#( ic. / closed starter. )

[normaltothemax]

@dramatisperscnae for Bucky >w>

She hates this. Max hates this. She wants to go home. Hell, she’d even take going back to California. Back to her parents and her brothers, to the shrinks and the psych facilities. Any of that misery would be better than this. Better than being stuck in this fucking room, mostly healed from the injuries she’d received as a punishment for not seeing the Avengers’ victory, the SHIELD is Hydra news getting leaked all over the internet for the whole world to see, and, most importantly, the loss of the Winter Soldier.

Currently, she’s supposed to be finding him for Hydra; failure is not an option. There’s been talk, threats of cutting that pretty little head of hers open to see how she ticks. Maybe they think that will give them the answers they want and actually show them how her visions work. Maybe they think it will allow them to control her visions.

Maybe they’re right, and isn’t that a terrifying thought?

Max isn’t sure if it’s more or less terrifying than where she is now—locked up in what she’s 99% sure is some kind of torture chamber. She feels like she’s going to puke, is huddled on the floor in as tight a ball as she can manage, her arms curled protectively over her head, having moved as far away from every object in the room as she can get. It’s all fear and pain and misery and despair. The scent of blood and death feel like they’re suffocating her. Her stomach churns with every breath and the threat of vomiting is very real.

Time passes. She doesn’t know how long—doesn’t really care, either. But there’s noise outside, a lot of it, and she eventually hears the door swing open. She doesn’t bother looking up from where her forehead is pressed to her knees. Doesn’t bother moving at all. Just sits there, glassy-eyed, breathing shaky and shallow, shivering with every echo of torment that reverberates between these walls.

[orangetintedglasses]

@forgivenpunishment // guess we're camping for the night

Traveling while there were outages was something ill-advised all across the planet. Even moreso when it wasn't just some localized thing-- with nearly an entire quadrant just one big question mark in terms of gang activity, weather patterns and a number of other hazards common to a hellish sand planet, no one knew what was going on and most public broadcasts were pretty heavy-handed in reminding everyone to stay safe, and not travel anywhere outside the influence of Octovern and May, labeling the entire area in-between as a dead zone until further notice.

How the cities themselves managed to get away without a scratch, though, no one was sure. But there was quite an uproar building about leaving the active cities and settlements not within their jurisdictions to the wolves...

Especially at the start of sandstorm season.

Vash was doing his part as passenger by keeping an eye out for trouble where Wolfwood couldn't as they went along their merry way, driving across a massive expanse of nothing but sand and half-ruined structures (which he assumed were old rest stops and brave attempts at making camp, torn down by weather and time), headed towards the first set of coordinates given to them by people in the last town. There, they'd said, they could find a couple of Plants who wouldn't see engineers for quite some time still-- and yeah, it was nearly a three hour drive, but get out there, calm them down and get them working again? That would hasten some of the recovery for people and places at least a hundred iles out. Maybe more, if they were willing to share.

So of course Vash-- ever the altruist --insisted that they give it a shot.

They were getting fairly close when the Plant spotted it: the beginnings of a storm gathering on the horizon. A dark smattering of wind, sand and lightning; not directly in front of them, but coming at them from the side, and coming at them fast. They had maybe half an hour, tops, before it caught up to them; Vash relayed this information to Wolfwood and the pair quickly detoured from their course, seeking out the closest structure that had a ceiling and four(ish) walls before the storm could strand them out in the open.

What they found wasn't... perfect, but it was definitely good enough. An old wooden structure with scuffed-up glass in it's windows, and big double doors still firmly on their hinges that Angelina could fit through to keep her out of the storm, too. It... had clearly had more floors at some point in the past, but the floor between the first and former-second floor was still there to provide them coverage, as well.

It was the best they could do on such short notice; the winds were already howling when they rolled up, and kicked up wisps of sand and dirt up and around their legs as they hurried the three of them inside. A bonafide blessing in the middle of nowhere.

"Yeah, this doesn't look like it has plans to let up any time soon..." Vash said idly, frowning out the window. Flashes of lightning and ominous, rumbling thunder overhead appeared to agree with him as he turned to face his companion, walking back into the center of the room.

"Guess we're sandwiched until further notice. Just glad we got here before it got dark..."

[missmargomuse616]

A night of mischief || closed thread

It was seven thirty in the evening when Margo decided to go out for a night of fun. She made a phone call to her friend tam, asking if she wanted to hang out in the club downtown. Tam said that she would meet her there after taking care of things. Smiling she picked out a dress, shoes and makeup.

