When he had returned to the base empty of the person he had expected to return to there was no limit to his destruction. He was inconsolable in his rage--his fury palpable in the air around him as the force snapped lightening hot. Those responsible for caring for Nate thoroughly punished their pleas falling on deaf ears. It didn’t take long for him to figure out the mystery of where Nate had been taken. 

It was easy to see why he was a man to be feared. Anyone standing in his way would ultimately be plowed down. The thought was there buried under his anger. The consequential what ifs -- if he was too late, if he couldn’t protect him, if he was already harmed-- Kylo would ensure that whoever thought it smart to steal Nate from him would act as a lesson to anyone else who got any wise ideas. This would be an demonstration to everyone unless they planned on killing Kylo himself that they ought to leave the other male out of their plans.

The destruction around him is insurmountable. He can feel it in his veins, thudding as a reminder how of far he’s come; him and the force seem to be one. The smell of fire, blood, and smoke fill his nostrils as he pushes forward on the unfamiliar ship signaling the storm troopers to spilt with their instructions already clear. No one to be left as Kylo had bit out as soon as the ship in question had come into view. “Nate?” / @wxr-zxne 

Happy Birthday Shane! ~Anya

Send my muse(s) birthday messages! - @wxr-zxne

Shane pulled Anya closer to him as he hummed softly into her ear. “Thanks, sweetheart. 

           *✧.:°░｡ closed starter for @wxr-zxne​

          It wasn’t like her to be so nervous, she had attended Tony’s parties and formal events numerous times before, but this time she couldn’t help it, because this time things were a little different – Rick was also going to be there. They had been spending a lot of time together, on and off missions, and they had grown close, and this would be the first time he’d see all dressed up.

          The gown she was wearing Wanda borrowed from Natasha and it was very body hugging, it felt like it was suffocating her, but she was sure it would go away once she would get inside and have a drink or two. Or at least she hoped it would.

          “Don’t be scared, let’s go inside,“ she heard Natasha’s calming voice next to her. “I’m sure he’ll love it,” the assassin added in a lower tone. “I hope so,” Wanda chuckled softly. cheeks burning, and went inside with Natasha. The ballroom was easy to find, they just had to follow live music and chatter. Once there, she couldn’t find Rick in the crowd, so she went with the second best option – going for that drink. “Gin and Tonic, please,” she asked the bartender leaning against the counter.

“Why are your eyes so…red?” Karen

Jurassic Memes || -

Maybe it's the fact that it took him a full three minutes to work up the gumption to pull himself off the couch to answer the door, or the fact that he'd smiled with full teeth on display that he almost never does ~a habit in common with his sister~ or...a host of other hazy things he doesn't quite hold onto try as much as he does to think about them. He stands aside to let her in, closing the door behind her, then makes his way back to the couch where he half sits, half collapses under his own weight. "If you're keeping this off the record, I'm gonna have to go with...'because I'm high as fuck right now' or if you prefer....allergies."

Karen knows Riley isn't allergic to anything. The wince when he puts his leg back up on the cushions, a habit because it isn't even the one made of flesh and bone tells her more than he will about the phantom nerve pain.

"I'm...I'm sorry. Shouldn'a said that. But I'm glad to see you. What's up?"

New Squad Member: Rick Flag HC

Main Master List DC Master List

Requested by @neon-supernova

----------

He's definitely more strict when it comes to a new member, keeps them on a tight leash to see how well they obey orders, but if it's you, he keeps a really tight leash. He doesn't know if it's because you're new or if he just doesn't want you to get hurt but he keeps you by his side for the first couple of missions.

He also tries to keep you off missions. Even though you're an asset to the team, he tries to keep you off for selfish reasons, one) so you're safe and sound and two) so you stay at belle reve where he would be able to see you everyday 

If you are on missions and there's some downtime, you can bet he's striking up small talk, "how's the food been" "how are you holding up" and even though it's small stuff, he doesn't just ask everybody. 

When you're at the prison and he's at the prison, he makes sure nobody bothers you. He also makes sure you're eating enough (whether that be by "accidentally walking past you" or even asking the cafeteria staff) he makes sure you have enough food on your plate. 

Training is interesting, he always trains you harder than others, wanting you to be well prepared in case he's not there to save/help you. You and others notice this and the other members tease you for it, unbeknown to the colonel.

