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yawneneteyam · 8 months

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ALL THINGS CONNECTED | j. flatters chapter seven — give us some commentary

summary: growing up on the set of avatar: the way of water was a dream. your friends had become your family, all except for one. jamie was the one person you always found yourself drawn to, in ways more complex than the title of 'best friends' [1.6k].

pairing: fem!reader x jamie flatters

notes: based on jamie flatters documentary: all things connected. co-stars/friends to lovers. inspired by @cacapeepee. shorter but I wanted to get something out. mentions of blacking out underwater.

⌙ pairing: jamie flatters x fem!reader

masterlist ⎸ chapter six | chapter eight

2018.

148…149… 150… 151…

your eyes were closed, the numbers in your head going up and up every second you held your breath for longer. usually, you could feel your heartbeat in your chest, but today, you were so zoned in you didn’t take notice of it.

you were all in the tank, seeing who could hold their breath for the longest. jack had already come up, around 43 seconds in. he was watching intently from his place, now, outside the tank. it had been four months since you and jamie last had a competition to see who could hold their breath for the longest. you didn’t even care for the competition anymore, the fact of proving to yourself you could do it, mattered even more than beating jamie.

152… 153… 154… 155…

you could feel your heartrate beginning to quicken. you opened your eyes and tried your best to try and slow it. you looked at jamie, who was ahead of you, the vision of him blurred by the water- but you could make out his silhouette anywhere.

156… 157... 158...

you saw his figure jerk a little. you furrowed your eyebrows and tried to make out what he was doing, but it only made sense when you realised he was beginning to sink.

he had passed out.

your heart was racing now. you heard splashed from above and saw other figures coming to help, but you got to him first. you tried your best to pull jamie up to the surface, but his unconscious frame was heavy underwater. you silently thanked the free-dive instructor for helping you pull him up.

time slowed as the rest of the diving team hauled jamie out of the tank. bailey and duane had broken the surface, noticing the commotion. bailey asked you what had happened, but you didn’t register what she was saying; too busy trying to catch your breath, and watch the instructor get jamie to consciousness.

he didn’t wake up instantly, or maybe he did.. you couldn’t tell. you weren’t sure if you were waiting for five seconds or five minutes, but jamie eventually came to when they were starting to contemplate cpr.

you pulled yourself up the ladder quickly, realising he was waking up, but you kept your distance, not wanting to be in the way.

“is he okay?” jack asked from against the railing. no one answered him, too busy trying to make sure jamie was okay.

it all went really quick after that, jamie was with the medical team for a while before he was sent back to his trailer to rest. you ended up in there only 10 minutes after they cleared him. he had fallen back to sleep on the couch, his head fallen back completely.

you rushed over to make sure he hadn’t become unconscious again. you said his name a few times but shook him when he didn’t respond.

jamie took a deep breath before opening his eyes and letting out a groan. “y/n?” he asked.

“im sorry i came in,” you said quickly, “i was worried.. e-everyone was worried. i said i’d come check on you”. a lie.

“it’s okay,” he gave you what you would pass as a tired smile, “i’m glad you’re here”. you tried to ignore the butterflies that let themselves into your stomach, especially at such an inconvenient time, but you couldn’t help it.

“i wanna hang, but i don’t know how much longer i should be awake for. they told me to sleep it off,” he chuckled.

“you’re so stupid for not coming up,” you shook your head, ignoring him. “why wouldn’t you come up?”.

he sighed, “i thought i had it,” he shrugged. jamie cleared his throat before readjusting his position on the couch, making room for you next to him. “i wanted to do well,” he admitted shyly, almost embarrassed.

you shook your head softly, looking at him. you took in his tired demeanour; you could imagine that he would be wrecked after everything that happened. you were keeping him from resting, you knew that, but you were selfish in the fact that you just wanted him with you, so you could keep an eye on him.

“come on,” you stood up, holding out your hand, “lets get you back to bed.. in a real bed” you chuckled. jamie laughed along with you, if you could call it laughing. he felt like a shell of a man after the last hour. embarrassed he passed out, tired from the rushing and intensity of the situation, but happy that you were here.

since your kiss, jamie couldn’t stop thinking about you. he felt helpless in a way he hadn’t felt before in his nearly 18 years on this earth. all of his thoughts were consumed by you, the thought of your lips, your laugh, your hips. he couldn’t help himself.

if anyone came to check on him, he would want it to be you.

“i’m not that tired, y/n. i’m fine,” jamie tried his best to reassure you, but there was an unspoken truth that you were aware of.

“there is no way that you’re ‘fine’ after that, jamie” you shook your head, “you don’t need to lie to me,” and he knew that. out of everyone on this set, jamie knew that you were the one he could unapologetically tell the truth to, every single time.

“i just would rather stay up with you,” he chuckled, resting his head against his knuckles. you both sat in silence for a little while longer, before you stood up and held out your hand to him.

jamie raised his eyebrows at you, a little suspicious. you moved your hand at him again, showing your growing impatience, he haphazardly grabbed your hand. you pulled him into the back of his trailer and sat down on his bed. jamie didn’t let go of your hand as he sat next to you; he was drinking in your touch for as long as he could.

“why are you looking at me like that?” you chuckled, suddenly getting nervous under his gaze. he noticed your change in demeanour, this was the first time you had ever acted like this when he looked at you. even in the dim lights of his trailer, jamie could swear your face grew a faint blush.

“i’m not looking at you like anything,” he smirked, shrugging his shoulders. a blatent lie from him, and jamie knew it. he was looking at you like he always does, like you hung the moon and the stars.

you shook your head, trying to ignore the butterflies that were making their presence known in your stomach. “you need to rest, flats” you said.

he knew you were right, but he wanted this time with you more than he did sleep. “we have the entire weekend to rest,” he rebutted, “i can relax at the beach with you tomorrow.”

“you’re crazy,” you laughed.

“how so?”

you didn’t respond, just shook your head at him. “you need to let go of my hand so you can get into bed,” you suddenly took note of his fingers that were still intertwined with yours. jamie pulled away rather quickly, afraid he was making you uncomfortable.

“we can lay down,” he said, shuffling himself towards the top of the bed, “but i’m not sleeping yet,”

“you say that, but i know you” you laughed, switching the tv on, “you’ll pass out, flats.”

and that he did. you and jamie watched around twenty minutes of some movie he claimed was a ‘cinematic masterpiece’ before he dozed off before the plot could even move along. “night flats,” you whispered, pulling the covers over his body fully. you knew the medical team would check on him during the night, so you thought it would be best to head back to your trailer. you managed to slip out of his trailer, after picking up for a little while and leaving jamie a note.

you went and saw bailey for an hour before you went back to your trailer, falling asleep, ready for your first free weekend in a while.

jamie was up with the medical team at two, four hours after you left him. he was so tired when they came, he was eager to go back to sleep. but when he woke up properly the next morning, he was finally in the right mind to have a shower and get ready for the day.

jamie knew filip and duane wanted to go to manhattan beach again, spend their day lounging away in the sunshine and the sea. he wondered if he could rope you into coming with them, but he remembered you mentioning seeing your parents this weekend.

he was about to head out to see filip, when a note sitting on his kitchenette caught his eye.

“next time you’re up for it we can actually finish a film together. see you in the morning, superstar”

he couldn’t help the involuntary smile that found its way to his lips, or the way that his cheeks suddenly felt hot. he really was wrapped around your little finger, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

with a shake of his head, jamie quickly made his way over to filip’s trailer.

“bro, what’s the rush?” filip asked from his couch after jamie barrelled his way into the trailer.

“i think i’m in love with y/n..” he blurted out.

he and filip sat there in silence for a while, jamie being completely checked out after the realisation of how intense his feelings were for his castmate.

“well..” filip sighed, “congrats on being the last one to find out,”

#all things connected 𓆝 𓆟 #jamie flatters x reader #jamie flatters imagine #jamie flatters #jamie flatters au #avatar 2 #avatar 2022 #avatar x reader #neteyam x reader #avatar the way of water

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kryptonitejelly · 2 years

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Flyboy (Part 1) | Jake Seresin x Reader Top Gun: Maverick - Jake Seresin x Reader Genre: romance; fluff; angst; best friends to lovers Warnings: general hangman being hangman; sexual tension; general cursing; will contain mentions of a break up / previous relationship; general use of pet names; fem!reader; pining; general naval / flying inaccuracies. Length: Mini-series, chaptered - Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Epilogue

Summary: Jake gets called back to TOPGUN the same time you’ve been granted a sabbatical from work. He invites you, his purely platonic best friend of years, to live with him for 6 months and you accept. Just two best friends kicking it back for 6 months in San Diego, Fightertown USA, right?

Flyboy | Mini-Series Masterlist

(If you haven’t already seen them - blurbs and asks (one-shots coming soon) are also listed on the Flyboy masterlist!)

Flyboy - Part 1

Approximately 3.2k words

A/N: I know, the pacing for this is a bit slow, but I felt a little scene setting was necessary, we’ll get faster with pacing I promise.

I am taking a sabbatical

You had sent the text off without much thought before chucking your personal phone onto the corner of your desk. It was just a part of the usual routine you had with Jake where you each shot off the regular text update amidst each of your own busy lives, you with corporate America and he with the VFA-151 Vigilantes, the name of the squadron being something you remembered because he had made you memorise it the day he had been assigned.

“Yeah Jane?” You pick up the handset of your desk phone, silencing it after the second ring, your hands dropping from the keyboard of your computer.

“Jake Seresin on the line for you, shall I patch him through?” You eyebrows shoot up slightly in surprise, as you lean back in your chair.

“Yeah go ahead. Thanks Jane.” The dial tone is brief, before the familiar drawl crackles over your line.

“How long?”

“Why are you calling me on my office line Seresin.”

“You weren’t answering your mobile,” a reach for and flip of your personal phone reveals he is right, “how long?”

“6 months.” You exhale out as your fingers tug at the phone cord, attempting to untangle a knot that had formed.

“Any plans?”

“Not yet, thought I would get to planning after it got approved.”

“How does a trip to San Diego sound?”

