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garazza · 4 years

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Action Comics #1023 Review

“The House of Kent: Part 2″

Action Comics #1022 “House of Kent: Part 1″ Review

Hoo-boy.

I actually appreciate this recap page, I really do, but it just rubs me the wrong way. I’m not sure if it’s the content of the recap that pisses me off or if it’s for the fact that they literally just took a page from the previous issue and slapped in some new dialogue (see Bendis’ Man of Steel mini for this to be taken to the extreme).

Most likely the latter, but there’s a good argument for the former because reading objective statements about what Bendis has done tends to do that. I guess what they could be going for is for something similar to when Svengoolie comes back from commercial break and it’s a still from the movie with Sven’s face superimposed somewhere and he makes a quip about the movie before it starts back up again.

But I digress. It fills me in on what’s been happening in the book and that’s what I needed it to do.

The art really goes down in quality since last issue. Romita, Jr.’s pencils aren’t as good, Janson’s inks are heavier and a lot more boring, and Anderson’s colors are bland and flat and not as lively. There are a few good spots and I’ll point them out, but they’re infrequent, and overall, the quality of the art is much more similar to the art in the Metropolis Doom arc than it is to last issue. This leads me to believe that editorial only gave the art team enough time over the pandemic-induced break in publishing to produce one good issue before forcing them back into a deadline where Romita, Jr.’s work is not as good and tends to suffer.

Red Cloud attacks and attempts to kill Jimmy Olsen instead of Lois Lane to send an even greater message to her and Clark.

For those of you that don’t know, the Invisible Mafia speak in code to avoid detection by Superman’s super-hearing and meet in areas surround by lead to hide from his supervision. In the beginning of this confrontation, no one says anything that Superman would respond to if he hasn’t already tuned it out, which is why Lois says out loud her nickname for her husband to get his attention.

It’s a sign of affection for them and could be utilized for such a scenario, but I don’t see why she had to say his nickname over anything else to get his attention. Maybe because since he revealed his identity to the world his real name is being said a lot more often in non-criminal ways, so he doesn’t respond to it as much as he has in the past. I’m not sure if I’m trying to come up with a rational excuse for what is actually a writer’s weird and out-of-character creative choice or if it’s what an actually competent writer intended for a discerning reader to infer and get joy from a successful analysis.

Regardless, it’s what got Superman’s attention at the end of Superman segment in the last issue. I don’t think what was supposed to be conveyed with those panels last issue was accurately conveyed by the art. Either Romita, Jr. didn’t sufficiently depict (but still beautifully rendered) what Bendis had directed him to draw, or Bendis had poorly directed Romita, Jr. in what he wanted him to draw. With this added context, however, these panels do make a lot more sense, but only with the added context. Without it, the scene is a little unclear.

You can clearly see the change in art with the two issues side by side like this. This issue, the art just doesn’t look as good. It’s just kinda blegh. It accomplishes what it needs to convey the story, but in a very boring and unspectacular way.

Also, this panel is very Harry Potter to me. Superman’s more subdued face is similar to that of book!Dumbledore in Goblet of Fire, but the almost hyperbolic dialogue is more akin to that of movie!Dumbledore. It’s very dissonant.

I really want to hate the humor of this panel, but it’s just so fun, so I won’t.

This is a really cool panel, one of the few standout moments, but I have issues.

First, I may have enjoyed the humor in the last panel, but Bendis’ attempt at humor with Jon here just makes me want to cringe. Whenever Bendis makes Jon talk, it just pisses me off and makes me want to stop reading.

Second, I see what they were going for with the glowing eyes, but this is some more of that dissonance between the art and the writing. It actually looks quite menacing, but the dialogue has a more humorous tone. Also, the actual effect for the glow is just two red circles, making their eyes look more like flashlights than radiating energy. I also want you to keep this moment in the back of your minds, I’ll refer back to it in a second.

I think the dissonance is the result of the Bendis-speak, where some of the characters are quippy, but other characters are playing the situation straight and are reacting accordingly to the incorrect behavior. There’s nothing wrong with a superhero comic being light-hearted, but it just doesn’t quite fit here. All the right ingredients are present, but they’re not all in the right proportions.

Another panel I really like. The smoke and its color are really well done, especially in contrast to the all black silhouettes except for their back logos of the Supers.

The eye glow effect looks much better here. It’s simple yet powerful.

I don’t know how important this revelation is actually supposed to be, so I’ll defer to the depiction of the comic instead of playing the fool and acting upset about something I’m ignorant about simply because I’m not a fan of the writer.

This moment is cool and all, but I don’t think Conner has super-breath. He doesn’t actually have the powers of Superman, he uses his tactile telekinesis to mimic some of the powers of Superman.

The “extreme high-velocity super-speed” was this issue’s first indication that Bendis might not know anything about this character he has stewardship over, but that can just be chalked up to Superman not remembering the powers of Conner. We don’t know the upper limit of Conner’s tactile telekinetic flight, nor should we care, it’s supposed to be a fun line.

The second indication is that Conner is shown to have heat vision when his eyes glow alongside Clark and Jon’s. He only has heat vision when he wears special goggles or a visor. Again, he doesn’t have all the powers of Superman. Tactile telekinesis only covers so much of Superman’s powers. But this can be forgiven because it is a pretty cool image.

“Once Is Chance, Twice is Coincidence, Third Time Is A Pattern.” This panel is the third instance of Bendis’ lack of understanding of Conner’s character. If this was the only instance, this would be fine, but it’s not. The moment is cool, but it’s a bridge too far.

Refer to my review of the first issue for more of Bendis not knowing anything about Conner.

EDIT: Thanks to @thebartallenblog for pointing out to me that Conner does in fact start developing more Kryptonian powers outside of his tactile telekinesis in the 2003 Teen Titans book by Geoff Johns, so Bendis does in fact know more about the character than I give him credit for, which is more than I can say for myself in this instance.

Also, this moment goes on for way too long, almost two entire pages. Beautiful, the art of decompression and wasting reader’s time and money.

“Should I super-inhale?” Shut up, Bendis.

Also, why is Red Cloud is so fixated on Superman’s family instead of just Superman. Does the Invisible Mafia have something against his family as well? It was my understanding that they have it out for him specifically, anything that is ancillary to him is extraneous and not worth their time.

“Hey! It’s not my favorite super-move on a good day.” Then why the fuck did you even make him suggest it, Bendis?

I don’t know if loved ones referring to Lois as Ma is something Bendis has been trying to push as a character quirk or if it’s some sort of weird one-off. Either way, I don’t like it. It’s not bad in of itself, don’t get me wrong, it’s just not my thing and there’s nothing wrong with that.

Again, I’m not sure how significant Jimmy figuring out Red Cloud's identity is supposed to be to the plot and the narrative, but this seems to be a bit of lampshading from a writer who literally has no right to be lampshading.

Couldn’t give a shit about the plot, I’m just here to nitpick. Next.

Feels a bit janky in the art department, but the dialogue is surprisingly in character. They all feel like they have their actual voices. It’s a nice little moment.

I would address all the instances of Bendis making Jon talk, but that would make this longer than it already is, so I’ll only do it when it’s particularly egregious.

Red Cloud comes back and attacks not!Jon and I couldn’t care less. Kill the bitch. Please.

The next two pages are a lot of nothing, just a boat load of Bendis-speak.

