Happy Valentine's! Dealers choice, though I love SIAT

a continuation of 1 2 3 4

Naruto knows when Itachi is due back from his mission because, as always, she’s spent years sneaking into her father’s office and going through his paperwork. She’s still split on whether he genuinely hasn’t noticed (unlikely) or is just letting her snoop on highly classified files (also unlikely) but as long as she keeps being able to get past his seals, she’s going to take advantage of it.

Itachi doesn’t even have the decency to act surprised to see her sitting on his kitchen table and eating his chips. Probably because he sensed her from a literal mile away, but still. “Hello Naruto,” he says, dropping his pack on the floor and heading straight to his fridge for the disgusting weird protein health drinks he gets from the Inuzukas.

Tsume forces those on them semi-regularly and they taste like dirt. She doesn’t understand how Itachi drinks them willingly. “I need a favor.”

“Okay,” he says, tilting his head back and chugging.

She frowns. “It’s a big favor. You’re not going to like it.”

He finishes the bottle and throws it into the trash across the room without looking. “Okay.”

She throws up her hands. “Seriously? Are you really planning on letting me cash in on helping expose Madara for the rest of your life?”

“Yes,” he says.

Unbelievable. She balls up the bag of chips and throws it at his head. He lets it bounce off and fall to the ground.

He does shit like this because he knows it pisses her off. She’s sure of it.

~

Shikamaru like Naruto well enough, but tends to tune her out a lot of the time, because she’s very loud and high energy and likes to do things that end up getting everyone in trouble except her. It’s not even like she’s using the fact that she’s the hokage’s daughter to get out of it – she’s just that much better at outrunning Anbu than they are.

There’s a joke in there about her avoiding Kakakshi, but since he values his limbs and also his quiet, he never makes it.

When Naruto’s quiet, that’s when they need to worry. Naruto was really quiet around the time she unearthed the almost rebellion of the Uchiha that he’s supposed to know nothing about. She’s quiet now too, blue eyes dark and voice low as she tells them what the first two sections of the chunin exam are going to be like and that they have to be careful.

“Why are you so worried about this?” Ino asks.

Naruto trades a glance with Sasuke then, surprisingly, Sakura. Shikamaru hadn’t been sure those two could untangle from each other enough to make room from the girl from a civilian family, but it doesn’t seemed to have tripped them up too badly. “It’s need to know. For now.”

Considering all the things Naruto talks about loudly and unrepentantly, that’s very, very concerning.

“You’re telling the others this?” Chouji asks.

Sakura nods. “We’ll be waiting in the forest. We won’t go to the tower until you’re all there.”

It sounds arrogant said like that, but Sasuke’s a prodigy in his own right, and the only reason he hadn’t graduated early was because he and Naruto had wanted to be on the same team together.

The reason Naruto hadn’t graduated early was partially due to sabotage – man, had their teacher before Iruka hated her – but also because she refused to correct them, to complain, to make a big deal out of her abilities.

Naruto plays things closer to her chest than even he does.

So if she’s being this transparent and upfront, they better listen.

Troublesome.

Hello! Apologies for sending an ask out of the blue but considering your familiarity with localisation differences in persona 4/golden, I was wondering if anything comes to your mind regarding this aspect and how the game depicts queerness and queer themes? Thank you!

Heya! Don't worry, I was thinking people would probably ask stuff like this. After all, I already replied to somebody's tags asking this same thing previously, but I know not many people saw that, so let me use the chance to go into more detail:

Unfortunately, Persona 4's treatment of queer themes is not a result of the translation. The only things that were down to translation choices were small things, such as which pronouns are used in which situation (because Japanese does not at all have the same concept of third person pronouns as English, and the way first person classifiers that mean "I" work is very complex and a lot more vibes-based than actually tied to gender.)

But for the most part, everything is pretty much the same. Kanji's reaction to Chie mumbling about something being "off" about how he interacted with Naoto that first time, the tent scene, Yosuke's extreme insecurity in his own sexuality in addition to everyone else's... I think maybe the only thing that's a biiit better in Japanese is that Teddie is kiiinda genderfluid in Japanese, with the artbook outright stating that he doesn't necessarily consider himself "male" when he's in his bear form, unless it's necessary for a joke.

A lot of this can be traced to the really odd relationship the game's director, Katsura Hashino, has to queer themes. In interviews about Catherine Fullbody (a game which infamously has a rather weirdly handled gay romance route which, however, is notably also the only romance route in the game that cannot possibly result in a bad ending), he talks about how he's always admired queer people for being "strong" and wanted to write queer stories, but couldn't really do it until Fullbody because Atlus higher ups were afraid of backlash from the fans.

Traces of this are actually seen in Persona 4 Vanilla's data, where remnants of a surprisingly well done romance route for YOSUKE, of all people, are still present. That route made it far enough into development to have voiced lines in both, English and Japanese. However, it was dummied out in the final game and its script content was removed. Yosuke STILL has the "girlfriend flag" in the code that all the female romance options also have, but in the finished game it only checks whether you can hug him during his social link or not. Everything else was dummied out. You can still find the voice files on the cutting room floor if you want:

And yes, the "I like you" line is unambiguously romantic in Japanese. His wording is very hard to misinterpret.

However, in the finished game and the rest of the franchise Yosuke's bisexuality was reduced to an in-joke of the developers. It's most poignant in Persona Q (the first one), where if you get the "marriage" scene with Yosuke in the second dungeon, his reactions differ WILDLY depending on which Protagonist you are playing as, far more than other male characters. With Makoto Yuki he acts nonchallant and deadpan about it. With Yu Narukami he acts like a blushy Tsundere and panics constantly. So, yeah.

Okay, so, if the director had interest in writing queer stories since before Persona 4, why is Persona 4 the way it is then?

Well, because - and there's no way around it - he sucks at it.

Katsura Hashino has to be one of the clumsiest "gay activists" I've ever seen in my whole darn life. He finds queer people "cool", but seemingly never had any queer writers or sensitivity readers on his teams and it's caused enormous blunders in how these themes have been handled. For example, when after Persona 3 it was pointed out to him that the writing of the female characters in interaction with the male characters was bad, he immediately hired more female writers and gave them free reign for how to handle the female characters from then on out. But apparently the same thing never happened with his mishandling of queer themes. He wants Catherine's Erica and Rin to be empowering figures for trans women and gay men, but makes a lot of blunders in how he has other characters interact with them to the point it buries his good intentions. Erica's boyfriend having gay panic upon realizing she's trans is treated as "funny and cute", even by Erica herself. Rin technically being a monogender alien really undermines his story of becoming more secure in his sexuality. It goes on and on like that.

The intention with Naoto's story was to point out the extreme sexism in Japanese society and how it forces female nerds to find alternate modes of self-expression, but the clumsy choice of including surgery themes in Naoto's dungeon completely buried that for especially western queer audiences. Most people don't even remember Naoto's dungeon was outright modeled after a Kamen Rider villain hideout. They completely shot themselves in the foot with this one. Additionally, the way Naoto is handled AFTER the dungeon makes her (I'm using that pronoun because she calls herself a "woman" in Japanese in the game) seem more like someone who's on the verge of discovering they are X-gender (the japanese word for "nonbinary") than a repressed girl. Like, right down to how she has Rise help her experiment with clothes in the canonical drama CDs only to realize she really is uncomfortable with skirts and go for an androgynous but less restrictive look going forward. The way she dresses in the Golden epilogue and P4D is pretty X-gender core if you ask me. If they had leaned into that they could have genuinely have had something AMAZING, while also presenting the themes of sexism they wanted to explore, but the lack of queer sensitivity readers kind of ruined it.

Same for Kanji. The way they write him makes it seem like he's bisexual or pansexual, rather than straight, but they kinda shove that part of him aside after his dungeon is done, leaving his actual orientation up in the air and wasting a really good chance for representation. NOW, given what happened to Yosuke's social link, it's quite possible the original intent WAS to explore this more and it got cut, but as it stands, we'll never know. The huge problem of the internalized toxic stereotypes his Shadow presented never being reflected on and put into their right context in the rest of the game, when his social link could've given a great opportunity for that is also a huge shame.

All of this happened because of Atlus being unwilling to let their writers go all out with queer themes in fears of alienating a cishet audience AND because Hashino never sat his writing team down with any actual queer writers to sort this shit out and learn how to get across what the team was ACTUALLY trying to say. Now, given, Persona 4 was far from the only Japanese media property with that exact issue at the time, but it hurts especially much in its case because of the game's themes of exploring the truth to its logical conclusion, as well as psychology. These are issues that a remake REALLY would do well to address and correct. I feel like they actually will HAVE to do that, because sensitivity readers have become the NORM in handling these themes now in Japanese media, rather than the exception. You can thank trail blazing mainstream works like Zombie Land Saga for that.

All in all, Persona 4's handling of queer themes is an exercise in frustration that I hope is corrected soon.

I cannot stop thinking about the moment Aziraphale gets to heaven. When he follows Metatron out of the elevator and is taken to his "office." And like any other "office" in heaven it's an endless, empty white space with a single glass table in the center. It looks no different than any other corner of heaven.

"Well, this is where you'll be conducting most of your business." The Metatron tells him.

"Oh," Aziraphale says. "It's- it's very nice."

"Here is the plan." A single white file now rests in the perfect center of the table. "Go ahead and familiarize yourself with it, and feel free to add any suggestions in the margins of course."

"I see." Aziraphale glances at the. The words "SECOND COMING" written in neat gray font on the cover. A red "CLASSIFIED" stamped over them. "It looks so- official."

"Oh no." The Metatron shakes his head. "Not at all. It's just a draft. Very rough too. We'll need you to make it come to life!"

Aziraphale smiles, raising his hands excitedly. "I can't wait to get started."

The Metatron holds a pleased glint in his eye. "I'll leave you to it then."

"Wait!" Aziraphale says to the Metatron's turned back, already farther away than he thought he would be.

"Is this all?" Aziraphale asks.

"Well." The Metatron takes one step towards him. "There will be an induction ceremony, but I thought it best to let you get settled in first."

Aziraphale nods. Smiling through sore cheeks. "Of course. Thank you very much, sir."

"Not sir, Aziraphale. We're near equals now. My title is fine."

"Thank you, Metatron- the Metatron."

And the Metatron leaves. Without a word or sound or a shadow.

Aziraphale smiles, and finally gives his face the relief of falling. He looks at the document. It's surprisingly thin for something so important. He runs his finger over one corner at the top, it's very soft, and smooth. You could never give yourself a paper cut with this file. It would be utterly impossible.

That's nice, he thinks. I must've cut myself millions of times on real paper...

He clears his throat. He begins to pinch the cover of the file with the intent to open it, but he doesn't. It slips out of his fingers as if it were unable to move at all.

It is very quiet here.

"Crowley?"

Aziraphale looks up from the file, taking a few steps from the table. Starting to look over his shoulder and around him. Spinning in place, nearly.

"He's gone!" Aziraphale says playfully. "You can come out now, Crowley."

He walks- quickly- down the endless corridors, looking behind the countless columns for anything at all.

"I know you're there! You clever serpent!" Aziraphale shouts. And with all the innocence a boy in a schoolyard, he quickly loops around one of the columns to be in the next corridor. Where there is more nothing. Endlessly nothing.

"Crowley?"

It's very cold here.

Aziraphale finds himself with two of his fingers on his lips. Heaven blends together into an endless, watery white void as he falls to his knees on the false marble floor.

He sobs once and it echos, and now his whole hand is over his mouth. Surely, as the Supreme Archangel of all Heaven, this behavior would be considered inappropriate.

He stands, wobbly at first, like a newborn fawn, but with a scolding resolve his legs steady. He straightens every part of himself, folds his hands in front of him, and he smiles. Ignoring the ace it brings.

Heaven's cold and quiet endlessness comes back into focus as he arrives at the glass table. Where he grabs the corner of the file and opens the end of the world.

suspension bridges || ghost x f!medic!reader pt. 2

synopsis: you are an army doctor, callsign salvi, who had been on the field for even before you'd gotten that title. you'd been reassigned into task force 1-4-1 after your own taskforce had dissolved when it'd fulfilled its duty. you're a familiar face to multiple operators within the taskforce. one of them knows you for far longer than the rest.

warnings: medical inaccuracies, army inaccuracies, some medical jargon, some gore, implied medical procedures, inexperienced writer, physical rehab

author's note before we begin: I hope you enjoy this chapter, imagine if this turns out to be a slow burn lol-- nah don't worry, it likely won't end like this. slight rivals-to-lovers, i've got an image of their dynamic at least.

[pt 1], [this is pt. 2], [part 3 to be posted]

2022, early into the year

Information on you has been placed into an envelope on the request of one Captain. 

Commissioned Officer (O-3). Callsign Salvi. Along that, your full name and picture is paper-clipped into the envelope. Within it are your records– not pristine, not in the slightest, but valuable. 

Laswell eyes it, recognizing the name. “Seems ambitious to request to have her on, Price.” She says, “This one’s been newly put back into Reserves since the previous Task Force had dissolved.”

“A task force?” Price questions. “Hadn’t she been in the reserves since she’d taken up Residency?”

She shakes her head. “Took to the field quite quickly, agreed to help handle a dispute off-the-books in the Philippines.” Laswell intertwines her fingers in front of her, looking up at Price. “Went on for three years before it dissolved. Mission accomplished.”

Price hums, crossing his arms. He’d placed your file next to the rest of the team. “This team requires someone they can trust to take that role– this is the best case scenario.” He looks down on the paper, frowning in confusion at the new addition on the details.

“Salvi?” He chuckles, tilting his head. “Didn’t know that she’d finally gotten a callsign. This late into the game, too.”

“You’ve worked with her?”

“She was a Lieutenant at the time– was on my Alpha Team for three years until she had to leave to pursue medicine.” Price grins. “Didn’t have a callsign back then.”

Laswell eyes the name, “It was the previous task force that dubbed her this.” She told him. 

“What for?”

“Salvation, for one.” Laswell hums, “Renowned to keep anyone salvageable alive, less soldiers discharged. It’s what got her promoted in the first place.”

“For another?”

“The task force was assigned to aid the Filipino Special Forces.” The woman opens the envelope herself, and takes out a set of papers– some blacked out information, some aren’t. She hands it to Price to look at. “Took out the leader of a Syndicate based in Visayan islands– they were harboring a renown Ultranationalist.” Further information was blacked out.

Price stared at the blacked out paper, all-too familiar with the sight of information being classified. Still, he’s rather surprised that you’d have been involved with something so deep into the books that it’d be this blanked out. “Why Salvi, then, other than ‘Salvation’?”

