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ace-in-a-shopping-cart · 3 years

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Hoodie

A songfic based on Hoodie by Hey Violet.

Word Count: 1,861

CW: food mention, cursing.

Nines’ keys jingled as he opened the door. “Darling, I’m home!”

The only answer he received was a cat coming over for pets. Nines smiled, shrugging off his jacket before scooping the grey-striped animal into his arms and letting her rub against his chin as he walked to the kitchen. Passing by the stereo system, he carefully twisted the knob so soft pop would start playing over the speakers. He set Stalker down and grabbed the food from the cabinet, the only other thing in there being a few bags of thirium neatly leaning against the wall.

He cracked the can open a bit more and heard a noise from down the hall. A few moments later, Levi was entering the room, tail high and expecting food. Nines chuckled, reaching down to pet the all black cat along his spine before putting the food in their bowls.

He scratched between Stalker’s ears before going to sit on the couch. Propping a foot up on the other knee, he picked up a tablet and reviewed a few more files for the day before moving to the novel he’d been reading.

The evening progressed quietly, the cats curling up with him when their meal was finished. Finally, Nines could delay it no longer. While in reality his systems would be fine without the sleep cycle he’d been maintaining for the past year, they needed it to function optimally in the same way humans needed actual sleep.

He stood from the couch and went into the bedroom, changing into sweatpants before gingerly picking up the hoodie that lay across the bed. It was old and faded, the zipper no longer working and cigarette burns littering the cloth. The words ‘Detroit Police Department’ were barely visible anymore. He pulled it close to his face and breathed in deeply. Doing so tricked his processors into slowing down and had his memory banks pulling up a specific file. He slipped the garment on as he let the memory play out, going through the rest of his nightly routine.

Gavin smiled, handing him the bundle of fabric. “I’ll be back before you know it. Hey, take care of this for me, will ya?”

Gavin shrugged off his hoodie before picking up his bag. Nines stood at the door and reached a hand to him when he passed, blocking the path. “Are you sure about this? You don’t have to do it.”

Nines nodded, leaning down to capture his lips in a brief kiss. He tried to put all his emotions into it, arm curling around Gavin’s back and gently holding him, but he never had been very good at that. Gavin kissed him back, a hand coming to rest on Nines’ chest as he leaned into it. He cupped Nines’ cheek when they pulled apart.

“I’ll be fine, don’t worry about me.” He grinned that lopsided cocky grin that Nines couldn’t help but adore, and then he was gone. Whisked away by an unmarked police car to be undercover at a place he might not return from.

Nines pulled back the covers and slid into the bed, letting the sheet fall around him. He breathed in the smell of Gavin around him, the pillowcase that hadn’t been washed since that day but had never been used and the faded hoodie he wore. It made him feel that much closer to the detective. He curled onto his side, Levi coming up to lay next to him. Nines reached out and rubbed his ears, scratching under his chin before letting his sleep cycle activate. He had just enough time to register Stalker coming over to lay on his head before he fell asleep for the night.

He went through the morning in a similar way, making the bed and putting the hoodie and sweatpants back where they were. He took a shower and made sure his hair looked presentable before putting on a black turtleneck and jeans. He went into the living room and gathered up the things he’d need for the day, putting dry food and water in the bowls, before heading to the door, the cats winding around his ankles the whole way. He meticulously tied his shoes before pulling Gavin’s hooded leather jacket off the hook and slipping it on over his shoulders. He nudged the cats with his toe and they wandered off in opposite directions as he left.

He arrived at the precinct and went to his desk, opening the files and getting the routine paperwork done early. Much of his afternoon would be filled with checking in with Gavin, the one time a month he got to speak with him and it was as handler and operative, and doing the paperwork that came with that. He got his paperwork done and began prepping Gavin’s file.

He made a brief stop at the break room to grab a cup of thirium before making his way to the room that housed the secure line they’d use to check in. Nines might not be able to see his face but at least he was going to get to hear his voice and that was enough for him at the moment.

The debriefing went smoothly, Gavin being able to get the full report out and Nines having enough time to relay new instructions to him, finishing with, “You’ll be able to be home within the month if all goes well.”

Gavin chuckled before swearing quietly. “Yeah, babe, don’t worry, I’ll be home soon.” His voice turned sweet, the way it did when he was relaxed at home, but there was a slight edge to it that Nines picked up on. Someone else was in the room with Gavin.

Nines chuckled back, not sure if they were able to hear him. “That’s good to hear. I’ve really missed you.” He tried to keep his voice light and even but a slight tremor invaded it.

Gavin chuckled low and deep. “Are you taking good care of my hoodie?”

Nines closed his eyes, leaning just a bit more forward as he pressed the phone to his ear. “Yeah, but it’s mine now. If you want it back, you know where to find me.” He let a growl enter his voice. “Come and get it.”

There was a wide smile in Gavin’s voice when he spoke, voice playful. “You can bet I will.” Someone called him, voice muffled along the connection. “Yeah, I’ll be there in a minute, just let me finish this call!” His voice dropped from a shout to almost a purr. “I'll try not to keep you waiting.”

The line dropped dead and Nines opened his eyes, left with an empty room and a secure line. He sighed, stopping the recording of the call and straightening his files. He stood and exited the room, keeping his features schooled and not showing an ounce of emotion.

Connor was waiting at his desk and Nines almost wanted to avoid him. Instead, he sat down in the chair and slipped the files into their drawer. “Can I help you with something, Brother?”

Connor shrugged, leaning against the desk. “It’s more what I can help you with. How are you holding up, Nines?”

Nines shrugged, pulling Gavin’s jacket just a bit closer around himself. “What do you expect me to say? That I’m suffering? That I’m getting on just fine without him? I want him here, Eights. I want him by my side where I can make sure he’s eating right, where he’s not in immediate danger at all hours of the day. I want to curl around him and feel his chest vibrate when he talks. I want him back.” He paused, smoothing out his face and pulling his voice back from the louder edge of a normal conversational voice. “I’m doing fine but I’ll be better when he’s back.”

Connor patted his back before walking away, no comforting words to be said. Nines pulled the hood up, letting it cover his red LED, before connecting with his terminal and entering the conversation into records.

The next week went on as usual, Nines spending his time alone with only Connor, Tina, and the cats for company most times. There was a hole in his life, a hole that wouldn’t heal until Gavin was home. He went through life the best he could, ignoring the fact that the one person he felt most like himself around was out there in an unsafe environment that he couldn’t protect him from. He needed the control of knowing Gavin was safe, more than just the monthly phone call or arrest if they could get away with it.

Another evening of coming home to an empty apartment, of calling out, “Darling, I’m home!” on reflex as he entered.

A voice chuckled from the kitchen. “I kinda like that one.”

Nines almost dropped his keys in surprise before kicking the door shut and launching himself toward the kitchen. “Gavin?!”

Gavin stood there, Stalker in his arms, and turned to face Nines. “There really isn’t anything in here to eat, is there?”

Nines froze in the doorway, taking in every aspect of Gavin. He looked tired, a scrape across his jaw, and his clothes were rumpled and dirty. Nines had never been so glad to see him. He stepped forward and took the cat from Gavin’s arms, putting her down before pulling Gavin against him. Gavin’s face turned up at him, a smirk on his lips even as his eyes drifted to Nines’. Nines smiled at him. “I’m so glad you’re home.” He bent to kiss him.

Gavin smiled into the kiss, melting against him. It’d been the first time they were in each other’s personal space in two months and the first time they’d kissed in six months. They both savored it, lingering for as long as they could.

Eventually, Gavin pulled back to breathe. He laid his head on Nines’ chest, arms wrapping around him to keep him close. “I missed you.”

Nines dropped a kiss on the top of his head. “I missed you too.”

They stood in their kitchen for a few more minutes before Gavin spoke again. “But seriously, there’s no food in this house and I’m starving.”

Nines chuckled. “Yeah, we can get you some food. What do you want?”

“A burger. I’ve been living off Chinese for the past three months and I’m sick of it.”

Nines nodded against him. “I can get you a burger, that’s no big deal.”

Gavin pulled back enough to look at him, leaning in to kiss him again when one of the cats started yowling. Gavin laughed. “Leviathan Whiskers Reed, that’s not very cash money of you.”

Nines laughed, pulling Gavin in to kiss him again, ignoring the still screaming animal that was now climbing up his leg. Finally, they pulled back and Nines detached Levi from his leg. “Alright, alright. I’m getting you food, calm down you gremlin.”

He fed the cats before herding Gavin toward the door. “Let’s get you a burger.”

Gavin leaned his head against Nines’ shoulder. “That sounds nice. Burger and fries, maybe a shake, before I sleep for a week.”

D:BH Taglist (Check out my masterlist before sending an ask to be added!): Currently, no one is on the taglist.

#rk900 nines #gavin reed #reed900 #connor rk800 #tina chen #gavin reed's cat #pining #Nines really misses Gavin #song fic #angst #fluff and angst #angst with a happy ending #ace writes #dbh

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torontomapleleaves · 4 years

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so you're new to hockeyblr...

Anaheim Ducks: disney experiment but hey, at least you made it to the show, right bud?

Arizona Coyotes: nhl retirement home. where good players go to die.

Boston Bruins: breakfast is at 8am. don't be late.

Buffalo Sabres: there's three new york teams?

Calgary Flames: the nhl invented 'the battle of alberta' so people wouldn't forget they exist.

Carolina Hurricanes: horny but also weirdly wholesome?

Chicago Blackhawks: fuck these guys.

Colorado Avalanche: weird and horny. disaster bisexuals.

Columbus Blue Jackets: whole team is baby.

Dallas Stars: not weird, just horny. tyler seguin's fault.

Detroit Red Wings: grandpa who keeps trying to join in and talks about the good old days. time for a nap.

Edmonton Oilers: depressing.

Florida Panthers: who fucking knows. no idea who plays for them. ekblad still?

Los Angeles Kings: should have made the richards/carter story into a disney film.

Minnesota Wild: traitor ryan suter plays here. and eric staal? probably some other people. THEY STOLE MATS ZUCCARELLO.

Montreal Canadiens: french grandpa who keeps trying to join in and talks about the good old days. time for a nap.

Nashville Predators: also weird and horny I'M LOOKING AT YOU JUUSE

New Jersey Devils: brodeur doesn't play for them anymore. who cares.

New York Islanders: tavares doesn't play for them anymore. who cares.

New York Rangers: lot of hot swedes.

Ottawa Senators: don't get an uber with these guys. unknown who plays for them. probably should just retire instead of getting traded here.

Philadelphia Flyers: gremlins.

Pittsburgh Penguins: perfect. can do no wrong. haters dni.

San Jose Sharks: zookeepers for cryptid brent burns.

St Louis Blues: fuck these guys too.

Tampa Bay Lightning: steven stamkos??

Toronto Maple Leafs: they can sign pretty much whoever they want for a hometown discount. why is everyone from toronto?

Vancouver Canucks: everyone on this team is 20.

Vegas Golden Knights: angels. all of them.

Washington Capitals: ovi, nicke, and their children.

Winnipeg Jets: dumb but beautiful.

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yes-i-write-fanfiction · 4 years

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Imagine bumblebees human s/o being chased by his clones as they also have the same feelings bee has towards them!❤💖💙💚💛💜

You loved Bumblebee, you really did, but sometimes he was a little too much even for you. Whenever you felt you needed a break you would go visit your family that lived in another city. The visit would usually only last one or two days and whenever you returned to Detroit you were really missing your boyfriend.

A couple of days ago Bee had particularly gotten on your nerves when he refused to let an argument go and you hadn’t been in contact with him during the two days you were away. Now all you wanted was to see him again. He might be a gremlin but he's your gremlin. You entered the autobot base but before you could call out to anyone you were quickly scooped up from behind.

“Y/N! You are finally back! I was so worried about you!” It was Bumblebee’s voice but when you glanced behind yourself his paint job was an unfamiliar blue.

“Of course I’m back and why were you worried? You know I was just visiting my family. And what’s up with the new paint job?”

Bumblebee smiled and was about to say something when you suddenly heard the sound of tires coming to a screeching halt in next to you. Looking over your eyes widened with shock as suddenly there were 4 other Bumblebees standing next to you, all of them with different paint jobs. This had to be a dream. You must have fallen asleep on the train ride back home, it was the only explanation.

Upon seeing you, all the Bumblebee’s started to smile and called out your name. One of them, the red one, took you away from the blue Bee. “There you are babe! I was just wondering how long you were gonna be gone! It’s great that you’re here now, I had some new cool tricks I would LOVE to show you!”

The purple Bee quickly snatched you away from Blue’s hold, hugging you tight. “I missed you a lot! Let’s watch a movie together!” The Bee’s started to fight with each other about who was going to spend time with you when suddenly a familiar yellow frame appeared.

“Bee!” you shouted in relief. Bumblebee rushed over to you, pushing his doppelgängers aside. He looked incredibly relieved to see you, if a bit annoyed at the bots around you. “What is going on???”

