Bruce should kill the Joker because he created the Joker. Batman is the one that chased him into ace chemicals which resulted in him falling into the acid and the Joker is obsessed with Batman. We’ve seen (at least in one DC movie) that the Joker just stops being the Joker when Bruce dies. Could this all have happened without Batman? Yes and then it would be someone else’s problem but right now Joker is a monster of Batman’s creation and he should be the one to end him.

On your same logic should it also be on Joker's parents since they also created him, or maybe on the government / social systems since they were the ones that failed joker to begin with and made him turn to a life of crime ? If anyone has the legal right in America to kill the joker it would be the criminal justice system so why dont they sentence joker to death? Bruce hands joker off to the local authorities every other week shouldnt it be their responsibility at that point to keep joker incarcerated until he can be deemed no longer a threat to himself and others? And just bc one dc movie said joker would stop after Bruce dies doesn't mean that always happens especially with how dc keeps insisting there are multiple jokers- does Bruce have to kill all the jokers or just the one he personally spooked off the side of a platform by accident? I don't totally think you can blame Bruce for joker being as insane as he is since harley took the same dip and she still redeemable, and I don't think it should be on Bruce to compromise his morals just to kill a clown that literally several other people can kill - and I know " "ohh but Bruce gets in the way" then don't tell batman about it don't invite batman to your execution of the joker don't let him find out when Bruce's no kill rule is at its maximum (bc writers can't decide how extreme it should be) he can't let anyone die if he knows about it so just be sneaky and don't let him know

Beautiful Soul

Pairing: Bucky x Reader

Summary: The team decides to let loose after a rough few months with some singing and some alcohol, what could possibly happen ;)

Warnings: swearing, alcohol consumption, bit of fluff and pining

A/N: it took me so long to decide if I wanted this to be emotional or fun and light but every karaoke au i read the songs are slow and sad and I wanted a bit of a change and my friends and I decided Beautiful Soul by Jesse McCartney. ENJOY

Masterlist

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

It’d been an emotionally and physically draining few months for the Avengers. Everyone had missions up to their eyeballs and if they weren’t out in the field they were stuck under piles of research or surveillance work. Finally, after the long sleepless nights the overall objective was complete, and the team could relax. Everyone was exhausted, one more week and they would have been down each other’s throats.

There had already been several examples of members lashing out. The most recent was when Natasha threw a cup of yogurt at Tony because he happened to walk in and start talking to her while she was in the kitchen. Was it too much to ask for some time to yourself for once in this godforsaken place?!?

It was safe to say that the Avengers needed some sort of release. Ideas had been bouncing about on how they should celebrate the end of the gruesome missions however nothing stuck.

The most common came from people like Sam, Thor and Tony…get absolutely sloshed and have a party. They were always shot down, the rest of the team not wanting to deal with the clean up or other people for that matter.

Another common suggestion came from Wanda and Bruce, they suggested a horror movie marathon with snacks and drinks (alcoholic optional). Bruce’s reasoning was that horror movies had been proven to provide a cathartic release most efficiently compared to other genres of movies. Wanda also made sure to mention that everyone would be too busy belittling the characters to think about how exhausted they were. It was a good idea, but there were too many PTSD ridden people in the building to create a safe enough list for them watch so it was quickly pushed aside.

It wasn’t until the day after their target had been eliminated that a decision had finally been made and Tony was quick to get everything in order so the team could celebrate as soon as possible.

It had just been a passing comment, in fact, Tony couldn’t actually remember who had said it and no one would confess. Someone had mentioned to him in the midst of everything that they just needed to pick something fun. That’s when the spark went off in Tony’s mind and as soon as he had settled back at the compound, he was booking out an entire bar for the following week. He refused to tell anyone what his plan was, only Rhodey knew and that was only because they had a deal that Tony would keep no secrets from him.

The team had specific instructions before they set off. They were to dress nicely, but comfortably. They had to attend. They had to take part.

Tony’s plans were the talk of the week as everyone took the chance to relax and get back some time to themselves that had previously been lost. Soon enough though the night came around and the team were piling into the three separate cars and making their way into town.

As they pulled up to the bar in the city no one thought much of it. There had been a couple comments here and there amongst the group, Thor suggested maybe Tony had decided to go with their original idea, Natasha warned him that surely there was something more going on, they weren’t just here to get drunk and party.

Her warning was proved somewhat wrong when they all filed into the bar one after another, it was a small bar, worn out booths with a few tables scattered around the place. They noted the lack of staff around almost as soon as they walked in, seemingly looking over what Tony and told Rhodey was his masterpiece.

“We’ve got the place to ourselves!” he exclaimed jumping onto the small stage and gesturing his arms out towards the room, “you’re all also looking over our entertainment for the evening.” There was a sparkle in his eye and a smirk on his face as he caught everyone’s attention.

“It’s not you is it?” Steve yelled out as he followed Sam behind the bar to start handing out drinks.

“No, it’s no - that’s not very nice you know Captain,” Steve just shook his head in response. “Our entertainment is this!” Tony pointed towards the machine that stood to his side on the stage, the large machine, from the back, looked like nothing special, a metal box really, the noteworthy feature of this metal box was the two microphones that sat on each side of it.

“Karaoke?” Clint raised his brow, “I’m gonna need a stronger drink than this,” he shoved the beer back to Sam who quickly replaced it with a line of tequila shots along the bar.

“Mate we all are.”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The party was in full swing, it took a few rounds of shots and pestering for the karaoke to begin but soon enough the music was turned off and the machine was started up. Sam and Clint belted out Bohemian Rhapsody together, Wanda, Clint and Natasha decided that they couldn’t NOT sing We Are the Champions. After about four rounds of Asgardian alcohol Steve was pushed onto the stage to sing his heart out to Party in the USA.

Everybody was singing and dancing and having a fabulously buzzed time. Then there was Bucky. Bucky was not a party man, with or without the mounds of strangers Tony would bring to his parties he just couldn’t find himself enjoying them. Bucky would much rather be at home drinking and chatting with his friends than dancing and singing in this sticky bar. That’s why he was sat in the booth at the back of the bar facing the stage, watching his friends sing along to whoever was on stage off key and out of sync.

He slumped back into the booth, sipping on his drink as he watched Tony serenade Pepper with some song he didn’t know. His peace was interrupted when Sam and Y/N came crashing into the booth on either side of him.

“Hey Bucko,” beamed Sam.

“Buckaroo” laughed Y/N. Bucky rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t hold back a smile or the laugh that escaped him as his drunk friends doubled over in laughter at the nickname.

“I’m glad you two are having so much fun,” he shook his head as Sam took a swig of his drink and Y/N leaned closer to him.

“We’re playing a game Buck,” Sam smiled at Y/N as she shot up from her spot on Bucky’s shoulder, as soon as she moved he felt a chill sweep through him.

“It is not we, it is you,” she turned her attention to Bucky and threw an accusing finger at Sam, “he’s trying to get me drunk Bucky!”

“Doll, I’m afraid you’re already drunk,” Bucky looked at the girl who sat next to him with a shocked expression on her face, her body turned completely towards him.

“I can’t believe you would say that,” she turned back to Sam, “it’s your fault isn’t it!��

“Hey! I merely offered the drink, you’re the one that took it!” Sam slurred out matter-of-factly. Y/N nodded and hummed in reluctant agreement, she relaxed back down into the booth and leaned her head back on Bucky’s shoulder.

Bucky looked down at the girl on her shoulder who was softly singing along to whoever was on stage now, a small smile found its way onto his face until he thought about what they were actually talking about and his eyebrows furrowed slightly.

“Was the whole game to get her drunk? Dude,” Bucky looked at Sam with a disappointed face, you don’t just go around getting girls drunk for the fun of it.

“No,” Sam’s eyes darted to Bucky and back to the stage, “well maybe but she challenged me to it!”

“Please do tell me more.”

“I asked what drunk Y/N was like because none of us have ever met her and Y/N said, and I quote, ‘if you can get me drunk I’ll gladly introduce you’” he put on his best impression of Y/N and shrugged his shoulders like it was no big deal. Bucky couldn’t help but laugh, it was kinda funny okay, he had to admit that.

“And what did you find out you idiot?”

“Yea Sam, what’d you find,” Y/N slurred out softly, sitting up again and raising her eyebrows at Sam who stuck his tongue out towards her.

“You’re you, but like, times ten and giggly,” this caused an eruption of giggles from Y/N in her drunken state and a laugh from both the men, he wasn’t wrong. “Now if you excuse me, I have a song to sing” Sam jumped up from his seat and ran towards the stage.

“You don’t want to go join him?” Bucky asked twirling the glass in his hands as he avoided her eye.

“Nah, I’m good here,” Y/N smiled sweetly at him before leaning her elbows in the desk and watching Sam get the dance floor’s attention.

“I would like to dedicate this song to my main man!” Sam pointed towards Steve, “this ones for you spangled man with a plan!” The whole room started cheering and laughing, even Steve laughed as they all started singing along with Sam.

“Why are mopping back here Bucky?” The pair turned their attention away from Sam dragging Steve onto stage to finish the song and to each other, Y/N leaned forward on her elbows towards Bucky, he tried not to lean further towards her, he tried to push the feeling of wanted to be as close to her as possible deep down.

“Not a fan of parties,” he shrugged. She thought for a minute, eyeing him skeptically before humming.

“Not a fan of karaoke?” She smiled at him with the playful look in her eyes that he couldn’t resist, and Bucky could only swallow down a mouthful of his drink and nod. “Is it because you haven’t had a song dedicated to you yet Buck? There’s no need to be moping because of that,” Bucky rolled his eyes and opened his mouth to talk but the sudden applause interrupted him, and they looked over to see Sam and Steve bowing and leaping off the stage.

“I call next!” Y/N called out as she stood up but quickly leaned down to Bucky, “don’t worry Buck, I’ll dedicate my song to ya,” she winked and skipped off towards the stage. Bucky watched her jump on and select the song, she didn’t even have to think about what she was picking she already knew the perfect song to sing.

Bucky didn’t have enough time to process what she was on about. He wasn’t quite sure why it was such a bad thing that he hadn’t had a song dedicated to him. He didn’t mind it. He was more focused on the fact that she’d run away just as fast as she’d arrived at his booth and he hadn’t wanted her to leave. He knew though, as was with all of his friends, there’s no way to control them when there’s alcohol in their systems. As long as their safe, and happy, which they were.

Y/N wasn’t quite thinking as clearly as she would have liked when she ran up to the stage and selected the song she wanted. Her one thought process, the conclusion she had come to all by herself, was that Bucky was moping because no one had sung for him and he wasn’t enjoying himself. So she was determined to make a change of that. Y/N looked out to the other end of the room and meet Bucky’s eye. He had a wide smile on his face as he watched her, and he raised an eyebrow as the music began. All she could do was give him a smirk and bring the microphone up towards her.

“This is for my favourite super soldier with the long hair and the bright blue eyes!” she winked at him.  

As soon as the music started everyone in the room began whooping and cheering. Y/N stepped to the edge of the stage and held her hand up towards the crowd.

“I don’t want another pretty face,” she screwed her eyes shut and brought her fist towards her stomach dramatically, “I don’t want just anyone to hold,” she opened her eyes and scanned the room, Sam and Clint were wrapped in each other’s arms serenading one another, Tony was pulling Pepper towards the dance floor and giving her a spin. “I don’t want my love to go to waste,” she looked towards Bucky, her movements and her voice getting more and more dramatic with every movement, but her eyes were locked with his as she sang the next line, pointing a finger directly at him.

“I JUST WANT YOU AND YOUR BEAUTIFUL SOUL!!!” the room all shouted in unison.

The song continued and everybody got louder and louder as it went. Y/N felt like she was back in her childhood bedroom, jumping on her bed with a hairbrush microphone with her friends all singing along with over dramatic gestures and their entire soul going into the performance. This really was just the adult version of that.

Bucky watched Y/N dance around the stage singing the song he’d never heard before but deciding it was his new favourite. He laughed every time she pointed towards him, singing just for him. He listened to the lyrics, oh he wanted so badly for there to be truth behind those lyrics she sung to him. He watched her movements slow as she pushed her tangled her back from her face and then held the microphone with both her hands, her eyes not once leaving him as she beamed.

“Am I crazy for wanting you? Baby do you think you could want me too?” he wanted so badly for her to mean those words, he wanted so badly to run up to her on that stage and kiss her like his life depended on it because he did want her too.

Y/N’s eyes darted away from Bucky when she started the chorus again, she tried to push back the butterflies in her stomach from having his eyes glued so tightly to her. She tried to ignore what the song actually meant, this was just fun, it was a throwback song that was just a little bit of fun at a karaoke party. Right? Right?!?

As she came to the end of the song Y/N tried to immerse herself in it, she felt the music flow through her, she felt the alcohol running through her veins, she pushed back any feelings for Bucky that sat in her mind and focused completely on the song and her friends dancing and singing with her.

The song came to an end everybody burst into cheers and applause. Bucky stood up from his seat in the booth and moved to stand in front of it, joining in on the applause smiling at the girl he was so head over heels for. He watched her jump off the stage and stumble before catching herself and being enveloped by Natasha and Rhodey, he watched her high five Wanda and Clint as she made her way through the crowd and he watched her as she stepped up to him giggling.