If you get hurt, he always makes sure you receive treatment first before anybody else, not caring about the extent of the injuries of other members including himself 

He also checks you out alot, he will watch you from afar or even watch security footage of you.

You eventually pick up on everything (more like Harley flat out tells you) and so you approach Rick and he's all flustered. When you bring it up, he denies it, but when he sees your face drop in sadness he admits everything. 

He tries to do some deep government shit and get your charges dropped but in the meantime he will steal you away for some one on one dates, whether that be some "training" or even food in his office. He will ask you what kind of food you like or if there is anything you need to make your stay at Belle Reve as comfortable as possible and he'll sneak it in for you.

He'll honestly do anything for you.

==========

General Tag List: @marvelousmermaid @himbovillain-anon @babblydrabbly @a-reader-and-a-writer @fairchildflag @infatuatedjanes

Joel Tag List: @aestheticallywinchester @loverhymeswith @xoxabs88xox @t-i-n-y-d-i-n-o @witchygagirl @the1redrose @ratcatcher2world @green-socks @weallhaveadestiny @yourjacketisnowdry @rachelh1992 @a-girl-who-loves-disney @knivesareout @bubblegloopswampwitch @waspswidows @burntghoost @mattymurdocksbitch @katjnordstrom96 @11thstreetvigilante @yespolkadotkitty @heresathreebee @madkovacs @wxr-zxne @wtfobiwan @alieninoklahoma @sociiallydiisoriiented @violetmuses

Which creature are you within the Enchanted Forest?

sw au | smuggler!ben: the scoundrel

Goblin (i snorted LOL)

Despite your humble background, you managed to climb your way to the tippy top of the royal court using your silver tongue and sharp mind. You became close with the corrupt king—his most trusted advisor even. Little did anyone know you were actually working with a rebel group to overthrow the rotten kingdom. But one of your fellow spies blew your cover when they themselves were caught. To avoid being sentenced to death, you took off for the Enchanted Forest. But this was no surrender. You’re clever, scrappy even. Your wit is your weapon, and you use it to cut a path through the forest. For you’re not just intelligent but intuitive, with a strong sense of others and their intentions. You adapt. A chameleon in more ways than one. Yet you never lose sight of who you are or what you want. Just because you break others’ rules doesn’t mean you don’t have a strong moral code of your own. Upon reaching the other side of the forest, you discover your Goblin ancestry and are met with open arms. When you successfully spare yourself from being pickpocketed by their entire lot, the Goblins know you’re one of their own. Together, you form strategies with the Huntsmen and Elves to sneak back into the kingdom, join forces with your rebel friends, and conquer the evil court. In peacetime, you help organize the newly united lands, while honing your plan of attack for game night with your new family.

sw au | dark!ren: renegade knight

Huntsman/Huntswomen (predictable)

Upon the request of the corrupt guard, you’ve been tasked with finding and assassinating the lost heir of the Banished Kingdom who currently seeks refuge within their homeland of the Enchanted Forest. Though a hunter by trade, you have a high regard for all life. You kill humanely and only for survival. Never for sport as some of the court advisors wish you would. You’re peaceful, thoughtful, with a preference to observe. Whether that’s the world around you or the person you love figuring out how to be human again upon waking in the morning. Slow to anger, but quick to draw if necessary. In the past, your partner spoke out against the tyrannical throne and was sentenced to exile in the Enchanted Forest. In vain, you searched for them to no avail. To return to this place is troublesome to say the least. In the woods, you’re vigilant. You think smart and fast--perhaps a tad pessimistically--but your cynicism protects you. Despite the dangers of the forest, you feel at ease here. Focused. So much so that your determination can edge on obsession as you search for the heir and secretly your missing partner. The surety of your loyalty rivals the constancy of death and taxes. Once you reach the forest’s end, you’re reunited with your partner who joined forces with the leaders of the Banished Kingdom. You provide insider knowledge along with the Goblins on the palace and help lead the charge with the Elves and Dwarves to topple the rotten empire. Afterwards, you and your partner dedicate your lives to maintaining the forest with the Giants by preserving and protecting all the flora and fauna that live there. Because you know that no life should be permanent, but that doesn’t mean you can’t protect it.

tagged by:// @irrfahrer <33

tagging:// @ofcatnaps, @ronmanmob, @riiese, @affcgato, @mayxthexforce, @yunharlaquin, @ofcatnaps, @ofthestcrs, @pxis, @errantwish, @wxr-zxne, @desireandduty, @datapadz, @graysistance, @hopegained, @lastxdragon, @corinnebaileyrp, @chromium-siren, @brooklynislandgirl, @smokinmirrors, @talesofshadowandlight, @etoilebleu,, @ncxile, @kyberllcore, @jakkuforce, @sheresists — @madxwonderland, @predestinaticn, @lightsiided, @big-d-little-i-big-n-little-ozzo, @xfjakku and you ~

closed starter for @wxr-zxne​. 