It had taken a total of two minutes for him to persuade you over the phone to come out with him to San Diego for 6 months, but you had let him think it had been fifteen minutes on the phone plus a day. He had explained to you that TOPGUN had called him, along with the entire batch of aviators from the uranium mission, back to help run a 6 month programme during which they would help out with training a new batch of recruits. He had told you that it was orders from the Admiral after the near disaster of a success they had with the uranium mission. You wouldn’t admit, but you had felt your shoulders sag with tension you hadn’t even known you had been holding once you had learned that his role at TOPGUN this round, was far less dangerous than the usual role he played when TOPGUN came knocking.

The summer heat greets you in full force as you exit the airport, your feet stepping through the automated double doors. You raise a hand to shield your eyes from the glare as you roll your suitcases forward, eyes searching for the familiar light brown, almost blonde head of hair.

“Darlin did you bring the whole of New York here?” His voice cuts through the heat, and you can’t help the smile that slips onto your face as you drop your hand from above your eyes to meet the shaded eyes of Jake Seresin. The last time you had seen him in the flesh had been 5 months ago when he had appeared at your door, bottle of tequila and greasy fast food in hand, after your update that you had broken up with Dan, your boyfriend of three years.

“Thought you weren’t going to show.” You joke as he reaches forward for you, tugging you into a hug. His hands engulfing your shoulders, folding you into his body with ease, your hands twisting themselves around his midsection, your cheek pressed into his chest.

“Missed me?” You can hear the rumble of his voice through his chest, as he teases you, but squeezes tighter.

“Not that much.” You counter, as you breathe in, taking in the familiar scent that is Jake.

You had met Jake in high school, long before he had become Jake “Hangman” Seresin. Jake had always been Jake, confident, hot-headed, and sure of himself, but Jake was also well, Jake - your version of Jake, sweet, caring, and goofy. Your friendship had been an unlikely one, you the new transfer student who had moved during the middle of the school year, and Jake Seresin, the popular brown hair, almost blonde kid with the green eyes.

Your family had moved in next door to the Seresin household, and you, as an uprooted teenager, mad about having to move in the middle of the school year when you only had a year and a half more to go, had spent the late afternoons coming home from school pounding the pavement, running laps around the neighbourhood to take out your frustration. It was, as you had thought, better than sitting at home listening to your mother talk to you about “smiling more, trying to make friends, and make the best of the rest of high school”.

Jake had seen you running each afternoon since you had moved in. You didn’t look it, but you were fast, and getting faster. It had been a sweltering Thursday afternoon when he had laced up his running shoes, and fallen into step beside you as you whizzed past his house, on the third lap of your run around the neighbourhood. He hadn’t know what had possessed him, but he had to know if you were any faster than him. You remember throwing him the side eye, and picking up your pace, music pounding in your ears as you both ran laps around the neighbourhood, him matching your pace, and you keeping his.

You were both winded and drenched in sweat at the end of that run, with you ripping off your headphones to him introducing himself in between pants, with a “I’m Jake. You’re fast.”, and the rest well, the rest was history. You both had gone on to become inseparable throughout high school, even going on to graduate from the same college, before you went your separate ways, him to the Navy, and you falling into your life in corporate America. But you always kept in touch, him flying out to see you in New York, you to him, or both of you back home, when you had the time.

“Lying isn’t a good look for you.” He finally breaks away from you, smirk on his face as he takes over both your suitcases from you.

“I think this is a good look for me.” You reach over, plucking his aviators off his face with ease to slip them onto your face as he squints at the sudden glare of sunlight on his face, his hair - sans gel - flopping across his forehead.

“Not a chance.” He snorts as he tugs your suitcases along with ease, navigating both your way through the crowds and towards his truck where you bend, ready to hoist and load your luggage into the back of his truck, when he cuts in, hand over yours, halting you.

“These aren’t only for show you know.” He says as he flexes an arm in front of you, causing his bicep to bunch beneath the sleeve of his shirt.

“Ever the southern gentleman.” You drawl as you bat your lashes at him. You do it in jest, and he knows, but it still earns you a grin before he loads your suitcases onto his truck.

“Ready?” He asks you as you both shut yourselves into his truck.

“As I’ll ever be.” You nod as you buckle yourself into the seat, a nod of your head lining up with the click of the seatbelt into the clasp. “Fightertown USA, here we come.”

You keep your eyes trained on the road in front of you as you settle back into the seat, your gaze still shielded by the aviators you had earlier stolen. It causes you to miss the look on Jake’s expression before he pulls the car out of park. Soft, a mixture of peace, promise, yearning, excitement and wonderment. He manages to quickly wipe it off his face, replacing the look with his trademark smirk as you turn to glance at him for a second.

“It’s cute.” You say as you step through the threshold of the house, pushing Jake’s aviators to rest on the top of your head.

“It isn’t what you are used to.” He follows behind, your luggages in tow. “No shiny glass and sleek corners.”

“Everything I need a break from.” You say as you peer out of a window that offers you a view into the back of the house which boasts grass and a boundary of white picket fence.

“The rest have houses around too.” He closes the door behind him. “I’ll introduce you tonight.”

Bringing the group back as instructors for 6 months came with perks. The Navy had offered them each a choice of accommodation between staying in dorms on base, or in a Navy owned house situated in a closed off Navy gated community a 20 minute drive away from base, which was another 25 minutes away from town. Needless to say, they had all picked the house.

“Tonight?” You echo, as you dump your purse down on the sofa before collapsing back onto it. “I could have plans.”

The sofa sinks as Jake settles in, throwing himself onto the space beside you. He turns his head, cheek smushed against the back of the sofa as he looks at you, brow raised.

“Oh yeah?” You nod and he continues. “Got a hot date lined up that I don’t know about?”

You place a hand on your chest, pretend gasp coming out of your mouth.

“Are you doubting my pull Seresin?”

“No need to doubt darlin,” he pauses, “I’m not sure you even have pull.” He throws out and reaches forward to pluck his shades off the top of your head to place them on their rightful place, the top of his head.

“No pull?” You huff as you sit up to glare at him. “You aren’t the only only one with pull Seresin.” You roll your eyes as you reach out, to deliver a swat to his chest. “You’ll see, I’ll have muscled flyboy on my arm soon enough.”

You hand connects with hard muscle, and just as you are about to retract your arm, his hand is on yours, a warm palm engulfing your four fingers in a lazy hold.

“Muscled flyboy?”

“Tanned, nice body, flies a plane, you know. We are in Fightertown USA after all.” You let your hand, which is still against his chest, engulfed in his grip, sag. “You know, one of you, but not you.”

It is his turn to let his mouth drop open, fake gasp not dissimilar to yours earlier, falling from his lips.

“An imitation me? How dare you settle for less.”

His reaction makes you laugh, the sound which makes him smile. You attempt to pull your hand out of your his grip, only to be met with resistance as he holds it steady against his chest.

“What would the alternative be Jakey?” You play on his dreaded childhood nickname, one that only his mother used, emphasising the word as the name as it rolls of your tongue. It makes him groan, his nose wrinkling up in distaste. “You?” You ask jokingly, as your eyes narrow in effort as you continue to attempt to tug your hand out of his.

He lifts your hand off his chest, his grip fully wrapping around your fingers as he tugs both your hands sideways. It makes you lurch forward in surprise, your body stumbling forward from the sudden force, body crashing into his. He releases your hand, his hands steadying you by the waist as you stretch your hands out to find balance - one landing on shoulder, the other on his chest.

“What’s wrong with me?” He breathes out, his voice quiet. You take in his features, his hair, eyes, nose, lips, your face inches from him as your breath catches in your throat at the proximity.

“You’re - you’re..” you stammer, your voice barely a murmur as his body, hard and muscled beneath your hands, becomes painfully obvious, his hands on your waist, feeling as if they could burn through your top.

“You’re an asshole.” You manage to wrangle out, voice suddenly loud as you tear yourself away from him, using his body as leverage to push yourself off, twisting out of his grasp. He lets his hands fall away as you stumble to a straightened position, your face burning from the interaction.

“And that,” he winks, “is pull, both literally and figuratively.”

It makes you curse as you flip him off, before quickly spinning on your heel. You dart over to grab one of your suitcases before wheeling it down the short hallway towards the rooms, determined to find yours. His laughter rings out after you and you glorify it with a shout back of “asshole”, but you don’t fail to note, funnily enough, your heart pounding hard in your chest against your ribs.

“What if they all hate me.” You trudge towards The Hard Deck, your sandals crunching over a mixture of gravel and sand.

“They won’t.”

“You don’t know that.”

“Then we’ll ditch them. Boring bunch anyway.” He says dismissively, as he waves a hand in the air.

It makes you chuckle, because if the loud shouts and music coming from the bar a distance away was anything to go buy, boring was something you were sure they were most definitely not.

“Can’t have you ditching the friends you just mended fences with now can we.” You muse, clearly aware that the uranium mission had repaired and made Jake’s relationship with the group of pilots in the bar. It wasn’t hard for you to understand why he hadn’t been the most well liked by the group - Jake had a tendency to be cocky, not the best team player, something he took pride in projecting, but you knew that when push came to shove, when the situation called for it, he would never put himself before the team - something the others had come to realise with the last mission.

“S’alright, why also do you think I brought you along to San Diego?” He slings an arm around your shoulders and it takes all of you not to tense up, the memory from earlier in the day, the proximity of your face to his, and dare you say, the tension, ringing fresh in your mind. His skin is warm against your bare shoulders, the sundress you have on held up by two thin straps.

“I see you wanted me for a stand-in friend.” You hum as he pulls you against him, his laughter now something you can feel with your body against his.

“Got that much right, c’mon stand-in.” He drops his arm from your shoulders as he pulls open the door of The Hard Deck for you, gesturing you in.

As you had predicted, the aviators were most definitely not a boring bunch, and as Jake had predicted, they most certainly did not hate you. You were already informed of their names and call signs, thanks to Jake’s regular updates, and all it had taken was for you to match names and call signs to face, Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw, Robert “Bob” Floyd, Reuben “Payback” Fitch, Mickey “Fanboy” Garcia, Javy “Coyote” Machado, Natasha “Pheonix” Trace, and Pete “Maverick” Mitchell.

