#y’all see a split second of Lloyd

[spicyicymeloncat]

Just so you all know I will laugh at all of the Ninjago fandom if that one child in the Ninjago united trailers is not Arin. I’ll laugh even harder if he’s not even that relevant.

Imagine if we got a s11 trailer that involved footage of Kai saving Jake and the whole fandom immediately latched onto him.

(This is all /lh btw dw)

[bubblyani]

The Letter

(Melvin Purvis x Reader)

A Melvin Purvis One Shot

Fandom: Public Enemies (2009) Michael Mann

Rating: Mature

Word Count: 6.6k+

Summary: The day when the FBI plans to catch John Dillinger, you finally write a letter full of undisclosed affections to Melvin Purvis, the love of your life. 


Author’s Note: Please note, this is all based on the fictionalized version of the character played by Christian Bale. It was a challenging concept but very happy with the outcome. Maybe I’m just “Bumping Gums*” but, hope y’all enjoy!!

“What are you thinking about?”

That familiar, male voice inquired. Cool yet affectionate; lingering in the darkness long enough for a female voice to hum before responding:

“Me? just things…” she began, her voice comprised of a much greater familiarity above all others, “Things I wanna say to you. I…” a chuckle arose, “It’s silly but…” she inhaled deep, “I just want to, write them down…for you”  

“What?…like in a letter?”

“Uh huh!”

“Why? I’m right here” Her giggles seasoned his genuine curiousity,“It’s not the same. I…” she inevitably paused, “I’m just shy” as softness smeared over her tone. “Oh…” he decided to follow suite, “…somehow I don’t believe that” with his words exiting in the form of purrs, the two pairs of lips finally met. The kiss, it was chaste. Yet the sound remained crisp. And the shared chuckles that soon followed, were crispier. Audibly vivid at its finest.

Sheer pity, for it merely was a memory. Such a pity, for it vanished the very second your eyes dared to open.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

(1934)

A heavy sigh left your lips in disappointment. Arms folded, your right index finger wandered over your silk robe, in detail. It had no other option, especially when your lips could not indulge his own, when your eyes could not indulge the only loving gaze that truly mattered. Thus, there you were, running your fingers over the silk of harsh reality. Nothing to imagine, nothing to relive.

All the while you stood, staring at the door ahead. The door from where he just left.

It was a lazy afternoon, and anxiousness had found its way deep into your bloodstream. Woken nerves, uneasy stomach, the pounding heart with great speed and clarity. Harsh reality had turned to the worse, grabbing you by the shoulders, only to force you to stare deep at it.

Face the facts, it uttered. But which part of you wanted to do so?

Though being the sole occupant in the room, your pounding heartbeat did not fail to drown your very own hearing. This feeling, you despised it, to the core. If only it would stop.

Until it finally did. But only when you spun back around in a split second. For you decided to take action on it instead.

Planting yourself firm on the wooden desk, hands were occupied in the hurried dance as drawers were pulled, and stashes of paper were grabbed and dropped out before you. But once the hands found their way to a beautiful pen inside, all actions reduced pace. Holding it with care, your eyes grew warm by the mere sight. For the pen, it was a symbol of things a many, and one in particular. The one which cost you a heavy sigh, before opening the cap and let the pen make take its course on the paper. And just like that, you finally wrote down two words. Two out of the many your heart ached to speak into existence:

Dear Mel…

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The sigh that followed soon after, was relieving. It was liberating. In truth, even a smile seemed possible. Hence, your intentions were clear.

“Dear Mel…” leaning forward, you read it out with warmth. For you were prepared to permit the ink to reunite with the paper once again, and linger on a little longer:

Looks like I finally found a reason to sit down and write this letter to you. Honestly, I feel like laughing, cause I never thought I’d end up doing this. 


Chuckling to oneself, you proceeded to write:

But I know if I don’t do this now, I would regret it. Cause now I finally know you deserve to read every last bit of my thoughts and feelings. All that I have hidden for too long. Before it’s too late.

Seeing you walk out that door wasn’t anything new. But when you did it this afternoon, it felt different. My heart, it felt something. It was heavy! That’s the word. Was I worried? afraid? I don’t know. All I know was that, it was too much. Enough for me to remember your effect on me.

Those words may have been generalized, yet you were astounded by the comfort you sensed when writing them. Inhaling deep, you kept on:

You were not a man I expected to ever meet in my life, Melvin Purvis. Never for one second. Out of all the folks here in Chicago, why would we ever meet? Whatever reason it was, I am very thankful. I am very thankful I opened my door to the hallway that night.

And I am thankful for Mr. Lloyd, and for that man in the navy blue coat.

Your words, they brimmed with sincerity. Looking up from the paper, you couldn’t help but stare into the wall. It was simply inevitable. Especially when every bit of detail began to flow into your consciousness, only to unfold the memory of that fateful night in your mind.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Chick Webb’s “Blues in my Heart*” playing in the radio, certainly did not fail to mirror your heart to perfection. For the melancholia was mutual. And the dim lights illuminating the apartment in the late evening, seemed to have sealed the emotion shut.

Memorable was your deep sigh, along with warm cup of tea that rested on your hands:

“I figured he, of all people would vouch for me, but instead he just…hung up” You remembered uttering, tone enriched with sadness whilst imitating a telephone being disconnected.

“Well…” a gruff voice began, “…if I were your Old man, I would never pull that nonsense”

You looked up, to set your eyes over at your neighbor Wilmer Lloyd, sitting across from you in his pajamas. A spritely gentleman in his late seventies, Lloyd was the friend, who in time became the father figure you wished you had.

Amused by his temper filled response, You chuckled with disbelief:

“Mr. Lloyd, your daughter had to move to another city, cause you didn’t like the fella she wanted to marry” you replied, “No need for the unnecessary kindness” adding with a smile, you proceeded to take a sip of the hot beverage.

“What kindness? she is no good kid like you. She married a goon*! ” Lloyd responded in defense, leaning forward with conviction, “While your Pops is just mad cause you’re trying to be a Secretary”

“I bet you a Lincoln* that my folks rather have me marry a goon, than have me find my own way of living”  you said, gulping down the rest of the tea.

“Don’t jinx it, kid” the old man grunted, his index finger pointed right at you, “I don’t wanna hate you too”

You laughed out loud. Truthfully, you were relieved to have finally did. The room felt too depressing for too long.

“Alright, kid. I’m beat” the old man sighed, pushing himself up to stand with a grunt. “Goodnight, Mr.Lloyd” You stood alongside him. The two parted ways, with you making your way over to the kitchen, and your neighbor making his way out. As if it was so habitual. For a daily chat with old Wilmer Lloyd, was indeed habitual.

Your first proper encounter with Lloyd was a special one. It was only a few months ago that you moved into Chicago. Stressful work shifts and lack of friends led to an eventual emotional breakdown one fine evening. A seemingly noticeable one, which caused the usually moody Lloyd to peep through his door, only to find you bawling your eyes out in the hallway. The sight of you kneeling before your apartment door in tears, was more than enough for his cold heart to melt, and to voice his concern. All while he helped you gather the groceries that had fallen out of your brown paper bag.

“We all gotta start somewhere, kid”

That phrase of comfort, was the invisible handkerchief that wiped your tears that day. And as you rinsed the tea cup, that phrase managed to return to your consciousness, being an invisible hand to pat you on the shoulder. Closing the tap, you sighed with relief. For you were once again thankful for the good in humanity.

Until the sound of a gunshot attacked your ears.

Clinging on to the sink with a jump, you felt your heart beat out loud, and there was no stopping. Before any was comprehended, a loud groan soon followed, originating from the Hallway. Your eyes widened. Could it be?

“Mr.Lloyd…” you breathed, as your legs finally made you dash towards the door to open. You gasped out loud, the moment you found Wilmer Lloyd sprawled on the floor, shot.

“Oh my god!…” you whispered, kneeling beside him.

But Lloyd lost your attention for a slight second, for you caught the sight of a man disappearing into the right-side stairwell. The sight was quick and blurry, yet it was evident he was armed. And one particular color was prominent as he left.

The groan repeated, forcing you to focus on Lloyd once again. Which was most important.

“A-are you alright?” A meek inquiry was all that you could do.

“WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE, KID?” The old man answered in pain, shifting. Slight relief washed over you, when you noticed he was only shot in the arm. Perhaps it was your heartbeat, or a new set of pounding footsteps nearby. Either way, the sounds grew louder from the left.

“Freeze! Chicago Police-” A voice, a male voice cried out, only to pause, causing you to look over, only to freeze.

Lowering his pistol, a well dressed man stood, surrounded by two others. All in suits and fedoras, and all seemingly alarmed by the sight of you and Lloyd.

“Is he alright, Ma’am?” The first man inquired. “I’m fine. Jesus!” Lloyd responded with annoyance. The man nodded with acknowledgement. Although there was slight embarrassment in the his face, you were simply too distracted by the cool nature of his voice.

“I know this is the wrong time but…” the man uttered, “…but did you see-”

“The shooter? ” you began all the sudden, “…in a navy blue coat? He went that way” pointing towards the right, you added. The muscles of the man’s tensed face relieved.

“Thank you, ma’am…” he breathed, before making a dash, “Boys! Take this man to the hospital” his commanding voice trailed behind him, indicating Lloyd. All before he himself disappeared into the stairwell.

And to your luck, the two able bodied youngsters knelt over the old man to do the needful. “The bullet is still inside. He’s gonna be alright, ma’am”

“Thank god! You heard him, Mr.Lloyd” you said, “Let’s go”

“Eh…” Lloyd muttered, holding the wound whilst being carried, “Not that I’m overjoyed about getting shot, but I gotta say I’m more than happy to know I’m not gonna die tonight” he grunted. To which you finally smiled behind him:

“Not in a million years…”

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The sound of loud sirens shattered your trail of reminiscence. Sirens, you gasped. For they suddenly brought you worry. Was he in trouble already?

Parting from the pen and paper, your hands pushed you to rise and scurry towards the window. Except you merely saw a youngster getting his ear pulled by an angry policeman, for fiddling with the police car siren.

You clutched your chest, sighing with relief to see. The fact that daylight yet reigned supreme was also sufficient evidence for you to rationalize your new-found relief. He was safe, wherever he was.

Returning to the desk, you picked up the pen. Glancing at it with affection, you proceeded to write once more:

Because of the accident that night, I found myself meeting a man who fascinated me instantly. So , you could understand how frustrated I was when I couldn’t even thank him.

You smirked upon those words. Not soon before you continued writing:

But then again, who knew I would have the actual luck to see him again two days later? At a place where I least expected. All thanks to a Bad Customer.

Akin to a Moving Picture, or a Talkie*, that very moment began to project into your memory. All the while your index finger managed to twirl a piece of your hair with nostalgia.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

“Apparently it was just some low level goon. Well, at least that’s what the Police told Mr.Lloyd…when they took his statement. But I don’t buy it, no. Why would those Federal Agents be there if it was?…”

You said, tying up the white, cotton waist apron over your baby blue waitress uniform.  

“Goodness! I really wouldn’t know what I would have done if I were you, Sweetpea” Cathy, your best friend replied while she followed suite.

Once the hair was fixed, the two of you headed to the kitchen, “Everyone! Look who’s changed her shift!” Cathy cried out, urging the other employees at the Diner to focus on you. There were cheers, bringing out the brightest smile in you. It was official.

Living with the Great Depression which has affected all, you were grateful even for the employment at a Diner in the city. A temp job, as you called it yourself. Until that very morning, you were assigned to the later shift and spent several weeks parted from Cathy. Fortunately, upon your boss’ satisfaction, you were finally offered the shift you always wished for: The morning shift.

You graciously used the first hour that morning for familiarization, which mainly included the customers. And that was indeed the part that fascinated you. For the customers were diverse with each shift. And the mornings were mostly welcomed by blue collar workers.

“Cathy! They’re waiting for the pancakes” 
“Oh! Shoot! I’m on it”

Listening to Cathy’s response in the background, you shook your head with amusement. You watched your friend waltz over to the eagerly waiting booth. But only before you made your way to the corner of the Diner counter.