“Long story short; I got cloned. And before you ask, no, it wasn’t my fault.” Bumblebee reached out to grab you but Purple held you out of his reach. Bee started to pout. “Hey, give me back by s/o!” The clone shook his head. “Forget it! Y/N is mine!” Hearing this the other clones quickly chimed in that they felt the same way. Bumblebee groaned as he started to berate his rainbow clones for trying to steal his s/o, not that they cared about what he had to say. He had already spent so much time with Y/N and now it was finally their time to do it.

#transformers imagine #transformers animated #bumblebee

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someonefantastic · 3 years

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I'm Gonna Give You All My Heart Can Give

Welcome one and all to the first day of psychmas! Find the prompts here. I had fun writing this one, I always love doing narratives and especially ones on Juliet. Hope y'all enjoy! Summary: Juliet O'Hara has spent four Christmases with Shawn and Gus since moving to San Fransisco. Each one is memorable for different reasons. Prompt: Gifts also on ao3 ___

The first Christmas since moving to San Francisco is quiet and calm. It’s just her, Shawn, and Gus. All three of them had traveled to Santa Barbara a few days before to have a Christmas party with the Lassiter’s and Henry and as much fun as that was, she’s thankful to be spending Christmas alone with her fiancé and his best friend.

She’s the last one to get her gift. Gus had gone first, receiving noise-canceling headphones from her and pretending not to see Shawn’s smug face or hear his comments about needing them later. Shawn had given him a detailed map of all the best food places in San Francisco along with the promise that he’d drop anything and go with him whenever he asked.

Shawn had absolutely loved the shiny wrapping paper that she used, spending more time playing with that than actually opening up the present but she didn’t mind. The look on his face as he unwrapped a black hoodie with the words “psychphrancisco” written in red was more than enough to make up for it. And he nearly cried at Gus’ gift, a signed certificate from both Chief Vick and Chief Lassiter thanking them for their consulting services over the past eight years.

Finally, it’s her turn. Gus hands her a small red wrapped box and she bursts into a huge grin upon opening it. It’s a small framed photo of the three of them, plus Carlton, taken during one of their first post case celebratory hangouts. Their faces are younger, less worn by time and stress but the signs of friendship and that underlying bond is very prevalent.

And then Shawn silently slides her another box. The wrapping screams “Gus”. It’s blue with white snowflakes, a gold ribbon down the middle, tied into a bow. The edges are neat and straight and she can barely see the small bits of tape holding the package together. But the gift inside is clearly from Shawn.

It’s two pictures, side by side on one sheet of paper, she and Shawn drawn out in beautiful detail and adorned with watercolor. In one they’re standing in front of their old house in Santa Barbara and the other in front of their loft’s entrance in San Francisco. Her hair is longer in the second picture, a sign of time past but their smiles are all the same, just happy to be together. Below in beautiful letters, swooping and scrawling- a skill that she knows he picked up from his dad- is written: “Home is Wherever You Are”.

Her breath catches in her throat, tears pricking in the corner of her eyes and they threaten to spill over when she notices the glinting ring on her left hand in the second picture. It’s a little artist’s touch- after all the real ring had been stolen- but it makes her heart swell with emotion.

Shawn places his hand on her knee, squeezing slightly and she beams at him. He gives her a lopsided grin and she notes just how cute he is. She’s so glad to be engaged to him.

The second Christmas in San Francisco is a little larger and a little crazier. The Lassiters, Vicks, and Henry all cram into their loft, Christmas music playing and conversation ringing throughout. She loves having a big Christmas, after all, it’s what she grew up with, but a small part of her mourns the loss of it being just the three of them. She also wishes she was actually married this Christmas but that’s something she’ll never tell anyone.

The gift exchange is hectic, with multiple people scrambling and opening their boxes. There’s a lot that she can’t quite recall but she will never forget the look on Iris’ face as she unwraps Juliet’s gift. A soccer ball. It’s white with pink and black stripes and nearly takes out a lamp or two but Iris makes her pinky swear that she’ll take her to go play a match sometime.

This time, Shawn’s gift to her is wrinkled, the wrapping paper sticking out on the edges and massive pieces of tape holding the whole thing together. He clearly wrapped it and the image of him wrestling with paper and tape is enough to make her smile. It’s a small heater for her office as she’d been complaining about the cold atmosphere for weeks now. She’s touched that he would think of something to make her life a little better but that’s just who Shawn is, always listening and meeting her needs. (She’s a little disappointed, however, that it’s not an engagement ring.)

Juliet would never consider herself a resentful person but by the time the third Christmas rolls around, she’s a bit peeved. Her and Shawn are no closer to being married. In fact, he seems to actually be going backwards in their relationship. She’s caught him a few times slipping and calling her his “girlfriend” instead of “fiancée” and she’s spent way too much time wondering if he’ll ever actually be ready to be married. She loves him regardless and thinks that if he ever decides that he doesn’t want to get married, she’ll stay but it’s exhausting having no clue what he’s thinking.

They go to Santa Barbara for this Christmas, spending it in the Lassiter’s house along with Henry and Gus. (The Vick’s decided to spend Christmas in Detroit with Karen’s family.) Shawn makes a joke about sneaking off into his old bedroom and she has to gently remind him that that’s now Lily’s room and there will be no sneaking off tonight.

He pouts for a minute and then Carlton announces that they’re opening up gifts and his attention is elsewhere. She loves it when his eyes light up like that.

He bagged his gift this year. It’s a plain red bag with way too much tissue paper but he’s smiling so big that she’s very distracted from the packaging anyways.

Inside is a hair dryer. The exact make and model as the one on her Christmas list. It’s sweet and practical and exactly what she wanted. And yet… there’s a small part of her that is a little sad. She’d grown so accustomed to his thoughtful gifts that were slightly out of the box in his own quirky way. But she later reprimands herself for thinking that way. At least she got a gift from him. At least he was so kind as to get her something she wanted. At least she has him. It’s not too bad, and sure it’s no engagement ring or mindful gift but having him should be enough. So why does she feel like she’s nearing her breaking point?

Their fourth Christmas together is much, much different. It’s just the three of them again but this time… this time there’s a silver band on her left hand, the diamond glinting every time it catches a stream of light.

She had worried for weeks leading up to December that this Christmas was going to be just like the last ones, another year of engagement with no ring, no sign of commitment from Shawn. But he had surprised her, like he always did, with the best gift of all. They had done it, actually gotten married, standing on that pier. She was bruised and battered, they hadn’t slept in hours and their officiant was a criminal. It was unconventional all right but she wouldn’t change it for the world.

This Christmas she was spending it with her husband. The word still made her giddy and she didn’t know if she’d ever grow tired of referring to Shawn as that. She certainly hoped she wouldn’t.

They’re huddled around the Christmas tree, all three of them decked out in matching red flannel pajamas- Shawn’s idea. Gus comments for the third time that day (and probably the twentieth time since they got married) that he’s going to move out soon, give the newlyweds some space but she just shakes her head, placing a hand on his knee and telling him that he can stay as long as he needs. He is family after all.

Shawn nearly chucks his gift at Gus who in turn shoots him a dirty look. The expression quickly falls, however, when he unwraps it. It’s a beautiful portrait of the three of them sitting on the couch and laughing at a movie. Shawn grins, nudging Gus’ arm, and tells him how even when he moves out, he’ll always be family and more than welcome. She wholeheartedly agrees.

He grabs her gift next, it’s small and flat but a grin bursts across his face as he opens it. A Wonder Woman comic sits in his hands- the first comic they ever bought together- its cover signed by Gal Godot herself. She doesn’t tell him that she waited three hours in line to get that signed or went to 18 different comic book shops to find that specific issue. Inside is a note card from Juliet telling him how much she appreciates his friendship and Shawn has to gingerly take the comic book away from him before he bursts into tears.

And when he hugs them both, she doesn’t mind his sobbing or the slight awkwardness of the embrace. Instead, she thinks that part of her is going to miss living with her husband’s best friend- no- her brother-in-law.

Gus’s gift to her is equally as sweet. It’s a coin, carved with the words Detective Juliet O’Hara-Spencer, and she wonders when he had time to add that last bit or if he had known all along. Regardless, she’s just thankful to share something so special with him.

Shawn slides her his gift after she finishes thanking Gus, a small dopey smile on his face. The wrapping is neater this year but it still points out at the occasional odd angle and too much tape was involved. She gasps as she unwraps it, revealing a green snuggie- the perfect excuse for warm cuddles. It’s soft against her skin and she immediately slips her arms into it, allowing the fabric to encase her small frame. It’s a bit large and he waggles his eyebrows as he tells her it’s made for two. Even if it wasn’t, they’d surely find a way to share it.

Hours later, when they’re all piled onto the couch watching Gremlins, the snuggie wrapped around her and Shawn, she thinks this is the best Christmas in San Francisco yet.

#psychmas2020 #psych #psych fanfic #juliet o'hara #burton guster #shawn spencer #shules #and they were roommates #fanfic #christmas

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arentwelost · 4 years

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reactions to the bnha: heroes rising film

spoilers alert !

(i risked coronavirus to go to the cinema for this but no regrets because we all want to die anyway oof-)

the film was very 1a centred & that’s gr8 and all especially since we got to witness the bond they had between them & just. how incredibly amazing their teamwork is

but i really ,,, miss,,, aizawa (my fave, my tru love)

he had a total of 3 (?) scenes, each of them lasting like less than 10 secs - even toshinori had more scenes than that : (

but you know who even had less screen time (aka none),,, our boy,,, the valid purple son,,,, shinsou hitoshi : (

the person who had the most screen time was this new villain called nine and i really wanna yell begone thot at him because he was like “i want to create a utopia where the powerful rules” and i was like thinking,, yo that shit sounds like capitalism & neoliberalism

his character design was really pretty, but it didn’t make up for his ideology that came outta nowhere with no backstory - so it was really hard to empathise/sympathise

what makes a villain good is 1) sufficient backstory 2) being so damn predictable and familiar that you actually prefer them over every other new villain because better the devil you know than the devil you don’t know

anyway, what really slaps is kacchan’s fuckin character development !!

lil gremlin is still gremlin but ,, he’s working with other kids,, he’s minimising damage done to the area while fighting villains,, there was a scene of him all calm and shit while eavesdropping on izuku and katsuma (which once again proves that most of his anger is just a front he puts up in front of other people rather than a perpetual state, and ya know what, i love that introvertedness that he has),,, him being protective over the bakusquad and not blasting kaminari for teasing him,,, he and izuku fighting together like a hero duo ,,,, eye-

this movie really said bakugo character development hUH

anyway in the beginning when endeavour showed up and dabi and endeavour had this whole showdown with their fire quirks and we got this close up of endeavour’s thicc thighs and i was like : ) we don’t stan for this here but at the same time i was like @ hawks damn ur daddy really be like that, huH

which reminds me of my whole spiel about dabi/hawks and endeavour/hawks : ‘ )

but yea. dabi was unfairly attractive and i just want death to consume me

okay so the plot was like,, the hero commission (aka the dodgy ass institution): how about sending the 1a kids to an island where there are no active heroes ??

so the 1a kids get yeeted off to an island,, and they are having fun helping the locals out !! (this is the wholesome content we all deserve)

jirou and yaomomo asdgjhskgjahkj

kacchan who stays at home the entire day because he’s on ~villain duty~ and there weren’t any villains so he just sits at home and read manga asdfghjkl that’s a hard Mood

kirishima looking like the cutie he is eye-

the bakusquad teasing kacchan by calling him “kacchan of bakugo”

how is maharo & katsuma so damn cute *angery fists*

but izuku really be adopting children left and right hUh

dadmight and dadzawa whomst i only know dadku

ochako & tsuyu are so cute wtf eye-

these villains are overpowered af wtf

wow i love 1a having each other’s backs their teamwork,, was ,,, so good,,, so smooth ,,, (*whispers* poly 1-a anyone ??)

everyone be losing until kacchan comes blasTing in, saving kirishima & kaminari with sheer determination and stubbornness and manages to defeat one (1) villain

not going to lie though i feel like mummy got done dirty like that

but i like the little nod to the provisional exam arc

the inflated izuku mahoro projected was the Cutest

anyway what really clapped was you know,, both izuku and kacchan being the smort cookies they are: “DIDN’T I TELL YOU THAT ONCE I’VE SEEN YOU USE IT, I HAVE A WAY OF COUNTERING IT?!"

like oof

also i love how izuku is established as the image of hope (the saviour) and kacchan is established as the image of victory (the victor) - this whole “win to save” and “save to win” really got laid down really heavily

but we’re all hoes for that i guess

touga in her winter gear !!! eye-

yaomomo delivering the Goods (i.e. the cannons)

a o y a m a : (

the moment i realised that tokoyami was in the cave, i knew the villain there was Done For

i haven’t forgotten our resident eldritch abomination, dark shadow, y’all

i just ?? love ?? mina ???? so much ??????

ngl i didn’t know chimera was literally a chimera until this part i just thought he one big furry

oof

that flashback to endeavour’s advice when shouto was fighting chimera ?? the symBoLisM wow

shouto being able to rationally separate endeavour the hero and endeavour the shitty dad & using the advice endeavour gave him to empower himself -

- wipes tears

sero and ochako getting blasted away really badly by nine,,, and izuocha happens but we’ve all seen that before

it is kacchan,, ,, being protective of sero when he got yeeted,,,,, that is the Point

THE BEST PART ABT THE SECOND LAST FIGHT WAS LITERALLY BKDK BEING SO IN SYNC WITH EACH OTHER’S MOVES THAT THEY WERE FIGHTING LIKE A HERO DUO ??

