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scarlettconfetti · 3 years

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(AHS: CULT) WINTER ANDERSON X FEMALE!READER & PLATONIC!RUDY/VINCENT ANDERSON X FEMALE!READER

summary: headcanons for dating & being in a relationship with winter anderson whilst being best friends with rudy/vincent anderson.

this is totally self indulgent i am so sorry.

when you met winter, you were walking home from work alone.

you hadn’t wanted to bother your best friend/roommate as he works long hours.

it was dark & you were kinda wary of waking around on your own.

especially when people started cat calling.

you were feeling really uncomfortable until an incredibly striking woman appeared seemingly out of nowhere, swearing & yelling at the cat callers.

she introduced herself to you as winter anderson & offered to walk you home.

you were still wary of letting a stranger walk you home & knew that your best friend would absolutely freak, so you decide to let her walk with you to your friends office.

you talked to her during the walk & admired her unique beauty.

in fact you were sad when you’d reached your friend’s office as it meant that you would have to say goodbye to her.

however, when you did that, she gave you her number.

“I’m free all day tomorrow. If you want to meet me here, we could go & get a drink together or something?”

you accepted her offer & thanked her for walking with you.

winter only left when she saw you enter the building safely.

you gave her a little awkward wave before setting off to find rudy.

you were excited to see her again.

your best friend is dr. rudy vincent.

wlw & mlm solidarity.

you just randomly met him one day & despite him being a bit older then you, you have been friends ever since.

he is practically family to you.

if you have family, he goes with you to visit them for the various holidays.

if you don’t, you have your own traditions together in the apartment you share with him.

you don’t see each other during the day.

he’s at work before you get up & you’ve both gotten in the habit of communicating via notes left stuck on cupboard doors.

you leave each other packed lunches or the wrapped up leftovers from the previous nights meal.

you spend time together when he gets home.

you’ll both settle on the couch & talk about your respective days before ending up watching either a show or a movie.

he always covers you with a blanket in case you fall asleep.

it’s very rare that you fight with him.

you do get pretty annoyed with him when he’s attempted to ‘shrink’ you over the years though.

however, if there is anything wrong you know that you can tell him anything.

if you’re anxious or feeling like everything’s falling apart, he is there to help.

other than providing you with the most comforting hugs, there is this thing you two do together that he taught you very early on in your friendship.

you would link your pinky finger around his & you could tell him anything & everything that was bothering you.

rudy has always been there for you.

when you met winter the very next day, she had noticed you hugging a (probably) taller man in the distance.

“is that your boyfriend, y/n?”

“god, no!” you had looked horrified at the very thought & she had smirked.

“good to know.”

you spent the day together in a cosy cafe.

it was absolutely your first date with her & it was an enjoyable one.

you sat close together on leather couch drinking various beverages & sharing sweet treats throughout the day.

winter is incredibly fun to talk to, you really like her & she definitely takes a shine to you.

she’d rest her hand on your arm or boldly play with your hair (if long enough)

it was a successful first date of many more to come.

you go on so many dates with winter.

enjoying her company.

she kisses you after the third date, which was when you’d actually let her walk you to your home.

her kisses are passionate.

she’ll stroke your cheek with her fingers & kiss you senseless.

you find yourself falling for her quickly.

“I think i love her.”

“It’s only been a month y/n.” rudy had teased you when you had gushed about winter to him.

something you did a lot.

“irrelevant!”

you enjoy long walks with winter & she’ll hold your hand so tightly.

sometimes lifting it & pressing kisses to it here & there.

you love her nails, the colours & designs she choose for them are so beautiful & she’s more than happy to paint yours for you if you want.

“you make it look so easy.”

“i have mastered nail art, y/n.” she’d chuckle as she probably painted your nails to match hers.

you go various protests with her & share similar political views.

keeping each other safe during protests.

winter would fight anyone that would dare touch you.

she doesn’t talk much about her family.

you know that she lives with her brother & that she hasn’t seen the other in a while.

you’ve never met either of her brothers’.

you’ve never even gone to her house & for good reason.

you trust her when she tells you that her brother is someone you don’t want to get caught up with & how she doesn’t want him to know about you.

honestly you just assume that he has to be incredibly homophobic & leave it at that.

which is why she’ll almost always spend the day at your house if you’re not doing something outside together.

she likes it when you do her hair for her & you enjoy styling her long white waves.

you love her outfits & the two of you compliment each other daily.

“you are so beautiful, y/n.” she will tell you after usually greeting you with a kiss.

if you’re sitting together, you’ll play with her hair or her jewellery.

sometimes she’ll share her jewellery with you.

she loves seeing you in one of her long gothic necklaces.

“now i can keep a part of you close to my heart for the day.”

“my god, y/n you are so cheesy.”

winter can actually be incredibly affectionate & protective.

she wants to keep you safe.

she is almost always initiating physical contact.

if she’s not holding your hand, she’s sitting next to you with her arm around your waist.

you call each other pet names.

she is very passionate in every meaning of the word.

which is exactly how you’d almost ended up having sex with winter on the roof of rudy’s car & actually hid in a bush from your best friend when he came out of his office to check on his car.

she likes it when you curl up in her arms & rest your head on her chest.

it was during one of those times that she told you that she loved you for the first time.

she says it a lot after that.

if she is ever said, you will gather her up into toy arms & just hold her for hours.

never letting her go.

when your sad, she’ll press loving kisses to your forehead & hold you close whilst whispering countless reassurances to you & that she loves you.

she made you laugh when she taught you pinky power.

“come on, baby, this is serious.” she had pressed a kiss to your hand.

“I know, i know. it’s just that me & my best friend do something really similar together.”

when the election happens & incidents start to happen in the town, you’re a little freaked out.

but your worries are eased by the separate, but combined efforts from rudy & winter, who becomes even more protective of you than ever before.

it’s a very loving relationship that you have with winter & she would do absolutely anything for you.

a/n: i am actually sorry that i wrote this garbage. i just really love winter anderson & i hadn’t slept in over twenty four hours.

#winter anderson x reader #ahs: cult #winter anderson #american horror story #ahs imagine #ahs #wlw imagine #scarlettconfetti imagines

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thewebcomicsreview · 3 years

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Homestuck 2 has updated! Christmas is ruined!

Previously, on Homestuck 2: Literally nothing happened, and a non-trivial portion of the patreon supporters gave up and quit. Can this update pull a Christmas miracle and right the sinking ship of Homestuck 2? Probably not, but let’s find out!

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We’re back in Candyland, having completely skipped over Karkat and John talking about Dave’s apparent death, because this comic is only interested in long conversations when they’re boring and not about anything at all. That’s alright, I got the gist of it.

When Karkat is finally gone, John still doesn’t move. It isn’t as though he has nowhere else to go, since there are quite a few places he might attempt to make himself useful, for better or for worse.

So, it appears to be morning now, meaning that John’s son has been missing in a war zone for almost 24 hours and I guess John literally forgot Harry existed?

Prediction: This conversation is going to end in some variant of “Where is our son?” “Oh shit!”

ROXY: hey john can u do me a quick solid

ROXY: actly idk how quick itll be but its definitely solid

ROXY: harry anderson says i just missed u being here but could u skip back on over?

What.

So, I went back and checked, and apparently nowhere is it explicitly said that Harry Anderson was also looking for the Vriskas, so I guess he....stayed home? Which makes sense, I suppose, but maybe a “Stay here I’ll go look for them” would’ve helped. I wasn’t the only one who thought Harry was out looking for Vriska too.

ROXY: sup

ROXY: follow me

ROXY: well were just going to my room so i guess technically u know the way

JOHN: haha ok.

John follows, trying to shake the ominous feeling he got from what she’d just said. He’d been in and out of this house a lot in the past few days. Why should this be any different?

Is Roxy....horny? Is the solid she’s looking for John’s dick? I mean, that’d make her saying Harry wasn’t available kind of weird, but I think this framing is a fake-out.

...

What the fuck is that lamp, Jesus Christ it’s awful. Just a cat’s asshole, facing the door.

ROXY: r u kiddin me rn egbert

JOHN: i’m not? unless you were, in which case yeah lets say i was also kidding.

JOHN: oh my god, i’m sorry, i don’t know why this making me freak out.

ROXY: i remember our past boot knockin with fondness but that is a situation im not interested in revisiting

Oh hey, it was a fakeout. Good job, Homestuck 2. You successfully implied something just through the art. Art which, by the way, looks a lot better than the last chapter. There are backgrounds and everything. I wonder if Chapter 15 was rushed out due to Hiveswap and that’s why it was so weak?

He’s almost embarrassed by how relieved he feels. So what if his ex wife wanted to hook up? Shouldn’t that be a situation he could navigate? Don’t people like to find solace in human physical connection during dire times? Why did the idea of it make his mind white out in panic more than, say, any number of the traumas he just experienced?

I’m not the biggest fan of the way the narration is going JOHN IS AFRAID OF SEX WITH ROXY LIKE HE’S A TEENAGE VIRGIN AGAIN (LIKE IN HS1!) AND IT DOESN’T REALLY MAKE SENSE PLEASE REMEMBER THIS IT’LL BE IMPORTANT LATER, but okay, noted.

ROXY: u said ur house is gone??

JOHN: yep.

JOHN: completely.

ROXY: jeez

Heh. I like Roxy, still.

JOHN: so i just sat there, watching, trying to figure out why watching my house burn down felt like i was being released from prison.

If this comic actually uses the phrase “home” and “stuck” in the same sentence I’m turning this blog around and we’ll go right back to Winnipeg.

ROXY: aight then no wind bending just use your mangrit

Roxy flexes, the corner of her mouth pulled up into a familiar grin. John feels his guts, so recently calmed, twist up into knots again. Her eyebrows shoot up and the smile loosens. He must have shown something on his face.

ROXY: ok or just like push when i push

ROXY: we both got sick muscles

ROXY: no other adjectives necessary

I feel unqualified to talk about how hard Roxy is pushing the June Egbert thing.

....Is that the fucking portal from Hiveswap under a tarp? Also hi Candy Callie, appearing in HS2 for the first time. One of the Calliope’s is nonbinary, I think, but I honestly can’t remember and I think it’s Meat Calliope?

JOHN: do i get to know what that big thing under the sheet is?

ROXY: hmmmmmm no

JOHN: oh ok.

JOHN: are you sure? i mean, it seems like a pretty prominent feature of the room.

JOHN: space.

JOHN: wherever we are.

ROXY: and a totally mysterious n COMPLETELY inconspicuous feature it will have to remain for now

ROXY: we r kinda in a hurry here fyi

ROXY: and by that i mean

ROXY: we are in precisely the amount of hurry that means im excused from having to a that specific q rn

JOHN: right, sorry.

JOHN: i will pay no attention to the object behind the curtain.

ROXY: u catch on fast egbert

Oh thing HS2 has not been great at is that it has a lot of plot mysteries that are supposed to keep us enticed but they don’t really get implanted into the audience’s head (Remember Vrissy mysteriously collapsing that one time? Probably not, she did it off screen and the boys kind of laughed it off). This one’s hard to miss.

JOHN: so... this is all downstairs?

JOHN: it seems like you had a lot of work done.

ROXY: well no not x actly

ROXY: were in the old meteor

It’s kind of weird how this meteor keeps popping up like this.

CALLIOPE: besides, hUman divorces are even more fascinating than i had ever imagined, and being able to witness yoUrs in motion was an honoUr.

This is an unexpected but not unwelcome direction for Callie to have gone.

CALLIOPE: ah right, right. yoU're probably a little cUrioUs as to where the dickens we are.

CALLIOPE: how much do yoU know aboUt black holes?

Oh, wow, we’re going right there, then. This does seem like a bit of a reaction to complaints HS2 wasn’t shmoovin’ enough, but maybe I’m reading too much into it.

CALLIOPE: no, i mean, what if oUr whole WORLD was inside a black hole.

JOHN: ok.

A’ight, that got a laugh out of me

JOHN: ugh, i fucking KNEW it!

JOHN: i'm so sorry.

JOHN: i'm so sorry that i put the earth inside a black hole everyone. ):

I like this conversation a lot.

ROXY: iirc at least part of y u got so weepy was the fact that u couldnt believe a version of earth existed where ppl got 2 watch more mcconaughey films than you

JOHN: listen.

JOHN: i simply don't think you all appreciated the gift you were given.

Quite a bit, in fact.

ROXY: ur not gonna enter a weird time vortex and change the trajectory of a little girls life with the power of love

JOHN: aw.

Roxy and John have a good dynamic.

CALLIOPE: bUt Upon her departUre, the rift closed for good. as far as i can see, there's simply no way for Us to commUnicate with the world oUtside the black hole.

CALLIOPE: i woUld certainly be very sUrprised to find oUt that anyone had managed sUch a thing!

JOHN: ...right.

John’s phone has very good coverage, since he was able to talk to Terezi in the epilogues, as we’re being subtly reminded of here with that ... before the “right”. I wonder if it still works after alt-Calliope left.

CALLIOPE: oUr exclUsion from the overarching coUrse of events which governs all reality means that oUr existence here is liable to dramatic and violent Upheaval.

CALLIOPE: to pUt it another way, becaUse nothing in here "matters", we are likely to be sUbjected to things which are a bit bats in the belfry, for no reason other than it's totally insignificant to the wider canon of reality.

CALLIOPE: and mUch thoUgh i am personally titillated by some of the conseqUences of this predicament, it is a degrading way for Us to live. u_u

Okay, so we are now being explicitly told that living in the black hole is fucking with the characters and is part of the reason they make such baffling decisions, like Rose not telling Kanaya about Yiffy, or naming her daughter “Yiffy” in the first place.

CALLIOPE: we need yoU to free vriska from the clUtches of oUr misgUided friend jane, and bring her here, to the singUlarity.

ROXY: weve been calling it the plot point

CALLIOPE: yes, the plot point is a key part of oUr plan

CALLIOPE: as far as we have been able to sUrmise, the only remaining method for escaping oUr grim confinement depends on leveraging the UniqUe properties of this location to create an event of sUch catalcysmic proportions that it simply cannot be contained within the black hole any more.

CALLIOPE: something SO dramatic, so hyper-relevant, that it becomes ontologically impossible for anyone to ignore it.

CALLIOPE: for that, we need an individUal of sUfficient narrative cloUt, so to speak.

CALLIOPE: and to liberate her, who better than the embodiment of the aspect of freedom itself?

So, the plan is literally for Vriska to be such a Huge 8itch that the black hole itself gets sick of her and yeets Earth C out of its own event horizon to freedom.

This is actually a great plan.

And that’s Hamsteak. This definitely feels like a bit of a reaction to complaints about HS2, but hey, I dig it, I guess? Definite improvement over the last chapter.

#homestuck #homestuck 2 liveblog

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i-do-a-write · 4 years

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The Android looked at the man sitting at his desk, directly next to him. There was… something about this man that called out to the Android. Something like pain. Maybe he wasn't sleeping enough? "Take a photo it lasts longer you over-glorified toaster oven" The man's sudden outburst startled Nines. "Over… glorified toaster oven?" It was obvious Gavin had made Nines very confused, his LED was showing a bright yellow with hints of red every now and then. But Nines brushed it off, “I’m glad you’ve found more insults, Detective Reed.” There was a faint smile on the android’s face. “Like I’ll ever run out of them, Nines.” The detective sat there, glaring at his screen, while the android analyzed the case the two were assigned. It was nothing important, just a B&E. Gavin’s mind was obviously somewhere but it wasn’t on earth, or in the moment. They sat in silence for a few hours until Nines looked away from his screen.

The android was definitely surprised. Gavin noticed the surprised face and looked up from his screen. “Whats up Tin-can?” questioned the coffee driven detective. “Is...That a child near Lieutenant Anderson?” Gavin looked over to see a sopping wet Hank, a dry child, and Connor, who was just as wet as Hank. “Did you swim here Anderson?” Hank didn’t respond… which was odd. Even for Hank. Nines looked at the kid, it was covered up with Hank’s jacket and Connor’s jacket. You could literally call them the parents of the precinct. Hank held the child close to his side, not allowing anyone near. Gavin glanced at the child, obviously disturbed. He got up and gave a worried glance at Hank. Nines was confused, as he didn’t really understand why Gavin was concerned over a small child. Hank gave a small nod, and as soon as Connor and Hank had arrived, they walked away to an interrogation room. “What’s the wrong Detective?” Questioned the RK900. Gavin just stood there, looking like an android who was shutting down or becoming deviant, which did cause concern with Nines. After a long painful silence between them, the man finally piped up “N-nothings wrong right now Nines. All is good.” The android tilted his head at Gavin “You don’t look o-” “I AM FINE.” Hisses Gavin as he walks over to his desk. Gavin sits down angrily and goes right back to his computer. After a quick scan, Nines detected his stress levels are at 50%. Nines preferred not to dig into his partner’s past since he moved from precinct to precinct. He could dig into Gavin’s past, but he doesn’t want to destroy his partnership with Gavin.

After a few awkward hours, Hank came over. “Reed I need you in the interrogation room. You may be our last hope.” Gavin looked up at Hank. “Isn’t Connor able to, maybe Ni-” “I need you.” Interrupted Hank. “Why me?” Nines stayed quiet, he didn’t dig into Gavin’s history yet, but he assumed that there was certainly something that lingered. “Because,” Hank didn’t say anything more, but he gave a knowing stare and left. Gavin sighed and got up. “Come along.” The man left and Nines followed him into the interrogation room. Connor looked through the glass, then looked at the new people who came into the room.

Nines opted for telepathic communication. ‘So what’s going on’ asked the RK900. Connor looked at the child again through the glass. ‘Hank and I found the young child in an abandoned house. The child insisted that his parents were coming back, but he wouldn’t tell us his name.’ Gavin and Hank quietly conversed in the corner, and Gavin looked nervous. Flashbacks? Definitely. ‘So...why Gavin as your approach? What went wrong?’ Questioned Nines. ‘Well, Hank went in first, knowing he had experience with kids. He tried talking to the kid in a fatherly tone… Didn’t work. I went in, the child proceeded to stay quiet. We need to know his name so we can file abuse. We even sent Tina! And that didn’t work!!’ Nines looked at the child, finally and tilted his head at the small nervous kid. Tina was with the child trying to get his name. ‘...Why Gavin. We both know that he is unreliable.’ Connor glanced at Gavin and looked back at Nines ‘He has...something in his past that we both don’t know about but Hank does. They both have the experience that we don’t have. We have to trust them. I’ll dig if you-’ ‘No, no I can dig for myself, Connor. I will be fine. I just… I have to get used to it.’ Retorted Nines. ‘I.... will be fine. But I do not want to dig without Gavin’s consent.’ Connor nodded, ‘Right, you’ve got the crush on GaViN~’ ‘Connor I WILL take a knife to your throat.’ ‘ok ok’ Laughed Connor.

Gavin stared at the child with sorrow. Gavin sighed and looked at Hank. “You really think so?” Trembled Gavin. Hank nodded solemnly. The man took off his hoodie and walked into the room. “Why...are we sending Gavin?” Nines questioned the lieutenant while looking at the interrogation room. “Gavin knows his way around this, I’m sure he’ll get to the bottom of this.” “Really? A short-tempered, smoking, caffeine-addicted, Detective? Handling a child?” Scoffed Nines. Hank sent a very stern father face. “Nines.” “What!” “You don’t know what he’s been through. Be. Gentle.” Said, Hank sternly. Nines finally hushed, but he asked one last time, “What happened to Gavin.” Hank sighed and looked at Gavin, who was obviously bonding with the child as they were talking about animals. “he...Had a rough past. He’s still healing, but he won’t open up. At least. Not to anyone in the precinct…” Nines stared into the room at what he wished was his boyfriend. “What happened in his past?” Questioned the RK800. “I wish I could answer but...Gavin would be at my throat if I dare tell. It’s best you figure it out yourself.”

Gavin comforted the child as he realized he was left for dead. This definitely hit close to home for the detective. “Hey, it’s gonna be ok. Trust me, it’s going to get better John.” John looked up at Gavin, teary-eyed, and sobbed “I th-thought they l-loved me…” Reed wasn’t one for crying, but his heart definitely broke as the boy sobbed in his arms. “John, it’s going to be ok. I promise, your grandmother will take care of you. She’ll help you, and if it comes down to it, you can always come to me.” Great, another promise to a kid he’ll probably never see again. Nines was certainly surprised how Gavin reacted. Hank smiled while Connor stood confused. John gave Gavin a teary smile. The two spoke for about an hour while the DPD alerted John’s grandmother. They had a cheerful chat about life, school, current news, androids, riddles, so many things. Hank turned on the intercom and spoke, “Gavin, John’s grandmother is here to pick him up” John was spooked and clung onto Gavin. “John it’s ok, your grandma is here to pick you up and take you home to a nice and warm bed, with some warm food and hot chocolate. Alright?” John nodded and got out of his chair. Gavin followed and offered a hand to the small child. John took his hand and they both walked out.

Gavin and John were soon joined by Connor, Hank, and Nines. John stood close to Gavin until his grandmother came into sight. John let go of Gavin’s hand and ran to his grandmother and they had a loving reunion. Gavin slowly let his mind drift. Nines noticed Gavin drifting, but he started to slightly shake. Hank and Connor left so the two lov-AHEM- detectives alone.

Gavin shook slightly while John and his grandmother left. “Detective are you ok?” Asked the android. “Yeah, yeah I’m good.” Gavin kept shaking though. Nines quickly got the detective’s hoodie and put it around Gavin. “I highly suggest you go home, Detec-” “I am fine.” Gavin walked away to his desk, against Nine’s suggestions. Nines quickly followed Gavin “Gavin you need to go home, you're shaking a lot right now and that is the cause for my concern.” Gavin wouldn't ever admit he needed to go home, he never admitted to weakness but Nines was making it so damn difficult for him to say 'I'm fine' over and over, seeing the concern in Nine's eyes every time he did say it. ”Go home detective. I'll deal with the rest from here. You need to go home and I won't stop until you leave the station.” calmly said the Android, it was obvious Nines wouldn't budge. Gavin groaned in annoyance and sighed, “Ffffffffine. I'll go home.” Nines gave a small relieved smile, “Good. I'll be here at the station working. You can call me or anyone else to talk to, or to at least have some company”

Nines obviously wanted to go with Gavin, but he couldn't risk their friendship by impeding Gavin's home life. But plot twist, Gavin wanted Nines to come with him too. Gavin shakily nodded at the RK900 “Got it… thanks for covering my ass while I'm at home... ” The Android smiled fondly at Gavin “Anytime Detective.” Gavin got up and quickly made his way to leave the station so he could go cuddle up with his cats. “Detective Reed! Where the hell do you think you're going?!” Fowler's voice rang out, causing Gavin to jump and probably got a trigger. “I told him to leave Captain Fowler. Detective Reed feels sick so I told him to go ahead and leave.” Gavin gained respect for the Android as he didn't say that he felt pity for the human because he was scared. Nines created a whole cover story for him just so he could escape. “Sick?” questioned Fowler. Nines quickly responded, “He has a raging fever” Fowler stood there while Gavin hid his shakes, then Fowler finally responded, “Take as long as you need Gavin. I can't have my detectives sick.” Gavin quickly nodded and left the station without another conversation. He quickly got into his car and sighed, “Phcking Nines… you can't do this to me…” He sighed, once more, and focused on how nice it’ll be to cuddle with his two cats while driving.