Waking up before Enchantress had been different. June could remember mornings as a child, when her consciousness would rocket to the surface of her sleep with the buoyancy and exuberance of youth, excited for another day, excited to be awake. Now she wasn’t so sure. Her ascension into the world of the awake felt like transcending space and time. Her eyes didn’t snap open with that same immediate abandon. Rather, she became aware of her own existence in stages: the smell of pine trees and cotton sheets, the sound of a crow outside the window, her hand buried underneath the pillow. 

The bedroom looked different in the morning light, the walls painted with the pattern of thin curtains and tree branches. It took her a moment to recognize it as Rick’s cabin. It was so clear and calm, her mind was so quiet. Was this real? She inhaled sharply and moved to push hair out of her face. It felt real. It felt safe. Real and safe weren’t always the same thing, though. 

“Flag?” Her voice was hoarse and soft. 

U S F W Meme - Fifty Reasons  @wxr-zxne​​ said:  ‘to change the subject’ s e x - Rick and either girls

“No. Vete, leave me alone. I am not telling you.” Isabella gave Rick a playful shove, trying hard not to laugh as the usually mature man behaved like an excitable child. “You still have...” She paused, checking the clock. “Five hours until it’s actually your birthday. I’m not telling you what I’ve got you.” 

“Bella, please. Babe.” 

“Don’t babe me. It’s a surprise, and the point of surprises is that you’re not supposed to know about them.” This time, she couldn’t help but laugh as she saw the look of disappointment on his face, loving that the two grown adults could behave in such a manner around one another. “God, you make Moone look like a far more responsible person right now. I’m wondering who is actually the child.” Giving him a nudge, she felt him grabbing her hand, the look in his eyes practically pleading. To be fair, it was her own fault, having teased him that she had found the perfect gift for him, but she was sticking to her guns. 

Thinking on the spot, she opted for a different approach of making him leave the topic alone, shifting from her spot beside him on the sofa. She quickly straddled his hips, cupping his face and pressing their lips together in a passionate kiss as she did so, giving him no time to question her actions. The initial muffled sound of surprise that escaped Rick turned to a low sound of approval, and she felt his large hands settling on her hips to hold her close. Her fingers ran through his dark blonde hair, gently massaging his scalp as she began to rock her hips against him. Back and forth, she began to slowly grind their bodies together, hearing the sharp exhale from her partner as Rick began to move beneath her in response, meeting each shift of her hips with his own. Whimpering softly as she felt the way the denim of his jeans rubbed against her through her shorts, she began to feel him hardening beneath her too. He pulled back from the kiss, their bodies still moving in sync, and he cupped her cheeks to meet her gaze intensely. 

“Don’t think I’m gonna fall for this, Bella.” he muttered, voice trembling as she rocked a little harsher against him. “I know what you’re doing.” 

“Mmhm...” Isabella smirked as she continued to move, taking his hands from her face and pushing his arms out to the sides, taking a little initiative as she pressed his arms into the back of the sofa, holding them there as she continued to grind against him. “Give it a few moments and you’ll forget all about your birthday present. Promise.” There was a little glint in her green eyes as she leaned back in to capture his lips once more, moaning against the kiss as she rubbed herself against his growing bulge, altering the speed of her movements in an attempt to drive him crazy. It did not take long, as predicted, for Rick to give in entirely, utilising his strength to carefully break free of her grasp and moving his hands to her ass. Holding her against him, he stood from the sofa and lifted her up, carrying her towards the bedroom as her lips danced along his throat, thoughts of his birthday present all but forgotten. 

For now.

@wxr-zxne | whoops

Kira had nodded off into her hand, conveniently resting her elbow on the far end of his desk. It was the middle of the day after all, not that one could tell under the fluorescent lights and lack of windows, but her cheap plastic watch she was aloud said it was. A faint red glow began to admit from beneath her eyelashes as she dreamed of being under his desk instead of being babysat. She startled awake as he ran up on her and gripped the desk to avoid falling off her swivel chair. “Do what?--Oh.” Kira immediately notice his trousers and turned to shield her eyes. “You might want to change… Or, am I not allowed to be left unsupervised?”

