me: I don’t feel good. lemme watch my comfort movie

me: *plays* The Mummy (1999)

I just want Brendan Fraser to know that every time I walk past a river his voice is in my head saying “HEY Benny! Looks like you’re on the wrong side of the river!”

My school is next to a river. This is a daily occurrence for me.

to purgatory and back: chapter 2

1.5k words | read it on ao3

read chapter 1

Dean is in love with his best friend.

He’s trapped in Purgatory with the guy he hooked up with and his best friend who he is completely, head-over-heels in love with.

And they fucking hate each other.

The past few days have been nothing but bickering between Benny and Cas. Dean can’t figure out what the problem is. They’d only just met, and Benny had even saved Cas’ life a few days previously. A Leviathan pinned Cas to the ground while Dean was occupied by two others. Benny moved in at the last second to slice the Leviathan’s head off, moments before it tore Cas apart. Dean remembered watching the whole thing from a few feet away, his heart beating uncomfortably fast in his chest.

No matter what, though, Cas wouldn’t budge. He complained and picked fights with both Benny and Dean, which was only proving to drive Dean more and more insane as they trekked through the deeply wooded forest.

“That angel of yours needs to learn how to keep up if we’re gonna make it to the portal anytime soon,” Benny grumbled under his breath.

Cas glared at Benny. “I heard that.”

Dean sighed in frustration. This was only going to get worse as long as they were all stuck here together. “Can you two stop arguing for one day?”

Cas, now walking ahead of Dean and Benny as though to prove a point, whipped around and said through gritted teeth, “Maybe if your vampire friend would quit provoking me.”

Benny smirked at Cas, obviously looking to start something. “Dean and I are a little more than friends, I would say.”

Cas’ expression changed from that of anger to one that Dean had never seen on his friend before. Cas narrowed his eyes and took a deep breath, stepping closer to Benny. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“Oh, Dean didn’t mention it? I guess you two aren’t as close as you thought.”

Dean closed his eyes, pressed two fingers to the bridge of his nose, and took a deep breath. This wasn’t how he wanted Cas to find out about the two of them. He didn’t really want Cas to know about it at all, if he was being completely honest.

Cas’ lip twitched before he turned on Dean. “What is he talking about?”

Dean stepped between Benny and Cas, placing a hand on Benny’s chest to stop him from saying anything else.

“Cas, it’s not what it sounds like.” Okay, it was a little bit what it sounded like. “Benny and I… we might have hooked up. A little bit. A few nights before we found you.” This was the most excruciating experience of Dean’s life, forty years in Hell included.

Benny laughed from behind Dean, clapping a large hand on his shoulder. “I’d say it was a little more than a hookup, D.”

And then all Hell broke loose.

“Keep your hands off of him,” Cas snarled as he used both hands to push Benny against a nearby tree. The roots of the plant barely held on, fighting against the sheer amount of force Cas used to move the vampire. Dean knew Cas was showing off to intimidate Benny, but he wasn’t going to bring that up in case Cas chose to redirect his anger at Dean.

Benny held his hands up in surrender, eyes bulging out of his skull. Cas slowly released him, and Benny dropped to his knees, coughing in an attempt to moderate his breathing. Cas watched him for a moment before turning on his heel and stomping away. Dean scrubbed his hand down his face and then weighed his options. He decided to follow after Cas, quickly catching up to him. Dean grabbed Cas’ arm, pulling him around until they were face to face. Dean’s hand was still pressed into Cas’ arm, his hand clenching around a fistful of trenchcoat. “What the fuck is your problem, man?”

“Have you considered that maybe I don’t enjoy playing third wheel to you and your new vampire boyfriend?”, Cas spat back at him. He was seething. Dean had never seen him this angry before. It was kind of hot.

Dean pressed his palms into his face before throwing his arms out to the side to express his exasperation with the situation.  “What, you got a problem with me having a boyfriend, Cas?” He was shouting now. Benny wasn’t Dean’s boyfriend, but it wasn’t Cas’ business either way. Dean smirked and added, “Are you jealous?”

Cas pressed his lips into a thin line, looking down at the ground. “I am… indifferent to your sexuality, Dean. I simply do not appreciate being treated like an afterthought, especially after hearing your prayers when we were separated. I had assumed our relationship had improved, but I guess I was wrong. I apologize for upsetting you.”

Dean froze, his mouth falling open. “You heard me? You… you heard my prayers and didn’t even think to let me know you were still alive?” Now Dean was the one who was angry. “I prayed to you every night! I thought you were dead, Cas.”

“I know, Dean. And I apologize for that. I was trying to keep you safe. The Leviathans would not have left you alone if I was around.” Cas looked into Dean’s eyes again. Those damn blue eyes were going to be the death of him. His hand was still grabbing at that stupid trenchcoat, so he used it to pull Cas into a hug, if only in an attempt to hide the tears filling his eyes. Dean pressed his face into Cas’ neck, trying to get as close as possible to him.

“Don’t you know by now that I’d rather be in danger with you than safe without you?” Dean’s voice cracked, overwhelmed by the whiplash of emotions he’d felt in the last few minutes.

Cas pulled back at that, obviously shocked by Dean’s emotional reaction. Dean looked Cas up and down, his gaze falling to the angel’s full, chapped lips. Dean wanted to kiss him. He imagined, for a brief moment, what it would be like to kiss Cas whenever he wanted. To have him. He wanted to wake up next to Cas in the morning, arms wrapped around one another, Cas’ bedhead sticking up every which way. God, he was so fucking screwed. Cas noticed where Dean’s gaze had fallen and was nervously looking up and down between Dean’s eyes and lips. Dean leaned in slightly, testing how far he could push this. Cas gave a small nod, and –

“Hey, assholes! We got some Leviathans headed our way. Let’s get this show on the road.”

Dean and Cas jumped apart immediately at Benny’s interruption, avoiding eye contact to focus on where Benny’s voice had come from. As Benny approached them, Cas gave Dean a look that was heavy with emotion before turning around to lead the way.

Dean stared at Cas’ retreating back, still replaying the memory of Cas’ face moving closer to his over and over in his head. “Yeah, let’s go.”

That night, Dean’s nightmares were the worst they had been since entering Purgatory.

He dreamed of himself, lost in Purgatory, searching for Cas. He’s lost Cas again. Dean searches frantically for what feels like an eternity. He finally finds Cas, laying facedown near the same river where they found him the first time. Dean, relief pouring over within himself, races to Cas’ side. As he pulls Cas toward him, though… he realizes. Cas is dead. Dean wakes with a shout, sweat beading on his forehead. He scans the area and finds what he was looking for: Cas. Cas, who was now staring back at him from his curled-up position on the ground. Dean smiles at him sheepishly. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you. Had a nightmare.”

“That’s okay, Dean. I was already awake. I couldn’t sleep. It’s too cold.” Cas sat up and scooted closer to where Dean was spread out. “Do you want to talk about your dream?”

Dean shook his head minutely, and Cas nodded in return. Cas silently moved closer to Dean, wrapping his arm around Dean’s waist, and pulling him back toward the dirt beneath them. Dean allowed Cas to maneuver them so that Cas was pressed against his back. Dean thought back to earlier today. They had almost kissed. That actually happened. He wondered if Cas was thinking about it, too. Did Cas feel the same way? Could angels even feel love like that? A thousand questions bounced around Dean’s brain. He wasn’t going to get any sleep tonight, not with the man he loves overwhelming all of his senses.

“Dean, you’re thinking too loud.” Dean chuckled. Cas knew him too well. Dean switched his focus to the feeling of Cas’ hand resting on his hip where his shirt had moved to expose a stretch of skin, the warmth from Cas’ fingers spreading to his own body through just that simple point of contact. He was eventually lulled to sleep by the sound of Cas’ breath in his ear.

From the movie ask list: 1, 3, and 11.

1. A movie you’ve seen most times in cinema

I have never watched any movie in a cinema more than once. Didn’t have the disposable income in the before-times.