Nines started working, covering Gavin’s shift along with his. He wasn’t concerned with the amount of stress he would possibly encounter, but Connor was. Connor was a younger brother, but who was definitely older than Nines. Confusing, yes, but funny. “Nines are you sure you know what you’re doing?” Questioned the RK800. “I am very well aware of what I’m doing Connor, Gavin was obviously not feeling well so I told him to go home.” Responded Nines. “But, Nines-” “Enough Connor, I do not need a life story about how I should’ve taken him home and take care of him. I also don’t need an explanation of why I shouldn’t overwork myself.” Nines then turned to his work, but Connor was determined to send Nines home with Gavin. “Nines. He nee-” “Connor I am not about to go and risk my friendship with Detective Reed. I am not like you, I don’t have the guts to go and break into his home.” Nines was tired of the android’s constant badgering to ‘Get the boy’ as he put it. Hank ushered Connor away while Nines continued on with his work.

💙~~~~~💙

Gavin left the station at around 4, Nines checked the time as it was now 6:30. Connor and Hank left 30 minutes ago. Nines decided it was time to head home, but something didn’t sit right with him. He brushed it off and left the station. The android started his long journey home. It was still pouring rain, as it was Detroit. It was common. Nines didn’t mind the rain, it was peaceful to him, the sound of rain hitting the cold pavement. Creating puddles that the drops would then hit. Hearing the rain hit cars, umbrellas, stores, anything. Nines analyzed his surroundings until he got a call. The name of the caller was ‘Dipshit’. The android knew who called him and he instantly picked up. “Detective Nines, what’s your problem?” It was silent on the other side, which caused concern for Nines. “Detective Reed?” It was still quiet. The android’s LED went from blue to yellow. “Gavin are you there?” Questioned Nines. A small ‘mewr?’ came from Gavin’s side. “Gavin?” The cat mewed at what Nines suspected was Gavin. A small sniffle could be heard. “I know sweetheart, I should stop crying over this.” Nines’ LED glowed red as he quickly started walking to Gavin’s home. “Gavin are you ok?” “Wh-ah? H-hehh...smart cat…” Shakily laughed Gavin. “Are you ok? Do I need to come over?” Gavin’s cat gave an affirmative mew while Gavin questioned how much Nines heard. “H-heh, some company would be n-nice…” Nines knew Gavin wasn’t feeling well, but he didn’t expect it to lead to tears or a mental breakdown.

Nines’ voice was never really… human per se, but he sounded more human than android in this one moment, “I’m heading over, if you don’t want me over, I’ll turn around and head home.” This was Gavin’s one chance to be alone with Nines, out of work, and his cats made his choice for him. The cats objected to Nines going home. Nines gave out a small chuckle, “It looks like your ‘furry bastards’ made your choice, Gavin.” The man on the other side of the phone chuckled, “I guess they did.” Two mews could be heard. “I’ll be over in a few minutes, I will warn you I will most likely be soaking wet.” “Are you walking in the rain!?” Nines smiled and his LED slowly turned to blue. “Gavin I don’t own a car-” “What about Hank and Connor!?” “They left 30 minutes before I did, and even if they did I would still walk in the rain coming to your place.” Gavin couldn’t argue with the android’s logic and he gave up with this mini argument. “C….... Could you stay on the phone while you walk here?” Mumbled the detective. “Of course I can Dete-” “Gavin. Just… call me Gavin.” Nines gave a fond smile even though Gavin couldn’t see his face. “Gavin it is.” Nines kept walking while smiling, he really did love his conversations with Gavin, even if they sat in silence. “Nines?” “Yes, Gavin?” There was a small silence, till a cat interrupted it. “Sweetheart I know you wanna meet him, my fluffy bastards demand you walk faster” The android laughed and smiled “I'll try my best Gavin.” Gavin smiled, and unconsciously said, “You sound so human right now and I hope that never changes” Nines was caught off guard and smiled, there might have been a blush. “I'm glad you find my new voice nice, Gavin. I will try my best to keep it as human as possible” Gavin made panicked noises and Nines just fell for him even more. “Don't worry Gavin, I'll keep your secret, I'm about 5 minutes away.” “Wait how did you find my address? Wait, don’t answer that.” Nines laughed at Gavin’s stupidity and walked onto Gavin’s front porch. “Well, I’m here Gavin. I’ll meet you at the front door.”

Gavin hung up and walked over to the front door. Nines anxiously stood there. I mean, it was the first time Nines was ever THERE. It wasn’t every day you were invited to your crushes house. Gavin opened the door. “Hi…” Gavin nervously waved, coated with tears. “Hey.” Nines waved back. “May I come in?” “Uh, Y-Yeah!” Gavin opened the door trying to hide the fact that he teared up more knowing his android friend actually came. Nines walked in and admired the house. “Nice place.” Gavin shut the door and slowly made his way to Nines’ side. “Yeah, it helps when you’re close to Elija Kamski and cousins with him.” ��That explains a lot about the house now.” Nines analyzed the fireplace, it was rarely used from his view. “So you’re all wet. Uh,” Nines realized his coat was absolutely soaked and his shirt was too. “Ah, I forgot I walked through the rain.” Nines took his coat off, hung it up, and walked over to Gavin’s fireplace. “What are you doing?” Nines gave a faint smile and started a fire. “Go ahead and sit down on the couch, I’ll take care of you.” “Take care of me?! That’s not wh-” “Get on the couch, Gavin.” Gavin sat down on his couch and a fluffy cat walked next to Nines. The cat sat down next to Nines as he started a fire. The cat glared at the android figuring out if he was friend or foe. “Ease up Misty, he’s a friend.” The flame grew into an actual fire and Nines moved away from the fire, gently petting the cat. Gavin hid a sniffle but it wasn’t well hidden from Nines “Are you ok Gavin?” The man slightly nodded yes but his eyes cried no. Nines picked up the cat and gently sat her down in Gavin’s lap. “Enjoy the fire and the company of the cat, I'll make you something warm to drink. Is that alright or do I need to stay near?” Gavin just fell more in love with a robot. “I... don’t know what I want…” Nines stood there and gave a gentle smile “Then I guess I’ll stay here. You don’t have to talk if you don’t want to, but I’m here” Gavin looked at Nines with a small tearful face. The android slowly sat down next to Gavin and looked at the fire.

“You probably already know why I’m panicking.” Nines hesitated on his words. “I...Actually don’t know.” Gavin sat in disbelief. Why wouldn’t Nines know? “Why don’t you know” Questioned the man. Nines slightly fidgeted with his hands. “I...Prefer that you’d tell me rather than having me barge into your business when it’s not my business.” Gavin gently pet Misty and looked into the fire. “So, you’d rather I tell you than find out yourself?” Nines nodded. “It’s… a trust thing. I don’t want to lose your trust or we would become horrible partners.” There was an awkward silence. All that was heard was the crinkling of the fire, Misty’s purrs, and the pitter-patter of the rain. Gavin had a new trust for Nines knowing that he actually opted not to look into Gavin’s past and wanted him to explain it. I mean, yes it was a risky subject with Gavin, but, Nines wanted to know what happened through Gavin’s perspective. They both stayed quiet. “Why...Are you upset? Why were you the only one who was able to speak with the child?” Gavin pulled a blanket around himself and sighed. “The kid was supposedly abandoned. Which hits close to home for me. I…ngh. It's difficult to talk about.” Misty cuddled up against Gavin offering comfort. It was then Nines noticed Misty was an android. “You… have an android cat?” questioned the Android. “Uh... yeah! I rescued her off the streets, kept her warm, and taken care of. In return, she takes care of me.” “I thought you hated androids?” Gavin slightly sunk into the couch and looked away nervously. “I…don’t really have an answer..” Nines gently touched Gavin's shoulder, “Gavin it's ok. I don't think any different of you.” Gavin looked at Nines with tears. Poor thing thought Nines. “I… should probably talk about th-this..” the man choked back tears. Nines' gaze softened and he offered to hold hands. “I know this seems, what you'd call it 'gay' but it doesn't count if I say 'no homo' right?” Gavin smiled and chuckled at Nines' attempt to be hip. “Don't laugh at me! I'm completely useless in this situation!”

After Gavin's small giggle-fest he calmed down and slowly remembered about how he felt at that moment. “You really came… I thought you were spitting bullshit.” Nines gently smiled, “And leave my partner to deal with it by himself?” Nines' smile turned into a concerned face, “I've heard from Connor what Hank has attempted before Connor worked with him. I'm not going to risk you doing the same.” Gavin actually felt cared about, which was rare. The man teared up and let a small sob slip. Nines had never really encountered crying from Gavin, but it did cause his LED to change to red. “S-shit did I do something wrong? Do I need to go?” Nines slightly stood up worried he ruined his chance to explain his feelings. “Stay…please…” Gavin's voice was heartbreaking, tears were slowly falling down his cheeks. Nines quickly sat back down next to Gavin and started worrying about him. “Do you want something to drink or h-human contact? I can call Tina if yo-” “Shut up. Just... Shut up. I…” The human hesitated to speak as a surge of emotions hit him. Fear, want, need, all bastards to Gavin.

“I… need you.”

The android looked at the man. “I understand if yo-” “No, I’ll stay. I’ll stay as long as you wish, Gavin.” Gavin leaned onto Nines. Misty cuddled up between them making sure Nines didn’t try anything funny with her owner. “It’s going to be alright Gavin.” “Did you pick up my calming skills?” Nines gave a small smile. “Perhaps I did. Why?” Gavin smiled. “I’m surprised you even picked it up.” “Well, it’s a good skill to learn.” Reasoned the android. “Are you going to treat me like a child?” Nines gave a small laugh. “If it comes to it.” Gavin smiled and laughed. “Now… If you wish, we can speak of your past. You don’t have to. It’s all up to you.” Gavin looked at Nines, who was completely calm, and back at the fire. “I might. Thanks for the fire.” “You’re welcome. It was a tad cold in here and I thought the sound of the fire would be peaceful.”

Gavin gently pets his android cat. Nines spotted a small cat and beckoned him over. Gavin smiled at how sweet Nines was being. He never expected an android as stern as Nines to be sweet to his cats, and him. Out of all people, he was being sweet to Gavin. The small fluffy cat slowly approached the android. “Hello there.” Nines offered his hand out to the cat. The cat glanced at the android, then at Gavin. Nines didn’t move an inch, he waited for the cat to approach him rather than pick the cat up. The cat sniffed his hand, the android’s skin slowly retracted in the area the cat sniffed, which spooked the cat, but just a bit. His android sister did the same, so he was indeed used to it. “That’s a first.” Said Gavin as the cat climbed onto the couch and sat in Nines’ lap. “What’s new?” Asked the android. “Well Kaleb doesn’t like being near new people, so seeing him cozy up against you, it’s a new sight.” Nines smiled as he pats Kaleb. “He seems to like me.” “Maybe he knows you’ll be staying for much longer than a normal visitor.” Nines looked at Gavin who was now regretting what he said. “I’ll stay for a year the-” “Nines you dick!” Nines laughed and continued petting Kaleb. The two fell down the staircase of love, it was obvious. Even to the cats!

“So.” “So…” Nines cuddled Kaleb and Gavin cuddled Misty. “...Wanna talk about it?” Asked Nines. Gavin stayed quiet until a quiet mumble slipped from his mouth. “Yeah…” “Do I need to get anything for you?” Gavin scooted closer. Nines gently pulled a blanket over Gavin and comforted him. Gavin sighed and slowly let his guard down. “I’ll be right here.” Nines tilted his head and gave a comforting smile. “I promise I’ll take care of you.” “Nines don’t pull a Connor on me.” Chuckled Gavin. Nines smiled more. “Now, talk about your life.” Gavin sighed, “I...ngh… When I was young my parents...They didn’t really like me per se. My father drank because my mother cheated. They argued every day, they got violent, verbally abusive.” The color in the detective’s eyes slowly faded. “I got in the crossfire multiple times, their anger for each other united into one major hate for me. I got hurt, I got scars, I’ve gotten emotional damage.” Misty curled up on Gavin’s lap and attempted to comfort the man. “One day...they just…” Gavin shook his head in disbelief. “Left. They just… up and left. Didn’t take anything with them except their wallets and tech. I was even lucky that Elijah’s mother took me in.” Nines’ LED turned from blue to red. “Elijah’s family came for a visit and found me by myself. Hearing John’s story...it...it really hit close to home. Closer than I’d want it to be.” Nines looked at Gavin as he glared into the fire. “They didn’t...they didn’t come back.” Tears slightly formed at Gavin’s eyes. Nines gently pulled Gavin close. “Do you still have the scars?” Questioned Nines. Gavin looked a tad nervous.

Gavin hesitantly traced the scar on his nose, which was covered by concealer. “I...Uh…” Gavin bit his lip. Nines cuddled Gavin. “You don’t have to answer if you’re not ready, Gavin. I want you to feel safe.” Gavin let the tears flow, he actually felt safe with Nines. Misty, Kaleb, and Nines all panicked and hurried to comfort him. Gavin slowly fell into Nine’s chest while Misty and Kaleb watched every move Nines made. They wanted their owner a good significant other and if Nines played the right cards, he could stay. Nines gently wrapped his arms around Gavin while he sobbed into his chest. Gavin sobbed for about 30 minutes. He slowly calmed down but didn’t move away. “You ok Gavin?” Gavin slightly nodded and looked up at Nines. The bitch was tall. “Just...let me go do something real quick…” Gavin got up and walked away, leaving Nines and the cats by themselves. Misty and Kaleb sat next to Nines comforting him, as Nines believed he fucked up. The android was concerned while the cats comforted him.

Misty is done with Gavin’s bullshit.

Misty had enough and got up to go find where her owner was. Just before she jumped off the couch, Gavin came out. “Sorry. I had to do something.” Gavin was covering his nose. Nines got up, and you could swear you were watching a romantic drama. The cats scurried off to get popcorn. “Gavin…” Nines slowly approached Gavin. The man slightly stepped away. “Yea??” Nines slowly reached for Gavin’s hand and was ready for Gavin to pull away, but he didn’t? Nines gently moved Gavin’s hand away from his face. “It’s a horrible scar. Be honest.” Nines gently pulled Gavin close. “It isn’t Gavin. Now, this will be considered cliche but, it makes you...you.” Gavin looked ashamed and looked away. Nines tilted Gavin’s head up and gently kissed Gavin’s scar. Commence the android’s panic. “Did… you just kiss my scar?” Nines’ LED turned yellow. “Yes?” Gavin gave a small smile, “What prick programmed you to do that?” Nines smiled fondly. “I would have to put the blame on me, I am deviant, after all.” Gavin chuckled and looked up at the very fucking tall android. Nines smiled at the short ass man. Gavin glanced at Nines’ lips and slowly questioned the urge to kiss him. They shared loving glances till Nines made a move.

Gavin’s heart rate increased as they both leaned closer to each other. They moved closer till their lips touched. Just as quickly as it started, the kiss ended. Nines held Gavin close while they shared small happy and confused noises. “I’ve been wanting to do that for so long…” Gasped Gavin. Nines giggled, “Is it ok if I say the same?” Gavin and Nines shared the smile of ‘oops haha’ and giggled. Misty and Kaleb came into the room and proceeded to attack their feet. “Seems the cats have taken a liking to you.” Nines smiled and answered back in the same tone, “Seems I’ve taken a liking to you” Gavin chuckled and looked back up at his tall ass android boyfriend. “So...how would you like to stay the night?” Misty mewed ‘How would you like to stay forever?’ Nines smiled and kissed his boyfriend’s scar. “Of course.” Gavin would've stood on his tippy toes just to kiss the giant, but Nines leaned down so the man could wrap his arms around the Android's neck. Nines sweetly kissed Gavin and Gavin died from gayness. The android smiled, gently picked his human up, sat down on the couch, and sat the human on his lap. Gavin cuddled up into Nines' chest while Nines hugged him from behind.

#gavin reed #gavin has a cat #reed900 #reed900 fluff/angst #fluff #angst #rk900 nines #nines #detroit become human nines #detroit become human gavin reed #hank anderson #hank and connor #connor #dbh connor

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theoriginalladya · 3 years

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5, 8, 20, 37 for the writer asks?

from this list

5. Share one of your strengths.

Plotting. Give me a niblet of an idea and I can plot the hell out of it into a full blown story, possibly a series! lol I love plotting, actually. I just wish writing was as easy in the end! :)

8. Share a snippet from one of your favorite dialogue scenes you’ve written and explain why you’re proud of it.

Oh wow. Let me see here ... Not exactly short, but this comes from Destiny’s Hand, the ME2 story for ShepShep, chapter called “Look Good for Dead” where Jane goes to see Wrex.

(also going under cut because this got loooooong! lol

“You humans,” he muttered as he walked back over to retake his seat. “Always trying to hide what can be so clearly seen.”

Jane remained where she was for a minute or two before following suit. She didn’t bother to ask him what he meant – that was clear enough. Instead, she opted to pick at one of his earlier comments. “So, you think I’m with Cerberus too?”

The krogan leader shrugged. “You have their ship; you have their people – does it really matter beyond that?”

The ‘chair,’ such as it was, allowed Jane to sit in a manner where she could draw one knee up to her chest so she could rest her arms against it as she eyed him. “You don’t care, then?”

“I have concerns,” he admitted, “but I know you.” His deep, reverberating chuckle started again. “No other human ever stood up to me like you did on Virmire.”

Jane blinked, startled by that remark. “Really?”

The krogan’s head bobbed once before his eyes narrowed and he gave her a menacing look. This lasted only a moment or two, however, until he sat back and laughed again. “See? You aren’t intimidated.”

Jane opened her mouth to reply, but then closed it just as quickly when she realized she didn’t have a response. He couldn’t be serious, could he? “Wrex …?”

He watched her closely as she struggled. “You don’t see it, do you?” he asked.

“See what?”

Head still shaking, he said, “You wound me, Shepard. Then again, I don’t know that I’ve ever seen you intimidated by anyone.”

Jane blinked again. “I’m … not sure that I ever have been,” she replied. Frowning, she stared over at him for a moment. “Though, I seem to recall you giving a good effort the day we met on the Citadel.”

This time the krogan leader’s laughter was open and loud, a barking echo throughout the room. “You see what I mean?” He sighed and sat back. “That’s how I know you are you. You don’t back down from anyone. And, if rumors are to be believed, you headbutt like a true krogan.”

Jane gasped, her eyes widening. “You heard about that?”

“Shaman told me himself.” He gave her a toothy grin. “You’re the first human to impress him that much.”

Why am I so proud of it? I fucking LOVE WREX and writing him is such a challenge at times, but this chapter ended up coming so easily to me, I couldn’t believe it. I could ‘snippet’ the whole damned chapter for you I’m that proud of it, and that’s saying something because I’m so proud of that whole series, let alone the story itself.

I remember going into that chapter feeling intimidated at the thought of writing his voice. I stared at a blank page for almost TWO WEEKS before I finally started writing it. And once I started, once those first words were down .. the rest just flowed. And the dialogue - omg, dialogue isn’t always easy for me. Sometimes it is, but most of the time it’s like pulling teeth. Still, occasionally I hit a Zen zone, and that chapter was one of them. The relationship between Jane and Wrex in it is just ... it’s beautiful.

Here’s another snippet from that chapter - none of them can be short because one thing just flows into another into another, and I just ... AAAHHHHH!!!

Lifting her head, she turned to find him watching her intently. “Just say the word, Shepard,” he rumbled, “and I’ll send a squad of Urdnot warriors to shake some sense back into him.”

Jane sat still as a mouse; her eyes wide. “Wrex …?” His name escaped as a bare whisper.

He folded his arms across his broad expanse of a chest and nodded once firmly. “Don’t think I won’t do it, either.”

A hesitant smile twitched at the left corner of her lips even as a few tears leaked from her eyes. Sniffling softly, she murmured his name again, this time in appreciation.

His expression shifted to a scowl. “I’m trying to help you here, Shepard!”

Laughter managed to work its way into the mix as Jane swiped her hands across her face. “I know you are, you bellowing bulk, and I can’t thank you enough for it!” she shouted right back at him. Lowering her hands, she returned the scowl as best she could, nodding at him once. “I … appreciate it, I really do, but I don’t think it’s necessary.”

Wrex moved his hands to her shoulders. “You don’t want him back?”

Jane shrugged. “I do, but I want him back because he wants to be back,” she explained. “Forcing him back doesn’t help either of us.” She sighed, her smile curving just a tick more up on the left side. “But I appreciate that you want to help me. I really do.”

“Bah!” His scowl deepened and he yanked his arms away, turning to stalk across the room. When he returned a couple of minutes later, he had two more cups of Ryncol in his hand. “You have done more to help me and the krogan than anyone else ever has,” he insisted. “And rumor has it, the Reapers are going to try again.”

Jane stiffened, her eyes focused on the pouring liquid even as dread filled the pit of her stomach. “You – you heard about that, too?”

“Common sense,” he said as he handed one cup to her. “We might have defeated Sovereign, but he was only one. A scout. Scouts are sent ahead of the main forces to report back what they find. Since Sovereign won’t be reporting back, logic says those who sent him have to follow.” Glittering eyes, as if anticipating the fight, focused on her. “If we’re going to have to face more of those bastards and find a way to win, we need you leading the way.”

Jane’s breath caught in her lungs as the full impact of his words hit her. He believes me! “Wrex …”

The war leader sighed again, shaking his head. “And if you’re going to do that, you need to have your head on right,” he bellowed, cutting her off again. “That means you and your husband back together so you can focus on more important things …”

Jane’s lips twitched. “Like saving the krogan?” she asked.

