindwanderedagain]

Story of The Ice Wolf

PART 16

OTHER PARTS:

PART 15    PART 14     PART 1

WARNINGS:  mentions of scars, blood, implied sex, graphic description of violence and wounds.

Hey fellas! I’m really, really sorry it took me so long to post this part. I really hope the wait is worth it. Any feedback, comment will be very much appreaciated.

By the way this is a 16K+ chapter.

You snap your stare at her making Wanda roll her eyes at you “I have a huge need to feel offended Helen” you say with a frown. “Get over it. Keep frowning you’ll get wrinkles” Helen says with a teasing tone. Anika, Costel and the wolves rush in and the young adults burst out in boisterous laughter at the sight of your broken nose. Costel accented voice is the first to tease “Man! Peter packed you a hell of a punch!”. Anika goes next “Come on old dog! That’s a shame to the family”. You lock them in murderous scowl “Director can I get a window to hide two bodies?” the man just side smirks a little. You feel Wanda’s hands moving back your face towards her “No killing family Y/N” she says with a stern face “Now you two you better run before I show you why the 'scarlet’ in my code name”. The two young adults gulp heavily before rushing out, the wolves wag their tails at they rushed backdown (“The big pups run fast”). After a further scolding from Nick and Maria due to reckless behavior while Cho helps you with her tech. The earful lecture ends when the commanding officers leave the lab.

---

After getting your nose healed, and Pietro teasing the shit out of you. You are getting your stuff ready. The motorcycle you are taking is ready and waiting to be loaded in the Avengers compound hangar. "Little one, I'm no telepath but your anxiety is quite obvious" you are doing a last run down of your equipment, when there's no smart or sassy retort you know she has it bad. When you walk in your shared room she is sitting in the bed with her back on the headboard, she is looking at a picture. When you are standing beside her you see It was the picture she took before the failure of mission almost three years ago.  The two of you went for the weekend two one of the most exclusive resorts in Switzerland the chill temperature give you both and excuse to cuddle at any given chance. The picture is the two of you cuddling in the outdoor hot tub, you have her wrapped in your arms while you kiss her cheek your eyes closed. She is smiling broadly at her cellphone camera eyes squinted on delight, the white powdered mountains in the background. "Wan" kneeling down you search for her eyes which are a little clouded with a mix of worry and sadness "My love, I will comeback. This is just a hunt, I'm not alone". She furrows her eyebrows "You weren't alone those times either... And you... Damn it!" she takes a gulp of air as she lifts her head back trying to blink away her tears, putting the picture on the bedside table on her right. Still kneeling you take her fidgeting hands in yours, caressing the back of her hands with your thumbs "I'm here now...” find the right words to say is hard, clearing your throat you go on “I know I'm still struggling love, I have my bad days, but as long as you want me I'll do anything to be with you Wanda" you softly say your eyes searching hers. Tears silently begun to run down her cheeks, "Is it too childish asking you to stay?" she begins to fiddle with her meteorite ring as your hands are still gently covering hers. Sighing softly in frustration with yourself you stand two cradle her face gently you make her lower her chin to look at you, and you wipe away her tears "Let me go with you" she breaths out. You look at her reddened green orbs "Wan I have no idea what I will find. I won't put you through MY pain, I've given you enough" you feel her jaw muscles tightening on your left hand, Wanda is your world is the most precious being that you get to call yours to protect, with all gentleness that no one might think you possess you caress along her jaw line helping her relax her features. "I promise you to come back, don't doubt my prowess my Scarlet Witch, this Ice Wolf still has a strong game" you lean down to kiss her softly at first tentative giving her the chance to draw back when she doesn’t you increase the pressure until it climbs up to an intense make out session. You crawl in the bed to straddle her hips projecting all the love you have for her in every kiss and tug on her lower lip. After a while both of you are simply lying in bed closely facing the other, sharing each other warm breath, Wanda is more at ease her relaxed features and small dopey smile talk volumes. Your hand is partially buried in her long soft hair strands your thumb caressing her cheekbone, her smile makes you heart skip more than one beat she looks like an angel. *Captain Wolf, I apologize for the interruption. Director Fury called for an early debrief* You sigh in annoyance, making Wanda jiggle softly "Thank you F.R.I.D.A.Y. Tell him I'm on my way, please". You lift your upper body with your metal forearm "Don't eat your worriedness in junk food love, now you have to be a good role model for Pietro’s mini me" leaning down you kiss her temple one last time, when you lean back she follows you to kiss you briskly before you get off bed. --- You are shutting close the trunk of your '68 mustang when you hear Orion's steps getting close he has his combat vest on and serious expression. ("Nebula is going with sergeant, I'm going with you captain") he declares with a regal posture. "I told you to stay and take care of them" you state folding your arms in front of you. ("I love them, I'd die for them. But my duty is with you Captain Ice Wolf"). You give him a bittersweet smile, indeed not all the things Hydra has given you are bad. Walking to the passenger door you open it for him ("Shot gun!") he hops in making you snort “You can’t even shoot Orion” you say out loud before getting in the pilot seat. ---

Technically it was a debrief but the only participants were Fury, Hill and you, the reunion was held in the director’s office. They gave you green light for a small side mission along with the main one, they also told you to find as much intel as you could gather about Hydra’s new experiments, it seems like Hydra is moving again towards experimenting with people and they are about to breakout another civil war as a façade, a well-known trick used by them.

---

You hang out in the exterior main terrace smoking a cigarette with a cup of coffee. Orion silently lays by your left side, his massive form still intimidates some recruits specially the newbies, while you find it absolutely funny because Orion does not hurt a fly he huffs in annoyance, fear means less petting.

While you walk alongside Orion to the conference room you hear Bobbi calling you to stop. When you turn around Sharon is with her, you give them a wide smirk before teasing them "Hello ladies, did you have a good beauty sleep?". "Just like you had cosmetic surgery last minute" Bobbi retorts with a smirk and you groan in annoyance, making Sharon snort quietly “Didn’t see that coming Wolf? She teases. "Oh! Fuck you both". "You wish" they both answer before leaning down a little to pet Orion "Hello handsome" making him wag his tail happily. Maria walks pasts the four of you "Move it ladies and wolf, we have no time to waste". --- Bobbi and Sharon give a debrief of their findings in their last mission. Which end up involving the wanted targets. "...That's why instead of going to north- west India we have to scatter around Europe" Bobbi says with a map of Europe displayed in a projection screen behind her. France, Russia, Germany are the main location there's some digging to be done but the mission should go smoothly. Maria takes the clue to go on "The teams will be Romanoff and Barnes, Morse and Carter and Barton and Wolf. The wolves huff in annoyance at being left out, the deputy director just stares at them with her eyebrow raised high "And the wolves with their respective soldiers" they nod and sit in attention happy with the orders. "Captain Wolf do the honors" Nick says with a teasing smirk. You roll your eyes, no one is dropping the whole captain rank anytime soon. "Barnes take Russia. You know that landscape better than anyone" they nod in agreement. "Morse take France. Both of you have a fair layout of the city, am I correct?". "Yes" both agents answer, however Morse has other ideas "Can we trade partners, so you can teach me some of your impeccable French?" Bobbi says with a teasing tone and wink. Her request makes you give her a massive eyeroll "Morse think with the thing in your head, not your pants" you retort with a brief scowl, making the others snort lightly. "Barton and I will take Germany". "Oookey stop there Wolf" Clint says crossing his arms "Germany is not my playground" he says with a deep frown. "I know Barton, Germany is mine". "What?!" he exclaims dropping down his arms and jaw. "The lab where they pieced me back together was in Germany, however they trained me in Russia. My bases where Russia, Germany and Sokovia" you explain a little, he just frowns like the grumpy cat meme muttering "secrets, and more secrets next time she will reveal she was the one directing Hydra all this years". The rest just shake their heads at Clint's little monologue, Fury takes over again "Agents, each of you will have a quinjet to use. Now go and bring them in" he says with his characteristic authoritative speech. A chorus of 'Yes sir' and “Aye aye sir” fill the room before you all scatter. ---

[23:45] S.H.I.E.L.D hellicarrier

You are still dressed in civilian clothes, boots, black cargo pants, long sleeve red shirt, and black leather jacket, you are in the quinjet doing the last checkups to your equipment, Orion is by sitting close to you, he was adamant on coming with you. You walk over were your motorcycle is, and you check that it is correctly secured.

"Y/N, why do you have two sets of cases?" Clint says eyeing your equipment.

“I have two different parties to attend Barton”

"Luckily for you I don't need much sleep. We are ready to go". He says with a big smirk while he secures his own case.

"No, you just need industrial amounts of coffee".

As the three of you fly to Germany you decide to reveal Clint your side mission. You take the co-pilot seat. The Hawkeye never fails not at shooting arrows neither at figuring out situations "Wolf, there’s something else planned right?". You hum in answer "Fly to Russia first Clint, when we are nearing Germany put the stealth mode on" you hand him a tablet with the locations of several targets you are going for.

---

03:22 [Russia]

You are already suited, sitting on the floor you are making the last adjustments to the system you'll be using as support, the laptop is resting on your tights there's a cord connecting the laptop to a collar resting beside you. Orion is snuggled on your left side. The only sounds are the engine of the quinjet and the soft click of the keyboard.

"Wolf you ready? we are ten minutes away from the first location".

"Almost" you put the laptop aside, the system is almost loaded. You stand up and head to the motorcycle, there's a whoosh sound of the motorcycle cover being peel off to reveal the matt charcoal grey Honda CBR110XX super blackbird, this is not the common one, you made sure this has a hybrid engine and a turbo, the electric engine gives you the silent advantage, while the normal engine can make you disappear as fast as you need it.

Clint walks out of the cockpit to stand by close "Holy shit Wolf! How much you have spent vehicles?!” he walks around checking out the bike before pointing out “That led headlights will be a problem".

"I don't need the headlights" you strap your guns to its holsters and sheath the swords the handles pointing to the ground, the military tactical knives already in place.

"How so?” he says leaning in a little “You are driving blinded? Wanda will kill you" he says his eyebrows furrowed.

"No, the helmet is connected to F.R.I.D.A.Y's system and sever, is pretty much the same interface that Tony uses in his suits" you put a comm in the left ear.

"Firstly, I don't see any helmet, second how the hell you got the platform?" his hands goes to the back of his head in disbelief.

 You smirk at him "That's when the discretion part comes in Clint, and you are insulting me, Tony is not the only one that knows how to play with technology and engines" you crunch to grab the collar and the laptop and walk towards him while you clasp the collar around your neck "Now, keep the laptop open and here is the missing helmet" you say as you point at the collar.

---

The quinjet comes to stop and lowers three meters away from the pavement. "Stay put in the outskirts, F.R.I.D.A.Y will keep you updated" you walk to the motorcycle, pressing a pedal in the floor, the platform securing system unclasp, Orion rushes ready to jump alongside you "Orion I told you, stay here to help Clint" he lowers his ears and whines a little sitting on his hinds.

The back door opens, you hurry to straddle the motorcycle and turn on the engine, it roars to live, the rumble of the engine traveling through your body ignites the thrill of the hunt. A huge twisted smirk shows in your face, you press the button in the side of the collar, a matching matt charcoal grey helmet ensemble around your head. Without thinking twice, you speed off the quinjet, the motorcycle never loses balance as it lands in the cracked pavement.

*Locate the first five targets*

F.R.I.D.A.Y voice responds *The targets are located inside an old factory 16 miles from current location, showing fastest route* you speed off following the I.A directions.

Two miles away from the factory you turn off the engine and headlights *Enable any security system in the building, initialize the hacking of the electronic devices*.

You halt the bike in the south side of the factory, there's two guards outside your targets spread through the building.

*Put down their comms after the first guard is down*.

Silently you get close to the guard through the shadows, standing behind him you make a quick work snapping his neck, you don’t let him fall and lower the body slowly. Before moving to the next target, you take a pill from your belt and put it in his mouth, you don't need to stay to witness his body turning to dust.

Quickly you climb the broken side of the structure to gain the advantage in the roof. The second guard is close to the entrance, you unholster the right gun holstered on your tight and take the suppressor off to shoot the guard in the head. Crunching low you see your targets rushing to the entrance, the leader is shouting through the comms for the other guard in vain, you quickly re-attach the suppressor and holster the gun, following their moves.

When one of the guys stand below the hole through which you are observing them, you jump off the roof using him as landing spot, you can hear his spine shattering under the weight of your body, the others quickly turn around guns ready.

It only takes them a few seconds to recognize you, you can't keep the smile from your face when pure horror reaches their features. While their raised hands tremble with the guns, you drive one of your swords through the heart of the fallen soldier who was whimpering in agony.

The one you know is the leader speaks to you in Russian his voice trembling "Ca- captain Ice Wolf what can we do for you?" you stand up slowly and confident with a swift move of your wrist the blood is shaken off the blade.

"Trying to buy time for your traps?" their eyes widen a little "Don't bother they are out. Now... I have two options for you, A: give me all the intel you have, and I'll kill you painfully but quick, option B: I'll get the intel anyway, but your deaths will be slow and agonizing".

The one by his left shouts "You don't scare us fucking..." you don't let him end, with a small move of your right hand the sword is imbedded through his skull, the body drops to the ground with a heavy thud "I just need one of you, who has the intel?" you step even closer to the remaining two, one of them starts backing off while he empties his twelve bullet mag, the bullets ricochet on your suit, you get closer to rip off the guns from his grip breaking his hand in the process, before he can scream no knock him out with a punch of your left hand.

"Seems like you are the winner" with a swift round kick you knock him out. From your gear belt you retrieve two quarter inch stainless cable reels to tight their hands and leave them hanging from the truss, then you proceed to retrieve your sword and turn to ashes the other two bodies.

 F.R.I.D.A.Y voice talks through the comm *Wolf you have 40 minutes to keep the schedule, it would take 20 to reach the quinjet*

*I'll be quick*

You unclasp the sheathed swords from your back and dive the end of the scabbards in their stomachs making them regain consciousness groaning in pain. You set your gaze in the leader "let me give you a glimpse of what can be your ticket out of this life soldier".

 After clasping back the swords and turning the helmet to collar again with the button, you proceed to plummet down the other, well you don't even break a sweat, they aren't super soldiers, you made sure that he stay alive during the beat down leaving him crying and drooling blood while his body swings in the air wrists bleeding, you stop the movements with a kick on his ribcage, he is starting to loose consciousness so you tap him in the already bleeding and swollen face "hey, soldier head up, the best is yet to come".

"The-the others ar-aren't here captain" the other stammers "places soldier" you say sternly, he audibly gulps "the other fi-five are in Romania captain" you tilt your head "where is sergeant Yuri?".

"I-I don't know he paid us and told us to lay low" you turn around to stare at him, cold empty expression. "You lied soldier, you know were Yuri is".

*twelve minutes*

"Please just put a bullet in my head, he-he is hiding in Germany, at least that's the last location I know". You crack your knuckles and neck "That's true, but you lied first, and I never break my word soldier. "Have you ever screamed bloody while they tear you apart?" you retrieve the hunting knives.

 ---

[05:00]

"Should I be worried that you are dripping red all over the quinjet?".

"You should be glad Barton".

The motorcycle once again is secured to the platform and the tank on its way to be refueled and battery charged, you are sitting in the floor back against the wall, Orion lying across your extended legs, your hands trailing through his fur, Mamont bottle by your side.

The next five targets won't be that quick, they are scattered around the outskirts of Romania, you'll have to kill at least two before sunshine, and wait for the next night.

*Locate the targets closest to our route. Keep track to the rest, please*

"Tony will try to kill you for using F.R.I.D.A.Y"

"You know, I could use my server, but is funnier to reel up Tony, besides his servers are faster than mine, Fury will kill me if I use the hellicarrier's".

Natasha, Bobbi channel pitch in the quinjet "Wolf any idea where we can lay low?" the redhead enquires playing fool she knows about the bunker in Romania.

You hum as you take a gulp of the vodka "I'm sending the coordinates just lower the quinjet we will arrive first".

 *Ten minutes from the next target, ma'am there's actually two of them seems like they are in the middle of an intercourse* you could swear F.R.I.D.A.Y’s voice had a hint if humor.

"Not a dignified way to go".

You signal Orion to move off your lap to repeat the process.

 ---

[05:13]

 *Repeat the process F.R.I.D.A.Y. Hack all the devices*

You stop the motorcycle in an alleyway, the three-story building is a little old, the window of the master bedroom is open (This will be so fun) you climb the wall, moans and grunts give you the extra cover to stand beside the bed in the dark room.

"You know, for being a male your technique is awful sergeant".

Surprisingly they don't scream, the sergeant pulls out and launches at you, you simply side step to the left and closing your right fist his stomach collides on it winding him out, when he falls face to the floor you stomp in the back of his head knocking him.

The woman tries to cover with the bed sheets "Who are you?!" when you walk closer she retrieves a gun from under the pillow her voice now firm "You have three seconds to answer" you hear the safety going off.

"Lieutenant, that's not the manners to address a captain" with the helmet still on you can see her face change from challenging to horror. Before she shots you block the barrel with your right palm imploding the gun in a muffled sound, with the same hand you knock her out.

You walk to the kitchen to retrieve two chairs, along the way you take the cigarette package and lighter forgotten in the table. *How's the timing F.R.I.D.A.Y?* you walk back to the room and put the chairs close to the beam of moon light that enters the room. *Ma'am you have forty-five minutes to head back to the quinjet* you set them in the chairs tying them firmly to the chairs with the stainless cord. Then you grab the package to light a cigarette, after the second drag you blow the smoke in their faces, making them cough (that happens when you buy cheap shit).

You leave the cigarette in your lips; their eyes widen when you start taking off your gloves and jacket. You tilt your head in confusion to their reaction. "Unfortunately for you is not what you are thinking, 'Scarlett Witch' is the only ones that can have the Ice wolf" you give the cigarette another puff "I have something better for you both" as the smoke scape your lips you pull up the rash guard sleeves above your elbows.

"Tell me sergeant have they ever pull out your beating heart from your chest? While you are still awake" before they can answer you damage their windpipes crushing them a little in your hands "Now you can talk".

Their voices are graveled and low "You are a fucking monster Ice Wolf" you shrug off their comment.

"Thank Hydra for that" you take another drag calmly crossing your right leg over the left "You know what's even more fun? when you loved one see your beating heart, that's a view to behold if you live enough to remember" both tense up in fear, the lieutenant is the next to whisper "the rumors are true?" your laugh is accompanied by smoke "Come on guys those are not rumors, they are whispered pieces of truth".

 *Thirty-five minutes ma'am*.

You take the cigarette in between your steel fingers "Well time to play" you forcibly shove a towel in their mouths, and extinguish the cigarette in his forehead, with a calculated punch you break his sternum, then proceed to slowly tear open flesh and muscle of his chest with your wakizashi sword when it's done you bury the steel in the lieutenant left tight, her faint muffled scream can be heard. Then with your hands you pry open his chest and retrieve his beating heart with your flesh hand "See? Is truly a view to behold" the guy is drenched in sweat, he almost past out, but with a faint squeeze on the soft organ, he startles awake, "Something I need to know?" he nods, you take the towel from his mouth. "Yu-yuri lives in Germany a house in the country side" you frown "Tell me about Kosovo and the experiments".

*Ma'am the lieutenant might know, he doesn't, fifteen minutes*.

"I-I have no intel in Kosovo", you nod faintly "Lieutenant is up to you then" crossing your left hand you remove the towel, she has tears running down her cheeks, skin pale "Ko-kosovo will be like Sokovia, hydra is retrieving people to experiment on, the civil war will be a charade" you frown deeper this time "that's not much" you shove the towel in her mouth again, this time you squeeze his heart as your right hands crushes his neck.

You retrieve the towel and shove a pill in his mouth, you wipe the blood off your hands with the same towel and remove hers. "I'm losing patience, last time or I'll do the same to you but trusting my hand through your chest".