“Salbahe. Savage.” Laswell told him. “Compliments by the local army, insults by the enemy. She was… brutal.”

“Bloody on the field?”

She shakes her head. “Sure. But mostly because of interrogation. The Army had the all-clear to do it– surprisingly easy to cut red-tape. She took the role.” Laswell says. She places the papers back inside the envelope. “There’s a reason why most of this information is classified, Price.”

Price shakes his head, looking down at her picture with a mix of pity and pride. Interrogation– he can’t imagine that you’d stomached it well when you started. You didn’t look the part. 

***

2001 

It was Monday when you next met Simon Riley. While seemingly a neutral force to be reckoned with in the beginning, he’s now showing his true colors when it comes to rehabilitation. It’s nothing malicious. Not at all. It was more concerning, if anything.

You could tell that he’s insistent on getting better. 

He’s pushing himself. And it’s doing more harm than good when it comes to your plan of care. 

Day two was uneventful, but somehow you knew where to look– how to look at this. You’re given a set amount of time in watching over your patient, and he isn’t the only patient that day that you’d come to see. However, you knew what made him special. 

He’d been stubborn to call you by your rank instead. 

“Of course, Lieutenant.”, “Yes Ma’am.”, “Yes Lieutenant.”

Not that it matters. Many of those who had been under your care were stubborn to a fault. Loyal to the rank. It’s certainly better than the alternative where they’d look down at you for being a lot less inexperienced in their field.

You’d humbly and gently reminded them that you fought your battles in a much different field. One that they’d be all the more stranger too than you’d be in theirs. The clinic is a battle in its own, where your own soldiers were who you’d be fighting.

This is where he met you– a commissioned officer, Second Lieutenant. You hadn’t gotten your callsign yet, so it had always just been ‘Lieutenant’ for him. You were the Physical Therapist who specialized in his rehabilitation. You were young, not too far from his own age, but young for the army. 

With barely any field experience.

You’d been on the field, yes, but you hadn’t had as much of a chance to really do anything worth a single chest candy yet. You hadn’t had men die on the field, but you’ve heard horror stories among your peers.

So you couldn’t possibly understand the frustration or his restlessness, but you could imagine. Simon Riley is the type of man who preferred to be useful, but with having to recover from peroneal nerve damage and that annoying slap of his foot every time he had to take a step with his right leg.

It wasn’t tactical. It was distracting. It felt like deadweight, to be like this.

One day turned into two– you saw him next, on the Monday following that first week. He'd already sat on one of the chairs at the front desk of the clinic, waiting for you to clock in.

You’d been embarrassed at having your patient come up before you did to the clinic, but he didn’t seem to mind. He only seemed determined to get through it. 

The second day comes to an end with you having to physically restrain him from doing too much. You could see from the clench of his teeth that he’s pushing himself– he needs a lighter exercise and stretch intensity.

You modify it, revising it and writing it onto the SOAP documents. 

The third day, and he isn’t happy with the new changes but he obliges anyway.

Fourth, and he’s insisting that he’s doing better and trying to get you to increase the intensity. You don’t budge.

It was the first week into it when you noticed how it’s still swelling. It’s worse, even. Chronic swelling of an injury is indicative of a few things, but you had a hunch. 

“Riley.” You’d called out when you’d assessed his knee. You’d noticed it from the way he’d walked in. The struggle. The attempt at infallibility, to get that foot away from the ground before it’d make a sound. He’d overly compensate for the clumsiness of his right lower extremity by exerting much more force, height, and momentum from his left. Overcompensation from the orthotic device. You could get someone to fix that, but that’s not the main issue here.

You notice the pain, the frustration. It’d only strain him in the long run. 

You don’t tell him that. Instead, you tell him to rest while you work on his charts. 

He’s surprisingly obedient, despite being stubborn at any other given occasion. 

You’re new, sure, but this isn’t your first rodeo with patients like this. Who think that they could get better though determination alone– while it is an admirable feat, it isn’t everything. None of patience.

Upon finishing your charts, you walk forwards, shoulders placed back. With him sat, you’re able to look down at him, and this is when you’d feel truly superior. Rank or not. “Report to me what you know about the injuries you sustained during your last mission.”

He answers without pause. “I got shot in the right leg on the way to RV with the rest of the team. Medical had reported that I’d injured my peroneal nerve.” He states, looking straight ahead of him while he sits attentively. 

You hum. That’s not really complete. “What of your sciatic nerve?”

“Due to physical combat and a fall where I’d landed on my kit wrong, I’d acquired trauma to the sciatic nerve.” Simon tells you. 

“What were the interventions they’d done for this?”

“Surgery.”

“On what, Sergeant?”

“On the sciatic nerve, then when things weren’t getting any better they worked on my knee.”

“Why are you here?”

“Was advised for Physical Rehab, ma’am.”

You nod. “Exactly.” You go on your knee, doffing the orthotic device.  “I know you’re frustrated over wearing this thing, but do try to take care of it.”

His case was a mix of trauma and overuse. It was alright, initially. Nothing that a few stitches, pain medicine, and bedrest couldn’t fix– but after a period of time his right leg started to experience sharp-shooting pain, nearly electric, and whether or not his knee had gone weak because of it wasn’t to his knowledge. 

Now he’s stuck with wearing a damned orthotic device– something called a dial-locked hip orthosis, circumferential around his waist, and with a metal bar or two attached to a more distal circumferential brace around his thigh. It was used to deal with the trauma against his sciatic nerve until he could be better.

And yet another for his knee, and his ankle because it keeps slapping down the ground when he’d step. It was getting damned hard to move around in this thing– while it was lightweight, material made out of thermoplastic and velcro, it made it hard to do his job.

“Your frustration won’t make it better.” You tell him. “I’m not telling you what you feel about it– hell, I’d be pissed too. But if you keep this up then your prognosis likely isn’t gonna look good.” Upon removing the orthotic device, you set it aside and guide him to raise his foot on an elevated surface. You assess it, seeing it swollen and much worse than you’d last seen it.

There’s no response despite the long bout of silence you’d given to him. “Am I understood, Sergeant?” 

“Yes ma’am.” Riley responds.

And that was it. He hadn’t pushed, and he’d improved.

For a first meeting, it didn’t seem much. It’s not like you’d expect to find him again. The world is a big place after all. You hadn’t been able to see the end of his recovery months later. 

It’d be the end of the next year when you’d meet him again.

***

2022, current

You watch out for any stray enemies as the rest of the team enter the truck. There is a certain degree of certainty that they’d either ran off or been finished off. Still, you don’t let your guard down. 

When everyone had entered, you’d slid up the truck and taken your seat.

You sit at the back of the truck, keeping an eye outside despite having been surrounded by the rest of the special ops team. You’d cleared the area for the arrival of the Mexican Special Forces you’d been told about. 

Something about Las Almas, you remember. You’d read what you could about the achievements of the team, and seeing your rank as Captain gave you enough clearance about these missions, you’d read enough to know what they’re likely going to be dealing with. Still, it confuses you what the plan of action is.

With things finally calmed down, you look up at the new company. You recognize him. “Colonel Alejandro.” You greet with a nod.

You hear your name and rank as he acknowledges your greeting. “You can call me Salvi.” You say. “A lot shorter.”

“Salvi?”

“Enemies dubbed her Salvaje.” Price says, knowing that you don’t mind that information getting spread. It’s not like anything could keep that under wraps, nor did it really matter to you. Your own team had been loud on that in the first place– your old team, that is. This is your team now, no matter how short it’s been. 

Alejandro’s eyebrows raise. “And you’re alright with being called that?”

“I don’t mind.”

“”Sides, allies refer to her as Salvation– bit of a mouthful, so Salvi works just as well.” Gaz says. 

“Salvaje, Salvacion.” Alejandro nods appreciatively. “Fitting for an esteemed Army Doctor.”

“Flattered, Colonel.” You hum, looking at the rest of the boys. “Appreciate you guys introducing me for my sake, boys, but that’s not getting you guys out of the heat. I don’t like it when you don’t report injuries correctly.” You snort, eyeing Ghost who only sends you a side-eye.

“You said yourself that it’s nothin’ serious.” he retorts.

“It’s not like you knew that, did you?” You snark back, before turning to Alejandro to answer. “But yes, feel free to call me Salvi. The medic of the team.”

“The best field medic there is.” Price adds.

“Seems like a low bar when ‘the best’ is subjected to entering a warzone blind.” You retort. “Not even a debrief. Shame, Price. shame.”

“Desperate times, lass.” He chuckles. “I didn’t expect to have to need you on the field so soon either. Thought you’d have more time being acquainted with the clinic before the next assignment.”

“Well I’m here now.” You tell him. “I’d like to be a little bit more informed on what we’re doing out here, Cap.” 

Price looks at Alejandro, as if asking silently if the driver has enough clearance to overhear the topic of conversation. Upon getting his approval, you can trust him, Price tells you what exactly you’re doing here.

Ghost is silent at the backseat, sat a good distance away from you as you get briefed on your goal. He’d always been the silent type, but you’d known him to have a snark to him on his good days, rare as it may be.

***

2002

The next time you meet Sergeant Simon Riley, it’s during a briefing. You’ve been assigned to a different team who’d be needing a medic of your level for how important this is going to be and for how difficult and time-consuming it’d take for exfil to arrive according to schedule.

Seeing familiar faces in the army was nothing special for someone who’d been stationed in the ‘saving soldiers’ department. He wasn’t significant at the time.

Maybe it was the heat of the field.

Gunshots echo in your eyes as you cling your back to the wall for cover. You gasp, finding breathing hard for just a moment. “Ah,” you groan, trying not to be too loud in case you interrupt the important exchange over comms– one that you’d disturbed the moment you even let out a sound at the same time a gun is shot. “Fuck.” You hiss, patting yourself, assessing the damage. You realize that you’re not bleeding— good, but it still hurts like a bitch.

“You solid, Lt.?” You hear the concerned voice of your captain ring from the adjacent wall. 

“Solid, cap.” You groan. “Hit the plate– I’ll live.” 

“Good, none of us can help you as well as you can help us kid.” Your Captain chuckles, but there’s that concern evident in his voice. “How’s overwatch doing out there!”

Sergeant Riley responds over comms. “Bravo 1-5; Don’t have good sight from here. Can’t land a clean hit.”

“Bravo 1-4, one tango down, over.” 

“Great job, boys.” You hear your captain’s grin over the voice. “Anyone in need of medic support?”

“Negative, appreciate the company though.” One of your teammates quip. “Feel a bit more confident in our odds of keeping a leg this mission.”

“Don’t test that luck of yours, Vermin.” You chuckle over comms. “I’m a good shot in two ways but if you lose a leg it ain’t coming off of my paycheck.” You tell them, and you hear a series of chuckles.

“Maybe your callsign should be Stingy.”

“Get your head back in the game Robin, I need you sharp out there.” You hear someone quip over comms. “And don’t be so boring Robin, Stingy? Really? Corny.”

You chuckle, the pain of the impact on your chest fading in the face of the interaction. 

“You good, newbie?” You’ve been in the army for three years now, newbie is a bit of an insult— not that you mind. The amount of times you’ve really been on the field really does warrant that name. 

“As good as I can be, Cap.” You smile, before returning to your post.

You’re new, yes, and you can feel the coldness of fear at the tips of your digits, but you know what to do. You’ve trained, despite not being on the field often. There’s not much you can do with your lack of experience but what you do know is the routine that your training had instilled onto you.

The vigilance stays. Fear is nothing in the face of duty, after all.

So you move according to your captain’s orders, take down enemy after enemy before–

You hear a frustrated groan over comms, and you still. Taking cover immediately before you turn on your comm to get details on what had happened. “What’s your status Sergeant Riley?” You demand over comms. 

“Solid, moving posts to get a clearer shot.”

That isn’t a good idea. His position right now is heated, and any indication of his position would lead to more eyes on him. You don’t like his odds.

“Copy, stay safe up there Riley.” The Captain says, and your eyes are wide. 

“Captain–”

“He’ll be okay, we’ll cover him.” He reassures. You nod, and you do your job– not as a medic, but as a soldier.

One down, then two. Five. Six–

There’s a guttural yell over comms, “Bravo 1-5, I’ve been hit.” Sergeant Riley yells.

You duck immediately for cover, and switch on your comms. “Permission to move up to Sergeant Riley’s post.”

“A bit risky, Lieutenant.” 

“Gotta let me do my job, cap.”

You can see him think, weighing his options. Even you don’t know what the things he’s weighing over in his head– your life or Riley’s? The reputation? The strategy? The mission?

Whatever it is, it was in her and Riley’s favor. 

“Boys I’m sending the doc up to get Riley on his feet.” Your captain announces over comms. “Take the heat off of them, you hear me?”

There’s a chorus of affirms, and you feel your nerves tingling with cold. You realize what this could mean. If you aren’t vigilant, this could very well be your last mission.

Then you realize– you’ve had this same epiphany every mission where you needed to save your teammates’ lives.

“I’ll tell you when it’s clear to move up,” You hear.

One moment, two, and you get the signal to move. You don’t get complacent just because you’ve got your team covering your ass. On your way up, you switch on your comm. “Sergeant Riley, what’s your status?” You call, 

“Hit.” He grunts.

“Anything more helpful than that, Sergeant?”

“I’m still alive, likely will stay alive.” He snarks. “You can stay down there, Lieutenant. I’ll be fine here.”

“No need to tell me how to do my job, Sergeant Riley.” You spit, irritated. Between focusing on getting there quickly and staying alive, you’d really hate having to handle a martyr who’d rely on fucking stims to stay alive for a few minutes more before you’re handed a worse problem.

There’s a chuckle over comms, and you recognize your captain speaking. “Sergeant Riley, be more compliant? Our doc is doin’ you a favor here.”

“Yes, sir.” You hear. 

You exhale.

It isn’t the first time you’ve had to deal with someone like Sergeant Riley. There are plenty soldiers like him in the military, plenty of horror stories with the same type of character but with different names. It isn’t unusual to be faced with issues like these.

Sergeant Riley was supposed to be one of those many names.

Still, despite the frequency of it, it doesn’t make it any less frustrating.

By the end of the mission, you save his ass as well as two others who were fortunately a lot more compliant.

This is one of numerable missions you’ve had with this team.

28 for heid pls! :>

Well of course! #28: "I know you hate being touched, but... I need a hug."

Type: Fluff!

Warnings: None!

Enjoy under the cut!