“Did you enjoy your song Bucky?” Y/N mirrored his stance, arms crossed, shoulders back, smile sitting ear to ear.

“You put on quite a show Y/N” Bucky dropped his arms and stepped closer towards her, stuffing his hands in his pockets.

“Well,” she placed her hands on her hips and looked up at Bucky who flicked his tongue along his bottom lip, “I do aim to please.”

Bucky let out a deep chuckle, he pulled her by the wrist back to the booth before walking towards the bar and getting them both another drink.

“You gonna get out there before the nights over?” Y/N bumped her shoulder against Bucky’s after a few minutes of comfortable silence between the two.

“No way in hell,” he laughed looking back at her.

“Damn, was hoping you’d dedicate one to me,” she gave Bucky a smirk over the brim of her glass, “it’s the least you could do.”

“I can thank you in other ways,” Bucky mustered up whatever confidence he had in him, Y/N put her glass down and turned her body so she faced him fully.

“And how are you going to do that?” she leaned on her head on the booth, waiting for Bucky to make a move, any move.

He didn’t give her an answer, not a vocal one and not at first. Bucky chuckled softly and reached up to place his hand on her cheek, moving it across her skin to the back of her neck. He leaned in closer to her as she stayed in place biting her lip. Bucky brushed his nose against the side of Y/N’s, he had a small smile on his face when he noticed her cheeks turn pink at such a small action.

“I’ve got a few things up my sleeve,” he whispered before closing the gap between them. Their kiss was gentle and quick. She could taste the mixture of Asgardian liquor and the bitterness of beer on his lips but it wasn’t long enough or deep enough for her to remember the taste or feel it on her tongue. When he pulled back he didn’t move far and opted to rest his head on the booth next to hers.

“If that’s how I’m thanked after one song I wonder what another will get me,” she whispered, they kept their voices quiet, no one else needed to hear them.

“Guess you’ll have to sing me another one to find out,” he smiled, he kept his hand at the back of her neck, his fingers tangling themselves in her hair.

“I’ll need to finish my drink before you get another song out of me Buckaroo,” Y/N laughed and sat up, Bucky’s hand fell from her hair and he picked up his own drink, his other hand moved to wrap around her waist lightly.

“I think I’m starting to enjoy this whole karaoke thing,” he smiled at her from behind his drink. He’d let her sing every song under the sun for him up on that godforsaken stage if it meant getting to kiss her again.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed it and requests are open!

Beautiful Soul

Pairing: Bucky x Reader

Summary: The team decides to let loose after a rough few months with some singing and some alcohol, what could possibly happen ;)

Warnings: swearing, alcohol consumption, bit of fluff and pining

Requested by @turquoisekokiri

A/N: it took me so long to decide if I wanted this to be emotional or fun and light but every karaoke au i read the songs are slow and sad and I wanted a bit of a change and my friends and I decided Beautiful Soul by Jesse McCartney. ENJOY

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

It’d been an emotionally and physically draining few months for the Avengers. Everyone had missions up to their eyeballs and if they weren’t out in the field they were stuck under piles of research or surveillance work. Finally, after the long sleepless nights the overall objective was complete, and the team could relax. Everyone was exhausted, one more week and they would have been down each other’s throats. 

There had already been several examples of members lashing out. The most recent was when Natasha threw a cup of yogurt at Tony because he happened to walk in and start talking to her while she was in the kitchen. Was it too much to ask for some time to yourself for once in this godforsaken place?!?

It was safe to say that the Avengers needed some sort of release. Ideas had been bouncing about on how they should celebrate the end of the gruesome missions however nothing stuck.

The most common came from people like Sam, Thor and Tony...get absolutely sloshed and have a party. They were always shot down, the rest of the team not wanting to deal with the clean up or other people for that matter.

Another common suggestion came from Wanda and Bruce, they suggested a horror movie marathon with snacks and drinks (alcoholic optional). Bruce’s reasoning was that horror movies had been proven to provide a cathartic release most efficiently compared to other genres of movies. Wanda also made sure to mention that everyone would be too busy belittling the characters to think about how exhausted they were. It was a good idea, but there were too many PTSD ridden people in the building to create a safe enough list for them watch so it was quickly pushed aside. 

It wasn’t until the day after their target had been eliminated that a decision had finally been made and Tony was quick to get everything in order so the team could celebrate as soon as possible. 

It had just been a passing comment, in fact, Tony couldn’t actually remember who had said it and no one would confess. Someone had mentioned to him in the midst of everything that they just needed to pick something fun. That’s when the spark went off in Tony’s mind and as soon as he had settled back at the compound, he was booking out an entire bar for the following week. He refused to tell anyone what his plan was, only Rhodey knew and that was only because they had a deal that Tony would keep no secrets from him. 

The team had specific instructions before they set off. They were to dress nicely, but comfortably. They had to attend. They had to take part.

Tony’s plans were the talk of the week as everyone took the chance to relax and get back some time to themselves that had previously been lost. Soon enough though the night came around and the team were piling into the three separate cars and making their way into town.

As they pulled up to the bar in the city no one thought much of it. There had been a couple comments here and there amongst the group, Thor suggested maybe Tony had decided to go with their original idea, Natasha warned him that surely there was something more going on, they weren’t just here to get drunk and party. 

Her warning was proved somewhat wrong when they all filed into the bar one after another, it was a small bar, worn out booths with a few tables scattered around the place. They noted the lack of staff around almost as soon as they walked in, seemingly looking over what Tony and told Rhodey was his masterpiece.

“We’ve got the place to ourselves!” he exclaimed jumping onto the small stage and gesturing his arms out towards the room, “you’re all also looking over our entertainment for the evening.” There was a sparkle in his eye and a smirk on his face as he caught everyone’s attention. 

“It’s not you is it?” Steve yelled out as he followed Sam behind the bar to start handing out drinks.

“No, it’s no - that’s not very nice you know Captain,” Steve just shook his head in response. “Our entertainment is this!” Tony pointed towards the machine that stood to his side on the stage, the large machine, from the back, looked like nothing special, a metal box really, the noteworthy feature of this metal box was the two microphones that sat on each side of it. 

“Karaoke?” Clint raised his brow, “I’m gonna need a stronger drink than this,” he shoved the beer back to Sam who quickly replaced it with a line of tequila shots along the bar.

“Mate we all are.”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The party was in full swing, it took a few rounds of shots and pestering for the karaoke to begin but soon enough the music was turned off and the machine was started up. Sam and Clint belted out Bohemian Rhapsody together, Wanda, Clint and Natasha decided that they couldn’t NOT sing We Are the Champions. After about four rounds of Asgardian alcohol Steve was pushed onto the stage to sing his heart out to Party in the USA. 

Everybody was singing and dancing and having a fabulously buzzed time. Then there was Bucky. Bucky was not a party man, with or without the mounds of strangers Tony would bring to his parties he just couldn’t find himself enjoying them. Bucky would much rather be at home drinking and chatting with his friends than dancing and singing in this sticky bar. That’s why he was sat in the booth at the back of the bar facing the stage, watching his friends sing along to whoever was on stage off key and out of sync. 

He slumped back into the booth, sipping on his drink as he watched Tony serenade Pepper with some song he didn’t know. His peace was interrupted when Sam and Y/N came crashing into the booth on either side of him.

“Hey Bucko,” beamed Sam.

“Buckaroo” laughed Y/N. Bucky rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t hold back a smile or the laugh that escaped him as his drunk friends doubled over in laughter at the nickname. 

“I’m glad you two are having so much fun,” he shook his head as Sam took a swig of his drink and Y/N leaned closer to him. 

“We’re playing a game Buck,” Sam smiled at Y/N as she shot up from her spot on Bucky’s shoulder, as soon as she moved he felt a chill sweep through him.

“It is not we, it is you,” she turned her attention to Bucky and threw an accusing finger at Sam, “he’s trying to get me drunk Bucky!” 

“Doll, I’m afraid you’re already drunk,” Bucky looked at the girl who sat next to him with a shocked expression on her face, her body turned completely towards him.

“I can’t believe you would say that,” she turned back to Sam, “it’s your fault isn’t it!”

“Hey! I merely offered the drink, you’re the one that took it!” Sam slurred out matter-of-factly. Y/N nodded and hummed in reluctant agreement, she relaxed back down into the booth and leaned her head back on Bucky’s shoulder. 

Bucky looked down at the girl on her shoulder who was softly singing along to whoever was on stage now, a small smile found its way onto his face until he thought about what they were actually talking about and his eyebrows furrowed slightly.

“Was the whole game to get her drunk? Dude,” Bucky looked at Sam with a disappointed face, you don’t just go around getting girls drunk for the fun of it.

“No,” Sam’s eyes darted to Bucky and back to the stage, “well maybe but she challenged me to it!”

“Please do tell me more.”

“I asked what drunk Y/N was like because none of us have ever met her and Y/N said, and I quote, ‘if you can get me drunk I’ll gladly introduce you’” he put on his best impression of Y/N and shrugged his shoulders like it was no big deal. Bucky couldn’t help but laugh, it was kinda funny okay, he had to admit that. 

“And what did you find out you idiot?”

“Yea Sam, what’d you find,” Y/N slurred out softly, sitting up again and raising her eyebrows at Sam who stuck his tongue out towards her.

“You’re you, but like, times ten and giggly,” this caused an eruption of giggles from Y/N in her drunken state and a laugh from both the men, he wasn’t wrong. “Now if you excuse me, I have a song to sing” Sam jumped up from his seat and ran towards the stage. 

“You don’t want to go join him?” Bucky asked twirling the glass in his hands as he avoided her eye.

“Nah, I’m good here,” Y/N smiled sweetly at him before leaning her elbows in the desk and watching Sam get the dance floor’s attention.

“I would like to dedicate this song to my main man!” Sam pointed towards Steve, “this ones for you spangled man with a plan!” The whole room started cheering and laughing, even Steve laughed as they all started singing along with Sam.

 “Why are mopping back here Bucky?” The pair turned their attention away from Sam dragging Steve onto stage to finish the song and to each other, Y/N leaned forward on her elbows towards Bucky, he tried not to lean further towards her, he tried to push the feeling of wanted to be as close to her as possible deep down.

“Not a fan of parties,” he shrugged. She thought for a minute, eyeing him skeptically before humming. 

“Not a fan of karaoke?” She smiled at him with the playful look in her eyes that he couldn’t resist, and Bucky could only swallow down a mouthful of his drink and nod. “Is it because you haven’t had a song dedicated to you yet Buck? There’s no need to be moping because of that,” Bucky rolled his eyes and opened his mouth to talk but the sudden applause interrupted him, and they looked over to see Sam and Steve bowing and leaping off the stage.

“I call next!” Y/N called out as she stood up but quickly leaned down to Bucky, “don’t worry Buck, I’ll dedicate my song to ya,” she winked and skipped off towards the stage. Bucky watched her jump on and select the song, she didn’t even have to think about what she was picking she already knew the perfect song to sing. 

Bucky didn’t have enough time to process what she was on about. He wasn’t quite sure why it was such a bad thing that he hadn’t had a song dedicated to him. He didn’t mind it. He was more focused on the fact that she’d run away just as fast as she’d arrived at his booth and he hadn’t wanted her to leave. He knew though, as was with all of his friends, there’s no way to control them when there’s alcohol in their systems. As long as their safe, and happy, which they were. 

Y/N wasn’t quite thinking as clearly as she would have liked when she ran up to the stage and selected the song she wanted. Her one thought process, the conclusion she had come to all by herself, was that Bucky was moping because no one had sung for him and he wasn’t enjoying himself. So she was determined to make a change of that. Y/N looked out to the other end of the room and meet Bucky’s eye. He had a wide smile on his face as he watched her, and he raised an eyebrow as the music began. All she could do was give him a smirk and bring the microphone up towards her.

“This is for my favourite super soldier with the long hair and the bright blue eyes!” she winked at him.  

As soon as the music started everyone in the room began whooping and cheering. Y/N stepped to the edge of the stage and held her hand up towards the crowd.

“I don’t want another pretty face,” she screwed her eyes shut and brought her fist towards her stomach dramatically, “I don’t want just anyone to hold,” she opened her eyes and scanned the room, Sam and Clint were wrapped in each other’s arms serenading one another, Tony was pulling Pepper towards the dance floor and giving her a spin. “I don’t want my love to go to waste,” she looked towards Bucky, her movements and her voice getting more and more dramatic with every movement, but her eyes were locked with his as she sang the next line, pointing a finger directly at him.

“I JUST WANT YOU AND YOUR BEAUTIFUL SOUL!!!” the room all shouted in unison.

The song continued and everybody got louder and louder as it went. Y/N felt like she was back in her childhood bedroom, jumping on her bed with a hairbrush microphone with her friends all singing along with over dramatic gestures and their entire soul going into the performance. This really was just the adult version of that.

Bucky watched Y/N dance around the stage singing the song he’d never heard before but deciding it was his new favourite. He laughed every time she pointed towards him, singing just for him. He listened to the lyrics, oh he wanted so badly for there to be truth behind those lyrics she sung to him. He watched her movements slow as she pushed her tangled her back from her face and then held the microphone with both her hands, her eyes not once leaving him as she beamed.