“Can I help you, Sir?” A well rehearsed phrase exited your painted lips with politeness. A young man was the current owner to the corner seat. “A refill” the blonde haired drawled, indicating his empty, white mug on the counter. “Right away” “Thanks, Sweetheart” he replied, whilst the sound of the black coffee being poured, filled your ears. A group of eyes watched you from another corner. It was certain. And sure enough, your stealthy eyes caught the sight of some men sat across the diner. All sniggering. “Ya know…” the Blondie continued as he leaned forward, “my boys over there…” he indicated the suspicious group, “…they don’t believe me but, I think you’re one fine girl, sweeter than sugar” he said, flashing a flirtatious smile. “Oh, really?” You inquired with a polite chuckle. “Cross my heart, I hope to die” He was handsome, yes. But he was the handsome you never wanted. The type of handsome that could also break your heart. Besides, his attempt of seduction was misdirected, “So…um…” leaning closer, he began to whisper, “Care to help me prove the boys wrong? Like with a date? Or even a kiss? ” He inquired, his suggestive eyebrows being quite evident.

Oh, that fool, you thought. If you were at liberty to throw your head back in laughter, you would without any hesitation. Yet, it would not be appropriate.

“Ah! I’m sorry Sir, but I’m working” you replied.

“Aww come on!” He groaned, to which you shook your head and took a step back.

“Sorry Sir-Ah!” Except he grabbed you tight by the wrist. And displeasure was the mask he wore.

“Hey now, is that the way you treat your regulars here?” He inquired, increasing volume. Confused and very violated, your heart rate began to speed up. You sensed a threat.

“Let go, Sir!” You muttered in desperate politeness. Yet he did not.

“Why?” He sniggered, amidst your struggle to break free, “Whatcha gonna do, sugar?”

“I believe the lady asked you to let go”

That voice. A voice you could identify. A voice that forced you and Blondie to turn heads. Your eyes widened. Dressed smart and completed with his Fedora, the FBI agent from two nights ago stood before you both. Authoritative yet graceful, he sighed:   “Pardon me for intruding, but I know a Regular won’t harass a waitress this way” he said in a casual tone, to which Blondie stood up: 
“Yeah?” He snarled, offended, “How would YOU know about being Regulars, smart ass?” “Cause I am one” The Agent answered, before missing Blondie’s surprise punch, only to twist his arm within seconds.

Cries of pain erupted from the young man’s lips, until he was pulled close by the agent. You watched him whisper some words to Blondie’s ear, all before he finally released him. Confidence was nowhere nearby when the blonde man stashed some cash onto the counter, and stumbled towards his group of boys with fear.

You suddenly heard Cathy’s sigh of relief nearby: 
“Oh, Thank god you’re here, Mr.Purvis” She said to the Agent, “You just saved my friend” she motioned towards you.

Finally you had the liberty to observe him. Tall and lean with sharp facial features, he possessed the handsome that comforted you. The handsome that formed potential in you. The handsome that attracted you. Sitting on the now empty seat, he flashed you a cool smile: “Melvin Purvis” he said, “I believe we haven’t had the pleasure…” It seemed he did remember you. You smiled back. “No, we haven’t…” you replied with softness, as you held up the pot, “Coffee?”

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

And who knew the man that fascinated me, would be you?

I am not ashamed to say, I was over the moon to see you again, Mel. Seeing you for only a few seconds in the hallway, clearly wasn’t enough for me. I was greedy. So greedy I was afraid to admit. But the moment I realized that corner seat in the counter was your usual spot, I knew my greed was not in vain. I was greedy, to get to know someone so badly. So, when you saved me from Blondie, you also saved yourself a spot in my heart. I just didn’t know it at that moment.

But I do remember when I finally did.

When one serves a regular customer long enough, certain facts become known. Be it their usual breakfast order, their favorite beverage, or the guilty pleasure one indulges once in a while. But apart from that, conversation comes into play as well.

I don’t think you knew how happy you made me every time we talked, even while you had your Eggs and Toast. Whatever it was, I enjoyed them all. All topics, from about the mouthy janitor, to the famous FBI cases, which were solved or ongoing. But I was also happy when you also had the time for me, to know about my crazy stories about customers in the late shift, or even just about myself. Which surprised me the most.

You finally became aware of the smile you wore throughout writing. Though you managed to relax your facial muscles, the smile remained at default. Thus, you kept on with your words:

Mel, you made me look forward to work everyday. And that was one huge favor. Waitressing was never this girl’s dream. Another job was. And you know what.

“I know…” you remember saying, as you wiped the Diner counter, “Secretary, A Nice Office…Even my own folks think it’s a silly dream for a girl like me-”

“That doesn’t mean its your truth” Mel, your calm, unfazed reply, those words shook me. You were right. You made me feel braver. You made me want to work harder. You made me feel like anything was possible. And that was when, I finally saw that special spot you had in my heart. Oh Mel, it felt like an earthquake in here. I was affected. I couldn’t even sleep that night. Cause that spot of yours made me realize, I had fallen for you. Fallen in love with you.

Placing your left palm over your chest, it did not take you long to relive that magical feeling whilst you wrote:

Suddenly, I couldn’t look you in the eye anymore. And I’m sorry for that. I may have looked busy with customers for some days, but that was me struggling. I was at a war with myself. A constant battle with my eyes to not care for you more, a battle with my lips to not tell you, how much I pined for you.

But as you remember, I finally did.

And the morning when you did, felt to be a landmark of your bravery.

Upon serving his breakfast, you retreated to the kitchen with haste. The fact you did not even acknowledge Melvin’s usual “Thank you” proved strangeness. Generally, when employees were seen standing at the back entrance of the Diner, one would expect them to be occupied with a personal matter, or even have a smoke break. Except, you simply longed for a break from him.

Seeing Purvis was torture. And that morning felt more torturous than ever. Your desire for him multiplied with every single visit.

Rubbing your forearms to fight off the spring chill, You took a deep breath. What was that you feared? Confessing your feelings? Or the mere possibility of being refused?

“What are you doing? Out here in the cold?” You gasped, looking up to find Melvin standing before you.

“I-” you paused, as Melvin took off his long coat, and slung it over your shoulder with no hesitation. A warmth protected you all the sudden. Was it the coat? Or was it him?

“Are you unwell?” He inquired. You shook your head, not taking too long to finally settle your eyes on his. And there it was: the speeding pulse, the torture, the multiplication of desire. Eyes growing wider with concern upon your speechless look, Melvin shot glances at both directions with stealth: “Is anyone bothering y-”

Only to be intruded by your lips pressed against his.

Oh, Mel! What did you do to me?

With a deep shudder, you kept writing: Why did your lips taste like the sweetest pie in all the world? I’m sorry if my ink turns messy here. It’s just that thinking about it, I just hope my heart won’t burst and bleed. Tasting that sweetness, I was ready to risk it all. Ready to accept the worst fear to come true.

You had a fair point. Especially when his lips remained unmoved throughout your kiss. Which forced you to move back quick, and blush with embarrassment: “I-I’m sorry…” you blurted, struggling with one’s movements as you handed over his coat back and turned to leave. 
“No! please…” Melvin breathed, stopping you with his hand on your shoulder, “I’m sorry…” he stressed, “I suppose I was just caught by surprise” with a chuckle soon after. “Believe me, it wasn’t planned” you chuckled alongside him, relaxing a little. “Although I was hoping…” he began, “If I could take you to dinner one night…” Your eyes widened, but your heart bloomed.

But life was kind enough to gift me a date instead. A date with the best man I know.

“Yes! You can…” you answered immediately, “And please…no need to call me Ma’am anymore, Mr. Purvis” you smiled. To which he smiled back with a hint of mischief, which seemed surprising for the 30 year old Agent:

“Then, there’s no need to call me Mr. Purvis anymore either”

A date that I had always dreamt about. Not with a boy, but with a real gentleman. It had come true. Were you reading my thoughts this entire time?

Bashful giggles erupted from your lips upon writing. It was a date to remember :The fancy restaurant, the fine dining, the stimulating conversation basked in soft jazz and candlelight. Watching and taking in every fine line that adorned his beautiful, statuesque face brought you pride.

Sitting with you, getting lost in our own world, it was no doubt that I was the luckiest woman in the entire restaurant that night.

“I had a wonderful time, Mel. Thank you” Your words were enveloped with warmth and sincerity.

It was late, and Melvin had brought you back home like the gentleman he was. Opening the car door for you, he surprised you with just a smile, no other reply. Which forced you to raise your eyebrows, evidently confused. Could it be that he did not share the exact sentiments as you? Were you not the woman he hoped for by the end of the night? Insecurity began to bubble up within.

“What?” You inquired with a nervous chuckle, “All night you were yapping away, but now suddenly cat got your tongu-”

He gently pushed you against the car. Just so his gracious hands could cup your face, and just so he could plant his lips on yours.

And I was also the luckiest woman in the neighborhood, when you finally kissed me right back.

Sweetness infused with softness, you needed not permission to be fueled with greed at last. For greed finally permitted you to wrap one’s arms around his neck, only to pull him closer. Those lips of his, they had tempted you from the very first moment. And when they finally voluntarily expressed their affection, you were more than ecstatic.

Mel, your kisses were magic. They made me wish if I had all the power in the world to slow down time.

And I felt the very same, when we finally made love that night.

That night, that mere memory. You would be lying if it did not manage to send chills down your spine.

Invitation for a nightcap was your only shameless excuse. For not a single cell of your being, wanted him to leave your sight. Not when he had lit up a flame of desire in you, a few minutes prior. You silently cursed all the passerby’s who forced you both to pull away from the kisses. The kisses that he started by the car. But what could you do? You were surrendered to the laws of love.

Thus, the mere act of turning on the Crosley* Radio, became an involuntary act of seduction. Rudy Vallee’s “If I had a Girl like You*” filtering out from the speakers, gave life to the entire apartment. And it did ever the same to you, tempting you to sway your body from side to side. But your body felt so much vigor, when Melvin gave up on patience, only to hold you by the waist, spin you around just so his hungry lips could taste yours once again.

Melvin kissed you, and you kissed him. Slow, articulate, these lips were making up for every day they did not touch one another. All those days full of remorse.

Thus, began a dance between the two lovers. Heated, passionate. A dance consisting of choreography that had existed within all of mankind. Did not matter if it was carrying you bridal style to the bed, or placing you on to the bed without a sound much louder than a mattress squeak, either way, Melvin’s presence exuded safety.

Pleasure and excitement were in a fiery alliance when you savored shedding every piece of clothing off his torso. Never once did you think seeing many layers would bring you so much arousal. Especially when his eyes had nowhere else to look but at you during. His eyes, they burned with desire. And you would be unfaithful to your honesty if you denied the loins that burned within you as a result. For it was evident how much you longed for him. How the hunger led you to provide him the attention he truly deserved with your touch and kisses.

Dressed, he was smart, authoritative. Undressed, he was god-like. And to hear his soft moans amidst your attention was a gift. A gift that aroused you further. Yet before your eager hands could fondle his hardened shaft, he flipped you with impatience to focus on you instead. His kisses were other-worldly, making sweet contact on your soft, naked skin, creating waves of untold pleasure whenever he peeled off each piece of lingerie. Naked you may have been finally, yet you were more than ecstatic with the new outfit you wore: him. The infusion of soft music, sounds of lovers moans and kisses while the bedsheets rustled, were indeed sweeter than nectar. Tantalizing enough for him to finally enter you. Arousing enough for you to accept him. Resulting in unity, love making, deeming soft as the moonlight that shone into the bedroom. Soft, yet impactful that every second remained carved in your mind fresh, like it was yesterday.

Oh Mel, how did your touch made me weak, but gave me power at the same time? How did you make every second of it worthwhile?

You wrote with a sigh, blushes occupying your cheeks. Not before you cleaned up your ink stained fingers, caused by your thoughts of pure distraction.

Why did you get me addicted to your loving? But most importantly, why were you the perfection I dreamt of all along?

Breathless, you would be lying if it did not take you a while to regain your senses. Re-reading the previous sentence written, you proceeded to give the letter further life: 


After that night, I wanted shout out loud from the rooftops full of happiness, I wanted to tell the entire city, no! The entire world of my blessing: My blessing to have a wonderful man like you, Mel.

The simple truth: that was all that it was. And not long since you and Melvin had gotten together, life was suddenly drizzled with an extra dose of joy. An extra dose of encouragement and hope. Work went better for the both of you. Even Mr. Lloyd managed to re-meet him, but this time with more familiarity and respect. Given his interaction with the Agent, it was evident the the older man had offered his blessing and approval, which meant more to you than anything.