Aaron classified two types of the hardest cases the team has to deal with. One’s with children, and one’s with victims that look similar to anyone on the team unintentionally. Those are the cases that emotions come through when they shouldn’t, and the person represented by these victims takes it personal even when, in most cases, it’s pure coincidence.

It was Spencer’s turn to fit victimology. Surprisingly, Spencer didn’t seem affected by it, though if anyone is least affected it is Spencer. His intelligence probably helps him detach more than the others.

Instead it hit Aaron hard.

One of the victims, Nicklaus Ghole, looked identical to Spencer, so much that even the genius had to do a double take and blink at the image. That’s when Aaron’s emotions took over, that photo. He couldn’t see a random victim he’s never met, he could only see Spencer (despite the fact that the real Spencer was living and breathing in front of him). Aaron fucked up, finding the UnSub unstable and going through a mental break. He found him alone, and took the shot without even trying to talk him down.

A knock at his office door caused him to look up, and Spencer stood in the doorway. His expression was concern. “Hotch…?” He whispered. “Everyone’s gone home.”

“You haven’t,” Aaron mumbled.

“I was finishing some work that I wasn’t able to before the case. I thought you’d left already,” Spencer admitted, setting the files down on Aaron’s desk. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” Aaron replied, short and untrue. Spencer remained undisturbed.

“It’s normal, to see a photo of someone you care about and letting your heart take over, especially in situations where the person is portrayed as harmed or killed…” Spencer started mumbling, and Aaron sighed. “Surprisingly, a study that Joseph McInerney did, he’s a executive vice president of the American Society of Human Genetics, he found that any two people taken at random are going to share about 99.5 percent of their gene sequence, causing them to look eerily similar.”

“Reid, I appreciate what you’re trying to do but-” Aaron started.

“You didn’t follow protocol,” Spencer whispered, and Aaron snapped his gaze up to him. “It scares me, when you don’t follow protocol. At first I just… I didn’t think anything of it. I though you were just having a bad day. Maybe Jack had a hard morning, maybe you didn’t sleep well, you never seem to anymore. Then Nicklaus’ photo showed up and… that’s when I really thought about why you were so… irritable.”

“You didn’t noted they all resembled you?” Aaron asked, finding that hard to believe.

“No, I did. I just didn’t realize it mattered that much,” Spencer admitted with a soft shrug. “Just, promise me you won’t keep staring at the photo. I’m right here, Aaron. Not there.” He whispered, seeing Nicklaus’ crime photos on Aaron’s desk. Aaron hadn’t even noticed he’d been staring.

Spencer turned around, meaning to leave, but Aaron stood before he could take the three strides to the door, only making it about halfway there before Aaron spoke up. "I know you hate being touched, but...” he swallowed thickly, “I can’t lie, I did let my emotions get the better of me. And I was… unprofessional, I was worried, and for some reason this photo is messing with my perception. I…I need a hug. I need to know you’re really here.”

Spencer stared at him for a moment, before a small smile grew in his lips and he stepped over, slotting himself comfortably in Aaron’s arms and allowing him the relief. Aaron took a deep breath, holding Spencer warmly, relaxing more when Spencer’s arms squeezed him gently, reenforcing his life in Aaron’s.

“I’m right here,” Spencer promised as he slowly pulled away. Aaron exhaled softly, letting his arms go slack. “C’mon, close this all up, let’s go get dinner.”

Aaron couldn’t find it in his heart to say no.

File: OC 7

SCP#: ACY

Code Name: Sarkic Daughters of the Scarlet King/ Elrin and Kasta

Object Class: Euclid/Keter

Special Containment Procedures: SCP-ACY-Α and SCP-ACY-Β are to be kept in a computer simulated holographic containment cells able to create virtual constructs of any object or organism with almost perfect accuracy. These virtual constructs can only maintain physical manifestation within the containment cell. Both SCP-ACY-Α and SCP-ACY-Β containment cells are separate with only two doors one leading out into Site Site-AF and the other leading to each other's rooms.

SCP-ACY-Α and SCP-ACY-Β containment cells are able to holographically manifest anything SCP-ACY-Α and SCP-ACY-Β desires. Giving them endless entertainment and no reasons to leave Site-AF.

SCP-ACY-Α is allowed to travel around Site-AF whenever she pleases so long as she avoids other SCP containment cells.

SCP-ACY-Β must never leave her containment cell unless given permission by Dr. tutela and at least five O5 council members. Afterwards SCP-ACY-Β must be escorted by at least two MTF Alpha-1 units and SCP-ACY-Α as a safety precaution. Should SCP-ACY-Β ever breach containment, Foundation security are to enter SCP-ACY-Α's containment cell and proceed with protocol "Sisters Forever" to get SCP-ACY-Β to stop her rampage.

protocol "Sisters Forever" states that SCP-ACY-Α must be used as a hostage and her life must be threatened, to get SCP-ACY-Β to fall in line and surrender. Despite her violent nature, SCP-ACY-Β still loves her sister SCP-ACY-Α, as such she is willing to surrender for her. This, combined with SCP-ACY-Α peaceful nature, and their containment cells generating whatever they want, has made containment surprisingly easy.

However, ACY-Α and SCP-ACY-Β are still separate entities despite being twins and thus have been given the rare instance of a dual Object classification. With ACY-Α classified as Euclid and SCP-ACY-Β classified as Keter.

Description: SCP-ACY-Α and SCP-ACY-Β sometimes referred to as Elrin and Kasta are twin sisters. Both currently 16 years old and the result of a sexual ritual combining Sarkicism and Scarlet King religion. SCP-ACY-Α and SCP-ACY-Β were born when a Sarkic woman was kidnapped by a group of Children of the Scarlet King. Being mistaken as a normal woman she was raped and tortured by traditional Scarlet Children rituals. This did cause her to be pregnant with the Scarlet King, but her Sarkic blood line interfered with the connection making it impossible for the Scarlet King to connect with the children. Therefore, though both twins are his children they have no obedience toward him.

SCP-ACY-Α is a spawn of A’HABBAT, the seventh bride of the Scarlet King. As such she is a hero who spreads joy and happiness to all life while rejecting and defeating evil, especially evil related to the Scarlet King. Therefore, even if the connection wasn't severed, she still wouldn't be under the Scarlet King's rule. SCP-ACY-Α has the ability to create flowers from her hands, out of nothing. The pollen in the flowers act as a pheromone that bring calmness and joy to whoever smells it. the pollen pheromones have even been tested and shown that prolonged exposure can cure mental illnesses as well as normally uncurable diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's. SCP-ACY-Α prefers to make her flowers into a flower crown so that people can wear them and spread the pollen wherever they go. 

Side Note: When shown a photo of SCP-999 when she was still six years old, SCP-ACY-Α looked at the photo in joy and shouted "brother!". Interaction testing between SCP-999 and SCP-ACY-Α is pending.

The flowers created by SCP-ACY-Α are classified as SCP-ACY-Α-1 due to their anomalous effects on individuals both during life and after death. As already stated, her flower crowns do spread good health and joy to those who wear them. However, a secondary effect is revealed after the individual who has worn a flower crown made by SCP-ACY-Α dies. When a living organism is exposed to SCP-ACY-Α-1 and dies right afterwards their body starts to decompose rapidly until all that is left is a collection of pastel-colored crystals. Testing has shown that people exposed to SCP-ACY-Α-1 have not biological difference to those that don’t or to themselves even before exposure. The anomalous effects are only visible after death. 

These crystals have been labeled as SCP-ACY-Α-2. SCP-ACY-Α-2 instances are bizarre in that their chemical make-up does not match any elements found on earth and when consumed taste like candy. The exact flavor of SCP-ACY-Α-2 depends on who eats it as SCP-ACY-Α-2 always simulates itself into the favorite flavor of the consumer. SCP-ACY-Α-2 also has healing properties similar if not greater to SCP-ACY-Α-1 healing effects. Such breakthrough results include limb regeneration, necrosis healing, poison healing, organ regeneration, youth revitalization, and [data expunged]. As such the medical division of the Foundation collects corpses of Foundation staff exposed to SCP-ACY-Α-1 in order to always have a ready supply of SCP-ACY-Α-2. 

Update: March 3rd, 2019 - The Ethics Committee has approved exposure of  SCP-ACY-Α-1 to D-Class when they are assigned to tasks with 100% fatality rate. 

SCP-ACY-Α's physical appearance is human with her hair being shaved cut blonde. Her skin color is black, her eyes have a glowing blue color, and she loves dressing in white. SCP-ACY-Α's always has a smile on her face, the only time she frowns is when SCP-ACY-Β harms an innocent human in front of her. The only time SCP-ACY-Α has ever cried was when [data expunged]. Like her sister SCP-ACY-Β has symbols on her body, the symbols are on her back and are like birth marks only they glow blue and tend to grow brighter when she’s happy. However, the symbols seem to resemble the same symbols found on SCP-[data expunged]. Research regarding whether this is a coincidence, or SCP-[data expunged] is actually another spawn of A’HABBAT is ongoing.

SCP-ACY-Β is a spawn of A’NUHT, the fifth bride of the Scarlet King. Thankfully with her connection severed she has no desire to destroy all life like the Scarlet King. However, unlike her sister, SCP-ACY-Β does enjoy destruction and chaos as well as brining fear and harm to innocent lives. SCP-ACY-Β typically likes tormenting those who are innocent or have done little wrong in their lives, as such she actually gets along quite well with Foundation staff. Only on rare occasions does SCP-ACY-Β actually starts attacking Foundation staff; however, as a precaution, she is to never leave her cell. On the rare occasion she does leave, she is escorted by two Mobile Task Force Alpha-1 units as well as SCP-ACY-Α, under orders of the O5 Council. 

Being a spawn of A’NUHT, SCP-ACY-Β is proficient in magic relating to darkness and destruction. Due to her violent nature and methodology of magic she likes to spawn innocent civilians in her computer simulation containment cell and spend most of her time killing and torturing the holograms. Thanks to advanced Foundation technology allowing computer simulated holograms to perfectly mimic life she’s able to find great joy in the suffering of any hologram she manifests despite knowing it's not real. Regardless of her violent nature SCP-ACY-Β does care deeply for SCP-ACY-Α and rarely ever commits violent acts around her sister.

SCP-ACY-Β physical appearance is human. she has extremely pale skin, dark brown straight hair, red glowing eyes, likes to dress in all black and like her sister never stops smiling. However, unlike SCP-ACY-Α's warm and gentle smile filled with joy SCP-ACY-Β smiles sinisterly and her grin widens to unnatural proportions when she commits great acts of violence. Surprisingly, like her sister, SCP-ACY-Β hates the Scarlet King and his children. However, her reasoning is because she wants to overthrow him rather than to stop his evil conquest of destruction. SCP-ACY-Β has only ever frowned or shown anger when people attempt to understand or sympathies with her, her most hated method of this is therapy. Like her sister, SCP-ACY-Β has symbols on her body though hers are on her face and are not glowing birth marks but instead engraved into her skin. These symbols despite being engraved into her face don’t bleed unless she’s angry. 

SCP-ACY-Β has a large array of magical spells and abilities that she uses for the sole purpose of killing and destruction. Due to her Sarkic heritage SCP-ACY-Β can use her magic to manipulate her own flesh, create curses and plagues, and gets physically stronger when she drinks blood. SCP-ACY-Β is immune to SCP-ACY-Α-1′s effect but always refuses to kill or harm anyone who is wearing a flower crown of SCP-ACY-Α-1. SCP-ACY-Α favorite form of magic is red electricity that she produces from her fingers. This lighting is able to make structures explode, burn flesh easily, as well as cause permanent nerve damage to anyone shocked.

SCP-ACY-Α and SCP-ACY-Β were discovered in 2007 when Mobile Task Force Delta-5 was conducting a raid on [data expunged] considered a potential base of a Children of the Scarlet King cult. However, upon entering [data expunged] all that was found was gallons of blood everywhere and both SCP-ACY-Α and SCP-ACY-Β crying on the floor, having just been born. Due to the symbols on their bodies, as well as being prime suspects of the slaughtering that took place, they were suspected to be spawns of one of the seven Scarlet Brides of the Scarlet King. As such they were sent to Site-[data expunged] immediately. Due to Dr. Wicked's [data expunged] he personally tested their abilities and potential allegiance to the Scarlet King. It was thanks to Dr. Wicked's tests that we know the full capabilities of SCP-ACY-Α and SCP-ACY-Β as well as the best way to contain them to minimize potential containment breaches.

Testing regarding an interaction between SCP-ACY-Α and/ or SCP-ACY-Β with SCP-682 is under consideration. As well as testing regarding SCP-049, SCP-053, SCP-073, SCP-076, SCP-079, SCP-106, SCP-AAB, SCP-AAE, and SCP-AEN.

"I'm just as curious to know the limits of these girls but that doesn't mean I agree with having this many tests on them. I just hope that if this goes too far and another SCP-3002 or worse gets made, the O5 council knows who's fault it is, because there's no way I'm [data expunged], never again!" - Dr. Wicked.

.

SCP: Horror Movie Files Hub

They pore over the papers for hours, speaking in lowered voices and pointing out pieces here and there, sorting, and trying to cross-check information with data on Bryce's laptop. At around three, Mallory sits back with a sigh.

"I think I'm done for the day," she admits to Bryce, sounding a little defeated. Her voice is louder, now that she's not talking about classified FBI files. "There's just so much information here. My brain needs a break."

Well, that's going in Bryce's report to Boss. Barely four hours of work, and she's wiped out? Not good, not if she wants real power. He doesn't say anything, though. He wants her out of here anyway.

"Rose got back to us with a date, by the way. Four days from now. Nine to five. And he's taking us out to eat after, at that new place that just got Michelin Star, so wear one of your nice suits, please?"

Bryce rolls his eyes. "Yes, Mallory, I'll wear a monkey suit and pretend to be sophisticated."

"I really don't understand why you insist on playing dumb, Bryce. Everyone who's anyone knows you're anything but."

He lets a feral smile play over his face. "But, see, there are a lot of nobodies out there in the world. And they all think I'm dumb as a box of rocks."

She laughs at that, as he intended. "I mean, I guess? But hell, the other day at the law firm, that lawyer could barely stand to be in the room with you. He was fine with me," the frustration is clear in her voice, "and I'm supposed to be one of the big shots around here. But geez, when I introduced you, he couldn't get out of the room fast enough."

"Yeah, Mal. After you introduced me. Maybe you should stop doing that, huh? Nobody says anything around me if they know who I am. But this," he gestures at his plain cotton tee and ripped shorts, "This? Who cares if this person hears them?"

