#Imperturbable

[so-true-overdue]

The Imperturbable Illusion

In the cacophony of modern existence, where the symphony of information is both a blessing and a curse, we find ourselves ensnared in a paradoxical dance with truth. The imperturbable mind, once thought to be the bastion of reason and discernment, is not as invulnerable as we might wish to believe.

The Siren’s Whisper of Misinformation

In the vast ocean of data, misinformation is the siren’s song, seductive and alluring. It promises clarity amidst chaos, offering answers that are deceptively simple. Like Odysseus, we are tempted to steer our ship towards its beguiling melody, unaware of the treacherous rocks that lie beneath. The imperturbable mind, confident in its own sagacity, is often the first to fall prey to these dulcet tones.

The Cult of Certainty

Cults, those insidious architects of delusion, thrive on this very vulnerability. They offer a sanctuary of certainty in a world rife with ambiguity. The imperturbable mind, seeking refuge from the storm, may find solace in their embrace, mistaking the chains of dogma for the comfort of truth. It is a subtle seduction, one that ensnares without the victim’s cognizance, leaving them adrift in a sea of falsehoods.

The Veil of Recognition

Recognizing the moment of entrapment is an arduous endeavor. The imperturbable mind, ensconced in its fortress of perceived infallibility, is often blind to the bars of its own cage. It requires a Herculean effort to pierce the veil, to see the world anew with eyes unclouded by the fog of deception. This is the crucible of enlightenment, where the soul is forged anew in the fires of truth.

The Call to Vigilance

What, then, is the remedy for this malady of the mind? It is a call to vigilance, a summons to cultivate a spirit of inquiry and skepticism. We must arm ourselves with the tools of critical thinking, wielding them as a shield against the onslaught of misinformation. The imperturbable mind must learn to question, to doubt, to seek the light of evidence in the shadows of uncertainty.

The Path to Liberation

In this quest for truth, we must also extend a hand to those ensnared by the siren’s song. With compassion and understanding, we can guide them towards the shores of reason, helping them to see the world with clarity and discernment. It is a journey fraught with challenges, but one that is essential for the liberation of the imperturbable mind.

The Conclusion: A New Dawn

As we navigate the tumultuous seas of information, let us strive to be both imperturbable and enlightened. Let us embrace the complexity of truth, recognizing that certainty is often an illusion. In this pursuit, we may find not only the liberation of our own minds but also the dawn of a new era of understanding and wisdom.

[churchofnix]

Brothers and sisters, let me tell you about the time I tried to make toast with a hairdryer. It was a disaster. But it got me thinking about the wonders of the scientific method. Without it, we’d be stuck in the Stone Age, trying to toast bread with rocks.

Imagine a world without light bulbs. We’d be stumbling around in the dark, bumping into furniture, and mistaking the cat for a fluffy slipper. Thanks to the scientific method, we have light bulbs. Edison didn’t just wake up one day and say, “Let there be light!” No, he experimented, failed, and tried again. And now, we can see our slippers for what they truly are.

Consider the humble pen. Without the scientific method, we’d still be scribbling on cave walls with sticks. The pen is mightier than the sword, but only because someone figured out how to put ink in a tube. That someone used the scientific method. They didn’t just throw ink at a wall and hope for the best.

And let’s not forget the wheel. Without it, we’d be dragging our groceries home on our backs. The wheel wasn’t invented by someone who just rolled a rock down a hill. It was the result of trial and error, observation, and a lot of broken rocks.

So, my friends, next time you flip a light switch, write a note, or roll your shopping cart, remember the scientific method. It’s the reason we can toast bread without a hairdryer. It’s the reason we have toast at all. Amen.