3. A movie you quote on a daily basis

I generally don’t quote lines from one movie on a daily basis? (Beginning to think this list was drawn up by Tony DiNozzo?)

11. Favorite quote(s)

I don’t know if I’d call it a quote precisely, but Brendan Fraser’s gleeful ‘hey Benny! Looks to me like you’re on the wrong side of the river!’ from the Mummy is definitely a favourite line.

Matters of the heart S2 ep 14

Matters of the heart Season 2 Episode 14 Family never forgets

{OPENING CREDITS} {open to night in the dark kingdom; Isaiah shuffles around the alleyway packing items into a sack; Gaia gets up and walks over to him and tries to lick him and mess with the bag} Isaiah: AUGH! Gaia nooo! Shh! Let go you’re gonna- Benny: ‘saiah? {both turn around and look at a sleepy benny rubbing her eyes} Isaiah: Now look what you did. {he snatches the bag back} Benny: what are you doing? The moons still out...i’m sleepy.. Isaiah: Sorry I woke you.  but I'm packing. we need to get on the road as soon as we can if we're going to make good time. {She gets up from her place on the ground and stretches then when she looks at Isaiah she cringes} Isaiah: What? Benny: you look dead. Isaiah:  gee thanks… Benny:  no I'm serious!  you look pale and you got dark circles under your eyes did you even sleep? Isaiah: of course I slept! Benny: then you're not very good at it! Isaiah:  I didn't realize sleeping was a skill set.  anyway, now that you're up and we're all packed we might as well get moving. we could probably make some good distance from the dark Kingdom by sun up. Benny:  do we have to? can we actually wait for sun up? Isaiah:  sorry Benny but we have to get going my family is probably really worried about me if they don't already think I'm dead. Benny:  they probably do think you're dead. I mean just considering you. Isaiah: aren't you just a ray of sunshine in the mornings? Benny: Well come on if we really are leaving... we can probably stop by the forest and fill up our goatskins in the river. Isaiah:  good idea… {Benny stops and looks back at the town before fully exiting the alleyway} Isaiah:  you okay? {Benny clutches her necklace} Benny: yeah!  let's go! { Benny runs off towards the gate with Gaia; Isaiah shakes his head and smirks before coughing into his hand;  when he pulls his hand away it has droplets of a black liquid that is now dripping from his mouth; he also looks startled at the condition of his fingers which have now turned a blackish purple with long black nails growing out of them} Benny: ‘Saiah!! Come onnn!! { Isaiah wipes the black liquid from his mouth and runs off towards her; cut to Zapada sitting in the kitchen sewing something with a cup of tea next to her; Noremoth walks into the room} Noremoth: ahem… {Zapada looks up and looks uncomfortable before going back to her sewing} Noremoth: Oh come on! you can't just pretend that you didn't see me! Zapada:  if you had eyes you would notice that I had acknowledged you I just choose not to speak to you. Noremoth: you and about every other woman here… Zapada: hmph! Noremoth: Do you know where Varian went? Zapada:  you mean Varian my husband?  of course I know where he went he went to the fields.  even with everything going on there is still a village to run. Noremoth: ... hey ummm.. your... you're a female right? Zapada:... if I wasn't I'd be concerned as to why I'm pregnant… Noremoth: sorry dumb question.  Anyway,  how can I get a woman to speak to me if they're angry I've never really dealt with any of this. Zapada:  let me guess you're used to using your charm in a problem that involves a woman yes? Noremoth:  kind of, yeah.  I just want to talk to Catalina but I can't even get her to look at me. Zapada:  you're completely hopeless.  she wants you to recognize what you did was wrong.  if you start with that she should be able to listen. Noremoth:  everyone keeps saying this was my fault I wasn't even near Isaiah when he died! Zapada:  it doesn't matter if you were near him what matters is you were part of the group that caused it!  Poor Catalina probably feels hurt and used!  she doesn't just want you to say sorry she wants you to show that you're sorry! Noremoth:  how do I do that!?  is not just saying it enough? Zapada:  how you do it is up to you but- Augh! {Zapada clutches her stomach} Noremoth:...uhhhh...Should I go get someone? you okay? that thing isn’t going to go pop goes the weasel on me right now is it? Zapada:..shut...up… {Noremoth stares at her for a moment before she relaxes} Zapada: phew...Well that was...something... stop looking at me like that I'm perfectly fine. Noremoth: Y- you're sure? seriously I could go get someone. Zapada:  I said I am fine... why don't you looking for my husband. Noremoth: R-right...umm.. thanks... for everything... I think. {He turns to leave and zapada rolls her eyes; cut to isaiah walking on the side of the road holding the map; he looks disturbed by the sunlight and tries to shield himself} Isaiah: Is it hot to you? Benny: nope!  actually it's kind of nice today. Isaiah:  of course it is… Benny: seriously you okay? Isaiah:  I'm fine really… Benny:  you don't look okay... you still look pale. actually you look like you're about to fall over and die. Isaiah: aren't you blunt.. {Peering off to the side we see Vergus and two cult members hiding in the brush with their wagon} Cult member 1: honestly why did we steal all this stuff if you're only going to hide in the brush every 5 minutes on the road? Cult member 2:  she's right you know we do have enough money to buy stuff… we don't exactly have to steal. Vergus:  honestly where's the fun in that? think of it as a tax for all that Society has done to us. also that's not the reason we're hiding. Cult member 2:  then why are we hiding, Vergus!? Vergus: Shut it! Look! {He points over to Benny and Isaiah walking by} Cult member 1:  it's just some kids…  should we know something about them? Vergus: I wouldn't believe it if I wasn't seeing it right now...that's the child that holds some of the vessel's power. Cult member 2:  what?  well let's get him then? honestly, what are we waiting for!? Vergus:  patience!  we're on a busy road. people are constantly riding past. if we just run up and grab two children on a busy road people will see us as nothing more than kidnappers. Cult member 2: Fair point.. but then what are we supposed to do we can't just let them go and I thought Larkspur said this kid was dead! Vergus: To be honest we thought he was... the kid fell off the side of a cliff. but that doesn't matter now look at the state of him. the magic is finally overthrowing his system he won't be able to hold out much longer.  even if he collapses during the day would be too dangerous to grab them in daylight. will wait till the cover of darkness. I'm sure Larkspur will be quite pleased. {They slink back into the brush; cut to an ax coming down on a log; pan over to Varian cutting wood and Noremoth walking over} Noremoth: There you are! Varian: what? Noremoth: I've been looking all over for you and-... what are you doing? Varian:  chopping wood, what are you doing? Noremoth:  no need to be hostile.  I'm just confused. Varian:  honestly how can you be confused by the concept of chopping wood!? Noremoth: well... because you're doing it. Varian:... I feel like I should take that as an insult but I am not sure… Noremoth:  does everyone here take everything as an insult!? Cat:  no just when it comes from you. {Noremoth screams girlishly and jumps back around} Noremoth:...DON’T DO THAT! Kiera: sorry not sorry… {they fist bump} Noremoth:.. as I was saying.  the reason I'm confused is Varian is the leader why is he working as well shouldn't he just be supervising his followers? {They all stare at him puzzled} Noremoth:  what? Cat: you're not serious... are you? Varian:  that's not really how being the leader of the village works. Kiera:  I don't normally get into this but even I know that's not how being a leader works. Cat:  everyone pulls their weight.  being a leader doesn't mean you get some sort of free pass from doing work. Varian: look… {Varian points out all the villagers doing their Fair Share of work} Varian:  we all work together to survive. For example, the baker provides food s,  Carpenters repair homes and build new ones, and the Millers provide flour and lumber for them, We all work together. Cat: its a cycle… {Cat and Noremoth share eye contact before she turns away} Varian: I'm doing my part. I'm helping supply wood for the village this is my job for now. Noremoth:  for now? Varian:  I still have to oversee Crop Production and make sure that the borders are safe.  then I have to write a letter of my findings On the Border to the king. Noremoth:  you do all of this for your village? Varian:  everyone pulls their weight. Noremoth:  what if... what if someone gets hurt? or sick? Varian:  then we find someone to take their job for them. Noremoth:  oh... so they're done away with. Varian: WHAT!? Kiera: what the hell… Noremoth:  you just said that there were placed! Varian:  until they're better!  we don't just do away with them! we have a physician that nurses them back to health!  