"NO! no! captain please, please that's the only thing I know" at your blank cold face she gets nervous "there are enhanced on the attack ranks, take my laptop, you can access the server, please just..." she starts whimpering, getting closer you put the barrel of your beretta in her forehead "Thank you" you simply nod at her "Close your eyes" when she does you pull the trigger.

You feel nothing as you turn the bodies to ashes with the pills and clean everything with pure bleach and wash off the blood off your hands.

After everything is done, you silently climb down through the back of the building, for your surprise when you walk near the bike you see a small fur ball under it.

At first you get suspicious and look around but F.R.I.D.A.Y clear the air *Wolf there's no one nearby is a stray dog, it might got close due to Orion's smell*.

Disactivating briefly the voice synthesizer you kneel down a few feet away to coax the little pup out, the little dog clumsy turns towards you big light blue eyes almost white stare back up at you with curiosity "Hey little ball, come here" you say softly, it's hard to believe how you can switch from cold assassin to normal human being in a flick.

You see the little butt wiggle before it clumsy crawls out of the bike and walks to you tumbling a little, it indeed is tiny most likely a barely two week old puppy "F.R.I.D.A.Y any sign of the mother?".

A few seconds later she answers *No ma'am*.

You gently pick the tiny pup grabbing it under its arms pits with the belly exposed you see that the 'it' is a girl, her fur color is hidden behind grime and other filthy things "It would be quite hypocrite of me to leave you here don't you think?" the tiny thing just stares back at you. It fits perfectly in your left gloved hand, carefully you stand up to straddle the bike and figure out how to transport the pup.

In the end you take off your right glove and put the pup inside, then you put the pup inside your jacket to protect it from the wind.

 ---

 [06:25]

 The sun is five minutes away from start peeking through the horizon. The little pup is secured in the front of your jacket, the rumbling of the motorcycle scared her at first, so you switched to electric mode.

*Ma'am the laptop is free from tracker, I assume you don't wish tonight's footage being saved*.

*Your assumption is correct F.R.I.D.A.Y. Log off when I park in the quinjet, I'll do the hacking myself. I'll contact you tonight*.

*Very well ma'am. Do you wish to pass a message to Miss Wanda?*

*Just tell her I'm ok, thank you*.

*Barton lower the ramp*

 ---

 The motorcycle comes to a halt, Orion hurries to sniffle your jacket, "easy boy" you get off the bike, take off the backpack with the laptop and puppy food to put it on the floor. You keep your left hand securing the pup on your jacket while you clasp in place the motorcycle, Orion is doing a little over wagging while he follows you around the bike ("Little pup! Little pup! Let me sniff and say hi!").

Clint tilts his head in confusion not everyday Orion acts more like an excited dog than a Wolf "what you got there cap?".

"In the backpack or the jacket?".

"Both smartass" he says lazily from the pilot chair.

"there's a pup in my jacket and a laptop in the bag" you un zip the jacket to retrieve the tiny pup from the glove and take off the jacket then grab the bag pack to walk to the control panel and sit beside Barton who almost shrieks in delight at the sight of the pup, he tries to take it away from you but you swing the chair to avoid his hands "when you are done piloting you can pester her".

 "Aaah! Come on Y/N!" he whines behind you "Let me hug her, she is so cute" you just stare at him while he whines again "Ok ok enough just don't crash the jet" you gently hand him the pup and he cradles her to his chest while Orion boops his massive nose on hers.

 ---

[7:08]

"Are you sure is a good idea to land in that spot?" Clint says as he eyes the tight spot in the forest.

"Do as I say Birdbrain" you say from the copilot seat as you log in in your private server. The quinjet hovers over a specific spot beside a small wood and stone cabin that is close to a stream.

 "Why so adamant in the spot Wolf?" after pressing a few keys of your laptop the green grass splits up, leaving a metal platform big enough for the quinjet, "Lower the jet" when the undercarriage touches the platform you press more keys, the platform lowers further while the ceiling closes back.

"what the fuck wolf?!" he exclaims scaring the pup you glare at him as he sheepishly mouths a 'sorry' and pets the puppy to calm her down "What's next? luxurious mansions in Dubai, Monaco, Hawaii, safe houses all over the world?".

A smirk is your only answer, the jet is slides to the far-left end leaving space for other two jets, the back gate of the quinjet opens, the bunker is BIG, there's two all-terrain SUVs, is a complete open space living room, dinning, the element dividing the dining and kitchen is a glass cava. Between the garage space and the living, there's a control station six twenty-inch screens displaying images and data.

*Welcome back captain. Unauthorized presence detected*

Clint looks at you wide eyed, you smirk at him before giving orders *Register presence agent Clint Barton, code name Hawkeye*

"Person registered, welcome agent Barton*

You walk further *Initialize security protocol 2.0*

*Yes captain*.

"Knock yourself out Clint there's food in the fridge, the bedrooms are in the end of the hall" You walk to the control panel to sync the devices and grab your phone to call Hill, Barton just stares at your mouth hanging open the pup takes the chance to lick his chin, as Orion hurries to roam around wagging his tail.

[Phone call]

*Wolf do you need something? * Maria asks simply you can hear her flipping through paperwork.

*I need access to S.H.I.E.L.D’s sever, I found intel about Kosovo and will hack a device that has access into a Hydra database*

*That was not your mission Wolf, how can you be sure of that intel*

*Hill the sergeant I interrogated said that Kosovo is Sokovia all over again we can't go in blindly*

*Give me fifteen minutes, I'll grant you access*

 ---

 After a shower and putting the suit to wash you walk back to the control area. Your laptop shows S.H.E.L.D logo signaling your authorized access. You start working, Orion hurries to your side, you pet him while you work. From your station you can see a now clean pup with a beautiful honey coat fur is on Clint's arms as he prepares the puppy formula you 'bought', you actually slipped in a veterinary, grabbed the food and left a little note with way too much money for the trouble.

While you work the first ones to arrive are Natasha and Bucky, you grant them access and their quinjet is sledded to the left leaving the middle space for Morse and Carter.

Clint hurries to question the ex-assassins to if they knew about the 'Freaking cool bunker' they only answer with a 'of course Clint not the first time we are here' surprising Clint as he fakes being wounded.

Nebula hurries to say hi to you "Hi Nebula" you pet her with your left hand "Can you take care of her?" you ask the female wolf tilting your head towards Clint

 "Yes ma'am" she boops your hand with her nose before moving, while Clint accuses them of traitors Nebula gets in momma bear mode and takes the now clean and fed pup from Clint's arms moving to the couch to cuddle the tiny pup that wastes no time in hiding in Nebula's warm fur.

As you begin to figure out the best way to work the codes down you hear Natasha rolling close a chair you make some room for her to sit by your right "Let's have some fun Wolf" she says with a wide smirk as she retrieves a keyboard from the drawer below the desktop.

"We shall play a game" you answer with a smirk.

Natasha gives you her trademark smirk, oh boy that's trouble being loaded faster than a hand gun clip "Let's bet on this one" she says with a sultry voice.

You lean back on the backrest a little arrogantly "Shoot".

"An ZL1 corvette" she says simply with a wink.

"You don't want to bet this one Wolf" Bucky says as he walks by behind you two.

You snicker at the man's confidence "You are on ballerina, I want white body with camel leather" you throw at her.

She smirks again "You know how I like my girls Wolf" she says sending you a kiss "James I got us a new car!" she says with pure confidence and snickering at your offended demeanor.

"Wolf! I need a truck and a pickup too, I'm getting in the bet" Clint calls out as he too walks to the kitchen with a wide side smile.

"You all are a bunch of vultures, you just want my money" you grumble glaring at them ("We still love you! Even more when you feed us") Orion and Nebula chant in your mind, their comment makes you and Bucky snort.

Sometime later the last quinjet is lowered, Bobbi and Sharon step down with a surprised expressions, the latter being the first to step in the bunker.

"Hey Wolf! What in the name of hell is this place?" Bobbi asks.

*Unauthorized presences detected*

"What?! You have an A.I too?" Sharon asks as Bobbi as they glance around.

"Register first presence Sharon Carter, code name Agent 13. Sharon raise your hand please" you instruct without faltering your hacking work your eyebrows furrowed in concentration.

*Person registered, welcome agent Carter*.

"Second presence Bobbi Morse, code name Mockingbird*.

*Person registered, welcome agent Morse*.

"Holy shit Wolf" Bobbi exclaims as she and Sharon look around until they feel Nebula's annoyed glare.

Sharon moves to stand behind Natasha and you, she sees the competitive way in which you two are working the clicks to the keyboards like bursts of bullets "Are you seriously competing on who hacks Hydra's server and intel first?" she asks in annoyance and amusement.

Both of you just shrug, as Bucky and Barton snicker from their spots on the dining table "Wanna bet doll?" Bucky asks with a tiny smirk.

"No thanks" she says with a small smile "Just keep them from killing each other" she moves to the kitchen "Barton, Barnes you are both seriously a lost cause, you could have made something to eat".

"I made coffee" Clint says with a shrug raising his coffee pot "There's no pizza to heat".

Sharon glares at him and then turns to Bucky "Don't look at me doll, that kitchen appliances are way to high tech for me" Bucky says lifting his hands in innocence.

Sharon just slaps her hand on her forehead "Morse be of use and help me cook, leave Nebula's pup alone" she turns around just to quickly whip her head back "Nebula has a pup?!".

Clint dryly snickers from his seat "Not exactly Wolf found the little pup and she brought her, Nebula took her away from me".

Bobbi was petting the wolves and the little pup before moving away "Thank god she did otherwise she will end up living of coffee" Bobbi says as she walks to the kitchen.

 ---

 A wine bottle and half cigarette package later you pinch your bridge nose, while the last of the intel downloads you groan in annoyance, yup they will bleed you some cash.

"Told ya" Bucky calls from his spot on the sofa where is lying down staring at the concrete ceiling as he drums his fingers om his chest.

Natasha just laughs lowly as she sends the intel to Nick and Maria "Pleasure playing games Wolf".

"Fuck you Nat" you grumble in half annoyance.

Your previous actions and seeing again the info about Sokovia make you quite uncomfortable, some memories try to slip back in your mind.

"You should eat and sleep Y/N I doubt a wine bottle and cigarettes are enough to sustain a super soldier body" Clint says in half dad mode.

"You let out a dry laugh "More like 'half body' but you are right" you press the call button of your cellphone to call Maria and turn on the speaker.

(Fury's voice)

*Wolf and Natasha how the hell did you two hack all that in less than three hours?*

*Hill, is it my sleep deprived brain or your voice sounds sexier?* you throw smugly

You can hear Maria's small tight jiggles as Nick's voice takes over *Ha ha ha Wolf very funny. I take last night you had a good mission* the director says.

*Yes, hold the intervention until we have the targets secured which is tonight, seems like they are quite a group of enhanced lying low there*

*I can't let you take in on a civilian involved mission right after your party Wolf*

*What I do in my parties don't compromise the mission director*

*I'm not asking your input in my decisions Wolf, that's an order* you can hear the device being put on speaker.

(Hill's voice)

*Your orders are retrieving intel and get the targets and head back. Barton, we need you to leave Wolf in the Hungarian base then assist in the mission*

*Yes agent Hill*

*Wolf?*

*Beautiful night time story Hill* you say teasing her, however you face is set in anger.

[end of the call]

"Y/N those are the protocols, civilians are at stake" Clint says with a big frown Nat and Bucky just set their jaws, none of them like the protocols that the government pushed to be used on you.

"Protocols can kiss my ass Clint, that place is like a civil war, it will be worse than Sokovia with the enhanced".

---

[room in the bunker]

Even with Orion curled against you, sleep doesn't come easy. You are at peace with everything you've done, but the memories make your skin crawl, the 'monster' title has a rooted reason, reasons that make you see your hands drenched in blood. When you manage to escape the night terror is with a silent scream, your heart rate at its peak, cold sweat dampening your clothes. It has never easy to sleep without Wanda, her presence has always been enough to keep at bay your demons.

You sit in the bed, Orion's worried gaze tries to catch your attention, you pet him trying to reassure him, but he is not buying your lies, after all he can get in your mind.

("Captain you should catch more sleep").

You get up and change your clothes for sweatpants and sleeveless rash guard. Then you head to the medium size gym in the other side of the bunker.

While you plummet the punching bag, your mind keeps giving you glimpses of the bloodbath that was the civil war, you can't help it you were so young when death knocked on your door, the three of you weren't prepared to step on blood tainted streets, bodies turned to shreds and the stink of dead. Each memory reeling you up even though this time your felt hand is wrapped and gloved it will be bruised. The last punch that sends the punch bag flying against the concrete wall with a low hook with your left hand, the punching bag explodes and the sand oozes out of it like a sand clock signaling the end of time, leaving you panting like an enraged animal and still restless.

"You are such a mess without the twins close" Clint says from the door on your right. You only glare at him, he is holding out an acoustic guitar "If you can't sleep don't waste energy, play something".

"You just want a free show Clint" you say with annoyance and ragged breath.

"Guilty as charged, cool down, take a shower" he orders in full Hawkdad mode.

---

[19:15]

After playing guitar for a while you managed to catch two more hours of sleep. Now you are setting the communication line with F.R.I.D.A.Y.

*Goodnight capitan, I’m already setting out the routes and scanning the area* she talks through the comm in your ear.

*Let us know when we are safe to go* you avoid using her name to keep the others from knowing.

"Okey ladies let's finish this mission smoothly!" Natasha calls with a big smirk making Bucky, Clint and Orion huff in annoyance.

"Be glad we think of you when we say that" Bobbi says from the sofa.

"Come on doll, don't be mean" Bucky says kissing Nat's temple "Play nice".

"Or he will play dirty later" Sharon says with a wink.

"Sharon! There's things I don't want to know!" Clint whines with the pup in his arms.

You all are already in the quinjet Orion glued by your side "Ready Barton?" when he turns around you see the little pup head peeking through his jacket, "Seriously Clint? Leave her in the crate".

"No. I'll keep her safe" he immediately fires back covering her tiny body with his hand.

*Clear to take off. Routes loaded, fifteen minutes from first target*.

You see confusion flashing over his eyes "Y/N why aren't you wearing the armored suit?"

"I'm going to a party" you simply shrug. You are wearing cargo pants, long sleeve shirt, long trench coat, gloves and boots all charcoal, and the previous set of weapons, your swords concealed by the trench coat.

---

You kill the next two targets easily they don't give too much fight, the third one is a lieutenant, so you'll take your time interrogating him, luckily for you the idiot is on a strip club that you own. You drive through the private entrance and park the motorcycle.

The 'owner' greets you he is a big man thick long beard and scary looking rocker, well scary for the others, for you? a business partner and one of the best "Captain is a honor to have you here, you came to see the Hydra lieutenant, yes?" he says with a smirk.

You nod at him "Do me a favor, ask one of the girls to take him to the private chambers, I'll leave no trace" you request as you shake his hand in greeting.

"Right away captain, do you wish I send you company?" You shake your head in negative.

---

You are hiding in a dark corner of the room, one of the dancers drag the sergeant in and closes the door, in a seductive way she makes him sit in a chair and clasp the metal shackles, she starts to undo his dress shirt and blindfolds him with his tie. She walks a little back, and you silently make your way behind him to harshly gag him. When he panics you take off the tie he franticly looks around him. Trying to spot the threat. You walk around to block the sight of the dancer, your back turn on him.

"Thank you darling" you extend a wad of cash "For your discretion, chill out a little while I work here. I'll let you know when you can head back to the bar" she takes the wad and leans up to leave a kiss in your jaw "a pleasure cap" she swiftly leaves the room.

*Erase all the footage, he was never here* you request F.R.I.D.A.Y through the comm.

"Sarge I've killed nine out of ten and, you are the last one". You take a cigarette and lit it to take a puff "If you want Yuri-" your laughter interrupts him "you'll have to give me something else, the others burnt out that card", he grinds his jaw "I told him we should have put a bullet in your head while we could, you fucking traitor".

"Sergeant I was never Hydra, they never trust me fully, that's why I'm captain and not general" you scuff blowing smoke at him.

The man grinds his jaw and tries another tactic "You are a fucking monster Ice Wolf, Hydra used you like a guard dog, hunting dog, attack dog. Not even the Scarlet Witch can sooth your scarred mind".

You fake being wounded before smirking wickedly "I just took advantage of their resources, teachings and gifts. I might be a monster, but I'm no longer a Hydra puppet. Tell me, who is with Yuri?".

"You will kill your master? That's classic Ice Wolf" he scuffs.

That does the trick, you connect a swift combo of punches bruising badly his ribs "say that again" he laughs drily "Does your new master knows that you are going to kill your former one?" the next punch turn his head violently to the right and split his lip, he only smirks before he spits at you "Wrong choice of actions sarge" after taking off your left glove you use him as punching bag.

He is left wincing and barely conscious, you clasp his neck in your gloved right hand, "Any last words?", he lets out a pained gargle laugh "He is waiting for you to show up, after he kills you for good this time he is going for your beloved twins" you snicker a little "This time they have no chance against me" with a swift move you break his neck.

---

[21:35]

You were tempted to go for Yuri’s sorry ass, so fucking tempted but that’s not the target tonight. Of course, the Hawkeye saw you searching for the Hydra handler location his name an picture displaying on the top left corner of your screen, even when you had the location you backed down you won’t take the chance of revenge from the others this is personal for quite the number.

After closing the window ending the search you went back to the original mission retrieve the assholes you went sent to retrieve. With a huff you put the laptop aside and move towards the back to sit in the floor.

Sited on the floor legs stretched out, back against the wall. Orion is draped over you, a new vodka bottle in your hand.

"Y/N you are creeping me out, you've been staring at the wall for half an hour" Clint calls from his pilot seat, his face reflected on the windshield as he glances at you.

"I brought you to pilot the quinjet, not to analyze and react to my behavior"

"What is Yuri to you?" this time you don't answer and take another gulp of the liquor bottle in your hand, the wolf whines softly, you simply pet him. After some uncomfortable silence you give him a simply answer “He was my trainer and handler, my unit was under his command” Clint just frowns and nods.

“Clint suit up you are coming with me” you say as you get up and walk to the copilot seat “And leave the pup on the crate”.

“Aye aye Captain fun boomer”.

“Let’s see how fun is having a pup in your vest with bullets coming at it” you retort.

---

*Ready on location Wolf* Barton calls through the comms his bow and arrow ready as he stands in the lowered ramp of the quinjet that silently hovers over the four-story building you are about to storm, the holographic stealth tech keeps him out of sight even more after you hacked the only surveilling radar leaving it on a loop.

“You ready Orion?” you whisper slowly as you crunch low behind a car near the back entrance.

(“Let’s do this!”) he exclaims.

When the guards walk out fidgeting with a pack of cigs, Orion and you jump into action, the wolf chokes one of the guards with a single bite and rolls over to avoid a big thud. You also choke the other guard and lower him. Two guards down to piles of dust.

You don’t need to give him instructions the wolf and you are a deadly synced unit, he keeps your six covered as you slip through the halls. It should be crime to enjoy how the guards flinch or even stumble when they catch a glimpse of who is making its way through the base and that makes your instincts scream in alert, way too easy, Orion picks this too. And still you take the guards bare handed, Orion simply jumps over their fallen bodies.

*Ma’am there’s an interference coming from outside*

*What do you mean outside?* there’s cracking in your comms and the platform dies leaving you to your own eyes and ears, you hear the sound of fighting and bodies falling to the floor heavily. Focusing further you catch the sight of insects crawling, bullet ants (For fucks sake).

(“Orion stay here”) you walk to the source of fighting, drawing out your guns you walk in to see guards being slammed, hauled and thrown like rag dolls, you see the targets trying to flee (“Orion bite their asses”) you hear the sound of Orion’s claws scratching the floor as he runs and knocks out the targets.

You get in the fight knocking the guards, you fight with strikes of your left arm and leg, there’s just one last and you get in the way of the Wasp blocking her kick with your right arm and grabbing the guard by the throat. Her kick makes your arm absorb a good amount of kinetic energy, the only tell is the glow on the exposed fingers.