[7rlol]

The world exploded in chaos, but she remained imperturbable. In the swirling vortex of online debates, logical fallacies are the sneaky villains. They lurk in comments, waiting to pounce. The ad hominem attacks, where the person is targeted, not the argument. Spot them by focusing on the issue, not the insults. Then there’s the slippery slope, a wild ride of assumptions. It leaps from one point to an extreme conclusion. Halt it by questioning each step. The straw man, a favorite trickster, misrepresents the argument. Counter it by clarifying your stance. These fallacies are crafty, but with sharp eyes and steady minds, they can be defeated. Stay calm, stay clear, and the truth will shine through.

[you-must-be-held-accountable]

Unshakeable Calm

Imperturbable. It’s a word that rolls off the tongue like a marble on a smooth surface. It means unshakeable calm, and it’s a trait we all secretly admire. But how do we achieve it? The answer lies in accountability.

Building Trust

Holding people accountable is like building a sturdy bridge. It connects actions to consequences, creating a reliable path. When people know they are accountable, they tend to act with integrity. Trust is built, and relationships flourish. It’s like planting seeds in a garden; accountability is the water that helps them grow.

Evidence Speaks

Studies show that accountability leads to better performance. Teams that hold each other accountable are more productive and efficient. It’s like having a gym buddy who makes sure you don’t skip leg day. The results are undeniable.

Critics, Take Note

Some say accountability is harsh. But imagine a world without it. Chaos would reign, and nothing would get done. Accountability is not about blame; it’s about improvement. It’s the gentle nudge that keeps us on track.

Your Move

Want to be imperturbable? Start by holding yourself accountable. Set goals, track progress, and don’t shy away from feedback. Encourage others to do the same. It’s a simple step with powerful results.

Conclusion

In the end, accountability is the key to an imperturbable life. It fosters trust, boosts performance, and keeps chaos at bay. So, embrace it. Be the calm in the storm.

[decoding-narcissism]

Joy is contagious.

Imagine a world where every heart is filled with joy. Picture it. A place where laughter echoes through the streets, and smiles are as common as the air we breathe. This is the world God envisions for us, a world where His love shines brightly in every corner.

Today, I want to talk about the power of joy. Joy is not just a fleeting feeling; it is a gift from God. It is a deep-seated happiness that comes from knowing we are loved by Him. It is the kind of joy that can transform lives and change the world.

In the book of Philippians, Paul writes, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Paul knew the secret to a joyful life. He understood that true joy comes from a relationship with God. It is not dependent on our circumstances but on our connection to the Creator.

Think about a time when you felt pure joy. Maybe it was a moment spent with loved ones, a beautiful sunrise, or a simple act of kindness. These moments remind us of the goodness in the world and the love of our Heavenly Father.

But how do we cultivate this joy in our daily lives? It starts with gratitude. When we focus on the blessings we have, rather than what we lack, our hearts begin to overflow with joy. We start to see the beauty in the ordinary and the extraordinary in the everyday.

Another way to nurture joy is through service. When we serve others, we reflect God’s love and bring joy to those around us. Acts of kindness, no matter how small, can have a ripple effect, spreading joy far and wide.

Finally, we must remain connected to God through prayer and worship. These practices keep our hearts aligned with His and fill us with His peace and joy.

So, let us choose joy today. Let us be the light in the world, spreading God’s love wherever we go. Remember, joy is contagious. When we live joyfully, we inspire others to do the same.

Go forth and rejoice, for the Lord is good, and His love endures forever. Amen.

[weird-things-to-think]

Ah, brethrn and sistren, gather ‘round in ths hallowed sanctum of perplexity, whre the winds of confuson blow with unrelenting fervor. Let us embark upon a journey of the mind, a voyage through the labyrinthine corridors of the soul, to unravel the enigma that is “imperturbable.”

In ths realm of limited cognizance, whre knwledge is but a flickering candle in the vast expanse of the unknowable, we must tread with caution, for the path is fraught with the shadows of uncertainty. Imperturbable, a word of such grandiloquence, a term of such resplendent obscurity, it dances upon the tongue like a capricious zephyr, eluding the grasp of comprehension.