The weather was not as chilly as it was earlier in the day so she opted for carrying her shaw to go with her dress. Not planning on staying at the club too long, already having the habit of returning at a certain time as to not stay up late tonight. On the other hand why should she worry about that when it was her four day vacation from work. Besides she needed to let loose and dance with her friend, just forgetting about responsibilities for once.

While driving in her car, listening to some music she thought about that guy Luke north. Her Mind kept nagging at her that he looked so much like Loki, at every turn he gave good explanations, seemed truthful in what he said. She still had a lot of research, with the whole Norse mythology and what exactly happened with him. Until then she would try to relax and enjoy herself. She found a parking spot, walking towards the club seeing that the place was full of people around she couldn't help but feel like someone was watching her.

@loki-child-of-frigga

[loki-child-of-frigga]

@missmargomuse616

"The breaks not working!" A fearful shout followed by a scream as headlights illuminated the inside of the car.

Instinct more than intent guided Loki's movements as he surged across the space between them. He barely registered the breaking of seatbelts as he moved from his own seat while pulling her from hers.

Metal crunched and screamed as he curled his body around her, taking the brunt of the impact on his back as he shielded her with his body. A soft grunt passed his lips at the moment of impact but nothing more as everything stilled as if the world held its breath in the wake of the accident.

Loki didn't move, not yet, as he kept Margo protectively sheltered in his arms, his seidr visibly protecting anything his body hadn't been able to cover.

[runes-menagerie]

Plotted starter with @mxchineherald

Sky was resting with Viktor within the Arcane, it was exhausting helping to bring back the mind of Vander from within the beast Warwick. She needed to recharge, they both did. Which was why she and Viktor were resting within the Arcane rather than sleeping side by side with her using her body as she often did.

It was peaceful and relaxing. She wouldn't call it sleep but it was restful even with her keeping an eye on the commune. Everything was as calm as could be expected with the Noxians on their doorstep along with Singed. The scientist made her wary and she was glad that Viktor had resisted the temptation and sent the man away.

Then there was a disturbance. She lifted her head and turned her attention to it but didn't leave Viktor's embrace. She didn't have as strong of a connection with the Healed of the commune as Viktor did but it seemed that someone in need of help had arrived. They were being guided here for Healing.

She frowned at that and debated leaving for a moment to use her body to direct the newcomer to a place of rest for the moment since Viktor needed rest. She weighed her opens for too long it seemed since the person was already entering.

Her eyes widened as she recognized the feel of the person. Jayce. He was here and given his reaction to them speaking through Salo, she couldn't be sure what Jayce had planned. Especially since he was continuing to approach the spot where Viktor hovered in meditation. She tried to alert Viktor before reaching for her body just in case.

[betweendawnanddark]

@lightheartedislandboy

A combination of disappointment and frustration made every step back to the gummi ship heavier. They'd responded as soon as they could after Leon had sent a message about Maleficent and Pete "making a mess" in Traverse Town, but that probably meant they'd already been there for some time before they'd been discovered--

Riku let out a deep sigh as the gummi ship was in sight, parked out of the way and far from any usual foot traffic. He'd confirmed it through asking several people and a few broken stones, bricks, and weirdly deep holes which had clearly been dug with a shovel and a great deal of effort left behind: no one was there to stop or question anymore. Maybe Sora had more luck with a lead, or anything else.

Mild annoyance making him feel tense and jittery, he leaned back against the side of the ship and waited for Sora. It didn't seem like an immediate disaster or anything, it was just... one more thing to have to worry about.

[phenomenally-skilled]

Closed starter for @the-knicker-drawer

Lydia was busy getting her clothes together for the date tonight at her place; She had hit it off well with the woman she sat across from at the endangered species benefit, and they had to rain check an ‘after party’ since the both of them were busy.

But, today was the day they had planned. She pulled up her shorts over her figure, having to jump a little in the process. They were a pair of black spandex shorts, with a halo on the front and angels wings on each cheek on the back.

She had on a black tank top that had a star design with each thread that crossed over her cleavage making a line of the star. Talking herself up, and hoping that she didn’t draw attention to her huge back scars, Lydia heard the doorbell to her home ring.

Her heart jumped into her throat, going to the door and fanning out her hair, opening it for her guest.

“It’s so nice to see you again~”

[maaskuline]

@pomniegranate liked for a starter!