"Boss wanted me to introduce you, I had to."

He hadn't realized that. He allows that to show on his face. "Well, she knows what she's doing. She must have a reason."

"Yeah, that's what I figured. So maybe don't lay all the blame at my doorstep." She's a little annoyed, but he thinks it's mostly at herself. She could have told him these things.

"Okay, okay." He holds up his hands in mock surrender. "I will come to your sophisticated, ten to twelve hour long event, and I will not hide my intellect. Happy?" He smiles at her, and she smiles back, a little tiredly.

"Thank you." It's surprisingly sincere, something he's not used to from her. "I've got to get going, Boss wants me for dinner." She stands, and begins to carefully place their piles of papers into the box. There's not really room for two, so he hands her the papers while she stacks.

And then she's gone, out the door like a whirlwind. He waits five minutes after her car pulls away, and goes to unlock Roman's door.

Previous

Roman listens to Bryce and Mallory for hours longer as they continue to talk business. Sometimes he tunes out, sometimes back in. It's difficult to hear anything they're saying anyway, but he tries.

When Mallory raises her voice again, Roman pays close attention once again. "I think I'm done for the day. There's just so much information here. My brain needs a break."

There's a bit of an exchange before Roman hears anything else that he deems of note. "Rose got back to us with a date, by the way. Four days from now. Nine to five. And he's taking us out to eat after, at that new place that just got Michelin Star, so wear one of your nice suits, please?" Something that will require Bryce to be out of the house for a fair bit, it sounds. In four days, for eight hours and then some.

Bryce gets very sarcastic about the suit. It's clear he does not enjoy dressing up.

"I really don't understand why you insist on playing dumb, Bryce. Everyone who's anyone knows you're anything but," says Mallory. Roman had already assumed that Bryce was pretty smart. It's a little bit intimidating to hear it voiced, however. And by a coworker he seems to barely get along with at that.

"But, see, there are a lot of nobodies out there in the world. And they all think I'm dumb as a box of rocks." That remark makes Roman smile nervously as he focuses in on his art.

There's a lot more back and forth— nothing that Roman sees as particularly remarkable information to have— mostly just stuff about how scary Bryce is. He doesn't really want to hear about that anyway. He has too much to think about already after this visit...

Finally, Bryce says, "Okay, okay. I will come to your sophisticated, ten to twelve hour long event, and I will not hide my intellect. Happy?" So he would for sure be gone for, apparently, 10 to 12 hours in four days, then.

Everything wraps up pretty quickly from there. A few minutes later, Roman looks up as he hears Bryce unlock the door.

Joy pony game download for pc

Joy pony game download for pc how to#

Joy pony game download for pc apk#

Joy pony game download for pc install#

Except for Nightmare Moon, that is, and it’s with this brooding entity that the story kicks off. You can punish it if you won’t like it behavior. Take care of your pony but be aware and carefull with it. Well, if you ever wanted to have a small pony pet than this game is for you. Jesús Pezuña is no longer purchasable in the game, though he is still present if the player had previously purchased him prior to his removal. Also “Nosfurarity”, the batpony version of Rarity from the 2018 Nightmare Night event.

Joy pony game download for pc install#

You also have to have 130 MB free disk space to install the game. It was followed by UltraSPARC IV+ in September 2005 and its revisions with higher clock speeds in 2007.Īs for a graphics card, it should be GPU that supports Shader Model 3 and depth textures. In September 2004 Sun made available systems with UltraSPARC IV which was the first multi-core SPARC processor. Later T-series servers have also been badged SPARC Enterprise rather than Sun Fire. The M-class SPARC Enterprise systems include high-end reliability and availability features. It is not beginner-friendly, so you need to familiarize yourself with various computer parts to understand the game. However, if you don’t have prior knowledge of computer parts, it may take a while for you to enjoy the game. It functions well and the processes involved are realistic. PC Creator – PC Building Simulator is a cool game to have if you are into building computers.

Joy pony game download for pc apk#

This is an original APK file direct fetch from google play. After downloading, there is an APK file on your memory card/system memory. Downloading apps from third-party sources are not usually checked by Google. Your apps won’t automatically update because they don’t usually have access to the Google Play Store. White Prancing Unicorn Blank G1 Pony Hqg1 Glow Surprisingly, there are also options for punishing the pony, such as cutting and hitting it. These selections contain nearly everything your pet might possibly require, including bandages and medication. Alternatively, you can do so by tapping on the alternatives that appear on the screen. In order to keep the pony happy, it is necessary to look after its total well-being.

Pet Peaves Monsters is an Action, Virtual Pet, and Single-player video game developed and published by Red Interactive Agency for iOS. Joy Pony Download Pc Archives - JOKER GAMING.Joy Pony for PC - GameFAQs.Farming Simulator 20 for Android - Download.Home - Wilco.Download Joy Pony Free For Pc - P.Joy pony Main page mepolbaram.Solar Smash APK for Android - Download.Joy Pony Game - GabiG.Watch The Greatest Showman Prime Joy Pony Apk Latest V1 011 For Android.Download.

Typical of an indie film, Joy Pony portrays an ordinary girl.

You should be careful while downloading APK files as it installs applications on your system and leads to security risks.

Here you can find registry and disk entries that our application Advanced Uninstaller PRO stumbled upon and classified as “leftovers” on other users’ computers.

Joy pony game download for pc how to#

This page simply contains detailed instructions on how to uninstall Joy Pony in case you decide this is what you want to do. The text above is not a piece of advice to uninstall Joy Pony by Dio Alias Games from your PC, we are not saying that Joy Pony by Dio Alias Games is not a good application for your computer.

Consciousness Of Guilt

Chapter 16

Summary: You and Andy head back to Boston, this time armed with the evidence you need to hopefully put your nightmare to bed…

Warnings: Language, adult themes, angst. Smut (NSFW 18+)

Disclaimer: This is a pure work of fiction and classified as 18+. Please respect this and do not read if you are underage. I do not own any characters in this series bar the reader and any other OCs. By reading beyond this point you understand and accept the terms of this disclaimer.

W/C: 10k (SSOORREEEE)

A/N: So, this chapter is HUGE, and as such was originally split into 2. That said, when I read it…I couldn’t leave you hanging as was so decided to just go for it. I’m sorry…not…well, maybe I am. BUT I WILL highlight roughly halfway through with a GIF so that you can choose to break/read all in one

Consciousness Of Guilt Masterlist // Main Masterlist

Chapter 15.

Andy sat at the desk in the unoccupied corner office on the floor that housed the firm's partners. He was still getting used to the fact that soon this would be his. Currently, things weren't exactly how he wanted them but at that moment he had more pressing matters at hand. He needed to call Boston and set the final ball into motion.

He looked out at the eastward facing window, its expansive view of the mountains so picturesque. It was beautiful in the fall, and before long the peaks would carry their usual dusting of snow, like frosting on a cake. "Andy, to what do I owe the pleasure?" Neal finally answered after the fifth ring.

“I said I’d keep you updated,” Andy paused, “And I need to ask you a couple of questions. You got five?” "Sure." “So, it turns out our good doctor was indeed bunged, and I got the proof. However, you could have him hung out to dry for something a lot bigger here Neal, a lot bigger.” "Okay, I'm intrigued. What could possibly be bigger than taking a pay out on such a high profile murder case?” “Quid pro quo, I want some information before I tell you.” “Oh, come on Andy!” “Take it or leave it.” "Alright, what do you want to know?" “Drysdale’s Murder. I know it’s unsolved, but I’m curious. Do you have anything on a potential suspect?” “What? Why…” Neal sighed, “Andy, what the hell is going on?” “Look, do you want the fucking doctor or not?” "You know I fucking do!” "Then what do you have?" "Other than the security footage and your girl's statement we got nothing." “No forensics?”

“None, it was surprisingly clean. Which made me a little suspicious there might be something more to it than a simple mugging but, like your lady said when we interviewed her, Drysdale pissed a lot of people off. We interviewed a few but in the end, we dropped it and filed it as unsolved.” “And I guess it’s not something that Lynn is particularly keen to spend time on?” “Unsolved murders don’t sit well with us as you know but this one, well, given the way he weaselled his way out of a life sentence for the murder of his grandfather's housekeeper, there’s not a great deal of appetite to open it again if you get what I’m saying.” "Oh, I get it.” Andy gave a dry chuckle, “and to be honest, it’s best if it doesn’t open again, especially if you're vying for Lynn's slot next election." “What are you implying, Andy?” “You’re a smart guy Neal, work it out.” There was a pause and Neal gave a scoff. “You think that if it comes out the doctor took a bung, they’ll ask me how I didn’t know.” “Well, it won’t look good on you or Lynn for that matter. Especially if it’s brought to the public’s attention, if you get my drift.” “You bastard.” "Hey, you do your job better and we wouldn't be here." “Fuck you, Andy!” Neal spat. “Fine, you don’t want this then forget it, I don’t give a shit.” Andy smirked to himself, slightly amused he’d managed to rile Neal somewhat, “you already told me what I wanted to know.” "So now you tell me, what else do I need to know on this expert witness?" “I got photos,” Andy leaned back in his chair, “of the perverted fucker with a girl. A young girl, if you get my drift.” Neal let out a low whistle, “how young?” “Sixteen, tops. I talked to Joanna earlier and she told me there had been rumours about his sexual deviancy circulating for a while. So I’m betting she isn’t the first minor he’s engaged in… well, whatever you wanna call it, with.” "Jesus fucking Christ," Neal sighed loudly. "That's....." "I know." "Okay, dare I ask how?" "No." “Fine.” Neal paused again, “I won’t ask why either.” “Good, because I won’t tell you. All you need to know is you can bust him for this, obviously it’ll have to go through New York but it’s gotta give you some satisfaction. But be careful. We used Ross ourselves before, and if you go at him with the aim of discrediting him professionally instead of disgracing him personally, you’re gonna open up a lot of closed cases for appeal.” "Well we both know I do that and I can kiss Lynn's seat goodbye," Neal grumbled. "Thanks, Andy. I'll owe you for this." “I'm back in Boston this weekend, we’re visiting Y/N’s parents. I can meet you and hand the photos over.” "Sounds like a good plan, let me know when you're around. We can figure out where to meet then." “Will do,” Andy replied, before he cut the call. Andy mentally crossed that off his list and made his next call to Blanc. This trip back to New England wasn't just purely social, he had business to take care of and he was going to make sure that he and his Angel left Boston with all ends tied up and disposed of. “Good afternoon, Andy.” Blanc greeted him, “fine day for it.” "It's getting there. Listen, I'm in town this weekend and I was wondering if your offer was still in play for a home visit?" “It is very much still in play.” "Great. Y/N and I arrive Friday evening. We're staying with her parents. I'll touch base when we get settled but I want to meet them on Saturday, morning preferably, get it out of the way.” “That’s fine. Erm, Andy, have you given any thought to how, exactly, you’re gonna get both Linda and Richard to meet you, in person?” "Well, not entirely," Andy admitted. It was the biggest snag in his current plan. “Leave it with me, I have a few fingers in a few pies so to speak.” "Alright, I shall," Andy agreed. "Benny, this is as off radar as it gets." “As I said yesterday, you have my absolute discretion.” "Y/N and I appreciate that," Andy replied. "Good, good. Well, Andy, I look forward to seeing you and Y/N, maybe, this weekend." “Yeah, maybe.” Andy replied, not bothering to explain that there was no way in hell you’d be anywhere near this fiasco. "How's she doing today, by the way? Yesterday had her quite riled." “She’s okay, there’s not much more else I can say. I just want this all done so we can put it behind us and move on.” "It's a fair struggle, and again, I'm sorry I failed her first hand. I could see the toll this has taken on her. And Andy, despite all things, I can confidently and confidentially tell you that she looks like a completely different person and in a very positive way." “That’s… well, thank you.” "Talk soon, Andy." “Yeah, thank you again. Let me know how you get on with arranging that meet.” "Sure thing." Both calls done, Andy let out a deep breath and ran his hands over his face, before he stood up and began to make a list of changes and things he would need in the office ready to hand to Ron as requested.

The lunch hour came and that was when he sought you out, looking to see if you had any plans. However, Amber pointed him in the direction of Eva's office and found you there.

“I’m not sure,” he could hear you talking to Eva, “why me?” “Because I’d rather leave the department in hands I trust.” Eva replied, “look, I’m not going anywhere for a while, and it’s only gonna be for a couple of months. I haven’t even told anyone else here yet, but if you really don’t wanna do it then, that’s fine, when I do I can suggest they bring in a temp.” “I err, look, can I think about it?” Andy heard the familiar tone in your voice that meant you might not be quite as averse to what Eva had just asked you as you were making out and he smiled to himself. “Of course, you got a while yet.” Eva chuckled.

At that point, Andy took the opportunity and knocked lightly on Eva’s door. "Yeah...." Eva called. “Sorry to interrupt,” Andy smiled as he opened the door, “I was just wondering if I could steal Y/N for lunch.” You looked at him with a bright smile and then he winked when you turned away as his glance and yours looked to Eva. "Take her. She needs the fresh air," Eva joked. You rolled your eyes and shook your head, turning back to Andy. “I just need to grab my jacket and purse.” "I'll wait for you," Andy smiled. He stepped to the side to allow you out of the office, his hand gently brushing your back as you went. Andy felt a stir as you smiled softly at him. Things the day before had ended on a very tense note and while you worked it out before falling asleep on the couch, there wasn't much time to work it out further before work. With a nod to Eva he made his way over to the elevator and you joined him a couple of minutes later, your jacket on and purse slung over your shoulder. Once you were in the lift, the doors closed leaving you alone and Andy turned to you. His hands cupped your face and he drew you in for a soft, gentle kiss.

He heard your hum of approval as you separated but he kept your face in his palms. "I've wanted to do that all morning, Angel." “Yeah, we were a little rushed.” You smiled, your hands wrapping around his wrists. “How’s the hangover?” "Alright. Kept my office darker than usual. Starving though. How do you feel about Patti's?" You nodded, “works for me.” He held your hand, down through the lobby and out to the courtyard. The walk to Patti's was a good ten minutes across the main square and he relished in walking with you. "Andy...." your voice perked his ears up. "Yeah," he looked down at you just a half nod. "About last night, yesterday.... I..." “Angel, it’s done. Don’t think on it.” "Yeah, okay. I just.... Bb I said some horrible things and it just weighs on my heart." “Well, would it help if I said I forgive you?” "Well... I mean....” “Look, Y/N,” Andy stopped walking and turned towards you, “yesterday was stressful for us both and I can’t begin to imagine how you felt. We both said things we didn’t mean so, please baby, don’t worry about it.”