Since then my life was bliss, Mel. With you by my side, I knew I could take on anything.

Except, you drew in a sharp breath with a heavy heart.

All until J Edgar Hoover declared those fateful words to America: War on Crime. John Dillinger.

The heaviest sigh left your pursed lips. For a surge of concern was powerful enough to consume you.

Believe me, Mel. Seeing you get promoted to Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Office, it brought me nothing but joy. Seeing you in the papers, I was the most proud anywhere I went. But with that pride, and with that joy, I was also afraid. How could I not be, when you were assigned to catch Dillinger, Public Enemy No. 1?

How could I not think of the risk you had on your life? So afraid for you that it didn’t strike with me that we didn’t see each other for so long after. 

Though you were out of sighs, your heart remained heavy with the thought. It was true, soon after his men’s lives were affected by Dillinger and his gang, Melvin did not set foot in your apartment nor in your neighborhood. And surprisingly, you did not feel betrayed. Not one bit.

When you phoned me that one time, I could tell in your voice. I could tell the weight you had on your shoulders. The burden, the responsibility, the guilt.

And to me, it didn’t matter I couldn’t see you everyday anymore. It didn’t matter that I had a hard time missing you or thinking about you. Be it at the diner, the streets, the park, the living room and the bedroom. It didn’t matter to me that I had to pretend my life had nothing to do with yours. All I wanted was for this nightmare to end: to stop the unnecessary deaths of innocent lives. All I wanted was for you to be safe. And I knew you could do it all. Without complicating things.

Thus, when someone knocked on your door a few hours ago today, your fear was justified. You remembered standing by the door, arms folded, only to feel your heart beat out of your chest. And when those loud, rapid knocks attacked the wooden door, you could not help but wonder: Could it possibly be one of Dillinger’s men? Another shooter perhaps? Were they aware of Melvin’s connection with you? Were you about to be leverage?

But to your surprise, you opened the door regardless. Clutching your chest, you could only gasp.

But I never thought you’d suddenly come crashing in this afternoon.

For there stood Melvin Purvis, Fedora at hand, heavy panting accompanied.

Never so soon.

“You were not at the Diner” he said in a hoarse tone, still panting. “I-I took a day off” you answered, with wide eyes,“Mel…” you gulped, taking a step forward “What’s wron-” To which he could only reply with rough kisses, slamming the door shut behind him.

And being in his arms again after possibly endless days and nights, you were certain you did not wish to be anywhere else.

It was as if fate urged me to stay home today, just so I wouldn’t miss your hungry kisses. Just so I wouldn’t miss your love. Something I craved for what felt like forever.

Longing translated into desperate kisses, where tongues wrestled in haste. And passionate lovemaking rushed in soon after. The type of passionate, that demanded every item of clothing make quick stops in different parts of the apartment, only to lead a trail to the bed. The type of passionate, that had his eager hands wander over your naked back, before palming your heaving breasts with impatience. All the while you straddled him, with your hips rolling against his. The type of passionate, that tempted you to gaze into his  shining eyes. For they spoke to you, even in silence. How he treasured you, how he savored you, his eyes said it all. And with your responding kiss brimming with moans and emotion, you acknowledged his silent confession, you satisfied his hunger, and accepted his peak of pleasure. All until a new climax was reached together, before collapsing on to the bed with exhaustion.

“Mel…” you panted, sweat further infusing with his, “You still didn’t tell me what’s going on…”

It was only a few minutes later, did Melvin began to speak. Only then were you able to find out about the mission that would happen tonight. The mission to finally catch Dillinger. And as if the floodgates just opened, he kept talking. And all you could do was nod, as he continued to cradle you in his arms.

Little did I know, you came to me in possibly the most fateful day ever.

“You think it will work? The plan?” You inquired, soft. His responsive hum vibrated in his chest. “The source is solid…” he replied, “So…we’re betting on it”

Lifting your head up, you looked at him. Truthfully you could not help but feel sorry. There was a hint of exhaustion in his tone. How far did this man go to make this mission a reality? How many men were sacrificed in the process? Death of many men including Carter Baum, his own partner. Feeling useless, you knew you could only offer him a reassuring soft smile:

“Then it will…” you murmured, placing a chaste kiss on his forehead. His skin seemed magnetic to your lips, causing you to proceed with more kisses. Over his eyebrows, bridge of his nose, and finally his lips, the best place of all. With another greedy peck, you pulled yourself away and sat up. With the afternoon breeze playfully caressing your exposed frame, you were tempted to reach out and grab your silk robe tossed on the edge of the bed, which you did.

“I hope you know I couldn’t risk seeing you, with Dillinger’s men on the loose”

Melvin began. Looking back, you nodded with nonchalance. “Of course…” Wrapping the robe around, your answer was as casual as taking a diner order, “I understand” you added meek, looking down at the knot.

“But…that doesn’t mean I was never here”

You froze. With wide eyes, you looked up at his sitting frame. “What do you mean?” You blurted. Only to gasp, “You-w-were you-?”

Melvin nodded,  “Every night around bedtime, from the street…looking at THAT window…”  he said, indicating the very window in your bedroom. If only you could just tell him how your heart just began to melt after possibly weeks. If only you were capable of an embrace that told every fiber of his being how moved you were by him. Melvin sighed, running his fingers through his hair:  

“I just had to make sure you were safe…” he said, “But today, I…” he paused, “I couldn’t stay away”

“And neither should you…” you replied in an instant, cupping his face, “….you’re only human”  you continued with a sigh, “It’s been too long, Mel” your voice grew softer, “ And I missed you” uttering weakly, you proceeded to press your forehead against his. And like that, you both stayed, indulging in the silence with the most innocent physical contact possible.

“This mission…” Melvin began, his warm breath falling on your face, “If I make it out alive-” “Mel, you WILL make it out aliv-” you breathed, before he placed his fingers over your lips.

“If I make it…I’m yours”

He whispered, forcing you to freeze once again. Overwhelming emotion seemed to have frozen you with disbelief, when his sharp features unveiled the softest smile, “As a man, I want to do what’s right for the people” he said, holding your chin, “ I want do what’s right for my heart. And I wanna do it all with you, by my side, always”

And in the blink of an eye, you left through that door, hours before our lives could possibly change forever.

No wonder you made love to me, as if it was your last.

Sniffing, you placed a loving kiss on the pen. For it was the pen Melvin once gifted you with. The pen he hoped you would use when you finally become a secretary. And it did not take long for you to wipe the tears that streamed down your cheeks in silence. What will happen tonight, at the Biograph Theater will end in either two ways. And all you could do was to pray for one in particular. Pray for the one you desperately needed. With another final sniff, you continued to write, until you found yourself finally finishing off the letter you never imagined yourself writing. You wrote your heart out, which left you no regrets:

Before I end this letter, I want to ask you a question.

Do you remember when I was helping you put your tie back on, minutes before you left?  

When I did, I felt something. Something warm, something nice. And I won’t lie, I enjoyed it. Cause in the end, it gave me the feeling you always gave me from the moment I met you: Hope. But today, that hope was also protected by a layer of love. A strong layer. To be able to put your tie on possibly every day, would be an honor I’d wear like a badge for life.

Mel, you WILL make it out alive. You and your men, you WILL get it done. Because this letter will be waiting for you. Because I will be waiting for you.

Ready to have more hope, ready to do more good, ready to live our truth, by your side, always.

With love,

Yours forever…

——————————————————

Glossary of 1930′s Terms/Slang Bumping Gums* - 1930’s Slang for “Talk about nothing useful” Blues in my Heart* - Jazz song by Chick Webb and his Orchestra recorded in 1931 Goon*- 1930’s Slang for thug or bodyguard Lincoln*- 1930’s Slang for $5 bill Talkies*- 1930’s Slang for Movies Crosley*- A Radio Brand famous in the 1930’s If I had a girl like you*- Jazz song by Rudy Vallee, recorded in 1930

——————————————————

Tagged: @tammykelly​​​​ @ladyerina​​​​ @kittenlittle24 @everyday-imfangirling​​​​ @lucy-roo​​​​ @works-of-fanfiction​​​​ @bale-is-a-babe @badsext​​​​  @maddistyles17 @truly-insatiable @gooseyhouse​​​​ @artsymaddie​​​​ @quarterback-5 @mamooska8 @jensen-impala​​​ @lilyofthesword​​​​ @woodencupcake​​​​ @fonduebitches @soullesstaco​​​​ @spicybellinger​​​​ @marvel-lously​​​​ @glitterypinkkitty​​​ @danceyreagan​​​​​ @barikawho​​​​​  @lostgirl0020​ @diogodxlot​​​​​ @xxdearlybeloved​​​​​ @jupit3rmoontarot​​​​​ @lexiespeaks​​​ @misterlords-fics​​​​ @readingslumpfanfic​​ @ares-is-my-father​ @christianbalefanatic​

Once again, lemme know if you wanna get tagged. And those who only want to be tagged for specific Bale characters, please do let me know. I didn’t take out those who didn’t tell me just in case. But feel free to let me know, i totally understand.

Check My MASTERLIST for More :)

[anotherninjagoblog]

LoveSick

Ehhhhh the title is iffy. :P 

BUT

This fic has been in my drafts for a while, and I’m actually really proud of how it turned out! I really took my time, and I hope y’all like it just as much as I do <3. Special thanks to ellieloves2read, fizzysugarwater, and miraculous-ninjabird who commented their headcanons on my last post! It really helped me out with the last couple passages :)

Summary: Being sick and having new relationship anxiety towards your best-friend turned boyfriend sucks. (Bruiseshipping/Geodeshipping)

//////////

“You sure you don’t want us to give you a ride home?”

“Yeah,” he paused, pulling the scarf over his mouth and nose, suddenly getting the urge to sneeze again.

A second later and the feeling went away. 

“Cole is going to drive me.” Jay said, finishing his sentence.

He pulled his scarf down again, his breath coming out in a small fog. It was a cold Friday night, and he and Nya had gone with Lloyd to watch the football game. Not only to support Nya’s brother Kai, but Jay’s boyfriend Cole. 

Jay’s heart thumped in his chest. Boyfriend was such a nice word.

The game had ended ten minutes ago with Ninjago High securing a victory that night. With the football team yet to come out of the stadium’s locker room, and Lloyd having already being picked up by his father, it left Jay and Nya shivering as they stood over by the gate directly across from where Cole and Kai would exit. Everyone else was already leaving, undoubtedly to rush to their cars and blast their heaters on the way to their nice warm houses.

Nya gave him a skeptical look, narrowing her eyes. “Dude, come on, you look way worse than when you showed up.”

Well, she’s not wrong, Jay thought to himself.

He should have known he was going to end up sick. That foreboding feeling had been following him for a couple days now, the runny nose, the beginnings of a sore, scratchy throat. 

Before he had left for school that day, he ended up taking cold syrup as a precaution. But now that he was standing there, sniffling and sneezing, he realized he should have taken more, or at least taken it with him. And to tell the truth, he was absolutely suffering. He hated everything having to do with being sick since forever.

Nya, who had steadily watched his condition worsen and the night become colder, had continually offered him the choice to leave together. But, the thought of not being there to support Cole when he could just suck it up (a little while longer, he repeated as an internal mantra) ate at him just a tiny bit more. 

“It’s uh, not as bad as it looks?” He croaked, giving a weak smile. The pain in his throat seemed to resonate with every word he spoke. Jay fought the need to pull at his scarf again. 

Nya rolled her eyes. She was not convinced. 

“Nya! Jay!”

The duo turned around to the sound of Cole’s voice to see him and Kai jogging over to where they were standing. 

Jay felt warm at the call. Smiling, he gave a wave as they got closer. 

Kai jogged a bit faster, hooking his arms around Jay and Nya. Despite how cold it had gotten, Kai only seemed to radiate heat through his sweatshirt. “Did you see me out there? Other team didn’t know what hit em’.” He paused, looking around. “Greenie leave already?”

“Yeah,” Jay answered. “You guys-” Something in his chest tightened, and Jay immediately pulled away from Kai as he suddenly broke out into a coughing fit. 

“-did great.” He finished, his voice coming out raspy. When he turned back around, Kai and Nya had taken their distance from his mini germ explosion, while Cole only kept moving towards him.

Before he could utter a hello, Cole placed a hand on his forehead, before repeatedly replacing it on his cheek and forehead once again. 

He held Jay’s face in between his hands, a concerned look gracing his features.