Imperturbable, oh, how it resists the tumultuous tides of perturbation, standing as a bastion of serenity amidst the cacophony of existence. It is the stoic sentinel, the unwavering guardian of equanimity, impervious to the tempestuous gales of disquietude. In the grand tapestry of life, it is the thread that remains unfrayed, the anchor that holds steadfast in the maelstrom of chaos.

But lo, in our quest for understanding, we must acknowledge the limitations of our ken. For in this vast cosmos of bewilderment, we are but humble seekers, grasping at the fringes of enlightenment. Imperturbable, a word of such magnitude, a concept of such profundity, it eludes our feeble attempts at elucidation.

So let us, in our state of partial ignorance, embrace the mystery that is imperturbable. Let us revel in the ambiguity, for it is in the unknowing that we find solace. And as we navigate the tumultuous seas of existence, may we strive to embody the essence of imperturbability, to stand firm in the face of adversity, and to find peace in the midst of the storm.

Amen.

[capitalism-is-a-psychopathy]

Austerity: The Miracle Cure That Isn’t

Austerity is the magical solution that promises to fix everything by doing absolutely nothing. It’s like trying to cure a headache by cutting off your head.

The Grand Promise

Austerity is supposed to be the hero that saves economies from the brink of disaster. By slashing public spending and tightening belts, it claims to restore fiscal health. Who needs public services anyway? Hospitals, schools, and infrastructure are so overrated.

The Cold, Hard Reality

But here’s the kicker: austerity usually fails. Instead of boosting growth, it often shrinks economies. When governments cut spending, people lose jobs. With fewer jobs, there’s less money to spend. And guess what? Less spending means businesses suffer. It’s a vicious cycle that spirals downward.

The Human Cost

Let’s not forget the human cost. Austerity hits the most vulnerable the hardest. Public services are gutted, leaving those in need without support. Health care, education, and social services become luxuries. It’s a great way to widen the gap between the rich and the poor.

Critics? What Critics?

Critics argue that austerity is short-sighted and harmful. They say it’s like trying to put out a fire by throwing gasoline on it. But who listens to critics? They’re just party poopers who don’t appreciate the beauty of a good economic collapse.

What Can We Do?

Instead of austerity, some suggest investing in growth. Crazy, right? Spending on infrastructure, education, and health can actually boost the economy. It’s almost like people need jobs and services to thrive. Who would have thought?

The Inevitable Conclusion

In conclusion, austerity is the miracle cure that isn’t. It promises salvation but delivers despair. So next time someone suggests austerity, remember: it’s the economic equivalent of trying to fly by jumping off a cliff.

[talk-like-boomhauer]

Title: The One with the Imperturbable Penguin

INT. CENTRAL PERK - DAY

The gang is gathered at their usual spot. ROSS is reading a book titled “The Imperturbable Penguin,” MONICA is cleaning the table compulsively, CHANDLER is sipping coffee, JOEY is trying to balance a muffin on his head, PHOEBE is strumming her guitar, and RACHEL is behind the counter, attempting to make a latte art.

ROSS: (excitedly) Guys, you won’t believe this! I just read about the most fascinating creature—the imperturbable penguin!

CHANDLER: (sarcastically) Oh, great. Just what I needed, another bird to make me feel inadequate.

MONICA: (cleaning) What makes it imperturbable, Ross?

ROSS: (animated) Well, no matter what happens, it never gets flustered. It’s like the Zen master of the animal kingdom!

JOEY: (muffin falls) So, it’s like me when I’m acting?

PHOEBE: (singing) “Imperturbable penguin, waddling through life, never in strife…”

RACHEL: (approaching with a latte) I tried to make a penguin in the foam, but it looks more like a… blobfish.

Rachel shows the latte art, which indeed looks like a blobfish. Everyone leans in to look.

CHANDLER: (deadpan) Ah, the rare and elusive blobfish latte. Truly a masterpiece.