“Am I crazy for wanting you? Baby do you think you could want me too?” he wanted so badly for her to mean those words, he wanted so badly to run up to her on that stage and kiss her like his life depended on it because he did want her too.

Y/N’s eyes darted away from Bucky when she started the chorus again, she tried to push back the butterflies in her stomach from having his eyes glued so tightly to her. She tried to ignore what the song actually meant, this was just fun, it was a throwback song that was just a little bit of fun at a karaoke party. Right? Right?!?

As she came to the end of the song Y/N tried to immerse herself in it, she felt the music flow through her, she felt the alcohol running through her veins, she pushed back any feelings for Bucky that sat in her mind and focused completely on the song and her friends dancing and singing with her.

The song came to an end everybody burst into cheers and applause. Bucky stood up from his seat in the booth and moved to stand in front of it, joining in on the applause smiling at the girl he was so head over heels for. He watched her jump off the stage and stumble before catching herself and being enveloped by Natasha and Rhodey, he watched her high five Wanda and Clint as she made her way through the crowd and he watched her as she stepped up to him giggling.

“Did you enjoy your song Bucky?” Y/N mirrored his stance, arms crossed, shoulders back, smile sitting ear to ear.

“You put on quite a show Y/N” Bucky dropped his arms and stepped closer towards her, stuffing his hands in his pockets.

“Well,” she placed her hands on her hips and looked up at Bucky who flicked his tongue along his bottom lip, “I do aim to please.”

Bucky let out a deep chuckle, he pulled her by the wrist back to the booth before walking towards the bar and getting them both another drink.

 “You gonna get out there before the nights over?” Y/N bumped her shoulder against Bucky’s after a few minutes of comfortable silence between the two.

“No way in hell,” he laughed looking back at her.

“Damn, was hoping you’d dedicate one to me,” she gave Bucky a smirk over the brim of her glass, “it’s the least you could do.”

“I can thank you in other ways,” Bucky mustered up whatever confidence he had in him, Y/N put her glass down and turned her body so she faced him fully.

“And how are you going to do that?” she leaned on her head on the booth, waiting for Bucky to make a move, any move.

He didn’t give her an answer, not a vocal one and not at first. Bucky chuckled softly and reached up to place his hand on her cheek, moving it across her skin to the back of her neck. He leaned in closer to her as she stayed in place biting her lip. Bucky brushed his nose against the side of Y/N’s, he had a small smile on his face when he noticed her cheeks turn pink at such a small action.

“I’ve got a few things up my sleeve,” he whispered before closing the gap between them. Their kiss was gentle and quick. She could taste the mixture of Asgardian liquor and the bitterness of beer on his lips but it wasn’t long enough or deep enough for her to remember the taste or feel it on her tongue. When he pulled back he didn’t move far and opted to rest his head on the booth next to hers.

“If that’s how I’m thanked after one song I wonder what another will get me,” she whispered, they kept their voices quiet, no one else needed to hear them.

“Guess you’ll have to sing me another one to find out,” he smiled, he kept his hand at the back of her neck, his fingers tangling themselves in her hair.

“I’ll need to finish my drink before you get another song out of me Buckaroo,” Y/N laughed and sat up, Bucky’s hand fell from her hair and he picked up his own drink, his other hand moved to wrap around her waist lightly.

“I think I’m starting to enjoy this whole karaoke thing,” he smiled at her from behind his drink. He’d let her sing every song under the sun for him up on that godforsaken stage if it meant getting to kiss her again.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed it and requests are open!

small fluffy prompt bc i know you've wanted some (for damien haas ofc), kinda sucks but oh well. maybe the two of them are super close friends at smosh and evryone knows they like each other but the two of them are just oblivious to it all?? but then 1 of them lets slip that they like someone the other knows and the other (either damien or reader) is jealous. u don't need to include the last bit tho if you don't want to. btw, love what you did with that other prompt. :)

a/n: hi anon. Thank u for the lovely request. I enjoyed writing this one, as you can see its 2k workds lmao and hope you would enjoy this too!

a/n2: i kinda changed the storyline on this one but still i hope you will like it! Thank you!

Summary: Arcades and realizations. What a fun way to ask someone out after being... jealous?

Note: summary is super random . Damn i spologise. Alsoo Jelous Damien yey!! Also I posted this while on phone, I will check grammars after I open my laptop tomorrow. Thanksss

Enjoy guys!

wordcount: 2,173k.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Look!” You exclaimed excitedly as soon as you entered the squad’s office. It was a Monday, meaning all of them would be dead tired and complaining about Monday but not you. You were excited because later after work, you’ll go to the movies with Damien.

Well, not just Damien. You will go to the movies with Shayne, Courtney, Ian, and Damien.

Damien, who was doing something on his computer stopped. He put his headphones around his neck and turned to look at you with a smile, “Yeah?” He responded, cheeks still a little pink.

“The trailer for Season four!” You showed him your phone and Damien read for a moment before his eyes widen. “No shit! Have you watched the trailer?”

“Not yet. I want to watch it with you,” Damien’s heart skipped a beat and he immediately grabbed the nearest seat and put it beside him before ushering you to sit and watch it on his desktop.

“Oh no, do you have earphones so we can both hear?”

“I have none,” You pouted and Damien puts his hand under his chin to think before grabbing his headphone to rotate on headphone cup to the outside. “Would this do?” He asked and showed you his headset. You nodded and Damien searched up the trailer for My Hero Academia S4.

Damien clicked the video and paused it before wearing his headphone. You immediately, as if you two have done this before, put your face next to him, ears pressed up to the open headphone cup as the two of you watched the trailer—completely unaware of Shayne, Boze, and Keith’s gaze on you two.

They were wondering whether you two are going out. Or when would you two go out.

~

Ever since Damien entered Smosh, you two hit it up quite quickly. You both love anime, and cats and you both were talking non-stop for a week just because of that.

At first, you were unaware of your feelings for him. Both of you have already went to the movies alone, eat out alone, even went to the cat café alone, however, one night. Only one night made you realize that, shit, you like your friend.

The Smosh fam has thrown a party for one of their producers and you had one too many drinks that night. However, what they don’t know about you was that your alcohol tolerance was higher than any other person. So, they all thought you were drunk because you were talking too much. Actually, when you drank too much, you would get talkative and super red but not drunk. Shayne had suggested you go home and Damien volunteered.

He was assisting you with your every step. Hands always on your waist for support and you can just feel Damien’s concern for you.

“I’m good now,” You said once you stepped in front of your apartment door. Damien was looking at you worriedly and you giggled. You looked down and you realized that you two were holding hands.

“I can help you up,” Damien suggested and you just waved him off, hands still linked together.

You averted your gaze up, eyes meeting each other then you found yourself resting your head on the crook of Damien’s neck.

Confusion was written on your face for a moment, you don’t know why you have done it but as soon as Damien patted your hair, your heart did some backflips.

“Hey dude, earth to Y/N,” You snapped out of your thoughts and felt something cold on your cheeks. You looked at the source and saw Damien with a smile and a cola in hand pressed against you face. You took the can with a thanks as Damien sat beside you.

“Why were you staring at your computer for a minute?” He asked, drinking his own can of cola. You brought your hand up and rubbed your eyes, thanking yourself for not putting it mascara earlier. “I’m just writing a script, that’s all.”

“Whoa, can I peek?”

“Peek, and you’re dead.”

“Why so mean Ms. Y/F/N.” You blushed. Damien rarely calls you by your full name and it sent butterflies in your stomach, even though you dislike butterflies.

“Hey how about this, after work let’s go to the arcade,” He suggested and you rolled your eyes, “Aren’t we too old for arcades?”

“Nah uh, we aren’t. Come on, what do you say?” He looked at you suggestively and admittedly, he looked so handsome you want to squish his face. You sighed in defeat as you nodded, Damien cheered and exclaimed on how he can’t wait for later.

~

Now, Damien has known you for quite some time and he was glad you two had hit it off quite easy. At first he was cautious but as soon as you mention you watch anime, Damien can’t stop.

Damien has Shayne to talk to about anime, but it was really different when you talk to someone who also reads the manga. You managed to read mangas and Damien was enthusiastic.

At first, Damien was unaware of his feelings for you. Kind of avoiding that topic in his head whenever he sees you. But one day. Only one day was needed that he realized, shit, he likes his friend.

Damien was busy playing, eyes never leaving his screen and him, Mari and Wes played some game. It was nearing afternoon and Damien was getting a little stressed with the game. Wes was winning and Damien hides it a little that he doesn’t want Wes to win.

Damien the groaned and stared at his camera for a long time as the rest laughed out. They gave out their outros and the shoot was done.

“Nice job everyone,” Mari cheered and Wes emitted a laugh as he pointed at Damien. “Sorry bud. Maybe next time,” Damien pouted and there was a tap on his computer screen.

“Hey Dames,” You greeted with a smile. Damien then proceeds to whine a little, telling you that he would win next time.

You just laughed and patted his head. Your smile was blinding and pretty sure Damien can’t see anything else but your reassuring smile.

“Dames,”

“Yes?” Damien was waiting outside your office and he didn’t realize that he had zoned out for minutes. “Ready?” You asked, feeling all excited to go to the arcade with him.

“Yeah, come on!”

It has been a while since the two of you hang out, just the two of you. You were pretty excited as you both entered Damien’s car. “Where to?”

“Maybe near the xxx?” Damien suggested and you nodded. As Damien was driving, you picked up the aux cord and rummaged through your phone. “What you gonna play?”

“You’ll see,” You smirked and pressed play. Soon, the both of you were singing your hearts out to Boku No Hero opening songs.

~

“Pretty packed, huh?” You commented as soon as you opened the door. Damien was scratching the back of his head as he looked around the arcade. “Yeah, didn’t know it would be full on the weekday,” Damien apologized but you immediately waved him off.

“No, no it’s fine. Come on, let’s play!”

You and Damien played from basketball shooting to race car driving. It was so fun, and looking at Damien laughing and enjoying because of you made your heart all warm and fuzzy.

Half an hour later, you both decided to eat when a group of girls stopped you. Well, more like Damien. They seemed to be fans as they were talking to him about how awesome he was and if it was okay to take a picture with him. Of course, who was Damien to refuse? He’s the kindest person you have ever known.

You stood on the side as you watched Damien get surrounded by girls. This was bad, you thought as you felt your chest tightening when one girl went in for a hug, her hands wrapped around his waist as Damien posed with a dashing smile.

Releasing a groan, you turned around with a pout.

You knew damn well Damien was quite famous so you don’t really have the rights to complain. Hell, you weren’t eve his girlfriend—

Girlfriend.

You felt your cheeks heating up at the thought.

Oh god, girlfriend.

“Hey, sorry to keep you waiting. Let’s go? Taco Bell?” You released the breath you didn’t know you were holding and Damien looked at you worriedly. “What’s wrong?”

“Oh nothing. Just—I suddenly remembered work stuff.”

“Oh no. Y/N is super stressed. This requires food! Let’s go!” Damien grabbed hold of your shoulders as he guide the both of you to the nearest Taco Bell.

~

“You know, why are they so thin but yet, only one can already make me feel so full?” You showed Damien the quesadilla you were holding and Damien shook his shoulder, eating his food in the process. “Beats me. They look like you wanted four but then you quit after two.”

The both of you continued to talk animatedly, any random topics that would came into your minds will automatically be the new topic.

This was what Damien liked. Just you and him talking about random stuff. It made him happy that somehow he would get to know you more and more. And the way you laugh, damn, Damien wanted to pinch those cheeks of yours.

Y/N was discussing about something when she was suddenly interrupted and she stood up to hug that guy that interrupted her.

“Max!”

Max? Who is he? Damien thought as he looked at you and the new comer. You two seemed close. Too close.

You and this so called Max broke the hug and ask how each other was and all. Damien’s lip formed a thin line as he grabbed for his drink and drank a little too harsh.

Damien knew damn well you were pretty. With you hair and eyes, and those lips. You were so pretty, he kind of questions how the two of you became friends. However, as he looked on how you and Max interacted he can’t help but to feel… jealous.

Jealous? No, no. He doesn’t have any reasons to be jealous because he isn’t your boyfriend—

Boyfriend.

Damien’s already red cheeks went redder.

Oh god, boyfriend.

~

Something was wrong. You felt it. Damien was awfully quiet right now as he was driving you home. It was nearing eight, the sun has already set and traffic was unpleasant.

He said he was just tired but you can feel that it wasn’t just tired. You were tired but not that exhausted to be all quiet.

As soon as he parked in front of your apartment, you bit your lips. Eyes scanning the dashboard as you process in your brain on what to say to Damien.

“We’re here…” Damien announced and you groaned. Turning to look at him with a pout.

“Tell me what is bothering you,” You said, more like demanded and Damien was taken aback. He released a sigh before resting his back on his seat.

“Nothing,”

“Don’t nothing me Damien Christian,” Damien cringed a little as you called him by his full name.

“Ever since Taco Bell you have been acting quiet,” You started, eyes never leaving his face.