@wxr-zxne​ said :  💍 - Rick

As night fell, the vampire woke with a familiar sense of disorientation she hadn’t felt for quite a few years. A momentary sense of anxiety spiked through her chest, but as she registered the wolf’s scent, she eased back into her position nestled in his hold. God, it’s been awhile since she got into fae blood. Bad memories linger on the edge of her conscience but rather than focus on them she turns into Rick’s side with a soft sigh. 

Cool touch grazes along his warm skin, enjoying the sensation but as her fingers draw along the crest of his chest, her brows furrow at the ring that comes into view. The vampiress propped herself on her elbow, gently shaking Rick, “Rick?” her voice was soft, laughter lilting her words as she leaned in to gently brush her lips against the shell of his ear, “Wake up, husband.”

wxr-zxne​: @wxr-zxne

Nate made the zipper motion across his lips in a promise to not tell the elder Dixon brother. He wanted to ask why but figured the man had good enough reasons. Taking the packages a wide grin broke over his face, turning more serious when he brought up the kids. “Glad they’re alright,” he added softly knowing it wasn’t his place to say much. Hearing about the woman had the hairs on the back of Nate’s neck standing up. The man never craved violence, nor normally wished ill on others- there was a special place in hell for abusers though.

The question goes unanswered, Nate could tell well enough the man had no interest in actually having it answered. Not then at least. Following Daryl to the other side of the camp he smiled, “Excited to try the jerky,” his stomach growled in response. Blushing a bit he chuckled, “I am not a very good hunter I’ll admit,” looking around them Nate was amazed by the little camp. For the world going to hell as fast as it did they did well for themselves.

As they started to work Nate watched Daryl’s hands like a hawk wanting to cut the meat right, the bette the did the more he’d have for later. “Those kids know you’ll protect them,” he added softly daring to broach the earlier topic. “They trust you, I’m sure that’s exactly what they need.”

Daryl wished that he had the same confidence in himself that Nate seemed to have. He glanced up from where he was slicing his meat with the best thickness for making jerky. He leaned over, rubbing his cheek on his sleeve before he gave a soft snort and shook his head. "Them kids are scared of me because of Merle. Told you he was an asshole. I wasn't kiddin'." He pointed the knife at the other man.

"You'll see yourself when he gets back. Been that way my whole life," he admitted. "You'd think the way we were brought up he'd be nicer to kids at least, but he can sometimes be worse." He supposed he was protecting himself same as he did himself. "But if I seen one of them being hurt or bullied or some shit, I'd say something. Can't stand that shit."

He knew he should stand up for Carol, too, but something always kept his feet glued to his spot when he heard the man spewing hateful words in her direction. He'd never witnessed the abuse firsthand, but it didn't take a genius to know that he was the cause of her bruises and fat lip. "Lived it and won't watch a kid go through it," he mumbled and kept his eyes down as he continued to work on the meat.

@wxr-zxne

A quick text confirmed Billy was still at the office and not at home, where he should be according to the time.  Alina took the situation as evidence to support her argument: he needed a break.  The absolute mess of Rawlins, Operation Cerberus, and Frank Castle was finally behind them.  She felt, for the first time in a long while, that things felt normal again.

Security let her into the building without an issue, knowing who she was on sight.  Alina took the familiar path up to Billy’s office, only pausing once she reached the door.  She knocked once before stepping inside.

“Hey,” she greeted with a bright smile.  “You do know what time it is, right?”  She quirked a brow before coming to a stop before his desk. 

@wxr-zxne   {{xx}}

The way she's curled up at his side her arm rested across his chest and she had to shift a little to gaze up at his profile. Wide and quiet eyes continued to remain as soft as the slowing caress of her hand on his skin. Inwardly though she shrinks from the embarrassment of having asked, and she doesn't know why she does. It's so personal a curiosity and even if she had a right, it was not really anything she needed to know. Except maybe she'd heard him and Billy joking around the other day and it takes her a while to think about things like this.

Maybe she wants to know what it feels like. What things happen in his head that puts him in a state of arousal. Is it as satisfying as any other experience or does he hardly notice it? But those things she can't quite get the words out, nor does she really know if it's even something important. But he answers her honestly and she can feel the vibrations of his deep voice echoing in his chest. So she maybe leans into him some more.