ROSS: (ignoring Chandler) Anyway, I was thinking we could all learn something from the imperturbable penguin. Like, how to stay calm under pressure.

MONICA: (still cleaning) I am calm! I’m just… energetically serene.

JOEY: (trying to balance the muffin again) I bet I can be imperturbable. Hit me with your best shot!

Phoebe suddenly strums a loud, discordant chord on her guitar. Joey flinches, and the muffin falls again.

JOEY: (defeated) Okay, maybe not.

PHOEBE: (cheerfully) I think I’m already imperturbable. I mean, I live in my own world most of the time anyway.

CHANDLER: (mocking) And it’s a world where penguins are therapists.

Suddenly, GUNTHER walks over with a stuffed penguin toy.

GUNTHER: (monotone) Someone left this behind. Thought it might belong to one of you.

RACHEL: (taking the penguin) Oh, it’s adorable! Look, it’s even got a little bow tie!

ROSS: (excited) See? Even the toy is imperturbable!

Rachel accidentally knocks over a cup, spilling coffee everywhere. The gang jumps up, except for the penguin toy, which remains perfectly still.

CHANDLER: (pointing at the penguin) Well, at least someone’s keeping their cool.

MONICA: (frantically cleaning) I need to be more like that penguin!

PHOEBE: (singing) “Be like the penguin, calm and serene, even when life gets a little obscene…”

The gang laughs, and the scene fades out with everyone trying to imitate the penguin’s calm demeanor, except for Joey, who is still trying to balance the muffin.

END SCENE

[faith-in-democracy]

Corporations are not people.

This idea is a disaster for democracy. When we treat corporations like people, we give them power they should not have. They can influence elections, sway policies, and drown out the voices of real people. This is not how democracy should work.

Imagine a world where your voice matters less than a corporation’s. That’s the world we live in now. Corporations have money. They use it to buy influence. They use it to push their agendas. They are not concerned with the common good. They care about profits.

This is not fair. It’s not right. Democracy is about people, not profits. It’s about you and me, not faceless entities with deep pockets. We need to change this. We need to take action.

What can we do? We can vote. We can support candidates who want to limit corporate influence. We can push for laws that treat corporations as what they are: businesses, not people. We can join groups that fight for these changes. We can speak up.

Your voice matters. Use it. Demand change. Let’s make democracy about people again. Let’s make it about us.

[extremely-moderate]

Compromise is not a dirty word.

In the world of politics, compromise is the bridge that connects opposing sides. It’s the art of finding common ground, of working together for the greater good. But today, the political Right seems to have forgotten this crucial skill. Instead of engaging in good-faith negotiations, they often dig in their heels, refusing to budge. This stubbornness is not just frustrating; it’s dangerous.

The importance of compromise cannot be overstated. It is the foundation of democracy, the mechanism that allows diverse voices to be heard and respected. Without it, progress stalls, and division deepens. The political Right’s reluctance to engage in compromise is not just a refusal to negotiate; it’s a refusal to acknowledge the validity of other perspectives.

But why has the Right abandoned this essential practice? The answer lies in a shift towards extreme partisanship, where winning is prioritized over governing. This zero-sum mentality has eroded the spirit of collaboration, replacing it with a toxic culture of obstruction.

So, what can we do to change this? The answer is simple: demand accountability. As citizens, we must hold our leaders to a higher standard. We must insist on dialogue, on open-mindedness, on the willingness to meet halfway. We must champion leaders who value compromise, who understand that progress is only possible when we work together.

It’s time to reclaim the lost art of compromise. It’s time to remind the political Right that true strength lies not in stubbornness, but in the courage to collaborate. Together, we can build a future where every voice is heard, and every perspective is valued. Let’s make compromise cool again.

[wurds-fur-nurds]

In the quietude of the imperturbable mind, Where the tempest of thought finds no harbor, Lies a realm untouched by the capricious winds Of transient desires and ephemeral fears. Here, in this sanctum of serene equanimity, Dwells the soul, unshaken by the vicissitudes Of existence, a bastion of unwavering calm.