“You’re running a fever.” 

...So it wasn’t just the blushing from their reunion.

Ignoring the discomfort bubbling inside from the symptoms of his cold, Jay stepped back.

“I um, might be coming down with something.” He answered, pulling the edge of the scarf over his mouth.

“You literally sounded as if you were about to hack up a lung!” Interjected Kai, who was still, rightfully so, keeping his difference.

Nya left her spot next to her brother and walked up beside Cole. “I tried telling him. Even Lloyd offered. But you know, he was really compelled by the power of looooove,” she drawled. 

Jay was about to make some sort of retort when Cole offered him his hand.

“Let’s get you home, okay?” He said gently.

Jay nodded. Now he was really about to melt.

They bid their goodbyes until Monday to Kai and Nya before they walked off in separate directions to their cars. The walk to Cole’s truck felt much longer than it was, and Jay kind of felt like he was beginning to space out, Cole’s hand and the sound of their footsteps on the pavement serving as his only tether.

They were about to approach his truck when another car had pulled up next to them. It was a couple of other guys from the football team Jay could just barely make out in the dark.

“Yo Cole! We’re going out to eat to celebrate - you coming?”

“Nah man, go without me!” Cole said, waving them off. The truck just steps away, Cole shifted his heavy bag onto one shoulder, before pulling the keys out of his pocket. The doors unlocked with a small click and a flash of the headlights. “Come on Bluebell.” he said, letting go of Jay’s hand.

Jay climbed into the passenger side without another word, closing the door and automatically putting on his seatbelt. 

Cole climbed in right after, shoving his bag into the backseat before he shut the door behind him. He rubbed his hands together and turned on the truck, cranking up the heater full blast.

“Check in there will you?” Cole asked, pointing at the glovebox. “Or, I might have some cough drops around...somewhere....” he said, his voice trailing off as he opened the middle compartment between the seats.

Jay opened up the glovebox but could not find the cough drops. Cole had noticed.

“No? Okay, we’ll just get you some.” Cole said, before buckling his seatbelt. 

“It’s worse than I thought. You’re completely quiet.” He looked over his shoulder, backing out of the parking space. 

As they drove out of the lot, Jay finally spoke up.

“You should have gone with them. Don’t want to keep you from all the fun.”

Cole frowned, his eyes still focused on the road. “Jay. It’s not a problem. I promise you.”

“Okay.” Jay leaned back into the seat, watching the lights pass by outside his window. He felt so warm, so safe, and so tired, that maybe he could fall asleep...just for...a li...a little while.

.

.

.

He awoke to a gentle shake of the shoulder.

“Jay. Babe.” 

Jay blinked slowly. Upon realizing he was not home in bed, and instead, still in Cole’s truck, he sat up, startled.

“W-what? ...What happened?” He mumbled quickly. “Why did we stop?”

“Hey, hey, it’s okay.” Cole replied, leaning over, placing a hand on his cheek. Jay looked out the front window, the red neon lights of the pharmacy practically burning into his post-sleep vision. He turned back to look at Cole.

“I’m going to run inside, get you a couple things.” He turned around quickly, pulling the keys out of the ignition. “Hold onto these.”

 Jay sat up as Cole shoved the keys into his hand. “Lock the door. I’ll be back.”

And in a split moment, he was already out the truck, Jay watching as he quickly made his way over to the entrance. As Cole disappeared inside, Jay pressed the door lock, before leaning into the seat again. He could feel a headache coming on. 

Ugh, as if the sore throat wasn’t bad enough.

Maybe he should have gone home earlier. 

Especially since his germs were bound to have spread all over the interior of Cole’s truck.

And now he was in there, spending money on him. 

Jay shifted in his seat, the cold slowly beginning to seep in from outside. 

Maybe this was a mistake. 

But it didn’t feel like a mistake. His feelings were real, unapologetic in the way only one look at Cole made his heart flutter. And, maybe he imagined it, but he swore - he swore that he could see the love he felt in his heart in Cole’s eyes.

Jay absolutely loved that they were together. But, what if he was too whiny? Too self-conscious? What if everything he did secretly annoyed Cole? To the point where he would break up with him and stop being friends with him?

Jay tugged at his sleeve. They knew how to be friends, but this whole boyfriend thing is another level. 

What if...

A sharp knock on the door abruptly cut him out of his thoughts, and effectively startled Jay in his seat. 

He turned his head to look out the drivers’ side window to see Cole waiting, his hand on the door handle.

Taking a breath to settle the soul that had nearly leapt from his body, Jay then picked up the keys from their place on his lap, and pressed the button. 

Cole opened the door and climbed in, the loud rustling of a plastic bag filling in the silence. He shut the door behind him, and smiled at Jay, raising the bag up beside his face.

“Let me turn on the heater again, it’s getting cold in here.” Jay handed Cole the keys, and he waited for the heat to blast in through the vents before turning in his seat to face Jay. 

“For you.” 

Jay gingerly received the bag from him, and peered in to view the contents. Cole reached up over his head, turning on the cabin light. 

It was a bag full of goodies to any sick person if he ever saw one. Pulling it closer and setting it on his lap for proper inspection, he began to rummage through it.

At the top of the bag were tissues, and to his delight, there was a box of the special ones - the ones that didn’t make your nose red every time you had to blow - as well as many pocket-sized packs. As if that wasn’t great already, there were two medium sized bags of cough drops - mint and cherry. A bottle of cold medicine, and just peeking underneath- 

“No way.” Jay said aloud in amused disbelief.

“For your throat.” Cole replied, smiling.

Jay pulled out the small pint of ice cream. 

Birthday cake was his favorite.

He looked at it a moment longer before tears suddenly began to well up in his eyes.

“Jay?”

There it was again. The concern, the care in his voice-

Jay began to cry. He gently set the pint in the bag before using his sweater sleeve to wipe his eyes. 

Cole leaned over, placing a hand on his knee. “Jay, what’s the matter? Are you feeling worse? What hurts?”

Jay sniffled, before hastily wiping at his eyes again. 

He looked at Cole, giving him the best smile he could. “You’re so...amazing.”

Cole returned a small smile, brushing aside a stray tear on Jay’s face. 

But the concern was still there. Jay could tell.

“Ready?”

Jay nodded, pulled out the box of tissues, and tore it open.

.

.

.

At the sound of the front door opening, Edna quickly set aside the book she had been reading. “Jay! I was just about to call when - oh honey you look awful!” She walked over from her spot at the couch, going up to the both of them.

“Gee, thanks Ma.” He replied sarcastically, then winced at the sting in his throat. He needed another cough drop. Or maybe he could open up the ice cream now. 

“Oh hello Cole! Thank you for bringing Jay home.”

Cole smiled. “It’s really no problem, Mrs. Walker.”

“You’re such a nice young man, you know, I was really happy when Jay told us you were dating!”

“Ma!” Jay grimaced at the pain from the sudden strain in his voice. “Um, can you put this is the freezer for me?” He dug into the bag quickly, pulling out the pint of ice cream, and held it out to his mother. “Before it melts.”

“Oh, alright.” She said, chuckling. 

As soon as she turned away, Jay headed to his room, Cole trailing behind him. 

He pushed open the door and turned on the lights.

Jay walked over to the dresser, setting the bag on top, before shedding his sweater and scarf and placing it in the hamper. 

Cole busied himself with looking at some of the old posters on Jay’s wall while he changed into a pair of sweatpants. 

“Hey.”

Cole turned around, meeting his gaze.

“So, uh, see you Monday?”

Cole paused, thinking for a moment before replying. 

“Did you want to talk about it?”

“Talk about what?”

Cole set the backpack down beside the door. “What happened, back in the truck.”

Jay reached for a tissue, and crumbled it in his hand. “I don’t know - I just feel sick and it’s screwing with me, I guess.” He sniffled, and stepped closer to his bed before plopping himself down on the edge. “I think I just need to sleep it off.” He said to himself, before falling backwards onto the mattress. 

The light was too bright, so Jay placed his arm over his eyes. In seconds, he heard Cole moving around. He felt the bed indent as Cole sat next to him.

“Here.” 

Jay moved his arm aside, and saw Cole offering him a dose of the medicine in the small plastic cup. Cole offered his free hand, and pulled him up. 

He took the medicine from him, downing it in one bitter gulp. Yuck.

They sat in silence before Cole spoke up. 

“You could tell me anything before, and you can still tell me anything now. That doesn’t have to change.”

“I know.” Jay pinched the bridge of his nose. “It’s just- I don’t think I’m all that great, you know? You? You’re amazing. Everybody wants to be your friend. You always know what to say, and you seem so good at this.” Jay said, making a gesture between the both of them. “But what about me? I’m not cool, and I know I can get on people’s nerves- sometimes I talk too much, and I just end up thinking about why you’re with me. I really care about you Cole, I really do, but what if doesn’t work? I just...I don’t want to lose you, ever.”

“Jay.” Cole said. “Deep breath in.”

Jay took a breath the best he could without coughing, before releasing it slowly out his mouth. “Deep breath out.” He murmured in response. 

“See? Perfect.” Jay slumped against Cole’s side, and the latter wrapped an arm around him.

“Hear me out.” Cole began, his voice a beat softer. “I know we’re still new to this. But, that doesn’t mean it won’t work.” He paused a moment. “...Love takes work. And I’m willing to put all of that into us. If you let me. But I promise. We will never lose each other. So for now...let’s just take things one step at a time.”

“Together?” Jay asked. 

Cole smiled. “Together.”

Oh no, Jay thought.  He was giving him that smile - the handsome one. Without thinking, he moved closer, pressing a quick kiss upon his boyfriend’s lips. 

It didn’t take longer than a second for Jay to realize what he did. “Oh my gosh! I forgot! Now I-”

Cole kissed him, cutting him off.

“Hey, it’s okay. Just come take care of me too when I’m sick, alright?”

“Deal.” Jay agreed, with a dopey smile on his face and his heart still beating.

Cole pulled his phone out of his pocket, and unlocked the screen. “It’s getting late. I should probably go, let you get some rest.” 

“Wait.” He said, grabbing Cole’s hand. “Stay with me until I fall asleep?”

“I probably stink.”

“Don’t care. Can’t really smell now anyways.” He retorted, with a sniffle at the end. 

“Okay.” Cole said, giving in. “Let me get you a couple tissues first.”

.

.

.

“Feel better?” Cole whispered. 

“....Yeah..” Jay responded sleepily.

The room was dark - only a small crack at the door allowed some of the light from the hallway to spill in

Cole was propped up against the headboard, both of Jay’s arms wrapped around his waist. He moved, making sure the blankets were snugly tucked around him. A touch to Jay’s forehead confirmed the fever was going down. 

“You still listening?” He asked.

“..mm...yeah..” 

Cole could tell he wasn’t really awake, so he went on to speak anyways.

“Sometimes I wish you saw yourself the way I do. You...everything you do makes me happy.” He said, brushing a curl behind Jay’s ear. “When you talk everyone’s ear off,” Cole chuckled, “I am more than willing to listen to every word that comes out of your mouth so long that I can see that sparkle in your eye. You’re passionate about everything you like, everything you do. I love seeing the excitement you have even for the simplest of things.”

He looked down at Jay again, who was already asleep.

“I would do anything to see you smile. I am so glad to be with you, to be your, best friend, to be your boyfriend. I want to remind you every single day.”

Cole waited a moment longer, before planting a kiss to Jay’s forehead. He grabbed a pillow, and helped position Jay in a way that would help him breathe easier throughout the night. He moved away, and his boyfriend barely stirred. 

Cole got out of bed, and was about to walk into the hallway before he stopped at the doorway. Fishing his phone out of his pocket, he quickly typed out a text before gently closing the door behind him. 

Jay’s phone illuminated on the bedstand. 

Love you. I’ll be back later. 

[thepeanutbutterwizard]

Ninjago / Avatar au Part 5

On to Book two! (I have more concrete ideas on this than Book 1, so I might have to put Book two things on more than one post)

(Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4)

Also, if you like this au, check out this awesome art by @spirit-elementmaster!

Team Avatar is looking for an earthbending teacher for Lloyd. Wu and Morro are on the run in the Earth Kingdom. And Harumi is on the hunt, but she’s gonna need some help...