"No," she murmurs and lifts her head just enough to shake it before she puts it back down on him. "Nevah. I don'...not back in lil kid time, not now as an adult. I have nevah really had dem feelings before. So mebbe dat's why I'm curious. Like everybody say dey do or can an' sometimes I wonder if its a joke. Like if dey makin' it up."

KWF Day 3: Rick Flag x F!Reader

Main Master List KWF Master List

Warnings: 18+ MINORS DNI, Lead up to smut, explicit dialogue, language

Word Count: 581

Day 3: Sweat / Gun to Temple / Thick as Thieves

----------

With each grunt you release, the more Rick loses his concentration. He typically doesn’t mind sharing the gym with people, in fact he prefers it, but not when it’s you. He doesn’t have an issue with you, in fact it’s the opposite and he’s so desperately in love with you, but you don’t know it. In either case, the groans you release has Rick hardening underneath his sweats and painfully. 

“(Y/N)! Can you stop that?” Rick asks from across the room as you set your weight down, your chest heaving with each intake of oxygen as sweat drips down your chest and between your boobs and despite Rick being feet away, it’s almost like he can see the bead of sweat disappear between your breasts.

You prop your hands on your hips as you walk toward him, subconsciously eyeing the tall soldier up and down. “Why Rick? Am I distracting you?” You stop the minute your chest touches his as he looks down, blush blooming across his cheeks as you smirk. You caught him. “I am. Aren’t I? Little ole me distracting the Colonel,” Rick visibly gulps as you trace a nail along his sweaty arm, sending goosebumps down his spine. “Don’t think I haven’t seen the way you look at me, like I’m some piece of raw meat,” Rick shakes his head as you stretch yourself up, using his frame to steady yourself while your lips brush the outside of his ear. “Then what is it, Colonel?”

“I, I-,” he hangs his head, his cock throbbing, especially while your hands are on his body. “I like you is all,” he comments as you rub your body against his frame, intentionally adding pressure to his aching member. 

“What do you want to do about it?” Rick’s hazel eyes darken slightly as he watches the way the sweat drips down your body. Noticing his fixation, you smirk and pull your shirt over your head, exposing your glistening body. “Is this what you’re looking at?”

Something inside Rick snaps. He does not want to be the sub in this situation, he wants you to be begging for him. “What are you comfortable with?”

“Whatever you’re comfortable with,” your hands fiddle with the hem of his shirt as his hands find a way to your hips.

“What makes you think you’re in charge sweetheart?” He dips his head to your neck, running his nose along your pulse point, a mix of your sweat and pheromones invading his senses. “I’ve been wanting you for a while now. If you’ll have me.” You guide his face to yours, his breath mixing with yours. 

“Honestly?” Your lips brush against his, neither of you making the move to connect yourselves together. “I’ll have you anyway you give me.” He closes the gap between your bodies, pulling you into him as his lips capture yours, tongues fighting for dominance until he pulls away and rests his damp forehead against yours. 

“What if I give you everything?” You break out into a smile, your hands finding a way into his hair and tug at the strands, nudging his nose with yours. 

“I think I’d like that.” With no further comment, Rick hoists you up in his arms as you wrap your legs around his waist, his erection pressing into your butt as he reattaches his lips to yours, carrying you to the back room.

“Good, because now that I got you, I have no intention of letting you go.” 

----------

General Tag List: @marvelousmermaid @himbovillain-anon @babblydrabbly @a-reader-and-a-writer @fairchildflag @infatuatedjanes

Joel Related Tag List: @aestheticallywinchester @loverhymeswith @xoxabs88xox @t-i-n-y-d-i-n-o @witchygagirl @the1redrose @ratcatcher2world @green-socks @weallhaveadestiny @yourjacketisnowdry @rachelh1992 @a-girl-who-loves-disney @knivesareout @bubblegloopswampwitch @waspswidows @burntghoost @mattymurdocksbitch @katjnordstrom96 @bb-skyrunner @11thstreetvigilante @yespolkadotkitty @heresathreebee @madkovacs @wxr-zxne @wtfobiwan @alieninoklahoma @sociiallydiisoriiented @violetmuses

What Does Your Heart Look Like?