LIKE IZUKU KICKING THE VILLAIN, REBOUNDING OFF THE SHIELD,, AND THEN FLYING OFF JUST FOR KACCHAN TO GRAB IZUKU’S HAND AND FLING HIM BACK AT THE VILLAIN FOR A SECOND ATTACK

THE WHOLE HANDHOLDING THING IS STARTING TO COME OUT AS A MOTIF

AND I JUST WOW ,,, BKDK,, (platonic or romantic or otherwise) OUT HERE,, HOLDING HANDS AS EQUALS,,, SYMBOLIC OF THEIR CHANGING RELATIONSHIP,,,,

s h o u j i : ( protecting mahoro and katsuma with his body : ( big cuddle boy doesn’t deserve this pain !!!

don’t think i didn’t notice the film using the same bgm as the kamino rescue

it draws such a powerful parallel ?? back then it was kacchan who needed to be ‘saved' but now it’s kacchan doing the saving & the winning - once again, such character development asdfghjkl

this film,, making me appreciate kaminari 10x more

also fellas is it gay to stare at your rival and being able to communicate non-verbally

bkdk detroit smashing the storm together & making a damn fucking hole in the stratosphere like all might,, dispelling the damn storm and letting sunlight filter in ?? that was some really obvious symbolism but regardless,,,, wow

this is the part where the whole twin stars motif really came right in kicking our houses down

kacchan breaking both of his arms because of one for all & all i can think of is ,, izuku,, stop sharing your bone breaking juice with people

i’m just thinking about how people @ izuku: wtf how do you deal with this bone breaking bs all the time

and izuku, pure bean: oh yea haha i thought it was normal ?? like everyone has to get used to their quirks like this ??

a concept: quirkless izuku not understanding how quirks are supposed to feel

anyway, dadmight cradling izuku in his arms only to leave kacchan a metre away ?? favouritism that we’re all here for

izuku : ( apologising : ( for : ( being : ( a : ( bad : ( successor : (

i just want to shake izuku’s shoulders & tell him that he did super well and that he shouldn’t be ashamed of himself and that he deserves everything good in this world

also imagine being so gremlin that all the one for all predecessors were like "nope we’re not dealing with this gremlin child, we prefer the pure broccoli”

disappointed that hawks didn’t get enough screentime

but we got some hawks & tokoyami and ryuukyuu & ochako time

kacchan ~conveniently~ forgetting what happened ?? i smell something fishy

our local crusty boy shows up & ahh yes, there it is - the close up shot that like to remind us that he needs to Moisturise

everytime i see red shoes on shigs i just think about the parallels between shigs and izuku and my heart breaks all over again

the scene where shouto got hugged super uncomfortably by endeavour ?? oof. the entire cinema just simultaneously laughed and heard the shouuuuutooooo

katsuma being like like “i’m going to become a hero like deku & bakugo !” and kacchan’s acting all cool and shit, telling him “you better” while izuku is like “katsuma, you can become a hero !! we’ll wait for you at ua !!” because he saw himself in katsuma and wanted to be the person he wanted someone to be for him when he was young

breaking my own heart like this

imagine the first years in ten years though

they’re just going to be a bunch of teenagers izuku or 1-a saved or adopted

and they’re going to give aizawa so many more grey hairs than the current 1-a

#bnha #boku no hero academia #boku no hero academia: heroes rising #heroes rising spoilers #heroes rising #this got a little long #excuse my language i'm just very excited #it do be like that sometimes #mine #everytime i see 1-a i just think about found family #and we're all hoes for found family

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agent-cyber-wolf · 4 years

Text

Gavin leaned back in his chair, groaning as he dug the heels of his hands into his eyes. Today had not only been a long and stressful day, but it had been a long and stressful day filled with nothing but paperwork. If Gavin had known how much paperwork he’d have to do as a cop -let alone homicide detective- he would’ve chosen a different career.

And possibly save a few grand on student loans.

“What is wrong, detective? Your stress levels have increased by 13% in the last half hour,” Nines said, leaning across the desks slightly.

Gavin sat up, glaring at the android across from him, “Fuck. Off. And stop looking at my insides and shit! It’s weird!” He stood, grabbing his recently emptied coffee mug from the desk.

“I do not suggest drinking more coffee,” Nines started, his icy gray eyes following the detective’s movements, “seeing as doing so could cause-”

Gavin flipped him off, walking away towards the break room, “you’re not my mom!”

Nines let out an exasperated huff, his eyebrows stitching together in annoyance. He crossed his arms over his chest, still looking over at the break room. “It’s only 10;00 am, and you’ve had five cups of coffee!” Nines called before turning back to his terminal.

Shit… it was only 10. Damn, this day was going slower than Gavin had originally thought.

He just ignored Nines -as he usually does- and just continued making his coffee. He stirred in the perfect ratio of creamer to sugar, and by the time he was done with it, his cup of coffee was perfect enough to make Gordon Ramsey cry. And thus, he made the commute back to his and Nines’s shared desk.

But before the detective had the chance to sit down in his overly expensive swivel chair, a small, happy shriek of “daddy!” was heard from the other side of the bullpen. Gavin thought nothing of it, his lips quirking into a small smile at the fact that the small voice sounded so familiar. He looked over, hearing a small growl, only to see a small girl with curly, fiery red hair get hoisted off the ground by a uniformed officer.

“Delilah?” he said to himself in disbelief, catching the attention of the android sitting at the desk across from him. Gavin’s demeanor radiated confusion and doubt until the small voice yelled out.

“Let me go, dipshit!” the small girl yelled, fighting in the officer’s arms, making him almost drop the small child.

“Shit, Delilah!” Gavin hissed, hurriedly setting his mug down and jogging over to where all the commotion was taking place, “let ‘er go, Caputo, she’s with me.”

The officer -Caputo- set the girl down, eyeing Gavin with unsure eyes. The girl -Delilah- crossed her arms, glaring at the officer over her shoulder as he walked away.

Gavin shook his head with a chuckle, smile stretching from ear to ear. Delilah turned, now fully facing the man. She smiled widely, jumping into his arms, her own smaller ones wrapping around his neck in a tight hug. Her legs wrapped around Gavin’s middle as he held her close to his chest.

“What are you in for now?” he whispered to her, looking over and seeing the fuming daycare lady talking to the lady at the front desk.

The girl kept her tight hold on the man, “Emerson pushed Megan so I punched him… in the face,” she whispered back, sheepishly looking over her shoulder.

“And?” Gavin questioned, turning to face the woman.

“... and I called him a fucktard…”

“There it is!” he sighed, knowing she picked up her language from him. He sheepishly smiled over at the still fuming woman, giving a small wave.

She glared back at him before turning on her heel and briskly walking out of the station.

“You’re lucky you’re cute,” he grumbled, getting a small giggle from the six year old girl. He turned once more, now walking back over to his desk. Delilah picked her head up, her arms now loosely hanging around her father’s neck.

Gavin sat her down on the desk, plopping himself in his chair. His eyes darted over to Nines, who’s LED kept flashing from blue to yellow.

“Daddy! Can I go say hi to Hank and Connor?” Delilah excitedly asked, her two different colored eyes going wide with the spark of the new idea.

The detective sighed, looking back down at the girl in front of him, “knock yourself out, kid! I’m sure Hank would appreciate the excuse to not do work.” He went to help her down off the desk but stopped short when she slid off of it herself.

“Well then! Guess you don’t need me!” Gavin huffed, crossing his arms and leaning back in his char.

Delilah giggled, he smiled showing off her two missing front teeth. Gavin smiled back, waving in the direction of Hank’s desk. The girl’s smile got bigger -if that was even possible- and she ran off.

“Delilah Elijah Reed,” Nines muttered, his LED spinning a steady yellow, “born December thirteenth, 2032 in Detroit Michigan… currently six years old…” His voice raised a level, eyebrows knitting together, the android’s head tilting in confusion.

Gavin looked back over at Nines, startled by him suddenly speaking up. He cleared his throat, “so what?” the man’s whole demeanor turned sharp and defensive.

Nines opened his mouth, about to reply, when someone pulled on his jacket with a sharp tug. His LED flashed red, clearly being caught off guard. He peered down at the girl, LED now slowly circling yellow.

“Who are you?” Delilah asked, crossing her arms over her chest. She looked down, appearing to be in deep thought before looking back up at the android. She looked around, red curls flying around her head. She made eye contact with Gavin, glaring at him before turning back to Nines. She leaned in closer to the android, “you’re new, aren’t you?”

Nines just slowly nodded while peering down at the small creature, who smiled up at him in return. As she looked up at him, Nines couldn’t help but notice the remarkable heterochromia that she adorned. He gave a small smile back which seemed to satisfy her.

Delilah gave a curt nod of her head before turning and going up to Gavin.

“Ah! So you do love me!” He smiled, scooping her up and setting her on his lap. He wrapped her in a tight hug, resting his chin on her head.

Delilah squirmed, unable to pull out of Gavin’s arms, “Daddy!” she groaned, making the man laugh and loosen his grip on her. The girl eventually erupted into a fit of giggles.

“Ok! Ok! What do you want, ya little gremlin?” Gavin asked, a fond smile finding its way onto his face.

Delilah pulled out a five dollar bill, handing it to Gavin, “put this in your pocket please!” She said matter of factually.

Gavin sighed heavily, “Hank! You’ve gotta stop giving my kid money every time she cusses someone out!” “Fuck off Reed!” came the reply from across the bullpen.

Gavin rolled his eyes at the snort that came from Nines, “whatever tin-can!” he said with no real venom in his voice.

Delilah gasped, hitting Gavin in the center of his chest. Gavin snapped his eyes to look down at her.

“Hey! What was that for?!” he exclaimed, setting Delilah on the desk in front of him.

She just crossed her arms, “you called…” she looked back at Nines, “what’s your name?” she whispered.

“Nines,” the android answered, curious as to what was going to play out.

“You called Nines a name!” She exclaimed, turning back to face Gavin.

Gavin rubbed his temple, “well you called Emerson a fucktard! And punched the kid! Gave ‘em a shiner probably.” He retorted, “which costs you a quarter in the swear jar!”

Delilah huffed in annoyance, “Daddy! I did that ‘cause he was mean to Megan! You punch bad guys when they are mean to people!”

“I-“ Gavin sighed. Why did his kid have to be so smart? “You are very right sweetheart, and I will apologize to Nines. Tina got some more stickers, why don’t you go and see her for a bit.” He offered, headache already forming behind his eyes.

Delilah nodded, sliding off the desk and running over to Tina’s desk.

“She’s your daughter?” Nines asked, his icy gray eyes glued to Gavin, “she doesn’t look like you. Ginger hair, freckles, paler skin tone, and the heterochromia. Neither one of her eye colors match yours.”

Gavin just nodded, taking his hand away from his head. “I adopted her when she was really young. There was this case, and some scumbag decided to use a baby as a bargaining chip. She chose me, the rest is history.” a small, fond smile found its way onto Gavin’s face. “Anyway! Let’s just get all this dumb-ass paperwork done with!”

Nines just simply nodded, deciding not to push on the subject. But he would be lying if he said he hadn’t made a folder dedicated to the small girl with hair just as fiery as her attitude.