Enter Skylor, the laconic, acrobatic, chi-blocking daughter of a Fire Nation high-up, and Akita, the borderline feral knife-wielding niece of Vex, the warden of the Boiling Rock, who ran off to join a circus. Harumi ‘recruits’ the two girls, who she had ‘befriended’ years ago when she was first brought to the Firelords palace, to help her track down the Avatar. They were also sort of friends with Morro when they were kids too (there will be no ships between these four. They might be shipped with other people, but not with each other.) Also, Akita is a little younger than the other three, but won her right to hang with the ‘big kids’ by being able to pin a fly to the wall with a toothpick at thirty feet when she was 8 and the others were 10-11.

Wu and Morro are working their way to Ba Sing Se, under the guise of being refugees. There are shenanigans. (Wu 100% makes tea out of the poison bush thing. Morro almost broke his neck rolling his eyes at that) There are stupid fake names. There is bonding. They don’t end up splitting up like Zuko and Iroh do, but they do get unintentionaly separated at one point (more on that later).

Also, Kai’s acting a tad more overprotective than normal bc of what happened with Zane. And he’s acting that way toward everyone, including Maya and Garm. That will be addressed later.

Team Avatar is heading to the city of Omashu to try and find an earthbender they had meet there before, a guy who was actually a friend of Koko’s from her travels before she settled down in the South Pole. I have no idea who this character will be yet and am open to suggestions (mb one of the Serpentine Generals? Or one of the Elemental Masters? They’re some of the side characters I like, so they might work but idk). They stop briefly at an Earth Kingdom base, where they meet one General Kozu, who has the brilliant idea to try and weaponize a thirteen-year-old boy.

This does not go well. Garm, Maya, and Nya are staunchly against this, Kai thinks if they had a sure-fire way to get it to work without hurting Lloyd they should go for it, but if he thinks Lloyd is in danger he will step in, and Lloyd is scared, but thinks that if they can get this Avatar State plan to work and end the war now, long before the comet arrives, then it’s worth the risk. Kozu does the thing where he makes it look like he’s trapped Garm underground to suffocate (what happened to Katara)(also, there will be no ships between Lloyd and any of the ninja or Morro). Kozu gets his butt whooped and his base trashed.

And now we get to the next ninja to join the plot! In a second. Maya, Nya, and Lloyd are practicing waterbending, Garm and Kai had been doing a little firebending practice but had started chilling. And then they meet the nomad musician stoners, who are a few of the Elemental Masters. Jacob (Sound) is definitely one of them, a couple I haven’t decided on, and Jay! Jay’s a nonbender (I couldn’t for the life of me come up with a way to make him a firebender so he can use lightning) and an inventor who is following these weird flower hippies around bc they said they could get him to a city where he could try and sell his inventions. That was months ago. He has not seen a city. He has not been able to properly bathe. He is regretting several life choices.

Jay is instantly enamored with Nya (sorry if you hardcore ship Jaya, but that ship aint gonna happen here. I don’t like, hate the ship, but it’s really not my favorite), the strong waterbender who was instantly intrigued by his inventions (I think a character in Legend of Korra has some kind of lightning glove thing. One of Jays inventions is something like that) and was able to understand and keep up with his technobabble. He thinks he’s found his dream girl, and an excuse to get away from the smelly flower people! Jay begs Team Avatar if he can come with them. They say yes.

They can’t make it over the mountain, so they have their adventure in the Cave of Two Lovers. They get separated into three groups, Ultra, Garm and Maya, Kai and the musicians, and Jay and Nya. Jay keeps trying to awkwardly flirt with Nya, who actually doesn’t realize that he’s flirting bc she’s worried about her family and focused on getting out of the caves. They find the crystal path thing when their last torch either burns out or gets dropped and snuffed out. Kai and the hippies befriend the badgermoles. Garm and Maya, who were thoroughly done with this whole lovers cave adventure, used their bending and Ultras help to brute-force their way out (the badgermoles fix the cave later).

They get to Omashu, but it’s been taken over by the Fire Nation and the earthbender they were there to find was taken captive by the Fire Nation and sent to an earthbender prison. They have their first run-in with Harumi, Skylor, and Akita.

They have their little swamp adventure, they have some not-fun visions. Garm sees his dad (which scares the crap out of him), Maya sees her dead mother, Kai sees Zane, idk who Nya sees (mb Ray I guess? She misses him but he isn’t like, dead or anything so it might work?), or who Jay sees either (his birth parents I guess? That could be part of a character arc) and Lloyd gets a vision of his earthbending teacher. Y’all can probably guess who it’s gonna be, but I don’t wanna spoil it right now. And you know that one swampbender who bent the water in the vines to make a big plant monster? That’s Bolobo, the EM of Nature.

That Avatar Day adventure happens. Lloyd tries out that free lesson at the earthbending school, and they go to Earth Rumble 6. Kai gets way too invested in this underground fight club. Karloff is The Boulder, nuff said. And the reigning champion, whose stage name I haven’t decided on is Cole. Now, here’s the thing: I don’t want to make Cole blind just bc Toph was, but I do love the whole ‘listening to the earth’s vibrations to become a powerful earthbending master’ thing. So here’s Coles deal. His father is a rich and famous performer, and his mother was killed in an accident (possibly Fire Nation related, possibly not) that lead to Cole losing his legs (below the knees). He was just learning how to earthbend when it happened.

Something I’ve noticed in A:TLA is that earthbenders seem to use their legs and feet much more than other benders, with strong stances and stomping moves to connect to the earth. So to an earthbender losing their legs, losing their way to connect to the earth, would probably be one hell of an obstacle to work around. Cole’s father used his wealth to get Cole some nice prosthetics (Sparky Sparky Boom Man had two prosthetics, so I know they exist in the avatar world. Coles aren’t intimidating metal ones with some kind of mechanism to move like a real foot) but they don’t allow him to feel the earth like he needs to. So he painstakingly makes himself some new prosthetics. It looks like he’s just got bulky boots made out of stone, but Cole spent years working to be able to feel the earth’s vibrations through these prosthetics, to the point that he could be blindfolded and still be able to ‘see’ and earthbend fairly well. He can even get them to move like their his real limbs a little bit.

He can’t move with as much speed and agility, but he makes up for that by being a freaking powerhouse. But Cole can’t wear his earth prosthetics for super long periods of time bc he had no idea how to actually make them comfortable and make it so they don’t damage his stumps after long periods (after he joins Team Avatar Jay and Nya help him combine his professionally made prosthetics with his earthbending ones so he can wear them full time). Lou had become very protective of Cole after the accident, which is why Cole started participating in Earth Rumble 6.

Things go similarly to cannon, Cole shows his dad how powerful he is as an earthbender, and while Lou does ban Cole from going with Team Avatar at first, he actually does change his mind and let Cole go with them. He even sees them off. It’s a sweet moment.

So what have Wu and Morro been doing? Traveling, dealing with the occasional rude fellow traveler, and getting seperated in a storm turned flash flood. Team Avatar also get split up in this storm turned flash flood, Garm, Cole, and Jay get separated from everyone, including each other. This leads to Maya, Kai, Nya and Lloyd flying Ultra around in a small area to search for them, and makes it really easy for a tank occupied by three dangerous girls to track them for a good two days, leading to some mild sleep deprivation. (Dragons don’t shed fur, so that’s my fix for that bc I really like “The Chase” and wanted to include it)

Morro was looking for Wu, but finds Harumi and starts following her (he’s hoping that she might lead him to Wu, or that Wu might start following Harumi and they’ll run into each other, or smthn. And if he’s able to catch the Avatar there’s a chance that he and Wu will be forgiven by the Firelord. He’s not banking on it, but it might work). Jay and Cole find each other, and then run into Wu, who was looking for Morro. Maya and the kids split up to cover more ground and to try and to try and lose the tank and the girls. Lloyd goes one way, Kai and Nya go in another, and Maya takes Ultra to find a place for him to nap.

Harumi follows Lloyd’s trail, and Skylor and Akita go after Kai and Nya. Meanwhile, Cole and Jay have some tea and conversation with Wu. No idea what the conversation is about, but it gets cut short when Garm finds them and tells Jay and Cole to get away from Wu. There’s a bit of a stand-off, since Garm doesn’t trust Wu and hasn’t read his letter yet, and Wu is getting a little frustrated at his brothers stubbornness, (and is wondering how he keeps collecting children) even though he does understand why Garm would be cautious around him.

They work together to find a trail, have some awkward small talk, the brothers start to reconnect a little bit, meet up with Kai and Nya (who fought off Skylor and Akita), and they all go after Lloyd and Harumi. They find them in a three-way fight with Harumi, and Morro is going all out with his airbending for the first time in his life. Everyone gangs up on Harumi and corner her, and when she notices Garm is a bit distracted trying to subtly check on Lloyd, she tries to fire an attack at him-

-only for Wu to push him out of the way and take the hit. Wu goes down, hard, and everyone attacks Harumi, but she gets away. Morro blows Garm away away when he tries to get to Wu, calling Wu his father for the first time, and he kicks up a wind storm to keep them away. Maya shows up on Ultra, who got enough of a nap to fly for a few hours and let everyone get some much needed rest. Everyone that is, except Garm, who finally sits down to read his brothers letter...

[altissiavibritannia]

Arabian Knights AU (Code Geass)

Right now I’m working on Lui and Suza’s outfit designs and personality and backgrounds for this au of mine. I’ll be making a Prison AU, Moolouch AU, Winging It (Maximum Ride) AU later on. I’m drawing all of this with just my mouse, since I don’t have a drawing tablet to use anymore. My 4 almost 5 year old tablet broke during the time I was making my first art contest on DeviantArt. I have glaucoma and astigmatism that likes to play around with my sight. I have other health problems too, but I don’t think y’all want to read a whole list of ‘em. So what if I can’t draw like everybody else? I try my best at least, but I don’t bully others that have health issues like myself. But yeah I wasn’t happy when I didn’t even get into the semi-finals of the Code Geass Re; fanart contest. But at least I poured my heart and soul into that drawing before my tablet broke. Plus I wanted to try a deadline for once at that tome too. So now I know the experience. So I’ll try again whenever I see another fanart contest of something I might like again someday. But anyways here’s the roles that everyone in this Arabian Knights AU will be taking. 

Roles-

Lelouch - Prince to Sultan (so obvious)

Suzaku - Royal Guard (it’s Knight of Zero all over again lol XD)

C.C. - Slave (bleh)

Kallen -   Street Rat (Ran out ideas for them both sadly)

Jeremiah - Vizier 

Cornelia - Princess

Euphemia -  Princess

Clovis - Prince

Charles - Sultan to Retired

Schniezel - Prince

Lloyd - Djinn

Cecile - Arabian Wolf (decided to add some animal folk)

Rakshata - Evil Djinn

V.V. - Slave 

Rivalz - Royal Court Jester 

Shirley - Thief (cuz whynot?)

Nunnally - Princess (didn’t care much for Viceroy version of her)

Milly - Royal Court Fool (lol Rivalz might be happy)

Nina - Slave

Villetta - Noble (Nina’s Master)

Kaname - General of the Britannian Army

Tohdoh - Royal Guard

Tamaki - Slave

Authur - Suzaku’s pet (decided to give him a human form)

Ayna - Noble

Diethard - Fat Noble (very funny name XD)

Sayoko - Nunnally’s Lady in Waiting

Rolo - Prince (for the hell of it)

Akito - Merchant/Sailor

Julius - Prince/Merchant/Sailor (I’ll be splitting Lui into multiple copies of himself and each one would have their own bodies and roles)

Zero - Prince/Thief/Street Rat 

For those who want to see my contest entry that was months ago in the Code Geass Re; contest - https://www.deviantart.com/yukofudo/art/Code-Geass-Lelouch-of-ReSurrection-Contest-Entry-793891148

Don’t forget to support me on there, Furaffinity, Wattpad, and Twitter! If interested in supporting me, dm me of follow one of the usernames that’ll be in the description or in the drawings/paintings!

And for other side characters I have no idea. Maybe ideas will come later on. I may or mayn’t add other characters, since I have no idea what their names are or what they look like. I’m only sticking with season 1 and 2. There will be no Re; shit in it (sorry, not sorry). I’ll also be adding a few ocs that I’ve made for this fandom alone. I’ll be honest with everyone here and now. I hate C.C. the most! Kallen is second place on my hate/bash list. I kind of also hate Shirley for that kiss scene only. I don’t mind her bouncy personality, but it would’ve been nice if Suzaku and Lui ended up together instead. So if you start seeing less of your favorite characters, then too fucking bad. I either hate them or have troubles keeping their designs going or I don’t know them well enough to draw them. So please no bashing my stuff over my choices, everyone has their opinions (including myself). I might even genderbend them if I have to, depends on my mood. Also fuck your straight pairings that already exist in both the anime, manga, and movie! I’ll hate them until kingdom come! 

