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4aloysius-porteu · 4 years ago

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i am your ally || tsukishima kei.

pairing; tsukishima kei x f! reader

genre: oneshot, drama, flangst, a little comedy

word count: 5.6k

details: 3rd year Tsukishima, artist reader

warnings: reader going missing, verbal abuse, crushing of dreams, lots of sadness, heavy parental argument, everything that happens here hits home

synopsis: tsukishima didnt know what is the right thing to say after he heard of (y/n)’s situation, but the words that stumbled out from his mouth were a surprise, yet it blossomed to a meaningful talk that happens once in a blue moon.

(a/n): wrote in the middle of my depressing days to find a little comfort from this character that I love with all my heart. inspired by true situations irl; if you, my friend, is feeling down today, i hope reading this work of mine can help. i might make this into a full story if this got enough attention tho.

(Y/N) was nowhere to be found.

It wasn't Tsukishima's habit to eavesdrop on other people's conversation, but he couldn't help but listen when he heard her name from her classmates. She was a consistent top student that will never neglect her studies, so it was unusual to know that she was absent today. He thought that maybe she got sick or she decided to go crazy and skip school. If it was the latter, he hoped that she knows what she's doing, because midterms are coming in 3 days, and he's not going to listen to her whines and begs to help her study for the tests.

And now he just happened to overhear that she was missing.

He saw her parents walk out of the campus after talking to the vice-principal and to the teachers. Gossip filled the corridors and rooms. Tsukishima went back to his room, clearly annoyed with the unnecessary noise.

He listened to the lectures of each subject and continued to write down important points, but the thought of (Y/N) lingered in his head. What could've happened that led to her disappearance? Was she kidnapped? No, he just walked her home last night and she'll never leave her place past midnight. Kidnappers won't dare to make a move in daylight because of the town's high authority visibility. There's no way she'll be lost in an area she's very familiar with.

She ran away from home. That is the only logical possibility he could come up with, but he couldn't think of an idea as to why. (Y/N), who loves to be cooped up in her room with music blaring in her earphones while drawing, left her home without a trace. Tsukishima was a little worried, but he won't let his face show whatever the hell he's feeling.

His plays and blocks aren't exactly bad, but Yamaguchi could sense that Tsukishima was thinking of something other than the volleyball practice. He approached his friend who was resting on the floor, his long arms covering his curled up legs.

"Tsukki, what's with that expression? Did you get a failing score in a quiz?" Yamaguchi started, in an attempt to lighten up the atmosphere.

The blonde's eyes darted to him, "Like hell, I'm going to let that happen. What do you want?"

He shrugged, "Nothing, I just noticed that you were a little quieter and more passive today. Normally, you would've chewed the first years out with their simple blocking errors, but you didn't say a thing. You're scarier in their eyes when you're silent."

"I was tired. I'll only waste my voice pointing out something I did a million times." A sigh escaped his lips

"Right..." Yamaguchi paused, "So, I assume you have heard?"

"Heard of what?"

"That (Y/N) is missing."

"Oh," A frown fell on his features. It wasn't his usual frown. People who really know him would notice that his eyes are full of worry.

He sat beside Tsukishima before he spoke again. "I know you have ideas on places (Y/N) could've gone to."

"I do not know what you're talking about."

The latter chuckled, "Oh, humor me, Tsukki. If you're that worried, I can excuse you for today's practice. No problem."

"Does that mean that you aren't concerned?"

"I am concerned. I want to look for her as well, but I have to whip the other players into shape. I'm sorry if I couldn't accompany you right away."

Tsukishima stood up and sighed again, "You will excuse me, you said?"

"Yeah."

There were silence and the background noise of balls and shoes colliding on the floor. He wiped the sweat off his face before replying, "I'll be leaving the gym in a few minutes."

He changed his clothes and packed his things up, causing the team to exchange glances.

"Tsukki!" Yamaguchi called, throwing his friend's large jacket to him, which the other caught. "Take care! I hope you find (Y/N) and get her home safe."