#fanfic #dbh #reed900 #not my oc #but they are letting me use her #manyllines is an awesome person Delilah is their character plz go check them out

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greatvanheflinkennethtobeypie · 3 years

Text

The Man of the Ferry (1943, Short)

Dangerous Venture (1947) - Red

This Time for Keeps (1948) - Redheaded Soldier at Pool (uncredited)

Beyond Glory (1948) - Bit Role (uncredited)

He Walked by Night (1948) - Detective Questioning Pete (uncredited)

The Stratton Story (1949) - Detroit Player (uncredited)

Illegal Entry (1949) - Dave (uncredited)

The Great Sinner (1949) - Cabbie (uncredited)

I Was a Male War Bride (1949) - Red - Seaman (uncredited)

The Stratton Story (1949)

Task Force (1949) - Capt. Ken Williamson (uncredited)

The Doctor and the Girl (1949) - Surgeon at Bellevue (uncredited)

Free for All (1949) - Pilot

Twelve O'Clock High (1949) - Sgt. Keller - Guard at Gate (uncredited)

The File on Thelma Jordon (1950) - Police Photographer (uncredited)

When Willie Comes Marching Home(1950) - Lt. K. Geiger (uncredited)

One Way Street (1950) - Cop at Second Accident (uncredited)

Love That Brute (1950) - Henchman #1 in Cigar Store (uncredited)

The Gunfighter (1950) - Swede (uncredited)

My Friend Irma Goes West (1950) - Pilot

Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye (1950) - Det. Fowler

Right Cross (1950) - Ken, the Third Reporter

Three Secrets (1950) - Officer (uncredited)

The Flying Missile (1950) - Crewman Pete McEvoy

The Company She Keeps (1951) - Rex Fisher (uncredited)

Up Front (1951) - Cooper (uncredited)

Rawhide (1951) - Lt. Wingate (uncredited)

The Thing from Another World (1951) - Captain Patrick Hendry

Angel Face (1952) - Bill Crompton

The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms(1953) - Col. Jack Evans

Fighter Attack (1953) - George

The Bigamist (1953) - Tom Morgan, Defense Attorney

Ring of Fear (1954) - Shreveport

Down Three Dark Streets (1954) - FBI Agent Zack Stewart

The Steel Cage (1954) - Steinberg, Convict Painter (segment "The Face")

Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier(1955) - Colonel Jim Bowie

Rage at Dawn (1955) - Monk Claxton

It Came from Beneath the Sea (1955) - Cmdr. Pete Mathews

Davy Crockett and the River Pirates(1956) - Jocko

The Steel Jungle (1956) - Dr. Lewy

The Man in the Grey Flannel Suit(1956) - Lt. Hank Mahoney (uncredited)

The Great Locomotive Chase (1956) - Anthony Murphy

The Search For Bridey Murphy (1956) - Rex Simmons

The Wings of Eagles (1957) - Capt. Herbert Allen Hazard

Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957) - Bat Masterson

The Vampire (1957) - Sheriff Buck Donnelly

Jet Pilot (1957) - Sergeant (uncredited)

Cry Terror! (1958) - Agent Frank Cole

uncredited)

Bat Masterson! (1960) - Reed Amherst (diamond con man)

Seven Ways from Sundown (1960) - Texas Ranger Lieutenant Herly

Perry Mason (1960) - Deputy D.A. Jack Alvin - S4 E3, the I'll Fated Faker

X-15 (1961) - Col. Craig Brewster

Sea Hunt (1961), Season 4, Episode 33

Stark Fear (1962) - Cliff Kane

40 Guns to Apache Pass (1966) - Corporal Bodine

A Man Called Adam (1966) - Club Owner

A Time for Killing (1967) - Sgt. Cleehan

Marlowe (1969) - Sgt. Fred Beifus

Billy Jack (1971) - Deputy Mike

Terror in the Sky (1971) - Capt. Wilson

Ben (1972) - Engineer

The Candidate (1972) - Floyd J. Starkey

Rage (1972) - Col. Alan A. Nickerson

Walking Tall (1973) - Augie McCullah

Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry (1974) - Sheriff Carl Donahue

Homebodies (1974) - Construction Boss

The Missiles of October (1974) - Adm. George W. Anderson Jr., Chief of Naval Operations

The Wild McCullochs (1975) - Larry Carpenter

W.C. Fields and Me (1976) - Parker

Baby Blue Marine (1976) - Buick Driver

Gus (1976) - Asst. Warden

MacArthur (1977) - Admiral Halsey

Goodbye, Franklin High (1978) - Police Captain

Hero at Large (1980) - Firechief

Airplane! (1980) - Air Controller Neubauer

The Howling (1981) - Older Cop

Strange Invaders (1983) - Arthur Newman

Gremlins (1984) - Mobil Gas Station Attendant (uncredited)

The Lost Empire (1984) - Capt. Hendry

Innerspace (1987) - Man in Restroom

Big Top Pee-wee (1988) - Sheriff

Freeway (1988) - Monsignor Kavanaugh

Ghost Writer (1989) - Cop #2

Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990) - Projectionist

Desire and Hell at Sunset Motel (1991) - Capt. Holiday

Honey, I Blew Up the Kid (1992) - Smitty

Single White Female (1992) - Desk Clerk

Body Shot (1994) - Arthur Lassen

Hellraiser: Bloodline (1996) - Hologram-Priest (uncredited)

The Naked Monster (2005) - Col. Patrick Hendry (final film role)

#wikipediapages #wikipediaaccount #kenneth tobey

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madlori · 5 years

Text

Lori Explains Hockey Teams

For prior Hockey Infodump posts, please see:

Lori Explains Hockey Numbers

Lori Explains Hockey Players

So hockey players are basically large ice gremlins who just want to slap the pucks and skate rlly fast and occasionally punch each other. Guess we better organize them into groups, dress them alike, aim them at each other and call it a sport!

Hence, hockey teams. Or what we like to call “torturing the fans.”

So! The premiere organization of the sport of men’s ice hockey is the National Hockey League, or the NHL as we gremlin groupies like to call it. It is not, repeat not, the only professional hockey league in the world. The KHL, or Kontinental Hockey League (formerly known as the Russian Superleague) is probably the #2 and consists of mostly but not entirely Russian teams. There are also European leagues and additional pro minor leagues in North America, not to mention pro junior leagues. And of course, women’s professional hockey is also an awesome thing. But the NHL is what everyone talks about, and it’s where everyone ultimately wants to play.

The NHL consists of 31 teams (soon to be 32) organized into two conferences of two divisions each. Most people tend to pay the most attention to their division, because your divisional standing is what determines whether or not you get into the playoffs.

Here, I maded you a map! WHICH CONTAINS A GRIEVOUS ERROR IN THAT IT PLACES THE RED WINGS IN CENTRAL WHEN THEY BELONG IN ATLANTIC PLEASE EXCUSE MY BRAIN FART.

The teams are as follows:

Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division

Toronto Maple Leafs

Buffalo Sabres

Ottawa Senators

Montreal Canadiens

Boston Bruins

Florida Panthers

Tampa Bay Lightning

Detroit Red Wings

Metropolitan Division

Carolina Hurricanes

Columbus Blue Jackets

Pittsburgh Penguins

Washington Capitals

Philadelphia Flyers

New Jersey Devils

New York Islanders

New York Rangers

Western Conference

Central Division

Chicago Blackhawks

Winnipeg Jets

Minnesota Wild

St. Louis Blues

Nashville Predators

Dallas Stars

Colorado Avalance

Pacific Division

Edmonton Oilers

Calgary Flames

Vancouver Canucks

San Jose Sharks

Los Angeles Kings

Anaheim Ducks

Arizona Coyotes

Vegas Golden Knights

You may also hear the term “Original Six” bandied about. The NHL started in 1917 with a few teams - the Montreal Canadiens are the longest continuously-operating team in the league, they started back then - but by 1942 they’d settled into a league of six teams: Montreal, Toronto, Boston, New York Rangers, Detroit and Chicago. These six teams are sort of the NHL OGs and the rivalries are pretty fierce. Then in 1967 the league doubled in size by adding six teams all at once - five out of the six of those teams still exist (Flyers, Penguins, Blues, Stars (which began as the Minnesota North Stars before moving to Dallas) and Kings). The post-1967 era really ushered in what we know now as the NHL and is sometimes referred to as the Post-Expansion Era. [Another “era” you’ll see referenced is the post-cap era, referring to post-2005 when they instutited the salary cap]

Of the 31 NHL teams, eleven of them have never won the Stanley Cup. You could almost include the Leafs, who haven’t won in the expansion era. Montreal likes to brag about their million Cup wins but a lot of them came pre-expansion when there were only five other teams to beat, so make of that what you will (the last time they won the Cup in the post-expansion era was 1993).

Teams also have nicknames. The one that brings the most puzzlement is that the Canadiens are often called the “Habs” which is short for “Les Habitants,” just the Frenchified version of their name. Also the Lightning are often called the Bolts (one of their jerseys even says that) but that’s less of a leap.

All the NHL clubs are privately owned. Each club has a General Manager (GM) who is the person in charge of running everything to do with the team. He himself is hired and fired by the ownership. In addition to the players, teams employ publicists, marketing people, social media staff, medical staff, coaching staff, ice maintenance, logistics, equipment management (that’s a big deal in hockey, which has a lot of gear that seriously affects performance - a player’s skate maintenance is hugely important) plus all the stuff like ticket sales, finance, yadda yadda. Along with the GM the other visible member of staff is the head coach. Teams also employ defensive coaches, goalie coaches, strength and conditioning coaches, skating coaches, and a variety of other coaching staff.

The NHL season is 82 games long with 6-7 games in the preseason. The regular season begins in early October and ends in early April. Teams play 41 games at home, 41 away. They play every single other team at least twice, once at each team’s arena. They play the most games against the other teams in their division, then in their conference. The teams in the other conference only get played twice. Teams usually play 3-4 games per week. They often play games back-to-back, but other times they’ll have three or four days break between games. Their road games are grouped together geographically - for example most East Coast teams play the three California teams in a single road trip, sometimes tossing in Arizona or Vegas on top.

Ironically the state of California is tied for the most hockey teams with three (New York also has three). The only other states that have more than one are Florida and Pennsylvania. The provinces of Alberta and Ontario also have two teams each (there are 7 total Canadian teams).

That ought to do it for teams! As always shoot me questions. The playoffs will be a separate post.

In conclusion, please watch this AMAZING video the NHL produced for its 100th anniversary. It tracks all the teams from 1917, their movements, even the logo and color scheme changes. It’s oddly mesmerizing. And the music is cool.

youtube

#hockey info #lori explains a thing #hockey #nhl #lori explains hockey

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lonelypond · 4 years

Text

Can’t Get Started, Ch. 5

NicoMaki, RinPana, Love Live, 1.7K, 5/6

Chapter 5

Summary: The morning after the night before...

Nico’s phone went off. She grumbled and reached for the...nightstand? No, Nico opened her eyes, couch, phone on floor...right, Maki...Maki, barely wrapped in a robe, gorgeous hair twisted up in a towel, mostly asleep and giving off levels of sexy cute like Nico would kill to be able to pull off on or off screen, had stepped out of Nico’s bath and into Nico’s dreams forever. So Nico, recognizing exhaustion when she saw it, had tucked her...girlfriend into her bed alone with just a quick temptation of a kiss, claiming she was too awake now to go back to sleep. Maki had had too crazy an evening to object so Nico took a blanket to the couch and settled in. It was more comfortable than some of her sleeping arrangements on location in the early days of her career.

More angry buzzing. Oh right, phone...Nico grabbed it, saw Nozomi’s pic, and swiped, “What?”

“Let me in.” Nozomi sounded too amused.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean I’m in the lobby of the Peninsula and you need to give me the private elevator code.”

“How the fuck…” Nico sat up.

“You’re all over the Chicago Red Star’s social media. You’ve made a whole bunch of new fans.”

“Why are you even in Chicago?”

“I’m crashing a wedding.”

“No.” Nico liked short answers.

“Look, if you’re letting random strangers sleep in your hotel room, I have to meet the girl you’re trying to impress.”

“Nico is not trying to impress anyone.”

Nozomi snorted, “Liar.”

“Why aren’t you in…”” Nico couldn’t remember where Nozomi and Eli were currently orbiting the art scene of.

“Detroit, Nico. It’s practically right next door.”

“You’re into cars now?”

“No. Taking pics of black women entrepreneurs for a serious magazine spread. And Eli’s consulting with some local art and dance studios. She loves it there.”

“Tell her Nico says hey. And to keep you at home.” Nico closed the call.

An immediate text.

N: THE CODE, NICO-CHI, OR ELSE (ง ͠° ͟ʖ ͡°)ง

Nozomi would find a way up and be banging on the door sooner than Nico would be able to think of a plan to divert her. So Nico typed in a string of numbers.

And opened the door to Nozomi sweeping in and hugging her, “You looked so happy in all those pics, Nico-chi. I just had to see why. Usually candids show the grumpy gremlin I’ve known for years.”

Nico broke Nozomi’s hold and stomped through the foyer. Nico had ordered an array of breakfast pastries after Maki’s arrival. And there was a coffee maker. As Nozomi was likely to continue to ignore Nico’s invitation to leave, Nico was going to need coffee. Maybe she could send Nozomi to the Orrington before Maki woke up. Nico glanced at the clock, a little after nine, hangover victims should be wandering through anytime now. And the bride. Nico grinned, RIn had looked like she was having the time of her life last night. Nico had certainly gotten Maki’s best friend on her side, so her sudden ascension to the spot of the Chicago Red Star’s most famous fan was worth it.

Nozomi, unwrapping her practical army green parka to reveal a gray wrap blanket skirt and a bright purple cowl neck sweater, settled into the table, “Why yes, Nico, I will take a coffee.”

"Hmmmppffff…" Nico sputtered, loading a pod.

“Nico?” Nico froze, that wasn't Nozomi’s voice, that was sleepy cute confused Maki bumping into the doorframe, her robe falling a little open. No pajamas. Suspicion confirmed. Nico heard clicking, saw Nozomi’s hand moving, and leapt to grab the phone. Delete. Empty trash. Then, as soon as possible, take out the non digital trash that masqueraded as her best friend.

“If you ever ever do that again, I will kill you. Literally.” Nico hissed, her tone frozen lake cold as she stashed Nozomi’s phone before smiling at Maki. “Good morning, Maki!”

“You’re not green anymore.” Maki giggled.

Nozomi spun to stare at Nico, her turquoise eyes mischievous, “Oh, this is too cute, Nico-chi. It was worth the early flight.”

Maki jumped slightly, refocusing on the person sitting at the table who wasn’t Nico. “Hello?”

“This” Nico had her arm around Nozomi’s shoulder, ready for a chokehold, “is the person Nico mentioned last night, the unavoidable pestilence that Nico can't shake, Nozomi Tojo." Nico took a big breath, not minding if she sounded smug, "Nozomi, this is Nishikino Maki, Nico’s girlfriend.”