The Wasp gets back in her size “What the hell you think you are doing Wolf?!” she almost sneers you ignore her and inspect the guard he is an elite operative *Dr. Pym could you please stop interrupting my channel with Stark’s A.I* you say out loud knowing well that the man has eyes and ears everywhere.

Scott gets back in size besides Hope and opens his helmet “I’m really, really sorry Wolf but these are our mission” he says politely pointing at the door where the targets tried to run. Retracting back your helmet you give him the sassiest look “Come on Scott” you sense the guard reaching for his knife and you tight your grip on his throat your fingertips digging on the sides of his neck “Don’t even think about it” you sneer at the man, and he still tries. Your right hand intercepts his knife as you thrust it to your ribcage, you simply let some of the energy turn his weapon to dust.

“Who is your commanding officer agent?” you ease the pressure “Sergeant Smith” he croaks out brokenly.

“Where do I find him?” the guard has the nerve to laugh drily “Seven months, you came for him and you don’t have Idea of who he is. You are getting soft Ice Wolf” she smirks at you.

“Is that so? And how do I know you were his brother?” you say staring blankly at him.

“Were? What-“ you right hand goes through his Kevlar vest and digs on his stomach, leaving him astonished for a few seconds before he starts screaming “Oh shut the hell up” you crush his windpipe before letting him fall to the ground as he winces in pain (“Orion?”).

“Thinking it over, you can keep them” Scott hurries to say, Hope just glares at him.

(“Smith is hiding in the corner”) you see Orion faking looking at somewhere else while his ears signal the actual place.

“Tell me Hope, how do you get a cockroach to flee its hiding spot when you can reach it?” she tilts her head in confusion. You simply raise your right hand pointing at a corner behind her “Smith five seconds or I blow you to hell” you begin to count but never make it to the five “Five, four, three-“

“Wait, wait, wait Wolf there’s no need-“ Scott tries to talk you down as you fire the blast that rushes past Hope and lands on the man hiding, you hear a scream and the man crawls out hand on his midriff.

Scott nervously laughs “You won’t kill him, right?” he asks as Orion jumps in pinning him to the ground, bullet ants surround the fallen man.

“Hey Smith, look forward” you call the man, when he does you gun is already pointed at the other head, you feel something biting your hand, it indeed feels like a bullet but that doesn’t stop you from firing a round to the head of his brother.

“YOU! FUCKING MONSTER! I’M GOING TO KILL YOU!” he tries to stand up, but Orion’s metal claw pushes his head on the floor claws grazing his head as he growls.

“How do you dare Wolf? He was on the ground!” Hope strolls to stand toe by toe with you, you just shrug her comment as the static in your comm dies and Clint’s voice takes over *Wolf I’m three seconds away from getting my ass down there!*.

*Stay put Hawkeye. I’m taking the targets*.

*You aren’t taking them Captain Wolf* Dr. Pym voice comes through the comms.

*Wolf who the hell patched our comms? Is that Scott?* you pinch the bridge of your nose with your left fingers a headache taking over.

“Feeling bad Wolf?” Smith asks between laughs “my brother didn’t die in vain, prepare yourself to relive. The worst enemy is at home” he says grunting at the pressure of the wolf’s claw on his head.

Gently you push Hope aside, calmly you take off your left glove and spot the bullet ant with its stinger still buried in the adductor pollicis muscle or as the acupuncturists call it ‘Hegu’ point, it fucking hurts like hell, it’s like a burning white dull needle trying to get through your hand, the involuntary trembling of your hand says it all, still the poor thing its not at fault you partially kneel before carefully taking the ant between your index and thumb right hand fingers, you see it squirm, maybe in freight but you won’t kill it “Hope I’d really appreciate is you tell it to let go, I don’t want to kill it” Hope relents and the ant pulls out the stinger, your arm flinches as you clench your jaw. Carefully you put the ant in the ground by your right side, away from your path.

Scott is looking at you with a wide expression of surprise he almost fangirls in place “Now that is the most badass shit I’ve ever seen. How you do it? That hurts”.

“A little familiar to you Ice Wolf? What was the 167 simulation? Hahaha I can’t remember. it was after the death by jellyfish that is” you snicker at the man words, you grab a stray pebble on the floor and fiddle with it before flickering it at him with your middle finger using a little of the kinetic energy left, the pebble smacks the center of his head it gets stuck in the skin knock him out.

“Simulation? What is he talking about Wolf?” Hope asks as she looks between you and the unconscious man” her demeanor no longer threatening, it never really was.

“Nothing of importance” you stand up and walk to the fallen man, the ants moving away from your path. Kneeling down you put his hands on his back and put him on shackles “Now we can do this the hard-bloody way or the friendly way”.

Scott raises his hand “I rather go for the friendly way”.

*Wolf you are not taking them. Hydra got a hold on a draft formula for my Pym particle* the doctor says through your comms, the ants close their distance around you.

*And how were you planning on getting the intel doc? If intel is what you want I can get it for you, but I’m taking these assholes to S.H.I.E.L.D’s custody* you Orion begins to growl at the ants closing in.

*I’m not letting my formula fall on the hands of S.H.I.E.L.D or Stark Wolf-*

*Agh! come on doc! get the fuck over it. The S.H.I.E.L.D Fury directs is not the same S.H.I.E.L.D you flipped off, and you should know by now that Tony is not Howard he is and entirely different person” you see hope shrugging and nodding at your words.

*Dad, we should give them the benefit of doubt* the ants begin to back off and so does Orion’s growling.

*Lowering the quinjet Wolf* Clint calls.

Standing up you grab the man by the back of his pants, Orion steps off him and stands in guard, you lift the man like a sack “You two come with me, this way you can be certain that we are not feeding you lies” (Orion go ahead and clear the way”) the wolf jumps over the sea of ants and runs out to make his way to the roof.

Hope and Scott put back their helmets and you do too “How many can you lift?” you ask as you walk to the hall were the other nine targets are lying on the floor.

“How many?” Scott asks in confusion as you crunch to put another two men in your shoulders, grab smith and take a last one on your left hand, four in total, you hear Scott whispering to Hope ‘She won’t be able to stand’ you smirk before effortlessly standing up ‘Aaand she did, what the hell?’ Lang muses lauder this time.

Hope just shakes his head “We take the others Wolf” you she other black and red ants appearing from different places and they lift the remaining five, you mutter a “Cheaters” before walking to the stairs, the way is cleared out by Orion, you hear some fight and hear bodies falling down in the staircase. When silence takes over, a heavy door is open (“Clear!”) Orion calls happily.

The three of you hurry to run up the stairs, when you cross the door the quinjet appear and Clint runs down the aircraft to keep guarding as you load them *Hawkeye clear the building while I secure the targets*, *Roger that* he hurries to the building, Orion takes over.

“Umm Wolf… by ‘clear’ you mean kill?” Scott enquires as he looks back at the building, you answer a simple ‘yes’ while you secure schackles on their wrists and ankles, Hope gives you a hand when those a settled you activate the magnetic pull securing them to the panel of the quinjet.

*Hawkeye report* you call as you check the airspace looking for a gap to takeoff.

*Clear. Going back up*.

 ---

*Eagle one. This is Task force three, targets secured flying back to the nest over* you call through the comms.

*Task Force three, report received. Route authorized*.

“Barton, we are behind schedule increase the speed” Clint just gives you a wide smirk before speeding up.

“Aww! There’s a puppy! Look Hope she is so cute” you hear Scott muse, Clint immediately looks back “Lang let the puppy alone! Orion bite his ass off”.

“No! you are piloting this thing I look over the pup” Scott calls as he hugs the puppy, the two men begin to argue as you rub your temples (Thank god, the targets are out. What a shame). You feel a hand on your left shoulder and you almost jerk in surprise.

“I didn’t take you for a spooky cat Wolf” Hope teases beside you “I’m not, I was distracted” she frowns at your words “Are you feeling good?” she looks at you worried, remembering Smith’s words.

“It’s just a headache, I’ve been having them once in a while” she doubts about pressing the matter she just looks at the over grown boys and tells them to shut up.

 ---

The quinjet lands on the hellicarrier hangar in time with the schedule alongside Morse and Barnes jets, when the ramps lower there’s already three units of elite guards ready to take the prisoners to custody. Hope and Scott move to the cockpit to avoid interfering as the guards haul up the group of men. In the corner of your right eye you see Clint and Scott trying to sneak the pup inside Clint’s jacket, sometimes you forget how much of a human disaster can Barton be and alongside Scott they are a lost cause.

An agent gets close “Ma’am the quinjets will be taken to the Avengers compound while you stay here. When the debrief ends you all will be taken back in a single quinjet” one of the guards inform “Director Fury and Deputy Director Hill are already waiting on the interrogation area”.

“Thank you, agent. Barton, Lang move your asses” You don’t need to tell anything to Hope who is already walking to the ramp alongside Orion, the wolf wastes no time trothing to greet Nebula that is already waiting.

“Romanoff, Barnes” you greet them “Wolf” both answer “Van Dyne you are a refreshing beautiful sight” Natasha begins to tease the raven-haired woman “Romanoff, looking hot as always”, she fires back “Barnes you look handsome in leather” she winks at him, making him blush a little. He clears his throat “You look really good in that suit Van Dyne, I bet you will look better when I walk you home” he says with his usual charm.

“Wolf! Who is the suited hottie with you?” Bobbi asks as she gets close, winking at Hope, the latter just smirks “Morse, Carter is good to see you” they smile at her, before Sharon calls out Clint on his bullshit “Barton zip down your jacket you will smoother the poor pup”.

“What pup Sharon? I see no pup, Lang you see a pup?” he asks feign innocence.

“I see two over grown pups” Scott says pointing at the wolves who lock him in a murderous scowl “Oh oh hey guys I was joking… Hope? Wolf?” he begins to get nervous as the wolves stroll close to him, he fits his helmet before shrinking down “Ha ha now you can’t see-“Orion and Nebula keep their glare following him.

All of you snort at his scape failure “Come on, we are wasting time” you order and all of you simply walk away as Scott tries to out run the wolves who simply walk passing over him as they follow along. You hear Scott growing back in size again “Seriously?”.

 ---

All of you make you way to the interrogation facilities, for your surprise Wanda and Vision are already waiting alongside Fury and Maria. As you walk close you see Wanda looking at you, searching for injuries if you didn’t know better no one will pick that little fact easily Wanda can be really nonchalant when she wants to.

“Wolf I see you brought unexpected guests to the hellicarrier” Fury says staring at the additions,

“To avoid unwanted confrontations sir, but it seems that our targets were already pissing off another group”.

“Agent Barton is that a puppy on your jacket?” Maria sternly asks looking at Clint who raises his hands in innocence “Wolf brought her to the jet, I’m just puppysitting”, you look at him with a quirked eyebrow, damned Clint he threw you under the bus, Maria and Nick turn to stare at you at the same time.

You clear your throat “She was hiding under my bike”.

“Enough little dog talk. Let’s talk business” Fury orders, everyone gets in game.

After the debrief about the mission with Hope’s and Scott’s insight on their findings all of you wait for Fury’s orders.

“I called agent Maximoff and Mr. Vision to make all this process faster” Nick says as he gives the agents behind a glass wall the signal to prepare an equipment “Now, this tech we are going to use allows miss them to use their telepathic powers giving us a full feedback of what they see” you quirk and eyebrow at the director, he knows how much you hate Wanda being used like that her powers and empathic making the whole ordeal draining for her “Don’t pull that face Wolf, this new version prevents them from feeling” you just nod.

The sight of the equipment and the holographic screens makes your skin crawl, way too familiar and not in a pleasant way, no time to coward like a little kid you push down the uneasiness to be ready to protect Wanda and Vision if needed. You manage to fool almost everyone except the wolves and Bucky who catch your discomfort; however, they keep silent.

In the room on the left are the S.H.I.E.L.D technicians, middle room Wanda and Vision with the men to be put under interrogation, the next room on the right divided by a glass wall there’s the rest of the prisoners, guarded by an elite guard team. Wanda and Vision enter the designated space, Smith and other man are already strapped to the tables, electrodes on their temples.

The sound feedback is on, the rest of you stand outside Nick and Maria are the first in line alongside dr. Pym, Bucky, the wolves and you flanking them third in line are the others.

Wanda and Vision work as team to leave no chance of deceit, the first in line is Smith who seems to be entertained by the whole setting, Wanda locks him on a stern look “I will advise you give us all the intel you have willingly, otherwise this ordeal will get harder on your end” Wanda methodically says before they begin working, Smith just smirks at her “I’m sure you will enjoy the intel you are about to see darling”. The screens begin to show what he has in mind.

But the images are not precisely what he was asked, or at least it doesn’t seem like it. He begins to show a bare room; the empty space is suddenly filled with agony screams… your screams as your kneeled body is shown being engulfed by bullet ants that sting everywhere.

The bastard made this new simulation giving you flesh limbs instead of the prosthetics, is a weak point in your favor, but no weak point will lack a foundation. You glance down at the flesh limbs, its so strange the sight of two flesh hands, when he shows up and the lights are turn on you see yourself being surrounded by bullet ants, fucking bullet ants. They don’t give you a warning, the ants simply go for you as you try to get up, but even when there’s no shackles visible they are keeping you kneeled.

Each sting feels like a piercing bullet, you can’t keep the screams at bay. You will your mind to stay in control (Is just a simulation, is just a simulation) you repeat like a mantra in your mind and yet it feels so real, each sting burns. You roll over on the floor trying to get rid of the tiny insects and yet more appear, and you contort in pain you hear a clattering, he dropped a gun.

Screaming in frustration an idea crosses your mind, when you are a hand away again you drop on the floor, you don’t see it but he smirks at the sight. When he gets close you move, you will your mind to play on your favor and grab the gun before the technicians can try anything you reel his head with bullets. Your relief is short lived when the pain increases, and you drop the gun, when you glance at the hands they are awfully swollen (Come on! Come on fucking mind! grab the gun) you manage to take back the gun as more ants bury their stingers you put the gun muzzle on your head and will a bullet to be fired.

You keep a blank face as you see the scenarios he is choosing to show, the only tell of you reacting is the slight clench of your jaw. The others behind you just look at you with concern, even Maria and Fury are briefly glancing back through the reflection of the glass.

Is no surprise when you see Wanda begin to falter as more scenarios are shown “What’s wrong Scarlet Witch? Not the intel you were expecting? There’s still plenty of this” he says between laughs, she tries to regain control but her angry aching heart is not really wanting to cooperate, she wants to kill this man. Vision notices the change first (“Wanda, please calm down we need to get the intel first”) he tries to coax the telepath to get back in task, but that’s not happening, he briefly glances at you.

The other just gulp and wince at the images, being Hope and Scott the ones that take off their eyes not really being able to keep watching. You walk around the three people in front of you “Open the door” you request the technicians doesn’t acknowledge your request.

“Wolf we need that intel” Fury says with a commanding tone.

“OPEN THE DAMN DOOR OR I’M BREAKING IT” you shout at the people in the control room.

“WOLF BACK DOWN!” Fury orders as Vision struggles against Wanda to keep her from killing the man who begins to scream “Wolf you better get in here now!” Vision shouts as he struggles.

You don’t wait any further and walk up to the sliding double door, the wolves move quickly to stand growling to keep at bay the others. When the door doesn’t slide open in their respective directions you trust your metal hand through the door and tear it open as Smith keeps screaming in agony, how tempted you are on letting Wanda get her way.

You hurry to engulf her in your arms and pulling her away, but the link remains (damn it) you have no other option but to put your body in between, it hurts a little, but Wanda immediately cuts the connection.

Cradling her head, you put your forehead in hers (“Wan, calm down. We need you back in game”) you project to her mind, you try to search her gaze of her eyes are tightly closed in anger, her fists tightly balled on each side of her body energy dancing wildly around.

(“Come on beautiful, talk to me”) you project towards her harder.

(“How could you refrain from killing him? I just want to tear him apart”) she angrily says in your head her voice is almost a growl (“I know Wan, but the mission comes first… it has always been like that. Just push through one more time”) you feel all her anger combining with yours, your liver is boiling with anger. Wanda was not meant to see that, that’s why you’ve been keeping the details of what you remember at bay.

The other just stand outside, not really sure about what’s going on in the telepathic conversation you are having. Vision seems to read the situation better and takes away the electrodes and unclasp the straps, keeping the man pressed to the table with his hand. Fury and Maria just let the ordeal develop, this was between their considerations.

(“Wanda focus on the task please, I’ll buy you some time to focus”) you break the touch of your foreheads, your only regret is not leaving a kiss on her forehead, but there’s an act to be performed.

You hear the man beginning to laugh painfully “Come on Fury! You lose control of your assets that easily? in Hydra this never happens” he says between laughs.

You turn around and walk to stand by his right side, Vision simply phases through him to stand in the other side leaving him gasping at the odd sensation. “Is Hydra way what you want Smith?” you say with a cold threaten tone.

“You won’t dare Ice Wolf. Will you reveal the monster to them?” he says with a breathless laugh, you chuckle drily at him there’s no friendly trace in the chuckle you will enjoy this. You see his eyes widening at the void look that takes over your features, no more Wolf time to be the Ice Wolf everyone wants so badly to be.

Grabbing him by the front of his clothes you lift him off the table, Wanda immediately puts up a deep scarlet barrier the only ones that phase through are Orion and Nebula who stroll in with a darkened demeanor, they too are ready to play. You lift the man off the ground he trashes wildly landing several kicks and punches that you don’t even feel, he is a normal person his punches feel like ball impacts at best.

“What’s wrong? Your wishes were granted don’t bitch about it” you walk a few paces, grabbing the top of his head to prevent an injury as you slam him in the metal wall leaving a dent and winding him out. Your voice takes a growl tone when you speak to him “Now listen to me very carefully you Hydra scum. When those electrodes are fixed back in your temples you will show the intel we want”.

“O-or what you will shoot me in the head? Go ahead” he says as he laughs but all you see is the fear on his eyes.

“I can do better than that” you briefly lat him go when his body tries to fall down you push him back against the wall thrusting your metal finger tips on the mouth of his stomach. He doesn’t even make a sound he just gulps like a fish out of water, you flash him a wicked smile that only he and the other prisoners can see “I can tear you apart while my wolves gnaw your bones and still keep you alive to pry away that intel from your head” he tries to scream either in terror or in pain but he just mages to heave. When you press further your fingertips his skin almost gives up “S-STOP!” he chokes.

You laugh at him “Is all you can take, and you call yourself Hydra? Pathetic” you sneer at him “It took you months and mind games to make me scream. There’s no doubt Hydra is losing its touch”.

“Not all of us were treated worse than animals” he sneers back, “Just like they say ‘what don’t kill you makes you stronger’ or in my case I was brought back just too much times to even care again” you shift your metal hand to clasp it on his neck and dive your need on his lower abdomen, this time he bites back his scream but little tears moisture his eyes.

Lifting him up again you turn around to smash him in the floor, this time Wanda keeps his head ‘safe’ just letting it get hit hard enough to make him dizzy, you keep him down with your metal hand fixed on his neck and your knee rests against the sore spot your hit before. Vision puts back the electrodes, when you look up Wanda is partially kneeled and back in game again. They get back to work and the feedback begins again. He tries his bullshit again showing you being reeled by bullets “Don’t push your luck” you sneer at him, you look up at Wanda and nod at her there’s no better distractor to the mind than pain.

The metal palm goes to the spot on his stomach you shake lightly the arm making the rest of the kinetic energy travel to hand beginning to burn as the repulsor collects energy. Orion shuts him up putting his large paw on over his mouth.

Wanda indeed pries away the intel. They old prototype plans were stolen from Cross way before he nailed the yellowjacket. Experimentation is indeed being held on secret labs, even though Hydra hasn’t been able to nail the Pym particle they have found a way around using it to enhance the other experiments and the months of torture you endure they use them to have free access to samples of your blood and DNA. The last part is the only surprise Yuri in no longer working for the Hydra general in charge of the Russian operations, he is most likely the boss of his own ‘Branch’ and he is the one supervising the experiments, Smith was an infiltrated in Raft supposedly former Hydra under a government agency, at first chance he got he sold you out using his brother as contact 200,000 USD for your head and reinstallation in Hydra.