"I wish. Then, I'll leave it to you, Captain."

The green-haired middle blocker's eyes teared up and sparkled as he beamed a smile back, "I got it!"

Tsukishima started to look for (Y/N) at the places she liked to go to; the art store, the Central Park, the kid's playground, the museum, and the prefectural library. But there was no sign of her anywhere. He looked at the nearby places to no avail. He walked on while dialing her number, but her phone is out of coverage area. He spent 3 more hours finding the girl and soon received a message from Yamaguchi, telling him that (Y/N) hasn't been found yet and that he joined the authorities to help them find her.

He walked back to the direction of his home, panting softly. He had failed to find (Y/N), yet his brain won't stop thinking about her possible whereabouts. The cool breeze of winter hit Tsukishima's face and shivered at the contact. He had hoped again that she is inside of an establishment, safe from such cold weather.

Tsukishima's home has its lights out. Her mother was invited into her colleagues' reunion as said in her text, and both his father and brother are busy at work. He reached for his key in his pocket and was opening the door, not until he heard a loud sob from somewhere. Tsukishima looked around the place as the sobbing continued. He searched for the source and ended up in their backyard. He caught the sight of a small figure behind the bushes and went closer to confirm.

It was a cat. It had scurried away once he got close to it. Oh, how stupid he is to get his hopes up only to find a scared animal. But he was certain he heard a sob somewhere near. And cats aren't capable of making a sound like that. Or maybe he was only hearing things?

He dragged his feet to the main door to unlock it, but this time, there was a loud noise of scrubbing on the roof. What is it this time? He moved back and looked upon where it came from.

To his surprise, it wasn't another cat but a person. Their legs were curled up, arms covered around them, with their chin on their knees. Tsukishima turned on his phone's flashlight and there she was.

It was (Y/N). Her shoulders shook, either from the cold or trying her best not to cry out loud.

"H-Help me."

He stared at the girl, confused and fighting back laughter because of how scared (Y/N) looked. "How the heck did you get in there?"

"I climbed that tree and jumped off to break in and hide in your room. Turned out that the windows are locked. I don't know how to jump back and I-I was too high from the ground. You know I'm scared of heights! Why did you lock the window?! Stupid!"

"Of course, I would lock the window for the security. And wow, aren't you the stupid one for knowing how to climb and jump up to my window and not knowing how to get down? Why did you climb if you are scared of heights? Such an idiot."

"Fine, fine. I am an idiot. Now, can you help me get off this roof?"

He crossed his arms and smirked, "No."

"Ugh! Please, Kei. I've been trapped here for hours. I am begging you to help me get down. Please?"

He sighed in defeat and raised his arms. "Here. Jump."

For seconds, (Y/N) didn't respond as she was having second thoughts about jumping.

"What? Do you expect me to get a ladder? I'm sorry, but it's in the basement, broken." He said in a mocking tone. "Don't you want to come down?"

"Can you catch me properly? Are your arms stable? Won't you fall on your ass?" (Y/N) interrogated.

Tsukishima rolled his eyes, "Alright, stay there and freeze to death."

"No, wait! I was just asking! Come back! Don't leave meeee!"

The blonde looked up to her and raised his arms again, "Don't think. Trust me, I will catch you properly and you won't crash to the ground. You weigh like nothing anyway."

"Are you talking about yourself?" She retorted, pertaining to his weight.

"Can you please just jump?"

(Y/N) inhaled and went to the edge of the roof. It was a scary view for her, just looking down makes her dizzy, and want to throw up. She thought he would have the largest frown on his face because of how irritatingly slow she was, but there was Tsukishima waiting for her with the calmest expression. She smiled a little.

"Here I go..."

She took off, closing her eyes, and swallowing her fears. The gravity pulled her feet down shortly after, and Tsukishima readied himself for the impact as he reached her waist. He held on to her lower torso while (Y/N) placed her arms around his shoulders tightly and legs on his waist. The athlete's balance slightly went off, so he took a step back to support both their weights. It was now steady.