“Impudent pup!” His scowl faded in the next second and he chuckled. Lifting his cup, he amended, “Maybe helping the krogan save the galaxy. Again.”

Jane’s lips formed a full-fledged grin now. “I see.” Her eyes dropped to the cup in her hand. “So … what are we drinking to this time?”

“You really don’t want me to send a squad or two after him?”

A bittersweet ache worked its way through Jane. “No,” she managed after a long moment, “I really don’t. But … thank you.” She lifted her head to find him nodding once at her. “Really, Wrex. No one has ever offered –.”

He swiped his free hand between them. “And it’s doubtful you’ll ever get that kind of an offer again,” he groused. “Especially, if you don’t quit the mushy stuff!”

Her head slanted slightly to the left, Jane asked, “Would it get you off Tuchanka and back into the fight?”

“Hah!”

Jane lifted her cup, eyeing it closely. There appeared to be about the same amount of liquid in it as before. Pulling together her last threads of bravery, she raised it in his direction. “To … Clan Urdnot,” she said, smiling, “and their leader.”

Wrex lifted his, knocking it against hers. “To Commander Shepard,” he corrected, “who at heart is Clan Urdnot.”

See what I mean???

20. Describe your perfect writing conditions.

Home alone, no cats or kids, music playing, a pot of hot tea that STAYS hot as long as I need it and all the time in the world to just sit and write ....

Or, alternatively, a notebook and pen and wherever I get an idea. I’m not picky. :P Seriously, I can write almost anywhere. I’ve learned to tune things out or listen to music on my phone if I have to drown it out. I’ve had more luck sitting in McAlister’s on lunch and writing most of a chapter than at home sometimes. (not of late, though, sadly)

37. Talk about your current wips.

I KNOW WHY YOU ASKED THIS ONE! HAHAHAHA

Okay, so ... I have a LOT of WIPs at the moment, and I just had a couple more Shepards end up on my doorstep, putting me at a solid #100 on my spreadsheet. Beyond that, I have a number of Dragon Age WIPs, plus some original fics going. One of these days, I’ll finish something! lol Too many ideas, not enough time!!!

So ... a specific WIP ... Hmm ... Well, let me just say that the Biotic Pinball Wizard group - collection of WIPs over there, I swear! lol - is one of the most interesting ones I’ve come up with. Writing the Reaper War from a perspective of being on Earth?! What was I thinking???? (oh, that’s right, Anderson’s little visits in game inspired me :P ) I’m really enjoying the challenge. Funny enough, this one isn’t as plotted through as most of my fics are. There just wasn’t enough time, plus it’s so complex, I’ve relied a lot on my inspiration throughout Nano this year to help expand it - and it’s coming along quite nicely, to be honest. I have a number of chapters partly/mostly written. I have been able to flesh out some plot points that desperately needed it, plus develop the antagonist side of things (beyond just the Reapers). Characters are falling into place. Honestly, while more challenging than I originally intended for this year’s Nano to be, it’s been well worth it and I look forward to continuing with the story even beyond Monday’s finishing point! Having Shepard, Kaidan, James and Kandra together as my core group of personalities has worked really well, too.

#Fic Writer Questions meme #ladya writes #on writing #thank you so much for asking!!!#jedirangerpenguin

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keltonwrites · 4 years

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How do I become courageous? How do I stop letting the anxiety over the uncertainty of future, or the fear of other people's judgement, dictate my life's narrative?

Ten years ago, my Zoloft prescription ran out the day I had a tumor sliced out of my neck. The surgery was on a Monday. I woke up with chest pain and nerve damage in my face. They kept me until Wednesday morning. I left the hospital with a drainage bag attached to my neck, pinned to the collar of my shirt. I couldn’t move the right side of my face. I emailed my boss.“The surgery was a little more intense than I anticipated. I don’t think I’m going to be able to make it in this week.”“Please be here on Friday.”I went to work on Friday. I couldn’t brush my hair because the pressure on my neck was too painful. The blood bag seeped occasionally on my shirt. I had the kind of sleep anyone has after their ear is partially sliced off to remove a tumor burrowing beneath it. Don’t worry — they sewed it back on. (The ear, not the tumor.)On Friday, because I didn’t understand how boundaries or rights worked, I walked across the National Institutes of Health campus toward my building looking more like a patient than an employee. My boss stared at me and then didn’t speak to me again. I wrote for four hours before I went into her office.“I need to go home.”“Have a nice weekend!” She beamed, actively looking everywhere that was not my blood bag.I smiled, sort of. The right side of my face was still temporarily paralyzed, so the left side of my mouth hoisted my cursory courtesy smile by itself.“Gonna work on my face,” I said pointing to my partially slack expression.“Sorry?”“Nerve damage. Gonna try to exercise it. Do some heavy lifting while I watch TV,” I said, my face contorting from the kind of stifled laughter usually reserved for broken ribs and strict teachers.“Ok!” She almost yelled, her own face contorting with discomfort.Over the next two weeks—tumor and medication free—I lost my mind. Stop me if you’ve heard this before. I gave away my percocet. I dyed my hair. I adopted a cat. I started a blog. And nine months later, I started a challenge called Bold Moves October. I started it because so much of my day-to-day life felt defined by inaction and complacency. Plus, the October prior is when the doctors had said, “we’re really not sure if it’s cancer or not.” Followed immediately by, “we can schedule you for surgery in three months.”It was a long three months. Death all of a sudden seemed like something that could happen. In my 23-year-old wisdom, this meant I should be more proactive. For better or worse, I primarily applied this proactivity to flirting.

We can’t all learn life’s great lessons on the first go.Anyway, that blog and that mini movement of boldness changed the trajectory of my life. One thing toppled into another. Over the next few years that blog and challenge would (directly and tangentially) get me a book deal, writing contracts, sport sponsorships, job offers, the friendship of my favorite author, the adoration of my husband, and a full-time job as an editor that would be the two best professional years of my life.The period I spent working on that blog was obviously good. It was also the most derided and insulted I would ever be. I lost friendships. I received hate mail and death threats (in 2011 no less, before every Twitter account with too many numbers in the screen name became an amateur fear monger.) I allowed people to send me anonymous messages because it was a way for people to share how they were struggling without revealing their identities. But that meant I couldn’t protect myself from anonymous and un-trackable threats. God only knows what my parents thought. (In this scenario, I am God. I know what they thought.)Courage often doesn’t feel good. The only courage that exists without anxiety is arrogance. There is not a life where you, a person who wrote anonymously to an all-but-dead Tumblr, live without the anxiety of others’ judgment. But there is also not a life where you, who—again—wrote asking for advice anonymously to an all-but-dead Tumblr, aren’t a person defined by desperate chances and hope. I apologize that you sent me that note months ago, but I assure you, it is because I too was flexing courage, letting it coarse through my veins and vanquish months of chronic nausea.Like you, I was fussing about in the woods of my life, looking for something that resembled a path. Not necessarily a path without sinkholes or poison leaves, but rather one worth them.Your path, the one it sounds like you’re trying to find, will be overgrown with the thorns of judgment and anxiety. But they’re just thorns. They’re on every path. They’re hurting you just as much on the wrong path as they will on the right one.Normally I give very ethereal advice that’s difficult to act on. It’s more like a song than an action item, but in this scenario, you don’t need to listen to someone else. You also don’t need to have a tumor spliced from your insides to remind you that at some point, our chances run out. All you need is to develop the skill of listening to yourself. For a couple of months, relax with the courage. Courage is just an instagram word for having a strong inner constitution. And that is something you can develop without framing it in the same terms we use to go to battle.

To do the work, I recommend a few things.

If you don’t already, move your body. I know how much people hate this advice. But if you can hike or run or cycle or even just briskly walk (without podcasts) for a minimum of 20 minutes a day, you should. Our gut, our intuition, our inner sense of self or whatever you want to call her, she’s not going to feel safe coming out when you’re in the mental thicket of other people’s narratives. Exercise is the closest humans have to Drano for the mind.

Find a journaling exercise that feels like maybe it’s a little too much work. If it feels conquerable, it’s too easy. I go back to Susannah Conway’s Unravel Your Year. Doesn’t matter if it’s a new year. Time is a construct.

Get the book Designing Your Life. You may not design an entirely new one, but it may help in making change feel conquerable, or just possible. If that book feels too “action item” oriented, try The Artist’s Way. It’s much more about knowing yourself than it is about art.

Make a list of the narratives that you feel other people are suffocating you with. Maybe dad wants you to be a doctor. Maybe girlfriend wants you to settle down a little. Maybe boss wants you to focus on the clerical side of your job. Maybe society wants you to buy an apartment you can’t afford. Whatever or whoever it is you feel is pressuring you, write it down. You need to know your demons to exercise them. You might even find, in time, that you even like some of these visions. They’re not the enemy. Pressure is. And pressure is only defeated by self. Isn’t that annoying?

Write to me again. Impress me. Give yourself a few challenges each week. Whether it’s applying for a class, trying something you’re bound to be bad at, getting up half an hour early to dance your heart out before work, I don’t care. Do some things that are for you. Not for others, not for profit, not for your future — just for you right now. And then use me for more than an anonymous submission on the internet. Use me as a deadline. Sometimes all it takes to get over the hurdle of pressure is a little validation. I’m here for that whenever you need me.

I’m recommending these things because I just did them.

I gave myself a deadline to change my life. Not that it was bad, it just felt… well it felt exactly how it did ten years ago: full of inaction and complacency. I was on cruise control, taking few chances, taking really nothing at all. So the next thing I took was an exit. I wanted to see what life looked like when things weren’t all concrete and white lines. I quit my job. I camped around the west. I picked up a few new hobbies. I journaled more than I did all of 7th grade. My year-long bout of nausea went away. I started to dance again. I wrote songs again. I wrote in general again. And I dug around in my psyche for the truth about what I always liked doing, what the through-lines in all my good jobs have been. Very simply, the strongest through-line was the encouragement and empowerment of others.

Most of the writing I’m doing right now will be private until it isn’t. I’m writing a horror film and still working on my first novel. But I need a weekly way to interact with people via writing lest I lose my lonely mind, so I’m bringing back the one thing got me into writing in the first place: answering people’s questions.

After writing Anonymous Asked, I was too embarrassed to promote the book. I’ve never re-read it. I fell into the spiral of what other people thought: of me, of the work, of my ideas. But I’d rather be fulfilled and insulted than bored out of my mind and forgotten.

So to encourage your courage, I am flexing a little bit of my own. My newsletter (of which this essay is a part) is now called “A Little Bit Better” and the whole point is that it helps you feel a little bit better. You can subscribe to it here. It will include essays like this and other bits of things that made that week a little bit better. I hope you enjoy it. I know I will. See you there.I wrote this while listening to:It’s a Storm - Young & SickSwing - Mahmut Orhan Remix by Soki Tukker and Mahmut OrhanKissing Other People - Lennon StellaScared to Death - Jax AndersonSound of Your Voice - Griff

#advice #newsletters #courage #courageous #griff #jax anderson #young & sick #soki tukker #lennon stella #a little bit better

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getoutofthewater · 4 years

Text

@dbhrarepairs Saturday Day 6 [Ride or Die]:

[Gavin/Leo]

Rating: G

Notes: Same Age AU, High School AU

Words: 3,200 [AO3]

They met at the foster home.

Gavin went in and out of them regularly since he’d been put in the system, nosy neighbors disturbed by his parents nasty fights had cared enough about the neglected child overridden with lice to call the authorities.

Gavin had been taken away, so he wasn’t there when his house and surname ended up plastered all over the news just like his dad’s brains, and that same nosy neighbor on the TV, framed by the yellow tape, telling to whomever would listen he’d seen this coming all along, you could see that man had lost his marbles from the get go and the missus none the better, it happened one way but it could have easily been the other, the world was better off without them, god bless.

All of this did Gavin no favors, he’d dodged that bullet, but hopeful parents weren’t overeager to take on so much baggage, by the time the powers that be decided to send him farther away from home so his name wouldn’t be linked to the crime scene, by the time it was all forgotten, he’d already decided he hated everyone, and if everyone thought he would kill them in their sleep he’d make sure their fears were justified, even if he had been worryingly stuck at 5’9 for a while, he blamed malnutrition.

When Leo was dropped off at the foster home, Gavin had recognized him immediately, all the kids there did, with his good clothes and his puffy, red eyes, it was like that movie about the stupid cartoon dogs, where the cute dog is taken to the pound, and everyone is jealous of her because they know she’s different and she’ll be out of there in no time. That’s what kids like Leo were, pedigree dipshits that were there for half a day crying their eyes out while relatives were located and arrangements were made.

Pedigree idiots were either bullied or ignored for their 10 minutes of residence, when it was clear that Leo would fight even while crying most of the kids concluded the latter option was best; but by the second week tension started to settle in, was Leo staying after all? If so the pecking order had to be established, there were one or two fights before Leo had come to Gavin maybe deciding in either a rare stroke of smarts or extreme dumbassery, (it was always hard to tell with Leo) that if he defeated the one at the top of the food chain he’d be left alone.

Gavin threw a punch right at Leo’s face, and Leo in the wild flailing he called fighting had punched Gavin in the jaw, getting him just right in the tooth that had been hurting like a bitch for weeks, Gavin was knocked down to the floor from tooth ache, his jaw throbbing, an abscess ruptured, he vomited. Someone was screaming at them for ruining the carpet, Leo’s blood was everywhere.

Gavin was forcibly taken to have a root canal done, Leo’s nose was patched up.

“I’m sorry I fucked up your mouth” Leo said when he found him that night,

“You just got lucky” Gavin mumbled, the anesthetic working better now than it had at the dentist’s office

“Here” Leo said offering Gavin a granola bar, those things were almost currency

“Are you fucking with me?” Gavin spat “I can’t feel my mouth right now, genius”

“But you will … right?”

“Whatever” Gavin said snatching the prize out of Leo’s hands

Leo sat next to him though he hadn’t been invited, Gavin didn’t know what in the fuck was happening

“Why the fuck are you still here?” Gavin snarled

Leo shrugged, trying to make the gesture look light and careless “I think my dad hasn’t returned their calls and stuff,”

Gavin had meant why the fuck was Leo still sitting next to him but it was just like this self centered dumbass to interpret it differently

“Don’t you worry, fucking dummies like you are always picked up”

“I can punch you again, you know”

“Whathefuckever, I don’t feel my face anyway”

Gavin wasn’t wrong, soon enough Leo was picked up to be taken to his dad’s house, he’d given Gavin a hug goodbye, a real hug with a gentle squeeze, and maybe some of the dummy’s luck had rubbed off on him then because a few days after Leo left it was Gavin’s turn.

Hank Anderson never thought he’d be fostering a child, maybe even adopting the child. Jeffrey and his wife fostered often, Hank hadn’t paid that much attention to it, until now, until his bad days were something he could think about in past tense.

Hank talked it with Jeffrey, with Connor, it was worth the try, not a young child though. Hank didn’t feel good about that, that would be unloyal to Cole, and yeah, it may be an illogical thought, but it was his thought and dammit he was old and what of it if he wanted to be stubborn on this one, but maybe an older kid would be alright, a teenager, maybe an unruly one that was running out of options fast. Hank could deal with that. Hank got Gavin.

Gavin entered any new situation with suspicion and aggression it had worked well for him so far, and anyway at 16 he was almost a fucking adult, he didn’t need any fucking geezer breathing down his neck, who knew if the guy was a creep, certainly not the social workers. When the geezer opened the door to his house it was even worse, there was a dog, a fucking big fucking dog. Gavin stepped back

“Nothing to be afraid of, son” Hank reassured him “Old sumo wouldn’t hurt a fly”

“I’m not fucking afraid” Gavin spat “And I’m not your fucking anything!”

“Are we going to have a problem?” Hank said raising a serious eyebrow “First five seconds, we are going to set a record, I don’t want to give that old bat that dropped you off the damn satisfaction”

Gavin had to admit the geezer had a point “I’m not afraid of the dumb dog” Gavin said surly

“Fine, but the dog is not dumb,” Hank said patting Sumo, in a way that said, ‘nevermind moody teenagers’ “come in, then”

Pretty soon it was evident to Gavin that the only creepy thing about the geezer was his cringe music collection. Hank didn’t care if Gavin was messy, or if he put his feet up on the coffee table, he didn’t care if Gavin swore as long as he didn’t swear at the dog, and Gavin was perfectly cool with the dog as long as the dog didn’t drool all over his shit, he may have even patted Sumo’s head once when the geezer was at work. Gavin had a curfew but he didn’t really mind, there wasn’t anywhere for him to be after 10 pm anyway, and lacking someone to fight, he’d gone and enrolled in the wrestling summer course at the school, where for the first time his talent for messing people up was a plus.

Gavin was aware of his luck, he could sit here and wait to turn 18; there were worse places to be; the awkward dinners Hank would insist on having together, where they sat in silence, none of them knowing what to say, trying to pretend the silence wasn’t fucking uncomfortable, all the conversation starters Hank threw out there fizzling and dying like mosquitoes bumping against a bug zapper and falling on the table miserably, those lame fucking dinners were a very cheap price to pay for a room all to himself, a bathroom he only had to share with one other person, and knowing he could sleep and nobody would come try to steal his shit or try to fuck with him.

When school started in autumn, he didn’t have any plans to make friends, but he’d already had a head start, his wrestling teammates saw him as one of them, Gavin somehow ended up hanging out with Chris a lot, even if Chris fucking sucked at the sport, members of the cheerleading team would say hi to him in the halls, he didn’t know their names, he didn’t care to know them, but they saw him as part of the team.

And then there was Tina, Gavin didn’t know quite how that had happened, you didn’t meet Tina, Tina was something that happened to you. Gavin liked her leagues better than anyone at the school, he could talk to her and Tina would actually listen to what he was saying, not just make her own fucking version of it in her head like most of the other stupid kids. Soon he found himself sitting with Tina and Chris at lunch and not hating it, and he’d feel, somewhat uncomfortably, that maybe all of this was actually working out for him.

And one day there was Leo, somehow, standing with his lunch tray in his hands and a fading black eye, looking around the hall with the lost, unseeing gaze of someone who doesn’t really have anyone to find but will put on the show of it anyway.

“Dumbass!” Gavin called out waving at him, as if he were fucking possessed, he didn’t know the idiot, what the fuck.

But Leo didn’t need more of an invitation; he sat next to Gavin, with what seemed a sigh of relief, Gavin’s two friends stared expectantly, waiting for him to make some sort of introduction, which Gavin, of course, didn’t.

“Hey, I’m Leo” Leo said introducing himself, sounding more natural and friendly than Gavin would ever have

“You got transferred?” Tina said lightly after introducing herself and Chris

“More like, forcibly removed from my old school, really” Leo said with a sheepish shrug

“How do you know Gavin?” Chris asked, trying to direct the conversation towards less awkward places

“He broke my nose at a foster home?” Leo’s words got higher to end in the pitch of a question as he realized everything in his life leading to this moment had been a mistake. “but, I also really fucked up his abscessed tooth, so it was even!”

“Oh! I can totally see that!” Tina said chirpily, kicking Gavin’s shin under the table

It was that easy, from not knowing the dumbass to suffering the dumbass daily. The excited way in which he’d tell Gavin about ice skating, the disgusting way in which he’d puke all over himself when he drank way too much at stupid parties. Leo would take Gavin’s notebooks only to draw dicks with stupid cartoon faces on them, or if he was in a very good mood cute cats, Gavin had counted 3 cats so far.

They would go on their bikes and race each other until their leg’s shook, they signed up to help at the animal shelter, and agreed to keep it a secret nobody else would know about, although Tina eventually found out and Gavin suspected Hank was not as clueless about it as he pretended to be. Some evenings they’d hang out at Hank’s and Leo would make him listen to weird albums as they sprawled lazily on the living room floor.

“You staying for dinner, kid?” Hank would ask if he found them there when he arrived from work

“Yes!, if I can,” Leo would reply brightening up “can I?”

“Sure you can, but text your dad I don’t want him wondering where the hell you are” Hank would say gruffly, still self-conscious of the easy way in which his manner slipped into a fatherly one “Dinner will be ready in 10 minutes, so get a move on!”

Leo chuckled softly when Hank left the room

“What?” Gavin asked

“Get a move on, is something you say now too” Leo said with a smirk “you got it from him”

“Many people say it” Gavin argued which only made Leo’s smirk grow wider “Shut the fuck up!” Gavin barked but that only made Leo chuckle again

With Leo there the dinners couldn’t be quiet anymore, he was always eager to babble nonsense, fueled by even the slightest trace of attention, so Hank’s conversation starters didn’t die on the spot; sometimes Connor would join them too, and that would give Gavin and Hank enough material to keep something akin to conversation when they were alone.

“Any plans for the weekend?” Hank asked as they washed their dishes, it was always easier to talk if they were busy doing something else

“Want to know if you’ll have the house to yourself for a cringe old people date?”

“Yeah that’s right, need to know if I can make plans or if I have to leave space to go search for you when you don’t turn up like last time”

“That was only because Leo drank too fucking much, I couldn’t fucking ditch him at that stupid party”

“Bit of a wild card that one” Hank said, still focusing on the soapy water, Gavin tensed foreseeing the start of a ‘you need better friends’ conversation

“Listen, kid” Hank continued “Next time, and with that one there will be a few next times, you call me, got it? I’ll pick you two up, he can sleep over”

“We are only going to the lake,” Gavin said, trying to avoid committing to anything, still instinctively suspicious of being offered good things without strings attached “we are taking our bikes”

“Does Manfred know about it?”

Gavin shrugged as he dried a glass

“Hmph” Hank grunted noncommittally “be back by 7, I don’t want you two out there after dark… and no drinking!”

“Yes, sir” Gavin replied, without as much of his usual sarcasm

But there were also the days in which Leo would be angry, and his mood would only get stormier as he ruminated over all the things that annoyed him without being able to let any of them go

“I’m just pissed off like all the fucking time” Leo would say on those days looking trapped

Gavin could see it, he knew the feeling, and he’d listen to Leo rant about his dad not caring a rat’s ass about him.

“He only throws his stupid money at me, he didn’t even come after mom died, he didn’t even come to the school when they expelled me! They ended up sending him an email” Leo said stomping his foot against the floor, looking foolish and powerless. Gavin decided he’d throw Carl Manfred down the stairs one day, accidents happened, they would never be able to prove anything.