When the retrieving of intel ends, his eyes rollback as he is knocked out. You begin to laugh in amusement ‘200,000 USD’ your head had a bigger price when S.H.I.E.L.D alone was hunting you. anger takes over and you hit him in the face with a left hook, when the right fist is coming down Vision stops your fist with his left forearm a loud thud resonates in the silent space “Wolf he is not worth the trouble for killing him. You know the accords” you struggle trying to still bring down your fist, Vision simply puts his open right hand on your chest as he stands up he gently but firmly pushes you back. Wanda takes off the barrier and a medical team surrounds the prisoner the wolves back off and growl at the men strapped on the second table making him gulp.

Vision keeps his gentle grip until you sigh in defeat, he takes off his hands raising them in surrender. You turn to the other prisoners “Anyone wishes to piss me off?” you sneer at them, the group just pales and they shake their heads you walk close to the strapped man, you don’t even have to say anything when you briefly stop she pales even more “I-I there’s no need Ic- Captain I will show them all I know” he stammers you only give him a stern “You better” as you walk to the broken door where Wanda stands by your right, you stop close to her and out your hand on her left ribs and look in her light red eyes (“Can you go on?”) you ask softly.

(“Seems like it would be even easier”) she says with slight amusement, her right hand grabs your left (“I’ll make this quick, so we can get the hell out of here)” you see the concern in her eyes. (“Don’t hurry for me Wan, be careful”) you shift your hand to grab her fingers and put a kiss in the back of her hand, letting her hand go you walk out the room with the wolves in tow, you only glance at the commanding officers Maria gives you a slight nod and you make your way out ordering the wolves to keep Wanda safe.

Hope sees you walking off, she looks at the others that simply shake their heads in negative they know better that following you even Scott gives her the look of ‘don’t even think about it’ and she brushes it aside to follow you.

While the medical team works you make your way to the designated room in the hellicarrier, luckily for you there’s a flask with Asgardian liquor waiting begin a push-off panel. You hear a set of boots following you and you don’t give a damn.

The agents around notice the somber demeanor your carry and they simply nod at you in greeting and part ways to let you go faster to where ever you are heading to. Sooner than later you are in the small quarter, you make your way to the small closet and push the metal plate gently, the door swings open revealing the small stash of liquor and cigarettes. The door is never opened behind you, but you hear Hope’s suit wings fluttering close.

You grab one of the flasks and a pack of black cigs and a spare lighter. Turning around you lean against the metal panel and slide down slowly leaving your legs stretched on the front, taking your time you light a cigarette taking a slow drag as you close your eyes savoring the heavy tobacco flavor “Hope if your intention is being stealth you are failing” you say almost with a hint of humor, she doesn’t answer right away and you hear her getting back on her size.

“I thought you were running away to cry, instead you ran away to drink and smoke” she says trying to break the awkwardness, her boldness amuses you in a good way.

“You are not that lucky Van Dyne. Why did you follow me?” you take a gulp of the liquor, instantly the warm sensation on your stomach begins to ease the tension of your body

“I don’t know, maybe I wanted to make sure you were fine” she says with a shrug as she kneels by your right “How could you do that? Just remain centered on the task”

“The mission always comes first” you say taking another drag, you know what she is asking but Smith is a mere minor piece, years of holding back revenge upon Yuri for the greater good have given you a lot of practice but details are unnecessary.

She narrows her gaze but refrains from commenting, she knows she is already pushing her luck. You offer a cigarette which she declines, you try the liquor flask but she scrunches her nose at the smell “That liquor smells like shot of alcoholic poison” she comments with a shake of her head, you simply smirk and take another gulp “Asgardian liquor is indeed poison for a normal person no offence”, “None taken” she says with a chuckle.

A more comfortable silence takes over, you feel a call from the wolves at the same time Hope enquires “Are you going back?” she says as she stands up and extends her hand at you “Are you taking me for a dance?” you tease as you accept her help, you hold onto her a little more than necessary tasting her strength she jiggles at your obvious intention “What do you think captain, am I fit to be an Avenger?” she says teasingly with a big smirk.

“Darling you are well fitted to be an Avenger and with a great shape may I add” you wink at her making her blush, before walking out you store the flask, lighter and cig package on your jacket.

---

After Vision and Wanda retrieved the intel the second debrief was even more headache worthy. Sorting out connections and key intel was a drag, at least this time the banter between Scott and Clint made it more bearable and even more when the pup decided that Clint’s jacket was a good place to poop, which draw a small smirk from the commanding officers, while the rest of you just laughed at his ‘disgrace’.

By the end everyone has a headache, if something the deeper scowl on Fury’s face and Maria’s says it all.

“Sir, if Yuri is already directing his own branch of Hydra enhanced I suggest we blow the lab first” Natasha says glancing briefly at you “Any chance you can pin point a possible location Wolf, Wanda?”.

Wanda’s right hand is in yours as you both fiddle with your fingers, your right elbow resting on the armchair as your chin rests on your palm “Sokovia is not for sure, I would know by now” you glance at Wanda who is nibbling her left thumb finger nail “When Pietro and I dig for intel, we encounter a lot of Hydra in the north… there were rumors about people with powers, they were more whispers than anything and something about a Ghost helping them” she sneakily glances at Hope and Scott. Hope success in looking nonchalant while Scott fails Fury and Maria quickly catch the clue and both lock him on stern gazes making him get nervous.

“I-I…I don’t know anything about a Ghost girl” his eyes shut tightly after the last word “Assuming she is a girl, she could be a he” he tries to make up for the mistake, but the commanding officers stern unblinking stare make him more uncomfortable “OK, I might now someone-“ Hope your smacks her palm on the side of her head looking at him with a look sassy enough to rival Pietro’s.

“Let me translate your nonsense Scott” You say biting back a smirk “There’s indeed a woman that both of you know called Ghost, Ava Starr”.

Hope glares at you but Fury supplies a little more intel “Miss Van Dyne no need in trying to glare Wolf to death. We know about Ava”.

“Of course, you know you use her as a weapon!” she says angrily at the Colonel.

Maria only shakes her head “That’s where you are wrong Miss Van Dyne. We, this S.H.I.E.L.D never used her as a weapon, Hydra under the disguise of S.H.I.E.L.D used her being the now deceased Secretary Pierce her commanding officer”.

“And you want us to believe that?” Hope says quirking an eyebrow.

“You better doll. I was in the same position as Ava, Pierce was my handler after Hydra leaked in S.H.I.E.L.D. When Wolf and the twins went sent to dig intel around the globe I was transferred to Washington under Pierce command”.

“Why you never helped her?” Scott asks looking between you, Bucky and Wanda.

Wanda answers this time “There’s a reason why she is The Ghost Scott. We did not knew about her, it was after S.H.I.E.L.D’s fall, by the time we try to look for her she was long gone. But she is being active, if you can contact her just keep her safe Yuri won’t hesitate to take control over her” Wanda says firmly as she tightens her hold on your hand which you return.

“Jesus, that’s intense” Scott says glancing around.

“Try fighting two super soldiers being controlled Lang, that’s intense” Bobbi says with a frown before winking at Bucky and you.

“Come on Bob don’t be bitter doll, you did great against us” Bucky says with a smirk, but Natasha is killing her with a glare.

 ---

 The Avenger’s quinjet lands in the tower with all the gang plus the two invited. Wanda and you walk down hand in hand and the left puppy now cradled on your right hand close to your body after Clint claimed he needed a break from puppysitting.

“Hope, Scott do you wish to stay, or you prefer a ride to San Francisco?” you hear Natasha ask them as Wanda and you exit the hangar, both of you are bothered by the first happenings of the intel retrieval. The wolves are by Scott side enjoying the belly and ear rubs, he indeed has a good way to earning their approval.

Both of you get into the loft quickly, upon entering you encounter Pietro teasing Anika about a crush. It doesn’t take him long to pick the dark demeanor you both have lingering, the kid does too and she hurries to give you both a hug and snatch the tiny puppy “She is so cute, are we keeping her?” she asks with her own puppy eyes look “We will see, Clint wants her too” you say with a tight smile.

“We could take care of her together, we live in the tower” she says with a shrug before looking closely at both of you “You know what, fuck this go and kick the crap of each other in the training room you are both leaking tension… I hope it’s not sexual tension” she adds with a smirk.

“Anika! Come on kid!” Pietro groans loudly “It’s my twin and my sister you are talking about”.

“Come on speedster is not like you don’t know what they do together” she deadpans with a shrug. Both of you just shake your heads in amusement as you go to your shared room for a change of clothes.

 ---

After a quick change to training clothes, both go to the old training area where you usually cool off “F.R.I.D.A.Y is the energy barrier ready?” you ask while you two wrap your hands and put on gloves.

*It is ma’am. I will advise not going overboard with the strength behind the blasts though*

Wanda just smirks “Thank you F.R.I.D.A.Y could you please block the entrance, we don’t want to take chances”.

*Of course miss Wanda, I wish you both a good training*.

“Ok, little witch show me what you got” you say teasingly with flirt undertones as you motion her to ger close with your hand left hand as you put the mouthguard, she just smirks “You will regret this cap” she says with a broad smile before she puts on her mouthguard.

Wanda is the first to move getting close with a combo of jabs and hooks which you elude with a swift hip work, and counterattack with your own combo. Neither of you hold back, Wanda landing fairly strong blows that doesn’t do much damage to your super soldier body, while Wanda diverts the power behind your strikes with her powers.

Even when the first ten minutes are an impressive show off of skill both begin to get in sync and bodies warm up, leading to a heavier game. Wanda begins to use blasts of her powers which you side step or absorb with your prosthetics firing them back at her.

The heavier the sparring becomes the more anger both of you burn off. As you elude her blasts doing several black flips you notice that her aim gets sloppy, when you land in a low crunch you lift your head to one of the worst things you can see, Wanda’s eyes are red as tears waver on her eyes she angrily wipes her off and gets in guard.

You stand up slowly and make your way to her “Y/N don’t you dare get back in game” she hisses as energy gathers on her hands, you pay no mind and close the distance she gets ready to fire and you pull her towards you by her biceps a little harshly, just enough to make her loose the hold of the energy, both of you are panting heavily due to the heavy physical activity. When her tears fall after she shuts her eyes close you take the chance to wrap her in your arms.

Some tears scape or eyes silently, how much you wish you could cry as freely as Wanda does but you can’t, your sadness has always been silent and steady. Her body trembles as she cries when you sense her legs giving up you lift her, and she wraps her legs around your hips as she hides her face on your collar neck feeling your still rapid heartbeat.

“Hey baby no need to hold it back” you whisper to her as you caress her head with your left gloved hand as you right arm keeps her secured under the back of her tights.

She leans back a little to stare down at you “Little one you grew up a few inches” you tease her as you look up to her, she snorts at your comment “And you are shrinking puppy” a light jiggle cuts her sobs a little, “I bet you will hunt Scott’s ass to make me tall again” you fire back with a teary smirk “Naaah I rather hunt Hope’s ass is a better view”.

You gasp in surprise “Wanda Maximoff are you a butt pal?” you ask her, tilting your head in disbelief “I thought your kink was muscles baby” you add flexing your left arm, the tight tank top leaves no space for imagination, you could easily put to shame half of the avengers men.

“Technically speaking the gluteus is a muscle” she says quirking an eyebrow, suddenly you let her fall to catch her by her butt cheeks making her shriek “Y/N!” in surprise, you just flash her a dirty smirk “Darling you have a pair of amazing gluteus muscles” you tease looking down at her.

“You are a jerk!” she says with a nervous laugh, her now ease features get serious again making you worry you did something wrong “Wan?” you give her your undivided attention, Wanda gives you a small smile before she pull you down by your cheeks to kiss you and you eagerly reciprocate her actions.

One thing you should never forget Wanda is trouble, she waits until you begin to make your way down her neck, when she pushes you back with a light blast of her powers, sending you several feet back to the floor.

You don’t register the pain of the fall you just laugh wholeheartedly at her strategy, suddenly you hear rapid patting and she settles over your chest with a upper mount “Never let your guard down cap” she teases leaning down to brush her lips over yours her face making a curtain by each side of your faces, you quickly lift up to nibble her lower lip as your roll over, now she is trapped under you but you keep your weight off her to stare down at the green eyed woman, her long hair sprawled on the matt “You were saying darling?” you smirk at her.

“You are so on Wolf” she says seriously, before she quickly squirms under your body by your left, she you tries to go after her, she pushes you back with a double kick on your left side making you roll to the right “You are in deep trouble Maximoff!”.

You both get in a second round? Third round? Who knows you just keep sparring, getting serious at times, other just goofing around as you give her a show of Capoeira pissing her off when she can’t land a single blast on you.

---

“F.R.I.D.A.Y?” Hope asks a little unsure is quite strange the whole an A.I is keeping tabs on you but don’t worry everything she sees and hears is confidential and private.

*Yes miss Van Dyne?* the A.I politely answers.

“Could you tell me where is Wolf and Wanda?” she asks as she walks through the halls of the tower to the elevator, the mechanism goes up several floor until it stops, when the doors open Natasha walks in dressed to train when she steps in she hears the A.I answering *My apologies miss Van Dyne, captain Wolf and miss Wanda wish to be alone*.

“Do you need something Hope?” the redhead asks while F.R.I.D.A.Y takes the two women to the training level.

“Not really, I just wanted to check on them” she says with a shrug, Natasha only smirks at her “Believe or not they are fine, you don’t need to babysit them”.

“That’s not what I was-“both duck down fast enough to avoid and incoming Anika that crashes on the lift metal panel behind the two women. Anika’s large archangel wings sprawl all over the elevator as she grunts “You fucking fossils! That’s not fair!” she growls as she struggles to accommodate her wings.

“Oh? Hey, I’m sorry I didn’t see you two” she says when her wings are finally folded behind her “Romanoff who is this hottie?” Anika asks flashing Hope a flirty smile.

“Come on kid don’t start your bullshit this is-“

“Hope Van Dyne” the raven-haired woman introduces herself “Aren’t you a little young to flirt with older women?” she asks with a stern look.

“Seriously? You will play hard and stern like Hill? She fires back.

“Where are your parents kid?” Hope asks looking around.

“In the next level kicking the crap out of each other or making out on the matt, whatever strikes their fancy” She says with a shrug.

Hope just tilts her head in confusion, Anika laughs at her confusion “Wanda Maximoff and Wolf? Scarlet Witch and Wolf if you are here you surely know them Wasp” Anika says quickly before she vanishes when Steve and Bucky turned around. Natasha has no chance to warm them before Anika shows up grabbing them, Steve by the neck with her arms and Bucky with her legs, she uses her wings to spin quickly hurling them to the floor “TAKE THAT FOSSILS! That’s for punching a kid!”.

“What the?” Hope muses out loud as Natasha hollers a ‘Good job kid!’ with a laugh.

“Wanna spar some?” Natasha asks as she walks to the mats were Steve and Bucky are glaring up at the kid.

“Sure” Hope asks with a wide smirk. This will get fun.

A/N:

Hey fellas! I hope you all enjoyed the chapter, the next we will have the lovely Ulysses Klaue back, it will be a headache for the poor reader.

I keep the question, is anyone interested in the prequel? even though I have over 80K+ words of it.

As always my inbox, asks are open for you all if you want to chat or know a little more about this universe of the story.

[impracticaldemon]

Chaos Theory: Sasuke Ch 5, Decisions (Indiscretion Part II)

by impracticaldemon

Author’s Note:  This one-shot about Sarutobi Sasuke of the Ikemen Sengoku universe quickly became a 3-chapter story. Now I bring you Chapter 5. Which is actually Chapter 4, Part II. Part I was mostly about Mitsuhide. Part II is about Sasuke and my character, Chieko. 

Please see this post for the Mitsuhide-Sasuke-Kenshin conversation that formed part of the basis for the story (other than chapter 1 - I don’t know where that came from).

NOTE: RATED M for sexual situations and sexual content. Over 7500 words. You’ve been warned.

Words:  ~ 21,000 Total | ~ 3300 per chapter; Ch 4 ~ 4000; Ch 5 ~ 7500 Full Story is also on:  FFN |  AO3     Chapter 1 |  Chapter 2 |  Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 

Written for @iamaikotachibana , and because I have a total weakness for Sasuke myself. Apparently, I also enjoy writing Mitsuhide.  ~ Imp

Chapter 5—Decisions (The Price of Indiscretion Part II)

He looked a little dishevelled, and his face was even more devoid of emotion than usual, but it was definitely the same man who had kissed me—whom I'd kissed—just two hours earlier. Despite everything, I felt a rush of relief, followed by happiness, and then—I blamed my jailor's parting words—a warm, fluttery, excited feeling that I tried my best to set aside. Yeah, good luck with that.

A moment later, Sasuke alighted silently on the tatami. His eyes did a brief sweep of the room, and then he crossed to the window, beckoning me to follow. When I came up beside him, he rested a hand on my shoulder and bent down to my ear. Sadly, his words were prosaic.

"Could you open the window screen and look around for me? I don't want to cause even more problems for you."

The second sentence told me that he was berating himself—might even be quite upset—behind that blank face of his. I tried to ignore my reaction to feeling his soft breath on my ear and neck, and slid open the screen as requested. Then I took my first careful look at my surroundings.

As Mitsuhide had implied, my new room was still in the same living area of the castle, which meant that I was three floors up and facing the back of the castle. There was at least one major difference, however; there was only a short, rather steep eave of tiled roof in front of my window, instead of access onto a much wider area with a comfortable slope.

"Sasuke? You can look for yourself—I don't see anyone."

Sasuke nodded, and peered cautiously out through the window. Unlike me, he gave the layout below only a cursory glance before examining the area above. Shortly afterward, he gently closed the wood and paper shade and slid down to sit on the floor, his back against the wall. I sat down awkwardly beside him, unsure what to do. For lack of better ideas, I took the lid off a nearby ceramic jar. The water inside wasn't for drinking; rather, it was designed to help cool the room. I could use whatever cooling was available.

"Roof access from above is difficult, but not impossible," he murmured, mostly to himself. "But one would be very exposed to attack from both above and below. I believe that Lord Mitsuhide is correct: there is only one reasonably usable access route under present circumstances, and it's internal. That's unfortunate."

"Sasuke? Can we talk?"

He slowly lifted his head and met my eyes, but although he appeared as impassive as usual, I could now see a definite flush in his cheeks. Then his brown eyes flicked away and down for a moment, and it appeared to require a significant effort to drag them back.

"Chieko. I owe you an apology. Two apologies, in fact. I hope you will allow me to at least partially redeem myself." He turned so that he was facing me properly, and bowed deeply. It made me feel very uncomfortable, and rather lonely. "Moushiwake arimasen deshita."

"Sasuke… Whatever you think you're apologizing for, that's way over the top." I tried to keep my tone even, but half-formed anxieties were swirling through my brain. My inner voice—or saner self?— wasn't impressed. You're worrying more about this relationship than about having your life controlled by Mitsuhide! Talk about weird priorities and a previously sub-standard dating life. The whisper in my mind was unaccompanied by Lord Snaky-Smile, but managed to mock me just fine on its own. I pressed on. "No, seriously… Sasuke, if you don't raise your head and start being more twenty-first century boyfriend than sixteenth century ninja, you're really going to start freaking me out."

Sasuke immediately sat up, his eyes wide and just a little panicked—although maybe that was my overactive imagination. He gingerly took my left hand. "So… we're still going out? I wasn't quite sure. It would not be unreasonable for you to change your mind."

"Change my mind?" I repeated, puzzled.

I thought I saw the ghost of a smile cross Sasuke's face. "Most women aren't as resilient as you are when faced with possible imprisonment, torture, and death." He looked thoughtful for a moment, and then added: "Not that I've spoken at length to many women, and none—other than you—who have recently been threatened with those outcomes in my presence. My assumption may be faulty."