"Okay. Deal," you sighed. “Good.” Andy pressed his lips to yours, “and after this weekend we’ll be able to put all this shit behind us and plan our future. Together.” "Together?" “Yes, together.” He chuckled. "I like the sound of that." You smirked. "Good, because I do too," Andy grinned. You continued on your way and once at Patty’s you took your seats and placed your orders. Whilst Andy was being careful not to go over things too much, you also knew that from a practical point of view there were things to arrange so you offered to book your flights. Despite the reason for your trip back, you were also looking forward to seeing your parents. And you relished the thought that the next time you made a trip back to the City you had for many years called home, would hopefully be without a dark cloud hanging over your head.

“So,” Andy took a bite of his sandwich, “what was it Eva was asking you to consider?” “You know, for an old bastard you have impeccable hearing.” You shook you head, swallowing your mouthful of food. “Okay, first off, rude. Second off, she wasn’t exactly being quiet.”

"I'm not supposed to share, so you keep your trap shut. But she's pregnant and has asked me to head the department when she goes on leave after the baby comes." “No shit!” Andy paused, “that’s fantastic news, all of it.” "Yeah it's great for she and Steve. For me, I don't know if I can handle it. We'll see." You took a bite if your salad, picking a fry from Andy's plate as you chewed. “Sure you could,” Andy shrugged, “but take a while the think on it if you’re not totally sold on the idea. See how you feel after the weekend.” "Yeah, I think maybe that's my hold up. There's just so much weight right now that I can't think that far ahead." “Makes sense.” Andy gave a little sigh, “like I said, once this shit is all over then there’s nothing but open road, metaphorically speaking. And we’re booking that fucking trip to Hawaii.” "Now that, I'm looking forward to," you smiled. "In fact, I may have already started shopping for a few new suits." “Nothing too modest I hope,” Andy flashed you a wink and you rolled your eyes. “Dirt bag.” "Hey, that's important!" Andy joked. "Well," you slyly tilted the corner of your mouth upward, "I did find a pretty champagne colored one that's sitting in my cart." “Champagne looks good on you.” Andy smirked. "All jokes aside, I'm looking forward to going. But I just can't help this feeling I have in my gut that...." "Hey," Andy reached his hand across the table for yours. "Don't do that, please, honey." “I’m sorry, I’m trying not to.” "I know," Andy gave you a squeeze. "How's your salad?" "Same as every other time," you sighed. The talk of your woes was put in hold the rest of lunch. Andy happily held your hand the entire way back to the office, walked you to yours and left you with a soft kiss. "I'll see you at home," he told you. His eyes soft but tired looking. “Yeah, early night for you, Counselor.” "Most definitely," Andy chuckled. “I love you,” you held his gaze, driving the words home as much as you could and he smiled. “I love you too.” ***** The rest of the week seemed to pass far too quickly, and before long it was Friday afternoon and you were boarding your flight back to Boston. Your feelings and emotions were all over. Excitement filling your bones to see your family but knots twisted your gut because you knew what else would be going on while you were there. While you didn't want to know, and Andy kept that promise to you, if you asked a question, he'd answer, honestly. This wasn't just a pleasant family visit, there was a motivation behind the trip that chilled your insides.

Your subdued demeanor didn’t escape your family when you arrived home, but you brushed it off as being tired and having a headache which allowed you to take a reasonably early night without too many questions. Andy sat up with your dad for a few hours before coming up just after midnight. He wrapped his large arms around you, holding you safely against him as you slept, neither of you really wanting the dawn to arrive. But arrive it did, and with it a message from Benoit Blanc. “Huh,” Andy looked at his phone as the pair of you lay in bed, “he’s arranged a meeting at the mansion that belongs to Harlan’s old nurse…” You froze and swallowed, “I errr, wow. That’s…actually I don’t know what that is other than slightly surprising.” "It's almost over, honey," Andy pressed his lips to the top of your head. “What time are you going?” “I’ve to be there at one.” “Well, it’s about a forty minute drive. We can have brunch before you go.” “I’ve told your dad I have a bit of business, which isn’t a total lie.” Andy tossed the phone back onto the night stand, “I’ll be as quick as I can. I have to nip to meet Neal after as well but that won’t take long.” With a deep sigh, you sat up and emboldened, straddled his hips. "Andy, please, please promise me you'll be careful." “Honey, I’ll be fine. Blanc’s gonna be there.” His hands gently came to rest on the outside of your bare thighs, his fingers brushing the hem of your sleep shorts. “This is all gonna work out.” "You don't know this family, Andy," you placed your hands on top of his, your nails grating over his forearms. "They're vile. Marta is great, she truly is, but if anyone else is there..."

“Angel, stahp, please.” Andy sighed, “I’m not scared of them.” "Okay," you sighed, "Okay." “I’ve gotchu on this, I told you. I don’t give a shit what they throw at me, they started this, and I’m gonna make damned sure I finish it.” "You're something else, Andy Barber." You tried to roll your hips off his, but he planted his palms firmly against your thighs. "A modern knight." Andy chuckled, “no, I just don’t have boundaries when it comes to protecting the people I love.” “I don’t know how I got so lucky.” You whispered, your hand gently cupping his face. "I ask myself the same thing every day, Angel." He hummed as your fingers scratched at his beard. “Well, we both lost so much already, one way or another,” you mused, watching his eyes flicker shut, “maybe it was just our time to win a little.”

"I definitely won with you," his voice was soft and gravely. His one hand left your thigh and cupped your own face. The pair of you remained locked in your moment, silence wrapping around you, and Andy gently guided your face down to his. His lips slotted over yours in a gentle kiss, so soft and tender. When you pulled away, his eyes were dark but still so very sweet looking. "Let me love on you, Angel, please." The way he said it made you flutter. The two of you hadn't been together like that for a week, the stress of life overcoming you. Tired and worn down from the weekend prior, the long work days and now the travel, you both had gone to bed each night utterly wiped out. “You don’t need to ask, I’m yours.” "I'll always ask, honey." You responded by kissing him again, both your hands curling against his cheeks as you gave a quiet roll of your hips against his. His hands fell to your waist and squeezed, his thumbs ghosting along your skin under your cami. Another roll of your lower body had him grunting against your mouth, and with a quick movement he pulled your top over your head, sitting up to allow you to repay the favour. His nose brushing yours, his hands cupped your face as he kissed you, before he rolled you both sideways, laying you down on your back. Skin to skin you kissed, his tongue laving heavily against yours. There was a gentle eagerness to his movements, one that you felt also and as his mouth gently traced a path down your neck you sighed. Your hands tangled in his bed mussed hair and you shivered as his fingers trailed down your side. They curled around one side of your sleep shorts and started tugging them downward, the material catching on your right side. You raised your hips ever so slightly from the bed, allowing him to work the garment down your legs, losing them somewhere beneath the covers you were both tangled in. "I need you," you whispered. His face mere inches from yours. "Please, baby." “Oh, Angel, you got me.” His lips ghosted yours as he moved, one arm propping him over you as the other worked at his sleep pants. “Always.” He fisted his cock and gave your slit a rub, the tip pressing against your already swollen clit. You were wet, but not slick and it felt so good to feel that velvet head glide along your lips. You gave a little sigh, your head falling further back into the pillows as your hands wrapped around his upper arms. As he pushed into you, your nails dug into his skin, a gasp escaping your mouth at the slight stretch and burn. "Shhh, honey," he ground out. “I don’t care…” you groaned as he slowly pulled his hips back slightly before pushing back into you, this time driving slightly deeper. "Feels so good, Y/N," Andy panted. His hips snapped against you as you watched him maintain a controlled pattern, doing his best not to make the bed creak and groan. But you needed more. Pushing on his shoulders slightly, Andy read your signals and rolled onto his back. You moved, grabbing his cock in your hand and lining him up. You sank down onto him, and this time it was him that let out the groan and you smirked. Your hands found his, fingers laced together as you pressed them back against the pillow, either side of his head. As you twisted and rolled, he jutted upward into your wet walls. A soft moan rumbled through you as the combination ran your nerves like lava over a shore. Your breasts teased along his beard and he gave a gasp. “Fuck, Angel,” his voice was deep, gravelly as you pushed harder onto him, using his hands as leverage. "You like that, BB," you ground against him, your breath at the shell of his ear. "Just like that?" “Jesus fucking Christ,” his head whipped to the side, his lips locking to yours in a filthy, sloppy kiss. All the time your hips kept working as you totally took charge, Andy remaining pliant to your will. And you were relishing in the power you had over him. In that moment you felt in control, and it was a welcome distraction from the disorderly events of your life. You increased your tempo, bringing your hips up and down along his cock, your slick covering his shaft. The rest of your body led over his, only your hips gyrating as he dug his heels into the mattress, deep and steady. You could feel him start to tense under you, his face contorting into pleasurable scenes. His eyes desperately trying to stay on yours while his lips parted in pant and moan. He blinked hard, his eyes screwing shut and then opening wide again. "Fuck," he grunted. "I can't.... Jesus, Angel." "Don't cum, Andy," you whined. With a growl, Andy suddenly rolled the pair of you over, so you were once again underneath him in a desperate attempt to keep himself from blowing before you did. His hands grabbed yours and pinned them either side of your head, exactly the way you had done to him before. "Cum for me Angel, please baby girl, please," he begged in your ear. "I gotta.... Oh sweet-honey." “I’m close… so close,” you whined into his ear. You felt his hands move, pushing your arms further above your head. Before you knew it, his fingers were working loose from yours and one large hand held both your wrists in place as the other slid down between your legs, feeling just above the place you were joined. He touched your clit, adding that neglected pressure since you were flipped to your back and you broke, and broke hard, your body shivering in orgasmic delight as he watched you come undone. His single hand that cuffed your wrists held tight but not woundingly bound. Every touch and thrust was soft but weighted, nothing painful or remorseful, torturous or despicable. His mouth slanted over yours as he swallowed your groan. With a final, deep thrust he stilled, a grunt and a low whimper of his own bubbling from his throat. He barely pulled back, his lips ghosting across yours as he spoke with a heavy pant, "you okay?" “Yeah…” you swallowed, your chest heaving as you gathered your breath, “I’m good.” With a smirk, he planted a kiss to your lips in haste and rolled off. "Your dad's gonna kill me." “Trust me, he thinks the sun shines outta your ass,” you chuckled, “I doubt even defiling his daughter in her childhood bedroom would make him hold you in less esteem.” Andy chuckled lowly as you turned on your side, resting your head in your hand as you propped yourself up by your elbow. Your left hand wandered over his chest and tattoo, your fingertips tracing the inked lines on his skin before they came to play with the St. Christopher medallion against his chest. Suddenly there was a knock on the door that made you both jump. “If you guys are, erm, finished, your mom’s making pancakes.” Your dads voice drifted into the room and you had to fight back the laughter at the look of horror on Andy’s face. "Be right out, Dad!" You shouted back. "Come on handsome, let's eat." “41 years old…” he grumbled and you laughed, lightly slapping his chest. “Least we weren’t on the couch this time.” Thankfully, there were no mentions of your ‘sexploits’ at the breakfast table, even if Penny did shoot you a knowing look. But whatever smart ass quip she was about to come out with, was stopped as your dad pointedly reminded her that she had a viewing on an apartment that afternoon, not so subtly telling her he’d give her the cash for a down payment. Showered and shaved or trimmed, you were ready for a day with your mom as your dad broke off with Penny and Andy had his chore. The chilly Boston weather brought out the sweaters and thick denim in him and you smiled seeing how he'd worn your favorite black cashmere that brought out his frame, outlining it in the soft material rather than slimming him down like black did to many people. As you watched him pull on his jacket, that horrible feeling was back in your stomach. "I love you," he kissed you softly, longingly. "It's okay," he whispered as his nose bumped yours. “Please, call me as soon as you can,” your voice cracked. “I promise. Now, try and have a good time with your mom. And tell her dinner is on me tonight, we’ll get take out and have a few drinks.” "Okay," you nod and watched him go. Your dad and Penny were just getting into her car as Andy passed and you noticed how your dad stopped Andy quickly for an exchange of words before Andy shook his hand and went on his way. It made you smile how well they got on, and you watched Andy climb into the car before you jumped out of your skin as your mom laid a hand on your shoulder. “I’m sorry, Bean.” She chuckled, “are you okay?” “Yeah, it’s just been a long week what with Andy making partner and stuff, I haven’t had much time to breathe let alone anything else,” you smiled. "Well, judging by this morning, I'd say you found time for something," she smirked. “Oh shit,” you gave a groan which morphed into a laugh, “I’m sorry, Andy was mortified when Dad banged on the door.” "Mortified or not, you're a lucky girl," your mom joked. "I don't think your father has ever...." "Oh my God, Mom!" You gagged and your mother roared in laughter. You buried your face in your hands. "I'm just going to let the dog out and we'll go," she laughed as she strode towards the kitchen. "Grab your coat." “Where are we going?” "Shopping!" “Anything more specific? Lunch?” "Copley Place. And then yes, lunch," she replied. “Okay, then I’ll grab my coat and my purse and prepare to give Andy’s credit card a bashing.” “He left you his credit card?” Your mom raised a brow and you shrugged. “He needs a few things, we’re planning on going to Hawaii so I said if there was anything suitable I’d pick it up. Plus we have a joint account and stuff now for the house bills so it’s technically both our money, I’m not a kept woman.” You babbled and your mom frowned. “Woah, that’s not what I was saying.” Your mom shook her head. “Sorry, I just…” you swallowed, “this isn’t how it was before, that’s all.” "Oh Bean," it broke her heart. "Come on, I think we'll get pedicures too." You smiled, “okay, sounds good.” Your mom gently touched your arm before she turned to let Bongo out. As she approached the door to the mud room she paused. “Look, for what it’s worth, neither me nor your dad think that about you and Andy. He’s a great guy, and would clearly move heaven and earth for you. He worships the ground you walk on and this is the type of love we wanted for you. He’s the man you deserved the first time round.” You felt the tears well in your eyes and you managed a little nod. She smiled again and with that she gave her thigh a tap, Bongo obediently heading after her. Your mom was right, Andy would go to hell and back for you, as recent events had proven. But your mom had no idea just how dirty that journey was making him fight.