we don't just leave a person behind because they get hurt or sick! Cat:  is that what your people do? Noremoth:... yes… {They all look mildly shocked} Noremoth:  minor injuries are no problem, the same with minor illnesses as well.  as long as you're able to get on your feet you're fine.  but if you're seriously hurt or ill... Larkspur orders us to… {catalina walks away with her hands up} Noremoth: Cat! wait I-! Varian:  Let Her Go... that's pretty messed up to hear. Noremoth: …. as much as I still believe in our cause... perhaps it's time to accept that we're going about it the wrong way. {Varian drops his ax} Varian:  what are you saying? Noremoth: our cause was to bring about a new form of society for those trampled by it.  you already know that. at first I thought it was the right thing to do.  but lately things have been changing.  as time goes on we care less and less about the people who join us.  we don't care who we hurt. what we have to do. Varian:  let me guess, your great leader doesn't agree with your view of things? Noremoth: not even in the slightest. it's going to be the death of us. Varian:  your idea is a good one. build a community in which you all work together and which those were down on their luck come to you to join a community of people who are just like them. but like you said the way you're going about it is incredibly wrong. A new Zhan tiri won’t help.  it won't bring about a new Authority. it'll make things ten times worse. Noremoth:  I think you're right... I hate to admit that and those words feel like they're burning my mouth. but I definitely think you're right. Larkspur has to be stopped. Varian: And Corona can help you stop her... we weren't there for you then let us be there for you now. {Varian unrolls a map onto a stump and hands Noremoth a quill} Varian:  but you need to help me in return. {Noremoth looks seriously at him before taking the quill; cut to Varian slamming open the door to the house and running in and past a clearly distressed Zapada} Zapada: I-Iubirea mea? {Cat and Keira walk in with noremoth} Varian: not now Zapada...I have to write a message to the king… Keira: um, V? Varian: I finally have The Hideout that the cult is currently staying at!  I need to write a letter to the king saying that I'm heading out immediately. Zapada: CE!? Catalina: Say what now!? Noremoth: this is not what I agreed to! Varian:  you finally gave me their location I can't turn this opportunity down now!  I'm going to send the letter to the king and he'll have reinforcements right behind me is I'm heading up there. {Zapada whilst clutching her stomach grabs his arm} Zapada: have you gone mad!?  you've seen what they can do with a group of their own!  you're only one man!  they're dealing with one bee and then there's dealing with the whole hive! {Varian yanks his arm away} Varian:  you don't understand what they've done to me! to my family! Zapada: AM I NOT ALSO YOUR FAMILY!? Varian: YOU KNOW YOU ARE! Zapada: Yet recently you treat me as if i’m not! Varian: YOU KNOW I CARE FOR YOU! Zapada: it would not kill you to show it! Varian: I’M DOING THIS FOR YOU! Zapada: no! you're doing this because you're filled with hatred! Varian: YOU KNOW WHAT!?  I am filled with hatred!  I am so filled with hatred for these people you don't even understand!  they killed my father,  my wife, and my son!  there is no way in this world or the next someone like you could ever understand! Zapada: C-Couldn’t I!? Varian: No not in a million years! Zapada: AUGH! {Zapada grabs her stomach and doubles over; Cat and Kiera run over to her; Varian’s look of anger is replaced with shock} Varian: Z-Zapada? Zapada: ...it will cease in a few moments… Catalina: Zapada... have you been dealing with this all day? Zapada: Y-yes…and they get stronger... Catalina: Zapada...I-I think your in labour! {Zapada screams yet again and grips Keira’s arm} Keira: ow Ow OW! Noremoth: w-what do we do!? Catalina: uhh..umm… {Keira smacks Varian} Keira: HEY! Varian! Wife having baby here! Varian: R-right..sorry! Catalina: Come on! Lets get her to a bed! Noremoth: wait I want to help! What can I do!? Zapada: AUUGH! Catalina: Varian, take her up to your room! {Varian picks her up and carries her upstairs with Keira in tow} Catalina: Noremoth, we need towels! And hot water! Also, get some string and something sharp! {Noremoth salutes} Noremoth: Got it! {Cat runs up the stairs and to the room; when she opens the door, Zapada is laying on the bed with Varian holding her hand} Varian: i-it’s gonna be okay! I promise! Zapada: Ngghh!! I’m having trouble believing that! {Noremoth runs in with hot water and other supplies} Noremoth: I got it! Catalina: Thanks, now out! Noremoth: R-right sorry! {He runs out and Varian goes to follow him; Zapada grabs onto his arm} Varian: huh!? Zapada: Please no...i’m still...angry at you...but I’m frightened..please… {Varian hesitates for a moment before propping her up and sitting behind her, letting her rest against him} Catalina: Varian!? Varian: i’m not leaving! Look at her, she’s terrified. Catalina: but- Varian: I’m not asking permission. Catalina:...fine… Varian: it’s gonna be okay… I’m not going anywhere. {Zapada weakly smiles but it quickly fades and she screams again; cut to the countryside; Isaiah slowly tags along behind Benny} Benny: you okay ‘saiah? {Isaiah doesn’t answer; his vision looks blurry; suddenly The whites of his eyes turned pink and his irises turn a bright neon green; he collapses} Benny: ‘SAIAH! {She runs over to him} Isaiah: *in a deep evil voice* DON’T TOUCH ME! {she jumps back; he struggles to get up but only collapses and pants exhausted} Isaiah: grr...my body is weak… {more black liquid pours from his mouth; his eyes flicker in colour and his body twitches; he groans in pain; cult members watch from the thick brush; eventually, he passes out} Benny: Isaiah!? {she whimpers and checks his breathing then sighs in relief; she slowly drags him off the road and into the soft grass; she goes into their bag and takes out a small soup pot and starts setting up a fire; she then looks over at the forest} Benny: I'll be back... that’s a promise. {she walks into the forest and starts looking around; she looks over and sees a small stream; A turtle sits on by it; Benny picks up a rock} Benny:...sorry mister turtle… {She throws the rock; cut to Zapada letting out a scream of pain} Catalina: You’re almost there, Zapada! Varian: i-is she okay? Catalina: she’s fine Varian. This isn’t exactly a pleasant feeling. Keira: I can attest to that from what i’m seeing… {Zapada shouts and Noremoth flinches outside the room} Catalina: You’re almost done! Just one more time! I swear! {Varian wipes her forehead and kisses her temple before giving her a reassuring smile; Zapada’s lip quivers and she tightly shuts her eyes as she yells out one last time before flumping back against Varian’s chest; a cry fills the room} Catalina: YOU DID IT! You did it Zapada! It’s a boy! {she holds up the black-haired infant and Zapada lets out a half cry half chuckle; Varian smiles and laughs with her; Catalina wraps the baby and hands him over to them} Zapada: ei, bine ai venit, baietelul meu.. {Varian tears up and caresses his son’s face; Cat pulls Keira out of the room} Varian: he’s perfect… Zapada: he has your hair… Varian: and your nose. What a day...Zapada? Zapada: hmm? Varian: I’m sorry...i’m so sorry for..everything… {she kisses him} Zapada: I have already forgiven you. let us not focus on that…look at this beautiful boy that we've just brought into the world.  what should we call you? Varian:  oh man you're right we never really did decide on a name. Zapada:  think I might have an idea... Sterling. Varian:   Sterling? like sterling sil-... it's perfect… {Cut to Cat washing her hands downstairs; Noremoth walks in the room} Noremoth: ... nice work today. Cat: thanks… Noremoth:  no really... none of us had any idea what to do. you took the helm and you steered us out of the storm. {Cat turns to walk away but Noremoth grabs her hand} Noremoth: Catalina I am trying.  I know you hate me for what I did.  you have every right to be angry with me. please realize that I am trying. damn it, I'm not going to stop trying. I know what I did was bad. and maybe I don't deserve it but all I'm asking is that you give me the chance to prove myself. Catalina:... fine... maybe I am being a bit unfair. but you can't really blame me. I thought you were my friend. I trusted you. even if you weren't the direct cause of it, somebody died because I trusted you! I should have warned the king that you were there. Noremoth:  I never meant for him to die.  it was never the plan.  I thought I was doing what was right. I truly did.  I'm going to be honest right now. I really do like you and the last thing on earth I wanted to do was hurt you. I'm just hoping that even if you are still mad at me can we start over?  or is it too late for me to apologize to you? {Catalina looks over at him} Catalina:  you know this might just be the adrenaline of me having just delivered a baby talking... but alright... but I want you to know it's going to be a long time before I can ever trust you. but I'll give you the chance to prove yourself in the time being. Noremoth:  that's all I'm asking. {he pulls her into a hug; she hesitantly hugs back; cut to Benny stirring a pot of stew} Benny: I got everything from the forest!  I'm sure you're going to love it!  everyone loves Turtles stew!... I think... never really cooked before. {isaiah groans and rolls over to face her} Isaiah:  I'm sure it will be great..sorry... crappy time to decide to get sick huh? Benny: yep pretty much… Isaiah: umm... Benny? what is even in that?