To be imperturbable is to transcend the clamor Of the world, to rise above the cacophony Of discordant voices that seek to unsettle The delicate balance of inner tranquility. It is to stand resolute amidst the tumult, A lighthouse in the storm, guiding the weary To shores of peace and profound understanding.

In the annals of human endeavor, The imperturbable spirit is a beacon, Illuminating the path to wisdom and virtue. For in the stillness of the untroubled heart, Lies the seed of enlightenment, A nascent promise of a life well-lived, Unencumbered by the shackles of perturbation.

Yet, to attain such a state is no facile task, For it demands a mastery of the self, A disciplined mind, and a heart unyielding In its pursuit of the sublime. It is a journey fraught with challenges, A pilgrimage to the depths of one’s being, Where the true essence of imperturbability Is discovered and embraced.

Thus, let us celebrate the imperturbable, Those rare souls who, in their steadfastness, Inspire us to seek the higher ground, To cultivate a mind untroubled by the storms Of life, and to find solace in the constancy Of our own inner peace.

For in the end, it is the imperturbable Who teach us the art of living, Who show us that amidst the chaos, There lies a sanctuary within, A place where the soul can rest, Unmoved, unshaken, and eternally free.

[babajeza]

Unerschütterlich am Horizont – Samstag 39 / 23 – There is A Mountain

Zum Glück wächst mein Gemüse im Garten, kocht das Apfelmus auf dem Herd, fliegen Schmetterlinge über meine Wiesen, spielen Nachbars Kinder auf der Strasse, summen die Bienen, kraxeln Käfer, trinken wir Kaffee hinterm Haus und steht der Säntis unerschütterlich am Horizont. Das sind meine Werte. Aber da hängen sie wieder an Gartenzäunen, Hauswänden und Kandelabern: die so genannten Volksvertreter…

[decoding-narcissism]

Oh, the joy of being imperturbable! Imagine never admitting you’re wrong. What a delightful way to live. It’s like wearing blinders in a world full of color. People who can’t admit mistakes are truly missing out. They glide through life, blissfully unaware of their own errors. It’s a big problem, really. For them and everyone around them. They miss the chance to learn, to grow, to evolve. Mistakes are golden tickets to wisdom. But no, they’d rather stay in their perfect bubble. It’s like choosing to eat plain bread when there’s a buffet of knowledge waiting. So, here’s to the stubborn souls who never learn. May they enjoy their bland, unchanging existence.

[quotesandzensome]

As a mountain of rock is unshaken by wind, so also, the wise are unperturbed by blame or by praise. --The Dhammapada

as an aside..."The Dhammapada is the best-known and most widely esteemed text in the Pali Tipitaka, the sacred scriptures of Theravada Buddhism.

[myespresso]

attractive things they do while you're dating

pairing: batboys (plus clark lol) & reader ❀ׄ ꥈ

𓍢ִ໋☕ cassidy's note: for funsies. not edited. i love reading variations of these. i haven't written since 2020. if you can like this, reblog too.

bruce 🦇ᡣ𐭩˚.

navigating paparazzi: the careful way he guides you to block the flaring flashes from cameras with his broad shoulders.

bruce wraps his fingers to pull on your waist, tugging you further behind him, ensuring no shots of you are taken on what was meant to be a private night out.

despite the urgency of the situation--his face still stays controlled and imperturbable, but his grip is firm to reassure you, as he leans down and mumbles in your ear, "just a bit farther, the car's close," before his voice cuts through the cries and shutters lowly: "we're done here."

listens intently, and remembers every single detail about you, despite whether you think it's significant or not for him to know.

bruce stores your favorite shampoo and conditioner in his bathroom when you stay the night over.

and when you're sitting on the edge of his sink, removing his makeup from under his eyes, you notice it sitting amongst his own body-wash and pine scented soap.