Maki blushed, glancing away, fingers discovering a knot in the rock star worthy bedhead. Nico wanted video.

Nozomi stood, shaking off Nico, extending a hand, “Very pleased to SEE you.”

Nico kicked, Nozomi yelped, Maki looked confused.

Nico stepped smoothly between Nozomi and Maki, shoving Nozomi’s hand aside, “Nico is making coffee. Want some? There’s a bakery's worth of breakfast too. And since your clothes were wrecked, one of the early rising Red Stars messengered some gear over.”

Maki blinked, yawning, then frowned as she woke up enough brain cells to process Nico’s statement. “I’m a Seattle Reign fan.”

“Nico will make a note.”

Maki smiled, nodded, and leaned over to kiss Nico on the cheek.

Nico glanced back over her shoulder, Nozomi was making coffee, eavesdropping, and ogling with equal skill, “But, put on a t-shirt for Nico, okay? And maybe sweats. Until we get you to your wedding gear.”

“Wedding.” Maki straightened, her jaw setting, amethyst eyes hardening, “I have to talk to Rin. Where is she?”

“Whoa.” Nico put out a hand, “what’s the rush?”

“I um…” Maki looked angry, but while her hand gestures indicated agitation, no coherent sentences were being produced. “After how Hanayo…”

It was going to be a bathrobe only breakfast Nico realized so as she sat Maki down in a chair, she mostly blocked Nozomi’s view. Fortunately, Maki was now disgruntled enough to be fully awake and had retied her sash, actually closing the robe.

“Ooohh, I should have crashed the bachelorette party.” Nozomi brought the coffee over, carefully avoiding any glances toward Maki’s cleavage as Nico was still glaring death threats, “What happened?”

“Blue Zoo.” Nico stated simply. Maki picked up a donut. She definitely needed calories if she was going to have to remember last night.

Nozomi whistled, “You’ve found a very interesting crowd, Nico-chi.”

“Nico didn’t go.”

“Smart.” Nozomi nodded, suddenly sober, “that would have really dented your rep.”

“Nico knows.”

Maki felt like yelling that someone should have warned her, but Nico might have kinda did and Rin had certainly been worried almost exactly the right amount and Kotori...Maki put her head in her hands, cue memory induced hangover throb, “What do I tell Rin?”

Nico and Nozomi exchanged a glance, then Nico spoke, gently, “If you want Nico’s advice, talk to Hanayo, not Rin.”

Maki’s head fell to the table, and after a yelp of pain, there was a reluctant ‘yeah.’

“Maki Maki Maki” Rin bounced into the room, with enough energy to power a hyperdrive, her short hair out of the shower wet, “Nico is the best. You should get married too. We had so much fun. I can’t wait for your bachelorette party,”

Maki tensed and Nico wondered how close they were to an outburst, but Maki just lifted her head, eyes sad, and ran a hand through her hair, “No. No parties. Ever.”

Rin froze, her face sliding into disappointed worry, “What did Kayo-chin do?”

Maki’s eyes met Nico’s, desperate. Nico reached out for Maki’s hand, and Maki squeezed so hard Nico couldn’t hold back the wince. Then a huge inhale and Maki slid the baked goods toward Rin, “She got drunk and very silly.”

Rin frowned, sitting and biting into a donut, “Handsy, right?”

Maki nodded, not sure what else to say.

Rin sighed, but then she reached over and ruffled Maki’s hair, “But she loves me, Maki, she really does. She just gets stupid sometimes.” Donut gone in two bites, “I’m sorry you had to see it.”

“We got arrested.” Maki stated so solemnly Nico wanted to send a sympathy card.

Rin’s eyes went wide, then she started pounding the table and laughing, “Oh my god, that’s the best. I want to see the mug shots.”

Maki shot up from the table, furious, “I can’t believe you.”

“But Maki, that’s so funny. Kayo-chin in JAIL.”

Maki growled, “Good bye, Rin, I’m going back to LA.”

Rin kept laughing, “That’s okay, I’ve got Nico now, she’s not a criminal.”

Maki remembered she had half a donut in her hand, crumpled it, and dumped it in Rin’s wet hair on her way out the door. “You and Hanayo deserve each other.”

Rin, looking as pleased as a person could, leaned back in her chair as she brushed most of the crumbs out of her hair, “Guess I’ll have to tell Kayo-chin she needs to apologize so Maki doesn’t glare through the whole ceremony.”

After a pause, Nozomi glanced at a bemused Nico before deciding to contribute to the chaos. “You’re crazy. I like you.”

Two thumbs up from Rin. “Come to the wedding. You’ll love me. We got the best cake maker in the whole Great Lakes region.”

Maki shouted from somewhere, “YOU CAN’T INVITE ALL OF CHICAGO TO YOUR WEDDING.”

Rin jumped to the door, “YES I CAN.”

“GO HOME!”

“YOU’RE MY RIDE.”

“BITE ME.”

As Nico and Nozomi watched in a state of awe, Rin came table-ward, grabbed a scone, broke off a piece, sat back down, tossed the carb in the air, caught it in her mouth, chewed, and swallowed before declaring. “Maki’d be lost without me.”

Nico grabbed the rest of the scone out of RIn’s hand, “Nico believes it. But now you can rely on Nico.”

“Good.” Rin nodded, serious, “Me and Kayo-chin’ll be keeping an eye on you.”

Nico saluted. Nozomi shook her head. Maki could be heard shouting “We are the Reign, the Mighty Mighty Reign.”

“Maki’s gonna start a fight.” Rin zipped out of the room.

After a long pause, a raised eyebrow, and maybe an aura addition of slightly impressed, Nozomi went back to chat mode, “So, what’s new in your life…” Nozomi sipped her coffee, obviously waiting for Nico to fill in details.

Nico grinned and bit into breakfast.

A/N: This gets us back in the zone. So I hope you enjoy.

Also, you're getting another chapter...sue me ; )

#NicoMaki #RinPana #Love Live #Yazawa Nico #Nishikino Maki #Tojo Nozomi #Hoshizora Rin #Can't Get Started #etc

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birdlord · 4 years

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Everything I Watched in 2018

I neglected to write this list up this time last year, so I’m catching up! 2019 is soon to come. Every Movie I Watched in 2018

The number in parentheses is year of release, asterisks denote a re-watch, and titles in bold are my favourite first watches of the year.

01 So I Married an Axe Murderer (93)* possibly the most early/mid-90s film ever made. Centre parted hair, slam poetry, pre-tech boom San Francisco, Steven Wright cameo?!

02 The Florida Project (17) first theatre movie of the year came early!

03 The Long Goodbye (75)

04 Call Me by Your Name (17) I and some friends made an effort to see movies we thought might be oscar-nominated this year, so there’s a few of those coming up.

05 LA Story (91)* a forever rewatch

06 Personal Shopper (17) Feels like there’s a thin veil between K Stew and the characters she chooses.

07 I, Tonya (17)

08 Comfort and Joy (84) 80s Glasgow!

09 Faces, Places (17) made me want to pick up a camera again

10 A Futile and Stupid Gesture (18)

11 Creed (15) not for me.

12 Black Panther (18)* I found this lost a lot of its lustre the second time around.

13 Ghost (90)

14 Youngblood (86) Rob Lowe and Patrick Swayze hockey movie filmed in 80s Toronto? Sign me up!

15 The Living Daylights (87)* basically sometimes I want to see a Bond film, and really any of them will do.

16 Brigsby Bear (17)

17 The Ice Storm (97)

18 Disclosure (94) strong competition for Most 90s Movie, this time set in a Seattle CD-ROM company. One of those movies I remember staring at the cover of, in the movie rental place.

19 Saturday Night Fever (77)*

20 Barry Lyndon (75) God, the look, the costumes, the performances! This killed me dead.

21 Fried Green Tomatoes (91)* Another forever rewatch!

22 Howard’s End (92)* rewatch prompted by watching the new series version.

23 Sense & Sensibility (95)* keep those costume dramas coming...

24 The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (01)*

25 The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (02)*

26 Breakfast at Tiffany’s (61)*

27 Paterson (16)

28 Three Kings (99)*

29 The Talented Mr Ripley (99)* 99 was a good film year...I’ll go to this version of Italy anytime.

30 The Equalizer (14)

31 Paddington (14)

32 Paul (11) the initial charm doesn’t carry the movie through til the end.

33 The Virgin Suicides (99)*

34 Friday the 13th (80)

35 Sea of Love (89)

36 Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (18) a great opportunity to shed some tears in a movie theatre.

37 Star Wars: The Last Jedi (17)*

38 Wild (14)

39 Housekeeping (87) love me a Bill Forsyth, as you can see.

40 Predator (87)* if it bleeds, etc

41 Close Encounters of the Third Kind (77)*

42 Fever Pitch (05) the US remake...

43 Fever Pitch (97) ...the UK original

44 Bridget Jones’ Baby (16)

45 Stand by Me (86)*

46 Three Identical Strangers (18)

47 Mission Impossible: Fallout (18)

48 Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol (11)*

49 Election (99)*

50 The Killing Ground (17) utter brutality in the Aussie bushland

51 Eyes Wide Shut (99) never saw this at the time, and thought Nicole Kidman’s perspective was more important within the film but GUESS WHAT, IT ISN’T

52 Repulsion (65)

53 Crazy Rich Asians (18)

54 Halloween (78)* the start of Spooker Season

55 A Star is Born (18)

56 The Hunger (83)

57 Annihilation (17)

58 Scream (99)*

59 Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (98) this was...terrible

60 Halloween (18)

61 Deep Red (75) one of the better Argentos, imo, but no Tenebrae

62 Dead Ringers (88)

63 Rocky Horror Picture Show (75)*

64 Silence of the Lambs (91)*

65 Nosferatu (22)

66 The Italian Job (69)

67 Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (01)*

68 Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets (02)*69 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (04)*

70 Gangs of New York (02)* Wow, I hated this! If I never see sweaty Leonardo DiCaprio again, it’ll be too soon.

71 Shirkers (18)

72 Terminator 2 (91)*

73 Little Women (94)*

74 The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (18)

75 Life Itself (18) this movie has left my mind ENTIRELY, wow did it even happen?

76 National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (89)*

77 Home Alone (90)*

78 Gremlins (84)* turns out I’d forgotten more of this than I remembered??

79 The Shop Around the Corner (40)

80 You’ve Got Mail (98)*

81 Mr Smith Goes to Washington (39)

82 Widows (18)

83 Roma (18) I did see this in theatre, so the surround-sound experience was in full effect.

84 Ghost Stories (17)

85 200 Cigarettes (99)

DOCUMENTARY:FICTION - 3:82

THEATRE:HOME - 11:74

I had no idea I’d watched so many movies from 1999 this year! It was certainly not done on purpose, but that year had some great movies. Spooker Season was a particularly strong one this year, too, with ten horror/spooky movies over the course of October. It’s always interesting to me to see how many comfort viewings vs more challenging fare that I manage to watch in a given year (probably correlated to how many times I was sick and/or had a rough work day).

Every TV Series I Watched in 2019

01 The Crown S2 - the difficulties of royal marriage are a strong theme in this season, but there’s also some great sister-sister material between Elizabeth and Margaret.

02 Lady Dynamite S2 - too weird to live, I guess?

03 High Maintenance S2 - this is the second HBO season, and the first one that really tries to grapple with high-level world events, in this case Trump’s election, spoken about as if it was a natural disaster.

04 Queer Eye S1, S2 - I’d never seen the original series, so this was my first exposure to the concept. It aims for pathos, but you have to accept a pretty rosy world to get into it. Easier to enjoy before any of the boys had book deals/got Milkshake Duck’d.

05 Love S3 - still watching for Bertie, I love her.

06 Collateral - thorny British political police procedural, ultimately pretty forgettable, barring Carey Mulligan’s performance.

07 Alias Grace - the Atwood adaptation that people *weren’t* talking about. It’s great, though!

08 Atlanta S2: Robbin Season - Atlanta got weirder, more idiosyncratic, and even better in its second season. 09 Barry S1 - Barry got a lot of plaudits this year, and while I really liked the cast, and the plot was engrossing, something didn’t stick for me, and ultimately I didn’t watch the second season.

10 Howard’s End - it is a truth universally acknowledged that most books are better adapted as a miniseries than a single movie. Not that I hate the ‘92 movie, but this gets deeper into the class relations than it ever could. Plus: TIBBY!!

11 Killing Eve S1 - the series that hackneyed “smart, stylish and sexy” critic descriptions were made for.

12 Detroiters S2 - pouring one out for my fave pals, who never got a chance to make another season of this little darling (though there were a couple of episodes in this season that didn’t do it for me).

13 Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat - perhaps the only adaptation of a cookbook that I’ve ever seen, and certainly one of the best food shows ever.

14 Big Mouth S2 - More of the same, so if you could hack it in the first season, then keep it up!

15 Bodyguard - another in the sexy/dark/procedural vein, with bonus Scotsman from Game of Thrones.

16 Utopia/Dreamland S1-S3 - an Australian comedy series about a government infrastructure department, which has apparently spawned real such departments in the country, even though it doesn’t come off all that well. The first title is the Aussie one, it’s known as Dreamland everywhere else.