sw au | soft!ren: master of the knights

iced over, out of the sun

Your heart is very lonely, isn’t it? Is your fortress of ice self-made? Are others afraid of you, or are you afraid of them? Are you afraid of hurting them, or of being hurt? Vulnerability and connection can be frightening, but that’s no reason to shy away from their light, to tuck yourself small into corners, to build up frigid walls to keep yourself from feeling. You will heal when you allow yourself to draw closer to the flames and thaw.

tagged by :// @ofcatnaps

tagging :// @ronmanmob, @riiese, @affcgato, @irrfahrer, @yunharlaquin, @ofthestcrs, @pxis, @errantwish, @wxr-zxne, @desireandduty, @datapadz,  @brooklynislandgirl, @graysistance, @hopegained, @lastxdragon, @corinnebaileyrp, @chromium-siren, @mayxthexforce, @smokinmirrors, @talesofshadowandlight, @etoilebleu,, @kyberllcore, @jakkuforce, @sheresists, @big-d-little-i-big-n-little-ozzo, @lightsiided, @kyberllcore and you ~

@wxr-zxne​: 

Dr. Moone. His head snapped to the right then back to rest, enchantress- the misty black that clouded her face from view became more and more dense. Filling all their lungs while the lights went dead, the absolutely darkness consuming them only for a moment. As fast as it came it was gone, only leaving the witch in her place. “June-” his whine was just as soft as an exhale. The scene always played the same, the witch did an impossible task while her heart beat strongly in its cage. When the smoke returned and the crowd was in awe of the talents, the applause to Waller was the silence of the men in the room, you could hear a pin drop. The look of fear on her face was heartbreaking, the tears weren’t allowed to be seen. Get her out of here- sweat coated every inch of him as the man’s body, chest rising and falling before he rolled to his stomach back muscles flexing. Nightmares were not usually something Rick had dealt with before June, before he was drafted for his own impossible task. Being the only survivor had its costs, the main one being sanity and its only gift being a guilt so heavy it could suck the life out of a man.

Stop her, just stop her- even if it kills me. Rick. His body settled for a moment, stilling while he held his breath. She never looked happy in his memories, she never looked like June in the last few weeks.

Time of death 2:35- each line to the EKG unplugged, the holes in his flannel were all he had from that day, the bar from her bed catching the elbow of his shirt when he knelt there. Even if it kills me- it finally had- the girl in the black bathwater staring at him begging for help was now in the bed before him lifeless. Still warm. Finally the man screamed right into his pillow, about the only thing that ever woke him from the past, “June-” the scream was always guttural. His voice cracking as the breath left his lungs knuckles white gripping the sheets under his head, “June! Please,” a small sob escaped him when his eyes finally opened to a darkened room. His heart was fluttering at a million miles an hour, chest rising and falling at a rate he couldn’t calm, “I’m sorry.”

It was his whimpering that pulled her away from some vast darkness. Enchantress liked to put her back in that cave, the walls lined with skulls that somehow stared at her as she walked past, despite their hollow sockets. Had she come from this direction, or is this where she needed to go? In the dream, June had no idea that it didn’t really matter. The passages would go on forever, with Enchantress building another mile with every step she took. A smarter woman would have just sat in the dirt and waited to wake up, but somehow June never understood. Over and over she wandered, falling into every trap, narrowly escaping every danger. 

She had just stumbled into water when she heard Rick’s voice. Part of her was terrified because she couldn’t see, and who knows what sort of piranhas or bacterium might be in the water with her-- but the other part of her knew that his voice was the only thing that mattered. Fuck the piranhas, swim towards that voice. How far did the water go on for? Could she make it back the way she came if she got too tired? Would she drown before she reached him? She wanted to call out to him, but she was afraid her own voice would cancel his out. She had to hear him, had to keep moving toward him. 

He was calling out her name, his voice anguished. Just keep going, keep swimming, keep moving toward him. Her name again-- oh god, his heart was breaking. Don’t leave him! Jesus christ, how was she going to find him in all this blackness? She reached into the water, fingers searching blindly for him. He sounded so close now. He had to be here. He had to be. He was right here-- when her hand connected with his arm, the warmth wrenched her into consciousness. 

They were in bed together, tangled in sweaty sheets, panting. Her grip on his forearm was too tight, but she couldn’t bring herself to let go of him. She wanted to climb onto him, to cling to his torso like a child, but she knew he was surfacing from his own version of madness. 

                         “I’m here. I’m here, baby, I’ve got you.”