“It’s all Markus this and that,” Leo went on “he’s not even his fucking kid, that’s me and he wouldn’t even notice if I disappeared, I’m just going to fuck off!”

“You aren’t serious”

“I fucking am!” Leo shouted “If I stay I’ll lose my fucking mind!”

Unlike Leo, Gavin had ran away before, he knew what the fuck that entailed. The cold, the hunger, the creepy fuckers just waiting for you to take your guard down, it was scary and lonely and hopeless, and Leo was not made for any of that.

“Right,” Gavin said crossing his arms “So where are we going?”

They made a plan, which involved less than honorable things like stealing some of Manfred’s paintings to sell, but they would need the money and the old prick could always paint more.

The date was set, everything was ready there were only a few more details to talk over,

“We should book a hotel” Gavin said “So we have a place to stay, I have enough in my savings for that”

Leo didn’t reply, he only stared blankly at their notes

“Anyone there?” Gavin said

“Yeah, sorry”

Gavin should have known there was something odd then, Leo was nothing if not absorbed by their future plans.

Later that day when Leo didn’t show up at the shelter Gavin knew for certain something was off; they both would skip school sometimes but never the shelter, Gavin checked his phone, no notifications, an oddity, Leo’s phone was all but fused to his hand. He opened his notebook anxiously turning the pages waiting for a reply when his eyes fell on a new note.

“I’m going away” the dumbass wrote “Sorry for not saying goodbye, but It’s better if I go alone, I have your phone number but I’m leaving my phone at home just like we planned, it’s so creepy that they can track you with it. I will try to call you when I’m somewhere”

There was a big blotch of black ink where Leo had scratched something out at the end and he hadn’t even signed it, when he’s somewhere, Gavin though setting off for the Amtrak train station. Somewhere!

“by bus is way faster, dummy” Gavin had said, “it’s only like 4 hours max”

“Yeah but by train would be so freaking dope!”

“It’s like 7 fucking hours!” Gavin said “I’m not going to sit my ass in a stinky train that smells of butts for 7 hours!”

But Leo absolutely would

Gavin bought his ticket, got on the train to Cleveland (delayed), and as he did a ton of bricks were lifted from his chest, there was no need to go any further, there in one of the seats was his fucking idiot.

“What the hell, Leo!” Gavin barked flopping on the seat next to his “What the fuck are you even doing!”

Leo clutched the cardboard tube that most likely contained the stolen paintings, seemingly at a loss for words for once

“Why the fuck are you ditching me?” Gavin spat

“I’m not!” Leo said finding his words “I really wanted you to come with me, but you can’t”

“Why the fuck not?”

“You shouldn’t waste your money on this, and you told me you like it with the Lieutenant,” Leo explained “and weren’t you going to ask him about the police academy thing? You can’t do that if we are wherever!”

“Who gives a shit about that?”

“I do!” Leo said vehemently, “You don’t have it to fuck it all up for a fuck up!”

“Fuck it, wherever you are going, I’m going” Gavin said settling on the seat, “even if you are taking us to fucking trashtown nowhereville on a fucking train out of all fucking things, you need someone there to tell you how much of a delusional deadshit you are”

Leo was quiet for a while, thinking or spacing out, with Leo it was probably the later, he sighed before he spoke “Jeez, fine! let’s go back…I’m done being a delusional deadshit for today”

“You sure?” Gavin said feeling self-conscious relief

Leo nodded, but ignoring them the train started its march,

“Oh, shit!”

“Phck!”

They sat stunned for a moment looking at each other, then Gavin grinned “Nevermind, we can go to Cleveland and get back, maybe we can even sell those fuck ugly things”

“Like, an adventure!” Leo said perking up, “The Lieutenant will ground you forever though”

“That’s on your dumbass!” Gavin said, pushing Leo away playfully, before taking out his phone to send a text to the old man.

#dbhrarepairsweek #leo manfred #gavin reed #gavin x leo

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dbhtychou · 4 years

Text

Keep Me Warm

This is theoretically part of the “Deviant City” universe, the true sequel to “Chicago”. I just wanted to experiment with a scene that had both the Chicago Connor and Detroit Connor in the same room, and see how it would work juggling two characters with the same name.

Extra heavy on the Hot Android side with this one.

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

Connor felt the soft body stir before Samantha sat herself up in bed. It was still the middle of the night: fully dark outside. She soundlessly walked out, but Connor didn't follow. Normally, she would be in the bathroom for a few moments and then come right back to bed. He would wait for her return. Usually it earned him a good snuggle before she dozed off again.

This time, after a trip to the bathroom, he heard Samantha wander off down the hall. Connor still remained where he was. Over a year of sharing the same spaces together, he knew she didn't need or even like him to constantly trail her. She'd come back to bed eventually.

Samantha wandered out to the main living area. She kept the lights off; she always did. Haunting the night like a silent specter. She wandered the open space trying to figure out why she felt so off. A little feverish maybe? A little shivery. Her stomach kinda hurt. It could be her medication. It had made her not feel well in the middle of the night before. She walked to the kitchen, the fridge spraying the area with light for a moment as she poured herself a glass of milk and drank, hoping that would set her right.

She went back to wandering when she heard the front door unlock. In came Connor. Not her bodyguard. Not the one that was probably still in bed. The Connor they met when they came to Detroit. The other RK800 that had become just as much a part in her life as the Connor she had known from Chicago. When the two identical androids were together, their friends called them Connor D. (Detroit) and Connor C. (Chicago) to differentiate the two. Here at home, they were both just Connor to Samantha.

The Connor from Detroit was the stray cat of the family. He had a key to let himself in, but he came and went as he pleased at all hours. This wasn't the only place he considered home, but he was always welcome there.

“Hey,” Samantha greeted quietly, as if there were people still sleeping. “So great to see you.”

Connor's expression softened at the sight of her, the side of his mouth pulling up into a smile. She always looked happy to see him, her face brightened, no matter how little or how much time it had been since their last greeting. It always made him feel warm to bask in her presence. He was aware he was slowly becoming addicted.

“You are up late. In the dark,” Connor observed. The only source of light was the glow from the band on his jacket and his LED.

“Woke up feeling a little weird. Just walking it off.”

He looked concerned and she knew he was going to ask why she was in the dark alone. But the other RK800 was already walking up the hall toward them. He was a shadow in the night in dark sweats and a t-shirt, no LED. It had taken a lot of work on Samantha's part to get the Connor from Chicago to be comfortable in casual wear. If it were up to him, he'd wear a three-piece suit 24/7. But comfy clothes were better for snuggling in bed.

“You're still up,” said Connor in casual. He pressed his fingers to the side of her neck. “You feel a little warm.”

“I actually feel kind of chilly.”

Connor the detective took his turn to touch her forehead. “A few degrees higher than normal,” he confirmed.

Both RK800s were now were touching parts of her skin, commenting on her temperature. Samantha took it with quiet tolerance, eyes closed. Sometimes, when the identical models were too close, their thoughts too much alike, they went into mimic mode: copying dialog and gestures from each other. Lieutenant Anderson said it was like watching two Furbies talk to each other, and twice as creepy. The two androids were never quite aware when they were doing it.

In the middle of the feedback loop, Samantha's stomach churned. She walked away and back to the bathroom. The androids, immediately silenced, followed. They found her sitting on the side of the tub, shivering. She tried to smile when they came in, but wasn't entirely appreciative of them following her around.

“You guys can go hang out. I'm just letting my tummy settle, then I'll go back to sleep.”

The two RK800s looked at each other. They were having a conversation she couldn't hear, she was sure of it. The two talked like that all the time, not realizing it. They were too synced. Two systems from the same network that joined far too easily.

She was about to press again that they should go do something else when her stomach clenched. She threw herself down by the toilet, just managing to get her hair out of the way before she threw up. A few more heaves and she fell back against the tub, panting. When one of the androids reached for her, she brushed him away and forced herself up to the sink. After rinsing her mouth, she moved past them, announcing she was going back to bed. They heard her body flop onto the mattress in the dark bedroom across the hall. Then all was still.

I feel like she's mad, Connor D. said over their link.

She's not. But she likes to take care of herself. She doesn't like to be overly doted on or babied. Connor's LED flickered as his brow furrowed. Then...what should we do?

Connor C. looked at the bedroom doorway and then down the hall. Let's go out for a while. I think she'll like if we leave her alone.

Clearly, Connor D. didn't agree, but he followed the older RK800 down the hall and watched as he put on a pair of sneakers. When they left the house and Connor C. locked the door, Connor D. spoke aloud this time.

“You are sure we should leave her if she's not well?”

“I can tell when she gets to that point where she wants her own space.” Connor C. started down the pathway to the sidewalk. “We'll let her sleep for a while and come back at dawn. She'll probably be feeling better by then. And Samantha likes it when we spend time together.”

Connor D. looked at him with a brow raised.

“She thinks of the two of us as family. Brothers, I suppose.”

Connor D.'s mouth turned down slightly. He was still grasping this concept of family, but the Other Connor didn't feel like a family member to him. More like they were two parts of the same network; a hive mind, working independently, but ultimately as one.

Connor C. gave him a quirked smile. Let's just humor Samantha for now.

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

Dawn was peering over the horizon when the androids returned. Inside, they entered to the sound of retching down the hall. They found Samantha practically hugging the toilet as she continued to heave into the bowl.

“Sam?” Connor C. asked as she spat out the last of the bile.

With low coordination, she managed to flush and turned in their direction. There was no color to her face. “Okay, I think I'm sick,” she admitted with a dry throat.

The androids looked at each other. Hopefully she was done having her own space now and ready to accept some help.

Connor C. stooped to offer her a hand, but she waved it away.

“No, I'm going to stay here. I don't think I'm done with the barfing yet.”

If he still had his LED, it would have been flickering in the yellow. “Then what can I do?”

“Get me a blanket and some water please?”

He left with his task. Connor D. remained, carefully sitting on the bathroom floor beside her. She still knelt in front of the toilet, arms folded on the seat, waiting for another wave.

“That looks like it hurts,” he said sympathetically.

“Weirdly, there's a part of it that feels good. Your stomach hurts so bad, you would give anything to get rid of it. Then you have that one moment of relief when you've puked it all out. Tummy's okay again. But then it starts all over.”

A blanket dropped over her shoulders and Connor C. handed her a cold glass of water. She sipped it gingerly, then groaned when her stomach roiled again.

“What else can I do?” Connor asked, hovering.

“Nothing. I've got a stomach bug. There's nothing to be done but ride it out.”

He kept hovering. He touched her shoulders. “Just let me--”

“I don't need your help puking my guts out,” she cut him off with a cranky tone. “I just need to be left alone. Go do something else for a while.”

She motioned to Connor D. as well to get himself out of her bathroom and the RK800s grudgingly left. It was another twenty minutes of dry heaves and retching out the water she drank before Samantha decided it was safe enough to leave the toilet for a while. Directly outside the bathroom, an identical android sat on either side of the door.

“For the love of crap,” she grouched at them. “I promise, you two can go do something else. I'm just going to stay in bed--” She paused as she suddenly felt light-headed and her vision flickered black for just a second.

Both androids were on their feet as she swayed, catching her between them. For a moment, the three of them hung there. Two firm, strong bodies pressed against her, holding her up. Another time, if this happened when she wasn't so sick, something like this would have sent her heart racing, a healthy flush to her cheeks. Instead, she felt the thud of their thirium pumps. They were worried about her.

She let out a heavy sigh. “Please put me to bed. I'm going to rest.”

Happy to have a task, Connor C. picked her up as gently as he could and set her under he blankets. Samantha then told them both to leave her alone so she could sleep.

The disgruntled androids hovered in the hall, not at all satisfied with their situation.

She is not being very cooperative, Connor D. complained.

I know, his counterpart agreed with a frown. She's acting like she doesn't trust us to know what to do.

She's right. We really don't know anything about taking care of sick humans.

Connor C. looked thoughtful. What if we contacted someone who does? Who do we know that knows more about humans than anyone else?

The two androids thought hard about all the different individuals they knew.

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

There was a soft knock at the door. It was opened to reveal the blonde countenance of a PL600. He looked less than thrilled to be there.

“Alright, where's the patient?” Simon asked.

The two Connors pointed him down toward the bedroom, but were hesitant to follow him inside. Simon stepped in brazenly. The little human didn't hold the same sway over him.

“Samantha.”

She groaned and raised her head. “Oh my God. Did they call you?”

“I'm afraid so.”

“Don't you have more experience taking care of children?”

“In my experience, all humans are children when they're sick.”

She huffed at the implication as he walked over to her.

“Why did those two call you of all people?”

He smirked. “Because you and I both know they are idiots when it comes to things like this.” She snorted as he sat on the bed next to her. “But they're your idiots and they care about you very much. That's why I came.”

She sighed. “There's still nothing you can do.”

“There's some things I can do. First we're going to set you up on the couch. It will be harder to sleep tonight if you've been in the bed all day.”

With great effort, Samantha pulled herself out of bed, draping one of the blankets over her shoulders. She shuffled out and began to sway as she entered the hall. Simon was there, an arm around her shoulder to steady her.

“You've got it pretty bad.”

“I've never been this sick. I've only had it this morning and it's already knocked me out this much.”

The RK800s comically kept their distance as Simon set her up in the living room. They seemed afraid of earning the human's wrath after calling for reinforcements and waited for him to approach them after he was finished.

“So what can we do?” Connor C. asked.

“I have a whole list of things you can do. To start, one of you can clean the kitchen while the other goes out for groceries.”

Both Connors frowned at him.

“That's not what I meant.”

Simon raised a challenging brow. “You're saying you expect her to clean this house after she recovers? And when she's able to keep food down again, she should do her own shopping before she can eat? You two make terrible boyfriends.”

Connor C. looked offended. Connor D. was surprised. Yes, he was over all the time, her cared about her—about them both—a great deal. But...boyfriend? He wasn't like that to her...was he?

“I'll stay here and clean,” Connor C. said with a dark glare. Of course he would stay. Those bodyguard protocols wouldn't allow him to go too far when Samantha was vulnerable and weak. Even they were out walk earlier, thinking Samantha would be fine, the two RK800s just kept circling the block. “Connor will do the shopping.”

He didn't even have to ask Connor D. if he agreed to it. There were things the two RK800s just knew about each other through their shared network. Connor D. nodded to confirm.

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

Samantha woke from her dozing when she heard the front door shut. Connor D. walked past them, grocery bags in hand. At some time while she slept, he had removed his android jacket and tie. Only his pressed white shirt remained, the top buttons undone and sleeves rolled up to the elbows. It was a good look for him.

“Did you send him to the store?” she asked.

Simon was on the couch with her while she snoozed. He picked a movie and then allowed Samantha to set a pillow on his lap so they could both fit.

“Yes, I put them to work,” Simon said proudly. “To keep them out of both our hair.”

“Where's the other Connor?”

“He angrily cleaned the kitchen and now I can hear him angrily cleaning the bathroom.”

Even from the living room, they could hear Connor furiously scrubbing the tub down the hall. Samantha found it amusing. She had never seen Connor clean before. Her philosophy is if you make the mess, you clean it up. She was the one who used the bathroom and kitchen. She never expected someone else to clean up after her.

“Why is he so mad?”

“Probably because I'm here with you and he's cleaning.”

She snorted, but gently. Her head was pounding something fierce.

“You should let them help you,” Simon suggested.

“I don't like Connor treating me like I need his help and protection every minute of the day. He's got that stupid bodyguard program in him and it makes him too obsessed. I don't want his entire life to just evolve around me. I want him to be able to go out and make friends, do things on his own.”

“He can still have all that and take care of you while you're sick. You're obsessive, too. You have to stop trying to protect him from what you imagine is bad for him. Let him make his own decisions.”

She sighed.

“I'm going to let them take care of you,” Simon said as he eased himself from under her.

“Must you?” she whispered as she saw Connor D. lurking in the doorway.

“I will leave them with instructions. It will be fine,” Simon said. “Call me when you feel better.”

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

Samantha dozed for a minute, then Connor D. in his pressed shirt came in. He set down a tray table with saltines and ginger ale, informing her to eat a little at a time when she felt like she could hold something down. Samantha ignored it. She had never felt this sick in her life. Death was preferable to feeling like this.

Connor then tried to finagle himself into Simon's old spot. Samantha closed her eyes, praying for patience as he lifted her and then set her head in his lap. She didn't feel like being moved or touched, but she also didn't want to get cross with him. He was trying. Then, when her head was settled, he began running his fingers through her hair and she forgave everything. This was the only thing that felt good on this day of misery. She was soon fast asleep.

***********

She woke up later to Connor still where he was, the TV still going. Connor C. was there now, too. Sitting on the floor, his back against the couch. He turned his head when she touched his hair.

“How do you feel?”

“Like shit,” she croaked.

He looked so lost. “How can I help you?”

She caressed his check. “My soft android.”

“You should try to eat something,” he responded sternly.

She sighed. He wasn't going to stop trying. And she loved him. More than anything else in the world. So she forced herself to sit up and nibble on some crackers. Soon after, she stumbled weakly to the bathroom and threw up again. She returned to the couch and pointedly turned her back on them and fell asleep.

Later that evening, she tried eating again under the androids' watchful eyes. This time, it stayed down, so she allowed them to warm some broth for her.

When when it was time for bed, the androids insisted she take a hot bath. Simon's orders, no doubt. Samantha didn't have the fight left in her and they took full advantage of her weakness. Standing in the pristinely cleaned bathroom, one RK helped her undress while the other ran the bathwater. She was so out of it, she wasn't even paying attention to which one was which. Sometimes, it seemed they were both just Connor.

Even though it was warm in the bathroom, she shivered violently when her skin was exposed. Her head still pounded. Android arms pulled her into a warm body. It felt nice, even though her whole body ached. And she knew both those silly androids would climb into the bath with her—fully clothed—if she let them. So she insisted she could get in herself.

The bath was deliciously hot and scared away all her tremors after a moment. She tried to shoo the androids away, but they didn't go far. Samantha closed her eyes for a while, and then opened them to find Connor D. sitting on the toilet lid reading a book. Connor C. sat like a silent guardian against the side of the tub. She ran her finger behind the shell of his ear and he looked her way.

“I'm sorry I am being difficult today,” she whispered.

“I'm difficult everyday, so I'll allow it,” he replied with gentle humor. Then he turned and dipped his fingers in the water. “It's cooling down, you should get out.”

She tried not to sigh at the newest order. “A little longer. I don't think I have it in me to get up yet.”

“You don't have to do anything. We'll do it for you.” He promptly pulled the plug and she shivered as the water receded.

“Just put in more hot water.”

“You need to get dry and go to bed. Being wet for too long is not healthy.”

She didn't say anything. Samantha decided to give them this. She could practically see the two RK800s go into Tandem Mode. Connor D. was the one to step up and brazenly lift her nude body out of the water.

“You're getting yourself soaked,” she pointed out.

“It's fine,” he assured her. “Clothes dry.”

Connor C. wrapped her in a towel and carried her back to the bedroom where she was placed on the bed and quickly dried. As she began to shiver again, Connor D. returned with a large, plush sweater.

“I put this in the dryer for you,” he announced proudly.

“That's my sweater,” Connor C. protested.

Trust me, Connor D. transmitted as he tugged the overly-large material over her head.

Samantha instantly snuggled into it. “It's like a warm, fluffy cloud,” she crooned. It was the best mood they had seen from her all day. She stayed in sweeter spirits as they dressed her in warm socks and plush sleep pants. Connor C. had to concede that it had been a good idea.

She was promptly put to bed, the lights turned out. It was a bit before her bedtime, but Samantha was ready to go. Still dressed in the T-shirt and sweats from the night before, Connor C. slid under the covers with her. There was finality in his actions. He would abide no discussion on this. Samantha had no argument left. She was silently quite satisfied with cuddling up to his warm body for the night.

Behind her, the second body slipped under the covers. His shirt and pants were missing.

“My clothes were wet,” Connor D. said at her questioning look. “Is that alright? I can put something on.”

“You do what makes you comfortable,” she replied. Something she had told their stray cat of an android many a time. He was allowed to be a part of their lives in whichever way suited him best.

In the dark, the two bodies caged her in, limbs draped all around her. Samantha was too exhausted and out of it to really process it all. But it was comfortable and warm. Her head still hurt, but she managed to drift off.

In the middle of the night she awoke, hot and sweating. The two androids were practically smothering her and she squirmed between them with a whine. When they figured out what she was trying to do, there were helping hands removing the sweater and pants.

“Won't you be cold?” one of the androids asked.

“Keep me warm,” she murmured, snuggling in.

She was already dozing off again as she felt hands check the temperature of her face and neck. Then the two forms settled in around her once again. She sighed, skin to skin was always better. Even more than fuzzy boyfriend sweaters. She fell asleep to the gentle thrumming of two RK800 thirium pumps pressed against her.

#cute girls and hot androids #of course I did the sick prompt too #I'm a sucker for these stories #Two RK800s is better than one #Double your pleasure #With Bonus Simon #dbh

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hispeculiartreasure · 5 years

Text

All We’ve Got is Time - Chapter Four | B.B.

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Female Reader

AU: If They’d Survived/Post-War/Window Washer!Bucky Barnes

Rating: Teen

Word count: 3,371

Chapter 4/24

Warnings: Very brief, yet strong language

AN: Let me just say that I am profoundly grateful for the love this series is getting! I am enjoying your comments and theories and am so flattered by your praise. I didn’t get a chance to respond to every comment like I usually do - my car accident took care of that. I’ve had a hard time focusing and coping after that traumatic day so I hope everything in this chapter is in order. Love you all so dearly. Come scream at me when you’re done. 💖

Chapter Three

‘All We’ve Got is Time’ Masterlist

Exiting the elevator the next morning you fumble through your handbag, trying to find the lipstick you didn’t have time to put on before you left.

Of all mornings for the subway to not be working it had to be today. I’m so late, I’m gonna have to bust my tail before Anderson notices.

“Good morning, Mrs. Flannery,” you say absentmindedly as you approach her desk.

“You’re late. I have-”

“I know, it’s been a hell of a-- excuse me, it’s been a heck of a morning,” you interrupt, head still down, lipstick nowhere to be found.

“Miss-”

“It won’t happen again, I promise.” You rush past her as your mental to-do list only grows longer.

“Ahem.”

There was no denying that was aimed toward you. You come to a halt, slowly turning back to the daunting woman. Peering over her glasses, one hand perched on her hip while the other was stretched out to you, grasping a piece of paper.