Benny: ummm.. a turtle... some tubers that I found... Wild Onion... also a bit of wild garlic. Isaiah:...better than nothing. {Benny continues stirring the pot but then looks up and gasps} Benny: ‘Saiah!!! {Isaiah turns around to Vergus grabbing him and the screen goes black} {END CREDITS}

Rebel Without A Cause-Ch 3

A/N: This is a day late because I was so busy at work yesterday I let it slip my mind. But, hey now you don’t have to wait so long. LOL Next update will be Friday as previously scheduled. For now enjoy……and don’t forget to leave feedback. :)

“Shopping!” Jo announces, answering Maggie’s question of how she was going to be transformed into a rock music groupie. “New clothes, new make-up, whole new hairstyle,” she continued, counting off things on her fingers. “Give me 3 days and I’ll have you looking the part!”

“I-I don’t know,” the shy girl stammers. "I've…”

“Margaret,” Jo interrupts, placing a hand on her new friend’s shoulder. “You gotta just have faith.”

“Please call me Maggie,” she tells her coworker. “Margaret is such an old woman’s name.”

“Well Maggie, then we need to get you to quit dressing like a Margaret and start dressing more like a Maggie. ‘Tis a cool name though. I like it.” Jo says with a smile.

“You really think you can make me look like I belong in the crowd at a rock concert?”

“Sure I do!” Jo exclaims. “Let me ask you this, how against dying your hair are you?”

In the end, Jo convinces her to meet up at the mall first thing the next morning, a Saturday. “The earlier the better, since the families who usually crowd the mall will still be at home”, Jo declares. Maggie is still hesitant about the change of hair color but agrees to at least get a trim. Her rust-colored hair falls halfway down her back when she loosens the clip holding it up. 

'Wow! You’ve got to tell me your secret. Other than some dead ends, your hair is beautiful!“

"Good morning!” Jo chirps as she passes a styrofoam cup toward Maggie the next morning. She had been standing just outside the entrance to the mall when Maggie walked up. “Ready to be revamped?”

Maggie smiles at the blonde as she takes a sip of the steaming liquid. The coffee is sweet nectar to Maggie since she hadn’t had a chance to brew any herself in the rush to meet Jo at the appointed time. Somehow, Jo had known that and had provided exactly what she needed. Maggie wondered if this was a sign that the woman in front of her would actually be able to help her get what she needed; a behind the scenes look into the nuances of the Winchester Sex Bombs.

After work the evening before, Maggie had spent hours scouring the web and all articles related to the band. The group was made up of five childhood friends, two of them brothers. The lead singer, Dean, was the older brother to the bass player, Sam; the keyboardist (Seriously? A keyboardist in a rock band?) Meg Novak was married to the guitarist Clarence, or Cas as most know him as; the loner was Benny, the drummer. He was an unattached drifter that probably saw quite a lot  from his view on stage; Maggie speculated if that could be an angle she could use for her piece? She wanted to keep a low profile with the band, not wanting to draw the lead singer’s attention at all.

The five of them hailed from a small town in Kansas, Lawrence. They all went to high school together, forming the band in the senior year of four of them. Sam was a few years younger than the others, the baby of the group. He had joined when the original bassist had moved away to go to college. Maggie briefly wondered if that was a good thing or a bad thing. The band he left behind was finally making a name for themselves, traveling the continental US to play in a different city every couple of days, but was also leaving behind carnage and unflattering reports in their wake.

After finishing off their beverages, Jo and Maggie head into the mall. 

“Okay, first things first. The outfit!” Jo announces as she claps her hand together. “New shirts, new pants, shoes….oh, you definitely need boots, at least. The higher the better!”

“Jo, I can’t walk in heels,” Maggie informs. “I’ll break my ankle and neck. Aren’t I supposed to be able to dance and….mosh?”

“Look at you!” Jo chuckles, putting an arm around Maggie’s shoulders. “You’re already learning the lingo. But no, these boots have flat to minuscule heels. I meant they have to at least be knee-high and zip up. Easier to get off when you want to get busy, ya know”

Maggie couldn’t help but blush. The only kind of 'getting busy’ she was doing was typing up her story at the end of this assignment. The last thing on her mind was getting laid…but after some thought, it had been a while. It’s been six months since her ex-boyfriend Luke left her for Sabrina and probably twice that long since she and he had been intimate. 'Has it really been almost a year since I’ve had sex?’ Maggie ponders as they head for the Shoe Plaza. 

“Here. Go try these on,” Jo demands, shoving a pair of jeans in Maggie’s direction. “And I wanna see, so come out here and model for me.”

In the dressing room, Maggie removes her slacks and holds up the garment Jo had given her. The material is a dark blue with a few places looking worn, the fabric frayed. The left knee has a patched hole on it. As she studies them, she realizes she is going to have to practically pour herself into them. She glances at the tag, thinking Jo had picked up the wrong size but unfortunately that wasn’t the case.

Pulling the material over her hips, Maggie is astonished at how comfortable the jeans were. They aren’t as hard to button as she assumed either. Turning left then right, she eyes herself in the mirror. Maggie hadn’t worn anything this form-fitting in years, if ever. The fabric hugs her curves perfectly. Taking a breath, she opens the door and steps out.

“Oh my god!” Jo exclaims. “I was right. Look at you! Look at that ass! Those jeans make it pop,” she announces, making sure to snap her lips on the 'p’ “I swear if I wasn’t confident in my sexuality, I’d turn lesbian for you. Girl, you are hot!”

After leaving J.C. Penney’s with a few pairs of jeans, the two women head to what Jo calls the 'ideal rockstar outlet’, Hot Topic. Maggie balks at the site of the store. The lights inside are dimmed, making the place look ominous. There are floor-to-ceiling displays of numerous different styles of band t-shirts and apparel. In the back, there is a glass counter with glowing jewelry and ornaments. The place is empty as they enter, Maggie looking back and forth taking it all in. Some of the outfits she wouldn’t be caught dead in! Like the leather full bodysuit with zippered pockets throughout or leggings that were so thin, they were practically see-through. “Do people actually wear this stuff?” she whispers to Jo. A chuckle from behind causes both of them to turn to see a younger woman standing there.  She has the goth look down. Thick black winged eyeliner, a nose piercing, and her hair is jet black and lays in waves down over her shoulders. “Nah, those are mostly for aesthetic. Although, those-” she says pointing toward the transparent leggings, “-they really work if you’re trying to turn your man on. They come crotchless too,’ she continues with a wink.

"Oh my god! Why would anyone…”

“Easy access”, both Jo and the girl, Francesca by her nametag, declare with a laugh.  

“How can I help you two today?” Francesca asks.