[finderskeepersff]

29. Part 2

I have had to play it so cool with the drinking part, the girls haven’t noticed but my glass is just water. Olivia near enough drunk, I don’t know why she is feeling a mess with herself but I guess I will find out of course, I am so happy my girls are here and Lee, I mean Mia and Lee are both the same. I am so in awe with Cassius buying me flowers, who is this man, that is sweet of him to do that but I can see it already, he is not liking it. He’s going to want attention while my friends are here but he can’t do that to me now, I never see these anymore “why don’t you sit with your friends?” I asked Cassius, he is sat next to me holding my hand. Cassius is not slick at all, he wants me to be his but I am “why can’t I sit here?” Looking down at our hands together “erm you can but I assumed your friends might miss you?” I lied but I hope it works “you don’t want me now, I see how it is” poking my lips out to Cassius “stop being a big baby” he’s being silly now “mhmmm, you going to tell them? Then I will disappear, as you please” Cassius sighed out like I hurt his feelings “stop it” pointing at him “nope” he’s giving me all these sad faces “I guess I’ll just have to be my own person, I’ll have to feed myself now” Shaking my head laughing at him “you’re so dramatic and come, let’s do it together and stop this. I won’t neglect you” he’s being sensitive, I’m going to equal the attention out to them all “I just want to say no sex in the house! I refuse to clean any sex stains!” I shouted “are Lloyd and I sleeping together?” Lee asked, I mean after Lee told me that he likes the dick I think not “how about no, ok I have something to say. Cassius will you stop with the face and come here” waving him over “girl, the annocement better be that you engaged” Mia half shouted “how did you know simple bitch?” holding my hand up with no ring on it “oh bitch” Mia pointed laughing, Cassius taking his sweet time.

Grabbing Cassius hand and pulling him closer to me “Cassius doesn’t do public announcement, it’s only a few friends” he’s so timid at times, he bit his bottom lip “awww poor little Cassius, he doesn’t want to be there with you girl” Olivia said “he does but he’s being awkward, so a lot has happened while we have moved here. It’s been eventful and Cassius has something to say” I want him to say it “I do?” Cassius questioned all confused “you do baby, the public are awaiting do speak up” Cassius laughed staring at my face “ain’t nobody going to help you, come on baby” Placing my hand just under his chin “well erm, Sofia and I are splitting” he’s such an ass “you’re annoying” hitting his chest “I am pregnant!” I announced my damn self “no way!?” Mia shouted “oh my god!! You’re having a baby!!!!” Mia screamed as she ran to me, I feel so overwhelmed. I just cried as I hugged Mia “oh my god, Sofia. I am so so happy for you” this is my family, these are my sisters and it’s like telling my own family but that won’t happen “awwww Sofia, don’t cry. I love you so much, and now we have a baby arriving Sofia” Olivia kissed my forehead as she hugged me.

I sniffled wiping my tears “you are going to be a mother, that is amazing Sofia. Honestly” Lloyd said “I know how much happiness that brings you” I am a mess, I keep crying “I am sorry, I am just so full of emotions. Telling you all is like me telling my mom, you know. So it’s a lot” my voice squeaked, I feel strangled trying to not cry “I can’t” turning away from them, I can’t stop crying “stop it, Sofia” Olivia moved around me “oh baby girl, we understand. Your heart is so big, I know you miss her but she does not deserve you” Olivia pointed at me “you deprived yourself of the good, never moved out and look at you. Oh baby, I love you” Olivia hugged me close, I am such a family person. This is why I did what I did for my mother so for her to be this way does hurt me “she is being a mess Cassius” Olivia said, feeling someone rub my back “stop crying, we happy right now. Let’s not have hateful vibes, you know” moving back from Olivia looking up at Cassius “stop it” he doesn’t want me to cry but I can never hold it in.

I huffed out as I sat down, it’s been emotional. The boys have gone outside, which gave us peace from them “you ok now?” Lee asked, nodding my head “I think it’s still something that hurts my heart, my mother I loved so much. She meant a lot to me, she got treated badly so I wanted to be there for her. I see it now, she was never worth that. But here I am” I smiled “Cassius was showing us the scan picture, he was like it’s Gummy Bear, look! He was like a child, I was like boy stop it” shaking my head laughing, Cassius is something else “he is very happy, we both are doing this together. It’s something new and exciting for us both” my eyes feel so sore “so is this something you pay monthly for? The house, how much?” I cannot say the truth, I paused a little “well it’s about one thousand, three hundred a month” I lied, I have too but Mia didn’t take the lie “oh good, that is nice” she eyed me up “least you all are together, can we go to a strip club!? We ned to go, oh my god” Mia said changing the subject “I won’t be allowed” I said, Mia waved me off “now you listen to me, you’re not showing. Just come, we need to throw them dollars, I want to go” Cassius will not be going to such a thing either.

I had to show my car off, they are sitting in my car all excited like kids “is it true what Ivy said then?” Lloyd stood next to me “and that is?” I don’t care what that bitch says “you a well known dealer” turning to Lloyd “if you knew that and so does her, when she said that the first time around. Don’t you think you both would have disappeared by now? Why would any drug dealer be known? Never that, it’s like being gay. You keep that undercover” I smiled at him, I ain’t forget what Lee said to Sofia, I was there “what is that supposed to mean?” he questioned “I am just saying, there is no smoke without fire. I asked you to come here, I didn’t ask you to question what I do, you know. Be happy” Lloyd put his head down “I was just asking, no hard feelings. It’s a nice car” I think I will beat his ass before the time is over here “Cassius, we cool. My bad” he got his hand out but I walked off, I will totally get him killed and I wouldn’t second guess that shit “you boys done sitting in the car” I said to Kenton and Mitch “this must cost you my man, you leasing?” nodding my head, I ain’t about to tell these anything.

Letting Mitch, Lloyd and Kenton walk back in. I am actually annoyed, he come here talking mess “I am angry, bruh. I will kill him in his sleep, he in my house questioning what I do?” Kyle shushed me “relax nigga, what is it?” turning to Kyle “just Lloyd, he talking about me being a well known dealer. I am but who is he to question me, I am going to watch him. He in my house talking it” Kyle kissed his teeth “he don’t know what he is talking about, I think just ignore it. You know, let’s just have a good time. We good, our girls are good. It’s a good time, he probably just jealous that you got this nice home, you got the car, you got the girl, you got a baby on the way. So wo cares, let’s go inside” the boys are right, I just feel bad vibes from this guy. He doesn’t seem trust worthy so I will be watching this nigga closely, I will be checking on what he does and what he is like, now I am getting bad vibes from him and it was me wanting him here.

I am pissed, I don’t know why but I am really annoyed that he bought it up because I thought we good and moved on, I want to be good to Sofia’ friends. People test me, I know that for sure. That nigga in my house and I am livid now, I need to just relax “come on my nigga” Myles held me a drink out “just relax” taking the drink from him, look at this nigga knowing what to do to make me relax, I can’t smoke inside but I can have lean “you remember when that chick assumed you and her was dating, I am bringing it up because she came to see you in court and then Celine was there” I laughed out “they stopped court because they fought, yo I was like the ghetto. I was single, I am single. I was always single I just played you hoes off each other, shit was funny” leaning against the kitchen counter unit and drinking the lean “guess what Amira said to me though, she goes before she met you she liked you. I was like girl I will leave you, this was like early on. I was like excuse you, it was funny because I sent her a picture of me but it was like you was in the back, she goes ooh you the light skinned dude, hell nah I ain’t that. I am not that, she goes shame because I like him” busting out laughing “but it’s history now, Amira is special, my cousin hooked me up with her. You know how Sofia is, she accepts it but it’s something that I feel I need to do, give her more” nodding my head “I made her get an abortion you know, she got pregnant, I was not thinking. You was locked away and shit was going wild, I made her do it” I didn’t even know that “yo, that is deep. And she still forgive you for that? Is this why she thinks we are gay lovers? Nigga, it didn’t matter if I was” I am shocked “Cassius, you was in there with killers. I was scared you was going to get killed in there bro, nobody liked you but you was good. Then out here Myles and I was stressed, we took your spot” they saying stressed when I have to live it “I appreciate y’all though, y’all all equally gave up something. And Kyle, you regret it, you say I am in my feelings but you too” placing my hand on his shoulder “come on nigga” hugging him “get a room you two” looking behind me, Amira catching us out everytime.

Sofia walked over to me frowning “I am tired and I am going bed but, what is it I hear about a car” she hasn’t seen “oh yeah, come” holding her hand “but my friends?” Sofia pointed behind her “just one second, let me show you what you could have had” walking with Sofia to go outside “I don’t have any shoes Cassius?” she be fussing “wear those slides, come” dragging the door open, letting Sofia’ hand go “this is ice queen, queen bitch. This my new girl” jumpin up and sitting atop of the trunk “oh wow, my car looks ugly compared to that. Cassius that is beautiful” I knew she would love it “wow, where is mine?” I kissed my teeth and then laughed “you playing” getting off of the trunk, walking over to Sofia. She walked into me “you paid cash for it?” Sofia placed her arm around me, holding me close. I just smiled nodding my head, her free hand grabbed my chin to make me look at her “your eyes are small already but you got droopy eyes, you high?” I just laughed “a little, but it’s fine” there should be no issue “mhmm, come to bed with me” Sofia said, she notices shit so quick “I will, it’s fine” hugging Sofia.

[andrewuttaro]

New Look Sabres: GM 31 - EDM - Dumb and Dumber

3-2 OT Win

Dumb and Dumber is an iconic movie. It was one of three enormously popular movies the great Jim Carrey made in 1994. There is this one scene where Lloyd (Carrey) and Harry (Jeff Daniels) are at luck’s end, on the run from the law and literally hundreds of miles off course. They had even lost their ride, the 1984 Ford Econoline van dressed up as a dog. The two titular heroes are split up and Harry is walking down a desolate prairie road when Lloyd rides up behind him on the smallest of motorized scooters. Harry utters the legendary memeable line: “Just when I think you couldn’t possibly get any dumber… you do something like this… AND TOTALLY REDEEM YOURSELF!” Okay, so I don’t recommend that movie if your faint of heart or squeamish but it’s a classic my dad beat every line of into me. I could recite that film to you. The Buffalo Sabres found themselves in exactly the position to make me utter such a line for such a situation. After outright losing to the Calgary Flames on Thursday, the easiest win out of the NHL Clubs in Alberta and British Columbia simply by virtue of the standings, they put up an entertaining but frustrating show in Vancouver that saw Tyler Myers remind us of old days before an OT loss that was ultimately just not good enough. Like Dumb and Dumber stupid crap like Tyler Myers’s two points, or a Milan Lucic goal or an Eichel OT winner essentially getting iced by a separate penalty comes up to make your jaw drop. All the while the lack of a desperately needed roster move is forcing the coach to rotate in and out players and tank the value of Colin Miller who now is apparently on the trade block (WE WANT YOU TO TRADE A D-MAN, BUT NOT THAT ONE)! This game came with the dumb plot element of Casey Mittelstadt getting healthy scratched for Evan Rodrigues. In the Dumb and Dumber analogy I’m trying to figure out who the headless parrot is. Either way the little scooter comes humming down the highway late on a Sunday night when you think the road trip has tanked all hopes for the resurrection of this Sabres Season. Then it happens: “…you do something like this… AND TOTALLY REDEEM YOURSELF!”