They had welcomed you into the fold as one of their own easily, and even more so after Payback had declared that you were “sweet”, and “didn’t know how you put up with Hangman”. It earned you a round of cheers, and a shot shoved into your hand, which you happily threw down your throat along with the rest of them.

“Oh shut up Bagman.” Phoenix shouts from across the pool table, and it makes you snort with laughter as you echo her words.

“Yeah, Bagman, shut up.” Your echo earns you a hoot from Rooster, and cheers from the rest of the team. You grin, and Jake rolls his eyes, smile on his face.

“Wait till we get in the air Trace. We’ll see who is the one shutting up.” It earns him a boo from Phoenix and you take a swig of beer, shaking your head in amusement. Aviators - they were just like overgrown children when they were together.

“You’re rude Bagman.” You say to Jake as you put your bottle down, the rest of the group’s attention now on Rooster and Fanboy who decided to have an impromptu arm wrestling contest hosted by Maverick, their attention falling off you and Jake who are seated on bar stools, towards the side of the pool table.

“Jake.” He corrects as he looks down at you while casually leaning back against the wall behind him.

“I like Bagman.” You say and you see the small furrow that creases between his brows.

“Jake.” He asserts again and you move to take another swig of beer, only to find your bottle empty.

“You’re so bossy, Bagman.” You slide off your stool into a stand, your intention to retrieve another beer from the bar, when a hand encircles your waist, coming to rest on your front, pulling you into the space between his legs, your back connecting with his front his lips just millimeters away from your ear.

“It’s Jake to you.” His voice rumbles, deep, and you can feel his lips graze your earlobe as he speaks. It raises goosebumps on your flesh immediately and you can’t help the involuntary shudder that runs down your body. The hand that he has pressed against your midsection creates a pressure that goes straight down to your core.

“Jake.” You utter, struggling to keep your voice steady, and he releases you, allowing you to step out from in between his legs.

“Good girl.” He smirks, taking a swig of his own beer, acting as if nothing had happened. You pull on a scowl, to disguise the beating of your heart in your ears, and the thrumming in your core.

“I’m going to get another beer, Jake,” you emphasise his name on purpose, to which he only winks, “want anything?”

“I’m good, still gotta drive you home.”

“Another beer please.”

The bartender, Penny, pops open a bottle before sliding it across the counter to you. You hand over your card, but she shakes her head.

“It’s on the house. Heard from Mav that you’ll be here the whole 6 months?”

“That’s me.” You hum as you offer her a smile of thanks.

“Penny.” She introduces herself, and you return the favour, introducing yourself back to her.

“I also hear you are here with Hangman.” She says, her eyes floating across your head over to Jake, whose gaze, unbeknownst to you, has been trained firmly on you since you walked away from him. “You two got a thing going on?”

Her ask makes the heat rise on your face, the two earlier incidents of the day floating to mind. Jake had always been flirty throughout your friendship, it was just in your character, but this time, something felt different. You shake your head, quickly and furiously, as if to dispel your own thoughts.

“We’re friends,” you assert, half for your own benefit, and half for hers, “been friends since high school.”

“I see.” She takes you in, her gaze kind, as she nods slowly in response. Penny doesn’t comment more, but chooses instead to offer you a warm smile. “Stop by more often will you? I get sick of being around these aviators all the time.”

It earns her a laugh from you, both of you looking to the group you had left as cheers erupt, with Maverick holding up Fanboy’s fist in the air.

“Well I guess we know who won the arm wrestle.” You mumble, and Penny chuckles, ending with a long suffering sigh.

“I guess we do.”

>> PART 2

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kirame90 · 11 months

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SniperSpy lives happily ever after (FINALE)

Well. SniperSpy's Great Misadventures has finally come to its end. I'm not going to lie, I will miss this project so damn much but at the same time I couldn't be happier I got to tell the story I wanted and give my dearest darlings the ending they deserve. This is the ending I always wanted to give them and this is the ending I always had in mind with each chapter.

Thank you so very much to those who reblogged this comic along the way.

To celebrate the LGBTQ+ month the charity of June 2023 shall be Outright International

Outright International works with partners around the globe to strengthen the capacity of the LGBTQ+ human rights movement, document and amplify human rights violations, and advocate for inclusion and equality. You can find their global projects here

The characters don't belong to me, the artwork does.

First part / Previous part

All dem other parts:

Part1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Part 8

Part 9

Part 10

Part 11

Part 12

Part 13

Part 14

Part 15

Part 16

Part 17

Part 18

Part 19

Part 20

Part 21

Part 21,5

Part 22

Part 23

Part 24

Part 25

Part 26

Part 27

Part 28

Part 29

Part 30

Part 31

Part 32

Part 33

Part 34

Part 35

Part 36

Part 37

Part 38

Part 39

Part 40

Part 41

Part 42

Part 43

Part 44

Part 45

Part 46

Part 47

Part 48

Part 49

Part 50

Part 51

Part 52

Part 53

Part 54

Part 55

Part 56

Part 57

Part 58

Part 59

Part 60

Part 61

Part 62

Part 63

Part 64

Part 65

Part 66

Part 67

Part 68

Part 69

Part 70

Part 71

Part 72

Part 73

Part 74

Part 75

Part 76

Part 77

Part 78

Part 79

Part 80

Part 81

Part 82

Part 83

Part 84

Part 85

Part 87

Part 88

Part 89

Part 90

Part 91

Part 92

Part 93

Part 94

Part 95

Part 96

Part 97

Part 98

Part 99

Part 100

Part 101

Part 102

Page 103

Page 104

Part 105

Part 106

Part 107

Part 108

Part 109

Part 110

Part 111

Part 112

Part 113

Part 114

Part 115

Part 116

Part 117

Part 118

Part 119

Part 120

Part 121

Part 122

Part 123

Part 124

Part 125

Part 126

Part 127

Part 128

Part 129

Part 130

Part 131

Part 132

Part 133

Part 134

Part 135

Part 136

Part 137

Part 138

Part 139

Part 140

Part 141

Part 142

Part 143

Part 144

Part 145

Part 146

Part 147

Part 148

Part 149

Part 150

Part 151

Part 152

Part 153

Part 154

Part 155

Part 156

#sniperspy #sniper x spy #tf2 #teamfortress2 #tf2 spy #tf2 sniper #bloodysuit #knifeparty #comic #webcomic #gay disaster #together forever #fanart

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whateverisbeautiful · 2 days

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Reveling in Richonne - Master List

TWD Season 8 - Season 11 & Richonne Top 30

Season 8

#100: The Treasure (8.01)

#101: The Happy Place (8.01)

#102: The Alarm (8.03-8.07)

#103: The Heart (8.08)

#104: The Peace (8.09)

#105: The Shock (8.09)

#106: The Bond (8.09)

#107: The Brother (8.09)

#108: The Best Friend (8.09)

#109: The Determination (8.09)

#110: The Future (8.09)

#111: The Aftermath (8.10)

#112: The Preservation (8.10)

#113: The Lost (8.10)

#114: The Focus (8.10)

#115: The Voices (8.10)

#116: The Steadying (8.12)

117: The “He Will” (8.12)

#118: The Golden Rule (8.12)

119: The Commitment (8.13)

120: The Staying (8.14)

121: The Turn (8.14)

122: The I Love You’s (8.14)

123: The Messenger (8.15)

124: The Found (8.16)

125: The Living (8.16)

126: The Saving Grace (8.16)

Season 9

#127: The Art (9.01)

#128: The Duo (9.01)

#129: The Famous (9.01)

#130: The Lucky Ones (9.01)

#131: The United Front (9.02)

#132: The Light (9.03)

#133: The Perfection (9.03)

#134: The Thank You (9.03)

#135: The Family Fun Day (9.03)

#136: The Right One (9.03)

#137: The Night & Day (9.04)

#138: The Presence (9.04)

#139: The Stand (9.04)

#140: The Ditch (9.04)

#141: The Courage (9.05)

#142: The Heart & Wisdom (9.05)

#143: The True Love (9.05)

#144: The Close (9.05)

#145: The “Still Here” (9.06)

#146: The Boss (9.06)

#147: The Royal Baby (9.06)

#148: The Defender (9.07-9.12)

#149: The Search (9.14)

#150: The Little Ones (9.14)

#151: The Shoulder To Lean On (9.14)

#152: The Intensity (9.14)

#153: The Chosen (9.14)

#154: The People We Love (9.14)

#155: The Fair (9.15)

#156: The Reward (9.16)

Season 10

#158: The Brave (10.01)

#159: The Insight (10A)

#160: The That Walk (10.04)

#161: The Unison (10.04)

#162: The Ocean (10.08)

#163: The Sailing Off (10.08)

#164: The Set Up (10.13)

#165: The Set Back (10.13)

#166: The Trip (10.13)

#167: “What If I Hadn’t Saved Her?” (10.13)

#168: What If They Didn’t Save Me? (10.13)

#169: “What If They Needed To Be Saved From Me?” (10.13)

#170: The Takedown (10.13)

#171: The Discovery (10.13)

#172: The “Believe A Little Longer” (10.13)

#173: The Little Brave Man (10.13)

#174: The Cherished (10.13)

#175: The “Who Are You?” (10.13)

#176: The Next Chapter (10.13)

Season 11

#177: The Unstoppable Life (11.24)

#178: The Ones Who Live (11.24)

Richonne Top 30

Top 30 List Links & Poll Results

#richonne #reveling in richonne #list & links #s8 - s11 #richonne fandom #richonne family #michonne grimes #rick grimes #rick x michonne

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grumpywiltedlettuce · 2 months

Text

I’m on a reread of tcf so expect more lists soon. This is mostly for myself but have it anyways. I’m just past chapter 200 on the reread so the attack with the northern alliance is underway.

TCF TL/PR notes that made me lol

29 Cat washing face reference

1. Something like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J_Bl9f-MTA

50 About Toonka (TL: Yet he got shipwrecked…clearly didn’t survive the sea…(PR: Perservering = Survival)

51 ( It’s a small boat that requires oars but has rooms and windows?! o.O )

57 “That’s enough thanks. If you thank me anymore, it will not feel genuine. Same thing with the apology.”