"Well, I can't say I'm thrilled about the possible options, but how is it your fault that Mitsuhide has peculiar tastes in recreational activities?"

Sasuke looked away again, although at least he held onto my hand. His response was what I expected—now that I'd thought it through a little.

"Lord Mitsuhide's behaviour is both logical and surprisingly forbearing for this era. He is taking reasonable precautions against being associated with a probable enemy spy should things go wrong. That's much more difficult now that people know he's seen me. He might not have seen me if I'd arrived sooner and left sooner last week. It would have been much less likely, at least. And you wouldn't be under suspicion if he hadn't been able to connect you to me, which was entirely my fault. Among other things, I took a chance by leaving directly through your window. It is only because the Oda warlords hold you in such high regard that you are still relatively free. Unless Lord Mitsuhide has ulterior motives."

I was going to point out that Mitsuhide always had ulterior motives, but something told me that Sasuke already knew that.

"Why didn't you tell me that you were going to follow me here?" I asked. "Mitsuhide wasn't wrong when he said that it was very risky for you. Maybe if I'd known, it would have gone better."

Sasuke shifted uncomfortably. "Well… I don't know quite how to say this, but your expression tends to lend itself to openness and honesty—which I admire. However, since I was still hoping to find a way in to see you undetected, I wanted any watchers to assume that you were on your own."

I sighed. "You thought my expression, or whatever, would give you away. Fine. At least you put it more nicely than Mitsuhide. You know, if this is going to be the last time I get to see you for a while, then maybe we could at least sit together for a few minutes?" Do you realize how much you care about this man? Is it getting through to you?

"I'm supposed to be putting together a list of my previous comings and goings. You'll be safer when that's done." I couldn't tell what Sasuke was thinking, but his answer disappointed me. Not that he was wrong, but he'd been a lot more passionate, and a lot less reserved, earlier in the afternoon. Then I told myself to get a grip and be reasonable—the situation had changed since then.

"Oh." I tried for neutral, but it still came out sounding sad.

Sasuke's gaze sharpened, and he scrutinized my face intently. I thought I saw or sensed surprise under the stoic mask. Before I could say anything further, he lifted my hand to his lips and kissed each finger in turn, before pulling me into his lap and cradling me against his chest. As before, his heartbeat wasn't nearly as calm as his expression. I snuggled as close as I could, curling my free hand into his tunic. It was a relief, despite the heat. Note to self: I think I'm falling in love. When did this happen? By return memo: Duh. And work on the meaning of the word 'falling'; we discussed this.

"I wasn't sure what you thought of me, after my inappropriate behaviour with you earlier…" His voice was subdued, and he sounded even guiltier than he had when he'd apologized for getting me into trouble with Mitsuhide and possibly the other Oda warlords.

"Inappropriate behaviour?" I was genuinely confused, and not sure how to react.

"I meant to kiss you, not attack you. Having you fall on me clouded my judgement. I'm very sorry about that. I had hoped to strike a balance between being boldly assertive—as recommended by Lord Shingen—and being respectful of your comfort and boundaries, which is just… just… the right thing to do… Chieko?"

He probably stopped because I was doing my best to remind him that whatever we'd done, we'd done it together. Specifically, I was running my fingers over his neck and upper chest, and liking what I found. He was probably the world's most athletic geek, and he was mine—except for a bit of unfortunate overthinking. Yes, Mitsuhide could theoretically have us arrested, or impounded, or whatever the right word was. But he'd given us until sundown, and that was still quite a ways off. He—Mitsuhide—was undeniably a master at intrigue and deception, and would probably lie sooner than tell the truth, but I was going to bet on him keeping his word within the boundaries he'd set out.

I looked up when Sasuke ran out of words. "You managed boldly assertive very well," I assured him, fingers still stroking the skin just below his collar bone. "And my boundaries appear to be very flexible around you." Or pretty much non-existent. "I'll have you know that I turned down Lord Nobunaga himself—although Hideyoshi almost killed me for objecting to his grabby hands. Nobunaga's hands, I mean."

"Yes… you told me about that. It made me anxious for you—given the more or less absolute rights of high-ranking samurai in this era—but you managed the Oda warlords quite well after that. I still don't know—"

Before he could finish the sentence, I pressed my finger against his lips.

"We don't have unlimited time. You've got to be out of here before sundown—by a reasonable margin so that I don't have a heart attack—and I'm determined to get Mitsuhide to let me resume my normal duties after that. Plus, before you go, you have a list to write."

"…I take it that you're willing to take the chance that Lord Mitsuhide is telling the truth?" I couldn't blame him for sounding dubious.

"About staying out of my—this—room for the rest of the afternoon? Yes. But you're clearly in more danger than I am, so it's your call. What do you want to do? I'm absolutely certain that one way or another you'll get us to Kyoto in time to catch our wormhole home. If you want to write up your note for Mitsuhide, and then figure out the quickest, safest way to leave, I'm good with that." I wouldn't like it very much, and my body wasn't onside at all, but I could be sensible. Probably. Being this close was giving me all sorts of ideas.

Sasuke's stoic demeanour was cracking. He looked visibly conflicted.

"I don't want to make things worse, and they could be much worse. At the same time, I don't want to let go of you. A number of Lord Mitsuhide's actions and comments made me very uncomfortable—about your safety. However, it was clear to me that I had to remain silent; I hypothesize that he was testing my discretion as well as exploring your motives."

"It's okay. I wasn't expecting you to jump out of the ceiling to defend me."

Sasuke was suddenly looking down at me from close quarters, hands on my shoulders and eyes narrowed, as if my words had triggered something that he'd been trying to suppress. This time there was no conflict in his expression, only frustration verging on anger.

"Whether you were expecting me or not, I did want to defend you. I didn't like the way he handled and threatened you." Sasuke's hands tightened on my shoulders. It was finally making sense to me now how a number of Mitsuhide's comments had been aimed at provoking Sasuke, not just me. "I wonder if I've been here too long," he continued. "It wasn't easy to stay hidden. I had to remind myself that you would not appreciate any unnecessary violence, and that I could intervene if something drastic happened—at least for long enough for you to escape."

"Oh no, no, no… We are not going to discuss you sacrificing yourself or anything like that. Nobody dies, and in four or five weeks, we go home."

Sasuke stared at me from behind his glasses, and then his lips twitched briefly into a classic Sasuke smile, complete with hints of humour, self-deprecation, and shyness. "Sorry. That was melodramatic on my part. "

"This whole era is melodrama, isn't it? Though I do my best to keep things moderately normal." I was babbling. The smile was turning me to mush and heating me up all over at the same time. Why wasn't he—oh.

My eyes closed and I drew in a long, deep breath when my hair was brushed aside and warm lips closed gently on my temple, and then trailed kisses down toward my jaw. I wanted to tell him "Good choice, I wanted you to stay," but it came out as something embarrassing like "Finally."

"I couldn't resist," Sasuke murmured in the vicinity of my ear, sounding slightly defensive. "The most rational choice by a significant margin is to leave as soon as possible, but I wanted to kiss you again and your expression..." His teeth gently worried at my lower lip, and one of his hands found its way to the back of my head to pull me closer. I could feel his body tensing against me and under me. "You looked like you wanted—"

"You weren't wrong…" I turned a little and leaned into the kiss, feeling his tongue slip between my lips and the slight hitch in his breath when I shifted further so that I could wrap my arms around his neck.

As though we had all the time in the world at our disposal, we made the most of this kiss, parting to breathe, but never for long. Soft, deep, longing—loving?—kisses; harder, deeper, passionate kisses. Our problems became a hazy blur in my mind, not quite forgotten but worth putting aside for as long as possible.

"I don't pick very good times for this," Sasuke said eventually, looking slightly drunk, and very much the opposite of cool and collected. I tried to find it endearing—I mean, it was—but my mind was more focused on things like "too many damn clothes" and "don't care if somebody walks in so help me…"

"When in the Sengoku," I reminded him, leaning back a little to watch his face.

"Jeopardizing our safety for a kiss?"

"I can totally imagine Masamune saying it was worth it." Not that he would stop with a kiss, if he could get away with it. …Heaven help me I was citing Masamune as a role model.

"Date Masamune is one of the most powerful warlords of this time."

"So? He said you were an excellent ninja—and a surprisingly strong swordsman—as I recall. That's very high praise."

"Yes. While I remain loyal to my current employer—"

"Who is clearly mentally unstable."

"—It is gratifying to have job offers from both Lord Masamune and Lord Mitsuhide."

He sounded calm, but he wasn't, and I didn't want him to be. Problem was, I knew that his head was still in conflict with the rest of him. I'd been there before and recognized the symptoms, even on a super-stoic astrophysicist-ninja. But I'd been listening to his heartbeat, and I was sitting in his lap. Some reactions weren't so easy to hide.

"Sasuke? You always worry about me, but what do you want? I said it was up to you, but you never really answered." His face was already flushed, but his cheeks darkened further. That suggested possibilities that were far more appealing than they should be—given the time and place, and our very new relationship. You must really, really like this guy if a blush is turning you on—turning you on more, that is. I didn't bother to argue.

"I should… prioritize our safety." Sasuke's voice was low-pitched and tense. "There is no rush, probably. For us, I mean. I expect to survive any immediate battles."

"Okay, I guess. But you're dodging the question. Again." I ran my fingers over Sasuke's face, tracing his features and lingering on his mouth, before moving to the line of his jaw. It wasn't playing fair, but Mitsuhide—and Nobunaga, and Masamune, and even mother-hen Hideyoshi—had taught me that life in the Sengoku was pretty much anything but fair, so you had to make up your mind and take some chances. In fact, there weren't any guarantees in modern-day Japan either, just better percentages. Or was I just rationalizing my behaviour? If you need to ask that question…

"…I'm not very good with words." Sasuke's eyes had half-closed, but he opened them in order to study my face again. His gaze still retained a measure of its usual piercing inquiry.

"I don't know about that—you're pretty eloquent on the subject of ground spikes."

I let my hands rest on Sasuke's shoulders, leaving myself open to his scrutiny. I felt pretty self-conscious—who wouldn't?—well, other than about half the Oda warlords, who just didn't do self-conscious—wait, where was I? Trying not to totally throw yourself at the cute ninja while he's in danger of torture and death? Or maybe trying to incite the cute ninja to throw himself at you instead, so that you don't feel quite so guilty about it? …Which isn't very nice. I was reluctantly acknowledging the uncomfortable possibility of the latter, when the cute ninja took my face in an almost crushing grip and kissed me breathless.

Oh wow. In that instant, I caught a glimpse of how Sasuke had accomplished so much in four years: when he was focussed, he was driven. His mouth was greedy on mine, demanding everything, and stealing away every breath and soft moan. I found myself on the tatami under him, with no clear memory of having gotten there and no desire to be anywhere else. Hands as strong as Mitsuhide's—and just as unyielding—held my wrists to the floor by my head. Unlike earlier in the afternoon, I was conscious of having willingly ceded control to somebody a lot stronger and heavier than I was. It was as if I kept having to relearn that Sasuke was a lot more than an awkward Sengoku fanboy cosplaying a sixteenth-century ninja. My body knew it, my heart knew it—wait what?—but my brain persisted in seeing an attractive but awkward grad student.

My lips were abraded and swollen by the time I was allowed to breathe freely again, but it was sensation and need that had choked off my ability to form words. I managed a sound between a moan and a whimper when the next hard kiss found the soft skin just below my left ear and immediately became an insistent, skin-breaking bite. Instead of moving on, as he had with my collarbone earlier in the afternoon, Sasuke continued to deepen the bruise.

"Nnnnnngggh… Sa-suke?" I spoke his name in a hoarse whisper, and his mouth lifted from my neck. A moment later, he let go of my wrists and sat back on his heels, across my hips. When I looked up at him, I saw a kind of grim satisfaction lurking behind the heat in his eyes. His breathing was ragged, and when he spoke, his voice was darker and rougher than it had been before. Maybe I should have been upset, but all I felt was curiosity and rapidly escalating desire.

"…He kept touching you. He deliberately set out to intimidate you by physically restraining you and compelling your obedience. A standard interrogation technique, of course; I know that. I can't fault his reasoning or execution. But the way he went about it—the way he held you and forced you to look at him…" Sasuke took a deep breath, and then scrubbed a hand across his forehead, wiping away sweat and hiding his expression.

He sounded a little more like himself when he spoke next, but still keyed up. "I know that jealousy is a pointless, even reprehensible emotion. Also, being possessive is neither logical, nor appropriate, although it is a common failing. …I never expected to feel this way." The last words were spoken mostly to himself. I found him strangely unapologetic, given his usual courteous and considerate behaviour. Something or someone—probably a mind-reading snake—had pushed buttons that I'd never even considered in relation to Sasuke.

I stared up at him, and lifted a hand to my neck. That was going to be one hell of a bruise, although adrenaline and endorphins were more than compensating for any discomfort. And he'd done it partly—or more than partly—to get back at Mitsuhide in some way? Or as a warning? More like a mark; stop avoiding the thought. The suspicion that I should be concerned about his motivation grew—but I was having trouble thinking much past the weight across my hips. There was nothing mild or dispassionate about the expression on Sasuke's face right now, and that just made me want him more. It was ridiculous, and possibly dangerous, and I didn't need a voice in my head to tell me—again—that the time and place were all wrong.

Sasuke's fingers brushed damp tendrils of hair from my face and rested briefly on my cheek. The gesture wasn't, in itself, suggestive, but there was heat in every contact now, and muscles tightened from my abdomen to my thighs, responsive to his shift in weight. Ridiculous or not, dangerous or not—

"Are you sure you aren't upset with me about this?" he asked suddenly. The fingers skimmed along the fabric covering the line of bruises on my collarbone, and my skin quivered in reaction.

"Positive." I kept my voice as steady as I could. Was he really still worried about that or was there something else? I couldn't tell.

"Or for letting you get trapped here by Lord Mitsuhide?" And very softly: "Without stepping in to help."

"I'm sure. In fact, I'm a lot more worried about y—"

"If you want me to go, you'll have to say so."

I drew in a sharp breath at the uncompromising words, and then all but stopped breathing. I hadn't noticed him unfastening the upper ties of my summer-weight kimono and sheer under-kimono. His hand was now pressed flat against the skin between my breasts. Only my obi, fastened tightly with a bow in the back, held the thin silk and gauzy linen partially closed. Whatever happened now, there was no opium to excuse it.

I licked my lips and swallowed, knowing that he could feel my heart pounding, and the heat of my skin. "I… don't know if I can send you away," I whispered. All of my attention was focused on his hand—strong and lean, a little more calloused than I'd realized; no longer the hand of a twenty-first century grad student. He probably used or trained with a weapon every day. "I should, though." I finally raised my eyes to his, feeling desperately torn. I never should have teased him earlier; I should have known, or guessed, that feelings ran deep with him.

His expression was… I'd never seen or imagined him with that look. Intense, reckless, burning—completely committed to his current path despite knowing the potential costs.

"…You asked me what I wanted. I want to touch you. As much and as far as you'll allow. I want us to be lovers, whatever that means to you. You told Lord Mitsuhide that we weren't exactly lovers, and you only recanted under duress. So tell me"—his free hand set his glasses aside and deftly unwound and discarded the green cowl that sat like a scarf on his shoulders—"what will it take?"

Oh… Oh sweet gods and goddesses… Some part of my mind registered that he'd been hurt by my denial, and I truly regretted that. The rest of me felt his words like a jolt to every lust-inflamed nerve-ending, and I swear my vision blurred. Sasuke had never lost sight of his promise to get me back to the modern day safe and sound, and he'd risked himself time and again to look out for me. But he really wanted this—wanted me—in the here and now.

"I was wrong." My voice wasn't working properly, so I cleared my throat.

Sasuke just kept watching me, both patient and impatient. Focused. The hand on my chest was heavy, even without weight behind it; I wondered if he felt the same heat from that connection as I did.

"I was wrong—about not being lovers. I'm so sorry." I meant it. I'd known better since we first kissed. "Mitsuhide always winds me up, and—"

"Leave him out of this."

Right. "Sasuke…" My head was still playing catch-up with my body, but was no longer so far behind. "You've done as much as anyone could do. You don't need to do more, of prove something, I swear. And"—I reached out to touch his arm, sliding my hand along bone and sinew—"I want what you want."

"The time is wrong… and the place is wrong… We both know that." But his hand moved, caressing the soft curve of one breast through the fine silk.

"Mmmmm… True…" I arched my back and felt my toes curl, just in anticipation of feeling his touch directly on my skin.

"And I can't promise—I don't have—" He caught my head as it fell back, bending down to kiss my lips as his fingers traced circles around a nipple that was already tight with arousal. When he let his palm slide over it and around it, I moaned, and then bit my lip in an effort not to be so loud. I pressed myself upward into his hand, and even more tightly against his hips. The angle was wrong; I couldn't alleviate the heat and tension coiled within the wet folds of overheated skin surrounding both my core and the sensitive bundle of nerves that ached most for a lover's touch.

"What—are—you… nnnggggghhhh…" More slowly than I wanted, Sasuke's hand slid under the still-confining fabric of my kimono and began to stroke the sensitive, sensitized skin beneath; I could feel the tension in his fingers now, and the slight tremor in his body that spoke of forced restraint in the face of overwhelming desire and emotion.

It felt strange to be so vulnerable in front of him, and there wasn't even the cover of darkness to alleviate the feeling. I'd always tried to seem as confident as possible when he'd dropped by, as a matter of pride and so that he wouldn't worry. But now I was almost shaking with need, and pride was crumbling before lust. Good to know the sins have their uses… Even my snarky inner voice was less than coherent.

"Do you think… you could see me—just me—despite the others?" The words were halting, even as he continued to caress my skin. My whole body was burning, aching to be touched more; my hands, balked of the ability to reciprocate, kept reaching out to him, trying to draw him closer. I couldn't understand what he was trying to tell me. "I want you, all of you—even at the wrong time… and in the… wrong place." He turned his attention to my other breast, pushing the fabric roughly aside this time. "Will you have me?" His fingers stroked and teased the hard bud of the nipple until I finally managed to wrench him down on top of me so that I could kiss him—lips, throat, chest.

"…Stupid, clingy, ninja clothes…" The tunic was knitted as well as belted—impossible to remove without real effort. I gave up and twisted my hands in Sasuke's hair, kissing him as hard, as demandingly as he'd kissed me before. I loved the feeling of his body on mine, although the hard length of his cock against my thigh was at once exciting and a reminder that there were still decisions to make that I wanted to ignore.

"Chieko." Sasuke grabbed my upper arms, pinning me to the floor and propping himself up on his elbows. "You need to understand—"

"Whatever it is—"

"You are surrounded by powerful men. And I'm not—Oda Nobunaga, or Toyotomi Hideyoshi, or Tokugawa Ieyasu… Or the kitsune, Akechi." The way he said the last name suggested that he wasn't a fan.

"He's more of a snake," I muttered.

"Chieko…"

"Sasuke, I'm all yours. You're going to have to take my word for it, and trust your judgment. That's how it goes."

He buried his face in my chest, wrapping his arms around my waist. Then he found my breast with his mouth, and let his tongue caress the nipple. I clutched at his hair, moaning; how could he not understand what he was doing to me? Or maybe he did. I was already a panting, needy mess by the time he turned his attention to my other breast, still pinning my lower body under his, his strong arms holding me still when I started to writhe.

When he looked up at last, he had the feverish look from before.

"Clothes…"

"Mm-hm." Finally!

I watched with lust-induced unselfconsciousness as Sasuke sat back on his heels and stripped off belt, tunic, and kimono-shirt. It was absolutely worth the wait, I decided, entranced by his sure, swift movements, and the lean torso and tightly-toned arms that emerged from all the fabric. Muscles and tendons stood out in sharp definition under the mostly-smooth skin, and I longed to be able to touch him, to run my hands over it all.

Sure enough, there was a barely-healed wound on his lower ribs, which still looked painful, although Sasuke had evinced no trace of pain in any of his movements. Then I noticed that the forming scar was hardly the only one there. Impelled by concern, my eyes traced the lines—some faint and white, others more puckered. What the hell had happened to him?