“This was left for you yesterday afternoon after you had completed your shift.” You timidly reach for the slip, when Flannery pulls it back at the last moment. “I feel the need to remind you that this is a place of business. Not romance, not courtship, not frivolity. I meant what I said on your first day - beaus are not allowed in this office. This is the only time I will extend grace. Understood?”

Mystified you take the paper, nodding your understanding.

What the hell is she talking about?

Suzy sidles beside you on the walk to your desk before she whisper-shouts, “The note was for her!”

Immediately, six other women leap from their desks and huddle around you talking a mile a minute.

“We were here when he dropped it off!”

“He was so cute!”

“Why do I feel like I’ve seen him in the movies?”

“Maybe he’s a war-hero?”

“He looked familiar,” Connie muses.

“Who cares! What does it say?” Suzy urges as she pokes your arm.

The huddle falls silent as you open the neatly folded note.

The gaggle of girls around you squeal for a moment before Flannery’s harsh shhhh quiets everyone to whispers.

“How sweet.”

“He’s one of the window washers?!”

“Wait, we have window washers here?”

“I still feel like I know him from somewhere else. . .”

“Well, how do you feel?” Suzy draws the focus back to you.

You bite your lip. “Umm. . . it makes me feel. . . pretty great.”

“Jeeze, for you that may as well be equal to jumping up and down!” One nudges you gently with her elbow. “What are you gonna do?”

“Do? I- I’m not going to do anything. I got a nice note and I appreciate it,” you state, hoping it would bring an end to all the attention surrounding you. It didn’t.

“Oh come on!”

“Have you been flirting? You need to be more tantalizing!”

“You have to find him right now!”

“Show us your moves, we can help!”

Waving your arms for quiet you declare, “I’m already late and if I don’t get to work, I’ll be canned before I get the chance to see him again. Is that what you want?”

Everyone begrudgingly trudges across the office while Suzy lags behind. With a knowing grin she says, “Lemme know if you wanna talk about it. It’s nice to see you smile like that.”

As she leaves you plop down into your desk chair, rereading the note. It’s then that you realize just how much you’ve been smiling the last few minutes and just how fast your heart was beating.

Yeah, I could tell you enjoyed the new look. Why am I blushing all over again?

He came up here to try to talk to me. To actually see me. In person. He faced the wrath of Flannery to get up here and leave this.

He can’t wait to see me? Does he look forward to seeing me as much as I look forward to seeing him? Of course he couldn’t be bothered to sign his actual name. What a tease.

It takes a shout from Anderson’s office to bring you back to reality. Propping the note against your typewriter you read it one more time before grabbing your pencil and notepad.

For the rest of the day you anxiously check the window every few minutes, waiting for the author of your note. Every moment you feel self-conscious, not sure what you should do when he stops on your floor. Is he expecting more to come from this? Do you need to be a little more flirtatious, like some of the girls had mentioned? Should you be making more of an effort? Is that something you even wanted?

But then you see him and the uncertainty fades away. The work day is almost over before he descends to the sixth floor. You make eye contact, check your watch, and tap its face twice. You’re late.

He nods while wiping his brow. His head lolls to the side, eyes closed, tongue sticking out in a comical manner. Slept in.

Shaking your head and tutting softly, you raise an eyebrow.

Both his hands shoot up in a I know, I know. Won’t happen again.

With a short nod, you go back to filing and leave Window Washer to his work.

By the time you turn around, you expect him to be gone. To your pleasant surprise, he seems to be waiting for you. He beckons you to the window. When you get close enough, you notice something written in the suds at the very bottom of the pane. The word doesn’t make sense to you, so you scrunch your eyebrows at him.

He taps himself on the chest several times and mouths “my name”. You look again and it finally clicks. B-U-C-K-Y. You nod your understanding and smile. It isn’t until he points at you that you realize he’s waiting for your name. You press your finger to the glass, waiting for him to mirror your touch. You trace your name on your side, allowing him to spell it on his side. He reads it and grins wide. Nice to meet ya, he mouths.

“Mary! Get in here, take notes.” You turn from the voice, eyes rolling into the back of your head.

Hooking a thumb toward your boss’ office, you sigh deeply. Gotta go.

Bucky held two fingers to his brow and gave you a half-hearted salute. Good luck in there.

------

You are dutifully typing a letter when a pair of shiny Oxford heels appear in your peripheral vision next to your desk. “You need to go ask that boy on a date.”

Heaving a sigh, you keep your eyes on the task in front of you. “Didn’t we have this discussion yesterday, Suze?”

“Yeah, and you still haven’t wised-up.” Papers rustle on your desk as Suzy props a hip against it.

“On the contrary, I think I’m exercising a lot of wisdom.”

She scoffs, finally drawing your attention away from your paperwork.

“Someone’s a scaredy cat.”

“Suzy.” You fix her with a pointed look.

Pretending to have a sudden interest in her cuticles she mutters, “It’s the only possible explanation.”

“How do we know that note was an invitation? What if he was just saying hi? What if he-”

“Mhmm. Those are the thoughts of someone who is unafraid.”

“How do we even know if he’d want to go on a date with me?” You lean back in your chair, tired of this conversation.

The redhead’s eyebrows shoot up her forehead. “I’m sorry - ‘You looked beautiful’? ‘Can’t wait to see you’? Sorry, doll, but people don’t say that to just anyone. I adore you, but I can definitely wait to see you if it means coming in to work.” She dodges the playful kick you aim in her direction. “All I’m saying is that you weren’t here when he left that note - I was. He was all kinds of antsy and blushing.”

“He works outside, maybe he had a sunburn,” you deadpan.

“You were just talking about how you barely know anyone in the city and you need to meet new people. He’s new people!”

“But I don’t even know if I want a romantic relationship right now.” “Then you’ll tell him that after your first date if you still feel that way. But why shut it down now when it doesn’t even exist yet? Maybe he’s lonely too-” Suzy’s eyes dart behind you and her posture changes. She leans in toward you, feigning interest in the letter you’d abandoned. “Oh yes, those are the addresses I was looking for. Don’t know how they got on your desk. And you needed something from me right?”

You sit stunned by this sudden change of behavior until you see Flannery approaching your desk.

“Uhh-yes. I was wondering what the protocol would be for when. . .” you both watch as the office manager floats into the filing room and shuts the door behind her. You and Suzy relax back into your previous positions. “I never said lonely,” you point out, shoving your defensive instincts down.

Suzy rolls her eyes and with a wave of her manicured hand says “Fine, fine, you’re being adventurous. Does that make you feel better?”

“No.”

“Answer me one last question, Newbie, and I’ll leave you alone.” Raising a brow, you wait for the question. “What’ve you got to lose?”

You weren’t able to answer then, and you still don’t have an answer now.

Under Suzy’s watchful eye, the second your watch reads 12 o’clock you leave your desk and hustle down the stairs, hoping the physical activity would work out some of the anxiety in your chest. It doesn’t.

Turning the corner toward the service entrance you see the window washers gathered outside in a loose group, taking their lunch break. Your heart begins to beat faster when you imagine actually holding a conversation with Bucky. What in the world were you going to say to him?

I really should’ve thought this through a little more.

But then your feet were taking you toward the group and it was too late to turn back now. The clicking of your shoes on pavement draws the attention of each man whose heads simultaneously swing to watch you. You stop a few feet away from them, losing your words.

“Can we help you, miss?” The apparent leader of the window washing crew steps forward. He’s much younger than Bucky, scrawny and tan. He’d be lucky to be 18.

“Um. . .” you scan the faces, not finding the one you’re looking for. “Is Bucky around?”

The leader’s eyes narrow, giving you a too-thorough once-over. “Whaddya want with him? If it has to do with windows, I’m in charge here. Name’s Harrison. Maybe I can help you out.”

You control the urge to fidget under his scrutiny, steeling yourself to squarely match his gaze. “No, there’s something else I need to discuss with him.”

“He had to skip out early today. Something about a family emergency.”

“Oh. I see.” You think for a moment, not enjoying the pack of men watching you like vultures. “Would you let him know I stopped by?” You turn on your heel when Harrison speaks again.

“What’s your name, baby-doll?”

Shutting your eyes you remind yourself to watch your temper. Thinking better of giving your name, you spare a glance over your shoulder. Coldly you reply, “Tell him ‘Sixth Floor’. He’ll know.”

More questions are shouted at you but you keep walking, very familiar with the rakish tone in which they were spoken. You didn’t have time for drooling boys. For a moment you worry that Bucky is cut from the same cloth as them. But something deep in you urges that he’s different.

Unbeknownst to you, when Bucky arrives at work the next day Harrison actually does mention your visit.

“Barnes, some broad came lookin’ for ya at lunchtime yesterday.”

Bucky doesn’t spare a look from his kit he was preparing for the day. “Yeah? What for?”

“She wouldn’t tell us. Seemed kinda stuck-up and snooty. Like she was better than us or something.”

Hitching his kit over his shoulder to head to the roof, Bucky smooths back a stray strand of hair. “I hate to break it to ya, but if she was acting like that I’m sure you deserved it.” As the kid who was technically his supervisor opens his mouth to protest Bucky interjects, “Did she say anything else?”

Unamused, Harrison practically pouts. “She just said ‘sixth floor’ and said you’d get it. Then she left.”

Bucky stills immediately at the mention of you. “Really? She said that?”

“Yup. Was a bombshell too, real date-bait if you catch my drift.”

Eyes closing, Bucky imagines strangling the teenager in front of him rather than actually carrying out the action. “Shut your trap.”

“Wish she’d stop by again, wouldn’t mind an evening of necking with her.” He conspiratorially winks, mistakenly thinking he would go along with the sentiment.

Squaring up with Harrison, Bucky leans in dangerously close and says lowly, “You’d better watch that mouth, kid.”

“What’s the big deal? She’s not your girl or anything is she?”

“Doesn’t matter,” Bucky insists, eyes practically boring through the terrified kid in front of him. “She’s not yours, so don’t be a creep. Girls don’t like creeps, if you haven’t caught onto that yet. And I don’t either.” He leans back, smirking with satisfaction at the deer-in-the-headlights look he was getting. Resting his brush on his shoulder Bucky turns to begin his day.

“Keep your paws off me, Barnes!” Harrison shouts to Bucky’s back.

“I didn’t touch you, Harrison. Maybe you would’ve noticed if you weren’t always on skirt patrol,” Bucky tosses over his shoulder as he begins to climb the fire escape.

As Bucky climbs higher his thoughts turn to you. You’d been looking for him. You’d obviously shut down Harrison and the rest of the boys. Anyone that sassed that kid was a hero in his book.

Maybe his note hadn’t been a total disaster after all. Once he’d gotten into bed that night, he fretted over that dumb piece of paper for hours. He thought of a million things he could’ve said besides the three hastily scribbled lines. A million kinder, wittier, more fitting words for you. You’d been nice enough the next day, playful even. And he’d finally gotten your name - a sweet, suitable name that rolled around in his head for hours. But he couldn’t help feeling like he needed to do more.

He found himself even more excited to get to the sixth floor today, to see you, to have a little hope, to share in a smile. Though that’s not exactly what happens.

------

“Get in here, NOW!”

Anderson’s tone instantly drowns your insides with dread.

You rush to his door, quietly opening it. Anderson’s heels are crossed, kicked up to rest on the edge of his desk. His eyes bore into you, disdain obvious.

“Sir?” you make out much smoother than you feel.

“Do you know what this is?” he flicks a letter across his desk toward you. Quietly picking it up, you silently read its contents.

“The steel mill is turning down our partnership offer? Because they never received paperwork? Sir, I definitely-”

“Read the letterhead,” he bites out. “And then read what you sent out. What do you notice, Doris?” Another letter is flicked in your direction. You bite back a retort about your name.

Holding the letters side-by-side, a pit drops in your stomach. “I copied the address incorrectly.”

Anderson gives you a tight nod, jaw clenched. The room is claustrophobic in silence.

“Sir, I-”

“You cost us thousands of dollars with this idiotic move, because you didn’t proofread your work enough? Because you can’t copy a damn number over?”

“I’m sorry, I don’t know how I missed-”

“You missed it because you were careless!” Anderson bangs a fist to his desk, causing you to jump a fraction. He stands up abruptly, stalking over to you. “This job isn’t a fucking joke. You were given a chance because you kicked up a fuss about being let go when our boys came back from war. You want this job? Act like it!” With every word Anderson steps in your direction causing you to match with a step backward. You are in his office’s threshold when he leans in and whispers menacingly, “If you can’t get a damn letter right then you shouldn’t even be here in the first place, Marge. Make sure it doesn’t happen again or you’re gone. Now get out of my office and fix your screw-up!” The door slams in your face.

Hands shaking, you make your way to your desk. Willing the tears not to fall you take a few deep breaths. Elbows rest on the surface, head in your hands, focusing on not falling apart in the middle of the busy office.

You’re tougher than this. A man raising his voice at you is nothing new. You are fine, you made a mistake. Don’t you dare lose your composure, it’ll only make you seem weak.

A tapping on the window directly next to your desk startles you. Bucky is there, looking more concerned than ever. He tilts his head, eyebrows furrowed together. What’s wrong?

The tears spill out at the kindness reflected in his own. You search desperately for a handkerchief before turning back to the window. Dabbing at your wet cheeks furiously, you gesture to Anderson’s office. You blink against the hankie, hoping to catch the makeup before it runs down your entire face. Pointing to yourself you mouth “my fault”. The tears don’t stop for several minutes, but everytime you look up Bucky is sitting at the window, watching you sorrowfully.

Eventually you dry up, puffy eyes meeting Bucky’s. “I’m fine,” you whisper, dropping your gaze to the handkerchief in your lap that you’ve been twisting into knots.

More tapping draws your attention back to Bucky, who promptly flips off Anderson’s closed door. You manage to stutter a laugh out in between your sniffles, feeling a little lighter already.

With an admonishing shake of your head that you don’t mean, you return his smile. Thanks.

You could be imagining it, but Bucky seems hesitant to move on to the next floor. Giving him what you hope is a reassuring thumbs-up you mouth, “I’m okay.”

Looking thoroughly unconvinced he watches you for a few seconds before nodding slowly. He drops out of your sight, though you still stare out the window where he had been.

------------------

One day passes where you don’t see Bucky at all.

Two days pass. No Bucky.

Three days pass. Zero handsome window washers.

When the end of your day comes and it hits you that he hasn’t made his usual stop you try to ignore the disappointment that prickles your heart.

It takes a while before it dawns on you that since you had started your job Bucky had washed every single window on this side of the building. Which meant he would move onto another side or possibly an entirely different building.

On your walk into work Friday morning, you notice that the window washing crew’s tools are absent from the sidewalk. An unfamiliar emotion has you biting your lip as you approach your desk.

I guess that’s that. We kept missing each other and time just. . .ran out. It’s not a big deal. . . If it’s not a big deal then why am I so sad?

Turning your gaze to the window immediately to your left, you notice a piece of paper in the middle of the pane. You stare for a moment, fairly certain that it hadn’t been there when you left work last night. With a purposeful step you go to the window, a sneaking suspicion in the back of your mind. You find a note written in a familiar hand taped to the outside of the window, the writing facing you so you could read it clear as day.

Chapter Five

Tags:

@abovethesmokestacks @ursulaismymiddlename @connorshero @barnesrogersvstheworld @moderapoppins @lookwhatyoumademequeue @crazinessgraveyardsandcartoons @thinkwritexpress-official @fearless2tobeme @laneygthememequeen @past-perfect-future-tense @drhughgrection @wildsageleon @promarvelfangirl @anditwasjustus @p3nny4urth0ught5 @just-add-butter @katiemarks1942 @usernamemingmei @the-canary @thorfanficwriter @blueskiesbleakeyes @silverwing2522 @satansmushroom @nerd-without-a-cause @firewolf-marvels @reginaphlanageadams @kiliakit @forsaken-letters @bouquet-o-undercaffeinated-roses @hiddles-rose @part-time-patronus @biavastarr @ellaenchanted91 @ihopeyousteponarosepetal @handfulof-roses @bloatedandlonly @barnestruck @itsbuckysworld @captainsbuck @itsbuckysworld @writemarvelousthings @havanaangel @thisismysecrethappyplace @palaiasaurus64 @fanfic-diaries @fangirlfiction @fangirlfictionmain @creideamhgradochas

#Bucky Barnes x Reader #Bucky Barnes Reader Insert #Bucky x Reader #Bucky Barnes fluff #Bucky Barnes fanfiction #All We've Got is Time #Chapter Four #beka writes

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the-beastslayers-queen · 5 years

Text

A Dangerous Game: Chapter 9

Chapter 9 has arrived, just before I go to bed. Tagging: @queenofthearchitect @biforbecky2belts @writtingrose @mrsambroserollinsacklesmgk @mox-made-me-do-it @theworldofotps @sassyspacedust @afauss2009 @calwitch @sammyfireheartashryver @jeffhardyenigmawwefan @romans-babygirl-wwe @romansrgn @accidentalsethrollinsblog and @finnsauroraborealis If anyone wants to get in my perma tag list, hit the ask box. Enjoy!

After a lengthy discussion with Seth, he and I decided to have an encrypted and untraceable video call with both Finn and Hunter. I sent an encrypted message on the private chat server in the Bálor Club to have Finn arrange a meeting with Hunter so Seth and I could talk with the both of them about the news we had received recently. It was important that they knew so we could make possible arrangements to get the rest of the Shield and Gallows and Anderson out here to stay with us to keep me safe and out of McIntyre’s hands. With me being pregnant, we had to make sure I was protected now more than ever.

“Are we ready,” I asked Seth as I set up my laptop on our coffee table, “Because there is no turning back if we tell them we’re going to have a baby. Our lifestyle might have to change when our baby comes.”

“I’m fine with that,” Seth wrapped his arm around my shoulders, “I am in love with you and our baby. I’m willing to go legit if that’s what it takes to keep my family safe. And we’ll go get married this week. I’m making you my wife and I’m not waiting a second longer.”

I got the encryption program going along with my VPN to bounce my IP address all over the country to throw off any attempts to track us down before I started the video call with Finn and Hunter. After the second ring, the video feed on Finn’s end started up and I saw that Finn and Hunter were sitting together in Finn’s office at Bullet Club.

“It’s good to see you, son,” Hunter greeted Seth once they answered, “How’s it going with you and Cat?”

“We’re adjusting to staying off the grid,” Seth replied, “We’ve been working jobs under the table and using cash only. How’s everyone doing?”

“Finn what the fuck happened to you,” I asked my brother at seeing bruises on his face and his split lip.

“Drew happened,” he replied, “He came into the club the other day and confronted me about you. I refused to tell him where you went, since I have no idea where you are anyway, and wanted me to find out. I told him I wouldn’t tell him even if I knew and that was when he attacked.”

“My question is why break your radio silence now after being gone for months now,” Hunter asked.

“Do you want me to tell them or do you, babe,” Seth asked me.

“I can tell them,” I took a deep breath before looking at the screen, “I’m pregnant. The baby is Seth’s. I just found out last week.”

“Oh shit,” Finn was shocked and just speechless, “Catriona, what were you two thinking? Drew will kill you for this affair, imagine what will to you when Drew finds you and takes you away from Seth. If he finds out you’re going to have Seth’s baby, he will kill you for betraying him.”

“That’s why we’re calling you guys,” Seth replied, “We need to have the Shield reunited up here and get Gallows and Anderson here to stay with us to protect us. My old crew I ran with are already on our side, but we need more numbers here to keep Drew from finding us and taking Cat away.”

“What’s going to stop Drew from taking here besides having more muscle,” Hunter asked.

“We’re going to get married,” I responded, “We’re going to go to the courthouse here and we’re going to get married.”

“You know Drew will figure out you got married,” Finn warned.

“He doesn’t know our true legal names,” I told Finn, “And after we get married, I want to take Seth to Bray to meet Ma and Dad. I think it’s time for him to meet them.”

“Alright so we’ll send up the Shield and Gallows and Anderson,” Finn responded, “And I’ll send Anderson up with plane tickets for the two of you go see Ma and Dad. But all of you are going together in coach so you guys will be protected. I can’t risk you being picked up by Drew or any of his lackeys. And the minute he gets his hands on you Cat, all bets are off and we’re going to war.”

“Thanks guys,” I replied, “This means a ton. I will send a message on the encrypted server with our address for them to come out here.”

After a couple days, I had called my job and told them I was unable to continue working. I knew it was best if I stayed home now that I was pregnant for my safety. They were actually really cool about and said I was welcome to come back after I had my baby. But today was the day that our back up was to arrive. I couldn’t wait to see Luke and Karl again. I had missed my bodyguards so much. They were my other brothers in the Club and I enjoyed their company, despite how suffocating it got at times.

“Hey babe, they’re here,” Seth called as he poked his head into the house.

I shot up from my spot on the couch and ran out onto the porch to greet everyone.

Dean and Roman got out of their car and greeted Seth. The three of them hugged each other tightly. I knew Seth missed his brothers so I wasn’t going to try to wedge myself into their reunion. Luke and Karl came over to me once they got out of their car and both smothered me in a tight group hug.

“Guys, I’m a little fragile now,” I groaned, my voice muffled by their chests.

“Sorry Catie,” Karl replied as we broke apart, “We’ve missed you, girl. Has Rollins treated you nicely compared to McIntyre?”

“Leagues beyond McIntyre I promise,” I told him as Seth came over to stand with me, wrapping his arm around my waist and pulling him into my side, “Seth, these are Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson. I never got the chance to give you guys a proper introduction.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you guys,” Seth shook each of their hands, “It means a lot that you guys are here to help keep us safe from McIntyre.”

“No intro for us, Uce,” Roman asked as he came over to us on the porch.

“Right sorry,” Seth cleared his throat, “Everyone, these are Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns, my brothers from the Authority. We’re The Shield.”

“It’s good to finally meet you guys,” I gave each of them a hug, “Let’s get you guys and your bags inside. You’ll all be staying with us here. We have a couple rooms down in the basement with beds for everyone.”

Once we had everyone settled, Seth and I went to the courthouse to get married. We decided to only bring two guards with us and we picked Roman and Luke to tag along with us as witnesses for our marriage. I was so excited and nervous for this. I got Seth’s ring size yesterday and bought his wedding band with Karl and I knew that Seth had already gotten my band when we got my engagement ring.