“Got it. Thank you very much.” ( (PR: You had one job.) )

59 Cale could see the still flawless Violan’s eyes turning chilly. ( :O If I didn’t know any better, I’d say this is Beacrox’s mom! )

59 “Yes, daddy.” ( I’m sorry, I just had to. It was the perfect opportunity. )

59 ( … The Henituse family is the Night’s Watch … )

68 Cale knew how Shickler had domesticated the troublemaker Archie. He beat him up. He beat up him so much that the entire ocean seemed to be filled with dust. He really beat him to a pulp while saying that a beating was the best medicine for a troublemaker. ( (PR: I pity Witira and Paseton.) TL: You mean envy. You like the pain as a masochist… )

71 Toonka got up while staggering to the side. At that moment, Cale could hear Raon’s serious voice.

– …Why is he laughing after getting hit? Does he enjoy getting hit? ( Our PR’s masochistic friend. (PR: I’m innocent I swear.) )

74 about Mueller ( (PR: I originally felt pity. Now I am thinking that we can do without one more mage.) )

76 ( (PR: Raon is a yandere…) )

110 Cale looked odd as he suddenly stopped laughing and stoically stood there. A path of silver coins was shining on top of the boiling lava. That silver light meshed well with the red-haired Cale.

“Weak human.”

“What?”

“Let me know if you don’t have enough! I am willing to give you my piggy bank!” ((PR: IT’S ADORABLE.) ) …

The king of rocks, the Giant Cobblestone that is known as the, ‘Super Rock,’ is in the land of boulders. (Really wanted to call it Dwayne Johnson )

112 Cale could see an old Elf with white hair and beard walking toward them. It was the Elf Chief. However, unfortunately, he did not have time to greet her. (I double checked the raw and it does indeed say beard but it is a woman )

114 The group all looked toward Cale at Ron’s question. He had fainted after coughing up blood. They knew that Cale was a good person who really liked to help others, but they also knew that Cale did not enjoy moving around and getting hurt. (Pfft, you’ve all been scammed to believe he’s a good person! (PR: I mean, he COULD have just ignored the Elves’ plight…) )

118 “Just what are you selling to the Whipper Kingdom that Alberu keeps laughing for no reason when he is alone?”

“… His highness keeps laughing when he is alone?” ((PR: Cale broke him.) )

129 Hannah let out a quiet chuckle. Although her poisoned body was still in pain, she was now full of vitality. Cale gently asked Hannah, who seemed to be imagining the opportunity to get her revenge. (Cale just collects people who want revenge. )

135 He could see that Tasha was looking at him with warm eyes and that the black robe was coming toward him. (Author references Mary as black robe frequently because that’s all you can see. (PR: And I hate it.) )

142 “It has been wonderful having Cage-nim here. If it is okay with you, young master-nim, I hope that Miss Cage can stay here longer.” (Went from Cage-nim to Miss Cage in one breath. New ship? Poor Taylor. )

148 ‘It’s not a matter of if I will be fine or not. I don’t think I’ll be able to differentiate. Once I start to see blood, I can’t stop myself from killing anything in front of me.’ ((PR: Hannah was the one who said that a sea of blood would be beautiful. I don’t think her blood addiction is as bad as Redika, but she definitely still has a blood addiction. Why is everyone in this novel a sadist?) )

151 The Count nodded his head multiple time as he answered.

There was a different kind of smile on his face now. Raon, who was watching the father-son duo chat while remaining invisible, started to speak into Cale’s mind.

– Human, the Count is smiling like you do when you are scamming people! It is amazing! It is very similar! ((PR: I wonder what Deruth’s young scamming years were like…) )

158 “Was it you?”

“What are you talking about, your highness?”

Alberu was certain after seeing Cale eating a cookie with an expression that seemed to be saying, ‘I know nothing.’

“It was you.”

“What was?”

“What did you do to the Vatican?”

Crunch.

Cale started to smile as he bit down on the cookie. ((PR: Cale is an innocent lil child.) )

………

‘That knight is originally from the slums.’

‘Apparently, he grew up with poor parents and many siblings, but his good character made him popular with the people in the slums and the general public. They call him a Dragon from the river. (This is an idiom for something rare. You wouldn’t normally find a Dragon coming out of a river. (PR: A-Are dragons common in other places then?) )

Alberu shocked to find out choi han is a sword master ((PR: Oh if only he knew Cale’s party’s full strength…) )

160 Huten and Metelona. ((PR: Their names sound like pokemon.) )

164 Cale ~must~ go home and spend the new year with his family ((TL: such a good boy.))

172 “Just one of the many average people.” ((TL: Just your friendly neighborhood Spider-man.) )

174 Cale quickly understood what Hong was trying to say. ((PR: I can’t even read lips, but young master Silver Light can understand animals!) )

#tcf meme #tcf manhwa #tcf incorrect quotes #tcf cale #tcf #tcf novel #tcf part 2 #tcf spoilers #tcf humor #tcf TL/PR #cale henituse #cale henituse x slacker life #novel #lcf incorrect quotes #lcf meme #lcf #lcf cale #totcf #lcftcult

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bratshaws · 10 months

Text

through the hourglass 186. brb x oc

a/n: <3. is all i can say. thank you. (comments and reblogs are super welcome and encouraged!! they make my nights they really do<3)

pairing: plus size!oc x rooster

warnings: none

goodness gracious (pls read this one to know more what this fic is about!!)

chapter

/132/133/134/135/136/137/138/139/140/141/142/143/144/145/146/147

/148/149/150/151/152/153/154/155/156/157/158/159/160/161/162/163/164/165/166/167/168/169/170/171/172/173/174/175/176/177/178/179/180/181/182/183/184/185

(pls let me know if you want to be added to the taglist! )

taglist: @mirandastuckinthe80s @roosterschanelslut @wiipes @lcahwriter @novastories @gretagerwigsmuse @frenchtoastix

@lizzie-rdj @fanboyluvr @atarmychick007 @comebacktoearthpls

@peachiicherries @mak-32 @lizziespidiepridie @roosterswifey @ollyoxenfrees @piceous21 @sqrlgrl22 @hofficoffi @lexhalstead3 @lorilane33 @legendarydreamersharkparty @luckyladycreator2

@emilybradshaw @j-6o @louisahale @leobabbyyy @booklover2sblog @winter-run @ktjmac @graciereads @bigpoppajes @taytaylala12

@caitsymichelle13 @becks-things @caatheeriinee07 @fanboyswhore9 @jesfreedark @katiemcrae @lilmonstrjedi @hobiismyhopeu @teacupsandtopgun @insominac23 @gh0stsgoodgirl @mygyn @chavivaelisheva @kmc1989

“Did you just get here?’ she’s still holding him, he smells like his cologne and of woods, like cedar and pine, he smelled like home.

“I did,I wanted to surprise you.” he smiles, holding Nicole up before placing her on his shoulders, holding her little hands to keep her balanced as they walk towards the kitchen, “But I was the one surprised. Since someone was already walking!” he shakes his shoulders so Nicole laughs, happily moving along with him.

Beatrice, now calmed down from her shock, just smiles from the sink where her glass was, “I honestly–she did it on her own??’

“Yeah, she was walking alone when I saw her.”

Beatrice’s mouth parts open in surprise, “Nikki!” she squeals, clapping her hands together, “Honey you are walking! You are walking sweetie! That’s amazing!” Nicole just gurgles happily, bouncing a bit on Rooster’s shoulders before her father pulled her away, “I had no idea, she was moving a bit but, walking? Maybe she knew you were coming and wanted to be prepared for you.”

“Yeah.” he smiles, holding Nicole against his chest, “You aren’t upset at me because I didn’t tell you, are you?”

“No!Of course not!” she waves her hand dismissively, laughing softly before finishing what was left in her glass, “I love whenever you surprise me,I’m just happy you are home,” both of them see Eleanor carrying his duffle bag away from the door, trotting happily as if that weighed nothing…which for her, probably didn’t, “...Why are you home so soon? Not that I’m complaining, but I thought you still had five months left.”

“Well,” he drawls the L with a little smirk, “I think we cut the mission in half because of what happened.”

He does explain to Beatrice about the base, about the area they were in but doesn’t go in too much detail because she didn’t need to know that…however he does tell her about Raptor and Jaws, about what they did and how he and McAllister helped them even if they didn’t want to, “...I was really pissed Bea.” he mutters, rubbing Nicole’s tiny hand between his thumb and forefinger, “They were so irresponsible, what they did was so…fucked.”

Beatrice licks her lips, the joy in her eyes dissipating for a second as she looks at her husband, eyebrows low and mouth going downwards, “...I’m just happy you are okay.” she whispers, rubbing her neck, “I…I know you didn’t want to worry me, but I’m so happy you told me about it, I’m happy you didn’t keep that inside you.”

“I just worry.”

“I know,” she reassures him, “I know you do…but I could see how tense that mission made you,even when you spoke to me,I knew something was wrong…I just knew you’d share with me whenever you felt ready.” he smiled sweetly back at her, still rubbing Nicole’s hand and leaning against the wall, one leg crossed over the other, “I’m glad you aren’t holding it in anymore.”

“I’m trying,it’s kinda hard.” he shrugs, ‘But I’m doing my best.” he does look at her then, really look and he sees all the details he adored. The freckles, the pink of her cheeks that matched the pink on her lips, the way her green eyes twinkled whenever she spoke…and the bits of paint sticking to her overalls and hair, “Were you busy painting?”

“Well,kind of.” she shrugged herself, sitting on the kitchen chair - he was faster and pulled it for her, earning a soft laugh from his wife followed by a ‘you are so sweet’ - to support her head on her hand, “I’ve been trying a bit but, I can’t stay there for too long, they are getting bigger,” she points to her stomach, “And since it’s two of them, it…can be hard to work around.I was actually gonna ask Leo or Mike to help me out.”

Rooster hummed, pursing his lips briefly and then licking them, “I could finish for you since I got home.” she makes a face, one that only earns an eyebrow raise from him, “What?”

“I really want you to enjoy your leave.” she muttered, “And, you know, painting a room could be a lot of work…” he drops his eyes, pointedly to her stomach and she stutters, “Well!I-I mean,I,um…”

Rooster chuckles softly, his eyes filled with adoration as he reaches out to take Beatrice's hand in his own since he was still holding Nicole. "Gorgeous, I want to spend my leave with you and the kids. And if that means helping out with the room, then I couldn't think of a better way to spend my time."