I’m pretty sure this played out a lot differently and more humorously in Bendis’ head when he wrote it down and Romita, Jr.’s art makes it all the more funny but for all the wrong reasons.

Who’s his partner? Officer Tomasi?

You know when I said that one panel with Lois, Clark, and Jimmy was written really in-character? This panel with Conner and Jon is the exact opposite of that.

Red Cloud and Ms. Leone have a fun back and forth for two pages. It’s a good example of Bendis-speak working well.

“Black Label Club?” One meta-reference is enough, but two is stupid. I actaully feel a little conflicted nitpicking this, but Black Label is in such a weird place right now, so why reference it?

But “Clark Kent walked into a bar...” is a pretty bad ass line, very John Wick.

A very cool sequence, but it’s full of Bendis-speak and very decompressed.

Why the fake-out of the Superfamily executing a gangland-style shooting with Jon being the one pulling the trigger? I get it’s a story beat the narrative is supposed to hit, but still.

The reveal is pretty funny, shrinking the club, so it’s a little forgivable, but the set up and the pay off don’t quite match. It’s just another example of that dissonance I’ve been mentioning.

I know that “supersons” line was put there by Bendis as a deliberate dig at his detractors, so I’m not going to take the bait and get pissed. Nice try, big guy.

All in all, this issue was not as bad as I initially thought. It’s series of some really big highs and lows.

#superman #superboy #conner kent #jon kent #lois lane #jimmy olsen #red cloud #robinson goode #ms. leone #invisible mafia #brainiac 5 #clark kent #action comics #brian michael bendis

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uzumaki-rebellion · 4 years

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“Wet Sugar” [Part 18 of 30]

Summary: Erik and Yani deal with more than their immediate problem...

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"It's taken me a little while to come back I've been working on some thing good Oh, so every now and then I tend to fall back Oh Lord, I've been misunderstood

Till you came along and you saved me You saved me with that good love Oh yeah yeah You came along and you saved me You saved me, ooo, with that good love…"

Gary Clark Jr.—"You Saved Me"

Erik woke up sweating and clutching his side.

His dream-state brain was back in South Africa, running outside during the raid on Klaue's compound.

A police raid supported by what Erik was positive was U.S. C.I.A. and U.S. military Black Ops. Shit was too streamlined and overly professional. He had enough time to put on his merc fatigues and shirt, his weapon locked and loaded.

Linda was just as fast, already moving down the stairs searching for Klaue and an exit strategy with her weapon in hand. They moved in tandem sweeping room to room until they reached a side door that led to vehicles they could use to try and make an escape. Linda jumped into the driver's seat of a jeep as Erik covered her with his Glock.

Attacked from the side, Erik shot a man in the head while another slashed his abdomen with a long blade from behind.

"Killmonger!"

Linda gave warning before she backed into the blade wielder, snapping his legs to splinters as she rolled over him. Erik jumped in the open back holding his side and shooting into the chaotic night.

"There's Klaue!" she yelled.

They saw their boss lighting up men, weapons, and police vehicles with his sonic cannon.

Smoke bombs choked Erik's throat. Linda whipped the jeep in front of Klaue. He dived into the front passenger seat and kept firing his arm doing the most damage out of all of their men. A police vehicle slammed into their jeep and Erik tumbled out landing on his back.

An officer tried to threaten him with an automatic weapon to his head, but Erik's legs helicoptered in a spin too fast for the man to react, and Erik had his gun and his life in a matter of seconds. It was fortunate that the police and their minions had no reinforcement. The power of Klaue's arm had their enemy shook and it didn't take long to overpower the raiders.

Back to back, Erik and Linda kept Klaue covered with their weapons as he was able to enjoy the full power of the arm Erik fashioned for him.

So many bodies.

There was no time to stack the dead or even worry about sweeping the compound. Klaue's crew re-grouped in the house and dispersed once Klaue gave them directions. The compound had to be stripped and abandoned.

"Killmonger, how bad is it?" Linda asked.

He was bleeding through his shirt and when he lifted it, he was glad to see the wound wasn't deep and had clotted on its own. If Yani saw that, she would fret.

If Yani—

Eyes focused.

Our Lady's Manor.

He was in St. Thomas.

His wound still had reddish inflamed skin, but it was from the cut through his keloids. Reaching for Yani next to him he saw that she was gone.

Barefoot, Erik strolled through the house looking for her. He was surprised at how late it was. Already noon. He worked late trying to test and stabilize the vibranium he brought back from South Africa. The gun shipment was arriving that day and Erik needed to prepare for new mercs—and Huntsman—coming onto the property.

"Yani," he called out. She wasn't in Klaue's main house.

He walked out of the main house and followed the path to the middle house. They had packed up all of Yani's and Sydette's things to place into the caretaker apartment. Yani was acting moody, and he thought it was because of the new people coming for a few days. They were arriving early with the boat because of a hurricane forecast, and Erik needed the weapons asap. He was upset because Sydette would have to stay at Leona's or Yani's parents, and he wouldn't be able to see her until the men left. He wanted them gone before the storm passed through.

He saw her walking to the middle house with Sydette fussing with the baby while holding her hand. Sydette started crying and Yani picked her up, still fussing.

"You need to listen to me!"

Her voice was sharp and Sydette arched her back, her wailing voice a shrill piercing to Erik's ears.

"Hey, what's going on?"

Yani's eyes were red like she had been crying.

"Mama!"

Sydette was really falling out.

"Stop it!"

"Yani, chill—"

"I've been dealing with her like this all morning!"

Erik took Sydette from her arms and the baby bent her body, her tears and cries for Yani troubling.

"Today not a good day, Sweet Pea?"

He tried to smooth over the tension, but Sydette was not having it and Yani was done with the whole situation.

"You go be by yourself, I'll take her."

Yani's eyes looked hollow, but she cut her eyes at Sydette's wailing and stomped into the middle house.

Erik cradled Sydette's head.

"Hey now…shhh…it's okay. We all have bad days baby girl. Today is stressful for all of us…shhh…"

Sydette's little chest shuddered and her tears dried up and her high-pitched whining calmed down enough to allow Erik to take her into the middle house.

He walked around and bounced the baby in his arms, checked her pull-ups, and made her a juice bottle. A half-hour later, she was calm in his arms and nodded off.

Something was wrong.

Yani didn't come to check on Sydette at all.

In fact, she stayed out of the living room the entire time.

Erik took Sydette into the smaller bedroom of the house and laid her on the bed and under the covers. He stroked the baby's hair and checked the room for safety before searching for Yani.

She wasn't in any of the other bedrooms or the kitchen.

"Yani."

A bathroom door was closed. He heard movement inside it.

"You alright in there?"

She didn't answer.

"Aye Ma, what's going on? The baby is sleep. We can talk."

He pressed his forehead against the door and then moved his left ear next to it.

"Yani, open the door."

He heard a whimper and he was ready to break the door down.

"Baby…c'mon. Open up—"

Yani's face was wet with tears and her eyes were closed.

Erik's arms shot out to comfort her, but she stepped back and sat on the closed toilet seat.

"What is it?"

"Mi Sweet Pea…we been fussin' all day. She make mi so vex this mornin'—"

"Slow down. Slow down. I'm right here."

Erik knelt down in front of her. His eyes checked her over, looking for any sign of what was wrong with her. His eyes flicked up to the bathroom sink. A white plastic store bag sat on the counter.