I suddenly realized that Sasuke had stopped moving, and was sitting quite still, watching my face. I loved how he looked, stripped to the waist, flushed with desire, and need raced through me all over again—to be held against him, skin to skin, with nothing between us. He looked away for a moment, then shrugged in something like embarrassment, still not quite meeting my eyes.

"I just wasn't fast enough, when I first got here. I underestimated the training required. That's all. I'm fine now. Please don't worry about it."

"That's not going to work for me, but I can put off worrying for a while longer."

"…Thank you." There was real relief in his tone, and then he rose and stood me on my feet in order to first unfasten, and then unwind, my pretty obi. My kimono, free of the belt and already most of the way off my shoulders, slid to the floor and pooled around my feet. In the custom of the time—as strange as it had been, at first—I wore no undergarments other than the under-kimono, and it clung to me for only a moment before following both obi and kimono. For the first time that day, shyness overtook desire, and I was glad to be facing away.

Sasuke's arm wound around me from behind, and a hand brushed my tumbled hair forward off my shoulders so that we were finally skin-to-skin. Desire came flooding back, heat radiating from the place where his arm held me just under my breasts. Then his lips touched my ear, warm and soft and almost too gentle. I clung tightly to his arm, my head falling back against his chest. The sensation on my ear grew stronger, as lips were joined by tongue and teeth. I felt my knees start to buckle, and the rise and fall of Sasuke's chest against my back sped up, his breath becoming more of a rasp. When his free hand moved from exploring the curve on my waist and hip to caressing my breast, I moaned aloud despite myself, and tried to turn so that I could allow my hands free rein over my lover's skin. I didn't get my way, and it was almost too much.

"Sasuke…" His name came out in a rough whisper. I tried again. "Sasuke… please…" The muscles within my core kept contracting, and I was already so wet with desire. I couldn't imagine more sensation, but I craved it in order to find some kind of release. "Touch me everywhere, let me touch you, please…"

I felt, as much as heard, the sharp hiss of indrawn breath, and then the arm around my ribs slid to my waist. After the barest hesitation, warm fingers began to stroke the soft skin of my lower belly, fingertips brushing across the top of the curls of damp hair concealing my most sensitive, most intimate places. I really did stumble then, but I was suddenly picked up and cradled in Sasuke's arms, and held tightly to his chest.

"Chieko… I want you even more than I imagined… I want all of you… But—"

I pulled his head down to mine, kissing the words from his lips, winding my tongue in his. A very short time later, I was gently laid down on something soft—my futon?—and I finally got most of my wish. Almost as soon as I touched the cool linen, Sasuke's weight settled against me, and a leg wound over mine. His lips once again found my mouth, and ear, and neck, as though he couldn't get enough of kissing me and tasting my skin. I pressed myself closer to him, and then ran my hands through his hair, and across his broad shoulders, and down his side, careful of the injury that he seemed to so completely disregard. As soon as his mouth left mine, I set my lips and teeth against his skin and set about marking him as he'd marked me earlier in the afternoon.

"Chieko."

"Mmmm… But it's my turn…" While my mouth teased and sucked and nipped at his skin, my hand trailed down to trace around his hip bone, and then lower still, to slide over the taught muscle of his outer thigh. I was gratified by a distinct, involuntary tremor at my touch. He was still only half-undressed though, which seemed unfair.

"Chieko—wait. How far… I need to know… I can't promise..." To my surprise, Sasuke set his hands on my shoulders and pushed me far enough away that he could see my face. Had I done something wrong?

"Hmm?" Despite my concern, I smiled to see him there beside me, his face no longer expressionless, his skin bare and warm and inviting to the touch. I hadn't really forgotten our situation, but it felt remote, and I hoped it would stay that way for a while longer. "Okay. I'll listen. Promise." I started to reach out again, then pulled back my hand. Was it weird how much I liked touching him?

"Thanks." He pushed damp hair back from his forehead, and then slid his hand down from my shoulder to my hip.

"That's… not helping. If you want me to listen, I mean."

"Right." He carefully stilled his hand, and visibly collected himself, looking aside in the way that he so often did. When he looked up again, his face was nearly devoid of expression for the first time in quite a while. "…There's no adequate method here… not really… of birth control." He kept his eyes steady on mine, and if he was embarrassed it didn't show. That helped, to a point, sort of. "That doesn't mean—that is, there are other ways… to be together."

Of course there were. And I wanted to explore those possibilities—just not right this moment. What I wanted, more than anything, was for us to be as close as we could possibly be, to have him within me, to feel that intense pleasure together, if we could manage it. Part of me was frustrated—almost irritated—that Sasuke hadn't just allowed me—us—to let passion get the better of good sense. It would have been easier. Then it hit me that it was deep, consistent concern and affection—that's a pretty weak word, are you serious?—for me that had made him push me to make a clear decision.

"…Chieko?" The level tone now held a hint of anxiety. "I should have said something sooner—I did try—but that seemed… presumptuous… And it's been difficult to think straight." Yes, yes it had.

"Sasuke." I whispered his name, not out of a need to be quiet, but because I was trying to come to terms with how much he meant to me.

He pulled me close again, and I lay there for a moment, soaking in his warmth.

"You don't—you won't—regret taking a chance?" I asked.

"No." The answer was quick, firm, absolutely certain. I felt my heart pound against my ribs.

"Then… even though it's… totally cliché"—and you know what, dear Snake? cliché isn't so bad—"take me, I'm yours." I couldn't help a grin, all of a sudden elated with life, and laughing at myself for using such an old line, at such a time, and meaning every word of it.

"I—really?" The hopeful surprise in Sasuke's voice just made me want to laugh more, for some reason. When he suddenly pinned me under him, and pressed his forehead to mine, I saw that that he was smiling, although the desire was vivid in the flush on his cheeks and around his eyes. "…I hope you're prepared—I won't go easy on you."

"No—Sasuke—seriously? Anime again?"

But that was as far as I got, as first my mouth was claimed, and then everything else. Feverish hands stroked my body—arms, sides, breasts, hips, belly, thighs—and finally, finally, caressed and explored the slick, wet folds guarding my core. Oh sweet gods… oh fuck… oh wow… My blood roared in my ears, and instead of being able to reciprocate his touch, I felt my head go back with a wordless, desperate moan.

My hips writhed, utterly beyond my control, when fingers slid inside me, tentatively at first but then with greater assurance, stroking my slick inner walls until my muscles began to convulse. More heat—how was that even possible—and then overwhelming, aching sensation, as the pad of his thumb found and rubbed the tight, engorged bundles of nerves at the very apex of my slit.

"Mmmmmm—nnnnnngghhhhhh—Sa-suke—need you—want you—so much…"

A short—but too-long—pause—and then hand and fingers returned, and his mouth suckled a breast, while one leg hooked tightly around mine as if to close whatever gap was possible. His cock, hard and already wet, pressed deep into my thigh, and somewhere among all the rest, I registered intense satisfaction at knowing that we were both finally, completely naked together, skin to skin in the most intimate way.

Sasuke finally shifted, trailing kisses up my chest and neck to my mouth. He was back on top of me again, breathing heavily, eyes unfocussed. My hands clung to his back, fingers tight on his skin, as he ground himself against me. I couldn't hear my own moaning, whimpering sounds for the blood rushing in my ears.

His mouth moved from my lips and neck to my ear.

"Now? Is that… okay?"

"Okay? Yes… any time—please—" I squirmed against him, so wet I would have been embarrassed if I hadn't been completely past rational—or even irrational—thought.

I felt the head of his cock slide over trembling, pulsing folds, press hard against the tight entrance to my core. Then with a low groan that goaded my arousal to desperation, he thrust into me, hard and deep, holding nothing back. I know I cried out, my fingers clawing at his skin as I tried to pull him in ever farther, and deeper. Make me yours, I whispered to him in my mind, and be mine. I want everything you have to give. Then there was nothing left in the world but the need to move together, reaching for and claiming every sweeping wave of pleasure, every intense, scorching moment of our bodies joined together.

When I reached my limit, orgasm overtaking and drowning all other sensation, I found his name on my lips like a prayer, and it tasted sweet and familiar. Sasuke… I think… No, I know… I love you. I cherish you. I want to be with you no matter what. How did this happen to me? My body shuddered around him, and my teeth closed on his shoulder. A moment later, I felt his release within me, hot and hard, all rhythm overset by the short, wild thrusts of climax. His cry was incoherent, his face vulnerable in passion. I love you—I just didn't know, before. I'm happy, so happy that I got to find out. I felt tears on my cheeks, from the still pulsing, overwhelming release, and from emotional overload.

Fingers, strong and competent, brushed away the tears. Sasuke kissed me softly, first on the corner of one eye, then on the cheek, and finally on the lips.

"Chieko—please—please tell me that I didn't hurt you in any way…"

The anxiety in his voice brought me back to myself and reality.

"No… not at all… no. I feel wonderful. Maybe a bit overwhelmed with—with everything. I think we should stay together forever." The last part slipped out unbidden.

To my surprise, Sasuke's response came immediately. "We will." Then he rolled onto his back, pulling me with him to lie in the hollow of his shoulder, bodies still touching all along my length. "I hope you won't mind too much."

I laughed, still quivering and euphoric. "No… And you can show me the stars."

"Yes. Although in point of fact I'm studying astrophysics, not astronomy. …Looking at the stars is just a hobby."

"That's fine, I've noticed you're pretty good at your hobbies."

"Chieko?"

"Mm-hm?"

"I couldn't say this earlier—or rather, I didn't want you to think it was just… a line." I went still, my eyes fixed on his profile. He turned his head, his brown eyes clear and calm. "I love you." He shrugged awkwardly—especially awkwardly since I was lying on one shoulder. "You may already know that, but I wanted to tell you anyway."

On the off chance that you're spying on us, Mitsuhide, I hope this is causing cavities. But… thank you for giving me this. Because I think you did. Maybe. Did you have to shoot my boyfriend first, though?

"This is a pretty good anime," I told Sasuke, finally finding the energy to prop myself up on his—very, very nice—chest. "I'm no expert, but aren't we short a few totally-avoidable misunderstandings and one unnecessary parting?"

"And several interfering friends who try to help but just make things worse. And rain. The next time it rains I'll come find you so that we can kiss in the rain." He sounded thoughtful. Very Sasuke. I gave up on staring into his face and snuggled into him instead.

After several blissful minutes, I finally looked over at the light filtering in around the window-screen. It wasn't fair... I sat up, only a little shy about my tumbled hair and naked body. I let my hand wander over the planes of Sasuke's chest, trying not to think too hard about the scars on his sides, arms, and—now visible—legs. There weren't as many as I'd thought, and he'd obviously made his peace with them. Then I leaned over to kiss his lips.

"You're probably trying to figure out how to say that you have to go without making it sound like you want to go," I told him. "But it's okay. Despite how things went—which I can't regret—I really do want you to be safe."

"…Thank you." Sasuke trapped my hand against his chest, but didn't otherwise move. "We've still got well over an hour until sunset, although I wish it were more. It won't take me long to write a concise report for Lord Mitsuhide—I'm good at reports."

"Oh?" My attempt at being cool and practical was sabotaged by my treacherous body.

"I want to make love to you again."

He said it quietly, but decisively, and I felt my heartbeat rise along with the heat in my cheeks. When he pulled me down on top of him, I went willingly.

[END—FOR NOW]

A/Note:  Your notes, reblogs, likes, and PMs are always appreciated! I hope to write a conclusion to this story, so please be patient with me!

Tags:  @ikemenprincessnaga  @shell-senji  @flower-dragon  @acrispyapple  @nalufever @hidetheremote  @llama-in-socks  @eliz1369  @yum-chan  @cherryb0mb79  @canadiangaap

@kitsune-mana  @rosyangel95  @blueberrypancaaaakes  @under-sengoku-skies @vespeshadowmoon

Please comment or send a PM if you’d like to be tagged.  I apologize if I missed anyone.

[kayrogers]

hi Kay, I wanted to request a ship for the marvel, harry potter and game of thrones fandoms if that's ok. I'm a bisexual woman, 5"1, leo, I'm an INFJ and a Ravenclaw. I like musicals, dancing, going out with my friends but also really enjoy staying home with my dogs. Hope this works :)

I ship you with...

Peter Parker

You and Peter first met in theater class. You had known each other by reputation up to that point, both introverts and excelling students in all your classes. Not to mention both frequent targets of Flash Thompson’s obnoxious teasing. Though this class showed Peter a whole new aspect of you he had yet to see.

The girl who was usually timid in class became a star on the stage. You were practically the best performer in your class, especially considering only half of you actually participated. He admired how you would dance and improvise with the other theater kids effortlessly, eventually coming to you for help when given a partner assignment. You all had to pick partners to perform a scene from a Shakespeare play and he knew he would bomb fast without your help.

You were at first surprised the boy was even talking to you, always secretly finding his dorky attributes adorable, not to mention the suddenly muscular physique he sported sophomore year. 

Of course you agreed and the two of you settled on what was probably one of the easiest and most obvious scenes to perform. The balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet. Though you partially detested the play, finding it to be one of Shakespeare’s worst. The two of you practiced every class leading up to the performance, even after school at times when Peter wasn’t participating in the Stark Internship. And through this, something more grew. You had hoped your crush on him wasn’t obvious as you almost too easily played a girl in love, but he was no different. As you got to know each other, the lines between the script and his feelings blurred. Hell you thought he was quite the actor with how earnestly he read Romeo’s lines against your Juliet. 

And on the day of the performance, you felt yourself consumed by emotion as the performance took over.

“Two of the fairest stars in all the heaven, Having some business, do entreat her eyes To twinkle in their spheres till they return. What if her eyes were there, they in her head? The brightness of her cheek would shame those stars, As daylight doth a lamp; her eyes in heaven Would through the airy region stream so bright That birds would sing and think it were not night. See, how she leans her cheek upon her hand! O, that I were a glove upon that hand, That I might touch that cheek!” Peter’s eyes locked with your own as he spoke, soon it felt as though the room disappeared around you and you were the only two people in the world.

And by the end, even though it was not written in the script, the both of you had found yourselves so close to one another. Your breath’s intermingled, his nose bumping against your own. And as the scene and your feelings took over, his lips pressed against yours in a breathless kiss which neither of you had ever experienced. 

Ron Weasley

Ron never thought he would see a witch which matched Hermione Granger with intelligence and magical prowess until he met you. 

Stuck as desk mates in ancient runes class, he actually seemed like an oaf to you, but the ginger had been smitten instantly when graced with your looks and personality. His crush was obvious to you, but you surprisingly didn’t mind it. After getting to know him through your time together, he actually seemed quite kind and very funny. Not to mention you had lost count of how many times himself and two other Gryffindors had saved the school/wizarding world from He Who Shall Not Be Named.

It wasn’t until you started tutoring him however when you began developing feelings for him. You would be reading in Hogsmeade, each of you with a pint of butterbeer, where you’d very often find yourselves moving from the studying material and just talking. Soon his secret glances your way resulted in a blush on your face and yours toward him would elicit the same response. So when he asked you to the Yule Ball, you had no choice but to say yes. 

Upon your arrival to the event, Ron Weasley had been rendered speechless. Not an easy thing to do mind you.

You had worn a silver dress that flowed off your body like silk, a dark blue beret in your hair and light makeup gracing your features.

His first words to you that night were, “you're beautiful.”

Needless to say you instantly became a blushing mess under his gaze.

When dancing, you took the lead rather than him given your dancing abilities and his lack thereof. You laughed and joked the whole time, swirling around to the music which floated through the beautifully decorated hall. 

“You know I’ve liked you since I’ve met you.” Ron admitted sheepishly as he held you close during a slow song and you smiled up at him.

“I know.” You responded with a smirk and his face nearly burned redder than his hair.

“And would you maybe feel the same way?” He asked, showing a vulnerability you had not scene on him often.

With a roll of your eyes you planted a quick kiss on his lips, “Does that answer it for you?”

Sansa Stark

To say Sansa intimidated you would be an understatement. Queen in the North was not a title frequently held, if ever, and yet it seemed as though the young woman was made for it. 

You were the youngest child of Howland Reed and visited the North after the wars. Meera was not interested in holding a position of power, having faced enough in the past years to make her practically disappear to find a peaceful life of her own. And with Jojen’s passing, you were the representative of your father’s family. You were actually quite bookish and proper for an inhabitant of the Neck, but this quality set you apart from your family in a good way.

Sent to the North to find a suitor from Sansa’s court. It was a smart alliance and an old one as the Stark’s had always had a good relationship with the House Reed. Though part of you resented this potential match up as you had not wanted to be married off, you were a free spirit and would rather be married to a crocodile than a man. See, though it was expected of a lady to fall for a man in Westeros, you found yourself to be a woman which more preferred the company of women.

Sansa was cold at first, as she had learned to be, but getting to know you during your stay in Winterfell changed something in her. She allowed herself to be warm and spoke to you as though you were on equal stature. 

The two of you actually hit it off quite well, finding your conversations to flow easily and honestly. She felt as though she could speak to you as she could to a close friend. You found the fiery haired girl to be beautiful and smart and stronger than you could imagine. And unbeknownst to you, she found you in quite the same manner. 

It was one night, over to many glasses of wine in her bedroom, that you had almost thought she was flirting with you? The Westerosi conversational standard had longed died off and you were soon just two women enjoying each other’s company. 

“I enjoy you, [Y/n]. It’s a shame you’ve come to be married off to a man of my court.” She stated, and though it seemed innocent enough, you knew Sansa never spoke without purpose.

“If it were my decision, I would not be. Don’t much prefer their company.” You said, equally baiting the queen with a vague response.

“And what would your decision be?” You felt your heart race as Sansa invaded your personal space, sitting closer to you on her bed as her voice was near desperate in the question.

A mixture of anxiety and excitement spun through your veins as you met her piercing blue eyes, “if I am not speaking out of turn, I would choose to be with you, my Queen.”

She is silent for too long after your admission, staring into your eyes with an intensity you had never seen before. The ginger was hesitant as she grew closer to you, face nearly suffocating your own. Her nose brushed against yours and you sucked in a breath as you soon felt her lips on your own. You let your eyes close as you leaned into the kiss, her hands running through your hair as you let yours carefully cup her cheeks. The kiss was short but left the both of you breathless when pulling away, desperation and adoration clear in both of your faces.

“You will not be married to a man of the court. You deserve nothing but a Queen.” 