“You ready to be his wife, Catie,” Luke asked as we got ready to walk the impromptu aisle in the courtroom to get married.

“I’m beyond ready,” I replied.

I opted to wear white today. I had a nice white bodycon dress that I was still able to fit in. Since I became pregnant I had bloated up a little, but my clothes still fit. As I walked down towards Seth, Seth turned to see me and his eyes lit up and I could see him getting a little emotional. That was something I loved about him so much. He was such a passionate man and was never ashamed to show his emotions.

“We are gathered here today to join Catriona Rose Devitt and Colby Daniel Lopez in lawful marriage,” the judge started once I came to stand beside Seth, “Is there anyone here who says that these two should not wed? Speak now or forever hold your peace.”

When no one spoke, the judge continued.

“Now I’ve been informed that the couple has vows for each other,” the judge spoke again, “Mr. Lopez, if you would start us off.”

“Catriona,” Seth took a breath, “We’ve known each other for nearly a year now, but in that time I have come to fall in love with you. I know it’s sudden for us to be married, but I know no other way to keep you close and safe than through making you my wife. I hope to be a good husband and father of our child. I promise to protect you and fight the battles you can’t fight alone.”

“Miss Devitt,” the judge directed for me to say my vows.

“Colby,” I took a breath and smiled at him before continuing, “I’m over the moon to be marrying you. I promise that I will be the best wife and mother to our child. I promise to always be in your corner. I promise to always be here when you fall to give you the strength to get back up.”

“With the power vested in me by the state of Iowa,” the judged looked between me and Seth, “I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

Seth pulled me to him and kissed me tenderly as Luke and Roman clapped. Seth and I turned to the table and signed out marriage license. It was so weird for me to hear my birth name along with Seth’s but it was right for us use our real names for this. It means so much more to know that we were legit husband and wife. We owed our baby and any future children we have, a chance to have lives outside of our criminal backgrounds.

Right now, Seth and I were at home. We had just finished packing for our trip out to Bray, and we wanted to just relax. I was laying in bed with Seth, holding my left hand up in the air and admiring my engagement ring and wedding band. I was over the moon that I was now Cat Rollins now, not a Bálor anymore.

“So now that you’re my wife,” Seth murmured in my ear, “Are you going to join the Authority, stay in Bálor Club, or be in both?”

“I was thinking both,” I replied, “I don’t think Finn can run the Club alone and the Authority has you as the resident hacker.”

“I like the idea of you being in both,” Seth agreed, “Then you’ll have two families to have your back. And now the relationship between the Club and the Authority is much stronger, I’m sure that when McIntyre declares war on Bálor Club, the Authority will be there to help bring the fight to him and send his crew out of the city or to their graves.”

“Damn right,” I chuckled and kissed him, “Now this momma is tired and wants a nap.”

“Then let’s nap,” Seth chuckled and pulled the covers over us before we fell asleep in each other’s arms.

Seth and I have arrived in Bray. We decided to keep Dean and Roman back in Iowa and brought Karl and Luke with us. We decided this because Ma and Dad knew Luke and Karl and were comfortable with being around them. I was excited to see my parents again. It had been so long since I had seen them.

“I’m nervous,” I confessed as Luke drove our rental car out of Dublin and down into Bray. I had missed the rolling green hills and rocky shoreline of my native Ireland. It was so weird for me to spend most of my formative years in the states after I had spent most of my life here.

“I am too,” Seth replied, “But I think your parents are going to be happy to see you. Maybe they’ll like me.”

“I hope so,” I sighed as I laid my head against his shoulders.

When we finally pulled up to my parents’ house, Seth helped me out of the car. I had opted to wear one of Seth’s hoodies since I was slightly showing. You would have to look really close but I had a tiny bump going. I didn’t want to freak out my parents right away with telling them that they’d be grandparents again.

“Alright, let’s do this,” I led the way up to the door and knocked, waiting for one of them to answer.

“Catie,” my mom answered the door. She pulled into a hug before letting in Seth and the guys.

“Hi Ma,” I greeted her, my old accent was starting to poke back through.

“I’m surprised you’re here,” my mom replied, “We haven’t seen you since Christmas a few years ago. Oh, who’s this?”

“Ma,” I grabbed Seth’s hand and pulled him close to me, “This is Seth Rollins. But where’s Dad?”

“I’m coming,” I heard my father’s voice and he came into the hallway, “Why don’t we all gather in the living, your mother just made some tea.”

We all followed my dad to the living room and took a seat. My parents sat together on the couch, Karl and Luke sat on the loveseat, and myself and Seth sat in the old armchair with me on Seth’s lap. Mom served up the tea to all of us.

“So what brings you home, dove,” Dad asked once everyone was settled.

“Well I wanted you and Ma to meet my husband, Seth,” I told him and I swear I think my dad about choked on his tea.

“You’re married,” my mom replied, “We had no idea. You didn’t send us wedding invites.”

“I know and I’m sorry,” I told her, “But we actually eloped a couple days ago. I promise that we’ll have a real ceremony once we have the money to do so. And I will fly you out personal. I want Dad to walk me down the aisle.”

“Why elope though, dove,” my dad asked. I gulped.

“You see Dad,” I took a breath and Seth rubbed my back for support, “I’m pregnant.”

“You’re pregnant,” my mom was shocked, “You and Seth are already having a baby. Sweetie you’re so young.”

“I know,” I replied, “But we love each other and have always supported each other. We chose to elope because of the baby. We felt it was the right thing to do for our baby.”

“And we’re very happy for you, dove,” my dad replied, “Does Fergal know?”

“He does,” I answered, “He wasn’t able to tag along with us for the trip. But he knows everything.”

“You let us know when you’re baby shower is and we’ll fly out to see you,” my mom added, “And you call us when you’re about to have the baby. I want to be there to meet my grandchild.”

“Of course Ma,” I replied, “You and Dad will be more than likely the first ones I call when I’m about to have the baby.”

#seth rollins x oc #seth rollions fic #seth rollins fanfic #seth rollins fanfiction #wwe fic #wwe fanfic #wwe fanfiction #A Dangerous Game

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dolphinitley · 5 years

Text

Jacob Seed/F!Deputy Fic

“Love Like Revenge”

Chapter 4

Word count: 2,499

Full work on AO3

Summary: In this chapter we learn about Jacob and Dep’s pasts, as well as the deputy’s real name! Also they kiss for the first time!

Constructive criticism and comments are very welcome!

Tagging @theeonlyroman @colorguardian18 @flyawayturtle @farcrying5 @zacklover24 @sassenach-on-the-rocks @theromanianbookworm @afeverxlongingstill @mmechromancer @jacobmybeloved @jacobseedswife @theatmmmmm @liilaac @deputyoneill @jacobsrook

Rook woke up on her couch alone late in the morning. She pondered if last night was real or a dream. The Wolf came to her house, made her dinner, cried with her, apologized to her, and slept with her.

But that didn’t change the fact that he was still leading the PEG military. He was still part of an organization that kidnapped and killed non supporters without provocation. He still sponsored The Cook who butchered and burned families in front of each other.

When Rook lived in her hometown in Missouri, she would have consulted her best friend about her romantic life. However, if she were still in Missouri, she probably wouldn’t be having feelings for a killer. She wouldn’t be a killer.

Her new friends here in Montana understood her recent behavior that would seem horrific to people back home. Rook found great friendships in Hudson and Jess, but knew neither of them would condone her feelings for Jacob.

When she moved to Montana a couple of months ago, she intended to keep a low profile. She didn’t expect to make real friends or make a life here, but she did.

When Rook earned her master’s in criminal justice, she didn’t expect to be fighting a war against a militant cult.

When she began working as a detective in Minnesota, she didn’t expect to be killing zombie-like Angels.

When she was assigned to go undercover in Hope County, she didn’t expect to be the heralded catalyst of the end of the world.

But all of these things, she did.

Her exceptional performance as a detective in Minnesota drew the admiration of the U.S. Marshall Service. However, it also drew death threats from criminals she’d once put away. The USMS’s solution for this was to relocate her to Montana to investigate mysterious disappearances in Hope County. She was to take on the role of an unassuming rookie for Whitehorse and learn about PEG.

The USMS sent Burke in too early. They didn’t listen to her when she said that PEG was too strong for one squad to take on. With or without her, the squad was going to the compound, so she figured she might as well go and help any way she could. That was her first mistake.

That’s what she thought about when the helicopter was going down and when she was killing dozens of Peggies from the passenger seat of the getaway truck Burke drove. Then it was too late to escape Hope County, and she was in it too deep.

She trusted Dutch so quickly. She became a tool for him so easily. She wanted to rescue her team from the Seeds, but a lot of shit got in the way.

Rook was a natural leader, but didn’t enjoy being called a hero. She didn’t want to be deified. She just wanted to do the right thing. Her exposure to the Bliss and gruesome battle made her judgement more clouded over time. She had been trained to kill, but in Hope killing is quick and on a massive scale. It was war and it gave her scars.

She thought she’d be stronger than this. Life would never go back to the way it was before Hope. You can’t just fall back into your old life after war. The person who understood this more than anyone was Jacob. He was smart and strong enough to survive anything.

Since Rook left Hope County, she’d been working on her report to send to her sergeant from the USMS. When she finally sent it in, she made the call.

“It’s a relief to hear from you, Anderson,” the sergeant said. It was strange and comforting to hear someone use her real last name for the first time in weeks. “Your report is impressive. Good work.” This phrase reminded her of Jacob’s praise after she killed Eli, and she clenched her teeth.

“Thanks.”

“I wish I could say your assignment is over and that you can go home, but it’s still not safe for you in Missouri.”

Rook gave a disappointed sigh. She missed her family so much. “I understand.”

“I wish I could offer you some kind of treatment, but the budget has been cut again. Our resources are drying up. I don’t even think we can send a team into Hope County to deal with Eden’s Gate. Just stay where you are and relax. I’ll call you in a few months when it’s safe again. Take care of yourself Detective.”

“You too Serge.”

A few days later is was Rook who called Jacob in the morning.

“I’m standing in my kitchen right now, looking out the window, and there’s a Judge wolf who literally barked Tommy up a tree.”

“And you haven't shot it yet?”

“Hey, I’m doing a courtesy to you by letting you know. Anyway, I’m not going to waste ammo on it. I thought Judges were supposed to be obedient, soldier. Don’t tell me you sent it up here just to get my attention.”

“Don’t flatter yourself, Dep.” She could hear his smile in his tone. “It’ll be dealt with within the hour.”

Forty minutes later, Jacob’s truck came rumbling up her gravel driveway. She watched his tall and confident figure get out of the truck. Jacob sounded his dog whistle to summon the Judge to its kennel in the back of the truck. Rook felt pity for the poor wolf that now had to live as a Judge, and she didn’t like that Jacob was the person who made it that way. But, she still admired how strong he looked, how focused and blue his eyes were, and his unique red hair and beard. Despite everything she’s seen, Rook knew that there was a good man in Jacob.

When the Judge was secured in the kennel, Rook stepped outside. She didn’t quite know what to say to Jacob, so she went right for the tree that Tommy was in. Tommy could get down on his own, but she wanted to hold him now.

Jacob watched Rook call to Tommy with her arms raised and her head craning up. He chuckled and walked over to the tree. Quickly he climbed the tree to where Tommy was and grabbed the cat. Rook noticed how all animals seemed to obey him. Hell, even most humans did.

Jacob carried the fluffy orange cat over to Rook with a smug look on his face.

“Thank you,” she said.

“Yeah...sorry about that. Won’t happen again.”

Rook stroked Tommy’s fur happily and gave a shrug.

“Anything else I can do for you?” Jacob asked.

“Actually, yes. Follow me.”

There was a lightbulb out in her house that she couldn’t reach to change. She figured that she might as well use Jacob’s height while he’s here.

“How do you not have a ladder?” he asked.

“I, uh, haven’t lived here for very long.”

“Hm.” He wanted to know her story, but got the feeling she didn’t want to talk about it. He quite enjoyed helping her and seeing her satisfied with something he’d done, even if it was an easy task.

Jacob noticed a backpack on the living room floor with the name “Emily” embroidered on it. It was the answer to a question he’d often thought about.

“Emily?”

She turned at the sound of her name. She saw what he discovered and grinned at the realization. “Yes?”

“I’ve always kinda wondered what your name was. I like it,” Jacob said while scratching his beard.

“At home people sometimes call me Em or Emma. But everyone here in Montana calls me Dep or Rook, except you. I’d like to keep it that way if you don’t mind.”

“Right. I’ve got to get the Judge back to the Center now.” Jacob walked to the door and stopped. “Hey Em,” he called. It was so intimate to call her by a friendly nickname. “Would it, uh, be alright if I came back sometime?”

“Doesn’t really matter what I say, right? You’re gonna come back anyway.”

Jacob realized that his past visits were intrusions and actually wrong. “If you don’t want me to, I won’t.”

“It’s alright. You can come back sometime.”

“Alright.”

Em often thought about Jacob’s reason for his previous visit. “When I’m with you, like this, my head is clear.”

That was her purpose for him, she thought. She was his soothing drug. She viewed him as less of a threat now, but was still a little suspicious. Nonetheless, she very often dreamt of touching him.

Em got out of Hope County and listened to radio stations that weren’t controlled by Peggies. The news on the radio was still just as bad as it was in Hope and getting worse. The most recent report was that the U.S. government had lost communication with North Korea, and the first attack was to be expected at any time.

One of Em’s neighbors decided to move back to their hometown to be with their family, and gave their horse to Em. Her house had a barn and fenced in meadow, and she’d had horses as a girl. Her new horse’s name was Honey on account of her color and kindness. Riding her each day was rather therapeutic for Em.

She was riding at dusk one day when Jacob came to visit her. Tonight he wore dark jeans, a gray t shirt, and a black hard shell jacket while Em wore light jeans and a hoodie. Her brown hair was in a ponytail.

Em wondered how her horse would feel about Jacob. She shouldn’t have been surprised when Honey liked him, as all other animals did. Jacob climbed the fence to the meadow and held the horse’s head in his big hands.

“Are you hungry?” Jacob asked with his straight lipped smile. He was looking up at Em sitting on the horse. Usually she was the one looking up at him. She nodded in the affirmative.

“Good. I brought dinner. Here.” Jacob gestured for her to hand him the reigns.

He led Honey to the barn. Honey was a rather tall horse and Em was 5’4”, so it was quite a jump from Honey’s back to the ground. Right as Em’s feet hit the ground, she felt the slightest grace of Jacob’s hand on her back, just in case.

They went inside the house and washed the dirt off their hands. Em took off her hoodie to reveal a Rye Aviation t-shirt.

Jacob brought in a large paper bag of random things he grabbed from the Vet Center pantry.

He included a six pack of beer bottles, but it only took two for Em to loosen up and want to talk with him.

Sitting across from Jacob at her kitchen table she said, “You know, I’m not really into religion at all.”

“Me neither. But I take care of my brothers.”

“You guys are close, huh?”

Jacob had the remaining four beers which loosened him up as well.

“Growing up we only had each other. Or more like the thought of each other. Most adults were shit to us. We were poor. Our dad preached to us and beat us half to death. Our mom was a shell of a person. Our foster parents worked us half to death. I burned their barn and went to juvie, then I didn’t see my brothers again until I got out of the military. The thought of them was the only thing that kept me going until Joseph found me.”

Em was flooded with empathy for the brothers. His story made her want to adopt children so they’d not ever have to be abused by people like those from Jacob’s past, and she told him that.

“Do you want to sit on the couch? Watch a movie or something?” Jacob asked.

Em put in a soothing movie that she’d seen a hundred times while Jacob cleaned up dinner.

Em laid on the couch, and Jacob lifted her legs easily, sat on the couch, and set her legs on top of his thighs.

The movie was about 10 minutes in when Em asked, “You still brainwashing people?”

Jacob felt bad about his past actions. “No. I don’t do a lot of the stuff I used to. All I focus on now is building and training the Chosen. I don’t fuck with people outside of Eden’s Gate.”

“Why the change?”

“I never cared about anything other than my brothers. I was in pain and I had the power to make others feel pain too. Nobody could stop me. The first time I saw you, it was like a switch flipped. I wondered if I could care about you. You almost were the one to stop me. Then when you said you wanted me, I knew I couldn’t pass that up. Then you telling me to leave you alone had me thinking about what I’d done to you. And others.”

Em got up to her knees next to him. “Do you still want me?” Jacob asked her.

In response, Em placed her hands on his shoulders and slowly leaned in to cross the space between their faces. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach as she looked into his fierce blue eyes. Her gentle kiss on the cheek made Jacob close his eyes and exhale at the touch he had been so starved for.

When she pulled away from his cheek, Jacob brushed her hair behind her ear and pulled her over to straddle his lap.

His tough hands settled on her waist and looked up from her legs to her expectant eyes.

Softly, he placed his right hand on the back of her neck and she moved in for a real kiss this time. With heads slightly tilted, their noses touched first. Jacob had the rare look of desire in his eyes and closed the last bit of distance between their parted lips.

Jacob gently enclosed Em’s bottom lip and took his time moving away. They felt a surge of intimate energy that spurred more kisses. Em realized how soft and kissable his lips actually were. Jacob forgot anything that wasn’t the act of kissing her. His eyes were closed and he allowed himself to just feel. The pair got more comfortable and settled into each other. Their kisses gradually became less gentle and more consuming. They were both so starved for this that they didn’t think they’d ever stop. They couldn’t get close enough. Em admired his beard and scarred skin with her grateful hands. Jacob kept pressure on her back and threaded fingers into her loose hair.

Finally pulling away and out of breath, Em said, “I still want you.”

Jacob smiled and pulled them down to lay on the couch. He nuzzled her neck and kissed her jawline up to her lips.

Em enthusiastically wrapped her limbs around him and continued to ride the high. Now he was her drug too, and they were both addicted.

#jacob seed x deputy #jacob seed x female deputy #jacob seed x rook #jacob seed #jacob seed x female rook #FC5 #fc5 fanfic #Jacob seed fic

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sugarpimp · 6 years

Text

Anderson Family AU

So remember how I made a post a little while ago saying I had a LOT of ideas for a Hank/Connor/Gavin/RK900/Kamski AU?? Yeah, well here’s all of those ideas, but before you continue I just wanna say that I totally do plan on writing this out as some kind of series of short stories, or multichapter fic where each chapter is a short oneshot, idk, I haven’t quite figured it out, but it’s happening (And once it gets going I’ll totally look into taking writing prompts for the AU ;o)

I’ve named this AU the ‘Anderson Family AU’ and I love it sm OK here it is

- Post best ending, RK900 was found at Cyberlife tower and activated as a deviant.

- Hank and Connor are the first to get together, naturally, Connor confesses his feelings about a year after the successful android revolution.

- Gavin confesses to RK not long after, when he gets too jealous of seeing Hank and Connor doing gay shit and being happy.

- Connor and RK start talking about the idea of double dates, and it takes a little convincing, but eventually Gavin and Hank agree, and then the four of them just start hanging out so much that maybe the lines start to blur a little and oh shit guess we're all just dating each other now.

- A few months of this and Gavin mentions that there's a dude he kinda likes and if everyone's OK he'd like to date them too. Of course everyone is all 'Whatever makes you happy Gavin, we'd love to meet him whenever you're comfortable.'

- This dude is, of course, Elijah Kamski. (Who I'm thinking will be Gavin's half-brother but tbh that doesn't really play a big part in this AU, so if you wanna ignore that, that's fine)

- Another few months of this before Gavin finally works up the courage to reveal to his four boyfriends who this other dude he's been dating is.

- It doesn't go well. At all.

- Hank is not happy to have Elijah in his home. Even though no androids were hurt that day at the creator's house, he hates him.

- Things get pretty rocky after that. Hank doesn't want Gavin to see Elijah at all, nor does he want Connor and RK interacting with him. (Connor doesn't hate Elijah at all, was maybe looking forward to getting to 'start over'. RK was very excited to meet Elijah for the first time, and had lots he wanted to talk about with his creator) Hank is a stubborn bastard and no amount of convincing from anyone will get him to change his mind, which leads to a hecking big argument. Even Connor ends up staying with Gavin and RK after, because he just can't stand to be around Hank in that moment.

- Sitting alone in his home, thinking he may have just driven away everyone who cares about him, is what gets Hank to admit he's being a gIANT CUNT, and 'OK Gavin if you really love Elijah you can be with him, and maybe I'm OK with Connor and RK seeing him too, but just don't expect me to like him any time soon.'

- *5 seconds later* 'Shit OK maybe he can be kinda cute sometimes, and funny, and I like talking philosophy with him, and I like seeing him interect with my boyfriends 'cause I can see he makes them all happy aND OK MAYBE I LOVE HIM TOO SHUT UP'

- When they all officially become the Anderson family, they move into Elijah's house (Because he's HIGHKEY lonely now that the Chloe's are gone) along with Sumo and Gavin's cats, Toaster and Piper

NOW THAT WE'VE GOTTEN THE 'HOW THIS ALL STARTED OUT' OUT OF THE WAY, HERE'S A BUNCH OF RANDOM MOMENTS FROM THEIR LIVES AND OTHER IDEAS AND THINGS.

- In this AU Elijah has LONG hair and a lot more piercings than that one ear piercing we see in the game, because I'm a thirsty bitch (I'm thinking industrials/eyebrows/canine bites maybe)

- Connor is terrified of snowstorms and whenever one happens he'll put headphones on and blast music (The complete silence of turning off his audio processors is very unnerving and Not Fun) and everyone will snuggle with him to provide physical comfort.

- Sometimes Elijah has Bad Days where shit just gets to him and he just really needs someone to tell him it's OK, which usually means all four of his boyfriends showering him with affection.

- I'm just a slut for one of the boys getting sad and all the others killing him with kindness idk if you can tell.

- Sex wise, they are all got damn switches (But Connor and Gavin mostly bottom, and Hank and RK mostly top, Elijah is a switch through and through)

- Very rarely do gangbangs happen, that's just a lot to handle and they are all pretty damn busy, with them all being cops, except Elijah who stays at home and does a lot of coding shit for the new Cyberlife, now run by Markus and his crew.

- Piper and Toaster teamed up to harrass Sumo and now he's very obviously afraid of them. He still tries to play with them sometimes though.

- Gavin and Elijah are SLUTS and Hank walks in on them banging a lot, why does this always happen to Hank. He does find it hot, but he's old and he doesn't have the energy for this, he just needs a nap.