"I'm surprised you didn't lose your balance. Where's the weak boned beanpole 3 years ago?"

"I did for a second."

"Doesn't matter. You caught me. Thank you."

They had stayed in that way for a moment until Tsukishima spoke, "Do you plan to get off?"

"No. I'm tired."

"I am too." Yet she refused to let go.

He exhaled, carrying (Y/N) to the main entrance and finally unlocking the door. Her hoodie was cold and some parts are wet, but it didn't rain on that day. He took her in and placed her on the couch. Tsukishima went to his room, changed clothes, and brought a spare sweatshirt, handkerchief, and a towel. He went down but didn't find (Y/N) where he left her, so he walked to the kitchen counter and found the girl on the corner, shivering like a pup.

He tossed the clothing at her without further words. There was a note from her mom beside the curry in the table, saying she had eaten and she left rolls in the refrigerator. He was about to turn on the stove to reheat the food his mother left, but his eyes landed on (Y/N) who sat quietly, hugging the sweatshirt instead of wearing it. Her hair was disheveled, the sleeves and neck part of her hoodie was damp, her nose was red and her puffy, bloodshot eyes implied that she has been crying for who knows how long. He set the pan down to get her a glass of water.

"Everyone was looking for you." Said Tsukishima.

"No one was really looking for me." (Y/N) replied, clearing her nose.

"I didn't spend the last 3 hours tiring myself to scan the whole town for no reason." He sat beside her, handing the glass. "Care to spill the tea?"

(Y/N) drank first before speaking weakly, "I hate them. So much."

The male remained quiet, waiting for her to continue her dilemma.

"Remember when I told you and the class that I will be the most successful doctor in Japan after I finished my studies? It was a lie. It wasn't my dream to stay in a hospital and treat ill people, I only wanted to draw and paint. I didn't care if it never made them or anyone happy, I am happy doing it. And they are taking it away from me."

He knew from the start that her dream job as a doctor wasn't true. For years she stayed close to him as a friend or more, she won't blabber anything of the medical topic. She was terrified of syringes. He saw her reading an article about surgeries and like, but her focus was easily taken away.

She will get a pencil then start scribbling and drawing. Something that Tsukishima always sees her doing whenever she has a pen and paper, but she insists that it was a mere hobby. Her notebooks are well designed and organized, but the back is always full of artistic doodles instead of algebra solutions. She only has very few art materials yet she can make a portrait with only her fingers to shade. She makes digital art without a stylus. She would drag him to the museum after class to view some western and eastern paintings or any work of art while he admires the dinosaur fossils. For times she's watching an art tutorial and talk about art, draw and paint, she has those stupid sparkles in her eyes and a huge smile on her face.

"You know Tsukishima, after I finish studying and became a doctor, I'll become an artist and if the time let's it, I'll open my own art gallery. That's my ultimate dream." She looked alive and delighted.

Very much the opposite of what she looks like right now.

Even though she was a slave of art, as Tsukishima was a slave of his own interests, (Y/N) prioritized her studies so much. He understood why when he went to her house and met her parents before their study sessions. He had noticed everything but chose to stay quiet.

"I-I was drawing last night. Dad entered my room but I didn't notice so he ripped the music away from my ears and yelled. He said that I would always lock myself in my room and draw every night. It was never-ending and irritates the shit out of him. He asked why would I do something so useless that isn't even connected to any academic subject. He was looking down on my art like he was looking at a piece of crap. He told me to stop and threatened me if I didn't. Why would I get punished for drawing? I couldn't get myself to stay silent so I retorted. If he doesn't want to see me drawing, then he shouldn't enter my room at all. He should stop meddling with my hobbies. His anger only went up."

(Y/N) stopped for a while to wipe her tears and snot with her sleeves but Tsukishima placed a handkerchief on her hands. She muttered her thanks and blew her nose and soon followed with a sneeze.