“My friend here is going to her first rock concert next week. She needs to look the part,” Jo explains with a nudge to Maggie’s side. 

“Oooo, which band?”

“Um, Win-Winchester Sex Bombs,” Maggie stutters out.

“Ah, yes. They’re coming to the River, aren’t they? Music’s pretty good but I don’t think that’s what’s making them such a hot commodity. It’s that lead singer, Dean. He and his dreamy green eyes. And those thighs! Damn, the things I could do on those.” Francesca proclaims, Jo nodding her agreement. “Could you imagine the power of his thrusts!”

Maggie blushes at the girl’s lack of a filter. She and Jo keep talking about their fantasies if they were ever to get a night with the man as Maggie steps away, not wanting to have those images in her head as she interviewed the band. As she perused the array of clothing she picks out a couple of shirts with sayings on them that were funny and one with a picture of her parent’s favorite group, The Beatles.

Jo eventually joins her, with an armful of clothes. “Here, this is what you’re wearing with those jeans and the gray suede boots.”

Hanging on a hanger is an ivory-colored lace top with sheer fabric underneath. Maggie knows that the top would definitely show her underclothes and shakes her head. She couldn’t wear that! No way. 

@pink1031​ @spnbaby-67​ @winecatsandpizza​ @joseyrw​ @kricketc28​ @tftumblin​ @markofdean79​

Memories (Benny Miller x Medic!Reader)

“No.” 

Benny answers before you even have the chance to think about Pope’s offer. It’s a hard no, his eyes are looking at you sternly and he crosses his arms as you turn around to look at your boyfriend with a mixture of amusement - How does he think he can decide that for you? -  and annoyance - Again, he’s not the one deciding.

“I’ll call you later Pope, alright?”, You reply to the columbian man in your kitchen and he kisses your cheek goodbye, nodding at Benny before he leaves. Pope has a feeling that Benny doesn’t want him anywhere near him, now that he offered his loved one the chance to accompany them on the trip. It was a quick decision for Pope, really. The medic he planned on having to tag along bailed the last minute, too frightened about the idea of Lorea and though Pope doesn’t want to endanger you, he trusts you and he knows you can handle the heat and the pressure of the situation they’re about to get into. 

Benny knows this as well, after all you’ve met while both of you were still deployed and he’s seen you handle risky situations under pressure, but this is different. He knows it, you know it. This time, there’s not army safety net.

You spend the whole night arguing back and forth. You see no reason letting Benny go and waiting for him to come back home, as if you can’t contribute to the situation. He’s not about to drag you into some sort of mess Pope has chosen to go after because he doesn’t know when to stop and is on his manhunt for every bad guy on the planet. You argue back that if it’s that dangerous it’s even better if you come along and be there when the guys will need to get patched up and Benny counters with the fact that it isn’t supposed to get dangerous at all! That’s even better because there’s really no point in you not coming along then, is there? 

You’re still arguing back and forth in the living room as dawn begins to break, having accomplished nothing. Benny knows that he can’t keep you off this mission, no matter how hard he tries. You know that you won’t be home waiting for them to return and sit this one out just because Benny thinks you’re suddenly made out of glass. It’s tight jaws and hard stares from him in the end, spitting out a single “whatever” and you sigh in frustration. 

The next thing you know you’re waiting with Yovanna and her brother at the airstrip, checking your equipment from time to time and growing more worried with the second. They’re way over the time Redfly set for them and you remember his words clearly. “And that’s hard out.” Being late is never a good sign, especially from a group like them. Being late means something happened. 

You spot the two vehicles coming down the hill first, standing up anxiously and releasing a breath you didn’t know you were holding as you see Benny emerge from the car. The relief is short though, the way his jaw is set firmly is the first proof of something going terribly wrong. The second is William limping out of the car, torso leaning more to one side and his shirt stained with a dark blotches of blood. You’re next to him in seconds, passing Benny briefly and the only interaction you two share is the short brush of your hands against each other. 

“What happened?” you ask William, fingers on his side already, pulling his shirt up and inspecting the bandage, which has become loose and wandered down already. 

“Had to change the plan.” he grunts and gently pulls your fingers from his side. This is the third sign, Redfly’s plans rarely change to someone getting shot in the aftermath. “Later.” 

You watch him walk down the airstrip, Benny following William with two of the many bags, looking over his shoulder to you for a second. With your fingertips bloody, you watch the team in front of you working. The air is thick with tension and opportunity and the promise of money. A voice inside your head starts to whisper that this might’ve been a bad idea. 

“Thank you.” Will breathes out as you pull down his shirt again and let him settle against one of the bags. His voice sounds a bit strange coming over the big headset and you smile as you pat his knee before packing up the bloody gauze and move over to Benny, who’s seated only a couple seats away. You desperately want to talk, no one’s said a word to you and by this point you’ve figured that the team, who used to do so well together might be a bit out of training. Ben’s stare is on his brother and you grab his hand and give it a light squeeze. 

“He’ll be fine. The bullet went right through, didn’t hit anything vital and the bleeding stopped. Gave him something for the pain but nothing too strong so he’s still sharp and cleaned it out. He’ll sleep it off and by next week he’ll be good as new.” You try to keep it professional, helping him through the situation because you know that even though he might appear calm and collected, William is Benny’s weak spot and seeing his brother getting shot must’ve rattled him.  You open you’re mouth to continue but he looks at you as if he knows what you’re about to ask and squeezes your hand back. 

“Thank you.” 

You fall asleep to the sound of the rotor blades above you and the steady movement of Benny’s chest for the next couple of hours, waking up every now and then to check on William. And even though he’s doing fine the bad feeling in the pit of your stomach won’t go away. You’re almost glad to be in the helicopter by now and on your way home, wanting nothing more then to get out of those dirty clothes and into a nice safe bed next to Ben. You think this is over by now.

You scream for Fish to lower the damn helicopter, William screams for Ben to hold on and Ben’s screaming that he has to let go if he wants to survive. The next seconds become a blur, up becomes down and when your heads stops spinning your on the ground. Pope stands above you and you hear someone coughing to the right of you. Where’s the rest? You try to blink the stars away and lift a hand to the back of your head, moving agonizing slowly. No blood, that’s good, you think. 

“Hey! you alright? Can you hear me?” This time you understand Pope and you nod, grabbing his hand he stretched out for you. “Okay then let’s get out of here.”  You spot your small backpack halfway through the helicopter and Pope grabs it for you and throws it out the top before helping you crawl out. You’re indeed on the ground, surrounded by plants in a field. That’s all you register before you slide down the side of the broken down plane, landing clumsily on your feet, Pope landing right beside you. Your eyes search around and you almost cry in relief as you see Benny emerge through the plants, hair a mess without his hat and dirt mixed with scratches but alive and well overall.

“Are you hurt? You good?” Ben’s a bit breathless, eyes checking you over for any injuries and he can’t help but cup your face with his hand. 

“I’m fine, I’m good. Might have a concussion but nothings broken.” His eyes are on his brother who emerges from the pile of metal, swaying slightly but steady on his feet after a few test steps and Redfly is already calmly explaining what is about to happen next. 

“What a fucking shit show.” Benny swears under his breath, taking the hat William’s handing him and kissing you quickly before suiting up and vanishing onto higher ground. It’s something he usually wouldn’t do but they all just almost died and he’ll be damned if he doesn’t kiss his girl after that. 

You really don’t want to complain. But it’s wet. And cold. And if you’re honest you’re kind of done with this trip by now and you’re sure everyone else is as well. 

“I’m not gonna say I told you so.” Benny murmurs from behind you, shifting slightly with his arms wrapped around you, bodies pressed against each other under the small rain cape from his backpack. “But I told you to stay at home.”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“Don’t need to. I can feel you being pissed without you saying a single word.”

“Oh so this is your favorite weather? Rainy and muddy being your new thing now? Are you having a real good time, Ben?” you snap back. He’s about to respond - something witty maybe, or maybe something mean, by now you can’t really tell what it’ll be - when Catfish chimes in from the left, eyes closed and desperately trying to get comfortable. 