The Dumb and Dumber analogy felt so right. The trials of this insane road trip and the team they fully beat is the best of them: the Edmonton Oilers! This Eichel v. McDavid thing has gotten old hasn’t it? Nobody really cares for that narrative in a league bursting at the seems with hot young talent. Nonetheless I’m bringing it up. McDavid was kept quiet on the scoresheet, you know who wasn’t? CAPTAIN JAMES JACK EICHEL OF NORTH CHELMSFORD, MASSACHUSETTS! Ok, so it was a secondary assist on the OT game winner BUT BY GOLLY THE STREAK CONTINUES! WATCH OUT NASHVILLE, WATCH OUT ST.LOUIS, YOUR BANNERS AND TROPHIES WON’T HELP YOU NOW! Yeah, so this game was 90% confused Santas wailing on each other at Santa Con. There was not a notable name on the scoresheet but there was four goals in regulation. The first was Kyle Okposo, somehow on a real roll now, tipping in a shot originating with Marco Scandella four minutes in. With that the GLO line, somehow the most consistent line on this team in this version of Dumb and Dumber, drew first blood. This game was excellently matched as all of the top lines seemed to cancel each other out. That’s shocking for me to see written on this page because I woke up this morning not worried about the Baltimore Ravens or the challenges of my Master’s Project; no I woke up fearing Connor McDavid. The guy is an animal and four years in Edmonton has turned him into a Liam Neeson movie villain all grizzled and hairy with nothing to lose.

Well the dumb part of this game was nothing went the way you expected it… well except the powerplay: that’s dumb, it still sucks ass. Did the Sabres give up juicy chances for the Oilers when they were in fact on the powerplay? Dumb gets dumber and Jimmy Vesey and Rasmus Asplund come flying into the Oilers zone shortly after the home team got a great chance in the other end. Asplund’s shot didn’t go and who finds the rebound? Johan Larsson. How about that? He tucks it in five hole on Mike Smith with a just abhorrent level of disrespect. So as fun as that weird dumb shit was it is followed by just enough expected malaise this team has gotten us used to. They don’t score again in regulation. The Edmonton Oilers come back and dominate the shots battle in the second period. They climb all the way back; they don’t call 2-0 the most dangerous lead in hockey for nothing. The Sabres sure as hell aren’t bucking that trend against a team not from New Jersey. Like we’ve been seeing so much since the end of October really, the Sabres completely devalue possession. They dump the puck in. They slow down the passes because they like to pretend scoring effects don’t come for everyone. They drop the puck in dangerous places and so many offensive zone turnovers turn into scoring opportunities for the other team. That’s exactly what happened when Riley Sheahan got the puck in the neutral zone and took it all the way in past Linus Ullmark to cut the lead in half. What a pretty first goal as an Oiler, eh? Want to get mad? It seems to be all the rage on Sabres twitter right now. Here it is: Zach Bogosian single handedly gave Edmonton all their powerplay chances in the second period. Oh you bet! On the second installment of that shit saga Joakim Nygard tips in a Darnell Nurse shot to even it up. Goodbye lead! Hardly knew you. I should’ve warned you the Sabres aren’t a safe place for leads.

By dumb luck that score line remained through the third period. No goals for the rest of regulation and I had a feeling we’d see poor possession come into play in 3-on-3 OT play. It just felt like we were due for one of the three headed monster on the Oilers to eat us alive. Here comes the redemption: the Sabres possessed the puck for the 1:13 of OT we did get. Bucked trend. Jack Eichel paraded the puck all the way around the offensive zone not taking a shot before laying it off to Marcus Johansson on one side of the Edmonton net who pitched it to Colin Miller on the other side. In the press box no more, out for Jake McCabe’s sake no more, trade asset for a not sexy Alex Galchenyuk no more please! Colin Miller slams it into Mike Smith’s pads, and it trickles in for the Game-Winning Overtime Goal! You lose two games you should have won and then you go AND TOTALLY REDEEM YOURSELVES! SABRES WIN 3-2 IN OVERTIME! And you bet that secondary assist was Jack mother fucking Eichel! You bet! You thought the Bills would be your source of joy today and… well that was a good guess, but No, it was the Sabres who won their game! Surprise assholes!

Okay so the problems are still there. We’re still going to need y’all to win more than about three games a month. We’re going to need you to make a trade, a smart one preferably, involving a defenseman of salary. We’re going to need more than 50% of the points out of a soft(er) road trip. But funny thing: right after Miller scored the OT winner Dan Dunleavy said something curious: “The Sabres get the much needed two points here out of Edmonton!��� All points in the standings matter in the unfun language of the hockey world but the Sabres were in a playoff spot before this game. Say what you will about the last three games, what was so especially needed about these two points? Dunleavy will never admit it, but these two points were for us angry, cynical fans. We needed some holiday cheer in all this dumbness. Two points out of Western Canada is ugh. Three out of six? It’s only half but its enough to get us down off the ledge a little. We’re going to need some patience this win saved against St. Louis and Nashville. It will be an interesting week, especially if Jason Botterill makes yet another trade with his hockey daddy Jim Rutherford in Pittsburgh. Like, comment and share this blog because you bet I’ll be writing that up when it happens. Get those sleigh bells ring ging gingalin’ because December has some more surprises, painful and fun, in store for us! I can just feel it after how this road trip went! Let’s Go Buffalo!

Thanks for Reading.

P.S. But yes, I didn’t forget. I said I’d look like a clown if I predicted four points out of this trip, impossible after the Vancouver loss, and then see the Sabres get two points out of Connor McDavid and the Oilers. I am in fact the clown here. What balloon animal do you want?

[kelinswriter]

Less Than Perfect

Chapter Five: Only Human

Author note: This chapter is moderately NSFW, so read at your own risk. Also, if y’all have questions about the story, feel free to send me questions - I’m a commentary and conversation whore when it comes to that. Also, you can always read this over on AO3. And with that...happy reading.

The week before Christmas flew by. Between tracking Cadmus, running interference for James and Winn and their vigilante bullshit, and making sure she got her Christmas shopping done, Alex barely managed to get in a few hours with Maggie, though her girlfriend apparently having signed up for every available shift for the foreseeable future didn’t help matters. They did manage to get in a game of pool at the bar, followed by a make-out session in the alley, one that might have moved to one of their apartments if not for both their phones going off at the same time. They ended up at the scene of a break in at a chemical factory that Alex strongly suspected might have involved a Helgrammite, though J’onn made the call that, for now, the NCPD should take point on the case.

“Thanks, Danvers,” Maggie said as Alex walked off the scene, giving her the slightest bit of a smirk. Two minutes later, Alex’s phone went off.

 Have I mentioned how fucking hot you look in those jeans?

“We have got to get this over with,” Alex muttered, and headed home to a very cold shower.

-------------

Christmas Eve found her back home in Midvale, frantically trying to arrange a delivery of Christmas dinner and a miniature tree to Maggie’s squad room, though Kara insisted she could simply sneak the whole thing onto Maggie’s desk without anyone noticing.

“That’s actually kind of creepy,” Alex said, and continued to hold until, finally, she got an actual person on the line. Three hours later, she was rewarded with a text:

 Danvers, you’re crazy, but everyone says thank you. Who knew Chinese for Christmas Eve dinner was a thing?

And then, a minute later:

 Holy fuck, you got me a Carli Lloyd jersey. You’re the best girlfriend ever. Also, how the hell did you sneak it in here with no one noticing? That’s kinda creepy.

And finally:

 Can’t wait to give you your thank you in person.

The whole thing made Alex beam in ways she hadn’t thought possible, at least not until the next morning, when Kara pulled a thin, small package from under the tree and handed it to her, saying, “Santa asked me to make sure you got this.”

Alex shook the long, narrow box, then carefully tore away the wrapping paper — dancing polar bears, which seemed just the sort of paper Maggie would choose — and found a note inside, saying, “Bet you’ll look cute in these too.”

And Alex had never cried so hard over a new pair of pajamas in her entire life.

----

She drove back to National City on the 27th and was back at work on the 28th, but it took until the 29th to get their schedules to cooperate long enough that she and Maggie could see each other. Or more accurately, it took Alex manufacturing a reason to visit the NCPD at lunchtime — to consult on the chemical factory break in and whether the Helgrammite might have been involved, to be exact — though she brought sandwiches too.

“You have time to eat while we talk?” she asked, after flashing her FBI badge and getting an escort into the bullpen.

“I can make time,” Maggie said, her mouth twisting sideways in a playful smile. She was rocking a blue-striped button down shirt and those extra tight jeans that made her ass look like quarters could bounce off of it, and Alex was having a hard time trying not to stare. It was entirely unprofessional, especially considering she was in Maggie’s workplace.

And yet.

“This way,” Maggie said, grabbing her black jacket and pulling it on. They walked toward the back entrance to the building, the courtyard of which had an easy walking path that led to National City Central Park. But when they got there, a light drizzle had begun to fall.

“Well, that sucks,” Alex said, frowning up at the low-hanging rain clouds, which hadn’t been such an issue in National City before this year. “You have a break room?”

“The last place I want to take you is there.” Maggie stared outside for a moment, chewing the inside of her lower lip like she did when she was puzzling something out, and then tilted her head to the side, smiling. “Danvers, you didn’t happen to bring one of those shiny black SUVs, did you?”

She had, in fact, and something about the look on Maggie’s face made a knot of apprehensive excitement curl up in the pit of Alex’s stomach as Maggie guided them back through the heart of the NCPD, her “I’m fucking taking lunch, McConnell, deal with it,” when her partner tried to waylay her the only thing slowing their fast, clipped walk. Eventually they reached the third level of the parking structure and the quiet corner where Alex had parked the DEO SUV, the giant black behemoth of a vehicle stretching to the very edges of the space.

“Where to?” Alex asked, unlocking the vehicle.

“Here,” Maggie said, and pulled open the backside driver’s door.

She climbed in, and Alex paused, glancing around to make sure no one was watching before she too slid inside. The moment the door was shut, Maggie said, “Lock it,” her voice rough with the command.

Alex hit the auto lock, asking, “Maggie, what…”

The next thing she knew she was all but being tackled, her shoulders slamming against the seat while the sandwiches in her hand went flying. She let out a gasp that quickly turned into a whimper as Maggie’s tongue slid over her lower lip, her hands fisting in Alex’s leather jacket as she drew her in closer.

“Jesus Christ, I missed you,” Maggie breathed, drawing back enough that she could look into Alex’s eyes. She lifted her hands to stroke the back of Alex’s neck, her fingers firm yet gentle in their pressure, and asked, “There are no cameras active in here, right? No recording devices?”

“We’re clear,” Alex murmured, her hands sliding to Maggie’s waist beneath her jacket. “Just you, me, and a lunch that I’m guessing we’re not going to eat.”

“Good guess.” Maggie slid her hands inside the shoulders of Alex’s jacket, nudging her forward so she could slide it off her arms. “And I’m glad to hear we’re bug free, because the last thing I want is that tech nerd of yours eavesdropping on this.”

Alex had a split-second to imagine the look on Winn’s face if that had indeed happened, but only that much time, for the next thing she knew Maggie was peeling off her own jacket and tossing it behind her. She pushed up on one knee, pivoting over Alex as she twisted until she landed, in a fluid motion that left Alex agape, with her knees on either side of Alex’s legs. ‘Straddling’ is the word, Alex’s brain supplied helpfully. In the backseat of a government-issued SUV.

 Our U.S. tax dollars at work.

“What’s so funny?” Maggie asked, smiling down from her slightly elevated perch. Alex liked the reversal of their usual height difference — liked everything about this, in fact. The blacked out windows gave them all the privacy they needed, the backseat was more than big enough, and Maggie — well, Maggie had a light in her eyes unlike anything Alex had ever seen, and it had been so very long since she had done anything this brave with anyone, and certainly never with someone who made her feel as safe and protected as Maggie did. And so she resolved to let go of her inhibitions and enjoy whatever happened next, especially as she was fairly certain that neither of them intended for their first time to happen in the back of a car.

Maggie, it seemed, was more than good with that, for she was tugging at Alex’s shirt, drawing it out of her jeans so that she could slide her hands beneath the hem and up the sides of Alex’s ribs. Maggie’s fingers, slightly chilled from the open air of the parking garage, slid upward, tracing all the way to the sides of Alex’s bra, and Alex couldn’t help but suck in a startled breath. “Shit, your fingers are like ice.”

“Sorry.” Maggie let out a soft laugh. “You need the heater on?”

“No, I think you’ll warm me up soon enough.” Alex wrapped her arms around Maggie’s waist, drawing her in closer. “I hated you not being there for Christmas.”

“Working all those doubles turned out to be a shitty idea, even if it did mean enough money to pay off the bike.” Maggie threaded her fingers through Alex’s hair, pulling back long enough to look at her. “You had a good time with your family, right?”

“Yeah, it was great, which isn’t something I usually say about family holidays,” Alex said. “Plus, I got in a few good walks by the ocean and thought about…”

She felt heat bloom across her cheeks as she suddenly realized that she didn’t want to admit just what she had been thinking about. But Maggie seemed to sense it, for her smile broadened, a gleam coming into her eyes.