"Soon, it became a full-blown argument. He said that he was checking out if I was doing my projects, but oh he was so disappointed only to find his daughter drawing for nothing. What the heck? I gave them the best grades I could get, and part of it was because of you, Tsukishima, but they still aren't satisfied? I balanced drawing and academics, but they made it seem that all I was doing was my hobby, completely ignoring my efforts at school. I finished the school activities and I reviewed for midterms and all I want is to be left alone and draw. What, they want me to go crazy by studying every hour with things I won't even apply in real life?"

Her fake laughter echoed in the kitchen for seconds before her depressed tone took over again.

"Mom heard all the shouting and joined the argument. Of course, she sided with dad without listening to my feelings and there they ridiculed their youngest child's interests and talent. They told me that everything I do is bullshit and wrong, that I was useless, that I was the huge opposite of their expectations, and... and how come God gave them a joke. She said they raised me so that I could help them, not to do such useless things. It hurts to shout back but I did to explain why I'm so passionate about art in hopes that they will listen and understand but, I was so wrong. I was suddenly slapped..." She placed her hand to her left cheek, her lips quivered a little.

"I-It stung so much. Mom complained about how the Internet generation is so rebellious and won't listen to the elders. They didn't raise and teach me to talk back at them, but here is their child being a bitch. They started comparing me to my elder siblings or relatives who focused on their studies and who are at the door of success. I know they only want me to achieve the best, but my success isn't up to them! It's on me!! And I've invested a lot for that! They shouted at me as mom pulled my hair. It was so loud I thought I was going deaf. Dad blamed the gadget's influence and my drawings. I have only drawn decent fanarts of fictional characters, people, and sceneries, but they believed that because of these, I turned into a mannerless bastard. So mom decided to get my phone and lessen my allowance so that I wouldn't buy any art materials that are a waste of fortune--"

She bit her lower lip that is trembling uncontrollably and her eyesight blurred as her fat tears got in the way.

"and... D-Dad... he... he... he tore m-my sketch pad apart..."

Tsukishima's eyes widened. (Y/N) brought that thing with her almost everywhere she went and it was filled with good drawings and art plans. She has a lot of them though, but Tsukishima could only imagine how she felt when her efforts were trampled over by someone important to her.

(Y/N) broke down, bawled her eyes out, and shrieked hysterically. He looked at her with a heavy heart. He had seen her crying sometimes, be it because of a sad movie or empathy, but never like this. A depressed, emotional wreck. Her eyes were sore enough after a lot of hours, but she won't stop crying. It was heartbreaking to see and hear his significant other in this state, yet Tsukishima didn't know what is the right thing to say.

But maybe there was no need to say anything at all.

Kei wrapped his arms around her weeping figure and pulled her towards him. Cry it out, pipsqueak. (Y/N) didn't expect this action, nonetheless cried in his shoulder He didn't care anymore if this meant he gets his clothes drenched in her snot and tears as long as she felt a little less lonely. He rubbed her back and hair in an attempt to comfort his lover. (Y/N)'s airways hurt, but she screamed the pain out, in hopes that the pain in her heart would vanish. Her weeping went on for long minutes until she choked in her own sobs that Tsukishima had to get her another glass of water.

"Tell me, Kei." She began, wiping her eyes, "Is there... something wrong with me? Is my dream really that insignificant?"

"There's nothing wrong with you. You followed your ideals. Anyone including me would've done the same." He answered beside her.

"I-It's realistic, right?"

"It is."

"Then... why did it turn out like this?" Her voice was cracking.

Tsukishima looked down, "The society is just very cruel."

"Yeah. It sure is. Such a cruel society to live with."

(Y/N) let out a dejected sigh and leaned on Tsukki's shoulder. "I couldn't look at them without such overwhelming fear and hate anymore. I wonder if... they knew that I was doing this for them. I'd like to make them smile with something I've made myself. Once, I made each of them a portrait. A realistic one made from a pencil. I couldn't afford a material set that can be used to paint realistically, but I tried my best to impress them with a charcoal one. Oh, if only you saw their faces when I gave them the portraits. They returned a half-hearted smile. It wasn't the same kind of joy I see whenever I give them perfect scores on tests. I didn't spend 3 sleepless nights just to see their half happy, half unpleased reaction. I wish they could feel more proud of their daughter who worked hard for them... I wonder if they threw it away as he did on my sketch pad..."