“Will you just shut up already? Some are trying to sleep here.” 

You swallow a remark and feel like Benny is doing the same. It’s quiet for a while, rain hitting leafs being the only sound, apart from Will’s deep breaths coming from the left of you. He’s stable, the wound doesn’t seem infected and you’ve changed the bandage twice by now - first after they’ve crashed and second after crossing the river and swimming through dirty water. You shift again, this time not about changing position but about trying to warm up some of your body parts that have been getting colder. You’re really not keen about getting pneumonia out of this trip and you know the hardest part lays before you - getting over the Andes. High altitude, no shelter, even colder condition due to the wind. The thought about having to potentially stay on top of a mountain for maybe even a whole night makes a shiver run down your spine. Ben’s hands are there immediately, running up and down your arms and trying to get some warmth back into your body. 

You sigh exhausted and lean back against him, feeling him press a soft kiss just behind your ear and you know that this is the closest thing of getting an apology right now. This ain’t the time nor the place for you two to discuss your feelings or your doubts about all of this so you just turn around and quickly press a kiss to his lips as well - your way of saying “I’m sorry too” - before settling back against him, hearing Catfish groan again.

“I will never go on a trip with a couple ever again.” 

You hear the screaming first and think secondary. Before you can comprehend what’s going on, you’re sprinting out from behind the big rock where you tried to take cover. You can’t know Pope shot the last sniper already, can’t know everything is over by now. You’re purely reacting on instinct - someone screams, you run to try and help. 

You see Benny leaning over someone. Dark hair, blood splashed around his head. The head is always bad.  You see Pope standing above Benny, then William coming down from the side. It’s not them. It’s not them. Your breathe. Fish has dark hair. And your heart stops again. 

It’s then that you see the bright flash of orange. It’s too bright against the grey rocks surrounding you and you start to guess then, know who it is. You’re on your knees in seconds, pushing Ben and William aside. “Let me look.” By now you’re close enough, you see the hole in Redfly’s forehead. You’re hand is on his throat searching for a pulse that’s not there anymore. The head is always bad. 

Time stops as you look into Tom Davis dead eyes, gently pulling your hand away from his body. Behind you Ben and William are clashing into each other but you barely notice it. You came onto this mission to help and now that there’s nothing you can do, you feel as if you’re the one on the ground dying instead of him. Your head repeats his status, coming to the same conclusion every path you go down. He’s not breathing, he’s dead. There’s not pulse, he’s dead. His pupils don’t react anymore, he’s dead.

He’s dead. He’s dead. He’s dead. 

Suddenly there’s a hand on your shoulder, pulling you away from Tom and turning you around. It’s Pope, gently lifting his hand and wiping away some tears you didn’t even know you were shedding. 

“He’s dead.” you croak, needing to say it out loud and Pope nods. Time of death -

“Yes. He’s dead.”

  You swear you can almost hear the beach. It’s dark and without Pope navigating you to through the last thickness of jungle before open water, you would’ve gone lost and stumbled into one of the teenagers from the villages by now. There wasn’t a lot of talking on the way down. Maybe there was but you can’t remember it. There’s just bits and pieces for you now. 

Benny singing. Dropping the money. Walking. Tom’s bodybag. Benny offering to go done to search for their ship, alone. That’s when you snapped out of it. 

“No.”

This time it’s you who’s stern, locking eyes with him and not moving an inch. Normally you wouldn’t intervene, you’re trained to keep your personal feelings to yourself, to put the mission above everything and to not loose your focus due the relationships you choose to encounter in your free time. But this is not any relationship, this is Benny about to go on, alone, when you’ve stayed a group for the whole mission now.

This is not a mission, you think, this feels more like suicide. 

Benny starts but you cut him off. 

“No.” you repeat. You try to sound as hard as the first time but suddenly there’s a lump in your throat and you hope that Ben will leave it at that because you know if you have to say it again you’re voice will break. He’s not saying anything at all as he takes one step closer to you and for a moment you think he’ll really stay - until you see him reach into a bag and stuff a couple of stacks into his pockets. 

“This is not your decision to make, love. I’m the best option for us right now.” he says softly and you laugh weakly as he repeats your defense from a couple nights ago back at you. It’s the nerves, you tell yourself as you feel like more like crying. Benny cracks a smile, cups your face and strokes your cheek softly before pressing a hasty kiss to your temple. You watch him walk away and slump next to William, both of your thoughts on the man you call family. 

There’s a lot of happening around while Benny and you wait to board your plane. He’s next to you, his snapback this time not sitting backwards on his hair but facing the “proper way” and that’s the strongest indication for you that this mission, this trip, is finally over. As Benny’s slouched down in his seat, your fingers interlaced with his laying in your lap as he’s taking a much needed nap, your thoughts snap back to everything you’ve encountered. Every time you close your eyes, you see flashes of Tom lying before you, his own eyes starring back at you without any sign of life in them. 

You sneak a glance to Benny, eyelashes so long they almost touch his cheeks and the worry of the past couple days not a bit prominent on his relaxed face. You can’t help but wonder how he does it -  how he can just close his eyes and fall asleep. 

“Hey.” Benny mumbles, voice rough. You haven’t realized he’d woken up as you were still turning moments over in your head, still thinking if there’d be something you could’ve done differently. If maybe, somehow, you could’ve stopped all of this from happening. 

“Hey.” You whisper back softly. 

“What’cha thinking about?”

You scoff for a moment, fiddling with his hand in yours before rubbing your face and looking at him again. “You told me not to come.”

“I did.” There’s a pause, neither of you knowing what to say next. 

“It wouldn’t have changed anything, though. Would it?” You ask slowly, eyes uncertain now and Benny turns to look somewhere in the busy airport around you two. Tom’s death lays heavy between the two of you, easily the biggest loss from this trip that was supposed to be so much different. 

“No, it wouldn’t.” Benny squeezes your hand and pulls you closer. “Maybe we all shouldn’t have gone.” There’s a second part of that sentence hanging in the air as you snuggle closer to Ben - but that’s always easy to say in hindsight. 

You hold Benny a bit tighter that moment. You’re breathing, he’s breathing. Anything else neither of you can change in the tiny airport. It’s horrible, you think, but you’re really glad both of you get to go home. Together. 

My attention span comes and goes. Though i’m currently doing drawings in the works still here, my mind has been on other things lately of the mummy kind on my other art blog

ImhotepxAnckSuNamun forever!

O’Connell it looks like I got all the horses!

Hey Benni! It looks to me like you’re on the wrong side of the river!

Freeside is a slum that surrounds New Vegas, it’s inhabited by junkies and drunk people almost all the time. Some points of interest are The King’s School of Impersonation, the Atomic Wrangler casino, and Silver Rush, a place for all your energy weapon needs.

But we decide to visit the Old Mormon Fort first, this is the home of The Followers of the Apocalypse, these people try and help those in need in and around Freeside with what they can. And someone I need to be on good terms with.

Boone: What are we doing here?

Freddie: I’m just exploring, Boone, I want to get a feel for Freeside before we find a way into the strip to find Benny.

Boone: We’re gonna help the people here, right?

Freddie: Yes, absolutely.