- Hank's hoodies?? I think you mean EVERYONE'S HOODIES, seriously, he only owns one long enough to break it in, before it's claimed by one of the others, do Connor and Gavin even have their own damn clothes at this point?? Doesn't seem like it.

- Elijah using his new work to upgrade Connor and RK's software, even managed to give Connor some RK900 upgrades after A LOT of work.

- Elijah likes to spoil all of his boyfriends because he can and he loves them so much.

- Also had a giant bed custom made so all 5 of them could nap together.

- The only one outside of the family that knows about their relationship is Tina, who's dating one of the Chloe's. Everyone else just believes that Connor and Hank are together, and Gavin and RK are together,and Elijah isn't even in the picture.

- Sometimes Elijah, Gavin, Connor and RK all stay up late to paint each others nails and braid Elijah's hair and talk about Hank while he's sleeping because they're actually teenage girls.

- RK and Connor regularly back up their memories, Just In Case, and Elijah gets a glimpse of all the things they deem important. Like the folders filled with pictures of the family smiling, recordings of laughs, videos upon videos of conversations they've had, RK even has a file filled with dates that says things like 'First time Gavin said I love you', 'First double date','The day we all moved in together'. Elijah totally doesn't end up crying every time.

- Someone wanting another pet and Hank saying no, but Elijah saying hELL YEAH look at all this space, I have the money, as long as you can take care of it, lET'S GET IT. Cut to a room filled with fish (Connor's) and snakes (RK's) and maybe some more dogs and cats show up along the way too.

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yukaigenohogosha · 6 years

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The Bullet and The Blade... Prt 2

A Detroit Become Human Mafia AU FanFic: This one maybe a little longer than the the first one. And I want to keep it that way...

Excuse the Grammatical and factual errors and miss conceptions. It’s just for fun. Also NSFW and very gay with a hint of gore, angst, and foul language. Viewer discretion is advised.

Prev Prts : Prt 1 Next Prt: Prt 3

They’re going to take the bull by the horns. But is that a good Idea?

Gavin’s Charger hums as he reaches Ferndale pass the subways and buildings. Gavin taps his steering wheel to the beat of Ariana Grande on the radio. Lucky no one’s there to watch him lip-sync and bop to Greedy. He’d rather shoot himself than let anyone know that. Tina does and it is torture.

But at least this is able to calm him. Going to Jericho wasn’t exactly on his top priority. In fact, being in someone else’s territory is unsettling enough. But like Hank said, Jericho might give proper backup. Even though we have no idea who they’re dealing with, we’re not taking any chances.

Gavin turns a bend and reaches a ship. As he got out after of the charger, Gavin approached the old clunk of rusted metal that still held Cargo on it’s deck. It stood completely still in the midday and yet Gavin kept getting chills. He looks around and see’s Hank’s Sedan driving through.

Hank got out with Tina following suite. Gavin felt slightly relieved. At least he’s not doing this alone.

“What?” Tina smirked calling out to Gavin as she walked closer. “Too chicken to do it alone?”

Gavin rolled his eyes. “You wish. As I would recall, I had to drag a certain Someone to the edge cuz that certain Someone wouldn’t stop crying.”

“It was one time and I had no idea that there was a net!”

Before Gavin can muster a comeback, Hank clipped both of them at the back of their heads. “Knock it off and move. Believe it or not, I got other shit to do!”

Gavin rubbed the back of his head and sticks his tongue out at him. Tina just shook her head and followed orders.

All three walk toward the edge of the rusty catwalk that seems to be used as a connection from the docks to the decks but now stood a rusty broken bridge that halfway to the ship.

But none of them minded it. They weren’t gonna using it to cross anyway. As the trio looked over the edge, Gavin’s having second thoughts.

Tina leaned in to Gavin “Bwaaak bwak bwak. Bacawk!” mimicking the flapping of the bird with her arms.

“Fuck you” Gavin adds before he see Hank disappear.

Seeing Hank go first, makes the whole thought trying to follow suite a lot easier.

Tina beats Gavin to it and moves in to enter Jericho.

Gavin watches Tina do a mid air back flip before disappearing in to the darkness.

“Show off...”

Gavin takes a deep breath and pockets his shades in to his inner pocket before finally taking the initiative.

He jumps.

***

“I don’t understand why they can’t just install a door like a normal person.”

Hank scoots out of the net. His suit wrinkled and his hair messed up. the net bounces around as Tina and Gavin reach the net. Tina was giggling like a child and Gavin was struggling to get his footing.

“Total rush!” Tina shouts as she looks back at Gavin before she rolls out of the net.

Gavin, after failing to find balance, gives up and mimics Tina by rolling off the net and hitting the ground in unceremonious thud.

Gavin groan and stood up to brush off dust from his jacket. shoved his hands in his pocket. three walked on as they climb the flight of stairs upwards into the cabin. Tina and Gavin softly wheeze after stair number 9 while Hank seems to be doing just fine.

“You move fast for an old man.” Gavin mustered through his paved breaths.

Hank smirked as he leaned on a the railing. “You guys just gotta work on you Cardio.” And continued with more stride. 53 and feeling fine.

Tina and Gavin grunt through 12 more flight before reaching the Hull. Despite what the outside of ship looks like, the interior looks modern and recently upgraded. With open windows, soft redwood coloured walls and men and women in white suits.

Walking behind Hank, Gavin can see that he’s looking for someone. Hank then smiles as he sees a senior in wheelchair who seems to be strapped to machine that lifts him 6 feet off the floor. Hank starts walking towards him who’s occupied with painting a gigantic mural, a dynamic revision of the the Detroit River in the sunset.

“Got too much free time on your hands, old man?” Hank spoke up. The said “Old man” turned and smiled “Hank Motherfuckin Anderson!”. The machine descended until he reached ground and he wheeled himself out of it towards Hank. “Hows it been, old timer?” Hank bent down to give him a strong hug.

The man return the hug before pulling away. “Well, retirement’s been nice but having nothing to do is getting old.” He cracked before looking at his master piece. “still, it’s nice.” He turned back round to the three. “But I know you didn’t come here to see me. Especially knowing that you hate falling into that net.”

“Speaking of which, Get a door.”

“Not my call anymore”

“Oh right, You know where Markus is, Carl?”

“Check the captain’s cabin. That’s where he usually is these days. Being the new leader of Jericho get’s busy as it is.”

“Thanks. Anyway, nice work on the wall.”

“Shut up, you can’t tell red from fucking purple.”

Hank give a low warm chuckle before turning around waving the Carl from behind. Carl just shakes his head and get’s back to his mural.

Gavin’s head is solely straight on on the task at hand. That is, until Tina elbowed him and signaled him with her eyes. Gavin turn to the direction she was insinuating and saw him. Through the rush of people in white suits, a man stood out. In Gavin’s eyes at least.

“Hey, Um... I’m going for a piss. Catch up with you later.”

Before Hank could even respond, He was off. tailing a man in white suit and blond hair. His eyes fixated to this person like a he was prey. Keeping safe distance making sure his remains undetected.

All the way up to the forecastle. He watches this man look out into the distance. Breathing in the fresh air and feeling the calming breeze and sun. Gavin marvels at the man, smiling behind a container.

“I know you’re there.”

Gave froze. He sees the man looking straight at him with a knowing smile. Gavin smiled back and shows himself.

“Hey, Si.”

“Hey Reed.”

Gavin raises an eyebrow “You still using my mom’s name?”

“I thought you like that.”

He approaches the Simon. The soft baby blue eyes staring back at him makes Gavin smile ever so pleasantly.

“Yeah, I do. You look well”

“Yup, got to be right hand man. Now that Markus is leader.”

Gavin let’s out small chuckle.

“It’s yeah, not yup. Stop sounding like a T-ball preschooler. You’re in the big leagues now.”

Simon pulls out an earnest smile that melts Gavin heart.

“Oh, right!” Simon turns to his left side and pulls out a double edged dagger.

Gavin’s face drops “Don’t make me say it...”

Simon then pouts and looks at Gavin in expectation. Gavin could only sigh.

“Let me see what you have...”

Simon bolts away pass Gavin. “A KNIFE!”

“NO!”

And they’re off. Two grown adults playing cat and mouse chase, recalling fond childhood memories. Till they’re age caught up with them and their legs gave out. They start panting and laughing like two idiots with nothing better to do.

“So, what brings you to Jericho?” Simon finally catching his breath and stood up straight before fixing his suit.

Gavin completely forgot as he too stood up. “Now that you mentioned it, We got to head off to see Markus now.” start walking over to the Captain’s cabin

Simon tilts his head but follows suite. He then give Gavin a pat on the back.

“It’s good to see you again, Reed.”

Gavin’s heart made a slight lurched between happy and hurt.

“It’s good to see you too, Si.”

***

As the two walk leisurely to the cabin reminiscing about old times, a woman slams open the door startling them both. She looks up and furrows her brows at Simon.

“Good, I was about to get you. Made my job easier.” Her tone serious and hard, but this was North we’re talking about. Never not an angry moment. “Get in.” She moved aside to grant them entry.

Simon and Gavin looked at each other before entering. Hank and Tina sitting opposite to the desk and a man with tanned skin and two different coloured eyes. As Gavin observed, he can see that this calm yet determined figure of Markus is the reason why Carl handed Jericho to him. If anything, he’s impressed.

“Everyone’s here then?” Markus looks around before continuing. “Good. Josh, If you please.” He looks over to another man African american man in white no older than 25.

Josh pulled out some files and looked over to the rest. “I have a bit of information on about the cut signature on John. It’s not much and some look doubtful but comparing them with Elijah’s notes, I’m able to certain some of the facts.”

“Well?” Gavin getting somewhat impatent.

Josh hesitated before proceeding. “A katana blade.”

The room became silent before Gavin, like a complete moron, started laughing hysterically.

For a good 5 minutes.

Eventually it died down slowly as he looked at everyone else. Catching Hank face palming and Tina cringing on the spot. He realized something.

“Oh shit, you’re serious.”

Josh huffed lightly. “The brand of the blade is still illusive, but through the others we found-”

“Others?” Tina sat up. Shocked.

Josh looked back at Tina. “It seems John wasn’t the only victim.” Pulls other files to Tina and Hank. He offered Gavin but he promptly refused.

“I’ll take your word for it.”

Hank looks into one of the files. “Hold on, some of these people were shot.”

Gavin looks over at the file in Hank’s hand and as if he read his mind, Hank held out the file to Gavin. Gavin peered into the files and Winced.

A number of individual portraits of corpses splayed out on the floor. This time, their neck and forehead shot. leaving two bullet holes and a gruesome dead stare. He closed the file. Even if it’s less gory than the first, it doesn’t make it easier to look at.

“Do we have an address to these signatures?”

“With the intel I’ve sent to Elijah, he has located a location worth noting. An establishment known as Zen Garden Towers.”

Hank now sits up “Wait a sec, you mean that hotel? On Belle Isle, Detroit River?”

They all look at Hank like he’s grown a second head. Markus tilts his head curiously. “You know something?”

Hank stand up, ready to leave. “I think I’ve got a good clue of who’s behind this.”

***

They all make it to the Zen Garden Towers. To say it was big hotel was an understatement. It had more than 40 storey and the area was bigger than the seem to make up most of the isle. It’s a little sad, Gavin thought. Remembering the Belle as a conversed isle park only to be turned into a luxurious bed and breakfast.

They walked in to the futuristic interior of blue and white with Hank and Markus up front and the rest following behind. At the receptionist, Hank spoke up.

“I’m here to see Madam Stern.”

The receptionist calm as ever “Do you have an appointment?”

“Call her up and say “Anderson” is here.” He said grimly

As the Receptionist did as so, Gavin leaned over to Hank.

“How many fucking people do you know in Detroit?!”

“If you’ve lived long enough to make as many connections as I have, some names will stick.”

The Receptionist then nods and hangs up the phone. She stands up and leave a will return soon notice on the counter. “This way please” She walks out to guide them to the elevator.

As they got into the uncomfortably spacious elevator, three men can be seen entering the lobby. “Hold the elevator!” One of them yelled out as they walk towards it.

The Receptionist was holding down the open button, when Gavin out of pure idiotic mischief, decides to smack the hand away and close the doors. The trio seeing this, start sprinting across the lobby. The tall one of the group starts getting exceptionally closer, which makes Gavin press the button continuously.

But in the end, the glass doors closes only for the man to slam his hand on surface, so hard the sound slightly resonates in the elevator. Delaying the ascend. Gavin pulls satisfied grin on the mans face as he looks into the cold Ice blue stare full of annoyance.

“Take the stairs...” He mouths as the elevator starts to leaves.

***

The low elevator hum puts Gavin in a better mood than he thought, he glances over to Simon who returns them before rolling his eyes and silently chuckles. Tina on the other hand is not amused. She leans over to him again and whispers silently.

“Seriously?! All that to impress Clueless Mc-Blondielocks?!”

Gavin jumps slightly. He eyes Simon, hoping he hadn’t heard anything. He didn’t

“Get off my tits, Ching ching!”

Tina huffed and left it at that. Surprised Hank didn’t sound his opinions.

the elevator dinged as they reached the top floor. the roof. What they saw was beyond words. An oriental garden filled with a built in lake and Asian influenced paths, bridges, and a lake island with a rose trellis.

Standing on the lake island is an African woman in cyan and turquoise robes. She had an elegant air to her as she tends to the roses.

She turns and smile. But it seems somewhat malevolent than sincere.

“Anderson...”

“Stern”

She turns around, focusing on the roses again.

“What brings you here?”

“You know what...”

Sterns stops. And turns again.

“I do...”

Gavin’s hands readied on his holster. But Hank signals him to stand down.

“Which one of your men did it?”

“One of my sons. Richard.”

“Why...”

The elevator dings again indicating someone is entering the floor.

“Speak of the devil. Why don’t you ask him yourself?”

Everyone simultaneously turns around. The colour in Gavin’s face drained to pale.

The trio earlier, walked in. With the tall one in the looking straight at Gavin with his blue icy stare and his right hand gripped on to a katana pommel strapped to his belt.

“Oh, Fuck me...” Gavin thought.

Because “Richard” did not look amused.

End of Prt 2 ----> Prt 1 , Prt 3

#detroit become human #gavin900 #connor x hank #elijahxconnor-60 #mafia au #gavin and elijah are siblings #Tina Chen #dbh #markus x simon #carl

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metalandmagi · 6 years

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August Media Madness

Well, August may have sucked for me personally, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t keep track of all the media I consumed this month! And spoiler alert, I watched a lot of movies involving adorable talking bears. Although, I have a feeling that as soon as the fall television premieres start, I’ll be watching a lot less movies.

July’s media

Movies!

Dear Evan Hansen

Thank you bootlegs. This isn’t a movie, but I didn’t want to make a separate category for plays when I’ve only seen one this month. Anyway, if you haven’t heard of it, Dear Evan Hansen involves an incredibly anxious teenage boy who is tasked by his therapist to write motivational letters to himself. Unfortunately, Connor Murphy, an angsty boy who goes to Evan’s school sees one of the letters, takes it, and promptly decides to kill himself, with the letter still on his person. Everyone ends up thinking he and Evan were friends and that this letter was a suicide note that Connor wrote to Evan...and a beautiful fake gay relationship friendship was born. Call me basic as hell, but I’ve watched this show twice now, and listened to the soundtrack more times than I can count, and it’s turning into my favorite musical. There are so many important messages in it, and it takes you on a roller coaster of emotions. Every character does good and bad things, and no one is blameless or innocent...except maybe Zoe Murphy. If anything just listen to the soundtrack. 10/10

Night on the Galactic Railroad

Cats...on a mystical train...This seems like the kind of movie they would show you in film school. Very dull plot and characters with the themes being the main takeaway. What even is the plot of this movie? Darker, grittier, furry version of the Polar Express? Incredibly boring slightly more religious version of Over the Garden Wall? I just kept watching it because the main character looks like a cat version of Kagayama Tobio in middle school...cat-gayama. 4/10

Paddington

An adorable bear from South America travels to London and gets into all sorts of trouble with an English family. It’s very charming and sweet, and the aesthetic in this movie is on point, like Wes Anderson directed a children’s movie. This is one of those movies you hear about where everyone loves it, and you think it can’t possibly be that good, but then you watch it and you were wrong! So wrong! 10/10

Paddington 2

Naturally. This time an adorable South American bear goes to prison, and his family tries to clear his name. Again, A+ aesthetic and imagery, but I think I preferred the plot of the first movie a little more because everyone was all together. 9/10

Christopher Robin

Do you like Winnie the Pooh? Do you like jaded adults finding happiness in their lives again? Do you think the movie Hook had a good premise but was extremely long and kinda boring and could have been a better movie with a little tweaking? Well this is the movie for you! Christopher Robin has grown into an overworked adult, and his old friend Winnie the Pooh inadvertently helps him reconnect with his wife and daughter (and also his inner child) just by being the sweet, clumsy, dry humored bear we all know and love. I was so skeptical of this movie at first, and I was absolutely blown away by how funny and meaningful it was. 100/10

The Road to El Dorado

Two lovable Spanish con men named Miguel and Tulio are accidentally swept away on a journey to the fabled city of El Dorado, where everything is made of gold. Once they reach the city, the locals believe they’re gods due to an (un)fortunate series of coincidences, and the con men try to keep up the charade with the help of the best character in the movie, Chel (who I’m pretty sure caused an entire generation of lesbians’ sexual awakening). This is one of my favorite animated movies of all time and one of the reasons I wish Dreamworks would go back to their 2D animation days, where the visuals and music were just as stunning as 3D movies are now. This movie is a classic, and I desperately want a sequel! 10/10

To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before

When Lara Jean thinks it’s a good idea to write 5 secret love letters to 5 boys that she’s had crushes on over the years, everything is fine until her little sister mails the letters to all the boys (because even a 6th grader knows Lara Jean is lonely and emotionally stunted as fuck). This is a Netflix original movie that was adapted from the book by Jenny Han...which I haven’t read, but now I really want to. Overall, this was super cute, but I wasn’t really crazy about the boys. They weren’t horrible people or anything, and they never pressured Lara Jean or made fun of her for being “innocent”, but they were just kind of bland. I’m much more interested in the other boys we didn’t see in the movie! But the family relationships were so heartfelt, Lara Jean’s fashion sense is AMAZING, and the acting/casting was awesome. 8/10

Summer Wars

I...don’t even know how to describe the plot of this one. A teenage boy named Kenji goes on a country holiday and pretends to date an acquaintance of his in order to impress her enormous family...but it’s really about an AI that becomes sentient and wants to mess up the world through this universal internet program called OZ that’s kind of like a mashup of Facebook and Second Life...but actually no it’s about family sticking together and using a Japanese card game to save the world…but apparently it’s got the same plot as the Digimon movie because they’re both directed by Mamoru Hosoda. Yeah...

Guys, I have a confession to make...this has always been my favorite Mamoru Hosoda movie. Everyone falls all over themselves saying Wolf Children is the best Mamoru Hosoda movie, and that’s great for them but it doesn’t even come in second for me. Summer Wars means a lot more to me personally because I come from a big extended family, and when I first saw this movie, I was blown away by how accurate the family dynamic was. There are so many characters, but everyone has their own personality. Not to mention the music makes the summer atmosphere so on point. And I’m not going to lie...I bawled like a fucking baby the first time I saw this movie. So anyway, I like Summer Wars more than Wolf Children, thanks for coming to my TED talk. 10/10

Atlantis: The Lost Empire

Unappreciated researcher Milo Thatch goes on an expedition to find the lost city of Atlantis.

Okay, there are two kinds of Disney fans in this world: Treasure Planet fans, and Atlantis fans. And I will support Treasure Planet as the best underrated vaguely steampunk inspired Disney movie until you can pry my 15 year old dvd copy away from my cold dead hands. But Atlantis is pretty good too. I could write essays comparing the two and why both of them should be successful but weren’t. My main problem with it is that the characters are great, but I feel like we don’t see enough of them, and as a kid a lot of the humor went by so fast that I completely missed it. Also the glowing eyes and spirits taking over the Atlantian princess’s body freaked me the fuck out as a child. NEVERTHELESS! This really is a great movie, with extremely well developed lore and well designed characters that chills me to this day. 8/10

Deadpool 2

The merc with a mouth is back, and man there’s so much going on in this movie I won’t even try to explain the plot. I literally had to go back and add this in because I was so into this movie when I was watching it that I forgot to write it down! Even though I really liked this sequel, I think I liked the first one better, just based on how much I laughed. There was so much going on plot wise, but it really seemed to work for this movie. There were also a lot of great new characters (Domino is my favorite character of the franchise now), but since there was so much stuff going on, a lot of jokes and plot lines were sort of hit and miss. Anyway, I’m sure everyone’s seen this one by now but just in case, I highly recommend it. 9/10

Books!

The Adventure Zone Graphic Novel: Here There be Gerblins by Clint McElroy (technically all the McElboys) and Carey Pietsch

Yeah yeah, for anyone who doesn’t know I’m Adventure Zone trash okay. TAZ is a DnD podcast where 3 brothers and their father create one of the most famous campaigns in history involving three idiot adventurers going on a quest to find a missing person and getting sucked into a much larger grand plan to protect the world. This graphic novel is a visualization of the first arc. I don’t even really like Here There be Gerblins all that much, and yet here I am. Oh well, the art was amazing, and of course I already knew the story. But it was kind of hilarious to see the name changes they had to make to some of the characters and places. I was a little disappointed that the ending was so rushed, and we don’t really spend time around the moon base before The Director is in our face changing the Lunar Interlude parts but whatever. 10 dead gerblins/10

The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken

When a disease that only affects children kills off nearly all the kids on the planet, the survivors are left with supernatural powers and are taken away to concentration camps in order to “protect” the public. I’ve been wanting to read this for a long time, and since the movie just came out I thought it was the perfect time. This is one of those books that some people adore and some people hate. I thought it was just okay. For everything that I didn’t like, there was something to make up for it. Personally, I felt that Bracken focused on the wrong part of the story. Everything takes place years after this disease has come, and I think it would have been more interesting to see everything from the children’s points of view when this disease was first starting. I would focus on each different character as a child and how they wound up in their respective camps. Oh well, there’s way too many pros and cons that I could delve into, but you like the YA dystopian genre then I say go for it. I didn’t like it enough to read the other two books (not yet anyway). 7/10

TV Shows!