They let silence engulf the atmosphere for a while. (Y/N) had calmed down a little, despite shedding smaller tears from the side of her eyes. Tsukishima held the sweatshirt he gave her earlier to make her wear it on the top of her hoodie to lessen her shivering. He stared at her, while the other gazed down on the floor with dead eyes.

Tsukishima asked, "So, what are you going to do now?"

"What am I going to do now huh..." (Y/N) repeated. "I'll probably... put everything to an end."

"You know I won't let you."

"I'm not talking about my life, silly. I might stop drawing and all. I've lost it."

"Isn't your life and drawing one and the same? And I'm pretty sure you have that immense talent to continue."

"No... Besides, talent isn't a talent if it doesn't make anyone happy."

The blonde mentally scoffed. She just said that it makes her happy in the beginning.

"Oh? Fine, stop doing that one thing you put everything into. What would that girl you received a commission from would feel if she were to hear you though?"

(Y/N) was stunned. She had completely forgotten about the whole commission thing she opened in her social media accounts. Tsukishima accompanied (Y/N) on giving the commissioned charcoal portrait to a girl last 3 weeks ago. It was (Y/N)'s first commission for years she's making art. Someone liked her work for the first time and paid for it, and her client looks very contented and glad. The words she said filled her thoughts with inspiration.

"Wow, this is awesome! I'm so happy!! Thank you for making this, it was exactly what I've pictured on my mind! You're amazing! All the excitement I've bottled up for this day is so worth it," The girl, probably a little older than them paused and admired the painting she received from (Y/N).

"Would you ignore those words she said?"

'Please don't stop drawing, I'll be looking forward to your future works!'

A pang of guilt hit her chest. She wants to pursue art, but there are these shackles and chains on her limbs and around her neck that made it hard for her to move forward. She couldn't breathe. What happened yesterday night was too much. Her parents went overboard.

"B-But—"

A monotone voice interrupted her, "Don't. Never stop striving for something you have been building for years. You might be defeated now, but surely, you will win some time. There's no way you'll stay in the lowest level of the ladder after I saw how hard you worked. You will go to nationals again, and I will continue to support you. I'll cheer for you and stay by your side! So please, do not stop! Let me see those beautiful blocks that you execute in the game once more! And I will watch you reach the top! Doesn't matter how many times, I'll never get weary of watching you do amazing things!"

She was silenced by that statement. She had definitely heard those before, but couldn't quite remember where.

"Does the sentiment seem familiar to you? Those are the same words that came from your mouth when I was planning to quit volleyball after our huge loss to Date Tech last year. I am returning them back to you."

"Huh?" She replied with a meek voice.

"That time, you really did a good job meddling with my decisions. It annoyed me first, but what you had stated held a weight that I couldn't disregard. You gave me the small push I didn't know I needed. In the end, I'd like to pay you back." Tsukishima stated with a far away look in his eyes.

(Y/N) listened with watery eyes. This Tsukishima's side isn't definitely the one she gets to see every day so she couldn't feel anything but the warm, fuzzy feeling that is healing her heart.

"It's probably selfish for me to say this but, don't you dare give up. I didn't stop. No matter how long and hard the game is, no matter how tired and discouraged I get, and no matter how many pessimistic thoughts clouded my head, I didn't stop chasing after a falling ball and thinking of another tactic to counter the enemy. I kept your words with me in court. It was you who told me not to in the first place, and I'm not going to forgive you if you ever dropped everything. I won't let the stupid, starry-eyed (Y/N) die today."

The girl beside her started sobbing. "But you told me once that my drawing are ugly."