"Being here, I've been able to rest…think. Get back to mi own self, y'know. Lemme do what is good for we, yeah?"

He nodded his head, still not understanding her pain.

Yani reached for the bag and opened it, pulling out a slender box. He saw what it was and his eyes closed.

"I'm two days late, Killmonger."

He touched the side of her face.

"Two days doesn't mean—"

"I can't do this."

"Baby, you've been on the pill. We've been stressed a little bit from the men coming through. Don't jump the gun—"

Her eyes burned into him.

They had made an agreement.

If she were pregnant, they would terminate. That was the plan. Period.

But…

Second thoughts.

"It's early—"

"This test is the most accurate. It can tell you within a couple of days—"

"Just wait a few more days and see if your period comes—"

"I don't want to wait!"

Her shriek was loud in the small bathroom. It shook him to his core and he sat back away from her.

"Take the test. I'll wait outside."

He stood up and she reached up for his hand. A fresh tear streaked down her face and her hand trembled in his.

"I'll be right out here," he said.

Leaving her alone, he exhaled and cursed himself. He allowed the thoughts of a baby to hang around him, and now this. She took her birth control every day on time at the exact time every single morning. He should've pulled out more. Used condoms maybe…

If she were pregnant…

He paced a bit until she opened the bathroom door.

"Have to wait ten minutes," she said.

Her face was puffy, eyes swollen, and lips dry.

"C'mere."

He held his hand out for her and she took it. He hugged her and she held onto him tight. He didn't know what to say to her. Nerves on high alert, Erik rocked her and kissed her forehead. They stood together longer than ten minutes, both scared to look he assumed.

Walking into the bathroom together he squeezed her hand and she lifted up the tester and held it for both of them to see.

Not pregnant.

He didn't know if her exhale was louder than his own. When their eyes connected together, her lids pressed out more tears.

"Told you. Just nerves, baby. Stress."

Her hip leaned against the sink as he kissed her.

"Chez got mi pregnant on purpose."

"What?"

Her eyes were sad dark pools when she gazed up at him. Her words flew fast.

"Mi nuh want, Sydette. Him tear condom to get mi with pickney so I won't leave him."

She pushed back from him and wiped her face. Her chest heaved a bit from crying.

"Mi wahn abortion—"

"Yani…don't—"

"Mi need yuh tuh hear mi now. Please."

Erik's stomach twisted up.

"Him promise money for mi not to have a baby. He lied. Made excuses until it too late. Him say he take care of mi and mi pickney. I believed him, Killmonger. Then him get she pregnant…that bitch. Mi give up University…family put me out. I took some herbs and try to abort on mi own—"

"Stop."

Erik grabbed her and pulled her in tight.

"I had her. Do mi best to make up for not wanting her at first. At the hospital, when dem nurse put she in mi arms…I was so happy I didn't…"

She looked down at the tester in her hand.

"I have to finish school. Have to get a good-paying job so I can take care of we. Another baby would kill me right now. It took me so long to get here, and if I had another one…you could be like him. Leave me all alone. Not because you want to but because of what you do with Klaue. And mi can't…mi can't…"

"We should go see a doctor and make sure that test is accurate," he said.

She nodded.

"I want you to finish school. I want you to be independent. Okay? I won't trick you."

"I know you won't.

In his gut he felt bad for wanting to get her pregnant on the beach. He never wanted her to fear that from him ever again. She was a wreck. To go through all that with Chez and Sydette.

His eyes snapped toward the glass patio doors leading to the pool. Three of the six dragonfly drones he used around the compound buzzed past heading down toward the main house.

"Security Alert! Boat Dock. Security Alert! Boat Dock!"

The men had arrived. Early.

"Listen to me. I need you to take Sydette and leave here until tomorrow afternoon. I will call you with the exact number of people who are here. If I don't think these men are trustworthy, I will let you know not to come back until they are gone. Can you do that?"

"Yeah."

"We're okay, baby. I promise. I'm sorry Chez put you through that with Sydette. You are a great mother."

She threw her arms around him and he hugged her with compassion.

"Go. I need to get my Glock and get these fools settled."

Worry creased her face.

"Be scared for them," he said.

She smiled. He pressed his warm lips into her cheek.

She wrapped the tester in the plastic bag and slipped into the side bedroom to retrieve Sydette. He waited for them both to come back out. Sydette was still asleep. Yani kissed her little girl and Erik touched the baby's hair.

"I'll see you tomorrow."

There was no time to properly comfort her. They split directions outside by the pool. Yani went up with the baby and he went down, passing Jerome perched in a tree fast asleep.

Once he had his Glock, Erik headed down to the private dock. His mind tried to put Yani in a safe place as he stalked down to the intruders of their paradise.

###

"Killmonger."

Huntsman stepped onto the dock as their boat captain tied the boat down. Gray clouds rolled in from a distance, but they were still five days out from the oncoming storm.

"They clean?" Erik asked.

Erik was not friendly at all. Strictly business.

"Like a baby's bottom."

"Y'all stay in the middle house."

"Have any good food ready for us?"

"Nah. Self-serve for today. Housekeeper not in until tomorrow afternoon."

"Hmmm. The young one, right? Yani?"

Erik's eyes narrowed.

"We'll take the load up now," Huntsman said.

Erik's drones scanned the men. There were five in total.

Erik led them to the gun range and watched them secure the weapons Klaue wanted him to convert inside a large locker shed.

As the new men ate sandwiches and drank beer from the middle house, Erik turned on all security systems and cameras and linked them to his cell and his bedroom. He only allowed access to the middle house and called Klaue to let him know the goods had arrived.

Klaue's eyes were bloodshot, not from drink, but from lack of sleep. He was still in South Africa.

"There's word coming out from Wakanda that King T'Chaka is going on a speaking tour next year. U.N. The World Peace Foundation. The summit in Switzerland early spring. Might be able to take advantage," Klaue said.

Erik clenched his teeth. He could taste the throne. But he needed Klaue on the continent. Easier to move a body that way.

"I'll have a prototype ready for you next month," Erik said, keeping focus on his work, trying his best to keep his brain on that and not worrying about Yani being in any shape to drive to Leona's.

"The storm is tracking fast. Will they be gone in time?" Klaue asked.

"Three days is enough time based on the weather reports here. They could always go to Puerto Rico for a pit stop."

"Get them rested and out."

"Understood."

"Talk soon."

Klaue flicked out on the viewscreen and Erik headed back up to the middle house.

"We'll get fuel for the boat in the morning. Can we get Yani to whip up some steaks and shrimp for dinner tomorrow?" Huntsman asked guzzling down a bottle of Rum leftover from his last visit. He shared it with a new merc, a Black man with tats and a scowl to match Erik's. He didn't like the idea of new blood being at the compound without him knowing anything about them.

"I'll see what she has planned."

"Just you two here?"

"She comes and goes."

"Neal, wait until you see this girl. She doesn't talk much, but a looker…you okay Killmonger? Need a drink?"

Erik's eyes looked Neal over before he glanced at Huntsman. The brotha was muscular, but lean. Burn marks covered part of his neck and chin.

"I'm good. Glad the package is delivered. Klaue knows what's up."

"Don't understand why Boss stays there when he has all of this," Huntsman said holding his hands out. They stood around the pool area and Erik was ready for them to go away.