Beatrice's cheeks turn a shade of pink as she looks down at their entwined hands. "You really don't have to, Roos. I don't want you to feel obligated."

"Obligation? Baby," he says, his voice gentle "Gorgeous, love of my life,” and he slowly pulls her closer towards him, “Most beautiful woman in this whole universe…I want to be a part of this journey, every step of the way. And if that means getting some paint on my hands, then so be it. I was with Nikki’s."

“Aa!”

“I don’t see why I wouldn’t be for the twins.”

Beatrice's eyes shimmer with tears as she gazes at her husband. "You're incredible, you know that?"

Rooster smiles, his thumb gently caressing her hand. "I'm just doing what I can to make you happy. To make us happy." he whispers, “And you are the incredible one.”

“Don’t start.”

“Cause I always finish it.”

They sit there, in the quiet of their kitchen, their hands joined and their hearts connected, laughing softly. The sounds of laughter and giggles fill the air as Nicole bounces on Rooster's arm, Beatrice missed this so much. She holds her head up with a closed fist against her cheek, rubbing his knuckles with her thumb softly as she sighs, “...okay. I think it’ll be fine, but not today. You just got here.”

“True,I’m exhausted and I–” he makes a face, groaning quietly, “I need to talk to Cyclone,I completely forgot about it.”

“Oh?”

“He has my report but he wants to know more, Evelyn’s dad is…like that.” he makes a face, his brain trying to think what would be a good time to go…well he just got home, he could spend a few minutes with his family before going back to talk to Cyclone.

Right?

Rooster contemplates for a moment, his gaze shifting between Beatrice and Nicole. He knows that talking to Cyclone and providing a detailed report about the mission is important, but at the same time, he wants to savor this precious time with his family. It was still early after all.

Beatrice notices the conflict in his expression and gently squeezes his hand. "You need to talk to Cyclone, I understand," she says softly. "But you just got home, surely he can wait for a bit…I can always call Ev and she can work something up.”

Rooster's eyes soften as he looks at Beatrice, laughing softly. "You're right, but you don’t have to call Evelyn." he replies, a smile forming on his lips. " I'll talk to Cyclone later. Right now, I want to be with you and my girls."

Beatrice's smile widens, and she leans in to press a tender kiss against Rooster's forehead. "That's all I want," she whispers. “But um!Anyway, are you hungry?”

Rooster chuckles and nods. "Starving, actually. The airplane food didn't quite cut it."

Beatrice stands up from the chair and gestures towards the fridge. "Well, then let's whip up something delicious for you. I'm sure you have some cravings after being away for so long." she walks up to it and purses her lips, “Any requests?”

Rooster grins and follows her into the kitchen, still holding Nicole in his arms. "I'll eat anything you make, Bea. Your cooking is always amazing. But I’d appreciate something that can be heated by the microwave since you can’t stay in front of the oven for too long."

He points that out and Beatrice smiles, “Leftovers it is then, we have,” she opens a container,”Some chicken aaaanddd…some stir fried rice.”she smiles up at him as he thinks about it.

“Rice and chicken, please.”

“Oke doke!I’ll heat it up for you.”

Rooster watches Beatrice as she puts everything in a microwave safe bowl, but he did notice her adding a few extra herbs just because he liked so much.He can't help but feel a surge of pride and admiration for the incredible woman standing beside him.

"I've missed this," Rooster says, his voice filled with warmth, one of his hands holding his head up. "The sounds of the kitchen, the aroma of your cooking, and just being together like this."

Beatrice smiles, her eyes sparkling with affection as she looks over her shoulder towards him. "I've missed it too, Roos. It feels good to have you back home." and she looks back at the task at hand, timing the microwave and sighing before walking back to the table, “It’ll be done in a few minutes.”

“Sounds good.” he grins, dropping his gaze down her body longingly “You look good.”

She laughs while staring at her paint stained overalls and her hands, shaking her head, “Well,I do look colorful.”

Rooster chuckles, his eyes shining with amusement. "Colorful suits you, Bea. Besides, it's the smile on your face that truly lights up the room."

Beatrice blushes, feeling the warmth spread across her cheeks, scoffing softly. "You always know just what to say," she murmurs, unable to hide her affection, covering her cheeks with her hands, “You make me blush too much.”

“Favorite hobby of mine.” he winks, “Missed doing it in real life.”

As they wait for the microwave to be done, Rooster asks, "So, what else have I missed while I was away? Any exciting developments?"

“Not really? The babies are okay.” she says with a shrug, “And Nikki is well…walking now, oh!But in a few weeks me and the girls are going out. Shells suggested it, since we are ‘too pregnant’ to do anything else.” she smiles sweetly, looking at her hand, “I think she just…don’t want to admit she feels too left out. You know?”

“What are you guys doing? Nothing dangerous,right?’ his wife only shrugs apologetically and giving him a small guilty smile, ‘...you don’t know what it is.”

“No,but she assured me it’s nothing dangerous like paragliding or anything.” she did giggle at her own joke but her husband looked horrified, “Roos, I’m not serious.”

“I know, but still.” he pursed his lips as he adjusted Nicole on his lap, nuzzling her hair, “What do you think it is? And…well, will that take you away from me for too long?” Bea’s cheeks redden as she tilts her head at him, “Because,and I’m just sayin’...we do have a date to go to…and…” he draws a circle with the tip of his index finger against the table’s surface, “And we have…some catching up to do.”

Beatrice’s eyes flick nervously towards Nicole, her cheeks getting even redder, “...y-yeah.” she clears her throat gently, “But um, we will do that.I have…thought about it a lot.” he quirks his brow in question, still smirking, “A-Anyway!” the microwave finished heating everything up, ‘It’s ready!’

After having eaten he finally went up to meet with Cyclone. He walked past Jaws and a blur that ran past him was indeed Raptor, he was sure she was crying…without a doubt,Cyclone had a talk with them too.

Honestly he was just glad they had a reality check before he arrived, he only gave Jaws a nasty look and then walked to Cyclone’s office, knocking on the door with his knuckles.

“Come in.”

Rooster opens the door and steps into Cyclone's office. The room is brightly lit because of the large windows, with a desk cluttered with papers and a large world map hanging on the wall. Cyclone sits behind his desk, a stern expression on his face.

"Rooster," Cyclone says, his voice gruff and quiet, he nods to the chair in front of his desk. "Take a seat."

Rooster nods and settles on the chair, he folds his hands in his lap, waiting for Cyclone to speak.

"I've read your initial report," Cyclone begins, his gaze fixed on Rooster. "But I want to hear more details. What happened out there? What led to the decision to cut the mission short?"

Rooster takes a deep breath, mentally preparing himself to recount the events. He goes into detail about the dangerous situation they encountered, the reckless actions of Raptor and Jaws, and how he and McAllister stepped in to help rectify the situation.

"It was a mess, sir," Rooster admits, his voice tinged with frustration. "Their actions not only jeopardized the mission, but put everyone's lives at risk. We had to act quickly to prevent a disaster."

Cyclone listens intently, his expression unreadable. When Rooster finishes speaking, there is a moment of silence as Cyclone processes the information."You did the right thing," Cyclone finally says, his voice firm. "You and McAllister took charge in a difficult situation and made the necessary decisions. Your actions saved lives, Rooster."

Rooster's shoulders relax slightly at Cyclone's words. He had been wrestling with doubts and guilt over the mission, and hearing Cyclone's validation eases some of that burden.

"But," Cyclone continues, his tone stern once again, "I need your help with something."

“Sir?”

“Their punishment.”

Rooster's eyebrows furrow in confusion. He hadn't expected Cyclone to bring up the topic of punishment for Raptor and Jaws. He knew their actions were reckless and had serious consequences, but he shouldn’t be surprised that was brought up.

Especially considering everything.

“How can I help sir?”

Cyclone leans back in his chair, his gaze fixed on Rooster. "You led this mission, Rooster," he splays his hands as he raises his brows, moving his chair from left to right slowly,”And, your report was very detailed…we both know the type of thing they did needs to be thought of thoroughly.”

Rooster nods, understanding the gravity of the situation. He takes a moment to gather his thoughts before responding. "I understand, sir. “ he licks his lips,”I’ll try my best.”

Cyclone leans forward, his expression serious. "I've been considering various options for their punishment, but I value your input as their team leader. You have firsthand knowledge of the incident and a deeper understanding of the dynamics within the team."

Rooster takes a deep breath, realizing the weight of the responsibility that has been placed on his shoulders. He knows that the decisions made regarding Raptor and Jaws' punishment will have a lasting impact on the team's trust and cohesion.

"I believe in accountability, sir," Rooster says firmly, meeting Cyclone's gaze. "Their actions endangered lives, and it's crucial that they face the consequences of their behavior. However,and I… I had some time to think about that. We should give them an opportunity to learn from their mistakes and demonstrate genuine remorse."

Cyclone listens attentively, his expression thoughtful. "A chance is what I hear you saying.” he says, his voice measured. "Am I correct?”

“Yes,sir.”

“And why,Bradshaw, would that work?” he interlocks his fingers in front of his mouth, “Tell me.”

Rooster takes a moment to gather his thoughts, carefully considering Cyclone's question.He tries to come up with a concise and clear answer before opening his mouth "Well, sir," Rooster begins, his voice steady, "I believe that punishment alone may not necessarily lead to lasting change. By giving them a chance for rehabilitation, we create an opportunity for them to learn from their mistakes and develop a deeper understanding of the consequences of their actions."

“And?”

He continues, his words thoughtful and measured, "Through rehabilitation, we can foster a sense of personal growth and responsibility. It allows them to reflect on their actions, acknowledge the impact it had on the mission and their teammates, and take steps towards making amends. By offering this chance, we demonstrate that we believe in their capacity for change and growth."

The vice admiral’s blue eyes shoot through him for a second, “And if they don’t learn?”

Rooster takes a deep breath, meeting Cyclone's gaze. "If they don't learn, sir, then we address it accordingly. If they fail to demonstrate genuine remorse, if they continue to exhibit reckless behavior or disregard for the mission and their teammates, then more severe measures may need to be taken."