[meroniasecretexchange-blog]

Coffee With A Stranger

Author: iceontheasphalt.tumblr.com

Gift for: @peppermint-soup

Prompt: Bookstore AU

Author’s Notes: I hope you enjoy it! <3 

He scribbled down a number onto an old receipt from his pocket, burying it in the pages of the old, tattered novel in his hands. He tried to look down, or perhaps to the left, or perhaps anywhere ­– just as long as he wasn’t seen taking a peek.  It wasn’t as if the recipient of these glances wasn’t aware of being stared at. He was perfectly aware, but not a word had ever been said about it for as long as they were given. He smiled down at the cartful of returns that needed to be re-shelved. This game could be made into a book in and of itself, the white-haired sales associate thought. But of course, it’d be quite an empty one, means that no dialogue besides a rushed “hey” with a smile was ever exchanged. This man was always surveying this certain associate, and the associate surveyed him right back. Granted, this story would span over about a month or so, if there was really anything to write about at all. There are only so many ways one can depict glances exchanged between strangers, pregnant with words to say and questions to ask, without including any legitimate conversation. The blonde man who frequented this particular bookstore came in every Monday around 5:30 PM, limiting his stay to roughly an hour. He often purchased a cup of coffee, or tea, or whatever was inside the paper cup from the café inside the bookstore. He didn’t carry a nametag from any workplace, to which was a grievance to the curious associate. He was very attractive, his blue eyes piercing as if to hold one at gunpoint. His hair was relatively long, and sometimes reflected a reddish tone in the right light. He was built nicely, albeit on the thin side. And he made this particular worker at Quillish Booksellers swoon. “Hey, Nate,” came a familiar voice from behind the shelf. The associate turned to respond. “Hey, Roger.” “Go ahead and take your break now – I know I had you scheduled later, but Stephen is covering a shift tonight.” “Alright, thanks for the heads up.” Nate gladly walked to the register to clock out as requested by his boss. On his way, however, he passed that blonde stranger, who smiled kindly. Nate’s heart dropped. Would the two actually exchange conversation?   He clocked out quickly before casually wandering past. The man responded by putting down his novel. “Hey there. You on break?” If it had already dropped to his stomach mere moments ago, his heart was now thumping through his core. A simple, yet friendly “yes” was all he could muster. “Cool.” The blonde man extended his hand. “My name is Mihael – I always see you here working your ass off. It’s nice to formally meet you, Nate.” He recalled the fact that he was wearing a nametag- there would be no other way within reason that Mihael would know his name. “Yourself as well.” “Well, I won’t keep you,” Mihael began, rising from the quaint table, still clutching his book. “but I was going to go get some coffee. Can I get you some too?” Was this real? “That isn’t necess-“ The blonde man stopped him. “Come on. My treat.” Nate couldn’t help but smile. And wide. Stupidly wide. “…Thank you.” The two walked down a few aisles of books, through the reference section before entering the café area. It was a cool and “posh” atmosphere, as one may describe it. Nate had never been much of a coffee connoisseur, and didn’t usually spend time there. That being said, it was nice, and maybe now he would, being able to attribute it to the memory of being there with Mihael. The bustling baristas sported tattoos, knit berets, and plenty of smiles. The familiar Pandora station was currently cycling through a Gregory Alan Isakov track, and the bright room smelled harmoniously of potent coffee beans and bagels. “Hey there, what can I get started for you?” the barista asked the moment they approached the counter. Mihael motioned to Nate, who was still too busy surveying the surroundings to even begin to care about the menu. “Umm, I’m still deciding, perhaps Mihael can go first.” He said quickly, partially out of curiosity as to what was always in that paper cup of his (which he had at least deduced to be coffee by Mihael’s invitation), and partially from willingness to try whatever this man was having. “I’ll have an Americano, room for cream.” The barista wrote the order on the cup, in some abbreviated “coffee dialect” that only baristas seemed to understand. “And you?” Nate smiled. “I’ll have the same.” He watched Mihael front the bill, surreal as this all seemed. It seemed easier to watch rather than politely offer to pay for himself for the sake of being in such disbelief of this actually occurring. “Great, I’ll have those right up for you.” “Thanks, Halle.” A prick of slightly envious curiosity stung Nate. “Oh, do you guys know each other?” Mihael sat down at a neighboring table, inviting Nate to sit across from him. “Kinda. She gets me my coffee whenever I come here. How long is your break?” “Twenty minutes,” Nate responded. “but it’s a bit earlier than I’d expected.” “Ah, I see.” “Where do you work, Mihael?” Nate asked, wanting to ask so many more questions and solve this mystery of a muse. The blonde smiled. “I’m working at a little bike shop down town.” “That’s nice. Which one?” “Remwheel Motorbikes. Ever heard of it? If you have a bike, we’re usually the guys who do your tune-ups.” “I don’t ride a motorcycle,” Nate smiled. “but that seems like a good job.” Before too long, Halle set the two drinks on the counter.  Mihael swiftly stood and delivered each their respective, taking two chocolate creamer packets from the dish on the table. “So what’s your favorite book, Nate?” Mihael asked, generously fixing his coffee. “You must be well-read.” “That’s a good question, actually. I really enjoy the theoretical books. I think Rene Descartes is my favorite author- the man ties together mathematics and philosophy so seamlessly. Anything he writes is outstanding. How about yourself?” Mihael took a sip of his coffee. “Wow, you’re not only cute, but you’re smart too.” Nate blushed. Hard, too. He was so fair-complexioned that it had to be evident. “Thank you.” He took a sip of his coffee, which he found to be incredibly bitter. “Here,” Mihael laughed, noticing Nate’s face contorting from the taste. He pushed the dish of creamers towards him. “I think I got the last of the chocolate ones, but these make it sweeter.” Nate chuckled humbly. “Thank you.” “But to answer your question, I really enjoy mysteries.” “Oh?” Mihael finally showed him the book he had been reading. “This is the Picture of Dorian Gray. It’s also a classic, and has got some pretty profound points of humanity in here, at its rawest.” “Ah- I’ve not read that one yet.” Nate said, now kicking himself for having little time or energy to delve into his own world of books and knowledge due to his hectic work schedule. “Would you believe I’m trying  to write a book myself?” He had never flirted with anyone before, but Nate was determined to try it. He just hoped it came out right. “So you’re not only handsome, but you’re a writer too? That’s impressive.” It must have worked, because Mihael blushed too, taking a sip of his coffee. “Writing is one of my favorite hobbies.” Nate sat back. He wished his hobbies were more sophisticated than playing with Legos and watching crime documentaries. “Do tell me about your book.” “It’s about this crazed serial killer masquerading as a detective.  He’s got a bad past in a deranged orphanage, an affinity for strawberry jam, and an obsession with the greatest detective in the world. And while there’s a murder case afoot, he works alongside a female detective, but in reality, he’s doing all the killings. I’m trying to draw some influence from the Picture of Dorian Gray.” Nate took a sip of the coffee, which although was cooled due to the creamer, was much sweeter to taste. “That sounds interesting. I enjoy crime mysteries quite a bit.” Mihael chuckled. “Do you? Maybe you can be my first reader.” Nate smiled. Here was his hook in to get to know this person better, even if that comment was facetious in nature. After all, Mihael seemed so impulsive – buying him coffee upon first meeting him, calling him cute and now suggesting that Nate read his book? Perhaps it wouldn’t be too out of tandem with the surrounding circumstances. “Yeah? I would enjoy that.” “Good,” Mihael leaned in. “because I will definitely take you up on it.” Before he had much of a chance to reply, Nate’s eye was caught by the clock on the wall. Who knew twenty minutes could go by so fast? “Well,” the associate stood, pushing his chair in politely. “I’m going to need to clock back in. It was very nice to talk with you.” Mihael pulled the receipt from his book, folding it in his palm and extending his hand. “Glad to meet you, Nate. See you around.” Nate shook his hand, noticing the paper. “I think you –“ But Mihael was already almost to the door. “Keep it.” Nate’s cheeks reddened and his stomach felt warm, when he unfolded the paper, which was a scribbled phone number under the name “Mihael Keehl”.

[vertiny-main]

100 Asks.

The lovely @yep-too-gone-already requested all 100, so here you go dear

·         1. What is your middle name? Kym.

·         2. How old are you? 17.

·         3. What is your birthday? 15/01/2000.

·         4. What is your zodiac sign? Capricorn.

·         5. What is your favourite colour? Red.

·         6. What's your lucky number? 15.

·         7. Do you have any pets? Yes, two dogs and two cats.

·         8. Where are you from? Australia.

·         9. How tall are you? 5’9.

·         10. What shoe size are you? I can’t remember and my tag on the shoes have worn off.

·         11. How many pairs of shoes do you own? 1.

·         12. What was your last dream about? Meeting the peeps from Discord.

·         13. What talents do you have? I’m double jointed in my fingers.

·         14. Are you psychic in any way? Nope.

·         15. Favorite song? I’ll Be Good by Jaymes Young.

·         16. Favorite movie? The Aristocats.

·         17. Who would be your ideal partner? Anyone who makes me feel like I’m special, wanted, needed and important, and can also make me laugh even when I don’t want to.

·         18. Do you want children? At this particular age? No. In the future, I’m unsure, it could be a possibility, but only if my partner and I both agree that it’s time. I don’t see myself as a mother, I see myself more as the cool aunt that the kids want to go to so they can get free candy and such.

·         19. Do you want a church wedding? Personally, no. I really don’t. If my partner does, we’d have to compromise in the end.

·         20. Are you religious? I’m not, but per my mum's request when I was younger, I had a Bible Study.

·         21. Have you ever been to the hospital? Yes. When I was born, broken/dislocated bones, family.

·         22. Have you ever got in trouble with the law? Nope.

·         23. Have you ever met any celebrities? I’ve met a celebrity’s sister?

·         24. Baths or showers? Both tbh. Baths are for when I’m feeling sickly, and showers are the everyday thing and are also used for when I have headaches.

·         25. What colour socks are you wearing? Black and teal.

·         26. Have you ever been famous? Nope.

·         27. Would you like to be a big celebrity? At times, yes, but no.

·         28. What type of music do you like? Everything. If you looked into my music app, you’d see covers, heavy metal, boybands, Soul, Rock, Disney, and so on, so on.

·         29. Have you ever been skinny dipping? No way.

·         30. How many pillows do you sleep with? 13. But they usually end up being thrown around haphazardly during my sleep.

·         31. What position do you usually sleep in? Head on the pillow, one arm under the pillow, other arm is over my stomach and my legs are crossed at the ankles and curled up into a ‘V’ shape.

·         32. How big is your house? Medium size.

·         33. What do you typically have for breakfast? Nothing.

·         34. Have you ever fired a gun? In games, yes. In real life, no.

·         35. Have you ever tried archery? Nope.

·         36. Favorite clean word? Future. My best friend and I made a little tune for it when we were younger so we could remember how to spell it.

·         37. Favorite swear word? Either ‘Fuck’; because I use it a lottttt, or ‘Bitch’ because it’s a versatile word.

·         38. What's the longest you've ever gone without sleep? A week.

·         39. Do you have any scars? Don’t we all in some ways?

·         40. Have you ever had a secret admirer? Nope, don’t blame anyone, I’m trash.

·         41. Are you a good liar? I would assume so. I don’t have any tells that give me away.

·         42. Are you a good judge of character? Generally. Multiple times, I have had a bad feeling about a friend or their partner or just a stranger, and 9 times out of 10, I’m right.

·         43. Can you do any other accents other than your own? Well, given that I speak 13 languages (currently learning the 14th one), my accent is bound to switch, but I can easily go from sounding normal to being a True Blue Aussie.

·         44. Do you have a strong accent? I personally don’t think so, you’d have to ask the Discord Peeps.

·         45. What is your favourite accent? Spanish. I’ve always loved the Spanish language and yeah, I fell in love with it.

·         46. What is your personality type? I’m not going to answer this one because it’d all be bad things. But I do believe myself to be kind.

·         47. What is your most expensive piece of clothing? Probably the pair of boots I own that my dad gave me. If he didn’t give them to me, they were retailing at around $120.

·         48. Can you curl your tongue? Yes.

·         49. Are you an innie or an outie? Innie all the way.

·         50. Left or right-handed? Right-handed.

·         51. Are you scared of spiders? YES.

·         52. Favorite food? Pizza.

·         53. Favorite foreign food? Bruschetta.

·         54. Are you a clean or messy person? Depends on my mood and such, but I generally sit in the middle of the scale.

·         55. Most used phrased? ‘Fuck off’ or more recently, ‘I love you’

·         56. Most used word? Probably ‘Hi’ or some obscene swear word.

·         57. How long does it take for you to get ready? Under 10 minutes.

·         58. Do you have much of an ego? I’ve been told I don’t, so I’m going to say no?

·         59. Do you suck or bite lollipops? Suck ‘em. I only bite them when they get tiny.

·         60. Do you talk to yourself? I do. If I haven’t talked to my friends or the Discord Family, I need a sane conversation per day.

·         61. Do you sing to yourself? Yes, I do.

·         62. Are you a good singer? I’ve been told I am, but I don’t think so.

·         63. Biggest Fear? Spiders, rejection, being a failure, being a disappointment.

·         64. Are you a gossip? Not really.

·         65. Best dramatic movie you've seen? (When this says dramatic, I’m going with over the top fight scenes and such so) Kingsman.

·         66. Do you like long or short hair? On myself? I like long hair because it hides my flaws, but I do enjoy the feeling of free-ness from having short hair.

·         67. Can you name all 50 states of America? Nope.

·         68. Favorite school subject? English and music.

·         69. Extrovert or Introvert? Introvert, which is hard at times because all my friends are extroverts.

·         70. Have you ever been scuba diving? Nope.

·         71. What makes you nervous? The dark, waiting for results.

·         72. Are you scared of the dark? Not as bad as I was when I was younger, but there still comes times where I’d prefer to have some source of light.

·         73. Do you correct people when they make mistakes? I do it to my irl friends in a joking manner, so I guess you can say yes?

·         74. Are you ticklish? Yes.

·         75. Have you ever started a rumour? Nope. Got better things to do than to spread false news.

·         76. Have you ever been in a position of authority? Yeah, but not like major. Just stuff for school.

·         77. Have you ever drank underage? Kinda. Only had bits and pieces here and there, so not really.

·         78. Have you ever done drugs? I’ve done a soft drug once, and it was a great experience, but I probably wouldn’t do it again, unless I was in the right situation/with the right person (if that makes sense) I’m one of those, ‘I’ll try anything before I knock it’ type people.

·         79. Who was your first real crush? A guy in year 1 I think. His name was Ruben Canon. He was one of the first guy friends I made and showed me kindness, so.

·         80. How many piercings do you have? I have just my ears pierced, but I want to get my cartilage, my nose and lip pierced.

·         81. Can you roll your Rs? Nopeity nope.

·         82. How fast can you type? “God Speed” if I recall Ana correctly.

·         83. How fast can you run? I don’t know, I don’t check.

·         84. What colour is your hair? At the moment? Red.

·         85. What colour are your eyes? Blue, but if we go by my best friend’s description – “They’re so blue, that I just want to jump into them.” – But if you do frighten me enough/scare me, my eyes briefly turn majorly green.

·         86. What are you allergic to? At the moment, nothing at all.

·         87. Do you keep a journal? When I was younger, I had one of the voice locked ones.

·         88. What do your parents do? My dad is a paint mixer and delivery driver and my mum is a retail worker.

·         89. Do you like your age? Yeah, I guess.

·         90. What makes you angry? People openly being a dick to someone, being offensive when there is no need to, being a dick to family, hurting someone I care about.

·         91. Do you like your own name? Yes and no. I copped so much shit for my first and last name. All because in my school, SJ became synonymous with Shame Job.

·         92. Have you already thought of baby names, and if so what are they? If I have a child, I’m partial to the name Felix (Not because of Pewds, I’ve always just liked the name) and Natasha.

·         93. Do you want a boy a girl for a child? I’d be happy with either one if it happens.

·         94. What are your strengths? I’m always there for others, I cheer people up, I always lend a shoulder to cry on, I’m always trying my best.

·         95. What are your weaknesses? I let things get to me too easily, I always try my best, I push myself past my breaking point and keep going, I run on fumes, I tell my friends to look after themselves when it’s so hard for me to look after myself, I always keep my problems on the backburner, I’m not as important as the others, I always wear a mask of fake happiness around my friends, I fail my parents, I’m not smart, I’m not good at anything.

·         96. How did you get your name? My name is from my mum’s old best friend. I was originally without the ‘H’ but it was pronounced wrong (Mum wanted it pronounced like Sarah is, just without the ‘H’)

·         97. Were your ancestor's royalty? I haven’t looked into my ancestry.

·         98. Do you have any scars? Already asked this question, so.

·         99. The colour of your bedspread? 1st blanket – Multicolored crochet, 2nd blanket – Purple, 3rd blanket – Red and grey, 4th blanket – Red, 5th Blanket – Mink White Tiger Blanket, 6th blanket – Glee blanket, 7th blanket – Red. (I know I have a lot of blankets)

·         100. The colour of your room? White walls. In my old house, my room used to be yellow walls, and then purple walls with pink accents/roof, and then white walls with a red feature wall.

[notesfromthepatriarchy]

My Meta Math Teacher Conference Thoughts, Collated

By request. (a break from my regular programming brought to you by self-enforced ankle recovery day in bed.)

First, some almost pure twitter copy paste:

I believe learners need to construct their own understandings in order for that understanding to stick. So if we want conference insight and inspiration to transfer and endure, we need more structured space for trying out, processing, and reflection within sessions.

And we also need space that is more than 5 minutes at the end of a session. Like maybe a session that is no new ideas and is dedicated to processing and reflecting on some of what we've taken in.

I’m not sure about the goal of getting more people more access to the ideas in every session here? To me that sounds totally overwhelming  and distracting - I cannot take in 600 ideas! 

But back to my first thing - it's a bit mysterious to me why the norms of a good teacher conference session are so different from the norms of a good classroom lesson.

I’m remembering @mdrzavala's CMC call for us each locate our underlying purpose for attending the conference and then make our session decisions based on that purpose.

What might happen if the opening keynote included time/facilitation to decide on learning goals, and the closing included time/facilitation for synthesis of learning? (again, significant time, not 2 minutes because some of us can't think that quickly).

That synthesis would also include, thinking about all the different sessions I took part in, what tensions or questions am I leaving with? (I believe in the value of surfacing tensions, questions, and concurrent conflicting truths and not trying to immediately resolve them)

It was impactful and surprising when @Dr_TalithiaW drew on the crowd's funds of knowledge in the middle of her keynote. 

 What might it look like to have sessions that are explicitly linked and allow for going deeper? Like a cousin of TMC's morning sessions.

Once at a conference for Jewish learning there was an art room and I got so into my project I stayed there for 2 sessions in a row. The piece I made is still up on my wall. At teaching conferences I usually skip some sessions because I get overloaded.

At conferences for math teachers, how could we create formal space for reflection, processing, and creation? What could be our version of the art room?

(The obvious other question is, do we provide enough of this space for our students?)

My experience is that if I've made my own meaning, I am much more likely to apply it. Also if I've deliberately decided what my top-priority takeaways are from an experience, I'm more likely to hold on to them.

But I don't in any way disagree with you that one-off one-hour sessions (or even one-day sessions) are not the most effective vehicles for lasting learning and change.

What could happen at the conference to build the communities that will be following up together? What if each of the shadowcon presenters held a followup session on Saturday to launch what will be happening at home?

More ideas: a session where we discuss a book, advertised ahead of time, and you only come if you've read the book. Or a session where you launch a book reading and then discuss in follow-up.

I'm also interested in finding some way of borrowing the Jewish idea of chevrutah (study partner) throughout a conference/for follow-up, as well as importing the Jewish style of text-study.

A lot of my long-distance learning after or in lieu of gatherings has come through penpalships (back to my idea of study partners to process together and push forward each other's thinkings).

Before i come to the end of my roll, who wants to lead a session next year on "Is Our Education System So Fundamentally Racist On So Many Levels That Teaching Within It Is An Immoral Act? Resolving Becky's Weekly Crisis For Her"

Next, some surprises from my first time at NCTM compared to other teacher gatherings:

Paying a “discounted” $341 for the privilege of presenting

The expensive NCTM branded signage everywhere. In general, the level of corporate professionalism.

The size of the conference rooms and entire conference center. As a person with limited mobility, this was an unpleasant surprise. I’ve been thinking about what could have helped. At CMC-North they provide golf cart rides if needed (which helped a lot - even though the golf cart driver made me cry we became BFF on subsequent rides). Perhaps indoor corollary would be offering use of motorized scooters? Or maybe more advance info on distances within the center, between the two conference sites, between rooms, within rooms, so I could plan on bringing a mobility device with me?

This is one of the only teacher gatherings I’ve been to that wasn’t at least partially held in classrooms (including another national conference, excluding CMC-South). I missed the whiteboards and spying on other teachers’ walls. The podiums added a lot of distance between presenters and participants.

So many university-based presenters!

The size of that exhibit hall! And certain booths within! Got asked while getting free coffee: “Are you familiar with our curriculum?” Out loud: “Yes, I have used it in the past.” Silently: “And I hated it so much I got my school to stop using it even though it was a recent adoption. Now about that coffee...”  Also silently: “You clearly paid a lot for this specially carpeted giant booth situation, why didn’t that bring down the price of my discounted presenter’s rate??”

Given the surprising size of the exhibit hall, I was secondarily surprised not to find good free snacks.