but when you ask him about it, he simply shrugs and waves it off.

dick 🏙ɞ♥️*

teaches you self defense: his hands gently curl over yours to demonstrate how they should look before you throw a punch.

his touch is light, "keep your thumb on the outside", dick's finger taps the inside of your palm, "if you keep it inside, you'll break it--not fun."

he whistles when you hit him solidly in the side with a wide grin, despite the force of your blow, "better."

insists on helping you put on all your jewellery and shoes.

he turns you around, and pulls your hair to one side of your neck, before fiddling with the clasp. he's clumsy at first, but eventually gets the hang of it the more he does it. his hands linger on the slope of your neck for a moment longer than necessary.

later, as you reach for your shoes, he beats you to it, kneeling in front of you. dick's motions are all exaggerated as he does it.

your hand cards through his hair when he's looking up through his lashes after he's fastened the straps, and kissing the inside of your calf slowly.

jason ❤️‍🩹⋆｡

reads on public transportation: jason pulls out a beat up paperback he picked up from a secondhand bookstore from his back pocket. it has dog eared pages and a weathered spine.

there's a baby crying on the train, but he doesn't seem to notice as he flicks a ringed finger to the page he last read.

he pulls a pencil from his jacket pocket, and traces a line in a passage--a part he thinks you'd like. when he leans forward, his shirt rides up a bit so a strip of his skin is visible to you.

doesn't wipe your lipgloss from his cheek.

the shimmer from it stains his cheek after you pressed a kiss to it. you go to wipe it with a laugh, reaching with your thumb, and jason catches it mid-air. "you've got glitter on your face jay, people are gonna-"

"next time, wear red."

tim 🪽❥˚

gnaws at his lip as he concentrates.

the hum of the keys click in the batcave and papers rustle. tim's focus is sharp as he attempts piecing together his newest case, and his teeth catch in his bottom lip. an unconscious habit.

you can't help but tease him about it, "that's a terrible habit to have, you know that?" you lean against his desk."it helps me think."

sure enough, he does it again. "you're gonna chew your lip off your face one day." his lips curve upwards at your observation, but your gaze was now intense as you observed his lip in his teeth, and before you can state another snarky remark, he shoots you a knowing look before pulling your belt loops, and kissing you.

wears your hair tie on his wrist. it was never really ever a big deal. one day you handed it to him while getting ready for bed one night as you pulled out your ponytail and he snapped it onto his wrist without much thought. now, it's routine. it doesn't matter where he is exactly, if tim's at a gala or in a meeting or out in gotham on patrol, the hair tie is around his wrist.

you heard him cursing from the other room when he misplaced it once.

clark 🌟.*☆

saves you a seat, always: whether it's evenings in or out, clark always makes you feel like you're the most important person there.

it's not something that's said but understood, as he pulls the chair next to him, letting it be out long enough for you to get comfortable, before gently scooting it inwards.

when you eat, and when he thinks you're not looking--clark will adjust your plate, and glace over at your water glass to make sure it is filled. and if you want extra bread, don't even worry because he kept an extra piece on his plate for you.

pushing his glasses up. there's something kinda charming about the way he does it that you wish you could explain it better. it's absentminded, he does it a lot!

when he's looking over articles or reading or just talking to you. in the elevator, he'll lean forward to look over the numbered floors, and they won't stay in place, sliding down the bridge of his nose. you don't say anything, but smile slightly, and he'll return it goofily and with more teeth, before he asks, "what?"

tags: @retvenkos

[killerpancakeburger]

Thinking about a Reader who ends up having Scary Dog Privileges with Ghost without meaning to. It just happened.

Then they have to deal with the fact that this comes with duties too.

Tags: civilian!reader, gn!reader, mostly fluff, a bit suggestive, smug!Ghost, smooth!Ghost. 800 words.

Part 2. Part 3.