But not long after we get attacked by muggers! They don’t last very long against us so after dealing with them we can continue to make our way to the oldest place standing in Freeside.

~~~~~

Walking inside the walled fort there’s a pretty large camp set up inside, a flag with the Follower’s logo on it a cross inside a circle, tents all around the camp, and a sandbag barricade in front. We all take a look around and greet the people, I make my way to the southwestern tent to greet a man with blonde hair.

Freddie: Hello.

He turns around, holy moly.

Arcade: Hi. If you're looking for medical help, try the other doctors. I'm just a researcher. Not even a particularly good one.

I shake my head and focus.

Freddie: What kind of research?

Arcade: Oh, you know. Finding alternative treatments for common illnesses and injuries. Stimpaks out of barrel cacti and other fantastic improbabilities. As far as fruitless wastes of time go, it's quite noble in its aims.

Freddie: What’s the goal?

Arcade: For the past hundred years or so, the Followers have managed to get by using salvaged medical supplies from the Old World. But the side effect of medical success is that more people live longer. Funny how that works.

He then looks sad.

Arcade: Eventually, we'll run out of hospitals to loot. We need new ways to produce those supplies. Or maybe old ways, if this research goes anywhere.

Freddie: What kinds of illnesses and injuries?

Arcade: Cuts, lacerations, broken bones. Infections resulting from all of the above. Common cold, influenza. Take your pick. There are plenty of ways to die out here, and most of them, surprisingly, don't have anything to do with war. Just common human fragility.

Freddie: You don't sound too enthusiastic about it.

I tilt my head as he pushes up his glasses.

Arcade: I'm enthusiastic about helping people, but nihil novi sub sole.

Freddie: Nihi-what?

Arcade: Oh. Sorry. "There is nothing new under the sun." If agave and mesquite were that miraculous, the locals would have figured it out a few thousand years ago.

This guy is starting to sound like someone in the Legion.

Freddie: Isn't that the language that Caesar's Legion speaks?

Arcade: Caesar can cite Cato to suit his purpose. Many people have spoken Latin. Some of them were quite pleasant. It's unfortunate that the language is now associated with the gentlemen across the river.

Wow, this guy is so smart and so handsome. No wait, I have to be serious here. Ahem.

Freddie: Where did you learn that?

Arcade: Not from the Legion, if that's what you're getting at. Books. Sheet music. Gladiator movie holotapes. Bits and pieces here and there. The Followers have extensive libraries, but we all draw water from the same old well. Even Caesar.

Freddie: So why do you do research instead of providing medical assistance?

Arcade: Not all Followers are "people persons." Besides, someone needs to do research. I have no problem with Julie sticking me back here. Out of sight, out of mind. There are worse things one can be, though I do admit, it is a bit boring. Though it has a noble goal, I don't think this research will yield much fruit. No pun intended.

Freddie: Well Arcade, do you and the Followers need any help?

Arcade: Me, specifically? No. I'm sure Julie Farkas does, though. Lab coat, pointy hair. Answers to the name "Julie Farkas," strangely enough.

Freddie: Why don't you come with me?

Arcade: No offense intended, but why should I go anywhere with you?

Time to work your magic, Freddie.

[Confirmed Bachelor] Freddie: I need a good-looking doctor to help take care of me in the big, bad wasteland.

With that, he laughs and places a hand over his glasses. I got him.

Arcade: Overt flirtation will get you everywhere, you know. On a slightly more serious note, if you're interested in helping out with the troubles plaguing Freeside, I can come with you. Just don't do anything obnoxious, like trying to help Caesar's Legion, and we should be fine. Understood?

Freddie: I’d never help the Legion, my other companion would have my head if I did especially after everything I did for him. After I get what was taken from me back from some guy on the strip, I plan on terrorizing the Legion just like they do us.

Arcade: Heh, I don’t think the Legion is going to be scared of you. Unless you take out Caesar and his legate, Lanius. But seeing as you’re asking me to come with you. You aren’t going to be doing that any time soon. Don’t get too cocky now.

When I go tell Boone the good news about Arcade, I can’t help but notice that he’s staring down ED-E. Does he have a problem with him? Maybe he’s seen ED-E before.

Freddie: Hey, Arcade, I can’t help notice that you seem to have a problem with ED-E here, what’s up?

Arcade: it just seems a bit twitchy. Some of these robots, you look at them the wrong way, don’t screw in a vacuum tube right… The next thing you know you’re a pile of ash on the floor and someone’s stepping out of a vertibird to sweep your remains into a Nuka-Cola bottle.

Freddie: Oooo-kay, I’ll keep my eye on him.

Arcade: Safety first. That’s all I’m saying.

Freddie: Let’s get going then.

~~~~~

We all head southwest towards the gate until an old man stops us.

Old Ben: You look new to Freeside, so here’s a little advice, friend. Don’t go past the South Gate greeter without talking to it first.

Freddie: Going past it seems rude, why wouldn’t I want to go past the greeter?

Old Ben: Those bots are programmed to vaporize anyone who enters the fenced-in area without authorization from the greeter.

Freddie: Thanks for the advice.

He smiles and walks away towards a campfire near the gate. Let’s see what this robot says. I walk to the Securitron Gatekeeper.

Securitron Gatekeeper: Submit to a credit check or present your passport before proceeding to the gate. Trespassers will be shot.

Freddie: Credit check? What’s that for?

Securitron Gatekeeper: Admission to the Strip requires an official passport or proof that you are carrying the required minimum balance.

Freddie: What’s the minimum balance?

Securitron Gatekeeper: 2,000 caps.

Freddie: 2,000 caps?! I don’t have that kind of cash! Uh, what else can I do?

Securitron Gatekeeper: If you are unable to meet the minimum balance requirement, an official passport is an acceptable alternative.

But after telling me about the passport he doesn’t say where I can get one, wow thanks robot. The gang takes a step back.

Arcade: I heard of a shop called “Mick and Ralph’s” who sells things you can’t buy anywhere else.

Freddie: You think I can buy an unofficial official passport from them?

Arcade: Who’s to say?

Arcade tries to act very sly about it, after all, I did flirt with him so he could join my team because he wasn’t convinced I was good enough to travel with. Guess I must just have a thing for doctors. Or researchers, whatever he is. Lab coat people.

~~~~~

Ralph: If you’re looking for guns, talk to Mick. Otherwise, I’ve got a nice selection of general supplies.

Freddie: Do you offer any other services?

Ralph: I only offer services if The King gives the okay. Impress him and we can talk.

I’ll do whatever the King’s have in store for me another time, maybe I can get the passport out of this guy in a different way.

[Speech 50] Freddie: A resource fellow such as yourself must have something on the side.

[Succeeded] Ralph: All right. Yeah, I’ve got a little side business going, but what I am about to share with you does not leave this room, eh? Over the years, I’ve gradually perfected my craft to the point of perfection. No one can distinguish between my work and the real thing. What I am referring to is a passport. If you’ve got the caps, I can whip up a Strip passport which will fool even the most well-trained eye.

Freddie: Ah, now I see why you want to keep this low key.

Ralph: Hey, if you’re interested and have the caps, they go for 500. Any less and it ain’t worth the risk of getting caught. What do you say? You game?

You’ve gotta be kidding me… Looks like I’ll have to barter with him.

[Barter 50] Freddie: No way your material and expenses require that. How about half?

[Succeeded] Ralph: Hah! I like your style, kid, but the best I can do is meet you halfway. 375 caps, and we can call it a deal.

He says with much enthusiasm.

Freddie: 375 works great. Okay, I’ll take one.

I hand over the caps and he hands over the passport. Sweet! I bid Mick and Ralph goodbye and make the way back to gate.

[Passport] Freddie: I’ve got a passport.

Securitron Gatekeeper: Thank you, sir. You may proceed.

With that, we can finally open the main gate to New Vegas.

~~~~~

Before I can stare at New Vegas in awe, I’m approached by a familiar face.

Victor: Howdy, pardner! You’ve come a far piece, haven’t you? Welcome to New Vegas!

What the hell is this guy’s deal?! Why is he everywhere I go?!

Boone: Why is this robot following us?

Freddie: He’s the one who dug me out of my grave after all. What are you doing here?

Victor: Consider me your personal welcome wagon! Now hear this - the head honcho of New Vegas, Mr. House, is itching to make your acquaintance.

Arcade: Did he just say Mr. House?

Freddie: It seems like you pop up everywhere.

Victor: Aw shucks, pardner. I suppose it can’t hurt to let you in on my little secret! Old Victor wouldn’t be much use stuck inside just one Securitron! No, I can move from one to another with the snap of a finger! Pretty nice trick, ain’t it? Just don’t ask me how I do it, because I don’t know!

Freddie: All right, I’ll go meet Mr. House right now.