"Oh. That. I... kind of remember that. I'm not sorry about what I said because I did it to provoke and rile you up. It was a lie though. As someone who always sees you drawing, I can't call your work ugly at all. Your art is... astounding. You make it look like it's so easy to do. I think you forgot next sentence after I told you that."

"What was the sentence after?"

Tsukishima sighed, "I told you to keep doing it, right?"

The sound of (Y/N) crying engulfed the kitchen, "Oh gosh, why did I forget that... I'm sorry, I'm so idiotic..."

The blonde brought her back to his arms, "Will you stop crying, you've been too hard on yourself today,"

(Y/N) hid her face on his chest, muffling her speech, "c-couldn't help it... my mind is such a mess... I do not know..." She paused, coughing. "It's no use if m-my parents don't acknowledge me..."

"Hundreds, or perhaps thousands of people who follow you on social media account recognize you. People in school recognizes you. I recognize you. I am your ally. Isn't that enough reason for you to get back on your feet? I will support you just like how you supported me. You have a lot of people who admire you, but I only have a few people and you. Yet your words are enough. I'm certain that soon, you will reach your parents' standards and get them to acknowledge you. It's not impossible."

(Y/N) fixed her tear-stained face before looking up to him, "You know what? Who are you? Is a good spirit possessing your body? The Kei I know will either stay quiet or laugh at me for being pathetic."

"I was trying to be nice for once and this is what I get?" He frowned.

(Y/N) chuckled and hugged Tsukishima, "I'm sorry. Everything you said meant the world to me. Thank you very much."

She relaxed against his lean body, "I have a question though..."

"What?"

"You literally had no business in my art, it was my own problem. Why are you doing this?"

"Why don't you ask yourself after you argued with me that night? Why did you have to butt in with my choices?"

"Because you like volleyball! You might look like that someone stole your dinosaur collection when you're at practice, but you're good at it and have a future in it! It is a part of you, and you're deciding to throw it away? Your potential is too big to be wasted and I refuse to let that happen." Her voice is a little louder now, but hoarse.

"There's your answer, little gremlin."

"How is that— Oh."

"But I'd like to add something."

"What is it?"

"You look better doing what you really like. It makes you look less like a hag."

It was silent after that. (Y/N) punched his arm. Tsukishima didn't even wince but asked, "What was that for?"

"The last statement was unnecessary, and the first one is sweet yet cringey." She criticized.

"C'mon, I'm just a teenager. Aren't you the cringey one most of the times?"

She used the handkerchief to sniffle her runny nose away, "Why do you have a knack of returning everything I said to me?"

"I won't do it if it's not appropriate." Tsukishima placed his hands on her back and to her hair, "So, what are you going to do now, (Y/N)?"

"I'll think things through. My brain is still slightly messy, but I'll be fine, thanks to you. But Kei..."

He hummed as a response. "I don't want to go home. I want to run away."

"Not possible. You can't survive on your own. You're almost 18 and until now, you don't understand how a washing machine works with all your perfect scores in exams."

"This is just a thought. I didn't say I'll be alone. I'm taking you with me."

"I refuse."

"Why?"

"Couldn't you wait for more months until we graduate?"

(Y/N)'s eyebrows raised, "So basically, you're agreeing, but not this time?"

"No, but you'll be free of your parents' suffocating control. Who knows how huge is your potential by that time."

"How considerate of you." The girl smiled.

"Only this time. And no, we won't live in the same place in college. Not yet. Not until we finish our studies, have secured jobs, and get important things done."

"Will you be playing volleyball at college?"

He lazily replied, "Probably."

"Don't give me such an ambiguous answer!"

"Probably yes."

"Hmm. Fine by me. I'll continue to draw, then." (Y/N) rested her head near Tsukishima's neck.

He smiled a little at her answer, "Another thing though. I don't think... you should leave things with your parents like that. There'll be a time where you have to face it."

"Yes, that sucks... I don't want to think about it but I'll have to go back eventually... When that confrontation happens, I'll try to calmly talk it out with them. I will never be certain if it will end well. But my hate and fear of them won't change."