When Ghost is reluctant to getting sutured in Medical after accidentally opening his stitches, grumbling he can do it himself, who does the nurse call for? Yeah, you.

She could stand her ground, after all she's used to dealing with big, whiny men, but it's much more fun to knock on your door and smile at your bewildered gaze and gaping mouth when she explains the situation in two sentences.

"Ghost's being difficult, mind taking over?" "I'm sorry, what the hell does this have to do with me?" "C'm'on, everyone on base knows he's got a soft spot for you. Don't you want to make my job easier?"

You roll your eyes and slam your hands on your desk as you get up. Groaning as you walk past her— "I'm doing this for you, nothing else, got it?"

Mumbling to yourself "you've got to be kidding me" as you barge into the sick bay. Ghost is coolly seated at the end of a bed, large as life, casual clothes as black as his mask and— oh. You weren't told the wound was on his thigh— you weren't warned that he didn’t have pants on. You can’t help it, your eyes go down, down, your lingering gaze and your flustered silence forming a confession louder than words.

A noise — a scoff or a grunt, you’re not sure — emanates from him, breaks your trance, makes you look up. The amusement in his gaze tells you he noticed your oggling— of course he did. Nothing gets past the Ghost, and you've been remarkably unsubtle. Despite the mask, you swear you can make out the smug smirk on his lips. His cockiness reignites your irritation. Annoyance making you bolder than you really are, you charge at him, crossing the distance between you two in a stride, stopping close— too close. He doesn't back off.

"What's wrong with you?" you snarl. "Nothin'," he retorts, imperturbable.

It's actually the first time you’re overlooking him. You may be enjoying it a bit too much. Nevermind the fact that you've had to wedge yourself between his parted legs to get there.

You frown, unconvinced by his answer.

“Did Soap contaminate you?”

Bargaining to be cleared out earlier was the Scotsman's trademark.

“Johnny throws a fit cos he hates feeling useless. That's not what I'm doing.”

A smirk stretches your lips.

“Oh, no? I'm sure your reasons are much more noble.”

“Doesn't matter. Got what I wanted anyway.”

He's way too self-satisfied for a man in his underwear.

You throw an unequivocal look in the direction of his injury.

“What you wanted? A still open wound?”

“You.”

He replied without missing a beat, as confident as usual. It is both alluring and aggravating.

“And your idea of wooing me is making me upset?”

You don't add “because if it is, that's really fucking stupid” out loud, but you’re sure he got the message through your tone.

“Nah. But you're more honest when you’re angry. Gutsier.”

You only realize he slipped his index and middle fingers in your trouser loops when he sharply tugs at them. Off balance, you steady yourself by catching his shoulders.

Taking advantage of the strip of bare skin between your shirt and bottoms, the pads of his thumbs idly stroke your hip bones. The contact sends electricity through you, shivers of pleasure running down your sides.

“Ghost,” you start, severe, trying not to let the effect his touch has on you show in your voice.

“Simon,” he counters, surly. “Told ya it's Simon when we're alone, didn't I?”

He did, but you didn’t think he was serious. If that's what it takes to get him to listen… you’ll play by his rules.

“Simon. What's the rest of your brilliant plan? I'm here, but I can’t stitch you up.”

“How ‘bout a deal. I'll stop resisting… for a price.”

You raise an amused eyebrow.

“What kind of price?”

“A kiss.”

You snort. You didn’t believe him capable of something so… puerile.

“With the mask on?”

He doesn't move a muscle to get rid of it.

“Take it off.”

You usually wouldn’t obey what sounds like an order so easily, but it's the first time you get to touch the skull. Slipping two fingers between skin and cloth, you slowly roll up the mask all the way under his nose.

You gently trace the scars surrounding his lips. Then, the second you feel him relax, grip on your hips slackening and intensity of his gaze waning, you grab the bottom of his mask and drag it back down vigorously, making the holes for the eyes land way too low for him to see anything.

“If you thought you'd get a reward for acting out, you've got another think coming.”