“Such as?”

“Reassignment, additional training, or even temporary suspension from active duty” he answers without missing a beat, “They knew what they were getting into.”

He expected the vice admiral to continue his line of questioning, but he didn’t. In fact, he did something Rooster has only seen a few times: he smiled. He smiled almost proudly, almost as if he knew what Rooster was going to say.

Cyclone leans back in his chair, his smile lingering on his face. "You've shown exceptional judgment, Rooster," he says, his voice filled with a mixture of admiration and satisfaction. "Your commitment to accountability and growth within the team is commendable."

Rooster's confusion slowly transforms into a sense of relief. He hadn't expected such a positive response, especially given the seriousness of the situation. His shoulders relax slightly as he takes in Cyclone's words.

"Thank you,sir."

“However,” Cyclone begins, his smile fading slightly. "I want you to keep a close eye on Raptor and Jaws moving forward. Monitor their progress closely and ensure they are actively working towards their rehabilitation and growth. Don’t be their baby sitter, but don’t look away either…if they stay."

Rooster nods, understanding the importance of closely observing their behavior and progress. "Yes, sir. I will do that."

Cyclone leans forward, his gaze intense. "Their actions had serious consequences, and it is vital that they understand the gravity of their mistakes. We cannot afford any relapses or further disregard for the safety of the team. We both know how this works."

“Yes,sir,absolutely.”

Cyclone's gaze lingers on Rooster for a moment before he leans back in his chair, a subtle nod indicating his satisfaction with Rooster's response. "Good.Keep me updated on their progress.."

Rooster straightens his posture, nodding at him. "Thank you, sir. I will stay vigilant and maintain open communication."

Cyclone's smile returns, this time accompanied by a sense of reassurance. "Dismissed, Rooster. Enjoy your leave."

Rooster offers a respectful nod before turning to leave Cyclone's office. But he stops by the door, “Sir,” Cyclone looks up from his work to meet Rooster’s slowly turning head, “...may I suggest something? It’s about recruit McAllister.”

Cyclone raises an eyebrow, intrigued by Rooster's request, setting his pen down. "Of course, Rooster. What do you have in mind?"

Rooster takes a deep breath, carefully choosing his words. "Recruit McAllister has proven himself to be a valuable asset during this mission," he begins, his voice confident. "His skills, dedication, and ability to adapt were evident."

Cyclone leans back in his chair, considering Rooster's suggestion. "I've reviewed his file, and he does show promise," he acknowledges. "But I'm curious, what specifically are you proposing?"

"I suggest considering an acceleration of McAllister's training," Rooster suggests, his tone earnest. "Given his performance and potential, I believe he could benefit from additional specialized training and opportunities for growth. It would not only further develop his skills but also allow him to contribute more effectively to the team."

Cyclone strokes his chin thoughtfully, weighing the proposal. "Accelerating his training is a bold move," he remarks, giving Rooster an ‘are you sure’ glance without saying it outloud. “He is fairly new.”

“He is really good sir…in fact, the whole Stalker Squad was good. The recruits did amazing,I’m sure you received detailed reports from the other pilots.”

Cyclone nods, brows furrowing as he looks to the side where a pile of papers sat. "Yes, I have received positive reports about the Stalker Squad's performance. However, it is important to maintain a balance between recognizing potential and ensuring thorough training."

Rooster's determination is unwavering as he responds, "I understand the need for balance, sir. But McAllister has demonstrated exceptional skills.With the right guidance and additional training, I believe he can make significant contributions to the team.”

Cyclone leans forward, his gaze intent. "You believe he is ready for the challenges that come with that?"

"Yes, sir."

Cyclone considers Rooster's words, his expression thoughtful. After a brief pause, he finally speaks, "Very well, Rooster. I will take your recommendation into serious consideration. I will review McAllister's performance and consult with the training department. If I am convinced of his readiness, we will proceed with an accelerated training plan."

Rooster's face brightens with gratitude and anticipation. "Thank you, sir. I believe this decision will not only benefit McAllister but also strengthen the other recruits as well."

Cyclone offers a nod in response. " I will inform you of my decision once I have reviewed all the necessary information."

Rooster stands straight, his gratitude evident,saluting the vice-admiral "Thank you, sir.”

Cyclone offers a small smile. "Dismissed, Rooster. Enjoy your leave and keep up the excellent work."

Rooster offers a final nod of respect before leaving Cyclone's office. He is filled with a sense of satisfaction and purpose, his body feels lighter and he felt…good. He felt good. It wasn’t as bad as he thought it’d be, he was happy they could offer them one chance and one chance only.

He saw the two pilots hanging close by, distraught and clearly upset by everything, but he didn’t stop to acknowledge them. While he believed in a balance of punishment and understanding, it didn’t mean he wasn’t furious by their antics.

Which he still was.

As he walks out of the base, he meets Beatrice’s eyes as she waits for him outside the Bronco,holding Nicole in her arms. He blinks confusedly at her and chuckles, “I thought you’d stay inside since it’s so windy.”

“Oh,Nikki was getting restless.” and the little girl wriggles a bit as she says that, “Now that she walks I don’t think she wants to stay still anymore.” Beatrice meets his whiskey colored eyes with her own green ones, giving him a smile, “How was it?”

“Fine, better than I hoped.” he says, pulling the keys out of his pocket, twirling it on his finger before grabbing it mid air, “It was what I thought though, he wanted to know more about the mess.”

“Are they going to be in trouble?”

Rooster inhaled while arching his brows, “Yes, but…it won’t be so bad,I hope. It’s now out of my control,gorgeous. I said my piece,Cyclone will think about it and then we’ll see how it goes. I won’t see them for a while I think.” he opens the back door so Bea could place Nikki back on her seat, the baby still wriggling and trying to move around, “We’ll see once I get back.”

“Well.I mean…they are young.”

“That doesn’t really exclude anything,gorgeous.” he says as he leans against the roof, shielding Beatrice from the sun with his body, his nape was warming up uncomfortably but he wasn’t moving until she was done, “They had a job. They know the job,” he shrugs once she lifts her head, “Gut feeling is one thing. Acting stupid is another.”

“I guess.” she tucks a few strands behind her ear, chewing her lower lip, “Well! Enough of that, ready for your leave?”

“Gorgeous,” he smirks, kissing her lips, “You said the magic words, of course I am.”

#bradley rooster bradshaw #rooster bradshaw #bradley bradshaw x oc #top gun maverick #bradley bradshaw x reader #bradley bradshaw x female reader #bradley bradshaw x named reader #tgm oc #tgm fic #tgm fanfiction

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hungnitan · 11 months

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BUNGOU STRAY DOGS WAN ! CHAPTER 152

Everyone really long time no see ! I came back again with really lousy translation (well yeah this is the result of three hour works afterall lol). For reasons why I started again it’s because I’m so bored until next month (lol) and while from ch 152, not continuing my last translation is because raw ch.145 already gone and I saw someone already translated it until ch 151 (thanks to them it makes things easier, for link please refer to my pinned post).

This chapter is about Atsushi and Fitzgerald which is pretty unusual in wan series. PS : things like Fitzgerald brought so many cash with shopping bag is pretty usual with Asian mother when going to marketplace since that place can’t accept credit payments nor having an ATM around

Like always english and japanese aren’t my things so bear with me, and everyone can expect me update every 1-2 days since I late 7 chapter

#bsd #bungou stray dogs wan #bsd wan!#nakajima atsushi #Francis Scott Fitzgerald #lucy montgomery #izumi kyouka #louisa may alcott #OSAMU DAZAI #kunikida doppo

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katlakitty · 8 months

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There are 12 more chapters to go and 6 more days of posting left until my fic Together we grow will be completely posted.

So far there are 151 comments on 30 published chapters and I'm still blown away by all the feedback I've been getting on AO3 and here. The fic has 53 Kudos (aaaah!) and 1141 Hits (how, guys, how? Omg!).

I didn't expect to get a lot of attention and I'm still trying to process that y'all seem to like my story so much! I can't even state that you like it even though you keep screaming at me in the comments, I still have to add a 'seem' to that sentence. xD

Anyway, before I go off and continue to ramble about how blown away I am about your ongoing support and lovely comments, reblogs and tags - thank you!

Six more days to go to the finale! Hope you're ready for this story of Gavin and Connor to end. I'm not.

#rambles #dbhbb2023 #dbh bigbang2023 #detroit become human #dbh gavin #dbh connor #appreciation post #convin

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whatsnewalycat · 2 years

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Just Dumb Enough to Try

Chapter 21: Diggin' My Grave

Word Count: 4.4k+

Pairing: Javier Peña x F!Reader

Rating: Explicit (18+ only)

Tags / CW: swearing, cheating/infidelity, domestic abuse, morning wake up sex, unprotected PIV sex, breeding kink, pregnancy, crows, moving out, sexual assault discussion, background check, security cameras, secret dangling from the tip of your tongue, panic, getting the fuuuuuck outta here, cliffhanger

Chapter Summary: Moving morning doesn't go as smooth as our heroes were hoping.

Notes: Chapter title from "Diggin' My Grave" by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. Yeeehaw. Side note the shirt Javi is wearing in this GIF is my faaaavorite Javi shirt. Thank you for reading, I appreciate you!

[ Masterlist for Series ] [ Taglist ] [ Spotify Playlist ] [ AO3 ]

151 Fir St N, Laredo, TX July 30, 1998

Javi’s lips press to your shoulder and rouse you from sleep, mustache tickling your skin. The warmth of his chest against your back brings a smile to your face. Your eyes flutter open and you mumble, “Good morning.”

He murmurs into your neck as he pulls you closer, “Good morning, beautiful.”

You roll over to face him and your heart swells. His dark hair is sticking up in all directions, mussed from sleep, puffy eyes squinting as he tries to adjust to the morning light pouring onto your bed. You beam at him.

He laughs, rubbing sleep out of his eyes, “What the fuck are you smiling about?”

“I just think you’re really handsome. And I love you. And I’m excited,” you say as you hide your blushing face behind your hands.