"You can always run back here if it didn't end well."

"Kei, don't want to see their faces just yet. Can I stay here for a while?"

"You even bother to ask. You are welcome anytime in this household. Just enter the house in the front door, not in my window."

"Right... thank you."

"Oh, now it's my turn to ask. How did you get in there?"

(Y/N) sighed, "It was on 4:30pm. I was on the loose and I looked for a store where anyone can't recognize me so I can eat for lunch. But there's this creep who kept on following me—"

"Did he hurt you?" He abruptly questioned.

"No. I ran as fast as I could before he could even get close to me, but in the next block, there were the town authorities with my mom, and I knew they were looking for me, so I blended into the people with my hoodie on and made my way. I climbed the tree in panic that they'll find me and hid there. It took me hours to notice that your house is just next to it, so I decided to climb to your window. However, the window was locked, and I was stuck."

Tsukishima sighed in relief. "It was a miracle that a klutz like you didn't fell off the tree and surprisingly, no one found you."

"I was high in adrenaline when I climbed the tree. My blending and hiding skills are in ninja-tier now, I beat you."

"Whatever. What did you have for breakfast?"

"...a melon bread."

"Just that?"

"Just that."

Tsukishima kissed her forehead before lifting her up with him. "Go change. Borrow any of my clothes. I'll reheat the food."

(Y/N) kissed his cheek, slowly got off him and went upstairs. Tsukishima opened his phone to text Yamaguchi about her situation and proceeded to reheat the spicy curry.

"Wait, Kei! Is it okay for me to eat?" She shouted from upstairs.

"What kind of question is that? Of course you can." He shouted back.

"Your mom left that for you, for your dad and for your brother. I'd feel bad."

"My brother and dad will come home late and I'm sure they've eaten already. So is mom."

"Are you sure? I can replace the food." She said while going down the stairs.

"Oh, you can cook? I'm afraid you'll burn the whole kitchen." He mocked.

"At least not the whole house." (Y/N) laughed, "Just kidding, I have a tiny knowledge in cooking."

"You don't have to, I told you they already ate. I'll bring out the sushi mom made if you still want to eat."

"Alright. Thank you for the food."

Few hours later, Tsukishima's mom came home and took off her shoes. "I'm home."

As she was about to enter the living room, Akiteru greeted her and placed his finger in front of his lips, indicating her to keep quiet. She wondered what was going on and saw her youngest son and his girlfriend leaning on his shoulder, asleep on the couch in front of the TV. He signaled her to read the note Kei left on the table.

To mom, dad, and brother,

Earlier in the morning, (Y/N) went missing and her parents and town authorities were looking for her. I found her on the way home, but it turns out that she ran away from her home because of an intense argument between her parents, and doesn't want to be found yet. Please let her stay here for a while. I'll do most of the household chores or any favor you ask me in return.

Mom, I shared the curry and sushi rolls with her. I left for some for dad and brother. (Y/N) said it was very delicious.

Love,

Kei.

She smiled after reading the note and looked at the sleeping kids. She took notice of (Y/N)'s eyes and quickly understood the situation. Before she left to rest in her room, she looked for a spare blanket and laid it atop them to keep them warm.

(Y/N) snuggled further to Tsukishima's arms, satisfied on how this night will end well, unlike yesterday's.

249 notes · View notes

lit-in-thy-heart · 4 years ago

Note

I'm so excited you've jouned in!!! 💕

You owe Merwaine some happiness after your VERY angsty episode analyses so I would love those two and Sleepy hug please!! 😍

@little-ligi i hope this makes up for the angst!!! thank you for sending a prompt and have merlin and gwaine falling asleep together when with the knights and arthur on a trip thing (unspecified) between s4 and s5 💕

once again, under the cut because this is the longest one yet...