Was this your first ever quarrel with him? You don’t like it one bit.

“And I don’t know what to do. It’s making me all anxious knowing something might be wrong and the reason might be me. Damien tell me—”

“I like you.”

Silence.

Pure silence surrounded you both as Damien looked at the steering wheel, afraid to look into your eyes.

He hated it. How he had let his temper and feelings in the way. Well, it was go home or go big. Damien can’t back out now.

“I’m sorry…” He finally managed to mutter out, eyes still glued in front. “I like you… ever since. And I—oh god this is so stupid,”

“Why is it so stupid?” You managed to ask and Damien immediately averted his gaze to you and saw tears pooling in your eyes. He quickly unstrapped his seatbelt as he leaned into you to cup your face.

He was even more scared to see you on the brink of tears.

“No, what I meant-”

“Is it so stupid to like me?”

Damien stared at your face as you avoid eye contact. “No,” He said softly, “No, no. No. Oh god, no.” Damien sighed as he wiped away the unshed tears. “I—”

“Because I like you too, Damien,” Damien’s eyes widen at your sudden confession and he badly wanted to kiss you right now but he hugged you instead.

“Oh, t-that’s—I…” You two were speechless and you both succumbed into each other’s arms.

“Silly Dames,” You commented and both of you laughed, still entangled in a hug.

You were so worried. You thought you have ruined your friendship somehow but it turns out to be quite different. You smiled under Damien’s hug.

Oh god, you love this dude so much.

--

Do tell me what u think. Thankuuu

with liz working on the serum its alex who goes to the faith healer with maria and gets answers about aliens as well! love everything you have written for this show as well its all amazing!

So this is a follow up to this 109 fix it where Alex doesn’t walk away: Chapter 2

-*-

“You literally hate everything I love!” Michael erupts and Alex has to fight the urge to laugh.

The brothers confer and Alex looks back to the line of people. He doesn’t believe this woman for a second. But he also didn’t believe in aliens as of twenty four hours ago. There’s a sharp divide though. The people he knows are aliens don’t charge for their services. Michael comes over to him.

“Come on, we’re gonna entrap her.”

“She said healing, Guerin,” he says, “I don’t think regrowing limbs counts.”

Michael sighs and holds his hand up in response.

Oh.

They join the queue. Alex has been taught to read people’s body language. Michael always hides his hand in subtle ways. Ways that wouldn’t draw attention to it. Especially around Alex. Now he doesn’t seem to know what to do with it. He tries shoving it into his pocket or gripping it with his other hand. Alex wants to go over to Max and Maria and call it off. They’ll ask about his leg, this chick is clearly full of crap. But he can’t take Michael fidgeting like this, looking worse and worse as they get closer, his grin growing wide as he tries to look like   he won’t be sick. He’s hopeful or nervous and Alex isn’t sure which.

So he takes Michael’s hand in his.

Michael goes stone still and whips to look at him. Alex has to fight not to be nauseous. He’s touched Michael’s hand before, but it’s always been gentle and light. Taking it in his own, he can feel everything. The mangled bones that are definitely not where they’re supposed to be, the skin that’s healed puckered and thick. He saw Michael’s bones that night, they both did,  Alex doesn’t know if the skin looks like this because of that or because of whatever Michael did to try and close the wound. He thought that he didn’t go to the hospital because of money or the system. Not because he’s a fucking alien. An alien with a brother who can heal, which is a whole other thing. Michael is silent as they approach but relaxes into his old bullshit as the healer stands in front of them.

“I want to try the whole rockstar thing before I’m thirty,” He says and Alex has to fight to keep a straight face again.

“This a terrible injury,” the healer says, taking Michaels hand. Alex watches as his throat bobs. This feels like a violation, “to heal this you have to reopen the wound in your mind,” she says, “all the pain you’ve hid there.”

Alex watches Michael’s expression shift.

It’s incredible how much of the time Michael spends pretending to be something else. To feel something else. The pain in his face cracks through and he looks down, running his tongue over his bottom lip before taking his hand back. Alex tears his eyes away as the woman continues to speak but keeps looking at Michael. Michael keeps his eyes away from Alex and has his hand tucked into his lap, the fingers laying there limply like they, too, are exhausted with the facade.

“What about you?” The woman asks.

“Oh I got my leg blown off by an IED,” he says, “excuse us.”

They get outside and he grabs Michael’s wrist and pulls him away from everyone else. Maria and Max still have their turn with her. But the mission seems to be less important for once. Michael doesn’t have his walls up as fast as usual. Alex isn’t sure he’s seen them down like this since high school. The healers words tumble over and over in his head. Pain Michael hid in the injury. Michael opens his mouth and starts to shift into his de facto persona but Alex refuses to let that continue. He’s done.

“Why didn’t you let Max heal you?”

Whatever Michael is about to say dies on his lips. His entire body shifts. Alex forces himself not to react, he feels like he’s seeing a new side of Michael. Maybe he is. He can say he’s seeing past Michael’s walls to who he used to be, but the truth is more complicated than that. On one hand he knows Michael, but it’s an abstract way. Not in the way that he knows other people. Michael’s had the ability to heal his hand this entire time. There is a reason it still looks like that.

“Guerin,” He says.

“Why do you care?” Michael demands, going for combative, “it doesn’t matter.”

“Of course it matters,” Alex says, “that happened because you were trying to protect me.”

Michael looks away and tightens his jaw. When he turns back, his eyes are on Alex’s feet and it feels like the dirt gives out.

“For all the good that did,” Michael says.

Alex inhales sharply. It’s a fair turn, being called out for his leg after he’s spent a solid twenty four hours calling Michael out for lying to him about being an alien. The alien thing still feels abstract, but this is familiar ground. Ground that is shaky at best, ground Alex was fully prepared to walk away from and save them the pain of staying on.  The core of their problems has always been embarrassingly human.

“I don’t want you in pain because of my choices,” Alex says and the sound Michael makes is truly heartbreaking, “we didn’t even know each other that well! We connected like something—“

“Cosmic?” Michael supplies and Alex looks away.

“You’re not the only one who was trying to protect someone they loved,” Alex says.

Michael steps forward and Alex holds his ground as Michael sweeps his bright eyes over him before locking their gazes together.

“And you’re not the only one whose in pain because of what you did,” he says. The pain in Alex’s chest makes him wonder how they were kissing last night. How he felt relieved that they could have the truth out in the open. Michael looks equally wrecked at this turn of events, more unsure than Alex has ever seen him. Alex almost wants Max to come and end this but it’s Michael that pulls away, “I need a drink,” he mutters and walks off before Alex can call him back.

Michael avoids him the rest of the night.

At least until they’re all good and liquored up and Alex gets out of there before he has to watch Michael shimmy with strange girls while Maria turns the bar into a karaoke party. He’s not ready for any of this but he’s really, really not ready for the stab of jealousy he feels towards his friend. Maria is so good. Alex can barely sing in the shower without being sure someone’s going to come in and attack him. Of course when he gets outside he’s not alone for long.

“Don’t tell me you spend your nights out in the parking lot,” he says.

“Only when there’s someone I like out here,” Michael says and Alex rolls his eyes.

“Does that line actually work?” He says.

“You tell me.”

Alex shakes his head and grabs the blanket he came out here for. Michael watches him. Alex gets onto the sand and looks at Michael. To his credit, it only takes him a moment to scramble after him. Alex isn’t sure why he invites Michael. Why he can’t just walk. The healer’s words echo over and over in his head. The wound is in Michael’s mind. Maybe he can’t be healed without that. His father may have used the hammer but it doesn’t take Alex’s level of genius to know how much of a hand he has in the mind part of the wound.

“So how are you doing with the whole alien thing?” Michael asks. Alex raises an eyebrow, “Liz flipped. She’s the only one who knows,” Michael tries to look casual and it does come off better when he’s drunk, Alex realizes, “and she and Max aren’t together or anything. So—“ He rocks on his heels.

“You mean am I mad at you?” Alex says. He shakes his head at Michael small nod, “no, Guerin, I’m not mad at you. I wouldn’t have trusted seventeen year old me with something like that.”

“I mean I did,” Michael says, “trust you,” he adds, “I trusted you. I came over didn’t I?”

“Because I figured out you were living in your truck,” Alex says.

“Yeah but I trusted you after that,” Michael shoots back.

Alex rolls his eyes but there’s no anger in the gesture. He finds a clean spot and drops the blanket, easing himself down and laying back. The warm hit of alcohol makes this far more pleasant. He wishes he didn’t understand why the men in his family were so prone to alcoholism. After a moment, Michael lays down next to him and looks up at the sky.

“Do you know which one’s yours?” He asks.

Michael laughs harshly.

“Is that a stupid question?”

“Nah,” He says, “you’re just the first person to ask it,” he looks up, “I don’t know exactly. I know given how our ship came down, if it’s in a straight trajectory—and it’s probably not—it’s somewhere over there,” he says and points in a direction. Alex cranes his neck, following Michael’s finger, “not accounting for rotation.”

Alex frowns at the upset feeling before he realizes his words.

“I called your crash sight Santa’s workshop,” he says.

Michael looks away and then looks back at him, trying to not look pained. But Alex sees that same glimmer of the expression on his face. How many stupid comments has he made about the aliens? About the crash sight?

“God I’m so sorry,” he says.

“Hey it’s okay,” Michael cuts in, “You didn’t know.”

“That’s not an excuse,” Alex argues, “I’m sorry,” he repeats, “I wouldn’t have said that if I knew.”

Michael gives him a hard look and then accepts the apology with a nod.

“You’re probably the only person whose got a right to say I should get off your land,” Michael says.

“Wait, was that a Native American joke?” Alex says.

“It was an observation,” Michael says, “give it a couple days, you’ll be making alien jokes in no time.”

Alex shakes his head. He can’t help the smile though. Michael’s charm is a dangerous, dangerous thing. They’re out here drunk laying on a blanket looking at the stars and despite everything, Alex has to fight not to let the air get too charged between them. It’s so much harder than it should be, all things considered. He should be mad at Michael for so many things and Michael should hate him for even more.  But out here on the blanket in the middle of the desert it’s nice.

“Were the stars different? Over there?”

“I was still in the northern hemisphere,” he says.

“I knew that,” Michael says, screwing up his face, “I knew that,” he repeats, “you just felt really far.”

So much for not letting it become electric.

Alex looks at him and meets Michael’s eyes across the blanket.

“So did you.” Michael’s throat works, “I missed you,” Alex confesses and surprise breaks across Michael’s features.

“You did?” He nods, “I thought—“

“I know.”

“But you said—“

“I’m a good liar now,” Alex says, self loathing slipping into his voice. Michael cringes, “you’re still miserable at it,” Alex adds.

“You didn’t know I was an alien,” Michael points out.

“I figured it out,” Alex reminds him.

Michael shakes his head and Alex realizes they’ve gotten so close he can almost feel Michael’s curls against his forehead. It’s been a rollercoaster twenty four hours. In spite of everything he knows and everything he doesn’t, he tracks Michaels’s gaze easily to his lip and back to his eyes. It’s been a whirlwind twenty four hours but Alex finds it laughably easy to push himself up and close the distance between them, kissing Michael again. Michael’s arms come around him and pull him close and despite the chill in the air, Alex finds he’s never felt warmer.

It’s the first time he’s had sex outdoors.

It’s strange and wonderful and he’s never loved Michael’s fever hot skin more. In the morning he wakes up with Michael pressed to his back, face buried in his shoulders. Alex flings his arm over his eyes and gropes for something to block the sun.

“You should get one,” Michael says when he gives the hat back.

“I think that’s more your look,” Alex says, flicking the brim.

They make it back to town and drop off Max and Maria. Michael pulls up in front of his air stream and looks at Alex.

“You’re okay going down a ladder right?” He says, “I want to show you something.”

Alex nods and Michael hooks up the air stream, moving it away from a manhole cover that would blend perfectly with their surroundings. Alex as seen the tacked up drawings of a spaceship, it’s one of the things he always kicks himself for not recognizing as a a sign Michael was an alien a lot sooner. Michael leads him into the bunker. Alex takes in the sight of glass chandeliers and light tables and different equations. Michael’s looks are very human, but none of this is. Michael grips a sheet and pulls it back and the least human thing is revealed.

“Is that a—“

“Yeah,” Michael says, leading him over to the craft, “I’ve been collecting pieces, when I put them together the molecules join. It’s like they were never broken. The pieces want to be together.”

Alex can hear the pride in Michael’s voice but it’s hard to wrap his head around this.

“The pieces want to be together,” he repeats, looking at the perfect geometry of the ship, “what are you doing with it.”

“I figure if I can attach it to a vehicle, this should do the rest.”

It’s like being hit.

That’s the only thing that comes close to the air going out of his lungs and the sharp pain in his chest. Michael sounds so proud, looks proud. And anxious. And all Alex can hear is that he’s trying to get out of here. Surely that makes sense right? Alex did the same thing. But he came back. He didn’t go to space. Just far away. Far far away.

“You’re trying to leave the planet,” Alex says.