Leaving the men, he texted Yani, and when he slipped into the main house, he secured the domain and called her direct.

"You make it okay?"

"Yeah. We're here. The men alright?"

"Yeah. How are you? For real, Yani. Don't bullshit me—"

"I'm fine. Promise."

"I miss you already. What you said earlier, about you and Sydette-"

"Hmmm."

"I'm glad you had her. I know it wasn't easy, baby…but, I'll make sure you two are fine—"

"I will make sure we are fine—"

"I can help you."

"I know you can."

"So let me…"

He could hear Sydette in the background.

"She wahn talk to you."

"Sweet Pea." "Baba!"

"She is always yelling when she gets on the phone," Yani said laughing.

"You being a good girl?

"Yes! Come here."

"I can't Sweet Pea. Baba has to deal with some stuff. I'll see you in three days, okay?"

"kay!"

"Can you give Baba a kiss?"

He heard the sound of her mouth trying to send him a kiss.

"Don't spit, love," Yani said.

The sound of Yani laughing made him feel better.

"Huntsman is asking for steak and shrimp tomorrow night."

"How many there?"

"Five."

"There's meat in the freezer. Ten steaks. Still good. You'll have to thaw them out tonight. Don't know about the shrimp. Be expensive at the last minute."

"Do whatever you want. They don't have to have shrimp. Call me tonight?"

"I will."

"I can't sleep without you."

"I know."

"Be scarce when you do come here. Got some hounds over here. Huntsman already has you on the brain."

She sucked her teeth.'

"That wasteman. Pervert."

"I'll keep him in check."

"Killmonger…."

"Yes?"

"I love my baby. I love her. I don't want you thinkin' bad of me for what I wanted to do when I was desperate back then. She ah blessing. I know this."

"I know where your heart is, Yani. It's all good, Baby."

"See you tomorrow."

"Don't forget to call me tonight. More likely I'll call you. Love you."

"Love you back."

She sounded good. He was able to relax a bit.

Music played from the middle house. Killmonger didn't want to interact with them. But he had to.

Cigar smoke, raucous laughter, and bawdy humor greeted Erik.

He hung out with them until a couple of them passed out on the patio and the others tumbled into the house to sleep off heavy drinking. Erik secured the compound and slipped out with the S.U.V.

He ran up the steps of Leona's apartment complex and knocked on the door. It was late.

"Killmonger…"

Yani was wrapped in a yellow robe, her hair covered in a blue satin durag.

He moved into the living room and saw the couch bed pulled out. Sydette was curled up under the covers.

"Yani."

He hugged her and sat down on the couch bed with her.

"I'm going back, but I need to—"

"Shh…"

She laid back on the couch bed and he curled around her. The movement woke Sydette up.

"Hey Sweet Pea."

His baby girl crawled over Yani and tucked herself on Erik's chest.

He had to accept some hard truths.

His life was different. Having Yani and Sydette was not easy, but he needed them more than they knew. He had been turning into a robotic killing machine…one with a purpose…but losing his humanity. He felt it. The coldness.

He pulled Yani closer to him. Sydette's heartbeat thumped on his chest. They were anchoring him. He gently rubbed Sydette's back and felt comfort with Yani's arm thrown across them both. He stayed awake long enough to listen to them breath easy in their sleep.

Baba is this how you felt with Mama and me?

The longer he stayed on the island, the more he thought of his parents and his past.

He was acting out his father's life with Yani. The thought humbled him. The secrecy. The limited time to be together. He didn't want to end up like his father.

The plot to go into Wakanda had consequences. The biggest was not succeeding. He was prepared to die and leave an impact when he was alone. But he wasn't alone now. He made the foolish decision to align himself with this young woman and her baby. Willingly took responsibility for them and their future.

He had no fear of his mission before coming to St. Thomas. Now he was very afraid. He had to survive. Had to make it out alive. The baby sleeping peacefully on his broad chest was his now. He was shaping her life along with Yani's. His justice claim was bigger than just for his mother and father. He wanted to turn the world on its head for Yani and Sydette too.

He loved them but was afraid that their love for him would weaken him. Would he second guess his moves while plotting against Klaue? Would worrying about them cloud his judgment? It already affected his behavior in South Africa during the raid. Instead of acting, he reacted to everything going on around him, his focus on just getting back to Yani instead of looking out for Klaue. That focus allowed an officer to cut him with a blade, allowed someone to sneak up on him when that would never have happened before. He would have to go back to killer mode if Wakanda was going to be his reality.

And a pregnancy scare?

She couldn't have another baby now, but he wanted to have one with her in the future.

Future.

He was a dispossessed Prince. About to snatch his birthright. Yani could be his Queen. Sydette his Princess.

Erik dozed off, but his cell vibrated. The sun was three hours from rising.

Slipping away from his woman and child, Erik drove himself back to the compound.

###

Pulling the steaks out from the front house standing freezer, Erik took a moment to set his energy. He didn't want these men here. But he was following Klaue's orders.

He found Huntsman and Neal awake and drinking coffee in the middle house kitchen.

"Storm is moving faster," Huntsman said.

"It will touch down sooner. Might have to stay here," Neal said.

"We'll see," Erik said taking a mug from the cupboard and pouring coffee for himself.

The men spent time poolside and playing pool in the middle house den. They ate sandwiches again for lunch until Yani showed up. She immediately prepped for dinner and he kept his feelings in check when he caught Neal checking her out as she checked for propane in the outdoor grill outside the front house kitchen.

"Any chance for shrimp?" Neal asked.

Erik stood outside the front house with two of the mercs. Yani rolled up the sleeves of her sweatshirt and walked around Neal as she grabbed cleaning supplies to wipe down the grill itself. She didn't make eye contact with the man, but he kept pressing her.

"Yani…that's your name right?"

She stopped and put a hand on her hip.

"No shrimp. I have to get this together so I can cook. Whatchu need, man?"

Her voice was curt and it reminded Erik of how she sounded with him when he first saw her. He smirked and kept his eye on the stranger.

"Just asking a question."

"Excuse me," Yani said walking back into the house.

Neal watched her, took a sip of the beer he was drinking and followed her. Erik zoned in after him.

Yani had the kitchen in prep mode, steaks marinating, potatoes grated to make potato and cheese fritters, with asparagus tips stacked on a tray.

"You have a nasty attitude," Neal said.

Yani stared at the man, as she washed her hands in the sink.

"Yo…bruh…I need you to stop bothering her while she's trying to work."

Erik moved in close to Neal. Yani stepped back behind him and grabbed a hand towel.

"She can't be pleasant to guests? She does work for us."

Erik grit his teeth.

"She's not here to entertain you. Let her cook."

Neal gave Erik a bit of reckless eyeballing. He looked over at Yani again.

"Be nicer. I know jobs are hard to come by on these little islands. Hate to see you mess up a good gig."

"Mr. Klaue is my boss. Not you," Yani said.

"Neal—"

Huntsman walked in. His eyes flickered over Yani and he waved for Neal to follow him out. The moment they were gone, Yani held onto the sink and took a deep breath. Erik reached out and touched her hand, but they kept the contact brief.

"Has he been coming at you like this a lot?"

"Just staring. Asking for shit…"

"Like?"

"Water. Soda. I keep away from the middle house, but he comes up here."

"I'll keep my eye on him."

"He has a bad vibe. Like Huntsman."

He wanted to hold her, but she went back to work and he left her alone.