17 Baroness Von Sketch S3 - Canadian series that I actually watch are rare as hen’s teeth, so I was delighted to find a woman-centric sketch show that has kept me laughing. Plus, sometimes I see my neighbourhood? That’s fun!

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dbhilluminate · 5 years

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DBHI: Redemption- "The Open Door", pt. 2

ARE YOU A FAN OF DETROIT? DO YOU LIKE GAY SHIPS AND COMPLICATED, LOVEABLE BOYS?? Then please keep up with our fic, you’ll love it, I promise!

(Chapter art by dark_dumb)

**Co-authored by grayorca15

Characters: Trevor Langley, Dylan Fleur, Dennis Lenore (mentions of Rhea Fleur, Dahlia Fleur, Spencer, Nicodemus) Word Count: 8,354

Trevor finds the wayward Fleur sibling and discovers there's a lot more to the boy than rumors let on.

• Archive link • Chapter Index • • Related Works • Characters •

Previous Chapter

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July 4th, 2041 - 7:56 PM

The appearance of the elusive gremlin was as unsurprising as it was surprising, just as he both was and wasn’t at all what he’d been expecting. His honey-brown skin, auburn red hair, and generous number of freckles pegged him a Fleur without a doubt, but compared to the rest of his kin (including the youngest boys), he was certainly the most informally-dressed. Typical of most art students, he favored comfort over fashion, while still maintaining some sort of hipster style. A loose gray v-neck shirt under a long-sleeved black cardigan that hung down to his calves, obscured the waistline of a pair of slim-cut, tattered jean-shorts (spotted from years of dry-brushing to switch colors) down to his knees. About five different black corded necklaces of varying length, set both tight and loose over black-inked tattoos splayed around the back and sides of his neck, completed the picture of the family ‘black sheep’ in exhausting detail. Though most worrisome was the ever-growing smirk twitching its way into his cheeks the longer he stared at the newcomer that had knowingly breached the boundary of his territory. It didn’t bode well for anyone trying to not get roped into upcoming shenanigans. “If you’ve got a thing for redheads, you’re in the right place, but she’s already spoken for,” Fleur teased as he snapped one more rubber band into the side of his shoulder. Trev stared him down but didn’t bother affecting a scowl or a flinch, having seen it coming. “I know, so your warning is hereby rendered painfully redundant,” he stated with a tilt of his head, still preoccupied with studying the young man’s appearance. “Yeah…?” The boy’s brows twitched with a soft pop between the eyes, a misdirect for the extra stretch taken to grin. “Then who’re you?” A simple enough question, except when it wasn’t. Trev only bothered with crossing his arms. He wasn’t about to launch into that topic all over again with the family outcast. “A guest of Detective Lenore. So you can see why I am in the know of his and - Miss Fleur’s association.” After letting that information sink in for a moment, he added, “And I needed a break from the company, in part because of it-” The rubber band on the tip of his finger stretched back, poised to fire, but it halted when he instead gave a half laugh and rolled his eyes. “Yeah, I could tell- I heard you coming a mile away,” he commented before letting the band fly, this time flinging across his visitor’s other shoulder. “Those hurried, annoyed steps really carry in here when you’ve got two wooden blocks in your soles.” “Very astute observation,” Trev retorted, eyes narrowing, slowly coming around to the thought of disliking this one’s company as well. As if the arm-folding wasn’t hint enough. “That said, me and my hurried, annoyed steps will just be going, then.” Predictably enough, the moment he tried stepping away, another band zinged toward him. He stopped short just in time for it to wing by his nose, having anticipated it.

“It only gets more peopley the further you get toward that side of the house,” Fleur informed as he loaded another rubber band, tilted his head, and squinted skeptically. “Didn’t you say you wanted a break from that…?” “Yes, well, your mansion is so small, I went looking for no one and still ran into you.” The redhead pursed his lips, clicked his tongue, and chuckled with a coy grin. “Sure you weren’t just drawn here by my charm? I’ve been told it’s magnetic.” “More like repulsive, so I’ll just be on my-“ Trev happened to look away at just the wrong time- the next rubber band clipped him right across the forehead, harder than the rest. Expecting the boy to look as cross as he felt, Trevor huffed and turned back to find him on the verge of bubbling over with laughter, chest rattling with only the faintest hint of a wheeze. Exasperation didn’t begin to describe the feeling the sight evoked. “What are you- stop that,” he demanded, patience finally worn thin enough to warrant a reaction. “C’moooon…” Fleur drawled as he primed another rubber band and rolled his head against the wall he’d been leaning on, ankles crossed and shoulders slumped. He creased his brow and turned muddied green eyes to regard him, and from somewhere behind the couldn’t-care-less façade flashed a moment of sympathetic candor. “You really wanna go back to all that weird family bullshit…?”