Michael stares at him and the floor feels like it falls out from under his feet. Again. Maybe that is one of Michael’s powers and not his weakness like he always thought. Something must show on his face because Michael’s features shift from anxious and earnest to full of comprehension. And anger. There’s anger there too. And concern. God, how the hell did this guy keep being an alien a secret?

“I need some—“

“I was,” Michael says at the same time, “I was trying to leave,” he cracks his knuckles and if Alex didn’t feel sick before, he does now, “I thought I had nothing here except some old scrap metal,” Alex’s leg aches, “now—“ he stops, “now I’m not sure.”

“Why didn’t you let Max heal your hand?” He asks.

“I needed the reminder,” he says quietly.

Suddenly the floor isn’t coming out from under him, he’s found the bedrock. The impact hurts. He looks at the spaceship that Michael has built and the hand that he’s ruined, the heart that he’s broken. Maybe Michael would be better a million miles away. In this moment, Alex is more unsure of everything than he thinks he ever has been.

“Why are you showing me this?” Alex asks, “why didn’t you just deny everything?”

Michael straightens up and no longer looks young or afraid or anything like that. He doesn’t look ashamed. Raw, he looks raw Alex realizes. But very sure of what he’s doing. For a man who Alex has always thought is flying by the seat of his pants, he’s constantly amazed at how deliberate Michael is.

“I figure if anyone’s going to destroy me, it might as well be you.”

You can always be friendly, but you can’t always be friends (pt. 2)

So, on the previous post I was talking about inherent power dynamics that can make a true friendship impossible. Let’s also refer back to the definition of friendships as «emotionally intimate relationships based in equality. Where the key component keeping you in relationship is a mutual sense of understanding, trust and compatibility with each other. And not relationships where something is owed.»

Now, for this post I wanted to focus not on power dynamics, but on other elements that can make true friendships impossible in specific contexts and why, focusing on the emotional aspect.  Mainly, the two types I want to discuss are: party friends (whom we have a relationship based on substance abuse, specifically) and exes (to be discussed on another post because this one is long enough)

Again, these are relationships where you can be friendly, where you can genuinely enjoy each other’s company, but where the true friendship doesn’t really come to happen. But the real question is: why not?

And the main reason behind it, I think, is because you’re connected through what is known in attachment theory as a fantasy bond. 

I’m gonna go ahead and place the cut here, but, this is where it gets good.

When we get into relationships with people, we also relate to our idea of them - and far from being delusional, this is highly necessary to keep relationships alive. It’s not like we’re connected to someone only when we talk to them, or only when we’re sharing the same space with them. We are also in relationship when we think about the person, and that’s how we keep relationships functioning. This is precisely what helps us have continuity when we reconnect in person. If the relationship is good, this is what helps fortify the feelings of trust and safety, because we are remembering we’re safe and cared for.

So far, so good, right? Fantastic. The thing is that for this not to turn dysfunctional, we have to show up emotionally to the relationship. We can’t forever live in our idea of how much someone cares for us, or the idea of how much we care about them... if we never take action that builds on that. Intimate relationships are constructed through a constant invitation and reciprocity to intimately connect (aka emotional attunement) - and when this connection is reliable (remember this word), it provides emotional safety.

If someone tells us we’re important to them, and that they’re there for us, and that they love us, but when we go to them they ignore us, brush us off because they’re too busy, or simply don’t really connect with us because they fail to understand us - that’s denying that emotional attunement. And if we keep insisting, because we tell it to ourselves, each other, and others, that we have a loving relationship - we’re lying. What we have is one hell of a fantasy bond, and what we have is a relationship with it, and not with the person.

And it really is heartbreaking to open your eyes one day and realize that we, or the other person, are simply not showing up to the relationship. That we don’t even know each other that well. This is when we feel alienated and chronically lonely.

So. What does all of this have to do with party friends and exes, huh? well, let’s get to it.

Party friends (and substance abuse)

What are party friends? Party friends are people you meet in the context of, well, partying, be it at a bar, club, concert. But more than that, these are “friends” you only meet to party. And they don’t really know you, or your life. Even less your family, your other friends, your dreams, your aspirations, your concerns, your problems. Nah, you just meet them to have a nice time out, and that’s it. Not every person you know has to know you on an intimate level. Not everyone has got to be your friend. But these people are people who you’re friendly with, nothing more. And there’s nothing wrong with that, but we must not confuse one with the other.

Now, how does substance abuse come into play? I’m gonna stir away from the controversy around legal or illegal substances - because people like to build a straw man around how not every illegal drug is addictive and that there are legal substances that are just as bad if not worse. That is not the point. Pick whatever substance you want, whether it causes addiction or not, doesn’t matter. Here we are considering any consciousness and mood altering substance, which may or may not have side effects, which have a noticeable impact on someone’s behavior.

I’m gonna choose alcohol, for this example. A completely legal substance which, if consumed responsibly and in moderation, shouldn’t be a problem. A substance that is socially acceptable and which is oftentimes encouraged precisely because of its socialization qualities. 

So, have you ever had a few too many drinks and done something stupid? Do you think it would be fair to judge you while under the influence of said substances? ‘That wasn’t me’, you would say. ‘I would never ever do that while sober’, and that is probably true. 

And that’s your main clue: you’re not entirely yourself when you’re drunk/high. It’s like an artificial version of yourself, where some parts are deeply muted and some other parts are heightened. Even more so, these types of substances also affect your memory, and you don’t have a full recollection of what went on when you were drunk.

So, if all of this is true so far, then it’s simpler to take the next step in the logical sequence: if you’re not entirely you when you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol, then, how can you ever have a truthful, connected relationship with the people you party with? They’re not getting to know the real you, they’re hanging out with party you. And you don’t know real them, you know party them. And that’s where your relationship ends.

‘But, hang on!’ I hear you say. ‘Does this mean I should never go out for drinks with my friends?’ One more time, that’s not the point. The point is that if substances are an important component of your relationship, if you get together to get high or drink excessively, and that’s all or most you do, then you don’t really know each other. You have a fantasy bond with the person you think they are, and with the person they are when they’re under the influence.... you might not even like sober them.

‘Ok, but, I rarely go party’. Look, man, the location is irrelevant. If you’re getting high and drunk in your living room every time you meet - the outcome is still the same. And if you’re whining because it’s not every time, but most of the time, this still applies, because....

WAIT, THERE’S MORE! (’more?!’ yes, more).

When the entire relationship has an important component of substance abuse, that right there is how you’re framing the relationship. Because if one of you were to quit, the entire dynamic would collapse. You know how hard it is to quit smoking when you’re surrounded by smokers? it’s the same thing, specially so if the substances you’re taking cause addiction, or you have a tendency towards substance abuse (and if this is the case, even caffeine can become addictive - and you probably will always need professional support for this). 

Why? because it will come down to two different scenarios: 

1) You roll for will power and you get a perfect 20... and then you’re excluded from the group dynamic and you have a hard time relating (do you know how boring it is to be the only sober person in the group?) and it can also create animosity because your peers will either judge you or feel self-conscious about their own behavior. So you will inevitably drift away.

2) It will effectively be impossible for you to quit because temptation is always right in front of you, so you will always relapse and stay in this environment.

But if being a hostage to the relationship weren’t enough, there’s also another matter: and it’s that substance abuse really does affect your mood and also your maturity levels. 

The brain is supposed to develop certain abilities as we grow older - like being able to predict the consequences of our actions and regulate impulse control. When we abuse drugs, specially before the age of 25 (when the brain is fully grown), the brain gets stunted. And it literally gets stuck in a pattern of self-gratification. 

What does this mean? That if you’re used to abusing substances, and have a hard time regulating your impulses, that is not a coincidence - that’s an inevitable consequence. So it’s normal that you can’t refuse drugs or alcohol when they are offered to you - and this means that these are the type of relationships you are always going to favor (consciously or unconsciously). If faced with the choice between a quiet, sober, night in playing board games, or going out and partying, your brain will always lean to the partying. Because everything else is just boring and not stimulating enough.

No, this doesn’t mean you don’t have a choice (because of course you do). But breaking the cycle is almost impossible when your brain is always looking for a rush. If you abuse substances, you will surround yourself with other people who do the same. Other people who are also emotionally stunted, who also have impulse control problems, and who also have the same shortcomings that you do. And they really do not have the ability to provide you (nor you them) with an emotionally mature relationship that is properly attuned. 

You can’t be emotionally attuned if you’re all checked out. And this is why these are not real friendships or emotionally connected relationships.

‘But what if I abuse substances but I’m friends (through some sheer miracle) with sober people?’ you ask. Well, as someone who has deeply loved people with substance abuse problems, I can first hand tell you that the substances have such an impact on their moods and consciousness that you never know what to expect, and these are, in short unreliable relationships full of pain. You never know who you’re talking to. Sober them? high them? off the high them? withdrawn them? And this inconsistency is heartbreaking. You can never fully trust them because it can really take a toll on your mental health to be a part of this wild roller coaster. Specially so because they tend to lie to cover up their behavior, and are rarely responsible for themselves (it’s always other people’s fault, or the substances’ fault).

And if you’re the type to have sex with your friends or make substance abuse a part of your romantic relationship, forget it. If you’re high or drunk while having sex you’re stepping on consent and safety issues (ever have someone accidentally hurt you because they weren’t in full control of their faculties? ever tried asking someone to stop when they’re high or drunk? or when you were out of it?). And, in the end, you’re not really having sex as means to connect - but you’re doing it just to get another rush.

Do you really think that’s love? even if it feels like it, do you think that’s real love? The love that will put everyone’s well-being as a priority instead of their self-destruction? It isn’t really, nor should it be. And it’s difficult to understand that when we live in a society that glamorizes and even romanticizes substance abuse.

No, you’re not having a cool bohemian romance where you both fall into the deep end of drugs and alcohol because you’re ‘oh so tortured’ but you ‘at least have each other’. You’re just sinking and bringing them down with you - and none of you deserve that.

Hm... Im gonna go with 23 cuz I think I already know what pairing you're gonna go with and i'd love to see how you do it

(I actually couldn’t decide what pairing I wanted to do but I decided on this one so I hope you guessed right!)

Bad Blood//Larry x Ash (WC:2,170)

Warnings:Language, Mentions of underage drinking, Alcohol Use

"Ash!” 

Sal’s voice was distinct, low and gravelly, cutting across her backyard. Even over the din of the party raging inside, it was unmistakably him, calling her name from the back door and interrupting the conversation she was having with Maple on the garden wall. Maple waved her away with a tilt of her solo cup, and Ash slid off the stone and crossed the yard, a little bounce in her step. 

They embraced, and she gave him an approving once over. He’d been nervous about the party, he’d told her. He didn’t really drink, crowds weren’t his thing, but she’d begged him to come. Eventually, he’d agreed, on the condition that he could bring a friend. She assumed that was who had dressed him for the evening, because he was looking a little edgier and... Laid back than normal. Even his hair hair was braided in a way that looked as though he’d slept in it. It suited him. 

She offered him a drink from the patio table, near where Todd and a few other kids had set up a ping pong table, including one older boy who Todd kept touching on the arm. Sal refused, politely. Sal did everything politely. 

“Nah, I’m good. Larry’s grabbing me a beer from the kitchen.” Maybe it was the alcohol in her own system that caused the delay, but she raised an eyebrow at him over the edge of her own cup. 

“Who?”

“Oh, Larry Johnson. That’s the guy I’ve been telling you about.” Ash felt her heart tighten. That didn’t make sense... For months, Sal had been talking about his downstairs neighbor who was so amazing - Who stayed up late playing video games when Sal couldn’t sleep, who helped Sal with his PTSD flashbacks with bad movies and cups of cocoa, who slept over almost every night so when Sal woke up screaming, he wasn’t alone. That didn’t seem on par with the Larry Johnson she knew. Rather, the one she had known. She hoped there were two in Nockfell and she had just never realized. 

The backdoor slid open again, almost on cue, and Ash’s heart squeezed even tighter. No, it was the same Larry Johnson stepping onto the back patio with the necks of two beers between his fingers. He was tanner than she remembered, taller, more toned. His hair was pulled up into a low bun to keep it off his neck, but she could tell he still hadn’t cut it. Their eyes met, and she had to work to hold her gaze with his - Hard and steady. It was obvious he hadn’t forgotten, but neither had she. 

It had been the summer before seventh grade. Like every summer before it, Larry and Ash had spent every day together. They split their time evenly between Ash’s pool and Larry’s tree house, and they had no secrets from each other. Ultimately, that had been their downfall. At the beginning of that summer, they’d carved their initials into the floor of the tree-house, pricked their fingers and pressed them together to seal a blood oath. By the end of it, Ash had screamed that she’d never wanted to see him again. And until now, she’d made good on that promise.

Sal, oblivious to the tension between them, took the extra beer from Larry and gave him a playful punch on the arm. 

“I was just talking about you, man. Ash, this is Larry. Larry, Ash.” 

Larry started to say “Nice to meet you,” just as Ash started to say “We’ve met.” Sal looked between them, confused. 

“You guys know each other?” Again, they both opened their mouths to speak at the same time. Ash frowned and took a long pull on her drink, draining it. Larry busied himself by opening his beer with his car key. They were quiet for a moment before Sal, clearly irritated, stamped his foot on the concrete. “What the fuck is going on?”