"Youngblood."

Neal stood by the pool area with his cell out. Huntsman and the boat captain walked down toward the bottom of the pool patio steps to admire the view of plants and flowers framing a view of the sea.

"That you up there?" Neal asked.

Erik played dumb. He didn't like being called Youngblood. This dude was probably only a few years older than him.

"You know what I'm saying to you. You bust up in there like captain-save-a-hoe."

"Respect the staff, man. That's all.''

"I'm respecting it. But you know how these lil island freaks be. I'm trying not to be a line stepper, so that's why I'm asking. That bitch hefting around something I want to sample. S'why I'm asking. That you?"

One thing Erik was never able to do was hide emotion on his face. This nigga had his pressure up.

"Mmmhmmm,…yeah. You all over that. Shit must be real good since your face is about to crack."

"You talk too damn much. And assume a lot."

"How that ass feel-?"

"Watch your mouth, bruh—"

"She gonna like some new dick. I break bitch's backs—"

Erik's hands wrapped around Neal's throat and he threw the man off balance.

###

Yani heard the commotion down at the second house. It took her a moment to realize something was wrong because the men had been loud all afternoon and she was doing what Erik advised and stayed out of their way.

When she heard Huntsman shouting with rage, she left the grill and ran down to the noise.

Erik and the new guy Neal were trading punches, and the other men tried to separate them. The imbalance of men pulling Erik back made him fall and Neal leaped on him and battered Erik's face with his fists.

Yani wanted to run down and help Erik, but he told her to act like she didn't know him or like him the way she did when she first met him. She stood away from them with her fists balled up to her face.

When he was able to shake the other men from pulling on him, Erik's hands became like hooks and he ran them hard against Neal's chest and stomach. Neal grimaced and Erik gave a solid hit to his face with his elbow and the man staggered back grabbing onto his head.

BLAM!

They all jumped when Huntsman shot off a weapon above their heads.

"For fuck's sake…what are you two fighting about?" Huntsman yelled.

Wild-eyed, Neal wiped his bloody mouth with his hand.

"Youngblood is mad that I asked about him fucking the housekeeper."

Huntsman's eyes landed on Yani and she felt her face get hot. The other men stared at her too. Erik fixed his shirt and rubbed his face. There was no blood on him.

"The man is out of line and disrespecting Klaue's housekeeper. I'm not wit it. She works too hard to be harassed—"

"He's just pissing a circle around her. No big deal," Neal said.

"You are disrespectful," Yani said.

The men stared at her again. Erik gave her a look to be quiet, but she couldn't.

"Him pester mi, the second I get here—"

"No one is listening to you—"

"Everyone gwine hear me. You annoy the fuck out mi—"

"Go back up to the house, Yani. He won't bother you again," Erik said.

"Alla you stay out mi way. Dinner will be ready in thirty minutes. If yuh late I'm not heating nothin' up!"

She stomped back up to the kitchen of the first house and pulled on grilling gloves. She was still agitated when she put the first rack of steaks onto the grill. All would be medium-well. The moment the steaks were on, she went inside to fry up the fritters. It would only take a few minutes to cook the asparagus.

Being in the kitchen alone she found her groove and the repetition of frying and draining potatoes calmed her down. Neal was going to push Erik's buttons. She didn't think that would be the last fight between him and Erik. She had no idea how he figured out her and Erik's situation because she knew for sure she played her part with no slip-ups. He must've said something to Erik to set him off.

Yani moved back and forth from the kitchen to the grill. She saw the mercs heading up to the dining room and she quickly put the asparagus on after cleaning the grill from traces of steak meat. She was fast and had the food on the serving tables ready to go by the time Erik showed up. He sat at the head of the table and Neal sat at the far end.

The men ate in silence most of the time and every now and then they all looked outside and commented on the small gusts of wind that rattled the trees. Hurricane season was always touch and go, but the upcoming storm was shifting constantly. She texted Twyla to check on Sydette making sure to stand where Erik could see her in case anyone came into the kitchen for ice.

It was challenging having the men back. They changed the atmosphere of the compound instantly. Where she had once frolicked around the estate with her baby and walked nude when she felt like it for herself and her man, she now felt like she was in a prison. She couldn't smile, move around freely, and worse still, she couldn't touch Erik or be touched by him. She saw the irritation on his face all day as he had to interact with the mercs, and she wanted to rub his back for him. When she first arrived, she saw his face get tight because it was normally their time to cuddle on the couch and have him suck on her breasts while she stroked him to a pleasurable release in her hand. She did her best to wear the most boring work clothes, but Erik's eyes were still watching her with desire. Maybe Neal saw that and put two and two together.

Finished with their meal, Yani cleaned up the dining room. Halfway through her work, she went to the restroom, and right when she was done peeing, she felt a familiar rush of blood release from her.

Thank God.

There was no need for a doctor's appointment.

She stuffed toilet paper into her underwear and made a quick dash to the apartment under the house. She had tampons stashed there and cleaned herself up better. She took time to give prayerful thanks. Before she ran back up to finish cleaning, she wiped her face with a clean warm rag in the bathroom.

The men were back down at the pool drinking hard and playing rock and roll oldies and goodies. Erik was not with them.

Yani moved in stealth mode and used a seldom-used path to sneak down to Klaue's main house.

The retina scanner gave her instant access, and she found Erik staring at the living room viewscreen. A storm tracker channel was on.

"Did he hurt you?"

Yani ran her hands over his face and chest. He smiled at her and pulled her hands away. When his arms wrapped around her, she gave out a sigh of relief. Together alone at last.

"Why did you fight?"

"It was stupid on my part. You have to keep away from that creep. He wants to fuck you."

"He said that?"

"Nigga bold as fuck. He asked about you and figured out shit…and I reacted like a dummy."

"I can survive two more days…"

Her eyes held his.

"What?"

She held him tighter.

"My period finally came. Right after I cleaned up."

"Told you," he said.

Yani stared up into his eyes and saw something she didn't expect.

Sadness.

Wait.

Did he want her pregnant?

"Incoming message. Chambers, Linda."

"Go to the bedroom," he said, pushing her that way.

Yani backed away from him, then turned to make it into the room before he answered the call. She kept near the open bedroom door. Her eyes were just able to see the viewscreen from where she stood.

"Linda. Talk to me."

Erik's voice sounded worried.

Yani felt worried the moment she saw Linda's face filling up the entire viewscreen that covered a whole wall.

She was dressed like the mercs Yani had seen at the compound before, but her eyes, they didn't look at Erik like he was a fellow co-worker. She looked at him like she knew him in a biblical way.

"Boss man wanted me to check up on you all. We're watching the storm. Category 2 now heading past Barbados."

"We're good. Why you and not him?"

"Staying off radar. You know. Are the boys aggravating you yet?"

"Always. Tell Boss man all is well."

"Will do….but uh…you and I still need to have a little discussion about some things. We didn't get to work some stuff out in Joburg."

Yani leaned in as far as she could. She didn't like how easy going this woman was talking to Erik. And Erik, he sounded stilted in his speech, like he was trying to get her to shut up…

"Klaue needs you to check out some contacts. Sending you intel now."

"Later," Erik said.

He shut off the viewscreen.

"Yani. Come out here."

Yani stepped out of their bedroom and sauntered over to him.

"I know you heard her."

"You fucking her?"