The accuracy of his assumption caught him off guard, but considering they were the only two people in the house actively trying to avoid the festivities, it wasn’t an unreasonable conclusion to draw; however, it was his choice of words that grabbed his attention. “Weird family bullshit” at an event thrown primarily for friends was entirely too specific. No, he thought with a small pout. He didn’t want to go back to it. Trev knew the last thing he wanted was to be needled and patted on the head and told everything would work itself out. All he had to do was ‘chin up and smile and play along’. They made it sound so disgustingly easy. Standing here letting himself be a target of another sort was hardly better, but in a way, this cursory annoyance was easier to bear. Trev’s fingers curled into fists and he let his arms drop from their folded position, shoulders hunched in clear aggravation. “Say I do. Are you going to follow me all the way back?” Undeterred, another shot snapped Trev across the hip, causing him to flinch and flare his nostrils. “Sure you wouldn’t rather do something fun instead…?” “I have my own idea of fun, and it doesn’t involve-“ Another shot slapped across the back of his hand before he could finish the thought, and he yelped quietly and yanked it out of the way a split second too late. “...rubber BANDS, for starters. “Then let’s do something else, ya wet blanket,” Fleur suggested in a mocking tone. “I am, I’m leaving, something you can’t-“ Another popped him square in the middle of the forehead. “Seem to-” Followed by another in the neck. “Grasp- for the love of- KNOCK IT OFF!” “Ah ah ah-” the man scolded with a smirk as he impudently wagged a finger and loaded another rubber band. “The punishment will continue until morale improves.” Trevor’s lip curled, the corner of his eye twitched in irritation and one finger lifted in idle threat as he warned, as calmly as he could manage, “If you keep shooting those at me, I am well within my rights to confiscate them as evidence of-“ But it only served to embolden his assailant’s taunting. One, two, three, then four pelted him in rapid succession, leaving Trevor flinching, backstepping, and sidestepping, as he attempted to block every last one. “-haraSSMENT!” The second half of his threat stuttered out with an angry huff. “Go ahead and try,” his opponent laughed, “But be warned, I have worse things in my pockets that’ll find their way onto your clothes before you can get to them.” As that constituted a fair warning, a second scanning look with a few extra filters layered on confirmed as much. His heads-up-display outlined about a dozen round objects filled with some sort of liquid, stuffed into the deep outside pockets of his cardigan, as well as a few unconventional inner pockets. Trev grimaced and shook his head at the sight, less perturbed by what the contents could be than the fact his mind engaged such programs on automatic -depending on the input given, like Fleur admitting to being armed for mischief- without his consent. Of course it would scan to see what concealed weapons there might be. Convenient as those features were, sometimes he missed the days when he was too naïve to have ever been aware of those programs. But now that they’d come to an impasse, he couldn’t get closer, as much as he couldn’t walk away- “non-negotiable nonsense”, as Spencer might have called it. Coining such a term to describe the paradox which typically triggered a deviant break had been astute of him. Trev’s expression soured at the reminder, and he turned away. “Go find someone else to pelt and laugh at. I’m-“ The redheaded, squinting blue-eyed face he almost stepped into stopped him cold. “You’re what, Langley? Off to places unknown?” He turned to hide the embarrassment flushing into his cheeks but found himself stuck between two people he didn’t want to speak to. Naturally someone had come looking when he didn’t return with a fresh drink like he’d claimed to have left for, and of course, that person was Dennis. Better go find your missing puppy, Lenore, before he trips and falls down a foxhole, Trev retorted inwardly. Interestingly enough, his company also seemed perturbed by Dennis’ sudden arrival. The Fleur rolled his eyes and exhaled a loud sigh. “Go away, Den,” he muttered as he turned his whole body and leaned back with his shoulders flat against the wall, slight tension evident in his tone and body language. The boy’s fingers stiffened and his jaw clenched as the Detective peered over at him from behind Trev’s shoulder. Not that Langley was curious enough to ask, but there was clearly more to the story there. At least, for now,, they could agree on finding Lenore’s presence a bother, albeit for different reasons. “Hmph. Knew you’d bite if I brought bait.” His choice of adjective was enough to get a raised eyebrow out of Trevor, if not a revolted frown. He did not appreciate the notion of having been brought anywhere without being told he was the lure in a given plan; but then again, Dennis couldn’t have counted on him getting fed up and walking away. Or had he? After a pause, he glanced back at his mentor and adjusted his frames in nervous habit. “I’m sorry, sir. I was on my way back before this one decided it was worth wasting time to interrupt me-” The next rubber band whizzed past him with a sharp fwip, picking up enough speed to make sure it would hit Dennis right in the chest. Olive green eyes leered over at him from the direction it had come. “Told you once, Detective- you’re not my type.” “Yeah…? Well, what about this one?” A thumb and a loosely closed fist gestured toward a slightly flustered Trev (who sputtered a surprised look of protest and puffed his cheeks) as Lenore took a few steps forward to stand next to him. The boy exhaled long and slow in response, eyes rolling even further into the back of his head before closing completely. “Still deciding,” he mumbled in blatant annoyance. “But I don’t need you to go shoppin’ around for friends for me.” “No, you probably don’t- but this one is a cut above the other kids you’ve been hangin’ around, even if he’s a tough one to crack. You think you could loosen him up? Without getting any of that stuff on the floor?” This much confirmed the balloons definitely weren’t full of water. Trev frowned again, only this time it was out of bewilderment. “What ‘stuff’ do you mean?” The boy sighed with an audible groan and turned to face them, pushing himself up on the wall to stand up straight. “I’m tryin’, but he’s not makin’ it easy,” he retorted as he shifted his weight and snapped another one at his thigh, at which Trev jumped aside with a half shrieked ‘STOP IT!’ Politeness be damned, this was getting to be too much, too fast. Dennis’ expression shifted from exasperated to something like smug as he glanced between them. Over what was the question. He looked like someone who had just discovered a reason to be proud of some unintended brilliance; or, much more likely, he was only making that face as to further addle the situation. “I could tell you, but that’d ruin the surprise.” The creeping grin returned, smaller than it was before, as he threw Dennis a skeptical squint laced with curiosity. “What a mood you’re in…” Fleur commented impishly, as if he was reluctant to see him go. “Why can’t you be this fun all the time?” Before he could answer or Trev could protest, he let one last band snap across his target’s neck, harder than he had yet, and braced himself for the impending reaction. A foot chase was the last thing Langley thought he would be doing tonight, but enough was enough. He had hit his threshold for dealing with irritation, however low or high said bar was set that day. Words clearly weren’t going to stop this assault, so the next best thing to do was make it stop. “I warned you- MULTIPLE times...” Trevor hissed as he stormed over, reached for his sleeve before he could get too far, aiming for the pocket from which most of that ammo had been drawn. “Now hand, them, over-!” But Fleur was far more nimble than he’d anticipated, and reflexively stepped back in the half-second before Trev could get a secure grip. With a low chuckle of delight, he blitzed out of the way of Trev’s hand, dipped under his arm and bolted through the door of the room he’d been in and out of all night, the hem of his cardigan flapping in the wind draft behind him. With a disgruntled sound somewhere between a groan and a shout, Trev rushed after him. Dennis might have said something to the effect of “mind the floors”, but in that moment all Langley was really interested in was a bit of payback. Secret weapon or not, if anything went his way he would get every one of those remaining rubber bands and stretched them until they- Langley stopped cold in the threshold as a water balloon struck him in the chest and exploded in a canary yellow mess all over his burgundy jacket, splashing a few large drops over his shoulder into his hair and into the hallway. Trevor held his breath until he could feel the thick liquid seeping into his shirt and dripping down his blazer. “What in the-” Paint. The little devil had filled them with PAINT, because of course he did. “I warned you,” the redhead scolded in a sing-songy tone as he tossed another balloon between his hands and flashed him a coy grin. “Follow me, and you’ll only catch another,” he warned with a wink as he trotted back a few steps toward an open door at the back of what looked to be an enormous art studio, furnished just as chaotically as he looked. Trev grit his teeth and clenched his fists as his face flushed a darker shade of red than ever, inwardly mortified at what Dennis would think of the now-spattered suit. Now he really wasn’t going to let this stand unanswered. “I said, get back- hey!” One unfortunately-placed puddle of paint foiled a second attempt at catching his sleeve. Trev’s lunge stopped short as he slipped, and his hand caught empty air as the boy laughed and skipped out of the way; another balloon filled with indigo pigment splattered onto his shoulder as he broke the fall with his left hand and right knee. Some of the smaller splashes of yellow on his suit morphed into an unsightly mahogany brown as the new color mixed in with it. “Watch your step,” his quarry chimed from the doorway, just before he turned, sprinted out onto the veranda, and vaulted over the balcony railing with an effortless hop. Trev did his best to up and follow, not wasting his breath on more fruitless shouts, but the paint on the sole of his shoe made for poor traction. One leg skewed out from underneath him and he made a few scrambling steps before he caught his bearings, then pushed off from the floor with one hand and charged after him. His target was already halfway to the tree line and pulling away quickly by the time he’d reached the balcony. This shouldn’t have been any contest, but it was quickly turning into a farce of a chase, like a fox trying to outrun a hare that was armed with paint bombs to keep its pursuer’s traction down. “We’ll see about that,” he huffed as he hiked himself over the rail in one smooth motion, absorbed the landing with a deep crouch, and took off again. The mansion wasn’t close enough to the lakefront that he could see it at a distance, with all the bands of trees between them, but he could tell where Fleur was headed- the northwest-facing property put the backside exits pointing southeast toward Lake Saint Clair. His target knew the area well enough that he didn’t even slow as he turned to glance over his shoulder, then took a sharp left turn into the tree line off the stone path. The road was well-trodden but unpaved, and he was running barefoot through god knew what; but whatever grit and sticks might have been poking into his feet didn’t appear to slow Fleur down. For a moment Trev thought he’d lost sight of him until a particularly loud crack of blue lit up the sky and traced a form moving through the trees to his right. “Got you! Come here, you bloody…!” In the middle of nowhere among the foliage were several rope and tire swings, a stone fire pit, and two wooden park benches that looked like they’d been there a while... But no Fleur. Langley paused momentarily in the clearing, only to be blindsided from above by another balloon full of orange paint, now coloring his right thigh. With a protesting groan of “Oh, come on!”, he lunged for the boy as he dropped from his perch on the rope-swing platform and managed to snag a handful of his sweater before yanking him back in his direction. Fleur took an off-balance slide in the dirt with a wild look and bumped into him shoulder-to-chest, as Trev reached into the pockets of his cardigan and pulled out three pieces of ammunition with a triumphant “HA!” But he only smiled back with a devilish grin as a crack of red and white light illuminated the area with successive loud booms. “Hey now, aren’t you coming on a little strong?” he teased as he reached into one of the inner pockets. “Well, I’m not about to stick my hand down your trousers to see if-” A handful of bright green paint slapped across his cheek while he was only halfway through his snarking, leaving him furiously gawking for a moment long enough for his prey to escape, laughing all the way. Somehow, he felt like the supercilious hare going after the cunning fox, not the other way around. It only took a few seconds for his aim to calibrate the weight of the paint balloon, and calculate the trajectory and speed necessary to hit him at a distance, but when he’d finished he wound up like a major league ball-player and pitched it as hard as he could- successfully clipping Fleur’s arm in bright red paint. It wasn’t a direct hit, but he was trying to throw around all those sneaky trees. Finally, he had made his mark, and with Trev now holding the majority of what remained of the paint bombs, it meant he had the advantage. The hunt was on. Another couple minutes of running beneath an increasing amount of fireworks popping off overhead yielded another brief victory resulting from a misstep on (who by now he was pretty confident was) Dylan’s part. In the darkening twilight, in between bursts of flashing light, the maintenance shed managed to sneak up on him. Wide eyes turned to look for his pursuer but spotted him a moment too late. A balloon overfilled with white paint burst open with a particularly large splash, drenching his right hip in white gesso. “And that’s for my suit!” Trevor shouted in vengeful victory; but just when he thought he’d won, Fleur threw his head back against the hollow shed with a soft, clanging thud and let out a rolling laugh. Dumbstruck as he was by his behavior (because being covered in paint didn’t seem to bother him at all), he was quickly learning that this was typical of him. In fact, if Trev didn’t know any better, the way he smiled looked like he was saying ‘This is exactly what I wanted’. Too distracted by the nuance, if only for a moment, Trev didn’t even notice as Dylan slipped away and chucked one of the smaller balloons still in his pockets, and matched his last hit with a small splash of blue on his hip. “How many of these things do you HAVE!?” he half-shrieked in dismay as Dylan sprinted toward the lake, and began the chase anew. Ten minutes and another shot to his left leg after they’d started, and Trev was about ready to admit defeat and call it quits; but by now they were so far from the house and so deep in the woods, he couldn’t tell which way would lead back. Even if his internal map of the property had updated the further on they went, like the unexplored canvas of an open-world adventure game, there were still too many blank spots to get lost in. And he would rather not have Dennis have to assemble a search party to come find them; he hated being the center of anyone’s attention enough as it was. Heedless of their antics, the fireworks show launched into its third, loudest, most explosive phase yet. Wherever they were shooting them off from, it sounded close. He could hear the shrill whizzing, screaming, and shrieking of each payload as they propelled into the sky, and felt the explosive percussive blasts in his chest cavity like an uncomfortable pressure in his gut. Only so much of the bursts of light from the fireworks illuminated the undergrowth beneath the elms and oaks, but it was just enough for him to notice Fleur’s footprints had disappeared from the path. The tracks came to an abrupt halt after a sharp right off the trail, as if he had grown wings. In addition to being nimble and quick, it seemed he was also stealthy enough to get the drop on him, quite literally. Langley figured out where Dylan had gone (or rather, not gone) a second too late. Trevor barely had time to brace himself as the boy leaped from his perch in the tree above and tackled him to the ground. Wrestling for several moments just to get a grip on the squirrely foe, he finally rolled him over onto his back and gripped both hands in as many layers of clothing as he could, stood, and hurled him back toward the beaten path, harder than intended. For being so observant, he’d failed to account for how light Dylan was. The boy flew further and longer than he’d anticipated, arms and legs flailing almost comically as he tried to flip himself so he wouldn’t land on his head. His back and shoulders took the brunt of the landing, momentum absorbed by the damp soil as he hit, but he just took it in stride with a tuck and roll and sprinted along the lakeshore. Much to his dismay. It was unbelievable that he was still running. How could he have so much stamina when he looked like he only ate enough to keep his family off his back? With a long, tired sigh, Trev wound up with the last balloon he had, and threw it right at the back of his head, hitting him with enough force that it knocked Fleur clean off his feet. A stumbling face-first trip into the damp grass and sandy dirt of the marshy lakefront was all it took for him to decide he was finally too tired to continue. So instead of getting back up, he lay giggling on the ground for a few moments. But at least he hadn’t been hit by a rubber band or paint balloon in almost two whole minutes. “Now will you please leave me be...?” Trev whined after him. “I just - ugh.” Now that he didn’t have to worry about any surprise attacks, he took a moment to absorb the disheveled state he was in. Between the mud on his shoes, the paint streaks over his body gummed up with bits of leaves and shredded rubber, and the half-covered lenses of his glasses, it all added up to one conclusion: he was a hot mess, but that wasn’t really news. The only difference was, the outside now matched the inside. Trevor frowned. “This is terrible. You’ve ruined my only suit.” “Nah, it looks way better than it did when you got here...” Dylan joked with a beaming smile as he rolled over, sat up and ran a hand through the back of his hair to fling free as much of the dirt and paint as he possibly could. Too mentally and emotionally exhausted at the moment to protest, Trev caved and plopped down next to him on the beach. “That shit’s acrylic, it’ll wash out with water,” the freckled imp explained, gesturing to the lake as he leaned forward over bent knees, pulled a hard-earned cigarette from behind his ear, and lit it. Already Trev had started to paw and scratch at the green paint drying onto his jaw with a grimace. Beneath it was a cool tingling sensation, as his projected skin hadn’t yet reformed from the trauma of the impact. “C’mon… you really still wish you would have stayed inside? You’ve finally loosened up a little,” he scoffed and mumbled with the cigarette between his lips as he capped the lighter, then looked over at him with a small sigh and an expectant look. The faint cloud of smoke that puffed into his face stung his eyes and nose, but he cringed for another reason. Trev held his breath until it had passed before answering with a hearty dose of sarcasm. “It didn’t loosen anything up. If anything, I’m in an even better mood than I was before, only thanks to - oh, come on, it can’t have dried that fast!” The sarcasm gave way to real dismay. He rubbed at the bigger smear covering one eye and left an impressive track along the side of his face, though didn’t make any real progress to clean off any of it. The thought rankled instantly. “Are you happy now, then? Got what you were looking for?” “Yeah, actually,” Fleur confirmed as he tapped at the end of the cigarette and folded one arm over his knee, then directed a big grin his way. “You know- you’re not bad for a stick in the mud.” The sun was gone. The fireworks hadn’t stopped, they’d only changed in location- now instead of them launching from the Fleur estate, they’d begun firing off on the other side of the lake’s impressive horizon. For a few quiet minutes, they sat and watched the faraway spectacle, until Dylan brought up a sore subject, unintentionally. “Guess I should’ve figured you were an android if you came with Den and Dahlia.” To anyone else it was a casual enough observation. These