See, normally, Johnny would jump at the first chance he gets to hit on any woman he meets... but there's just one problem with this particular woman that throws him off.

"Sheesh, lady! Give a guy a warnin' before ya just go around spookin' people!" And by people, he just means himself. There's no one else even around. "What's with the clown get-up? Don't you got some circus to get to? This ain't Halloween, man!"

...He's afraid of clowns.

[minglz]

ㅤㅤ⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅ @musedbyalli - wanted something from my new oc!

ㅤㅤ𝓣hey weren't supposed to talk with one another. Walk in single file, be prompt and cooperative. Eun- worker 118- felt as though she had a much bigger target on her back originally starting as a player, and through unfortunate circumstances, she ended up as a worker. But it saved her life and gave her another chance. Although it was a lonely one during these times when she helped out. It also gave her the money to support herself and pay off her own debts. After she woke up, she got a notice she would be working with 115- someone that was a close neighbour to her own room. Normally she would be testing games, but for right now- she was a floater. Her gaze hesitantly turned toward 115 and gave a small nod as if to as ❛Hello.❜

[sgtcapn]

@pumpkinhcad

ㅤSounds of withering leaves crunching underfoot and wind whistling through the trees filled Captain's ears as he walked, punctuated by tires on asphalt and mumbling pedestrians. In spite of the sunglasses dimming his vision in the fading dusk, he walked the streets with the familiarity of a man who had followed the same routes countless times. For once, his visit to this town was without an occasion or special reason — merely an excuse to get away from piles of menial paperwork and focus on something actually important. He has unlimited sick days, so he's damn well going to use them at his leisure !

ㅤDespite his boy's stubborn protests, he always made it his duty to take care of the kid while he was here, running basic errands that often eluded the little redhead while he ( reluctantly ) focused on more important things, like basic self-care. Even getting a grocery list out of him was like pulling teeth, but Captain was nothing if not patient with his son, even to a fault. ( One might even call him stubborn. )

ㅤA little flash of orange caught the sergeant's eye as he turned a corner, one that hadn't looked out of place among the fallen leaves until it moved. Then again, a child in a spooky costume was hardly a conspicuous sight in Fall, though he had to question why this tubby kid was getting such a big head start on begging strangers for free candy—

ㅤOh. Captain stopped in his tracks, facing the child. No, no, this one was familiar. Warnings from his son echoed in his mind, of rambunctious, costumed children with a concerning fascination for the macabre. Did he babysit the kids, or did they find him drenched in blood and latch onto him...? Ah, whatever. Now, what was the pumpkin kid's name again...

ㅤ“ You have a good reason to be out by yourself at this hour, Pump ? ”

ㅤHe didn't truly care about the reason, just about not letting a seven-year-old get run over, or snatched up by a creep in a white van.

[unhinged-greed-a]

The first evening of the Ball went nicely. Mam had to keep randos away from his date, none of them deserved to be anywhere near him this evening, not even tomorrow! After eating, having few drinks, dancing it was time to call it a day. Mammon was feeling tired. Sure he could have just teleport his ass back to his own Ring, but who could say NO to an opportunity to sleep in a guest room. Besides, let the twins have the mansion to themselves for a moment, right?

Mammon was leading the two in their room, seemingly being more excited by this than Ozzie was. Opening the room he let the other go in, like a 'gentleman' he is, stepping in after Oz, locking the door behind him.

"Well- . . . I though' this was not in the sex section of the place" he glared at a one king sized bed before him. That was not gonna make him want to leave tho. Instead he made a quick jump on the bed, reserving the right side for himself!

"My spot, and here's yers my dear Oz" with an eyebrow wiggle Mammon was patting an empty side next to him.

@rapid-as-sass-in-nation-team

[chaosmultiverse]

@asurastro, one prince that shares a first name (not that he's gonna fess up about that) coming up!

IDP, or also known as the Interdimensional Prince (since he hadn't mentioned his name) was a... Comedicly minor villain, not even a d-lister, maybe a x-lister? He had tried to kidnap or trick a few people since he had shown up but he was easily detoured by practically anything ranging from the would be victim walking off while he was in the middle of trying to woo them to pepper spray, yeah that one was very effective.

All this to say that when IDP showed up out of portal that appeared from no where, Rex had literally nothing to really fear.