She didn't mean to say that so abrupt. She wanted him to confess.

"I fucked her. But before you. Before us—"

"Please don't lie—"

"I'm not lying."

"What she mean 'bout you not finishing some stuff? You were with her when you were gone?"

"She was with me, and Huntsman, and Klaue…all of us. Together."

Her side hurt. Late cramps squeezed her.

She believed him.

"You finished with the Kitchen?"

"Yeah."

"Go on to Leona's and be with the baby. If I can get away from here I will."

"Okay."

He reached out for her and she stepped into his arms.

"Please don't fight. I don't care what that bum says about me."

"I'll keep my hands to myself."

"For serious, Killmonger. You don't know how you look when you fight. It's scary. My heart can't take it."

He kissed her lips before he released her and slapped her butt.

"Get out of here. See you in the morning."

Yani blew him a kiss and slipped out the front door.

"So, it's true."

Yani froze.

Huntsman stood at the bottom of the porch deck smoking a cigar. He blew smoke her way.

"You and Killmonger."

Yani ran past him.

Chapter 19 Here

###

Tag List:

@fd-writes @soufcakmistress @cherrystainedlipsbaby @tclaybon @thadelightfulone

@allhailqueennel @bartierbakarimobisson @cpwtwot @shookmcgookqueen @yoyolovesbucky

@raysunshine78 @the-illllest @terrablaze514 @l-auteuse @amirra88 @jimizwidow @janelledarling

@chaneajoyyy @sweetestdream92 @purple-apricots @blackpinup22 @hennessystevens-udaku

@scrumptiouslytenaciouscrusade @bugngiz @stariamrry @honeytoffee @meilintheempressofdreams

@tyees @eye-raq @writerbee-ffs

#wet sugar #killmonger #killmonger fanfiction #erik stevens #n'jadaka #uzumaki rebellion #klaue #black panther fanfiction

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cyclone-rachel · 5 years

Text

gosh, I don’t know how to put this under a read more in the submit box. anyway, here’s the gem legion fic: remastered

The Kent family tried to be as normal as they possibly could during their time living in Kansas.

Of course, things hadn’t been normal since the day they discovered a tiny, red alien crash-landing near their house. Though when they saw how cute and innocent he looked, despite the enormous gem lodged into his chest, they raised him as their own. Surely, they thought, their new child, who burned the grass by stepping on it, and could run faster than any of their horses, was nothing more than a ‘gifted’ child.

Nothing changed sixteen years later, when he’s big and grown, and he’s still their special gift from who-knows-where.

Even if sometimes, he tries to burn the grass with his eyes near their brand-new house, right in their backyard.

“Do I smell smoke?”

He quickly stomps it out.

Mrs. Kent walks outside, to find her son, Clark, stomping down on some burnt grass. “Practicing again?”

He smiles sheepishly. “Just a little bit. Promise it won’t happen again?”

She only laughs. “I’m just glad you didn’t burn the crops again. Now, you feeling okay, son? I know it’s scary, us moving to the big city-“

“It’s not!” Clark insists. “I got everything unpacked! A-And uh, you know, it’s, um, great here! So-“

“Overwhelming?”

Clark’s face glows. “A tiny bit.”

They look out into the forest right behind their home. It was right at the edge of this beach-side city, where it’s mostly run by small businesses making most of their living from tourists, aside from a few bigger companies near the center. Their little mom-n-pop store was a few miles away, near the beach. Though Clark liked their home; the forest was right there, where he saw big trees and lots of shade. A perfect place to hide their tall red alien son.

Not that he was hidden away, of course. He’s homeschooled by his mother, and worked on their farm most of his life, so he loved nature and animals. His horses, cows, and chickens had always been kind to him. Other humans, however, not so much.

He’s happy, though, with his life. It’s as quiet as can be, for someone who has no idea where he came from, or how he got onto this planet.

He tries not to let it bother him.

“Why don’t you go exploring a bit?” Mrs. Kent suggests. “Your dad’s just fixing up the pick-up we bought, and I was going to help. But it’s your summer vacation, why don’t you go have a bit of fun?”

“Maybe just for a while, while it’s still light out,” Clark says with a hint of doubt. He suddenly remembers something. “Um, ma?”

“Yes, dear?”

“Um, what happened to the, uh, pod?”

He can’t remember packing that up for their flight to Metropolis. They’d left a lot behind, most of their livestock sold or given away to other farm-owners, though he’d hate to think that piece of his life was gone forever.

“Don’t you worry, your dad and I managed to keep it hidden,” Mrs. Kent says quietly with a smile, looking over at the tiny, run-down shed that’d been the previous owner’s. “Now, why don’t you go stretch your legs?”

They stand up, and Clark gets his shoulder pat by his much-shorter mother. “Just… be careful around the trees, alright, son?”

“Okay, ma, I’ll try.”

He walks into the forest, looking around at the scene of nature before him, wondering what this big city has in store for him.

–

Pink Topaz’s eyes snap open. “I saw something.”

“Hm?”

She looks up to see she’s laying on the sand, Alunite’s one blue eye watching over her. “You left me on the ground?”

“I would’ve made sure nobody stepped on you.”

She knows it’s a joke, but she’s not laughing. “And yet you wonder how you’re still single.”

“Okay, fine, I’ll pick you up next time.” He helps her stand up. “And what did you see?”

“Memories,” Pink says, trying to focus. “Someone else’s memories.”

“A human’s?”

“I-I uh…” She closes her eyes, and concentrates. “No, it must’ve been a Gem. A small red one. It was in some sort of vessel. And, it landed here. On Earth.”

Alunite just smirks. “Probably just a bad dream.”

“You’re impossible.” She pushes him away lightly, no real malice on her face, though still walks to their temple.

“Hey! What are you doing?”

She turns around, her pale yellow hair whipping behind her. “There’s a Gem out there, a non-corrupted one, and I’m going to look for him.”

“Oh, come on,” Alunite grumbles. “You were dreaming-“

“And what if I wasn’t?”

Garth sighs. “’Kay, fine, you go.”

“Who’s inside the Headquarters?”

“I guess Peridot and Benitoite. But-“

“I’m taking them with me. You watch the HQ until we get back.”

As she walks to the door and goes inside, he only sighs, knowing she’s not going to be stopped now.

–

“May I ask what you believe this Gem is? Corrupted? In a corporeal form? Or possibly cracked?”

“I’m not certain, but I’m still going to search for it.”

Benitoite, large and round and a clear cerulean color, only sighs. “Well, you haven’t been wrong before.”

“Technically not,” their low-iron Peridot says from behind. “On many occasions, Pink Topaz incorrectly has assumed that the memories she sees of nearby-Gems are of an uncorrupted Gem, and when we find them-“

“This is different,” Pink Topaz insists, walking in front. “I could see whole memories, not just hear voices.”

Peridot says nothing, though still looks doubtful.

Benitoite shudders as they make it to the very heart of the forest, as the sun finally sets, leaving them in the dark. Peridot’s eerie green glow he beams from his forehead does nothing to lighten his mood. Still, he tries not to make it too obvious how scared he is. “U-Uh, so, are we getting any closer to this Gem? We’re almost at the human area, and you know how they get around us…”

“It’s close, I can feel it,” Pink Topaz says, closing her eyes and putting her hand to her heart-shaped Gem on her chest. “If I could just really focus on its aura…”

“Oh, I believe that will not be necessary,” Peridot says, putting a hand on her shoulder.