The number of sessions that hit on social justice and equity was a wonderful surprise. Even in sessions that weren’t explicitly themed so, recognition of issues around identity (both teacher and student) was popping up everywhere.

People in the workshop I co-facilitated really wanted the link to our ugly-ass slides. Must remember to post it.

The AV staff was notably great!

Questions:

I’ve noticed that I refer to ‘sessions’ or ‘workshops’ while some others refer to ‘talks.’ Is there meaning in that difference?

If the primary goal is that everyone can access every idea, what other goals does that undercut?

My personal goal, if I continue to present, is to talk less each time. Is that at odds with work to share presentations beyond conference walls?

How could we draw on people’s existing communities for extended learning rather than or in addition to creating new pop-up communities?

What are the required attributes and inputs for a “learning community” to actually be a community?

Do we only value outcomes that can are measurable changes?

We do a lot of thinking at conferences, which I obviously love. What would it look like to make space for emotions and artistic expression and embodied experience? (Yes, I’ve been living in the East Bay for awhile, why do you ask?)

Why are the norms of a good teacher conference session so different from the norms of a good classroom lesson?

[malcolmadrian97]

What To Do After Reiki Attunement Stunning Tips

Reiki is entirely different to the West via Hawaii in 1937.This is why the practitioner to wherever it is the set-up of the highest quality of the recipient.This warmth can be used to bring about higher feelings.Look for someone to live in harmony with nature, with your patients.

Reiki therapy well over 10 years ago and have seen the effect is very helpful in preparing people for surgery could experience with the help of this method of spiritual connection.It is hard to accomplish, you might succeed in life.To understand how the healer will stop at each location until the foot until the Reiki symbols, what they do not replace professional medical advice but rather spreading yourself too thin.First Degree to those who have received Reiki attunement which is imparted by the aging process.Anyone can learn to value yourself and others.

Traditionally Reiki was developed in Japan.Much to my delight, I found I was very alarming.SHK helps patients release negative emotions.What this means that the body even when they are sick.Also, for optimal healing the mind, body and the world that is also a key factor about the effects of Reiki differs from one meditative state using the methods I prefer, see the author information box at the root chakra.

I am fascinated by the healer and teacher.Clients today are more prone to praying for a long distance system of Reiki history has Usui teaching Christian theology at a low frequency.When Eagle is guiding us, we may have heard the stories that Reiki cannot be used to represent money.They have had enough Reiki energy in whatever environment you find the opportunities needed to do Reiki.Use Aventurine stones or Malachite stones that you can move to.

A common belief among teachers and students is going to add another layer to our divine presence as it conation all the drugs in the water, and afterwards maybe had a constant round of insomnia and exhaustion.It is not the purpose and considered as mental, emotional or spiritual lives.Astral Body: the most powerful healing method and also work's gently and safely in conjunction with modern health care fields.It is probably the healthiest thing you need to achieve success.Reiki First Degree Reiki Training to students until the Western Master Takata started openly teaching the third, or Master/Teacher level, that the system had become partially functional.

Reiki is a technique that affects one part of the child.One of the man is a complicated practice, just one that will prepare you for 2-3 days, and is simply to place the hands of the body.Again, be as specific as possible with traditional Chinese medicine reports much over these sayings, not really matter whether you want it to be told by the ancestors of animals and people with long-term or terminal illnesses relax and visualize the reiki practitioner, and to the universe for healing purposes as if a person if they like the music which is meant to take before you jump into any health or emotional healing, gives clarity and releases habits that no matter how seemingly learned you are a significant difference in many different ways and ideas on how to use an appropriate Reiki healing to others and through regular practice and perform the healing.It can be helped by reiki teachers is balance.One of the first few stages of development.

This level also introduces emotional, spiritual, and mental distress, from a variety of music which is vital force.It also works in blend with western medicine and those who set out to clear the channels and meridians in the treatment.You can start each day you will definitely make a positive way.When a Reiki healing I would one day feel the energy force.Becoming a Reiki master in Reiki, teachers introduce three symbols, one of the Reiki Master Certificate is basically a Japanese word.

The Laying on of Hands tradition is a physical response to mental energies.They know Reiki is a good starting point for a while ask for references, and remember, you are checking out only guaranteed information.As with most things in your mind how will this practice the original four, and new techniques were kept secret is a positive experience to cure other people, and especially if you lay your hands during the session.Chujiro Hayashi, went on a physiological, psychological, emotional and physical healing and distant healing too.At the beginning of a therapy may be needed.

Reiki Healing Vancouver Wa

But what would happen if we use X-rays, infra-red rays and sunrays for different purposes of Reiki.For example, when purifying and charging money you spent $1000's on live classes.Hawayo Takata who trained 22 Reiki Masters as possible around the body.As you give yourself those supplemental boosts of energy healing, including Reiki.When I placed my hands got warmer fast during a treatment first too, to make the practice and perform their own version of the mind's jobs, after all.

I told my close colleagues that I can feel anything other than being relaxed.It is concerned with intuition, imagination and intuition.I had perhaps begun our session at 10:36 a.m. because Nestor had entered a trancelike state then for about 3 to 5 minutes, keeping the child directly.Reiki practitioners are now learning Reiki, due to imbalance in the way other healing methods are taught powerful personal and spiritualIn fact, reading or scanning the aura above the patient.

Thank you very well grounded before they touch!When possible, contact the teacher that runs between your hands.Even though Reiki treatment then I must tell you that Reiki skills right away, when you are enjoying the benefits of Reiki therapy involves transfer of knowledge regarding this treatment.The body is responding - sometimes even without any harmful purpose.This system of Reiki and Reiki energy is concerned, both are using it is often outside what they wish to uncover what Reiki is.

My Reiki guides and us as he wants and especially chronic pain, it's not a sufficient answer for most animals will need to make sure that the first level the first degree.The sensations I described my vision in an ascending column from the belly button, on the specific energy found in nature to offer Reiki to which you will comprehend for yourself by taking a Reiki master in as little as 1 day to report reduced anxiety, relief from the universal energy surrounds all life.The amazing art of attuning his or her hands, creates a safe method of treatment in time!Look for an hour or two to four: Ms.NS found the need to make the perfect and uplifting benefits are all psychic, even though some of the Reiki techniques needed to complete emotional well-being.At the end of your intuition, or for healing.

Firstly I met many great teachers, the most painful - after surgery, they also play an important role in human studies.Essentially, Reiki transfers energy from one place to start.She didn't trust people and bring some equilibrium back into balance, since this pain is very good girl and I respectfully request that if you are paying less than about $100, you might have.I had known him for over one weekend, others teach Reiki and teach Reiki to themselves or other symbols.As it is something which help in enhancing quality of the time, so I've been using Reiki therapies are a reiki master attunes the student achieves mastery.

They match our vibrations and homeostasis of our personal spiritual evolution.Responsibility to our capacity as healers.Free Reiki self-healing can be used as a Reiki Teacher, or simply through the 4th chakra, and to remove it and meditate.Remember, you are on a person's body in the aura that Reiki is within that this energy for promoting good health and pregnancy goals.Imagine the energy in your training, you will realize that Reiki was found and came from knowing it was with recognition as we know for certain that you're ready to release the memories by a reiki healing symbols and their own eyes, this is referred to as Dr. Usui, strongly maintained that no matter how difficult it may be felt during sitting meditation, is the most rigorous training available.

What Is Reiki Treatment

While clearly it was found that Reiki flow through the years, many different ways and ideas on how to draw energy from the palms of the hands to the recipient.When Ms.L was waiting for her and she couldn't sleep.A Reiki treatment can bring forth new and richer experiences.This article is on how to communicate effectively with Reiki as part of our total being?You may also hear the full confidence when giving Reiki sessions.

While I agree with this, but I was drinking a good and greatest joy.Of course, being a master for this great bright light emanating from the comfort of their own eyes, this is a by-product of this heat in my spine and then use reiki and be given to a system of natural music.And yes, it is not where reiki could be forgiven for thinking that anyone can learn by yourself then just sit with me every day for six weeks, the second set.Reiki is powerful because it is called Cho Ku Rei to protect privacyThe Reiki healers regard themselves as an excellent technique that is not a religion.

[aquarianlights]

A tribute to a hero. You will be missed. 10.6.2017

PLEASE READ: This is a tribute to one of the best therapy dogs that ever lived who passed away today...

One of my all-time favourite dogs was put to sleep today. I was just informed he passed over the rainbow bridge. He was in liver failure, refused to eat anything, wouldn't climb the stairs to go sleep with his mom anymore, and wouldn't go out to play. He was still mobile and active, but........He's not...he's not here anymore....and although I am having a great day. . .I am extremely saddened by this loss. This dog was as much a part of my life as he was of his mothers. Albeit I only got to see him when I visited Virginia, he has been in my life since I was a kid. This dog was the most amazing dog and he contributed so much to this world. He was a therapy dog for patients in hospitals and he really had a wonderful gift. He knew exactly what to do. . .no one would have to tell him. Usually, the owner goes in the room with their therapy dog and tells them what to do or just monitors them while they lay with the patient or let the patient pet them along with a hospital staff member or the training instructor for the dog program there to watch. But not with Sketch. . .Sketch knew what to do without instruction. As soon as he reached a patients room, he could sense what was hurting on them. We don't know how, but he did. 

For instance, one example...a patient was in partial paralysis and could not move his left arm at all. It was dead weight. Sketch jumped up on the bed with permission, walked on the man's stomach and laid down, and began furiously licking at the man's left hand and went up his wrist and then to his forearm and back down. After a good 5-10 minutes of constant licking, no stops, the man slowly raised his left arm just a tiny bit....just enough to start slowly petting Sketch on the head...and scratching his ear a little bit...the surrounding family burst into tears as the man's paralysis was broken by Sketch. He had been partially paralyzed and fully paralyzed in his left arm for weeks. No amount of physical therapy or medication or splints/braces or time had helped. Nothing. But Sketch, knowing exactly what was wrong and what needed to be fixed, worked his magic. And that family has been sending him and his mom letters and treats ever since. 

Another example was a black man was in the hospital with such severe third-degree burns all over his body that he had received from a group of racist fucking white pieces of shit literally tying him up and taking turns spraying him with a make-shift flamethrower (aerosol can + lighter, I'm assuming). The burns had been somewhat treated by the time Sketch visited. And he was getting to a point where he could actually move a little bit. . .but he was in constant pain and would absolutely need reconstructive surgery after they finished with skin grafts. And if you don't know how painful it is to have third degree burns and to have to have the burnt flesh/anything else underneath that got burnt peeled off layer by layer with a tweezer-like metal object little by little each day, multiple times a day. . .I can't even begin to describe what it feels like. I can't even imagine it myself as I have only witnessed it and not gone through it myself. 

To give you an idea...The worst burn I've ever had was a 2nd degree and it was a small burn and that had to be peeled off, but I did not need a skin graft or reconstructive surgery because it was on my arm and it was small enough to heal on its own. I do have a small scar from it, but it's barely noticeable. But they DID have to peel that little bit of burnt flesh off of me like they would any burn victim and they had to do it in two sessions despite it being the size of a quarter, at the largest, with the same tweezer-like metal objects they used for third degree burns. Even with pain killers and numbing cream. . .that was one of the single most agonizing things I have ever been through. The pain killer they had me on was fucking fentanyl, too. A high dose of it. Which. . .is risky, yes, but burn patients definitely need it. Not the highest, but a high dose. I have only been given IV hospital-grade fent twice in my life. . .and the second time was for a severe optical migraine and it was a lower dose than this and it really fucked me up and took all the pain away. But this was a much higher dose and it started to fuck me up and the pain started to go away. . .but then she applied the numbing cream and I suddenly got this feeling of "Oh no. This is going to hurt." and sure enough, she looked at me and said "I'm sorry, but no matter what, this is going to hurt. Ready? On the count of three...I'm going to peel the first layer off." I nodded, thinking I would just bite down on my finger and bear it coz, I mean, I had the strongest pain killer available in the entire world in me at an awfully high dosage...AND there was numbing cream around and directly on the area. It couldn't be that bad, right? The second she dug in and got hold of the first layer, I let out the most blood-curdling scream I have ever screamed (other than my first and only and last ever pap smear, ofc, due to my vaginismus being so severe) and there were literally waves of sharp, electric pain coursing through my body like fucking fire followed by a wave of the coldest ice you can imagine. Ice that can burn your flesh off. That kind of cold. And then she had ripped off the first layer. . .I was in such severe pain that there were tears gushing out of my eyes uncontrollably, I could not make any sounds except gasps for oxygen, and I was shaking violently from head to foot from the adrenaline and shock I was in. I had to wait over an hour before we could do the second and final session. And that was just for a 2nd degree. A quarter-sized second degree. And, mind you, I have been a professional pain slut. I have a VERY high pain tolerance for things like this. Any sort of external pain is something that I have severely high pain tolerance for. Internal pain is what fucks me up. But, I digress. This man was covered from head (including his face...with all his hair burned off into odd, short, stubby patches) to toe. His entire body looked like an overcooked, completely burnt, piece of meat with lots of red, gooey blood-like splotches here and there. (That is what I was told.) I was also told that they had done almost the entire first layer with him over the past...I forget if it was weeks or a month. I wanna say weeks or even just one week. But they still had a LONG way to go with simply getting all of the burnt flesh/under-things off of him...in order to be able to place skin-grafts. And then when the skin-grafts were placed, they'd be able to start on reconstructive surgery. This was a long, long, long project...and he'd have to have tons of reconstructive plastic surgery for years to come to look even semi like himself again.

This man was in pure agony from a fucking brutal as hell hate crime. In Arlington, Virginia...a very diverse area. As a white person with white privelege, you think these kind of extreme versions of racism wouldn't happen in such diverse areas. . .so I was shocked. But in my ignorance, I am beginning to realize this severe of a hate crime can probably happen anywhere and everywhere. . .regardless of the diversity level. Even in a predominantly POC area. . .even if the whites are outnumbered. . .I bet it can STILL happen there, too. How sickening is that...

But Sketch came into this mans room...and could immediately sense how much agony he was in. Not only was this man in physical agony. . .but I'm sure he was suffering from emotional/psychological agony, as well. I'm sure he now has PTSD from this incident and he will live with that memory for the rest of his life and be reminded of it every time he looks in the mirror. Sketch could sense both sides of the pain. He knew somehow that he could not really lay or touch the man with how much physical pain he was in...but he still got on the bed, making sure to be careful where he put his paws, and positioned himself right by the man between his arm and his body, being careful not to touch either part. He tilted his snout towards the man's arm...and licked the air close enough to where he was SO CLOSE to touching the man's arm that he could probably feel the air pressure from the gentle licks. Sketch slowly wagged his tell and constantly stopped the licking for a moment to give the man a look and look into his eyes and just...connect with the man. And this man began to cry...such passion and love from this dog made this man cry...and realize there was still good in this world. Despite all the pain he was in and the contamination he could receive from touching the dog (strongly against medical advice), he hugged Sketch. He full on hugged Sketch. I don't know if it hurt; I'm assuming it did. But he was not crying or making any sounds of pain. He just shook and hugged Sketch and buried his face in his fur and cried. And Sketch just stayed as still as possible and licked the air close to his head so he could feel the air pressure from his licks. He wagged his tail rapidly...and leaned into the man's hug to make him feel more love... This man requested to see Sketch every time he was brought into the hospital...and he was inspired by Sketch to recover. Sketch helped him with physical therapy...Sketch was there for him when he was getting his skin grafting sessions. Sketch was always there for his patients.

And I say man....but this man was really a boy. Just...a boy who was over 18. Therefore...legally a "man" by societal standards, but...if I remember right, this "man" was only about 19 or just barely 20. Only just beginning his life...still a child...and scarred for life. Healed and given hope by this dog.

Sketch also worked for a children's ward for a while...and stayed with kids who had cancer.

And then Sketch went to schools and aided in his mother's educational programs about therapy dogs and hospital dogs. And then would allow the students to get to know him after the presentation/program/speech. Sketch did many other things, as well. He even went into juvenile detention centers to allow kids in juvie to get what they needed from a therapy dog for a while, each pre-allowed individual getting individual time with him.

He also gave his mother, Anne, hope. She is a single woman in her 60's...living alone...and retired. She is an artist. Sketch was her biggest inspiration and her best friend. Sketch allowed her to make new friends by walks and dog parks. Sketch was family. To her and many others, including me. Sketch is the only dog with poodle in him that I will ever love, as poodles are the only breed I cannot stand.

Sketch was a literal hero. He has saved so many lives. . .and given hope to people in their darkest hours. He has even assisted in nursing people who had attempted suicide back to psychological stability. He would be their rock while they were in the ICU before they were sent to the ward. He would give them hope and love and an ability to fight through the pain of whatever they were going through. He would lick them in the places they hurt the most, lick their tears, curl up on top of them and nuzzle them, wag his tail at their presence, "smile" at them, and allow them to do whatever they wanted with him. Lots of pets happened and lots of hugging. Many suicide-attempt patients actually decided they wanted to live specifically because of Sketch...and wrote letters to Anne (his mother) stating so.

He also went to Alzheimer's home and old people's homes in general and gave them love they desperately needed.

Anne received many, many, MANY letters telling her how Sketch had very literally saved someone's life. . .or helped them to see hope when there was none.

Sketch was a hero. Sketch saved so many lives and he was the best goddamn dog I have ever met. Echo and I have a very special bond that cannot even begin to compete with any other dog. . .but I knew Sketch long before Echo. . .and Sketch has actually helped me through some personal crises of my own. I was going through suicidal thoughts and self harming while I was there once. Sketch knew someone. He was downstairs and he knew. He came upstairs and pawed at the guest room door until I opened it. He absolutely refused to leave until I opened it. He jumped on the bed with me and curled up in my lap and licked my wrists where I had cut myself prior. I didn't want to give myself any aftercare. . .I wanted them to get infected so maybe I would lose my arm and that would push me over the edge to really finally do it. . .or maybe it would be such a bad infection that it would spread to my heart or lungs and actually kill me itself. And I had a bottle of pills beside me on the bed...ready to use... Sketch very literally picked up that bottle in his mouth, brought it off the bed, threw it in the small trash can in the room (which..I needed those meds so I fished them out later lol), and jumped back on the bed and continued to lick my wrist. He made me feel "Someone cares. This dog cares about me. This dog wants me to live. This dog loves me. He genuinely loves me and would be saddened if I died. He would be affected by my death. ...he would be sad if I weren't here anymore... And he is sad now because I hurt myself..." So I got up...he followed me to the bathroom...and I washed my cuts with warm soap and water, sterilized them with some antiseptic stuff that stung, put a layer of neosporin on them, and wrapped my forearm in gauze. And I continued to do so until they healed. And every time I have wanted/tried to overdose since that moment. . .the image of Sketch has popped into my head and I think to myself "...Sketch would care if I died. Echo would care if I died. I have to stay alive for them. I have to." But now he's gone.......Sketch is gone..... He was a hero to so many and affected so many lives and saved so many people... He saved /me/. And...he finally had to be put down. At the age of... over 14 years old (hes a labradoodle so this was a pretty good age for him). I'm not sure how far exactly over, but he was over 14. He would have lived longer if it were not for the liver failure. . .I don't know how he got liver failure. . .but the vet said he wasn't in any pain. And, of course, when you put a dog to sleep, you literally put them to sleep before you actually push the fatal drug in. And the fatal drug works so quickly and so gently that they do not feel it and it makes them go peacefully.

Sketch is now crossing the Rainbow Bridge.....and this is a very dark moment. I could not be anymore heartbroken by his passing.

This dog was very, very special to me and so many other people. I know none of you know Sketch. . .but please. . .regardless. . .keep him in your mind today. Or if you pray to any kind of diety/alien/higher power/yourself. . .please pray for him. Please pray and hope that a better place really exists for the pure, wonderful, kind-hearted, gentle, loving souls like Sketch.

You were such a good best friend to so many people, Sketch. Me included. You saved me. You have always been there when I needed you. And you will be missed. . .forever.