“Fuck, you’re adorable,” he hums and smiles so big you can see his dimples. You cant resist the urge to ruffle his messy hair and pull him in for a kiss that lingers just long enough to spark heat. His cock twitches against you and he hums in approval. When you roll back around, you nuzzle into him again, your back to his chest, wiggling closer and closer until your ass flush against his morning wood, earning a soft groan. Just barely, you think you feel him press back.

“Did you sleep ok?” you ask innocently, arching into him with a stretch. He inhales sharply and this time you’re certain his hips rock against yours.

“I sure did,” he chuckles into your neck, then swirls his tongue in a soft circle before planting a kiss. Goosebumps sprout up and your lungs expand with a gasp. The fluttering of his mouth on your skin wakes an aching, hot need inside. You reach back to run your hands through his hair, coaxing a groan out of him as you melt against him and anchor your grip at the back of his head.

He drops to your pulse again, ravishing your neck with wet kisses, enveloping the skin with his mouth and sucking until you whine and writhe before moving to the next spot. Every inch of you lights up with pleasure, only amplified when you realize he's leaving the marks that have been discouraged until now. Until he could claim you all to himself. Your heart pounds in your chest and you start to sweat.

His fingers ghost along your rib cage, down to your thighs, outlining the hills and valleys of your body, making you pant and huff. The bed shifts as he aligns his hips with yours and the head of his cock presses against your entrance, wasting no time. He bites down on your shoulder as he sinks inside you slowly, inching deeper and deeper, ecstasy spreading from your cunt throughout your body, until he’s completely sheathed.

“Fuck yes,” you sob, gripping his hand on your hip, knuckles white as you curl your fingers around his. He slips his free arm around your torso and cradles you back against his chest. When he drags himself out as languidly as he entered, his teeth leave your shoulder, replaced by his lips for a gentle kiss. Then they press against your neck, your ear, your cheek. You crane your head to the side and find his mouth with your own, tongues caressing and exploring with love-drunk hums.

He starts to fuck you at a dreamy, lazy pace, waking you up slowly as your heart pumps faster, pulling soft moans and gasps from your lips with each thrust. You’re entangled, entrenched, engorged; fitting into each other like corresponding puzzle pieces, existing in this moment only to relish the ripples of pleasure echoing between your bodies. Your name spills from his mouth in a moan, then he whispers in your ear, “Do you know how much I love you?”

You moan as his breathy question tickles your skin, and nod, “I do, Javi, I do,” then gasp as he rubs along something in your pussy that makes your breath hitch. You see stars and your mouth hangs open as your head rolls back against his shoulder.

“Wanna wake up next to you every morning,” he breathes against your cheek, rutting into you at a faster rate now, “Fuck- wanna marry you-“

“Fuck yes, make me your wife, Javi,” you mewl, rocking your hips in sync with his, somehow amplifying the static pleasure roiling in your center. He groans and flicks your earlobe with his tongue. You're sinking further and further into bliss, moaning out, “That's so good, daddy, you fuck me so good.”

“Keep calling me daddy, I’ll fuck a baby into you, cariño,” he growls into your ear. The dizzying thrill you feel when you hear him say this makes you shudder out a throaty moan, pleasure tingling from your center all the way out to the tips of your digits.

“Cum inside me, daddy,” you whimper, and your heart jumps as the words leave your mouth, pushing over the domino that sets off a swell of ecstasy inside. As you pant and sputter, his cock rocks in and out of your cunt, squelching in a cadence so flawless, all thoughts flee your brain.

“I will, baby. Such a good fucking girl, I’m gonna cum in that sweet pussy-“ he pants as you make a strangled noise, arching your back so he can stretch you just so. The pleasure comes to a fever pitch when you feel his hips stutter and he spills inside you like he promised he would. Bliss ripples across your body, causing your legs to start shaking and your cunt to flutter around him. You feel him shudder and he groans at the sensation engulfing his overly sensitive member.

Your bodies soften and liquefy into a content puddle on your bed. You smile broadly and pant, “Fuck, I love you.”

“I love you,” he breathes hot against your pulse. Post-coitus bliss has the two of you happily marinading in each other as you catch your breath and return to sanity. Your fingertips trace love notes onto his skin while he plays with your hair.

When he pulls out of you, he shifts around and lays on your bosom, arm draped over your belly, ear pressed against your still thudding heart, head rising and falling with your chest. You comb your fingers through his silky hair affectionately and smile, “I can’t wait to wake up next to you every day.”

He hums in the agreement, then turns to look up at you. When his loving eyes linger on your face, it makes your insides flutter. You bite the inside of your cheek, contemplating whether not to tell him. This is such a sweet moment it makes your heart swell as you commit it to memory.

“Keep calling me daddy, I’ll fuck a baby into you, cariño.”

You open your mouth to tell him about the little jellybean (as you’ve affectionately come to call baby Peña in your brain) growing inside you, but what comes out is, “Should I get coffee going?”

“I suppose, it’s time to get this show on the road,” he mumbles.

—

When the backdoor slides open, you freeze and your eyes dart to the source. Javi steps out, holding two steaming cups of coffee, then slides it shut with his bare foot. Not one for overnight bags, he’s wearing the same clothes as yesterday: cream colored short-sleeve shirt and dark blue jeans.

With a sigh of relief, you cast a smile his way and toss another handful of unsalted peanuts onto the grass. You lean back in your seat, screwing the lid back on the jar of nuts. He takes a seat next to you, tilting his head, and asks, “Did they leave you anything today?”

The buttons on his shirt are only halfway fastened, no belt strung through the loops of his jeans. He’s still disheveled from sleep and sex. You love him all of the time, in all kinds of ways, but especially like this. When he lets himself be messy and carefree. It always feels like you’re getting a peak behind the curtain of his life, and you feel honored to be allowed such access.

“Look,” you pull a shiny, red button out of the front pocket of your jean shorts and hold it out to him. The slate blue Pyrex mugs clink against the glass top of your patio table as he sets one in front of each of you, then Javier plucks the treasure from your outstretched palm. You raise a mug your lips with both hands, wincing when the heat scalds your tongue. He turns the item over in his fingers, inspecting every angle.

“Do you think they’ll be mad you’re leaving?” he inquires as he hands the crows’ gift back to you.

You shrug as you shove the button back into your shorts pocket, “They’re smart, they’ll find me.”

It’s early enough that the oppressive Texas heat hasn’t yet made the outdoors unbearable. The air is quiet and still, only a few crickets still chirping in the long morning shadows. You’re reviewing the to-do list you jotted down last night, which pretty much consists of double checking each room to make sure you packed everything you need, and writing a breakup letter to Dan.

You haven’t been able to start the latter.

Javi reaches over, interrupting your thoughts as he closes your hand in his. His thumb grazes your ring. You look up at him, recognizing the meaning behind his furrowed brow and pursed lips, and you predict what he’s going to say before he mutters, “Can I take this fucking ring off you now?”

“Absolutely,” you laugh, then he slides the engagement ring off your finger and haphazardly tosses it across the patio table. The joy this brings you supersedes the joy you experienced when it was slid onto your body in the first place. It clinks against the glass as it bounces, then settles. With a huff, you bid the jewelry farewell.

“You don’t know how long I’ve been wanting to do that,” he admits, “Drove me crazy seeing it on you.”

“How long?” you tilt your chin up and meet his gaze, eyes sparkling with curiosity.

He chuckles and shakes his head, staring over at the diamond ring as he admits, “Since I saw it the first time. When you essentially told me to fuck off at the Pour House.”

“No fucking way,” laughter bubbles out of you, and you see his grin widen at the sound, “I was being such an asshole to you, though!”

“I deserved it,” his smile wanes as he meets your eyes again, then looks down at your now bare ring finger and strokes it with his thumb. Your chest aches with regret. It should have been tossed aside so much sooner.

A sigh escapes your lips as they fold into a frown, and you tell him quietly, “I’m sorry you had to deal with it for so long. And… I’m sorry you had to see him… do that on Saturday,” you bite the inside of your cheek, “If it was the other way around I would have lost my shit.”

“I hated it,” his jaw sets and his nostrils flare as he stares off into the distance, “The way he was touching you, talking to you… he’s lucky I didn’t fucking kill him.”

It’s quiet for a moment as the words settle. He means it. The air is insulated like a confessional, and you feel compelled to reinforce something that has only been bedroom talk thus far.

“When I tell you that I don’t let him touch me…” you start carefully, glancing over at him until he meets your gaze, “I’m being honest. We haven’t had sex, or anything like that, since before we started this.”

One of his eyebrows twitch upward as he tries to correct you, “Except for the-“

“That doesn’t count,” you interrupt curtly, assuming he’s referring to when Dan forced himself on you a few weeks ago. Of course, he has no way of knowing it wasn't consensual, but the scorn etched into his features sends a lightening bolt of hurt across your heart. Unconsciously, you rub the corners of your mouth, then cross your arms, pulling your hand from Javi’s.

The encounter haunts you. You've spent endless nights stifling sobs in the dark of your bedroom, brain repeating everything in detail as as you lie there wondering when he would violate you next. He would have this past weekend if Javi hadn’t stepped in to help you.

I should have left so much sooner.

The words hang in the air as you ruminate on this, unable to stop the onslaught of intrusive thoughts, until eventually he breathes, “What do you mean?”

Your stomach lurches. You glance down to pick at your black fingernail polish, only to find you’ve already chipped it away. When you look up to meet his questioning eyes, your face crumbles, and you admit, “I know I told you that he didn’t make me do anything, but… I lied.”

He’s silent. Frozen in place. Waiting for more information.

Your heart pounds in your chest. After swallowing the lump in your throat, tears blur your vision, and you choke out, “He said I had to touch him or I couldn’t see you. Then he forced himself- he- he forced himself into my mouth,” you start sobbing. Javi reaches over and pulls your hand back into his, squeezing to keep you grounded. You meet his gaze, “I’m… I’m so sorry, Javi. I should have told you.”

He pushes his chair back and comes to crouch between your legs. Letting go of your hand, he cups your cheeks and wipes your tears, whispering, “Hey- heyheyhey it’s ok, baby. It’s ok. We’re getting you the fuck out of here, ok?”