****HALFWAY POINT*****

Andy had made contact with Blanc immediately once he had set off. The PI assured him he was on his way, and sure enough, as Andy pulled off the main road and onto the tree lined drive, a blue SUV driven by Blanc joined him from the opposite direction. He exchanged a nod with Andy in the mirror and followed. When Andy pulled up to the gothic style and expansive home, he noted four cars already parked out front. Two of them were Porsche SUVs, one a BMW and the other a smaller, convertible Audi, not unlike his own. With a loud exhale, he grabbed the files on the seat next to him and exited the car. “Andy,” Blanc nodded, shaking his hand. "Benny." “I hope you don’t mind, but I called in a little back up. Don’t worry, he doesn’t know anything, but this case is a little personal for him too.” Benny nodded over Andy’s shoulder and he turned to see a mousy haired, friendly faced man who he recognized striding towards him. “Hey, Trooper!” Andy gave a little chuckle and shook his hand, “long time no see.” “Hey, Andy.” Wagner gripped his hand before he turned to Blanc, “Benny.” “Thanks for coming out,” “No trouble, I’m taking Marta to dinner later so it wasn’t like it was out of my way.” Trooper shrugged. “Plus, couldn’t pass this up, you know I love watching you at work!” Andy held back a smirk as the younger man clearly was enamoured by the Southern detective and his skills. “Yeah how is that going?” Blanc asked and Wagner gave a smile. “Good, yeah!” “He drives me insane,” a heavy accented voice spoke and Blanc turned to his right, letting out a chuckle. “Marta Cabrera, look at you!” The young woman gave Blanc a quick hug before she turned to Andy, smiling warmly. “You must be Mr Barber.” “Andy, please.” Andy shook her hand. Marta smiled then turned to Blanc. “They’re in the library, and don’t worry, that hideous display of knives has gone so you won’t have a repeat of last time.”

“Do they suspect anything?” Blanc asked. “No, they think there waiting for Alan.” “Who’s Alan?” Andy asked. “My solicitor, he used to be theirs. We got them here by telling them I was going to sell up and give them a chunk of money from the sale.” Marta raised a brow. “They’re too stupid and blind when it comes to money to smell a rat.” "Sneaky, I like it." Blanc said quietly. "You have learned a thing or two." Marta shrugged, “whatever you want with them, I don’t want to know so, I’ll be in the main parlour.” “Shall we?” Blanc gestured to the door. Andy nodded. He followed the group up the steps and into the hallway. “You redecorated?” Blank mused looking around. “I told her not to,” Wagner sighed wistfully and Marta rolled her eyes. “It was too dark for my liking.” "It gives the place a nice break," Blanc observed. "Less...." "Murderous?" "Something like that."

“Like is said, I’ll leave you to it.” Marta nodded. With a little chuckle, Blanc led Andy down the hallway and as he reached a large, oak door he stopped. “I know this situation bears no humour at all, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t going to enjoy going head to head with them again.” Andy merely raised a brow and took a deep breath. “Ready?” Blanc asked. Andy nodded. Blanc slid the door open and eyes immediately fell upon them. “Oh you are fucking kidding me.” Linda blurted our as she rose from the chair she had been lounging in. “You?” "Me." Andy flicked his brows upward. “Did you bring our money?” Richard demanded and Andy scoffed. “Fuck you.” “In that case this conversation is over before it’s even started!” Linda stomped towards Andy. “I’m leaving and I’m calling the police.” “No need to leave,” Blanc shook his head, “why, we have a police officer right here.” He gestured to Wagner who gave a little wave. “Hi.” "Oh what the fuck,” Richard balked. Andy watched as the cogs whirred in Linda’s head. He could tell she was trying to read the situation, wondering exactly why he had brought not only Blanc but the police officer and suddenly, Andy felt a huge rush of gratitude towards the PI. He’d done this specifically for a reason, to keep the Drysdales on the back foot. “Now, Mr Wagner is only going to be outside so if you do feel the need to involve the officials then we can do so but I think you might reconsider once you find out what Mr Barber has to say.” With a nod from Blanc, Wagner left but remained just outside the now open doorway. Andy cleared his throat and glared at Linda to take her seat. When she didn't, he flicked his brows and started his "presentation." With a dramatic flourish, he dropped the file on the desk to the side of the room, and nodded with his head towards it. “What’s that?” Linda snarked. “That contains the reason you’re going to leave Y/N alone from now on.” Andy made a show of undoing his jacket, a tactic he had learned from many a years interrogation. It gave your suspect or opponent the impression you were calm, had the time to spare, were in no rush at all because you had them bang to rights. He draped it over a nearby chair and turned, arms crossed over his chest, his eyes watching as Linda picked up the file. The colour quickly drained from her face as she plucked a photo from the pile. "What is this?" "What is it?" Richard wondered and hurriedly crossed the room towards his ex-wife.

“Bank statements.” Andy said simply, “interesting ones too. Mr Blanc took the liberty of highlighting the relevant sections.” "You son of a bitch," Linda looked at the offending item. "You'll never get away with it. Your little whore killed my son." “Did she?” Blanc interjected, “I thought it was a mugging?”

"Oh cut the shit, you Kentucky Fried idiot. You know as well as I do she did." Blanc laughed, “I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about, I can assure you that. However, if as you claim, Miss Y/L/N is responsible for your son’s very tragic death, then why wasn’t she arrested?” "They couldn't prove it," Richard added.

“Oh, and you can?” Blanc asked, “you can prove it where the police cannot?” "We have proof." Linda claimed. “You got shit!” Andy laughed. "Oh, how do you know? You're not the fancy ADA you used to be. You can't help her. No one can." “No, but I do know the ADA, good friend of mine is Mr Loguidice,” Andy held Linda’s gaze. “He told me all about the lack of evidence for that fucker’s murder. No forensics, no witnesses, nothing but a blurry CCTV image of a male suspect running from the scene.” “Huh, did Miss Y/L/N used to be a man?” Blanc asked and Andy snorted. “Like I said, they got shit.” His tone was now laced with venom and disgust. "Your hopes died with the last gargled breath of Ransom's mugger as he went the same way your son did, choking on his own blood.” At Andy’s words, Richard and Linda exchanged a glance. “How do you know about that?” Richard floundered and Andy raised his brows, folding his arms. “You know, you really are fucking stupid.” He scoffed, “it’s not like my family history is a secret, is it?” He turned to Blanc who looked at him and blinked. “I thought everyone knew about your father?” “Your father?” Linda’s jaw clenched and Andy saw her face as a look of understanding slid across her features. “Shit.” “Shit indeed.” Andy’s hands fell to his hips, “they were in the same jail. We don’t talk much but he’s there if I need him.” The room fell silent as Richard and Linda once more exchanged a look. Eventually, Blanc broke the silence. “So, let’s just back it up.” He waved his hand in front of him, “There’s no forensics, no evidence, no witnesses…” he paused dramatically, “and as far as I can see no motive. I mean from what I saw of Ransom and Y/N, they were totally in love and besotted. Why on Earth would she want to kill him?” Silence stayed within the room. Hard swallows were seen on the necks of the Drysdales. Glares sent daggers from their eyes. Blanc looked around the room, a little grin on his face. “Money, her motive was money!” Richard suddenly spluttered and Andy shook his head, an irritated laugh flying from his mouth. “Did Mr Drysdale leave a will?” Blanc asked. “No, but…” “So everything passed to her by Probate, is that correct?” “Yes.” “Hmm, Mr Barber, in your expert, legal opinion, is it always a given that a wife, or husband inherits their other half’s estate should something happen to them?” “In the absence of a will it’s a default position, yes.” Andy raised a brow, not quite sure where Blanc was going. “Hmm,” Blanc nodded, “but the thing is, to prove that money was indeed a motive for Y/N to kill Mr Drysdale, because she assumed she would inherit everything in the manner by which she did, then she would have had to know he hadn’t made a will. Did any of you know he hadn’t made one?” "No." Richard answered and Linda glared. "God damn it, Richard, shut up." “No, you didn’t. But here’s the funny thing,” Blanc pondered again, “you contested the decision, and in the court case that followed Alan, your family solicitor gave evidence, did he not, that stated that Ransom had approached him to indeed, make a will.” Andy blinked and looked at Blanc in amazement. "Get to the point," Linda snarled. “That same solicitor also stated at the court case that it was, indeed Ransom’s intention to ensure that Miss Y/L/N was to be cared for in his will, but that she wasn’t to know.” Blanc raised his brows, “you must remember all this, surely? Ransom didn’t want her or anyone else to know the content of his will, so that you couldn’t target her like you all targeted Miss Cabrera. Quite ironic, really, don’t you think?” "She owes us," Linda wasn't relenting. "Tell them, Richard." “You’re getting fuck all,” Andy shook his head, “You got nothing on her, but I’ll make this real simple. You either drop this right now, or those files with evidence of payments from you to Dr Ross go straight to the ADA and the pair of you find yourself up on a charge for perverting the course of justice.”