Ash looked at Larry accusingly, but his eyes were on his bottle cap, which he was weaving between his fingers. They were longer than she remembered; slender and bony. She could see a callous on on his index from paint brushes, and a place between his index and middle that had started to discolor from cigarettes. She cleared her throat, and he looked at her without meeting her eye. 

“Do you want to tell the story or should I?”

Larry rolled his eyes and the corner of his mouth twitched, the way it always did when he was losing his patience. “I don’t think we need to talk about it right now.” His voice was low, irritable. Ash huffed. 

“Someone better.” Sal said, cold.

“We used to be really good friends,” Larry started, looking at a crack in the concrete. 

“Best friends,” she corrected.

“Do you wanna tell it?” He snapped, and she folded her arms over her chest, but said nothing. 

“We were best friends, six years ago, and now we aren’t. That’s it.” Larry put the bottle to his lips, obviously done talking, and Ash pulled at a thread in her sweater to keep from reliving the nightmare all over again. Todd’s voice cut through the air from behind them, and she wondered if he’d been waiting for a lull in the conversation, or if he just had impeccably good timing. 

“Ash! Come on, some of us want to play seven minutes in heaven but the some of the guys will only play if you do.” Ash looked hesitant, but Todd nodded towards the boy he’d been fawning over earlier and pleaded with his eyes. Sal, frustrated and annoyed, jumped on the excuse for a change of subject before she could answer. 

“We’ll all play,” he said, grabbing Larry by the elbow and giving Ash a stern look over his shoulder while he steered the former inside. She followed, exchanging her empty cup for a full one, which was empty again when they reached the circle that had formed in the living room. 

Maple was already there, Chug next to her, and Todd and the other boy, who someone had called Neil, were settling into their spots. Sal and Larry took a seat too, and Ash sat on the opposite side, as far away from them as she could get. Maple set an empty tequila bottle on its side in the middle of the circle and gave it a test spin. Her cheeks were flushed and she was laughing at something Chug had said. At least she was having a good time.

 A few more people joined at the edges of the circle, hanging on furniture and sitting on the coffee table that had been pushed out of the way. When it seemed like everyone had settled down, someone spoke up. 

“Who spins first?” 

“Well, it’s Ash’s party.” Came Maple’s voice. “She should go.” Ash blanched, and put her hand up in protest. 

“No, no. It’s your birthday party Maple, you should go.” 

“Please,” Maple laughed. “Half the people here don’t even know me. Just spin to see who you’re going in the closet with.” Ash chewed her lower lip, but leaned forward and spun the bottle. Anyone but Larry, she prayed. Anyone but Larry. The bottle stopped between Larry and Sal. If he hadn’t had his legs crossed, Ash would have gladly been enjoying seven minutes telling bad jokes in the dark with her best friend. But as it were...

Maple, who hadn’t been paying much attention to the spin, noticed the look at Ash’s face and reddened when she saw who the bottleneck had landed on. She seemed to want to say something, her face empathetic, but Larry had already stood, and Todd had pulled up a timer on his phone. Embarrassed and angry, Ash followed Larry’s suit and they stood awkwardly outside the entry closet, shuffling their feet.

“Okay! I’ll start the timer as soon as the door closes!” Todd, who had somehow ended up in Neil’s lap, shouted from his spot on the floor. Larry opened the door and made a gesture with his hand for her to lead the way, so she did, and then the two of them were engulfed in the darkness, surrounded by coats. 

She thought two full minutes had gone by before he spoke. 

“Should I turn the light on?” 

“Why would I want to look at you?” Oddly enough, she did want to look at him, which only made her angrier. She could barely see the outline of his shoulders move up and down in a shrug. 

“Can I smoke in here?”

“No.”

“You didn’t have to come in here with me, you know,” he said, softer. She stuck a finger in her mouth and bit the nail. She didn’t answer. 

Another minute, maybe two, and then, “Do you remember the winter break we ignored the signs and went skating on Lake Wendigo?” She made a small affirming sound. “You begged your dad to buy you skates so we could go, and then the ice broke and we fell in. You were tall enough to stand up, but you freaked yourself out so bad I had to pull you out.” 

In spite of herself, Ash laughed, though she cut it short. “I never went ice skating again. I think those skates are still in this closet actually.” Larry shifted across from her. 

“You looked so small, you know. After I got you out of the water. We didn’t want our parents to know we’d broken the rules so we went back to the tree-house and wrapped you up in the sleeping bag. You were shivering and your hair was stuck to your face.” His voice sounded far away now, like he was back in the tree-house himself, watching. She rubbed her arms, remembering the chill. “Up until then, I never thought of you as a girl, you know? You were just Ash. But in that moment, you became someone I felt like I had to protect.” 

“Hey,” the flame in her voice was reignited. “I never asked you...” 

“Would you shut up and let me talk?” She scoffed and leaned back against the wall. “I’m trying to tell you something.” 

“Fine.” 

“I felt like I had to protect you because I never wanted to lose you. Even though there was no way you could have drowned that day, it still felt like you could have. And I couldn’t handle that... So the next summer... When you kissed me...” Ash was holding her breath, though she hadn’t realized it. “That was all I could think about. Was that I would lose you, and you would stop being my friend. So I started that fight with you before we went back to school because I didn’t know how to deal with how I was feeling.”

“Ben was really sick and you said you hoped he’d die.” The words were sour and slimy in her mouth.

“And you said I was the reason my dad left.” She hadn’t felt good about those words either. She could remember them tasting the same way. “I should have told you sooner what was going on. It wasn’t that I didn’t want you... I guess I just... If we were going to have a falling out, I wanted it to be on my own terms. Instead of just waiting for you to disappear.” 

The closet felt even smaller somehow, stuffy suddenly. 

“I’m sorry, Ashley. I loved Ben, you know that. And you. You were my favorite person in the world.”

“Do you really do all that stuff Sal says?” 

“I... Didn’t realize we were bringing Sal into this but... What does he say?” 

A knock on the door made them both jump. Maple’s voice. 

“One minute warning!” 

“He says you help him a lot. You stay up with him. Comfort him.” She could hear the embarrassment in his voice when he answered. 

“Yeah, I guess I do. He’s a good friend too though. And he’s been through so much shit I kind of feel like it’s the least-” 

Ash leaned forward and pressed her lips to his, cutting him off. He tasted like beer and cigarettes. For a moment, she felt like she was back in time, when she had kissed him before, and he had pushed her away, laughing. But then he kissed her back, softly at first, and then hard, his arms snaking around her waist. 

And then her back was against the wall, the two of them shrouded in coats, the hook of an umbrella digging into her thigh. But she could barely register it over the feeling of his hands, now in her hair, and the warmth of his body against hers. He pulled back, to plant a line of kisses along her jaw, and she steadied herself with her hands on his shoulders. 

Almost laughing, breathless, she said, “I still hate you.” 

He kissed her on the mouth again, and she could feel the smile on his lips against hers when he spoke. “Yeah?” Another kiss, rougher, needier. “Good.” 

Sweet Little Thought (LustBerry) Short Story

Another party..another lonely night. One where everyone avoids you like the plague just because of where you come from, look like.....and sometimes act like. Lust sighed as he put a smile on his face his eye-lights dull. He looked at the drink he had in his cup many would think it to be alcohol but...Lust actually hates the taste or even smell of the stuff. He stood in the corner other's quickly walking away from him or sometimes even running. Other's just never made eye contact with him. Lust forced himself not to cry as he swirled his drink around in his cup, thoughts swam around in his head as he spaced out. One thought stood out the most as well as a few others. Anger being in the top three...he had the right to be angry right?... He sighed and moved on from the thought. The rest being darker than he normally would have welcomed into his mind...but the blaring music the sound of laughter and....love filled the air. How come he wasn't allowed to love...and if he did why was it saw as 'fake' or even 'WrOnG' he could feel the tears trying to escape his eye sockets now. A lump in his throat, he quickly took a drink of his punch trying to wash away the feelings of sadness with it. The thoughts just kept coming along with the tears that tried to push there way out of his eye sockets but refused to let happen. He took a deep breath. It wasn't a bad idea....'Suicide'....right? He gripped his cup tightly and glared softly at the floor. No, he had no right to end his life. He had no right to smother out what was given to him just as he had no right to be angry or....even love for that matter. Lust looked up and was met by a pair of baby blue eyes looking up at him worriedly "Lust?" the soft voice rang in Lust's ears it seemed to cut through the music and loud voices echoing around the room. Lust's thoughts stopped as if frozen in time. "I..I ummm. Yes?" He stammered...Lust never studders or wastes a chance to 'flirt'.

◻◻◻   

Yet another party it was fun. Never a lonely night at parties like this. everyone seems to talk to you and share a laugh with you. It's always nice to meet a new person. he walked around sometimes talking to people or serving them food and drinks he had on a plate held level with my head. he saw some people rushing away from a corner but he couldn't see who was in the corner or what rather. Someone...Red to be exact stopped abruptly in front of him "Blue?! Did you invite him?!!" Red chucked a thumb behind him anger written all over his face but it wasn't directed towards Blue that's for sure. He leaned to look pasted Red and tilted his head slightly as he saw purple, then when someone moved clearly startled Blue could see Lust. The look in his eye sent a shiver down his spine. He knows that look all too well... He then leaned back and put a hand on my hip and glared at Red "Yes? Do you have a problem with that?" Red gulped and shook his head "I-I was ju-just asking." He smiled nervously and Blue raised a bone brow he obviously didn't buy it but before he could say anything Red ran away not wanting to fall victim to Blue's anger. Blue sighed and slowly made his way over to Lust setting the plate he had in his hands on the table. Lust seemed to be lost in his thoughts and if you looked close enough you could see tears trying to push their way to the surface. Blue tensed up slightly he could feel his SOUL grow heavy just from the thought of what Lust could be thinking. Blue now stood in front of Lust his eye's glowed with worry as he looked up at the sad skeleton. "Lust?" Blue said softly he was sacred he had said it too softly but was shocked to see Lust rais he head and look at him "I..I ummm. Yes?" Lust studdered.

◻◻◻   

Lust looked at the smaller who just seemed to get more worried as time ticked away. "Are...are you ok?" Blue asked gently looking Lust directly in the eye. Lust looked away from Blue not used to someone holding eye contact with him "Of course Baby Blue~!" Lust attempted to flirt but Blue knew what he was trying to do "I'm not stupid nor am I leaving." Lust looked a Blue a bit shocked Blue sighed and rolled his eyes before he grabbed Lust's hand and began to drag him to the front door. Many had a happy look on their faces as they thought Lust was being kicked out other's just scowled at Lust. Blue glared right back at those who scowled scaring them a bit, Blue suddenly opened the door and pushed Lust outside many began to laugh but everything stopped when Blue growled then slammed the door behind him going outside with Lust.

Everyone got quite as the music seemed to stop some looked around worriedly others seemed scared for Blue. Some moved to the living room window to see what was going on outside. many other's following their lead in watching what was going on.

◻◻◻   

Blue slammed the door and Lust just stood and watched. He could really care less what Blue did or how he felt it wasn't much different to anyone else at least in Lust's eyes. Blue walked over to Lust his eyes shadowed by the darkness of the underground. Lust took a step back but was soon tackled into a hug by Blue, Lust stumbled but managed to keep his balance. "B-Blue?" Lust studdered a faint tint of blush on his face. Blue didn't say anything and just hugged Lust tighter "I'm sorry." Blue muttered Lust looked at Blue in confusion and worry "For what?" Lust asked slowly wrapping his arms around the smaller "For your misunderstood SOUL." Blue whispered, at those words Lust seemed to break down. The tears he had tried so desperately to stop seemed to ignore him and roll down his cheeks. "I....I don't-" Lust was cut off by Blue who shook his head "No...It's ok. Don't speak for a while. Just...let it out." Lust trembled "N-not here p-please." Blue let go of Lust and nodded. Blue grabbed Lust's hand and made his way down the stairs as he guided Lust to his hiding spot. Somewhere only Blue knew about somewhere Blue went to cry it all out or just think if he needed to. 