"Ah!-" IDP looked at his wrist for a moment which appeared to have Rex's name written on it "-Pex! I am a gaint fan, an admirer one might even say! Would you do me an honor and let me prove myself worth your time? Perhaps with a date?" IDP kneeled and held out a rose up to Rex, all of this had been less than a minute after showing up.

[tierra-paldeana]

☠🌏– The crackling of the nearby chimney fire. The quiet hum of the falling snow and howling wind outside. The warm dimly lit lights against the darkening evening sky. The soft texture of the blanket on top of her, and the steam coming from the hot chocolate in her hands. Upon her arrival here today, as it was almost customary at this point, the cold had been a little much to handle, even in the middle of August, and Grusha had immediately tucked her in the couch to rise her temperature.

She was nice and cozy now, but it was always impressive just how different Glaseado was from the South of Paldea - were they there right now, she'd be wearing rather light clothing and even turning on the AC to withstand such Paldean heat. But the north sometimes seemed like a different world with these drastic temperature differences, and the view outside the window couldn't bring more ''December painting'' vibes even if it tried.

It seems there was a building snowstorm, too, with how the air and the precipitations seemed to pick up the pace as the dusk progressed. She was transfixed by the view, eyes half-lidded as she was slowly ceasing to be as sleepy as she was a few minutes ago. With how warm she was though, the prospect of a nap sounded tempting... but. She's not here for that. She knows that well.

She takes a quiet sip of the mug, noticing there were some tiny cookie bits in her chocolate - oh this was her favorite brand of powdered chocolate. Just as mindful as usual...

Grusha's home was very cozy, for sure.

''...Thank ya, Grush. I'm feelin' a lil better.''

She says as Grusha had turned to the kitchen, presumably to put the bottle of powdered chocolate and the milk away. Clodsire was laying by her feet, and after a long pause, she felt him nuzzling her leg, looking up at her.

Yeah... it was time.

''...I came here 'cause I wanted to talk to you 'bout somethin' important. We can talk 'bout it when yer back, yeah? No rush.''

She was nervous... more than she could put into words. But it had to be done, and she couldn't falter or backtrack right now. It wouldn't be fair to either of them otherwise.

@beiowzero

[loki-child-of-frigga]

Morning Glory || closed

Loki spent most of what remained of that night in her workroom, carefully enchanting a pair of crystals to act as the cores for a new set of clones. She had made such clones before although it had been some years since she didn't need such complex clones often, but if she was going to continue leading two lives at once then there were times when both her forms would need to be seen together and interact. So this was the best option.

She finally finished a few hours before dawn and since Margo still seemed to be sleeping peacefully Loki decided to return to male form while activating the crystal for Luka. It took shape and after a moment shimmered a bit to change clothing into the same clothing Loki had been wearing before shifting. He was now wearing a loose pair of lounge pants and an oversized, long-sleeved t-shirt in green.

That done he and the clone settled into the bed in his bedroom to get as much sleep as possible before he would need to get up to take care of his guest. Even so it would likely be late morning when he woke unless something woke him earlier.

@missmargomuse616

[tcluene]

@mandysxmuses liked for a one liner

"Oh, you poor little thing! Are you alright?"

[undyingmedium]

@akrahan

It had been a while since their first meeting in the graveyard. They had met the morning after as they planned, and Anika was impressed by the dragonborn's skills with magic: he might not have been the most expert of the mages she ever met, but he was certainly one who put his soul into what he did. That was something she certainly appreciated.

After few days spent simply assessing his base capabilities and exercising on their own, Anika began signing them up for missions. To make sure they would limit the use of darker spells at the beginning, she made sure that they would have had some other company to team up with for mostly hunting quests; it earned them some coin as well as a practical chance to coordinate their actions better.

Things started to get a little more complicated when she opted for a mission for only the two of them, where a little quarrel threatened to give the upper hand to a group of mischievous fey which ambushed them in the woods. Even after the danger had been avoided, however, Anika insisted with her point of view: involving him in her own missions was something that might have come only later, when full trust was achieved.

He could protest all he wanted about it, but she had already seen what could happen to the wrong people finding out about her secrets. It wasn't something she wished to see again, ans she would clearly do whatever it took to shield others from it... especially someone so stubborn as Akrahan seemed to be.

She missed their usual appointment the day after. She wasn't around again and again, and if he thought of asking the tavernkeep, he would only say that her room was still occupied but she hadn't been seen around at all.

It took more than a tenday for her to reappear at a table with a light breakfast one morning, sitting in a farther corner instead of near the counter as she usually did before.