“What makes you say that?”

All he does is turn her around. She and Benitoite look in the same direction… to find that one of the enormous pine trees at the edge of the forest seems to be trying not to fall over.

“I may be mistaken, though I am usually not,” Peridot says, “but I do not believe normal trees on this planet can move in such a way without some kind of outside force acting upon it.’

As usual, nobody responds, as the two run off without him towards the tree.

They reach it, and what they see makes them all stop and stare for a moment.

At first, in the dim lighting, they believe they’re looking at a human. He has a typical build, big round black-rimmed glasses, and even wearing human clothing, right down to the shoes.

Though his skin is glowing bright-red, and there’s a strange five-sided shape glowing through his chest.

Peridot summons his visor, and scans the struggling individual.

“It is a Gem,” he says in awe. “The Gem is underneath his strange Earth clothing?”

Benitoite blinks. “Are you sure? I’ve never seen a Gem wearing Earth clothes before.”

“Perhaps we should help him lower the tree before doing anything rash,” Pink Topaz suggests.

Of course, Benitoite’s the first to walk over, a hand outstretched. “Hey, there! Need a hand?”

It’s far too dark for Clark to notice this stranger’s blue skin. Instead, all he sees is a normal teenager. He smiles sheepishly. “U-Uh, this…. This isn’t what it looks like.”

Benitoite shrugs. “I think it does. Here, I’ll just…” He walks over behind him, as Pink Topaz and Peridot make their way to the stranger.

“Wait, who are you-?” Clark’s words die in his throat when he realizes he’s no longer holding up the tree; instead, Benitoite’s a giant sphere, balancing the tree on its side. “Uh…”

Benitoite shapeshifts his arm out and extends it to Clark, who flinches, though nonetheless shakes it. “I’m Benitoite. Nice to meet you!”

“U-Uh, hi?”

“I am Peridot, Facet JR-18, Cut B5.” Clark turns to a shorter person, with light hair and a glowing green dot on his forehead, hands folded behind his back.

“I’m Pink Topaz,” says the tallest one, with long hair and looks unearthly pale all around. “Everyone just calls me Pink.”

Clark’s still lost, as Benitoite lowers the tree by himself, gently, though the ground still shakes below them. “Uh.” He pushes his glasses back up. “I’m Clark.”

“I do not know any Gem of that name or classification,” Peridot pipes up.

“Um, no, that’s my name,” Clark explains. “My name is Clark Kent. I, uh, just moved here today.”

They look at him, as if he’s the alien one here. “We meant, what kind of Gem are you?”

“Gem?”

Peridot stands absurdly close to him. “I can see your Gem glowing through your shirt. If I may…” He puts a hand on Clark’s chest.

Clark backs up. “Hey! What are you doing??”

“I want to see your Gem.”

At least I’m one-hundred percent sure that’s what it really is. “N-No! That’s private!” He blushes; he’s never had someone just touch him like that. “Uh, listen, my mom’s probably done with making dinner, so… thanks for the help. Bye.” He walks away.

They watch him.

“Should we follow him?” Benitoite whispers.

“Of course,” Peridot hisses back. “He is a Gem! He seems to not have any malicious intent, so it is possible he is some sort of refugee on this planet, as we are. Perhaps we should ask him to join the Legion.”

Pink Topaz is sure that this strange Gem doesn’t want to be followed, but what choice do they have? They follow him, her leading the way. “I wonder where he resides, so close to the humans.”

–

“Ma, I’m home.”

“Your father’s out doing a bit of business and he’ll be back late, clean yourself up before eating dinner.”

“’Kay!”

He washes his hands and splashes his face with cold water, wondering what on Earth had just happened. Aliens? And they kept talking about gems, like the one on his chest. A part of him wanted to reach out for them… but a part of him also wanted to keep away.

“Clark, hurry up now before your dinner gets cold!”

“I’m coming!” He dries himself off and walks back to their dining room.

“I’ll set up the extra space for your friends!”

“My what, now?” Though he needs only to walk into the room, and already sees the three aliens from the forest. “Oh, no.”

In the light of their dining room, he sees now their true colors: Pink Topaz is a pastel pink-skinned teen with long blonde hair that reaches the small of her back. Benitoite is only slightly shorter than her, with vivid blue skin and spiky blue hair, though his goggles resting on his forehead are yellow. Peridot is a variety of colors, though overall desaturated: dull green skin, pale blond hair, and a deep purple uniform, though his eyes and the gem on his head are vivid green.

As if today couldn’t get weirder, the universe was going to prove him wrong.

#submissions #submission #papa don't look #legion of superheroes #losh #losh au #fanfics #gem legion au #WOOOOOO #this is GREAT #and i love you #you're the best pesky #thank you so much #i already love these kids #but then again of course i would #and i do hope you continue this and it burns you out as little as possible #because that is the last thing i want for you

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fiat-maria · 6 years

Text

a sweet melody your heart clings to

[AN: ok so this has been sitting in my drafts for like a month and i finally finished it. fun fact! St. Eli’s (the church’s name) is short for St. Eligius, the patron of clock-makers. bc, you know, time. grandfather clocks. all that. anyway, miles smoking cigarettes is a little nod to the atlanta boot. actually, a lot of things in this are!]

Fandom: Tuck Everlasting (Musical)

Pairing: Miles Tuck/Rose Tuck (Miles’s Wife), some Angus/Mae

Genre: Fluff, lowkey sad in hindsight but it’s all happiness in the moment

Word Count: 1,823

Warnings: brief mention of cigarettes and alcohol, but no use of them

Tags: @tuck-everlasting-shitposts

June 23, 1810. Miles slowly awoke to the sound of church bells and muffled conversation. The latter came as a surprise- it was rare for the rest of the Tuck house to awaken before he did. He began to rest his head on the pillow again for a moment, but a realization caused him to bolt upright: it was the day of his wedding. He flung the sheets aside and rushed downstairs. There, he was greeted by his brother, who was obscured by a tower of waffles.

“You’re up awful early. You do realize that it’s only half past six?”

Miles took a seat, slightly confused.

“Then why are you up? You’re like Lazarus in the mornings. Dead man rising- and it’s a miracle when you do.” Jesse simply snorted in reply.

“Yeah, Ma figured that one out after nineteen years, so she made me get up ‘bout half an hour ago. She’s been up since five trying to take care of everything. I think she might be even more wound up about this than you- she even cleaned.” With his last statement, Jesse looked almost concerned for their mother.

Miles laughed as he poured his coffee with hands that shook from a cocktail of excitement and nervousness. Mae swept into the room like a tornado, an immaculately pressed suit draped over her arm. She pecked her older son on the cheek, then handed him the suit. A bittersweet smile emerged on her lips.

“I can’t believe that this day has come already. Both of you, wash up and get dressed. We have to be at St. Eli’s for a quarter to nine, do you understand? Jesse, your dress clothes are on your bed- and comb your hair for once. Be sure to wear your grey shirt. Miles, try to be ready a bit early so I can make sure that everything is in place. Oh, and Jesse, once you’re dressed, no shooting, no eating, and no tree climbing. And try to make sure your father does the same.” She disappeared as quickly as she came, leaving her sons stunned.

“Are you sure Ma doesn’t have a twin or something? She’s being organized.” Jesse asked in disbelief.