After a few minutes had passed Blue took a sharp turn making Lust gasp as he almost fell the slick ice under his purple boots causing him to almost lose his balance. Blue tugged Lust into a small but rather cozy spot tucked behind the trees and dimly lit up by fairy lights. Lust looked around a small smile on his face at the sight. Blue tugged on his hand as he sat down on the icy ground bring Lust down with him who sat next to him. Blue let go of Lust's hand. "You can let it all out here." Lust sighed and just looked down at his hand tiredly. "No...it's ok. I...don't need to cry anymore," he mumbled Blue sighed but nodded respecting his wishes. They sat in silence for a long while before Blue spoke up breaking the silence "You...you shouldn't worry about what others think of you." Blue said softly looking up at Lust. "I know...its just hard." Lust whispered Blue nodded in understanding "You look really tried." Lust chuckled dryly and nodded "Ya...I guess you could say im...bone-tried."Blue giggled softly. "Rest." Lust just shook his head "Nah...besides there's nowhere to rest." Blue shook his head a small smile on his face he tugged Lust down pulling the taller's head into his lap. Lust looked up at Blue raising a bone brow "Really?" Blue shrugged "Why not?" He giggled softly Lust sighed purple blush coating his cheeks he then closed his eyes trying his best to relax. He soon found himself drifting off into a peaceful sleep as Blue watched over him. Blue hummed softly as he looked up at the ceiling of the Underground. It was decorated in little gems that were said to shine like stars but nothing could ever be as beautiful compared to the real thing. Blue smiled as he looked down at the sleeping skeleton in his lap. He would beg to differ because he has found something beautiful and that is a love that couldn't compare to any other. The SOUL that stood out in the sleeping skeletons chest seemed to shine just as bright if not brighter. "Kindness is all you need. Sometimes it's the only thing we can give." Blue hummed out thinking aloud he smiled and waited for Lust to wake

◻◻◻   

Those inside the house were quite as they watched what happened outside in shock Lust was crying...CRYING...Everyone watched as the two walked away after talking about something they couldn't hear. Classic opened the front door other' pouring out behind him to get a better look at the two walking away. Red sighed and looked at Classic then back at the two skeletons "So...anyone wanna guess what happened with...Lust?" Classic asked only to be greeted with silence "Ya...I thought so." Classic grumbled getting shocked and confused looks from everyone besides Red who understood Classic the best "Don't look at me like that." Classic growled out "You KNOW what you did so don't pretend like you DON'T" Classic shouted at them before sighing harshly and rubbing his temples "You all are insurable jerks." Classic mumbled the others looked ashamed Outer walked out to stand next to Classic "Sorry." He muttered Classic raised a brown brow "For?" He asked unamused "For what I did to Lust." Classic nodded "And who should we say that to?" Classic asked placing his hands on his hips "Lust." Outer muttered getting a nod of approval from Classic. Outer blushed slightly and sighed trying to hide the blush that was slowly taking over his face as Classic smiled at him before turning around to scold the others.

◻◻◻   

Hours had passed and they still weren't back everyone was starting to get worried something had happened, but before they knew it they saw a blue and purple splotch of color slowly walking to them. Once the blue and purple splotch got closer it became clear, it was Lust carrying a sleeping Blue bridal style. Lust just walked past them ignoring them and into Blue's room a few moments passed and it seemed Lust wasn't planning on coming out anytime soon, but they seemed to be proven wrong when Lust walked out of the room closing the door softly behind him and was greeted by guilty face and a butt load of apologies from SOME Sans' others seemed not to care or just didn't speak. Lust sighed and excepted the apologies one after another those that had apologized were happy that he had accepted the apology. Classic watched smiling as he stood next to Lust who didn't seem to care much for Classic standing next to him. He could tell a lot of this was faked, some of it real, other's just didn't care enough to say sorry which Lust preferred. If you don't mean it, don't say it right? Well, that's what Lust lived by anyways. Lust just accepted everything they said before he walked away getting some punch and walking up to Blue's room and sat on the floor thinking about everything they had said to him while he waited for Blue to wake up.

This was going to be interesting.

Survey #152

“if mary was only 14 when she had jesus, what does that make god?”

What’s something you initially disliked, but ended up liking? Uhhh... I'm drawing a blank right now. If you’re interested in having a long term relationship with someone, do you think that waiting a certain amount of time before you first have sex is a good idea? Or does it not matter?  I think it's a smart idea.  To me personally, sex should be an intimate experience with someone you love, not with someone you don't know deeply. Have you ever discovered something big by looking through someone’s phone, Facebook, email, etc.? No, never snooped on someone. Do you have any financial regrets? Either way, what’s an example of a GOOD financial decision you’ve made?  No, I've never really had to make big money decisions. Do you think it’s a good idea for kids’ sports teams to not keep score, or do you think that’s going overboard in trying to show sensitivity? I think you shouldn't keep score.  Teach children how to have fun for the sake of fun, not winning. Name a movie that you dislike but everyone else seems to love. Why do you dislike it? Drawing a blank again. *shrugs* Are you good at compromising or are you more of a “my way or the highway” kind of person?  I'm pretty nice at compromising, but of course it's going to depend on the case sometimes. Do you know any couples who sleep in separate beds? Do you think that if a couple makes that decision, they will eventually break up/divorce?  Yes, because one of them snores loudly.  But that doesn't mean they're gonna break up... Have you ever had a horrible boss or teacher? Did you ever confront them about it?  No, thankfully. Does it usually take awhile for you to completely come to terms with your emotions after something big happens or do you let it all out right away?  It's kinda both.  But mostly the former; I deeper understand what I'm feeling then. Is Thanksgiving an important holiday to you? Who did you spend last Thanksgiving with?  Honestly no, not really.  I should appreciate it more than I do for the sake of its concept. How far into your current (or last) relationship did you start thinking about your future with that person? Probably too early to be considered normal lmao. Are you a believer in “signs” from the universe about things in your life? If you are, can you think of a particular example? No. Name some things that one or both of your parents are really good at or really interested in.  Mom is suuuper into surgeries/seeing how the body works, and Dad's good at building shit I guess lmao. If someone told you that you would never achieve something and you ended up doing it, would you have any interest in finding that person and showing them?  Tbh yeah lol.  I do NOT take people underestimating my abilities kindly.  That's one reason the breakup was so bad. What is the most jealousy-induced thing you’ve ever done? Ehhhmmm.  I don't think I've done something in hopes of making someone jealous. Ever been kissed under fireworks?  No, but #goals. Which of your friends lives closest to you?  Colleen.  AKA, the only friend whose location I know. Do you like calling or texting better?  Don't call me, like ever lol. When was the last time you were extremely disappointed?  When I learned Mom and I couldn't go to the P!atD concert.  It's been a week or two and I'm still bummed. Do you think its right for straight guys to get their tongue pierced?  ....... Does any human being on Earth believe it's wrong?????? Do you talk dirty to people?  HUNNY I couldn't even talk dirty in the middle of my ex and I doing shit lmao. Honestly, who was the last person to tell you that they love you?  Dad; we talked on the phone a bit. The last thing you heard?  I'm listening to "Demons Are A Girl's Best Friend" by Powerwolf on repeat asjfdakjwi I'm addicted. Have you ever been to an animal shelter?  Yeah. Does it rain a lot where you live?  I wouldn't necessarily say a lot?  Afternoon thunderstorms are just about daily in the peak of summer, though. Do you live in the suburbs?  No. If you have a dog, does it bark a lot?  Ugh, both of them.  Slightest noise outside our house or in our driveway, it's over. What are your 3 top favorite movies?  The Lion King, Finding Nemo, and then probably The Lion King II. Can you juggle?  No. Who was your favorite Disney princess as a child?  Ariel. Who are your style icons?  Like every serious goth in the world give me money to afford this style. Do you believe in an afterlife?  I really do.  Will it be wonderful, bad, lonely, peaceful, reunited with our loved ones, who knows, but I believe in something good. What do you fear most about death?  The possibility there is no afterlife.  I obviously wouldn't exist anymore so wouldn't experience anything, but.  I never want my essence to vanish. What is your favorite country?  Dunno. Glitter or feathers?  I'm a glitter bitch. Have you ever self harmed?  Yeah. What is your favorite type of cake?  Red velvet. Who was your favorite author as a child?  Erin Hunter. Do you ever have days where you just don’t do anything?  Um, everyday???? Have you ever been extremely tired but refused to go to sleep?  Yes, if it's too late to nap but too early to sleep.  And this one time I had a paranormal experience and I was terrified to. What’s the longest amount of time you’ve been stuck in traffic?  Maybe around an hour during a roadtrip? Best field trip experience?  5th grade zoo trip with Dad, my then-best friend, and her mother. What is the most amount of money you’ve spent on a meal before?  Nothing impressive. What is the worst thunderstorm you’ve experienced?  We've had plenty, who knows. Have you ever had problems falling asleep in class?  I've never gone to sleep in class. Have you ever been on the barrier or front row at a concert?  No. Are your parents supportive of you?  Yes, Mom especially. Has your mom ever directly told you that she favored your other sibling(s) over you?  No. Do your folks still have sex? Does it disgust you?  They're divorced so y'know. Do you like dried fruit (e.g. bananas, mangos, plums, etc.)?  NO. Can you stand eating the crusts of a slice of sandwich bread?  Yes, but it's my least favorite, so I eat it first to get it out of the way. Do you sleep with your window open at night?  Hell naw I don't want no Welcome to the Game shit. Do you do your homework at home or in class? Or how about in class the day it’s due?  I liked to start it in class if I could, but did the rest at home. When did you last see your parents?  I saw Dad a few days back at Ryder's b-day party, and I saw Mom this morning. Does it bother you when people get too obsessed about stupid stuff?  I feel like you're coming for me. What is the one fast food restaurant you have NEVER been to?  Denny's. Have you ever gotten to see the movie Twilight? Not the whole thing.  Nicole got it for Christmas and played it that day, and I stayed out in the living room with the family 'cuz yeah, Christmas. What was your favorite cartoon character as a kid?  Courage, probably. Do you live in a house or an apartment?  House. Do you live in the city or country?  Country. Do you take any prescription drugs?  Yeah. What is the one TV show you could watch over and over again?  That '70s Show. What is your favorite animal?  Meerkats, specifically the Kalahari sub-species. Who were the last 3 males you talked to?  Dad, Ryder, and Nick. What was the last alcoholic drink you tried for the first time? Did you like it?  White wine and I wanted to die. Have you ever had to claim insurance? What for?  No. Can you write in cursive?  Yeah, but I've forgotten one or two letters.  Not sure I recall the capital "g." Have you ever viewed the moon through a telescope?  No. Where do you like to sit in the movie theater?  Middle. Do you normally finish one book before starting another?  When I read, I did. What is your favorite hot drink?  Hot chocolate. Do you wish you had a pool table? Omg so I would love to have like an arcade sorta room with stuff like that, but I doubt it'll happen. Is chest hair a turn-on? I wouldn't call it that for me personally.  I prefer none or little, but I'm not gonna find a guy unattractive just for that. Which has been the best year of your life so far?  2017.  Full of growth and good memories. Do you have a picture with your middle finger up? No, but admittedly I wanna have one of Sara and me kissing with one for the camera because gay pride to piss off homophobes lol. If your boyfriend or girlfriend smoked pot, would you care?  I'd care if it was for non-medicinal use and illegal in the state. When is the last time you attended a church service?  Oh jeez.  Sometime last year when Colleen was in her super-religious phase. Does it bother you when people respond with one word texts? If I'm making an effort to make conversation, yes.  If there's not really anything to respond to, no. If you could have a twin, would you?  No. If you had to give up your arms or your legs -which would it be?  Legs.  I cherish the use of my arms more. If a crystal ball could tell you the truth about yourself, your life, the future or anything else, what would you want to know?  If I'll be happy and content. If you had to be sick for the rest of your life would you choose something that kills you quickly & painfully, or bearably but slowly?  Yikes, not sure.  I guess the latter?  I don't want to just abruptly leave my loved ones. Have you ever made out with a member of the same sex?  Not yet. :P What is the coolest band name you have ever heard?  Definitely some kind of heavy or death metal band.  Off the top of my head, I think Cradle of Filth sounds wicked. Who was the last smoker you were around? Did they smoke around you?  Dad, and yes. Who do you know that can make you feel better if you’re not feeling happy?  Sara and certain YouTubers. Are you more talkative over the Internet?  YEAH DEFINITELY. Have you ever done something sexual that you regret?  Nah.  Loved him then, whatever. Have you ever said anything to the last person you kissed that you regret?  Yeah. Where do you wanna go for vacation?
  I'd love to go to the pink beaches in the Bahamas ahhhh Do you only wish the best for your ex?  Yeah.  I kinda even do with Jason, but at the same time, I want that fucker to see he will never find a perfect relationship, as he obviously wants judging from me and the girl he dated after me.  So I take that back, I don't think I wish the best for him until he learns his lesson. Do you change your phone background a lot?  No. Does a male or female sing the last song you listened to?  Male. Can you count in Roman numerals?  To a certain height.  I don't know what comes after "X"s.  Maybe "L?" What’s in your front yard?  Grass, a small tree, some small flowers... Have you ever lucid dreamed? Would you like to, or does the thought of being able to control your dreams scare you?  No, but it'd be cool to. Would you like the ability to read minds?  No. Do you know how to fish?  Yes. Did you/are you planning on going to college?  I'm going back in January. Have you ever built a snowman?  Yeah.  We rarely get the kind of snow that packs enough to make one, though. When was the last time you moved to a new house?  Over a year ago. Do you know any high school sweethearts? How’s life treating them? My best friend and her husband.  They still love each other and have a son now. Which is the scariest ride you have ever been on in a theme park? This ride that took you way too high up into the air then abruptly dropped & it was horrifying ahhhhhh

Jan. 1, 2020: Columns

Resolutions are like sobriety, kept one day at a time...

By KEN WELBORN

Record Publisher

What exactly is a New Year or New Year's Resolution?

The most accepted definition I could find is basically a promise you make to yourself to start doing something good or stop doing something bad on the first day of the year.  An example which would apply to many is, “I am going to eat healthier and give up smoking.”