days it tended to matter who was what just as much as it didn’t. Trev wasn’t so political about it as others were, owing to his seemingly-unique situation. Their opinions didn’t line up with his, but as much as it felt like the case most days (being an anomaly), he hated to think he was the only android who had ever been fooled so completely for so long. Nevertheless, daily reminders were bad enough without someone putting it into words. He cringed again as the skin projection finally dialed in on the missing portion along his jaw, feeling a faint spreading of warmth as the false epidermis melted back into place. It gave him away, if nothing else had up until this point. “Great. Just when I was starting to fool myself into thinking it wasn’t true all over again...” he muttered under his breath as he tried to unbutton a loose cufflink and use it to scrape more paint out from under his eye, only taking his glasses off as an afterthought when he realized they were in the way. A look of pure confusion crossed his company’s face. “Sorry- what? Fool yourself?” He dodged the need to answer that with another slightly-ridiculing question. “And so long as we’re comparing, what does that make you? Some kind of - French-African type?” The redhead’s smile faded just a little, and he rolled his eyes. “Take it easy... alright?” There was a real gentleness in his eyes as he looked at him and reassured. “Doesn’t matter to me either way what you are, I just wasn’t aware of it.” “And there you have discovered my reasoning for wanting to be left alone. Bravo.” After everything he’d endured since arriving at the Fleur’s estate that evening, he wasn’t exactly in a frame of mind to be placated by that. Trev took another dig at the caked-on acrylic, and his skin receded like water being pressed out from under a sheet of paper. “I don’t want to talk about it, to you or anyone else, understand?” “Fine, I get it- I won’t ask,” he replied, apparently un-insulted by his curtness. Of the small handful of redeeming qualities he’d discovered thus far, this was one of them. It was extremely hard to offend him, though it was proving to be more of a curse than a blessing. Just when he thought he was safe, Dylan took one last balloon out of his pocket and smashed it over the back of Trev’s head with a couple of fond pats to his shoulder before laying down in the dirt. Instead of wasting energy on a hapless wail, Trev sighed deeply and lulled his eyes shut to brood. Another silence passed between them, though that time it was just a little more comfortable, as opposed to tense and awkward. Instead of prodding further, Dylan had actually made true on his word not to ask; in spite of what he may have thought about the boy, it was one more small thing to be grateful for. “So, what’s your story…?” Fleur asked after about ten minutes of watching the distant fireworks and listening to the humming and chirping of insects in the night. “I mean-“ He paused mid-thought to tap the butt of his cigarette and knock the ashes into the dirt on the other side of him. “How’d you end up here, with Detective Lenore?” It wasn’t as much of a change in topic as he would have liked, but it was just enough. Trevor hesitated to answer, but Dylan’s silence as he took another drag on the cig was as insisting as asking the question over and over, without being as demanding. Trevor drew his knees to his chest looked away as he fidgeted and leaned over them. As much as he had kept to himself over the last few months, the desire to talk to someone about his trauma eventually overcame the shyness. It was more than most in the academy had bothered to do. Keeping everything to himself hadn’t exactly discouraged developing a reputation as a misanthrope. Appealing as it once sounded, the more time went by and he realized he missed people as he once knew them, that want had to win out somewhere. Besides- by the looks of him, it appeared Dylan Fleur wasn’t that far off from a kindred spirit. Trev stopped fidgeting after considering the offer to speak freely a little longer, then slid the paint-spotted glasses back on. “I’m from… out east. Boston.” One word there sufficed to explain the where and why of the equation in a single breath. If Dylan was really stuck on the idea of getting to know him, he’d have to work harder. “It’s where I met Detective Lenore. He found me- wandering the streets, trying to get out as they were… headed in. I wasn’t thinking straight at the time. He clocked me over the head and handcuffed me to a water main behind a laundromat for safekeeping. They found me again after Nicodemus was arrested. The rest is… well, here I am.” His company froze visibly, stared at the horizon and held his breath for a moment longer than planned before he turned and exhaled the smoke in the opposite direction. It hadn’t quite been six months since the Horsemen -a violent group of android supremacists- had rolled up on the unsuspecting city of Boston and turned it into hell on earth overnight. For two weeks they’d held the city and all its inhabitants hostage under threat of nuclear detonation in the form of a dirty bomb that would have killed all human inhabitants and left Purgatory to the Androids. Nicodemus and his Horsemen had eventually been taken down by Archangel brass (with the help of one rogue RK900), but it was only after the military’s efforts to save the city had resulted in the deaths of nearly a thousand people, humans and androids alike. It was considered a national tragedy and had again fanned the flames of prejudice spread by gangs like the Watchdogs (human supremacists, hell-bent on making sure the line between human and android remained defined). Clearly, it wasn’t the answer he was expecting, but it sure explained a lot. To his credit, Dylan didn’t divert from the heaviness of the subject right away. One dark, freckled hand lifted to run through the longer lengths of hair as he turned back to him and grimaced sympathetically. “You were there…? Fuck… I’m really sorry...” His response was more genuine than Trev had expected from the family misanthrope. But then again, based on the way his family had been talking about him, he’d assumed little more than to expect nothing short of a spoiled brat. So far, though, Dylan was proving to be the opposite. Impish did describe him well, but so did kind. “Sorry’s not your name, either,” Trev muttered in a muted, underwhelmed tone, arms folded once again. The weak impulse to joke, he couldn’t quite rise to; just as well, Dylan didn’t take him up on that. “Look- say no more, y’don’t have to if you don’t want to,” he assured as he put his mostly-spent cigarette out in the dirt, stood and waded into the water up to his knees. The cardigan came off, followed by his shirt, revealing several tattoos in addition to the branches wrapping around his right wrist and thumb- across his shoulders and the back of his neck was a lotus flower, the petals spreading out and around the sides of his neck in inky black brush strokes. The other, on his upper left arm, an ornate floral piece, and an hourglass on the underside close to his body; all of them were in black and white, and still a few years fresh, no greening or bleeding of the ink to indicate their relative age. It seemed he wasn’t afraid of a little pain if he was willing to sit long enough to have such detailed work done. “So, what’s your name?” came the question as he stooped down to rinse the paint off his shirt, then wadded it up into a sopping heap and scrubbed at his jeans with it to remove as much of the white paint as he could. Trev attempted to wipe some out of one eye, but only smeared the coagulating mess back above his ear in an unintentional homage to Nicodemus’ bullet. He could still feel the furrow in the panels there, even if it wasn’t visible with the skin projection running. “Trevor,” he replied, a little less annoyed than before, even with paint gunking up his hair and sticking to his fake skin. “...That’s it? Didn’t Dennis call you somethin’ else?” “Langley,” he added as a begrudging afterthought. No use in hiding such a crucial detail if it had already been revealed once. “And you are?” “What- you mean you didn’t hear my name bein’ thrown around by my disappointed family?” he teased with a quiet smirk thrown over his shoulder. “It’s Dylan. Fleur. Unfortunately.” It was true- their response to his absence was nothing short of exasperation, borderline apathy, and irritation, but Trev knew that giving someone the chance to introduce themselves, apart from what others had said of them, was key to understanding them. Archangel had afforded him the same courtesy once they had gotten back to Detroit. “You were clearly intent on doing something else tonight,” he noted instead, elbows propped on his knees, eyeing him warily from his spot on the ground. Dylan nodded and gave a crooked shrug. “What can I say? I got tired of big dinners and parties a long time ago.” Trev squinted, tilting his head so as to look out from behind sullied lenses. “Why?” he persisted, curious rather than judging. “Aren’t you one of them?” It kind of defeated the point of family to separate oneself from the pack. Dylan stopped from scrubbing the last of the paint off his pants and half turned toward him in deep consideration. It was clearly a loaded question with a multifaceted answer that he wasn’t yet willing to give. As he slung his shirt over his shoulder, he reached for the sweater that was still floating in the water a foot behind him, rolled his eyes and shrugged. Trevor knew a sore subject when he saw one, so he dropped it. Seemed they were both a study in living removed. “Forget I asked, then.” “It’s a long and boring story,” Fleur replied dismissively as he rubbed the pink paint off his face with the dripping wet sweater. The bright color transferred to the cotton fabric in a wide swath, leaving a slightly opaque layer smeared across his cheek until he swiped a clean sleeve over it again. “So boring, you’re carrying around balloons full of paint for laughs?” Dylan scoffed, popped his brows and shook his head as he dunked the cardigan in the water again to wash out the paint. “No- I was getting ready to do something else when you found me, but this sounded more fun.” Naturally, that only raised more questions than it answered. What purpose would water balloons filled with paint possibly serve, if not to be thrown at other people...? “By the way,” he added as he lifted the sweater out of the water, still sopping wet, and hurled it at him. Trevor jumped as it slapped over his face with a loud, hollow PLOP and pushed his glasses uncomfortably high up on his nose. “You should wash up before it dries.” Trev tugged the wet fabric free with a grudging groan, but took his advice and started scrubbing at the paint on his cheeks. Most of the lighter streaks were easily saturated and wiped from existence. On a whim of a program recommendation, he sampled the substance out of curiosity and determined it was exactly what Dylan claimed. The molecular formula ghosted across his vision to add itself to the pile of data still compiling. His company snorted in amusement at the sight of him licking paint off his finger, not at all subtle in calling attention to it. “You can’t get high off that shit, if that’s what you’re wondering,” Dylan teased, then bent forward to submerse his hair in the water. Hands rubbed vigorously at his head for a few seconds before he whipped it back and pushed as much of the water as he could out of the thick mop of auburn red. “How far out here are we, anyway?” Trev asked in idle thought, rubbing the glasses between the folds of the sweater as he looked out over the lake at the last fireworks going off in the distance. Dylan shook the water out of his hair and wrung out his shirt as best he could, then pulled it back on and ran his hands through his hair in a futile attempt to push it out of his face. “Far enough that no one would hear you scream.” It was a joke. Obviously. But he delivered it with such deadpan finality Trev couldn’t help a bemused pause, eyebrows hiked up in mixed skepticism and concern. Scream? Because…? The look said this plainly enough without him putting it to words. The devilish smile returned to its rightful place below squinting green eyes as the boy stepped out of the water and stopped beside him, reaching down to take back his cardigan. “Relax, I’m only half kidding…” Again with the comical vagueness. Trev didn’t smile back through bent, paint encrusted eyebrows. The suit was still a wreck, but at least his face was mostly clean again. He indulged in one last wipe across the brow with the improvised rag as best he could and handed it back. “About which part…?” Dylan sighed and rolled his eyes, draped the cardigan over his shoulder, and extended a hand in an amicable offer to help him stand, but Trev just leaned back and eyed him warily. “Don’t you wanna get out of those clothes and clean up?” As badly as he did, to fuss and bemoan over his current appearance wouldn’t do. Even after an impulsively-sparked, borderline-foolhardy chase, he wanted more to pretend he had retained some kind of composure, a stab at maintaining a shred of dignity. Other than that, it wasn’t as though he had another set of clothes readily available. “It can wait until we get back.” Trev pushed off the ground and grabbed his outstretched hand in the same movement, as Dylan leaned back and helped him up. “I’m not about to go wading and end up smelling of lake silt.” “There are worse things to smell like,” his for-better-or-worse company mused as he slipped his hands into his pockets and turned up the path back toward the mansion. It was a clear enough trail, even if at a walk it would still take them a quarter-hour to return. “But that’s what showers are for- first you live a little, then you deal with the mess later.” There it was again, Dennis’ sage advice about getting out to experience what chaos existed beyond the walls of the academy dorms. Right about now -as he trekked back in muddy, slippery loafers- Trev missed the clean, orderly nature of the place. Langley rolled his eyes, out of sight as he was following Fleur’s lead, and avoided mentioning what a mess Boston had turned into. And how, prior to that, he thought that lie of a life was all he needed. “Detective Lenore is still not going to be happy with the state I’m in, half clean or not.” He laughed, in a way that spoke of how little he cared. “Yeah? Well, if he isn’t, he can eat my ass. He knew what was coming, and he practically endorsed it.” The flagrant disregard with which he said it made Trev’s impression of him do a slight flip-flop. On the one hand, Dylan was obviously more perceptive and sensitive than he led others to believe; on the other, it was because of such nose-thumbing the rest of the family probably found him so tiresome, and therefore regarded as a lost cause. But in the most cursory of ways, Trev simply found the use of vulgarity annoying. “Be that as it may. There’s no need to be crude about it.” “You’re right, there isn’t.” The agreement came without explanation or apology, and the way he smirked as his voice trailed off said all he needed to let him know he couldn’t care less about how he was perceived. They walked on in silence for a minute more before Dylan thoughtfully asked, “Do you miss it…? Boston, I mean, not Purgatory…” Purgatory seemed like less of a place and more of an event the country would just as soon forget. Even if those files could be selectively deleted, Trev didn’t fancy letting go of them. Without that reference how was anything now supposed to make sense? The rapid-fire slideshow played over his retinas again, but instead of focusing on any one frame too long, he tried to shrug off the resulting discomfort; whether it had resulted from this train of thought or the chaffing of the paint-saturated fabric was hard to tell. Regardless, how interested could Fleur actually be? “Sometimes- there are fewer boats here, obviously.” The bustling Boston harbor made the Detroit River look like a carnival ride of a channel. “And I probably won’t miss the winters. Although Detroit isn’t much better on that front, is it?” “It’s worse,” Fleur chuckled with a quiet grin. “Guess you haven’t heard about the ice storms and freezing rain… make sure you get a thick coat, it gets so bad it’ll freeze even an android’s joints.” Trev stomached the reminder with only another shrug and batted a thin branch out of his way as they turned a corner along the path. “Boston has the same issue, only here it’s lake effect snow you have to worry about. You’re sooner to get buried in and freeze if your car breaks down.” He hadn’t spent all that time shut in simply not doing any research. Both cities were at the same given latitude. “By what I’ve heard the spring thaw came early this year, though…” In a manner of speaking. One near-silent minute later, he blinked down at his company, who had stopped to stare with an exhausted grin. “What?” “I’m sorry, but- are we really doing this…?” Dylan stopped, held up a hand, then covered his face and laughed under his breath. “Doing what?” Trev scowled, ever so slightly, not seeing the humor in a simple discussion about the weather… Until he did and slowed to a stop just a couple steps ahead of him. The hardness in his brow dissipated. “Oh.” It seemed it wasn’t as easy to derail uncomfortable conversations with this one unless he outright stated he didn’t want to talk about something. “I mean- I’m glad you’re talkin’, Trev, but the weather…? Really?” Meteorology was the one subject most near-strangers went for when they weren’t quite sure what should and shouldn’t be touched on. The more benignly, the better. But it was the former half of that statement that set him on edge all over again. “You’re glad? /What difference does it make to you that I don’t care to discuss much else?” The last time he was so familiar with anyone it turned out to be a sham, and he wasn’t eager to relive it in any capacity. The man sighed deeply and rolled his eyes again. “Because being a killjoy is no fun, and the weather is boring, but you’re the most interesting person I’ve laid eyes on all day. Is it really so bad to just want a little social interaction that doesn’t lead into a lecture about god knows what…?” Interesting didn’t always necessarily mean good for getting to know. In hindsight, Trev could see so many occasions in which he might have strayed and wondered, had Spencer not kept him on task and none the wiser. He missed that arrangement more than the city itself, that steady presence, and as yet Dylan Fleur was at best a fifteen percent match to Langley’s former partner. Of course, it would mean looking at compatibility issues, front and center. Dylan hadn’t the first clue at what an inner wreck lay under the hood; but as of yet, he didn’t need to know, either. It was safer for everyone if they just left it alone. Time to reiterate that. “I’m afraid all I’ve got are amended lectures at the moment. The rest is too much to go into, like I said. Would you care for it if I started picking your brain apart just as thoroughly?” “Who said y’had to tell your story?” The look on his face bore no hint of playfulness so he’d get the message across loud and clear, and boy did he. When he really wanted to, Fleur could be downright convincing, and genuine, contrary as it seemed. It wasn’t as tiring trying to keep up, but it was a little jarring how easily he could switch between carelessness and seriousness in the blink of an eye. “Didn’t I say I wouldn’t ask…?” Dylan turned on heel in front of him and took a couple of steps back, holding up his arms and lifting his brows. “I get the feeling you’re not too practiced in conversing for the sake of entertainment, ‘cause there’s plenty more we can talk about without rippin’ open old wounds- like why the hell you decided to wear a suit to one of the most casual holiday parties of the year,” he gestured with a teasing grin. Trevor shuffled his feet and crossed his arms, glanced down and tapped a toe into the dirt to hide the embarrassment in his expression. Admitting he didn’t own any respectable clothes besides his cadet duds was yet another confession he’d sooner avoid. How had he not grown tired of hearing what he didn’t want to talk about yet? “Hey-” One hand reached out to give a soft pat on Langley’s upper arm, and he flinched back instinctively. Touches of that nature were not his preference, either. “You wanna know what I was really doing with all those balloons before you showed up? C’mon...” Hitting something with them would be the logical assumption. And given what acrylic was meant to do, color and cover in equal measure, it wasn’t a stretch to parlay something into someone. All in all, Dylan appeared to have gotten some enjoyment out of it. Good for him.

#dbh: fanfiction #detroit: become human #detroit become human fanfiction #dbhilluminate #dbhiredemption #dbhfanfiction #dylan #trevor #dyvor

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