“Danvers, you pervert,” she teased, drawing Alex into a long, slow kiss, one that was very thorough in its exploration of Alex’s mouth. “Did you think about me when you were cuddled up in your childhood bed?”

“Not exactly the best place for that,” Alex said, avoiding explaining that her sister’s super hearing had made masturbation pretty much a no-go in the Midvale house since Alex had even known what it was. “The walls are pretty thin, for starters.”

“Too bad.” Maggie eased herself forward, her mouth pressing against Alex’s ear. “Because I sure as hell thought of you.”

“Fuck,” Alex hissed, her hands tugging Maggie’s shirt upward until it was free of those tight jeans. She heard Maggie chuckle softly, the sound cutting off abruptly as Alex slid her hands up Maggie’s washboard abs, splaying them around her ribs so that her fingers could trace that sturdy ridge of muscle. Maggie dragged in a gasp and shifted against her, her hands tugging at Alex’s turquoise-colored v-neck until Alex felt compelled to lift her arms and let it be drawn over her head.

Maggie brushed Alex’s hair away from her eyes and looked down at her, a slow, sideways smile spreading across her face. “Hi,” she murmured, and lowered her head to press against Alex’s right shoulder. She kissed over to her neck, her hands running down Alex’s arms before drawing them forward until Alex’s hands were resting atop Maggie’s shoulders. “Unbutton me?”

“I think I can handle it,” Alex said, but her fingers were trembling, and after the first two Maggie took over, her long fingers making short work of them with a few deft twists.

“Not that I don’t believe, you, Danvers, but this is my ‘testifying in court’ shirt, and I really don’t want you wrecking it.” Maggie eased her arms over Alex’s shoulders, scratching the back of her neck lightly while the shirt dangled open, giving Alex the sort of view that she had, in fact, dreamed about during those long, lonely nights in Midvale. She lifted her head to look up at Maggie, saw her smile in the gray light of the darkened SUV. “You okay if we go a little further?”

Alex nodded, even though she was already finding it hard to breathe, as if the oxygen around her was gradually being depleted by the heat that seemed to linger, just on the verge of combustion, in the air between them. She yielded as Maggie drew her mouth up in a kiss, those sublime, delicate hands drawing her face forward before skimming down her neck and chest to press against her breasts atop her bra. Then they were tracing the edges of the lace and cotton; finding the hooks, pulling them free. Alex felt the straps ease off her shoulders, sliding down her arms, and lifted her hands from Maggie’s waist, feeling her breath let out in a rush as Maggie tugged the bra over her hands and tossed it aside.

Alex eased back in the seat, shivering as the cool leather sent a chill down her spine. Involuntary somatic motor response, her brain supplied, though not helpfully, because at the moment she really didn’t give a damn why it was happening so long as she still had Maggie in her lap.

But Maggie must have noticed, for she murmured, “You really are cold, aren’t you?” and slid her shirt off her shoulders, tucking it between Alex and the seat.

Maggie’s kindness left Alex with an even better view than she’d had before, and she traced her thumbs up her girlfriend’s abs, watching the muscles twitch and shudder under her touch. She looked up at her, smiling. “God, you’re beautiful.”

“So are you.” Maggie pressed her hands to Alex’s shoulders, tracing down across her collarbone, her eyes glinting in the gray light as she moved, oh so slowly, to skim over Alex’s chest, her side ribs, and then, very gently, to cup first one breast, then the other, within the palms of her hands. Her thumbs were almost reverent as they traced over Alex’s skin, coming to rest at last over her nipples before easing into them with the slightest bit of pressure. Alex squirmed beneath her, her jeans suddenly far too tight, and Maggie smiled, continuing to rub the sensitive skin until it reached a hard peak.

“Go on,” she said, her words a soft hiss in Alex’s ear. “I want your hands on me too.”

“Did you really just steal a line from Titanic?” Alex asked, though even as she said it, she realized it was one hell of a line, for her body had reacted immediately, her hips jumping, back arching to press her breasts more firmly into Maggie’s hands.

“Only if it worked,” Maggie said, and tilted her forehead against Alex’s, smiling.

“Oh, it worked,” Alex said, and slid her hands along the sides of Maggie’s ribs. Her hand detected a slight roughness between the third and fourth rib on the right, perhaps the remnant of some old scar incurred in the line of duty, and she made a note to ask about it later. But now was not the time, for her fingers were moving upward, easing over the black lycra — Body by Victoria, if she wasn’t mistaken — and tracing back toward the center of Maggie’s back. She found the clasp, fumbling at it for a moment before first one, then the second hook came free. She felt Maggie shift under her hands, the dark curtain of her hair falling forward as she shrugged the straps off her shoulders. And then…

Alex’s brain checked out for a moment, overwhelmed by the reality of Maggie’s breasts spilling forward to rest against her own chest. She looked up and saw Maggie tilt her head to one side, effortlessly tucking her hair behind her ear before she brought their mouths together in a hot, hungry, open-mouthed kiss, the kind of mind-blowing, soul-igniting connection that Alex had imagined her entire life but never truly experienced. She panted against Maggie’s lips as it ended, her body breaking out in goose bumps as she felt a trickle of wetness slip from her. Her need for Maggie was just about overwhelming, and suddenly she understood why Kate Winslet saying Put your hands on me had made all of her childhood friends swoon.

“Alex,” Maggie said softly, and Alex looked up, breaking out of her reverie long enough to see Maggie looking down at her, that waiting stillness that she was beginning to recognize as such a core quality in her girlfriend edged with just the tiniest bit of impatience. She clutched at Alex’s right hand, drawing it up and around until it hovered just over Maggie’s left breast, and Alex’s palm tingled, her body sensing the warmth, anticipating the softness of that skin. Her fingers twitched, and for an instant she felt panic, but then Maggie was drawing her forward, her eyes never leaving Alex’s face.

“Please, Alex,” Maggie breathed.

And there was no way Alex could respond to that other than to do as asked, to cradle the warm weight of Maggie’s breast in her palm, her fingers tracing upward along the curve while her thumb slid, ever so slowly, across the nipple. She heard Maggie make a low noise, that same noise she’d made in Alex’s apartment a few weeks ago, and swallowed hard, her throat tightening at the thought that she might be causing even one quarter of the reaction that Maggie was generating in her. Then she lifted her left hand, locking it into place with just the slightest bit of guidance, and felt Maggie ease back, her neck arching as Alex’s hands grew more sure in their touch.

Then Maggie curled forward, her forehead coming down to press against the crown of Alex’s head, the curtain of her hair falling down to block all but her golden skin from view. Alex’s eyes shifted upward, falling on the scar on Maggie’s right shoulder, the mark of it still livid though the stitches had been pulled nearly a week ago. She leaned forward and pressed her mouth against it, wanting to kiss the pain of it away, the pain that had brought Maggie, by some miracle, to her. Maggie responded with that same low noise and leaned down, drawing Alex upward, and then they were kissing again, kissing with a kind of heat and fervor that Alex had never experienced before — like they were each other's breath, each other’s air. She shifted beneath Maggie, her hands sliding down to wrap firmly around her backside, pulling her in as close as she could, so close…

And suddenly Maggie let out a gasp and stiffened in Alex’s arms, her whole body shuddering as if she’d been hit with a low dose current.

For a moment, everything was still, so still that Alex could barely breathe. She felt Maggie let out a whimpering breath, felt her sag forward, her arms wrapping around Alex’s shoulders. Her face was pressed against the juncture between Alex’s throat and collarbone, while her lips — those beautiful lips — were nuzzling against Alex’s skin just above her jugular.

“Hey,” Alex whispered, rubbing gentle circles against Maggie’s back. “You okay?”

“Fuck, Danvers,” Maggie hissed, her voice shaky.

Alex pressed a kiss to Maggie’s temple, the instinct to comfort her overwhelming.  And that’s when she realized just how tightly Maggie’s center was pressed against her thigh; almost as if she had...she had…

 Oh holy shit.

“Hey, um…” Alex said, her mouth suddenly dry as dust. “Did you…um…”

“Yes,” Maggie said, and burst out laughing. She lifted her head and pressed a kiss to Alex’s lips, smiling down at her, those eyes sparkling like she’d just won the lottery. “Congratulations, Danvers. You’ve managed to turn me into a sixteen year old again, in more ways than one.”

“Well that’s what you get for not paying attention in health class when the teacher gave the lecture about tight blue jeans,” Alex said, feeling inordinately proud, and Maggie collapsed against her, the both of them giggling until tears streamed down their faces.

“Oh, God,” Maggie said, brushing the tears off her cheeks, and leaned in to kiss Alex again. “You’re killing me. You know that, right?”

“All I know for sure is how much I want to make you happy,” Alex said, and Maggie beamed at her, looking for all the world like a kid on Christmas morning.

Just then a phone alert went off, one that Alex recognized as Maggie’s text tone. Maggie wrinkled her nose and dug her phone out of her back pocket, squinting at it for a moment. “Oh, hell. I have to get back.”

“The Helgrammite?” Alex asked, brushing Maggie’s tangled hair away from her face.

“No, just McConnell being a pain in my ass.” Maggie set her phone aside and pressed her hands to either side of Alex’s face, kissing her gently. “You know, the last thing I want to do is rush this, but I’ve got just enough time to return the favor if you don’t mind quick.”

Alex thought about that for a moment — about the ache that ran from her center all the way to the tips of her fingertips, and ache that would probably distract her for the rest of the day. But as much as she wanted to ease the tension, a quickie just wasn’t what she had envisioned for the first time Maggie touched her.

“It’s not that I don’t want you to, because trust me, I do,” Alex said, and felt Maggie shift against Alex as if she too felt a glimmer of the intensity that was churning inside her at the words. “But I think I’d rather wait so that it can be…” She trailed off, searching for the right word.

“Slow?” Maggie asked, in that low rasp that Alex was fast beginning to associate with being turned on out of her mind. “Thorough? Mind-blowing?”

“All of the above,” Alex said, and Maggie smiled down at her. Then she was kissing her again, kissing her slowly, but with unmistakable intention.

“Oh, Babe, trust me. I’m gonna torture you so sweet,” Maggie breathed, drawing Alex’s head down to rest against her chest. She kissed the crown of her head, adding, “In fact, I managed to swing New Year’s Eve off, as well as New Year’s itself until noon, so if you don’t have plans…”

“I don’t,” Alex said, her head shooting up so fast that she nearly clipped Maggie’s chin in the process. “I mean, unless some idiot alien decides to go on a rampage.”

“Please don’t tempt fate like that,” Maggie said with a chuckle, covering Alex’s mouth with a kiss. Then she sat back on her heels, groaning. “Oh hell. That’s going to be one long, awkward walk back into the squad room.”

“Beginners’ luck, I guess?” Alex shrugged, feeling guilt wash over her at the idea of Maggie feeling uncomfortable the rest of the day. “Sorry about that. I should have been more careful.”

“Are you kidding me?” Maggie caught at Alex’s chin, drawing her face upward so she could fix her with those sparkling, oh-so-determined eyes. “Babe, you don’t ever have to apologize for making me feel that good. Okay?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Alex smirked, and leaned forward to capture those beautiful lips once again. “I will definitely keep that in mind.”

They set about putting themselves back together, though Alex’s makeup was a mess and Maggie’s shirt was wrinkled past all recovery. She pulled her jacket over it, lingering with a slow smile on her face while Alex insisted on finger combing her hair as best she could. “I’ll call you tonight,” Maggie said with a last, tender kiss before climbing out of the SUV.

“What about the Helgrammite?” Alex asked as she followed, her boots clattering against the dirty concrete.

“Nothing new, probably a dead end,” Maggie tossed over her shoulder. She turned around, smiling, and added, “Thanks for the sandwich, Danvers!” before peeling off toward the elevators.

“Oh yeah, that,” Alex said, hearing her stomach growl. She grabbed her own sandwich, now half-flattened from when one of them had apparently stepped on it, and climbed back into the driver’s seat, her skin still burning with the memory of Maggie’s breasts against her own.

“New Year’s Eve,” she said, and tried to remember how to put the SUV into gear.

But just like most plans they made, it wasn’t meant to be. For at 5 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, Maggie caught the worst case of her career.

And it was all Alex’s fault.