That didn't seem to appeal to Linda at all for she closed her jaw tightly and folded her arms across her chest while turning her glare on Richard who looked like a frightened deer in headlights on a dark country road. “And I would hate for you two to meet the same, sticky end on the inside that your son met in that dark alley.” Andy’s voice was cold as he issued the threat. "Are you threatening me?" Linda wasn't entirely done fighting yet. "I dont' threaten, I make promises and I see them through. Stay the fuck away from Y/N and her family or I will ruin you.” "Now, I do believe you are trespassing on Miss Cabrera's property, and Trooper Wagner here can kindly escort you or you can go at your will." Blanc stepped in. “You son of a bitch,” Richard snarled at Andy, who merely popped a shoulder. “I warned you last time not to cross me, you didn’t listen. Maybe now you will.” "Trooper Wagner?" Blanc called out. "Yes?" "Please escort Mr. Drysdale and Ms. Thrombey to their cars. I do believe their business here is over and they are trespassing." “Gladly, Benny!” Wagner stepped into the room. Linda and Richard exchanged a glance before Linda screwed her face up in disgust. As they passed Andy by, he held his arm out stopping Richard in his tracks, “unlike your son, I don’t hit women, so you better keep your ex-wife on a tight leash. Because if I get a sniff she’s so much as thought about coming back at us, it’ll be you that gets a beating within an inch of his life, and I won’t need anyone to do it for me. Understand what I’m saying?” In a cowardice nod, Richard continued on. Linda and Richard started bickering with one another over the now foiled plan they had hoped to execute against you. But, Andy was a professional and he didn't hold his career by just water alone. He fought with tenacity and struck with venom. He was good at getting what he wanted, the results he needed and this time it was by any means necessary. As they were escorted out, their bickering died down, and it was only when he could no longer hear their voices that Andy let out a huge breath. "I do believe your nightmare is over," Blanc stated. “I can’t thank you enough,” Andy shook his hand furiously, “seriously, I owe you big time. And I don’t just mean your bill.” "Bill?" Blanc questioned. "Oh no, this was personal. A pro-bono case." Andy blinked, before he shook his head, “there’s really no need.” “I insist, but there is one thing you can do for me.” "Anything," Andy nodded. “When you and miss Y/N get married, save me a seat. I do love wedding cake.” Andy grinned and then chuckled loudly, as he shrugged on his jacket "oh you'll have front row." With a smile, Blanc clapped Andy on the shoulder and the two men headed out of the room. They each thanked Marta and Wagner; Andy providing information on how to reach him if anything should come back on them but he suspected his threats were permanent and this was the last anyone associated with you or Ransom would hear from his parents again. Especially when it came to you. With his shoulders and mind considerably lighter, he headed back to his car, pulling out his phone. You answered after two rings. “Hi,” "Hi honey," he sighed. “You sound upset,” you whispered "Quite the opposite," Andy smiled behind his words. "Its over, Angel." When no reply came, Andy tried again, “Angel?” “I… “ you stuttered, “I don’t…” and then he heard a quiet sob. "Y/N," Andy started to grow concerned. He kept driving, his foot on the gas just a little heavier. "Honey..." “I’m okay,” you stuttered, “I just…” It choked him up to hear the relief in your own sobs. Your nightmare was over and you had won, the two of you had won and come out on top “Where are you,” he sniffed a little as he drove back towards town. "The dressing room at the mall." “You find anything nice?” He asked, trying to keep the conversation casual. "I did, yeah," you sniffed. "Andy..." “Yeah, baby?” “Thank you.” “No need to thank me, honey. I told you I’d fix this and I did. Now, I’ve got one last thing to do. I’m handing the photos of the Doctor over to Neal so that he doesn’t get chance to touch another young girl again. And then, I’m going back to your parents and when you get home, Imma give you the biggest kiss you’ve ever had in your life.” "I can't wait." You sniffed again. "I love you, Angel," Andy said happily and tearfully. "I'll see you soon." “I love you too.” As the call cut, Andy wiped his eyes and took a moment before he called Neal. Neal gave Andy his address, and it made Andy snort when he realized he’d never actually bothered to ever ask Neal where he lived before. Twenty minutes later he was ringing the doorbell. The tall and lengthy man with dark hair and prominent features answered the door, his polo a bit wrinkled. Andy held out the manila envelope, declining his invitation in. “I can’t stay, but everything I promised you is in there. Physical and digital copies.” Neal took the offering and licked his lips. "Thanks, Andy." “Do me a favour, don’t fuck this one up. Bury the perverted bastard.” "You have my word," he agreed. “Thanks.” Andy nodded. “And not just for this, but the other information you gave me.” "It pan out?" "More than you know," Andy nodded. “Good, I’m glad. I’ll keep you posted on how this goes.” Andy gave a short dip of a nod, "goodbye, Neal." “Take care, Andy.” Andy turned and left as Neal closed the door to his home. That was the final piece to the entire thing. It' was officially finished and nothing was going to happen again. He knew it, knew it in his gut. With a smile to himself, he glanced up at the sky, before he climbed in the car and pulled away from the curb. **** Your mind wasn't focused on lunch as your mom chatted away, in fact it was miles from where the two of you sat inside the Back Bay restaurant she'd chosen for your meal. Yet you managed to remain in conversation and answer her when she asked you questions. The drive home was silent and your mom pawned it off on you were tired from the trip and the day. The two of you had cleared out the mall it seemed. And as she pulled up to the house you grew up in, you couldn't help the rush of joy and washed over you as you noted Andy had beat you home. “Oh you really got it bad,” your mom noticed your reaction and chuckled as she turned off the ignition, “that’s the most animated you’ve been all afternoon.” "Yeah, I think I do, Mom." Your smiled beamed. If she only knew just how bad you had it, just how deeply you were connected to Andy. The ordeals you’d gone through apart and together, she’d really then understand. “So any sign of a…” your mom held up her left hand and wiggled her ring finger. "MOM!" You giggled as you pulled your bags from the car. "We've... I don't know. We haven't entirely ever talked about it." “Entirely or not at all?” "Not a formal conversation, let's just leave it at that," you answered. The front door swung open and Penny snorted. "You bring me anything?" “Did you give me any money to buy you anything?” Your mom shot back. "Well, no, but Dad and I signed my new lease, so..." Your eyes dipped into the lounge where your dad and Andy were sitting contently with beers in hand. “Oh that’s awesome!” You smiled. “Finally,” your mom grinned. Andy’s eyes met yours and you gave him a smile. “Hey BB.” “Hey, honey.” “Jesus, woman.” Your dad looked at the bags in your mom’s hands, “leave any money in the account for the bills?” "Shut up before you starve tonight," your mom retorted. “Jokes on you, wench,” your dad snorted, “Andy's buying takeout.” "Oh, Andy, you don't need to," your mom smiled. "Nonsense, least I could do. You're putting us up for the weekend," Andy smiled as he took the bags from your hand. "I'll help with these." “Thanks, just gonna pop this stuff on our room,” you smiled to your mom and dad. “You gonna help me with mine?” Your mom shot to your dad. "Nope." “Forty fuckin’ years…” your mom grumbled as she looked at you, rolling her eyes, “I’d have done less time for murder.” At her words you and Andy exchanged a look, before you burst out laughing. And it was uncontrollable. “It’s not that funny,” Penny snorted as your dad rose to his feet with a groan and some wisecrack you didn’t quite hear. “Sorry, bad in joke,” you shook your head, as Andy laughed. Andy carried your bags upstairs while your father grumbled jokingly as he sorted your mom's. Once your bedroom door closed, Andy had you in his embrace. Despite your moment of laughter seconds before, you were in tears with your face pressed into his chest. “It’s over, baby,” he soothed, his nose buried into your hair, “it’s all over.” He held you close as you soaked his sweater, no doubt your make up smearing over the material but you didn't care. You couldn't possibly feel no greater relief than what you had felt in that moment. Your body shook as you cried, the sobs muted but there. Your fingers pressed into Andy's back as you held him close like a lifeline that he'd become. You weren't dependent on him, that's not how you felt, you just simply felt the need to be with him, the serene disposition he provided and the love you felt for him was unimaginable. Like nothing you'd ever experienced. Andy made no movement other than to hold you close, rocking you slightly as he whispered soft reassurances into your hair. And when your sobs stopped and you pulled away, you looked up and saw glassy blue eyes staring lovingly down at you. "I'll take that kiss now, Counselor.” With a smile, Andy cupped your face in his large hands and pressed his lips to yours. "I love you, honey," he whispered. “I love you too, so fucking much Andy,” He went in for another kiss, immediately his tongue deep down your throat and you gripped at the chest of his damp sweater to ground yourself. One of his large hands slid round the back of your head, holding you in placed as his lips worked hungrily against yours. His other arm dipped around your back and splayed his hand over your spine. That beard brushed against your face and you felt the soft bristles paint you like a canvas. You had no idea how long he was kissing you for, but when he finally pulled away you were breathless, and light headed. “You’re free, Angel.” “Sorta, I… I think there’s one thing left I need to do, then we can move on, completely.” "What's that," Andy was puzzled. “My parents, they deserve to know the truth.” Andy was a little stunned by your admission. But he understood and given he wished he'd made similar choices in his past, he wanted that proper closure for you. “If that’s what you wanna do then I’ll back you all the way.” "It is, I have to." You nodded. "Okay." He nodded. "Then we'll do it." He paused and took your hand, "together, okay?" He followed you out of your room and back downstairs, Bongo on his heels as he'd been perched outside your room, no doubt having heard your cries. Your parents and Penny were sat in the lounge, just chatting away when they noted your appearance and Andy's hand in yours. "Oh Jesus, you didn't just break up did you?" Penny griped, "I mean your anniversary is just a week away." “No, of course we didn’t.” You shook your head. “Then what’s… oh my shit, are you pregnant!” “Shut up, Penny.” "Oh my God, are you?" Your mom grew excited. "NO!" You sputtered. "Just, I have something to tell you." You looked to Andy and he nodded back, giving you the push to start. "It's about Ransom." “For fucks sake,” your mom snarled. “Hush, darling, let her speak,” your dad soothed her. You watched him sit up straight and set his beer down on the coffee table. You had a feeling he knew something like this was coming. He'd always hinted he had inklings of something not right happening between the two of you. “Angel, let’s sit down.” Andy gently placed his hand on your back. You sat down on the love seat with Andy taking a spot next to you. You bounced your leg for a moment trying to find where to start. And then, you just did. You started from the beginning. You started back when you took the job for the article after his trial and from there you poured out each and every detail you could to explain what had happened to you. What he'd put you through and spared no expense as you reached your climatic end. Your parents and sisters reactions were exactly what you could have predicted. Anger, heartbreak, guilt, and by the time you finished you were sobbing with them, the only one in the room with a semblance of control was Andy. "And you knew?" Your father sniffed, turning to look at him. Andy bowed his head, “only for the last month or so.” "I'd like to say I wish we'd known sooner, but in a way, I understand." Your mother cried. "Lucky we didn't," your father shook his head, "or I'd be in prison." “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you,” you wiped your eyes, “and I know you might hate me for keeping this from you and now burdening you all with this secret that I’m…” "You stop, right there, do you hear me?" Your dad was on his feet and stood before you. "Don't you ever for one second think that your mother and I could ever hate you for this." You looked up at him, blinking back the tears as he crouched down in front of you. "You are my little girl and I would have fought for you to the death, Y/N. You and Penny both, there is nothing in this world that I wouldn't do to protect you." With a shake of his head and a sob he wiped his eyes, "I'm only sorry I couldn't do it then." "Daddy..." you sputtered. The man you looked up to had you in his arms faster than you could blink as he sobbed holding you. Andy bit back his own tears as he let you have your moment with your father. Soon, your mother had her arms wrapped around you both and then Penny. As the huddle pulled apart, your dad stepped back, wiping his face and your mom moved towards him. His arms wrapped around her as Penny simply stood, looking a little lost. "It's over now," you said. "It's all over." “I need a drink,” you dad shook his head and your mom nodded. “Good idea.” "I'll order us some dinner," Andy stood but not before kissing your temple. He followed your mom and dad into the kitchen and you stood but stumbled as Penny latched on to you. "I'm so sorry," she cried. "I was such a bitch about you being with him and..." "It's okay," you hugged her back. "I'm okay." “You’re so strong.” "I don't know how I did it, to be honest." You cried. "There were so many times I wanted to give up. But something kept telling me to keep going." Penny hugged you tighter and then let go, leaving you in the lounge. You heard Andy's voice call for you and you turned, seeing his sparkling eyes peeking around the corner of the wall. His warm smile made you smile as he wondered if you wanted Dino's or Luigi's. And that was the end of it. If was strange, because you’d just dropped this monumental secret on them. A life changing secret in many ways, but it was also as if you were providing them the final piece to a puzzle which they’d stop trying to solve a while back. The atmosphere wasn’t tense, or strange, just warm and oddly serene.

You and your family had a night of laughs as you played a couple of games, enjoyed pizza and beers and even breaking out your dad's hard stuff before submitting to the exhausting day. “Andy, you want a nightcap?” Your dad asked as you and your mom rose to your feet, Penny having gone up half an hour or so earlier. You understood that there was a veiled request to your dad's words, he wanted Andy alone and thankfully, Andy understood as he nodded. “Sure, one more sounds good.” “See you upstairs.” You gave him a quick kiss before you left them to it His eyes watched you go until you were out of sight and a tumbler of freshly poured scotch sat in front of him as your father took up the seat you'd just vacated. There was a moment of silence as the two men both took a sip of their drinks before your dad let out a heavy sigh. “I can’t…” he shook his head, “you’re a father, Andy, how do I even begin to process that?” "Try not to." Andy replied honestly. “Son of a fucking bitch. Hope he’s rotting in hell.” "Yep," Andy and sipped his scotch. “Look, Y/N is strong, she’s survived. And she’s living a life, a good life, that I’m blessed to be part of,” he took a deep breath, “and I promise you, that nothing like that will ever happen to her again. I’d die before I let anyone hurt her.” "The missus and I possess a debt greater than anything in this world to you." "No, no you don't." Andy shook his head. "I love her like I've never loved anything in this life, well apart from Jacob that is. But the love I have for him feels so different compared to this, compared to how I feel with Y/N. She inspires me each and every day to be a better man because she's the best person alive." “The love for your kids always is different,” your dad shrugged, “you love them because they’re a part of you. You have to. But your partner, you choose to love them. You choose to forgive their less favourable traits because you adore their better ones.” Andy understood exactly. It wasn't far from the conversation he and your father had just shy of a year ago this winter. "You saved her life, you saved my little girl," he tearfully smiled. “No, she did that herself.” Andy shook his head. "No," your father was adamant, "you brought her back to life. She's that little girl again that laughed at everything, that had a sense of adventure and loved life. That's who she was before that fucking sick bastard got his hands on her." Your dad took another slug of his scotch, “Even after he'd died and the initial process of everything, she wasn't the same and now I know why." “No, I…” Andy sighed, “she did that for me. I was existing before she walked into that bar. She gave me a reason to enjoy life instead of merely living it. And I’m going to spend the rest of my life being grateful for that.” Your dad blinked, his head cocked to one side. "What are you saying, Andrew?" Andy took a deep breath, “I guess, well no, I don’t guess, I am… I’m asking you for your blessing. I want to marry your daughter.” "Jesus Christ man, took you long enough to ask," your dad clapped a hand over Andy's shoulder and grinned with tears in his eyes. "Andy, I can honestly say I've never been more happy to say yes to something." “Well, she’s gotta say yes yet.” Andy smiled back. "Of that my boy, I have no doubt.” With a smile, Andy necked his scotch and your dad did the same. Both men then stood, and your Dad pulled Andy in for a bear hug, slapping his back. They bid each other good night and Andy headed to your room, to find you fast asleep. Quietly he got ready for bed and slipped softly into the covers besides you. His arm wrapped over your waist and he pressed a gentle kiss to your neck before sleep finally overtook him, his dreams drifting to you, wearing a white dress on your body, and a huge smile on your face.

**** Chapter 17

lis loses his mind over classpects, pt 1 out of possibly many

@tisafinedayforsimping​ totally wasnt waiting for you to reply bc i analyzed mar in my head previously MAR IS A KNIGHT OF HOPE. i thought knight of breath before since her character is pretty strongly tied to seeking freedom but Hear Me Out. hope is an aspect for determination and faith/belief and mar just has that in heaps when it comes to her goals. and knight in the “protects their aspect” sense since her character feels a lot like “protecting ones own determination at times”

BUT. i also say this because in universe an important part of a hope players development is to have their hopes shattered and undergo some sort of despair at one point that they have to overcome to become stronger. and it reminds me very much of those bad endings you wrote for her a while back especially with how they always ended up with her finding one way out of it. shes not only a knight of hope but The knight of hope to me.

@wildnya​ it IS better that you dont know dont worry just enjoy me gifting your boy a fun little fantasy world label. nya would be... a maid of life. maid doesnt have a very strict definition but ive seen “one who prepares others through their aspect” and i think it kind of suits him, life being pretty self explanatory but more about the idea of “life force” than anything. him being kind of this emotional support figure could land him a maid of heart title too (heart as in emotions in this case) but in the case of twst i feel like life would fit better since emotional state pretty much equals the idea of life force with the whole overblot concept. id ont know maybe im tripping but thats him for me.

@eirasummers​ i may not know them too well... but i for one reason remember very vividly the info doc you posted in the server months ago so anyway HERE is szi and dillon because i love them dearly even though i dont know them as well.

szi.... reading his file is doing something to my brain because i feel like you could go so many different paths with his whole unfortunate situation. i would first classify him as a bard of light, meaning the (unsolicited) inviting of destruction of his aspect (despite his best efforts) and light taking in every one of its possible meanings, knowledge and luck and success. patting him on the head sorry for this one. another possible, angstier route would be heir of doom??? just a very weak one as in hes provided with his aspect, doom meaning just misfortune. both labels kind of mean the same just with different vibes. i think i like bard of light best for him (this poor bastard though. godspeed boy i believe in you) if he was a little less honest as a person and more prone to “cheating” i would 100% make him a thief of light however.

dillon... maybe a heir of life?? life in a sorta metaphorical “resilience” sense too since life players are known for that and as much of a funny little guy dillon is hes gone through some difficult times. something like provided/protected by the capacity to live on, regarding adaptation and resilience. surprisingly simple actually.

Dating Mitch Rapp

PDA

Mitch is surprisingly big on PDA.

But in a more protective kind of way, over a show-off way.

He likes to have your hand in his, or an arm around you, your arm through his.

He just likes to be touching you at any given time to make sure you’re secure.

He’s also a big fan of forehead kisses, cheek kisses and nose kisses.

He likes it when you nuzzle/kiss under his jaw too.

And he definitely makes out with you in public sometimes.

He has zero fucks to give, if he wants to kiss his chick then he will.

Sometimes he makes out with you out of spite.

Like when Stan tells him to hurry up and finish his goodbyes before he goes away.

And so he makes sure to take an extra-long time kissing you.

Sometimes when he gets jealous he’ll make a real show of it too.

Tongues visible and hands a little lower than they should be.

Also when you wear jeans or shorts, he likes to tuck his hand into your back pocket.

HANGING OUT

Is happy to go out or stay in.

Whatever you prefer, really, but he prefers to be inside.

Will pretty much just go wherever you’re going.

He likes to make the most of his time when he’s not away on assignments.

He doesn’t like to interrupt your plans though, so he’s pretty flexible.

He’ll just go along with you to whatever you’re doing.

He also likes it if you sit with him when he gets home and just relaxes.

He’s still pretty tense for the first few days after an assignment.

You hang out with him while he fills out his reports and briefs, keeping him company.

Getting him coffee, making snacks, just playing with his hair, rubbing his shoulders.

He just needs a lot of support, basically.

DATE NIGHT

It’s hard for the two of you to make plans because his work is unpredictable.

All of your date nights are spontaneous, rarely do you have reservations/bookings.

Sometimes if you want to dress up and feel fancy, you’ll cook together. 

Then do your makeup, put on a dress and heels, him in a suit.