Each year I, like so many other folks, think about making New Year Resolutions.  Sometimes I quickly ignore the subject completely, sometimes I think about it, and, albeit rarely, I write some down.  My track record on keeping the resolutions once made, however, is less than spotty.  In fact, it is downright terrible.

And therefore depressing.

So,  now that I am officially old and set in my ways, perhaps this year is the one where I will write down and maybe even follow up on some resolutions I have found for someone just like me—a person who has taken being a somewhat loveable, but altogether worthless slug—to an art form.

What follows are a series of resolutions that even I should be able to live with.

*Get out of bed without being hooked up to a coffee IV.  I resolve to do this at least once a quarter to improve the quality of my life and for my sanity and general mental health.

*As a tie-in to the above, I resolve to take longer naps. The logic of this being that if a 15 minute nap is good, just imagine what a couple of hours of deep sleep and snoring can do for you right smack in the middle of the day.

*Eat better, which, for me, means to pay attention to my health guru, Carl White. Carl, who produces the Life in the Carolinas syndicated television show, is an amazing source of dietetic information, and puts things simply, so someone like me who is woefully ignorant of food facts can readily keep up.

*Take up a new hobby.  However, only resolve to do it once—anything else is a bonus.

*Hang up my clothes.  No actually. Let's forget that one.

*Get a haircut.  Nah, drop that one too.

*Take my wonderful dog, Angel, for longer and longer walks as I become able.

* Cook a meal for others.  With the exception of the amazing Ikey Eller barbequed chicken, this resolution is guaranteed to be a one time deal if they try to eat it.  As they say, I can't even boil water without scorching it.

*Read more.  Now this one I don't mind doing, if the book has real paper pages and at least two thirds of them are old Lewis Grizzard column collections. That guy was amazing, and the hero of any southern man who fancies himself a columnist.

*Take the stairs instead of the elevator—at least most of the time.

*I will stop being a procrastinator.  That is, of course (and you knew this one was coming), if I can get around to it (particularly when it comes to my “Deadline Poet” ways of waiting until press days to write my column).

*Have Ellen Shepherd at the Coffee House on 421 make more carrot cakes.

*Eat more of those wonderful pub chips at The Dispensary.

*Forgive.  **I am still struggling with the forget part.

*Drink no alcohol.  Now, this one I have nailed for lo these 41 years—TODAY!!  And, if I keep this resolution, there is a much better chance for the rest of them.

I am truly fortunate to have among my friends many readers I have never met but who help bring joy to my life.  I cannot even imagine what it would be like without you cheering me on. 

To everyone, have a great New Year and let it be the start of a blessed year for everyone.

Thank you.

Resolute in History, and Into the Future

By HEATHER DEAN

Record Reporter

As everyone moves into another year, with more self promises of living better that have no intentions of being kept, I personally find myself reflecting on my journeys in life that have brought me to this moment, and specifically the of women before me.

For instance:

The year 2020 is an election year, but more importantly it will be 100 years since the suffragettes won an historic legal battle, and received the right to vote. While it still took decades to make sure this was a fair process for all women legally, it was seen as a huge step to equality among the sexes. If only they knew women after them would be fighting   the next hundred years to keep making those strides...

I was fortunate enough to be raised by strong, tenacious, women on both sides and later in the century, so many of the below I’ve never personally encountered, but the history that has been made in my lifetime is amazing to me. Some of the most basic things women were not allowed to do.

Get a credit card:

Until 1974, banks and credit card companies could refuse credit cards to single women and could require married women to get the cards in their husbands' names.

Get an Ivy League Education

Harvard didn't admit women until 1977. Yale and Princeton only admitted their first women undergrads in 1969. However, to its credit, Cornell started admitting women way back in 1870

Legally use contraceptives with your husband in every state.

Only in 1965 did the Supreme Court make it illegal for states to ban married people from using contraceptives.

Keep your job while pregnant.

Laying off women employees who became pregnant wasn't illegal in the U.S. until 1978.

Seek legal redress if you were sexually harassed on the job.

U.S. courts only recognized workplace sexual harassment as an offense in 1977.

Attend military academy.

Women couldn't attend any U.S. military academy until 1976, when the women were admitted. In 2015, 16 percent of the graduating West Point class was made up of women.

Refuse to have sex with your husband.

Until the 1970s, marital rape wasn't illegal. Rape was defined in all US states as follows: "a male who has sexual intercourse with a female not his wife is guilty of rape if..."

Get the contraceptive pill easily.

Oral contraceptives were only approved by the FDA in 1960, and weren't widely prescribed by doctors for several more years.

Serve on a jury.

It wasn't until 1973 that women could serve on juries in all 50 states.

Practice law.

Until 1971, women could be denied the right to practice law, even if they were qualified as lawyers, purely because they were women. Barring women from practicing law was only prohibited in the U.S. in 1971. We would have been watching Judge Johnny instead of Judy had this not been overturned.

Get divorced easily.

Before the 1969 No Fault Divorce law, divorce could only be obtained if you proved your spouse had committed serious faults.

Divorce her husband for beating her.

Domestic violence wasn't considered grounds for divorce in many U.S. states in 1960. It only became grounds for divorce in New York in 1966, and the wife needed to prove that a "sufficient" number of beatings had occurred.

Serve in combat.

Female military recruits couldn't serve in active combat roles until 2013.

Live with their boyfriend anywhere in the U.S.

Incredibly, in 2013 living together before marriage was still illegal in four U.S. states. In 2011 several Florida couples were even charged with misdemeanors under the state's anti-cohabitation law. Those laws are still on the books in North  Carolina, but not enforced.

Get a mortgage.

A married woman would likely have to get her husband's signature in order to get a mortgage. This was especially a problem for unmarried women, even through the1980’s.

Have paid maternity leave.

The U.S. is the only developed country that doesn't require employers to provide some period of paid leave when a woman has a baby.

Become a Supreme Court Justice.

There wasn't a law stopping women from serving on the Supreme Court, but no women were appointed until Sandra Day O'Connor in 1981. As of 2015, there are three women out of the nine SCOTUS judges. (Can you imagine life without RBG?)

Become an astronaut.

"We have no existing program concerning women astronauts nor do we contemplate any such plan," NASA told one young woman in 1962. They first admitted women as astronaut candidates in 1978, including Sally Ride, who went on to become the first American woman in space.

Get a job without being rejected simply for being female.

Until the Civil Rights Act of 1964, it was perfectly legal to discriminate against women on the grounds of your gender when you were considering whom to hire or promote.

Ski jump at the Olympics.

Women couldn't enter any Olympic ski jumping events until the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

Marry another woman.

The U.S. movement to gain civil marriage rights for same-sex couples began in the 70’s, but it wasn't legal anywhere until 2004, when Massachusetts became the first state to allow it. As of 2015, same-sex marriage is legal in 36 U.S. states. Of course, this legal barrier applied to men just as much as women.

Officially enter the Boston Marathon.

The Boston Marathon wasn't open to women runners until 1972.

 Become presidential nominee for a major political party.

Hillary Clinton was the first woman ever to receive a major party nomination in 2016. Before that, women had run for president, but they stood no chance because they weren't major-party nominees. Victoria Claflin Woodhull was the very first female candidate for president all the way back in 1872.

Get a legal abortion

The first state to allow legal abortions was Colorado in 1967. Roe vs. Wade made terminations legal nationally in 1973.

The sad part is many women around the world are still fighting for some of the most basic human rights. We are so fortunate to live in a free republic, and I admonish all to spread kindness and equality relentlessly in this upcoming year, regardless of what resolutions get left behind.

Peace through Strength

By AMBASSADOR EARL COX and KATHLEEN COX

Special to The Record

For those who may be anxious or fearful concerning affairs in the Middle East, this article will not put you at ease.  It’s meant to serve as a wake-up call for all who do not believe we could be in the pre-dawn stages of a major confrontation with Iran and other rogue regimes who have their sights set on destroying Israel and the United States.

U.S. military foes Iran, Russia and China, have just concluded joint naval war games in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Oman.  Russia’s warships were deployed from its fleet based in Syria.  For Iran, this is a plus on many levels but, most importantly, it shows the world that Iran is not isolated, that she has powerful alliances, and that U.S. sanctions may not be working as well as anticipated.  China has declared that these exercises are designed to “deepen exchange and cooperation” with and between Iran and Russia.  The Gulf of Oman is strategically important because it connects the Arabian Sea with the Strait of Hormuz through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply must pass to reach its destinations.

Back in September, it is believed that Iran was responsible for the cruise missile and drone attacks on oil fields and oil plants in Saudi Arabia.  With no reply and no retaliation from the Arab or Western worlds, Iran has become emboldened to continue its aggressive behavior. Israel, on the other hand, has met force with force proving she is the only country in the world standing up to Iran and preparing for what could evolve.  Israel’s enemies know she is strong and ready.

A few days ago on Dec. 27, 2019, Israel Defense Forces’ Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi, underlined this same sobering fact – that Israel alone is fighting Iran.  Israel has never been under any illusion about Iran’s intentions and with good reason.  Iran has repeatedly declared their intentions to wipe Israel off the face of the globe even going so far as to paint a simple and clear message on the side of their missiles, “Death to Israel,” and also, “Death to America.”  With Iran’s self-confidence growing by the minute, Israel is busy preparing militarily and psychology, overtly and covertly, 24/7.   Any future war, Kochavi warned, will mean taking the fight to urban areas. Israel’s military leadership is determined to stay ahead of all threats and to emerge the victor from any attack.  It's no secret that Israel has powerful weapons, superior technological advancements, and well-trained forces and her enemies know she is prepared to use them decisively yet responsibly.  Under no circumstances will Israel allow Iran to build up its arsenal of nuclear or conventional weapons which it is working overtime at doing and attempting to smuggle them into Syria and Iraq.  Furthermore, with no real resistance from the West, Iran is also working at enhancing and expanding their nuclear capabilities.  While the Western world seems to be holding still, the IDF (Israel Defense Force) has been busy day and night developing techniques and strategies for winning, under any circumstance, against their aggressors.  Israel’s enemies are in an arms race seeking to acquire precision missiles.  “While Israel will always operate on the principle that war is a last resort, when diplomatic efforts fail and limited operations don’t succeed, war is a solution,” said Kochavi.   

By standing with Israel, the United States is standing in its own self-defense.  If Israel fails to act against Iran’s weapons build-up and their growing nuclear capabilities, the weapons will remain, and their nuclear capacity will expand.   With China and Russia cuddling up in Iran’s corner, we must face reality.  Until the Messiah comes, peace comes only through strength.  Israel has proven herself. Iran is now testing our mettle.   

 An Irish Tale

By CARL WHITE

Life in the Carolinas

Katie, who works at the post office asked what I was working on this week. I replied, “a few things are on the schedule but the first is a story about the Irish heritage in the Carolinas.” to which she quickly replied. “I’m part Irish.”

Katie went on to tell me about her family that settled in Pennsylvania. Her great grandmother did not want her sons working in the coal mines. Her husband was no longer in the picture, so she planned a move to Detroit, Mich., where safer employment was available. This would prove to be a good move for the family. As time passed, she sponsored and helped other families make the same move. The positive impact of lives saved is countless.  

The Scots-Irish influence in the Carolinas is profound. It is reported that in the 18th century as many as 250,000 Europeans sailed to America. Some would become indentured servants as they did not have the funds to pay for the voyage. Unfortunately, for many the life of an indentured servant was little more than slavery.

Settling in the eastern part of the Carolinas was not an option for large numbers and for this reason many settled in the back country of the Carolinas. The feel of the land was not unlike that of their homeland.

Many were craftsman such as spinners and weavers. They worked hard and cared for the land. The making of whiskey was skilled and would not be uncommon.

Mecklenburg County would also become home to many Scots-Irish. So many, in fact, that in 1775, when the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence was signed almost all the signers were Scots-Irish.

It was the fighting tenacity of the Scottish and Irish immigrants that fueled the victory at the Battle of Kings Mountain, which was a turning point in what would become American Independence.  

United States President Andrew Jackson was born in the Carolinas with Scots-Irish parents and so was U.S. Vice President John C. Calhoun from Abbeville, S.C.    

The folk traditions and culture of the Irish and Scottish will forever influence who we are in the Carolinas. Many of us are aware of our connection and many are discovering via DNA tests that tell us where we come from.

I always feel a closeness to the people when I attend the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. The gathering of the clans is a gathering of families with common interests and pride in their heritage. It happens every year with no regard to weather or anything else. The people make a way to come together. Maybe that’s a good lesson for all of us.

What would happen if we all started to come together more often and celebrate just being together?

Maybe that small or large piece of Irish or Scottish DNA will give us the will to fight against the obstacles that keep us apart. And just maybe we can defeat the problems of life, or at least sleep a little better knowing that another kinsman has our back.

 Carl White is the Executive Producer and Host of the award-winning syndicated TV show Carl White’s Life In The Carolinas. The weekly show is now in its 10th year of syndication and can be seen in the Charlotte market on WJZY Fox 46 Saturday’s at noon and My 12. The show also streams on Amazon Prime. For more information visit www.lifeinthecarolinas.com. You can email Carl at [email protected].