Victor: Yeehaw, pardner! That’s the spirit. He’ll be waiting for you.

He quickly makes his way to the front of the Lucky 38 casino and I follow behind him.

Victor: Boss is waiting for ya upstairs, so get a move on!

A massive gate behind him opens up and we all walk on inside.

Quotes from movies/tv/other media that I say/use in conversation on a regular basis:

“Which way do you want to go?”

“No good, can’t hear you.”

“Just fear me, love me, do as I say and I will be your slave!”

“They don’t even have dental.”

“Because she doesn’t love you!”

“Your Honor, the comedian clearly stated!”

“You can’t tell me how to live signs!”

“Why’dya do that?!”

“Look at all those chickens!”

“You’re gonna look at me and tell me that I’m wrong, am I wrong? She wore a crown and she came down in a bubble doug!”

“DISGUSTING!”

“Hi Billy!”

“Amuck Amuck Amuck!!”

“Mind yo business David!!”

“I’m looking through the windshield and I’m not gonna hit anyone, but no.”

“You ain’t gettin me to no secondary location!”

“SOUP SOUP!!”

“That seed salesman sure saw us comin. No he saw you comin!”

“Oh I’m not allowed to sneeze?!?”

“Back from the dead Fergus!”

“Those poor icecubes!”

“Could you not? Thanks”

“Dogs are people too Haley!”

“Either don’t be dumb or be dumb in silence, don’t involve me!”

“Cat! I’m a kitty cat! And I dance dance dance x2”

“DOES ANYBODY WANT A WIFE?!?”

“ I am confusion!!”

“You stole my pen!!”

“Beggars cannot be choosers m’lord”

“It’s called a lance... hellooo!”

“DO NOT SHH ME AND SPARE HIM NOW BEGON, GO!!!”

“Moles don’t eat dirt, worms eat dirt”

“You and your family will be cursed for always and eternity!”

“It’s so hot Sam, but I feel so cold”

“Well that’s too damn bad!”

“Paranoid!!”

“Tricky tricky tricky”

“Ah murdered by pirates, heart torn out and eaten, meet Victoria. Can’t quite decide what sounds more fun.”

“What do stars do?”

“My safe word is pineapple juice!”

“Honey, you missed auburn big time!”

“Boy you must be outside your mind!!”

“Who you callin’ a cooty queen, you lint licker!”

“It’s the leaning tower of cheesa!”

“Face it girls, I’m older and have more insurance.”

“There’s no crying in baseball!!”

“The staypuft marshmellow man.”

“Hey Benny, looks to me like you’re on the wrong side of the river!!!”

“I.... am a librarian!”

“I shall simply deny you the crown and... live.... forever!”

“After all that I do, after all I have done.. it’s never enough!”

“There was a bee.”

“Of course not mother, I’m only here for the food!”

“Apartipferdak... wha?... apartipferdak scabber, rapfer tik scabber!”

“He needs some MILK!!!”

“I will cut his heart out with a spoon!!!”

“Curse your sudden but inevitable betrayal!”

“And daddy! They took my boot!!”

“No mas pantalones.”

“Did not know who it was fuckin with.”

“Ish guud!!”

“I want it now!!”

“Give me yor FUCKIN MONEY!!”

“Me having sterk??”

“Albuquerque! See I can do it too. Snorkel!”

“This is why mom doesn’t FUCKING love you!”

“Right to jail.”

“GO ON DARLIN CRYY!!”

“Be careful chilren that’s a lotta sodium”

“I’m legally blind!”

“Now you know I aint allowed to think”

“And then I’ll smash it with a hammer!”

“Say what again, say.what.again! I dare you I double dare you mother fucker say what one more goddamn time!”

“Ur no good duck! U’ll never be shit, ur just like ur father!”

“You Know Why!”

“Coincidence? I think not!!”

“You better get yo ass out this bed!!”

“Whatever are you talking about?”

“pushing pushing”

“Mistakes were made”

“YOU are NOT a very nice old MAN!!”

“She’s not alone.”

“Lookin strong John!”

“I am Steve Rogers”

“What is this contraption? May I have it?”

“Vere is dis ootah anyvay?”

“Onion. Pan. Sizzle.”

“That’s why we call it justice, because it’s just us!”

“The moon spirit is a gentle loving lady, she rules the sky with COMPASSION and… LUNAR GOODNESS!”

All the questions! :D

1: Do you regret anything in life?

I mean, yeah. The band breaking up in high school? That was a whole mess of regret. Thankfully there aren’t too many big things I regret though.

2: Your biggest accomplishment in life

These are all music related haha. Probably winning that Battle of the Bands a few years back. I doubt I’ll do anything that cool ever again :p

3: Do you believe in ghosts/Spirits?

Mmmmm yah probably. Have I ever encountered one? No

4: Fluent in any languages other than English?

Do you have to speak it to be fluent? Whatever, I can read Latin pretty decently.

5: Are you in love with anyone right now?

Nawww

6: Biggest fear in life

Losing people I love, I think

7: Favorite food

….macaroni

8: Favorite Song

In no way can I choose

9: Favorite Band

Frank or Skinny

10: Are you an introvert or an extrovert ?

Wowza introvert af

11: Cat or Dog person?

Honestly both with the slightest preference for cats

12: Who is the last person you talk to before going to bed each night?

Usually @timelordinvalinor but sometimes my brother if he’s around

13: Biggest regret in life

I feel like I answered this already but I don’t think there is anything huge that I regret

14: If you could travel back in time, which time period would you visit?

I’d make a cute early 1920s housewife

15: What keeps you up at night?

Nothing dude I love to sleep

16: What are you thinking about?

These questions? Haha

17: Would you get back together with any past exes?

Naw probably not

18: How are you?

Good, I love ignoring responsibilities

19: How do you relieve stress?

Watch TV or video games. I’m boring!!

20: What turns you on?

Uhhhhhh

21: Favorite Movie/TV Show quote

“Hey O'Connell, looks like we got all the horses!”“Hey Benny, looks like you’re on the wrong side of the river!”

That’s the first one that came to mind haha.

22: Sports Fan? If so, what are your teams?

Nope!

23: Why so serious?

School is killing me and I don’t know what I’m doing after!!!

24: What is your deepest darkest secret?

I sort of forgot my cello on an orchestra trip once and then faked sick at the concert we were supposed to play at because I was too scared to tell them I didn’t bring my cello. That’s was a low point in my social anxiety adventures. I’m not proud.

25: Have you ever felt not good enough?

Just today I turned in a super shitty paper and I’m afraid of disappointing my professor I’m sorry Brian :(((

26: Is there someone you wish you were with at this very moment?

I guess not? I’m chill at the moment

27: Happiness = ?

Snuggled up with someone on a rainy day watching a movie or something

28: Have you ever broken any bones?

Broke my arm once when I was in 2nd grade. I slipped on a patch of ice and fell off a ledge.

29: What makes you laugh?

Silly jokes made by silly people. McElroy goofs.

30: Last time you’ve cried

A few weeks ago? I cry a lot more than I used to but that’s okay haha. Having a hardened heart is overrated.

31: Ketchup or mustard?

Mustard

32: Where are you from?

Texas!

33: What are your Short and long term goals?

Oh god. Graduate and get a freaking job? Long term goals tbd :p

34: Favorite subject in school

In high school, English. In college, Latin!! More specifically paleography. I enjoy the fuck out of that.

35: Ideal first date

I think it depends on the person you’re with. I don’t know, I haven’t been on a lot of dates.

36: Longest relationship you’ve had

2 ½ years

37: Last person you texted has to save you from a burning building, who is it?

@awkwardlytimednosebleed save me!!

38: Last food you ate is now what you have to eat for the rest of your life. What is it?

Oh man. Fish sticks lol. That’s gonna suck.

39: Soda or Pop?

Soda, duh

40: Who is your celebrity crush?

Hozier :) or maybe Frank, his hair looked so good last time I saw him hahaha. AND Alison mosshart I can't believe I almost forgot her