He always gets you flowers, if you decide you’re having date nights in six hours or in thirty minutes, he will get you flowers.

He treats you like you’re the most important thing in the world to him.

Because you are.

But whether you’re in our out, he gives you the best treatment. 

Pulls your chair out for you, opens your door, tells you how pretty you look, kisses your hands, all of it.

If it’s a less formal date, you order takeout and go to the store for a bunch of snacks.

You drag the mattress and bedding out into the living room and make a pillow nest.

Which ends up with movies and cuddling and ignoring the film to have mumbled conversations and share kisses.

SEX

Mitch is fucking mindblowing in bed.

Seriously, he’s incredible, because all he wants is to please you.

Pretty much always a top, he just loves being in control.

He knows everything you need at any time, and is up for pretty much anything too.

He’s lowkey very kinky, but didn’t tell you for a long time.

So the two of you were having great, but fairly vanilla sex.

He was just worried you wouldn’t want him if he fessed up, he’d never actually talked about them.

So naturally, you took the initiative and tried to find out what kind of porn he watched.

And suddenly, a whole new world was opened up for you both.

A box of toys under the bed. A big box.

And it’s very frequent too; he really can’t keep his hands to himself.

It’s not always that frantic and needy and desperate sex.

Sometimes he just needs you but he also just needs the connection.

Pressing you into the kitchen counter and fucking you slowly while he gets lost in your mouth as he kisses you deeply. 

AFTERCARE

Aftercare usually involves a hot bath or shower, because you have to clean up.

It’s a very sweaty and messy ordeal, and you wouldn’t have it any other way.

It also literally means cleaning up, because in his haste to find a certain toy, he normally just dumps the box out across the floor.

It wasn’t fun when he slipped on a vibrating dildo and twisted his ankle, and you had to explain it to the hospital, as well as Stan and Irene.

You wash up together, and then when you’re feeling refreshed, you usually watch a movie, eat some food, and cuddle. 

He’s clingy, but even more so after sex. He just wants to be with you, all the time.

He likes to be wrapped around you, or have you wrapped around him, at any times. 

He has been known to literally carry you around the house on his back while you get ready to curl up and cuddle.

THINGS YOU BORROW FROM EACH OTHER

You share a laptop, he trusts you not to go in his files because they’re classified.

Phone chargers, laptop charger, all kids of wires, really.

Suitcases, and carry on bags. They often get ruined and they’re constantly changing.

Pillows. He takes your pillow away with him every time and leaves his with you.

PICK-UP LINES HE LIKES TO USE

“Aside from being sexy, what do you do for a living?”

“I must be in a museum, because you truly are a work of art.”

“Feel my shirt. Know what it’s made of? Husband material.”

“Something’s wrong with my eyes because I can’t take them off you.”

“Did the sun come out or did you just smile at me?”

WHEN HE GOES AWAY ON ASSIGNMENTS

When he’s leaving, it’s normally a pretty quiet morning/evening.

You always make sure to have it off work if you possibly can.

Helping him pack, making sure he’s got everything, and trying to calm him down when he begins to get a little jittery.

Promising him you’re always going to love him, no after what.

Taking him to his pick up point, and kissing him slowly, keeping it sweet.

There’s not a lot of communication when he’s away, obviously, so it gets lonely.

He normally has no idea when he’s coming back either, it’s very sudden.

He never just lets himself into the house if you’re not home, though.

He doesn’t want to startle you, so if you’re home, he knocks before letting himself in.

If you’re not in, he calls/texts to find you, or comes to see you at work.

He usually does some shopping and brings things for a date night, including flowers.

While he’s away you spend time making lists of films & TV shows he’d like that you can watch together.

You also do some tidying, and try to keep yourself busy so you don’t worry.

You don’t like to do the normal things you do with him because it makes you miss him more. 

He is very used to coming home now and finding that the furniture has been rearranged, or one of the rooms have been redecorated, or you’re reorganised all of the drawers and he has to learn where things are again.

WIP Wednesday (A Bit Late)

Tagged by: @nicolasadrabbles

Who wants some Memento Vivere?

The ceremony had been beautiful, private behind high stone walls, and surprisingly busier than he had anticipated.

That was to be expected, of course. Aelia Valeri, nee Decens, had been a high ranking intelligence officer, extremely popular with her old platoon, and she had given her life in pursuit of a greater foe. It was the highest anyone could hope to achieve. Posthumously, her name was granted a permanent place in the upper climes of the Hierarchy, and she was awarded the Star of Menae.

Both were prestigious honors, to be certain, but Iunius Valeri felt no comfort in this. He stood at attention during the military honors bestowed upon his young wife, his hand resting firmly on the shoulder of a boy of barely seven spans. Milon would not cry, at least not with so many he was unfamiliar with nearby. The boy was as turian as any. But he was clearly distraught.

The turian to his left had said very little. He couldn’t see the ceremony, but he knew what was going on. The markings on his face matched Aelia’s closely. He was her little brother, and had traveled from the Citadel to stand in observance of her sacrifice.

Janus Decens was no more all right with being there than he was. In fact, for all he was trying to hide it, he seemed almost more broken than he and Milon.

In the end, she’d been burned as was tradition. Iunius stood, as was tradition, to wait as the pyre burned, determined to stay standing until he was alone and the last embers went cold. He let Janus walk Milon away, regaling him with stories of his work with C-Sec both before and after he had gone blind, but he remained in mournful silence. He didn’t move until he noticed someone come to stand beside him, and turned his head before going to turn, fully prepared to salute his superior.

“At ease, Captain Valeri, and keep your vigil. There’s no need to stand on ceremony at such a solemn occasion. Terrible tragedy, what happened to your wife. Aelia was a good woman. A fine turian, and an exemplary soldier. I was honored to have led her in the sixth platoon, in the brief time I could.”

“I- of course, General Oraka, sir. I wasn’t aware you’d made it out for the burning. She would have been honored.”

The older turian tipped his head forward slightly at that, quietly watching the flames. They had already begun to die down. “I heard scuttlebutt that she was looking into something on Omega, of all places. What was she investigating that took her all the way out to that hell hole?”

Iunius let out a soft breath, his mandibles tightening against his jaw. “It was classified. Strictly on a need to know basis, considered too important to let slide to anyone. Even a ranking officer, or a spouse, on account of avoiding accusations of nepotism.”

That made the general snort. Septimus Oraka was known to be a general who, while respected and firm, preferred being open with his subordinates over rank and file. It seemed this spread to funerals, as well.

“Damn bureaucrats. I’m sorry, Captain. It’s a shame they won’t let you in now that she’s passed. Here’s hoping they get someone else on whatever it was that’s even half as good as she was.” He leaned back a bit as the flames died out completely, then chuffed a bit, looking back to the younger officer. “Did they tell you… how she passed, at least?”

“No.” There was a bitterness in Iunius’s voice, one he had not intended his superior to hear, but General Oraka was hardly bothered by the tone. “When I saw her body, it was clear the kill was clean. Not that it brings any comfort… to me or to my son.”

The older turian gave a chuff at that, a rumble vibrating in his subvocals. “I’m certain you’ll both pull through. But whatever happened to Aelia… spirits willing they’ll catch her killer.”

Tagging: UHHHHH. IF YOU'RE WRITING A FIC, DO IT

Dream SMP x Detroit: Become Human AU

DSMP x DBH AU Part 2

Background Information: I was inspired to do this after watching Tubbo's play-through of Detroit: Become Human. At first, I was planning on posting art with descriptions, but I'm over flowing with ideas and not enough artistic talent to hurry along...

Author's Note: Okay, I'm going to be completely honest. Both part 1 and part 2 are pretty much posted on impulse. I should be going to sleep because I have work in the morning, and I started on this post early with that thought in mind, but for some reason my computer is glitching... I've written this out almost three times T-T Everything was deleted at one point, with NOTHING SAVED, so I was nearly about to rage quit... Pray for me. My patience is not unlimited.

Aside from all that, please enjoy! I worked REALLY hard on this (even excluding all the technical issues) so I really do hope you enjoy!

Character Plots:

1. Technoblade

Technoblade, notoriously known as the rogue deviant, was always a mystery due to the fact that no one, not even CyberLife, knew what model android he was. This was due to the fact that Techno was actually not even an android, but a human. This all began at a young age of thirteen, when Techno started to question the set rules of society and how he fit into its rigid hierarchy. Although it was just a budding curiosity, one he didn’t expect to go anywhere, it soon took a drastic turn. After pretending to be an android, just for fun, he was appalled by how he was treated by his fellow humans. More so than the random civilians, he was more disgusted by the inaction of the police. As an act of rebellion for the present corruption of authority, he committed small acts of violence and destruction of public property. He promoted equality and spoke out against the tyrannical attitude of those in power. Due to him indiscriminately acting out against both humans and androids alike, fighting against anyone in power who became physical and bullied those weaker than them, public opinion slowly began to shift. He eventually went from a crazy anarchist to a modern-day robin hood, much to the government’s dismay. Even those that flocked to his side, joining his cause, were a good mix of both androids and humans. His growing popularity began to raise the urgency of his capture, making his name slowly climb up the Most Wanted list. Eventually, while on his many brushes and runs from the police, he met with Detective Kristin (before she was promoted to Lieutenant) and her android partner, Philza. After many encounters, Techno and Phil surprisingly became close friends. In fact, they became so inseparable that their relationship was more akin to family than just friends. Though Phil didn’t particularly condone Techno’s more violent methods, he still supported his cause from behind. Willing to dirty his hands and become the mole, Phil secretly fed Techno intel from classified files as well as supplying Techno with android fuel, aka. Blue Blood. It was only later that Techno revealed to Phil his human identity, Phil being the only one he ever disclosed that information to, but Phil swore to never reveal his secret. Besides, the fuel was necessary for Techno’s growing followers, eventually taking on the name of The Syndicate. Techno understood the reason Phil never openly supported him, even though the android was more than willing to. It was to protect his loved one, Kristin, who would eventually become his wife. Techno understood, even supported Phil, and worked harder to never be a burden to his closest friend. Suddenly, Techno’s reputation exploded when a video clip of him went viral on social media. Though the government tried to spin the story in their favor, the video captured the full extent of the event. Techno had fought off several CyberLife security officers and police forces, exhibiting exceptional fighting prowess, while also making off with a ton of android fuel. He and his team had tried to hijack the vehicle loaded with the goods mid-route but was caught and almost apprehended. However, the thing that raised his public opinion to his favor was not just his fighting capabilities, but also how little he endangered the civilians around him. Instead, it was the government officials who had unintentionally dragged innocent people into this chaotic fight, suspecting them to be on Techno’s side. Then, not long after his growing popularity, Techno and Dream teamed up, officially marking Technoblade’s name as number one on the FBI’s Most Wanted Fugitives list.

2. Dream

Clay, or better known as Dream, was once a star employee at CyberLife. He was actually one of the many brilliant minds that helped make CyberLife into the giant company that it is. However, Dream soon gave up his employment due to the many restrictions they had placed on his creative vigor. Instead, he pursued his own android business, taking on the name Dream for both branding purposes and to embody his own "dreams." Teaming up with fellow ex-employees, Sapnap and George, the three were an ambitious trio that were talented enough to eventually become a threat to CyberLife’s growing industry and monopoly over the android market. When Dream realized that his life was being targeted by CyberLife, even being threatened to either come back into their company or give up on his current business, he became more determined to grow his industry. This even propelled him to start designing his most prized creation, DreamXD. However, his unbending will soon began to falter. CyberLife took a different approach when they realized that Dream did not hold his life more dear than his company. They began to threaten not just his life but also the lives of his most trusted partners and friends. This finally forced Dream to worry, eventually driving his friends away. Dream knew Sapnap and George like the back of his hand. He knew that the two would stick by him, through thick and thin, so he didn’t even give them that choice. Instead, his attitude towards them got worse and worse, until they eventually cut all ties with him. That was the only way he believed he could protect them. However, Dream underestimated the effects his friends had on his mental stability. Eventually, without their presence, he became more insane from the combined pressure, stress, and loneliness. Soon, he realized that it was getting too dangerous to stay still and was forced into hiding. With little time, Dream only took the incomplete DreamXD with him and shook off those tailing him. Then, he left his most prized possession to his dear ex-partner and friend, George. Dream intentionally left DreamXD incomplete. He had created the android in his image and left him unfinished to gather experience and human emotions on his own. This was the only android in existence that had been designed not only to be a deviant, but to be a human. Even with high expectations for his own future, Dream never could shake off the feeling of death following close at his heels. DreamXD was created to be his contingency plan. In the event that Dream died before his goals were achieved, DreamXD was programmed to take over Dream’s human life, or the life of Clay. Of course, Dream knew that free will was a part of humanity. That’s why he left DreamXD with a choice. While forced into hiding by CyberLife, the company spread rumors about his capture and imprisonment. CyberLife hoped that it could lure out his loved ones, baiting Dream to come out of hiding, but they had underestimated him. They had failed to realize just how severely Dream had cut out all his friends and loved ones from his life, leaving no one behind. No one to look back for him, or so the two thought... Surprisingly, even on the run Dream was fairly rich. He had planned out many things in the event CyberLife truly carried out their threats, and hidden many resources to one day come back to. However, he could not leave the city. Not while his goal was still left unfinished. So this left him with no place to stay for long periods of time, leaving him essentially homeless. That’s when he reached out to Technoblade, whose infamy had grown exponentially. The two had similar goals and so easily agreed to a partnership. Technoblade wanted to take down the tyranny of the government, while Dream wanted to end CyberLife’s influence over the android market and quiet down his chaotic life. Since CyberLife was a large reason for the power corruption, the two found working together to be simple. Techno would help Dream by providing him a place to stay, as well as offering man power when available and needed. Dream, on the other hand, would assist with supplies and android repairs, using his expertise in androids to even upgrade their parts. However, outside of these agreements they wouldn’t get in one another's way. They would only provide assistance if their plans overlapped. The two had a good understanding of the nature of their relationship. They were neither friends nor enemies. Just partners. Nothing more, nothing less.

-

PREVIOUS PARTS: 1

-

Note: I'm sorry, but after writing all this over again, nearly from scratch, three times... I really can't be bothered to go back and fix anything. I know I could have done better, but I'm kind of defeated right now and a bit tired. Please understand and I really do hope you enjoyed the read! Feel free to leave a comment on what you thought of it or maybe ways to improve the story! I'm all ears (when I have free time) ^^ And thank you so much for all the likes on my previous post! I'm really happy that you all enjoyed it <3