Camp Camp

You know how there are summer camps that specialize in science, or acting, or space, or whatever? Yeah Camp Camp is about a summer camp that throws literally everything you can think of into one summer camp. If you don’t believe me, just listen to the theme song. Seriously though this is one of the best shows I’ve watched all year, but boy howdy this is not one for young children. It’s like Gravity Falls and Rick and Morty had a baby! Anyway, the characters are both surprising and hilarious. David the camp counselor (voiced by Miles Luna) is genuinely likable when you think he’d be the most annoying person on the planet, and the kids are so accurate it’s scary. Also Yuri Lowenthal is in it. And Griffin McElroy has a recurring role where he plays A GHOST! I’ve never been into Rooster Teeth stuff, but they have a winner with this one. 10/10

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

After her husband leaves her, Midge Maisel gets super drunk, goes on stage, and gives a hilarious rant about her relationship at a small comedy/talent club and somehow gets sucked into becoming a rising comedian as a woman in the 1950s. It’s good. Great acting pretty funny, but Midge and her agent/manager Susie are the only likable characters. Everyone else just kind of...sucks 8/10

Voltron Season 7 (spoilers)

Okay, I know everyone had mixed feelings about this season, but I did come out liking a lot of it. It had a lot of flaws (I really thought it would be Shiro’s season, and man was I wrong), but this is the sort of thing we can’t really judge until the last episode of the series is finished. I like to think of the positives: the action was amazing as usual, HUNK IS GETTING MORE AND MORE DEVELOPMENT EVERY SEASON, I refuse to believe the team introduced Adam just to have him killed off immediately so he’s still alive in my mind, we get to see everyone’s reunions with their families, the lost in space episode was cool, and say what you want about the game show episode, but I loved it! There were a lot of good things so it was easier for me to look past the...not so great aspects of the season. 7/10

Galavant

A musical comedy mini series involving a renowned medieval hero named Galavant on a quest to rescue his ex girlfriend from her “evil” husband King Richard. But maybe she doesn’t want to be rescued. Well, that’s just the first season. It’s best to go in knowing as little as possible. I remember liking it when it first came out, and it’s still pretty cute...but sometimes I feel like it’s trying too hard. A lot of the music isn’t really...memorable, but the characters are likable so it’s still worth the watch. 8/10

Disenchantment

Speaking of medieval comedies...Princess Bean doesn’t want to get married, mystical elf Elfo doesn’t want to live in an enchanted forest where everyone is happy all the time, and Bean’s personal demon Luci just wants to watch people suffer. Honestly, I wasn’t very into this show at first, but something compelled me to just keep watching, and by the end I was totally into it! This is one of those shows where you think there isn’t going to be a plot, but then the last few episodes come up and smack you in the face! 7.5/10

Round Planet

A documentary parody...mockumentary...satire...That’s really not a great way to describe it. It’s a nature documentary with funny commentary. I like nature shots and animals so I liked it, but there’s a lot of tangents and running jokes and British references that sometimes don’t land. Oh well, if you like unconventional documentaries, just watch it. 8/10

Honorable Mentions

DnDnD: I don’t think I’ve ever talked about this podcast before, but there’s a DnD podcast made by Practical Folks (aka the Drunk Disney youtube channel). It’s pretty good! I want an Adventure Zone crossover now!

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild: Every time I think I’m out, it pulls me back in. I finally got the DLC and spent most of this month playing this freaking game AGAIN!

The Heathers soundtrack: I finally listened to the Heathers musical soundtrack...and I didn’t love it. There are some good songs in it, but overall I’m unimpressed. And I never could really get into the plot, I’ve always thought it was really weird and over dramatic.

Legendary by Stephanie Garber: I’m about halfway through this book, which is the second in the Caraval series. And it’s pretty good! More on that next month.

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kayoiwritingarchivies · 6 years

Link

TITLE: Post mortem viventem

CHAPTER TITLE: TWO: If it happened twice, it'll happen three times.

WARNINGS AND RATINGS: Rated T for swearing, major character death and suicide

FANDOMS: Detroit: Become Human

SUMMARY: So, if androids don't have souls, why does Connor see the ghosts of shut down Deviants? Why does he see ghosts in general? (In which Connor sees more than he is meant to, and it changes less than you think.)

Sitting on Connor’s borrowed desk, Daniel began to nickname every person in the police station while Henry politely listened, and Cole gave his own interjections, and Connor half tuned in, scanning the deviancy cases on the terminal.

“See, that man,” Daniel says, pointing to who Connor identified as Todd Williams, “Is Stink-man. He’s Stink-man because he looks like he takes drugs and doesn’t shower. Gavin Reed over there? He’s I-repress-my-issues-by-being-a-horrible-human-being. He’s called that because he is a horrible person, so logic dictates that he has a sad anime backstory.”

Cole then points at Captain Fowler and says “That’s I’m-always-angry-because-Hank’s-disciplinary-file-is-a-book-but-I-can’t-legally-sell-it-as-one.”

“Why is that, Cole?” Henry asks.

“Because Dad’s disciplinary file really is a book.”

Connor then gets up, walks over to Hank’s table, and asks him about the case, and Hank get’s angry enough to shove him against the wall, prompting a whimper from Henry, a “Whoa what?” from Daniel and a “Dad no!” from Cole.

Then a police officer comes, tells them about a deviant and a small girl being sighted in the Ravendale district. The same ones from the report that was submitted by Todd “Stink-man” Williams that morning.

Daniel sighs, hooks an arm around Henry and says “Well, Henry my boy, you’re gonna learn how to investigate by talking to ghosts, are you ready?”

“Don’t corrupt him Daniel.” Connor mutters, walking past them to Hank’s car.

“I do what I want Connor!” Daniel yells at him, dragging Henry by the arm.

-LINE BREAK-

Turns out the Ravendale District Lead was a huge waste of time because the deviant and the small child are long gone, which irritates Daniel because now he can’t corrupt teach Henry anything and frustrates Cole because nothing cool happened. Henry, for all intents and purposes, seems pretty chill about it, and that just makes Daniel even more irritated.

So here they are. Under a small umbrella in front of a food truck named “Chicken Feed”. Hank eating a burger that is about 5 sticks of butter in terms of calories, Connor asking and answering questions, Daniel pouting, Henry standing awkwardly to the side and Cole chasing after cats, who damn well knows something is there and hiss whenever he comes too close.

“Is there anything you would like to know about me?” Connor asks, cocking his head to the side.

“Nah, not really.” Hank replies, chewing on his burger. “Actually, on second thought, yeah. Why they make you so goofy looking and give you that weird voice?”

Connor blinks, and answers with “CyberLife androids are designed to work harmoniously with humans. Both my appearance and voice, are specifically designed to integrate into any social situation.”

Hank considers for a moment, and then says in a flat sort of voice, “Well, they fucked up.”

Daniel starts laughing, leaning onto Henry for support. “Oh boy! That’s a good one, and it’s true!”

Henry mutters “That’s not very nice Daniel…” which Daniel dismisses with a wave of his translucent hand.

“It’s okay if it’s funny, you need to remember that.”

“It’s really not…”

Connor LED blinks yellow for a couple of minutes, and then he says “We got a lead…perhaps we can go check it out. I’ll leave you to your meal Lieutenant.”

And then Connor goes back to the car, not sparing a glance at the ghosts, Daniel following after him, yelling “Wait are you mad at me? Don’t be please it was a joke I swear!” and Henry silently trailing behind them.

It’s raining that day, but the sky will clear up soon.

-LINE BREAK-

The apartment is filled with pigeons. Hank Anderson and Cole Anderson are scared of pigeons. Someone has been here, evident by the very encrypted journal found in a hole in the wall, and by balancing Daniel on Henry’s shoulders, they find the deviant in the ceiling, and Daniel yells “Connor! C’mere for a minute and look up, I just want to make sure what I’m seeing is right”

Connor comes, stands on the seat and looks up. The Deviant jumps down a moment later, knocking Connor to the ground. The group stands still for a minute while the deviant runs off, followed by Hank yelling at him to go after it, and Connor skids out the door in pursuit.

Daniel groans, and runs after him, Henry on his heels. Cole stays with his dad, and the three of them run after the deviant, even if it only thinks Connor and Hank are chasing it.

-LINE BREAK-

Connor bursts out of a corn field, to see the deviant having a brief scuffle with Hank on the roof top, before pushing him off the roof top. Connor can feel time slow as he gauges his options.

Then a sense of irrationality, a push, a shove makes him grab Hank’s hand and pull him up, while Daniel yells “I’ll get it!”, which roughly translates to “I’ll get it, but I’m going to fuck up somewhere and it’s not going to end well for anyone.” and runs after the deviant with Henry in tow, who look like he rather be anywhere than here. Cole breathes a sigh of relief when his father is saved from falling.

Connor and Hank are silent for a moment, before a loud “OH FUCK!” was heard, followed by a “That’s not supposed to happen.” from Daniel and a “Oh no, I’m sorry!” from Henry.

Then the sound of plastic and metal hitting concrete at a high velocity and there’s a couple of minutes of silence, followed by a very loud “ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?”

Connor turns to the next roof top, goes down past the garden beds and walks to see Daniel and Henry peering over the edge of the roof, looking mildly disgusted and disappointed in Daniel’s case, or slightly guilty in Henry’s case.

“So, uh, we caught up with him. Henry slipped and ended up pushing him forward. I guess our Deviant also slipped because he managed to regain footing but this is glass so he skidded a bit and toppled over the edge and now he’s…uh…” Daniel trails off, looking back over the edge of the roof, a translucent hand pointing to the carnage below.

Connor peers over the edge, to see the ghost of their Deviant sitting on the floor next to its body, swearing up a storm. Hank comes jogging by next, peers down and goes “Fucking Androids.”

Hank does not see the ghost screaming out “WHAT THE FUCK. HOW THE FUCK. THIS IS FUCKING BULLSHIT!”

Daniel mutters “Oh I see, he can swear but I can’t? That’s broken.”

-LINE BREAK-

The deviant’s name is Rupert, and he’s still very salty about how he died.

“I can’t fucking believe that get killed because I slipped. That’s broken.” He complains, throwing his arms up into the air. “That’s just fucking stupid.”

Daniel nods every once in a while, saying “I understand what you mean.” And “Mm, I agree.”, not actually listening to Rupert. Rupert has also made the choice to haunt Connor, until Henry goes “Connor can see us, you know…”

Rupert swears, and sticks around anyway. Might as well stay around. This irritates Daniel because now there are three ghosts following Connor even though he was first.

Connor hasn’t said anything, still trying to figure out why he saved Hank from falling instead of accomplishing the mission, despite Hank’s rate of survival being 89%.

Why did he do it?

-LINE BREAK-

It is a generally accepted fact that androids do not have souls. They don’t have them, because they are machines designed to accomplish a task. They aren’t alive, they don’t feel emotions or pain.

But Connor see’s the ghosts of deviated androids, he sees the spirts of them alongside the human ones.

Does that mean they are alive? That they have souls?

Can an android have the ability to become alive? After all, there is living-dead proof before his eyes.

Connor doesn’t know and feels the instability in his software begin to rise.

-LINE BREAK-

Hank won’t answer the damn door.

It’s beginning to piss both Rupert and Daniel off. Cole can’t open the door, which means Connor, who is corporeal and therefore cannot go through walls, has to walk in the rain to find a way in.

“Dad’s asleep on the floor again…” Cole says, avoiding eye contact. “He was drinking the weird stuff and playing the game with his revolver again.”

That sends alarm bells ringing in Connor’s head, and he breaks a window and tries (Emphasis on “tries”) to jump in through the window and lands ungracefully onto the floor, and immediately a large Saint Bernard begins growling at him.

“E-easy…uh…” Connor begins, putting a hand up as he racks his memory for the dog’s name. “S-Sumo! I’m a friend, see? No need to worry, I’m just here to save you owner, that all…”

Sumo huffs, before walking to his dog bowl, and that’s when Daniel, Rupert and Henry decide to appear, phasing through the door.

Connor glares at the three of them, saying “You bastards. You could have helped.”

Henry and Daniel exchange glances for a moment then say “But you like dogs.”

Connor blinks at them and shrugs off the comment (As machines do) and walked over to Hank, who was blissfully unaware of the whole interaction by being unconscious on the floor, a result from downing half a bottle of whiskey that has now spilt all over the floor.

“What a waste of good alcohol.” Daniel mutters, staring at the brown puddle on the floor.

“You can’t even drink.” Says Rupert, glancing at Daniel.

“Guys, not now, please.” Henry pleads, hoping nothing expensive was going to break now.

“Is dad okay?” Cole asks Connor, peering at him with translucent blue eyes. He’s kneeling next to his father, and Connor realises why Hank tries and kill himself little by little.

“Cole, how…how did you die?” Connor asks, staring at Cole’s ghostly form. Cole looks at Connor for a moment, and replies “You don’t know?”

Daniel and Rupert stop their sniping to watch, and Henry is already kneeling down next to Cole, who’s beginning to tremble ever so slightly.

“There was-was a truck. It couldn’t stop and it slammed into dad’s car and I remember being in surgery and there was an android and they couldn’t do anything and I-I-I just woke up again out side of my body and dad was crying and I…I…” Cole manages out, before grabbing Henry by the shirt and crying into his shoulder. “Ever since then, dad keeps drinking the stuff he keeps in the cupboard and playing with his gun and I try to stop him but I can’t.”

Connor sits back, and he says “I’m sorry.”

Cole wipes away the tears with the back of his hand and says “I’m okay. Let’s wake dad up, okay?”

Connor nods, and pats Hank’s cheek. “Lieutenant?”

Hank groans and moves his head just a bit.

Connor raises his hand up, and slaps Hank hard in the face. “Wake up Lieutenant! It’s me, Connor!” Connor yells, and picks up Hank, supporting him. “I’m going to sober you up for your own safety.”

Hank lets out a loud “Hey, leave me alone you fucking android!” which Connor ignores, and says “I have to warn you, this may feel unpleasant.”

Hank squints at Connor for a moment and says “Get the fuck out of my house!”

Connor ignores that too, dragging Hank to the bathroom, apologising every so often.

Henry decides to go and help , seeing as he has had experience with sobering up his own owner sometimes, and Cole only hiccups a bit and follows.

There’s the sound of a shower head being turned on, a loud scream, then Connor is leaving the bathroom, going into Hank’s room and emerging with a bundle of clothes under his arm, re-enters the bathroom, before leaving again.

He straightens his tie, and walks over to the gun on the floor, picking it up as if it could go off at any moment. He notes that the gun has no visible safety function and Rupert peers over his shoulder, voice suddenly full of dread.

“Check the-the cylinder…” He says, pointing to the named area.

Connor pushes the revolver’s cylinder to the side, revealing a single bullet in one of the chambers.

“I had my suspicions when Cole said his dad played with his gun, I just didn’t want to be right…” Rupert says, worrying the edge of his cap.

Connor looks at him, as if he’s asking why?

“Russian Roulette. One of the people in the apartment you found me in used to play it.” Rupert elaborates. “G, does Hank have no one to turn to?”

Connor looks back at the gun, the note “Suicidal Intentions?” flash across his vision as he spins the barrel once again, the bullet landing right where the barrel was.

“The next shot would have killed him…” Connor mutters, placing the gun back on the floor.

Connor sits and pets Sumo, who barks and settles down.

That’s when Hank comes out, dressed in clean clothes, not noticing his house is fuller than before.

“Alright, I’m ready. Let’s go Connor.” He says, picking up his revolver and going to the door. “You coming?”

Connor stares before saying “Of course Lieutenant. I’ll drive.”

#fanfiction #fanfic #detroit: become human #dbh rupert #dbh connor #dbh daniel #dbh cole #dbh hank #dbh hk400 #connor sees things #tw: sucide mention

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daisyishedwig · 6 years

Text

Klaine Advent Day 6: Fraction

Summary: Time traveler and soulmate AU. Living in a dystopic future, Blaine Anderson is saved from certain death by a time traveler who apparently already knows him.

A/N: Based on this text I sent to @itallstartedwithharry yesterday “Time travelling soulmates who have the first word (phrase) they hear from each other tattooed on their arms (body). The problem is that when one of them meets the other for the first time, the other one has already known them for years.” AKA how can something as simple as a soulmate AU become the most complicated 1200 word drabble anyone has ever written. I had to do a plot outline to understand my own fucking timelines here people. Fingers crossed future prompts inspire more in this verse because I want to add more and I believe it will make more sense the more I add. Or the opposite might happen, who knows. Also let’s pretend I had a plan for what the fuck kind of world Blaine is living in at the start of this. Okay? Okay.

Warnings: minor depictions of war at the beginning, some angst at the end, and probably a very convoluted plot in between, yay!

“I’d duck if I were you.”

Blaine dropped to his knees before his brain even caught up with the words that had been spoken. In the fraction of a second it took for him to process that he had just heard the words the man who had spoken them was pulling the pin on a grenade in his hand and deftly tossing it over the rickety metal table they were sheltered behind.

“Where did you even--” The explosion shocked him into silence as he covered his head with his arms, feeling small pieces of shrapnel that made it over the table bite into his forearms.

“Not now, Honey. Run first, ask questions later.” Abruptly the man stood and grabbed Blaine’s hand, pressing a button of his wristband and suddenly they were… not in the battle ground that Dalton Academy had become. Instead they were standing in the same common room that Blaine had spent the last two years of his life hiding out in, but never had it looked as clean as it did now. In fact, it was practically pristine, well dusted with books of sheet music lining the walls that had long since been used for kindling.

“What just…” he started when the man pulled him into a crushing hug.

“What on Earth were you doing there, Blaine?” he scolded, “You more than anyone know why 2024 is a year to avoid, especially anywhere in the states at that time.”

“I-I…” Blaine squirmed his way out of the man’s arms. “I don’t understand what you’re talking about. Of course 2024 is a horrible year, things have been shit for a couple of years now, but it’s not like I can control the decade in which I am living!”

The man stumbled back, eyes going wide as he suddenly studied Blaine intently. “Oh… oh my god. You’re…” he broke off like he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. “My god you’re so young.”

Blaine’s brow furrowed, at twenty-five he knows he’s not exactly a child any more but he’s certainly not young enough to garner that reaction. He is well into legal adulthood no matter what country you’re from.

“I’ve never seen you this young before. So… unknowledgeable. Ohmygod is this what it’s gonna be like for you in a few years? Wait… do I get to mentor you? Teach you everything that you taught me, so that you can then teach it to past me? An internal loop of paradoxes, this is crazy!”

“Can you please!” Blaine shouted to cut across his ramblings. “Can you please just tell me who you are, where I am, and what the hell you are talking about?”

The man grinned like the cat who got the cream. “My name is Kurt Hummel. And we are in Westerville, Ohio in 2010. And I think from that you can figure out the rest.”

----

Later that night, after Kurt had led Blaine away from Dalton to a motel nearby, he had sat and explained. He didn’t give him too much information, saying he didn’t want to influence his future decisions, but the gist of it was that five years ago in Kurt’s own personal time line, he had met Blaine. But that Blaine was this Blaine sometime down the rode on his own personal time line. Because they were both time travelers. Apparently. And that was about as far as Blaine had gotten into Kurt’s explanation before his head started to pound from trying to wrap his mind around it.

Kurt just smiled and told him to get some rest and that they would talk some more in the morning. But rest was the last thing Blaine was doing as his brain bounced back and forth between the idea that he was apparently going to become a time traveller, and staring at the words etched into his bicep. I’d duck if I were you.

Kurt hadn’t reacted to his response and Blaine didn’t know what that meant. It was probable that somewhere down the line someone else would say those words to him on their first meeting, but it didn’t seem all that likely. So for all intents and purposes, that would mean Kurt was his soulmate.

----

Blaine barely slept that night, so the second he heard Kurt get out of bed and head to the shower he was wide awake. He sat anxiously against his headboard, listening to the water gently pounding against the wall and waited for Kurt to return to him.

His question of course died in his throat the second Kurt stepped out of the bathroom, hair still dripping down onto the soft cotton of his t-shirt. Anxiety clawed at his lungs, telling him that if Kurt was his soulmate he would have already said something about it. Surely he would know, having known him for five years.

Finally Blaine managed to choke out a small, “Kurt?”

Kurt raised his head from where he was towelling off his hair at the foot of his bed. “Yes, Blaine?”

He was supposed to be polite. He was supposed to lead into the question. He was supposed to make it clear to Kurt that he didn’t have to tell him if he didn’t want to. What he said was, “What does your soul mark say?”

Kurt raised an eyebrow at him, as though commenting on how rude that was of Blaine to ask. That however was not enough to stop him from raising the hem of his shirt until it revealed simply, Kurt’s own name sketched across his ribs with a question mark beside it. Blaine deflated a little. He didn’t remember exactly what had first said to Kurt, but it certainly wasn’t that.

“Hoping it was something different, Anderson?”

Blaine shrugged, “I just… you said what’s written on my soul mark yesterday so I thought maybe… but it doesn’t matter.”

Kurt cocked his head to the side, considering. “But yesterday wasn’t the first time I met you.” was his simple response.

Blaine nodded as he processed that line of thought, “Do you remember what I said the first time we met?”

“Of course. You said my name. It never stuck out to me though because well… no hints into our future, Blaine. I’ve broken the rules enough.”

“But, Kurt, you know what that means, right?” Blaine said, standing and reaching out to Kurt.

“That can’t be what it means, Blaine.” Kurt pulled away from him, eyes suddenly hard, “You’ve been adamant for years that our relationship is only platonic, and if it’s not then that means that you’ve known the whole time while I’ve--” Kurt broke off turning away. “That means you’ve let me pine for five years and I refuse to believe that you would do that to me.”

“But, Kurt. You said it yourself. It’s a part of our rules that we don’t tell each other about our own future and if that includes us then… maybe I have to let you find out for yourself. I have to wait for you to find me. And now you have so that means…” Blaine trails off as Kurt rushes for his jacket.

“I can’t… I can’t think about this right now. I need… I need not you, I need a Blaine who knows what the fuck is going on here. I just, I have to leave, I’m sorry.”

“Kurt--”

“Here’s some cash. I’ll come back soon, just. Stay here, stay safe. Okay, I promise I’ll be back, just…” he took a deep breath and pressed the button on his wrist band again and suddenly he was gone and Blaine was alone.

#klaine advent 2017 #klaine advent: fraction #soulmate!klaine #timetraveller!Klaine #itallstartedwithharry #dontmockmyawkwardness #klaine fanart #kurt hummel #blaine anderson #monica writes #daisyishedwig writes

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