You whimper when he presses his lips your forehead. His hands frame your cheeks and he meets your eyes again, searching your face. He sighs, pursing his lips together as he contemplates whether or not to share his thought. When he speaks, it’s quiet and remorseful, “I wish you would have told me. We could have done this sooner. I- I didn’t know it was that bad, baby. I’m sorry.”

“I should have told you,” you repeat, exhaling a shuddered breath. A chill runs down your spine as you ask hesitantly, “Javi, what if he tries to do something after I leave? Will he try to hurt us?”

His Adam’s apple bobs and his warm brown eyes start to pool with tears. He pulls you into his chest and mumbles a promise into your hair, “I will do anything to make sure he doesn’t hurt you again, ok?”

You nod against his shirt and melt into the embrace, taking deep breathes as the tears subside and you feel the comfort of safety radiate off of him.

His cell phone rings in his pocket. He stands up and glances at it, muttering, “Give me one minute, ok?”

This is your cue to get up and start this whole moving thing. Before you go inside, you chug the tepid black coffee left in your mug, almost gagging at how bitter it tastes on your tongue. Javier greets the caller and walks a few feet away for privacy, hand on his hip as he turns to look out at the backyard.

You go inside and wander into your bedroom’s walk-in closet. It looks bare and picked-through on your side. The remaining items, dangling from plastic hangers, slide across your field of vision as you scan them one last time, making sure you truly hate the garments before abandoning them. Your eye catches on the long-neglected clothing stuffed onto the shelf at the top of your closet. You hum as you find a stepstool, then boost yourself up to investigate the shelf. When you shift aside a stack of pants that no longer fit you, something meets your eye.

A camera lens.

Your spine straightens. You squeeze your eyes shut and open them again, half expecting it to be your imagination. Still there. All the air expels from your lungs and you stumble backwards out of the closet, hollering out in a shaky voice, “Javi- I- there’s- can you come here?”

You practically slam into him as you’re leaving the bedroom. His eyes are already fear-stricken as he grabs your shoulders, “That was Steve, I asked him to look into Dan a few weeks ago-“

“There’s a camera in the closet,” you interrupt, grabbing his hand, pulling him behind you. You point to it. When he spots it, he takes a long stride and steps up on the stool, then yanks on it with force, pulling its innards out of the dry wall. The abruptness of his actions makes you jump.

He handles the seemingly fragile equipment in such a brute way, it almost makes you laugh. Very caveman. It’s endearing. Then, in a complete juxtaposition to his brashness, his fingers skim the outside of the electronic as he carefully studies it.

“This is high-tech. It’s wired to the internet. Probably sends the video somewhere else,” he turns the device over in his hand like he did with the red button, then looks up to you with wide eyes and a furrowed brow, “Where the fuck would he get something like this?”

“It’s literally what he does for a living,” you advise as you cross your arms and step back into the bedroom. Your stomach tightens, then you ask, “Is- is he watching us?”

Javi turns around, leaving the disemboweled camera hanging from the wall, and shrugs, “I’m guessing so. Probably from his computer at work, or a friend’s house maybe. There are probably other cameras, too,” his head snaps up and his eyes start to scan the bedroom, “Can you call and see if he’s at work?”

You nod and hurry into the living room to grab the phone. After you punch in the number for Dan’s direct line and press DIAL, your eyes scan the room as the dial tone drones. Javi walks in the room and starts searching, too. Your gaze catches on your to-do list, which Javi must have tossed on the coffee table on his way to find you. Javi scrawled across the notebook paper below your list. You recognize the words: 1985,1987, RESTRAINING ORDER, RAPE,1989 , and what you guess is supposed to say ATTEMPTED MURDER.

Unease settles in your chest and sets your hair on edge. Javi grunts as he finds a camera hidden in the entertainment center. The muscles in his arm bulge when he rips it out of place, knocking a bunch of shit over in the process. He pulls out a pocket knife and cuts the wires.

You gasp and hiss, “Jesus fuck, be careful, you’re going to electrocute yourself!”

He huffs and waves you off, then tosses the camera’s corpse on the ground. Another dial tone buzzes in your ear.

“You’ve reached the voicemail for Dan Baker-“

Hang up. Try the front desk. It rings once.

“Good morning, thank you for calling-“

“Helen, is Dan there? He’s not answering his desk phone.”

“Dan? No, hun. He left, what, maybe 10 minutes ago? Said there was an emergency at home-“ her lilted twang is cut off when you slam the phone receiver down on its base.

You march into the kitchen where Javi is tossing another camera on the ground. He looks over to meet your gaze as you enter the room, referencing the severed electronic, “I’m sure he got a nice video of us last night.”

“He’s going to be here soon. Left the office ten minutes ago,” you blurt.

He’s going to kill me. Literally, he’s going to gut me like a fucking fish. I know it.

He folds his pocket knife and shoves it in his pocket, then starts pacing, running his hands over his face and through his hair.

Despite the desperate urge to start flailing your arms and screaming, you hug yourself and follow his figure with your eyes. The wheels are turning in his head. He stops and spins to face you, “Go get the most important things and put them in your car."

He strides past you, towards the front door, and hollers back, “Make sure you have your purse and the cash from that box.”

The direct orders snap you into focus. You go to your bedroom and swing on the backpack that has all of your daily items packed, as well as the money you stole from Dan. You pick up a laundry basket full of clean clothes. Javi passes you as you're going out to the car, re-entering the house with a gun tucked into the waistband of his jeans.

When you come back inside, he’s waiting for you in the living room, hands planted on his hips, “Steve did a background check. Dan has a history of stalking and hurting women. A woman he dated in 1989, after she broke it off with him, he stalked her and tried to murder her. Charges against him were dropped in every case. Probably paid off.”

All the blood drains from your face. Your knees are jelly. Your intestines are filled with lead.

He’s going to kill me. He’s going to kill Javi. He’s going to kill my baby.

“You’re going to go to the hotel we stayed at in San Antonio.”

Our baby.

You feel your skin start to crawl as reality sets in, then croak out in a panicked wail, “Holy shit , Javi, he’s actually going to fucking kill us.”

“He’s not going to fucking touch you,” Javi booms. The harshness of his voice makes you shrink away from him. His face softens and turns apologetic. He pulls you in and wraps his arms around you, “I’m sorry, cariño. I’m sorry. It’ll be ok, I promise. Did you get all the necessities?”

You nod, “But I want to come with you.”

“No, you’re going to the hotel.”

“Please, I just have a feeling-“

“No. This is the safest way. Let’s get the fuck out of here,” he pulls back, lays a kiss on your forehead, and leads the way out the door.

I have to tell him.

You scramble to grab your car keys out of your purse, and as he turns to say goodbye to you, the words are boiling over in your throat, no matter how hard you try to swallow them, “Javi-“

I’m pregnant. Just say it.

“I love you. I’ll call the hotel when it’s safe to leave.”

I’m pregnant.

“I love you too,” you breathe, and pull him in for a kiss goodbye, “I have to tell you something.”

I’m pregnant.

“Baby, we have to go-“ he pleads, running his hands through his hair.

You swallow the words at the tip of your tongue, despite their resistance, and try to hold back tears, “Ok, ok. One more kiss, though.”

He cups your face and pulls your lips against his. Your hands link at the back of his neck and you arch into him. The kiss is passionate and purposeful, filled with the thousand words neither of you have time to say. Except the two that won’t stop repeating in your head.

I’m pregnant.

—

No matter how hard you try to distract yourself, there’s this rat trying to gnaw its way out of your guts. It won’t go away. Desperate, tearing, persistent.

It’s been three hours since you left Laredo and you’ve heard nothing. Should you call? No, right?

“I’ll call the hotel when it’s safe to leave.”

Does that mean you shouldn’t call him? What if something happened to him?

You go to the window and pull the curtain back, letting the midday sun pool into the hotel room. It soaks your skin in heat, allowing you to become more rooted in your body.

Grounding. I need grounding.

Take a deep breath, what do you smell? Thyme. Something else you can’t place a finger on, a fresh scent that hotels seem to have pumping through them.

Feel? Hot sun warming your upper body, contrasted by the icy air generated by a commercial-grade air conditioner, making the rest of your skin cool to the touch. Berber carpet scratchy on the soles of your feet.

Hear? Doors in the hall opening and closing incessantly. Squeaky pubescent voices laughing and hollering. You were lucky enough to be on the same floor as some kind of a high school sports team, and it’s very noticeable.

See? A winding river. San Antonio’s hazy skyline. People enjoying the beautiful day on a walking path. A building whose circular roof has a giant flower painted on it.

Taste? Fear. No, that’s dramatic. It’s more like coffee and morning breath. Which reminds you that you forgot to brush your teeth.

Your stomach growls in a cry for attention, then you realize you also forgot to eat this morning. After ordering a pizza and brushing your teeth, you lay on the plush bed and flip through tv channels, finally settling on some daytime soap opera that, despite your initial reaction to wrinkle your nose at the show, has caught your interest. It takes about 10 more minutes of half-watching, half-doodling in your sketch pad before you give in and roll over to grab the phone. The receiver wedged between your ear and your shoulder, you punch Javi’s phone number into the keypad.

It starts ringing. You thrum your fingers against the nightstand. There’s a knock at the door. Must be the food. You look from the corded phone to the door as the pizza guy knocks. The line trills again.

The knock grows more persistent. The phone keeps ringing.

“Hang on,” you call to the delivery person. They respond with an impatient BOOM BOOM BOOM. The phone trills a final time before the voicemail picks up.

“You’ve reached Javier Peña, leave a message."

“Hey, it’s me, just-”

BOOM BOOM BOOM

“Jesus fucking Christ, sorry, checking in with you. I’m in room 516. Give me-“

BOOM BOOM BOOM

“ONE SECOND,” you scream at the door in frustration, then finish your message, “Give me a call. I love you.”

You toss the receiver down towards its cradle haphazardly and hustle to swing the door open, grabbing your wallet on the way. As you hand a $20 bill to the delivery man, you look up to apologize. Then freeze.

Bile rises in your throat. Dan, holding a pizza box. A metallic click. Your eyes snap to his hand. He’s aiming a revolver at your chest.

The buzz of panic screams in your ears as you hold your hands up, palms facing him, then step back to let him into the room.

[ Next Chapter ]

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