“You know, I could almost believe that. I’m going get dressed.” With that Miles hopped up from his chair, leaving his coffee cup half full. He became enveloped in his racing thoughts- so much that he nearly missed a step as he climbed the stairs. He began to smile as his fiancées new name echoed in his mind. “Rose Tuck” was absolute music to his ears. He could scarcely believe that in a few short hours, he would be calling her his wife. He washed his face, mentally repeating his vows. As he grabbed his razor, he was tempted to steal a sip from his father’s flask to still his shaking hands, but decided against it. He began to get dressed, wincing at the sight of his blue-grey suit jacket. The summer heat was unforgiving, and even more so in the cramped church. He sighed, but gave a small smile- knowing this “sacrifice” was for his future wife made it far more tolerable. He was brought back to reality by the realization that, no, his boots weren’t fitting incorrectly because Jesse had grabbed the wrong pair, but instead because he was trying to shove his right boot on his left foot. He fixed his mistake then headed back downstairs for a “uniform check” from his mother.

Seeing her from the top of the stairs, he descended slowly, then tapped her shoulder.

“You look even prettier than usual, Ma.”

As she looked at her son, Mae felt tears begin to prick at her eyes as she beamed. Miles wrapped his mother in a hug, but she patted his arm gently and broke the embrace.

“Now, I don’t want you to get all wrinkled. Let me see...” She began tugging and adjusting almost everything he had on, trying to busy herself. Jesse gave his brother a knowing glance and they remembered their mother scrubbing their faces and straightening their clothes when they were little boys. Normally, Miles would insist that everything was fine, but he relented, knowing how important this day was to her. Once everything was to her standards, Mae stepped back and took in the bittersweet sight of her son before her. Jesse broke the silence, calling to her, “Ma, don’t worry, you’ve still got me around.”

She laughed in spite of her worries and Miles took her hand.

“Yep, he’s the spare,” he quipped.

“Hey!”

“Don’t start, you two. We need to leave soon. Jesse, go get your father.” Before Jesse could do so, Angus entered the living room. He patted Miles on the back and chuckled.

“Goodness, it’s like I went back twenty years! Well, son, are you ready?”

Miles could only smile in response, his nerves starting to get to him.

Angus chuckled, seeing a reflection of himself as a young groom in Miles’s face. “Yep, you’re my son through and through. We better get going, unless you want your bride getting as nervous as you are.”

“Angus, don’t scare him!” Mae tutted, swatting her husband on the shoulder.

“See, there’s a glimpse of the future!” Angus quipped, grabbing his wife’s hand and giving it a squeeze.

Miles headed towards the door, but felt a tug at his coat. Turning, he saw that the culprit was his mother.

“Let me fix your jacket, it’s crooked.” She smoothed her hands over the grey wool, stopping suddenly.

“Empty your pockets.”

Sheepishly, Miles pulled out a silver cigarette case.

“Ma, you know how tense all this is.” Mae raised an eyebrow and pursed her lips, unwavering.

“Huh,” Jesse thought, “that’s where he gets that face from.”

“No son of mine is smoking in his good suit, and certainly not on his wedding day. You can have it back after the ceremony.” Her face softened a bit, a warm, knowing smile peeking through.

Miles sighed, smiling in return. He knew his mother well- this was a battle he’d never win.

“Yes, ma.”

•••

As he stood before the altar, Miles had three thoughts on his mind: how dreadfully hot this church was, how much he despised his heavy suit jacket, and why Rose had still not come down the aisle. He felt himself getting sick, perhaps because he was possibly overheating, but mostly because of the scenarios his mind had created to explain why he was still waiting. He had heard stories about runaway brides- Rose wouldn’t, would she? No, she’d never abandon him. But what if?

He tried to distract himself by looking at the familiar faces in the pews. His heart sank to his feet as he saw them whispering and shaking their heads. Surely they were talking about how foolish he looked, pitying him. (Little did he know, the old men were laughing at how much they saw their past selves in the young groom as their wives commented on the beautiful decorations that adorned the church.) He weakly mustered an attempt at a smile as he gave a small wave to the guests. As he did so, he calculated the likelihood of being murdered by his mother if he decided to make a run for it.

Before he could start making a getaway plan, he heard a subtle creaking sound. Joy and relief overwhelmed him as the doors parted, and he felt his knees grow a bit week at the sight of his bride. A halo of apple and pear blossoms encircled her head, resting upon the gauzy veil that fluttered behind her. Her snowy gown, tied with a pale pink ribbon, obscured her feet and made her appear to glide down the aisle. The most beautiful thing of all was her radiant, loving smile. Miles felt as if his heart could burst- even waiting for a millennium would have been worth seeing Rose like this.

The ceremony was a blur of happiness. The perfume of the fruit blossoms and Rose’s bouquet, the heat, and the blessing that was his bride’s presence intoxicated him. He was drawn from his stupor by six long-awaited words: “You may now kiss the bride.” He gladly complied, pulling his wife- his wife! -into a euphoric kiss. He would have given her another, and another, and more after that had he not reminded himself of the smiling crowd of guests. The newlyweds made their way down the aisle arm-in-arm, thoughts only on each other.

•••

After the ceremony, what seemed like the entire population of Treegap crammed into the parish hall. The newlyweds danced until their sore feet protested loudly enough to force them to sit. Guests swirled around them like clouds of dust, giving congratulations and advice. Countless old women pinched Rose’s cheeks, reciting rhymes to “predict” her marriage’s future.

“Well, what does Mrs. Hammond say the future has in store for us?” Miles asked playfully as the copper-haired woman left. Neither one put much stock in old wives’ tales, but that didn’t stop them from finding them entertaining.

“According to her, a farmhouse and a little boy next April. Oh, and a very long, healthy life,” Rose replied with a grin as she took hold of Miles’s hand, rubbing her thumb over his ring.

“Mrs. Clarke is convinced that we’ll be raising twin girls in town by next summer- and all because Mrs. Tuck wore a white dress for a Saturday wedding.” Miles pulled his bride a bit closer. She laughed and brushed some rice off of her husband’s jacket, then pointed behind him.

“If it isn’t Jesse and the Rogers girl,” she whispered, smirking.

Miles snorted. “Oh, Lucinda? Seems like he’s been trying to get her attention since our first day in Treegap.”

“No, not Lucinda. Agnes.” Miles turned around to see his brother being dragged into a dance by a giggling little girl, maybe six years old at most. He almost hollered with laughter at the sight, thoroughly enjoying the glare Jesse shot his way. The younger Tuck tried to be a good sport, even as the jig’s tempo increased. Miles followed the child’s lead, sweeping Rose into another dance.

He glanced over Rose’s shoulder, scanning the other couples in the crowded hall. A flash of deep teal caught his eye, and he recognized the blur as his parents. They seemed half their age, their dancing as lively as their laughter. Their look of devotion that illuminated their faces just as brightly as the one the newlyweds shared. Miles pulled Rose closer, smiling as he imagined himself and his wife in his parent’s place twenty years from now. He nudged her and twirled her to share the sight, then whispered an echo of his father’s words from that morning.

“See, there’s a glimpse of the future.” Rose beamed in response, pressing a kiss to Miles’s lips.

“In that case, I’m looking forward to every minute.”

#tuck everlasting #miles tuck #jesse tuck #mae tuck #angus tuck #alcohol mention #cigarette mention #tobacco mention

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