Rearranging his cloak so it provided greater coverage from the brisk wind, Gwaine glanced over at the group who were gradually drifting off amongst the fallen foliage. Despite the undiluted thoughts that inevitably streamed through his head when on watch, Gwaine relished the uninterrupted opportunity to softly observe Merlin without having the eyes of the other knights on him. If he had an apple for every time one of them – usually Percival or Arthur, despite Elyan’s quiet requests for them to shut up – had called him out for supposedly undressing Merlin with his eyes, he would certainly have a bushel of them by now. Granted, Gwaine sometimes did have the habit of mentally undressing Merlin with his eyes when he looked at him, but more often than not the knight was simply gazing in wonder at how such a beautiful being had chosen to devote his life to Gwaine of all people.

Merlin had been out of his sight for the past couple of hours, having accompanied Elyan to retrieve firewood, but Gwaine knew that they were both exchanging new spells that they’d learnt over the past few weeks. Elyan had told Gwaine about his magic before Gwaine had even had his suspicions about Merlin confirmed. Or, rather, Gwaine had stumbled in on Elyan, when the call of nature had echoed in his head on the night they had first met, and had witnessed him throwing all five of Gwaine’s knives without touching a single one. Gwaine had been more bothered by the fact that he hadn’t even noticed that his knives were missing than by the fact that Elyan was a sorcerer. And then, several weeks later, after Merlin had confessed to Gwaine on the night they had found themselves in bed together after an evening in the tavern, Gwaine had told both Elyan and Merlin to meet him in the Darkling Woods, greeted them with the statement that they both had magic, and had left them to it. Although he forced his unwavering support onto Merlin at every given opportunity, Gwaine knew the value of having someone close who knew precisely the struggles being faced, and he was grateful that Merlin had that in Elyan, and vice versa.

With a smile, Gwaine’s gaze slid over to Merlin, cocooned in a blanket and laughing at some remark that Elyan had sleepily murmured, and he settled himself against a tree trunk, moving his eyes back to the space in front of him as he withdrew his sword and positioned it across torso, the point of the blade hovering dangerously close to his neck. It was probably best that he was keeping watch alone, so he wouldn’t get distracted by talking to someone – but it also meant that there was nobody to check him when his attention slid, as it always did, to Merlin. He squinted up at the sky, seeking out the moon. At least he wasn’t expected to keep watch all night. Not that there was much need. Perhaps it was somewhat of an invincibility complex but, ever since donning the cloak bearing Camelot’s emblem, Gwaine had felt untouchable. Almost. The cloak hadn’t made Lancelot untouchable. Setting his jaw, Gwaine took a deep breath and focused on the lazy wave of the leaves opposite, on the stars splattered across the deep canvas of the sky like a bloodstain, on the soft melody of the wind.

‘Come on, now, Gwaine, you know full well how hot you look when you hold a sword like that.’

Perhaps Gwaine, who had not noticed Merlin – Merlin, of all people – approach, had not been the best choice for watch. He looked up with the smile that always graced his lips whenever the warlock was near, eyes dropping with Merlin’s body as he settled himself next to him. ‘I am by no means opposed to making out right here, right now.’

To satiate his desire, Merlin scattered a trail of kisses along his hairline. ‘I don’t think the others would appreciate it.’

‘Mm, you’re probably right there,’ Gwaine murmured, his fingers tracing Merlin’s face. ‘And you should sleep.’

‘I’m okay.’

Gwaine’s hands found the shadowed purple beneath Merlin’s eyes and he fixed him with a look. ‘I know that you haven’t slept properly for the past two weeks. I can see it written all over your face.’

Scowling, Merlin pushed his hand away. ‘Well that’s rude.’

‘But not a lie.’

Expression softening, Merlin wrapped the blanket tighter around his body.‘That’s because you’ve been on night patrol for the past two weeks and haven’t slept next to me.’

‘I don’t enjoy it.’

‘No, but at least you get to talk to Elyan. I’m left alone with the ceiling and my thoughts, and you know how much I hate that.’ Realising how he sounded, Merlin leaned closer into Gwaine. ‘I’m not trying to guilt-trip you. I know full well there’s nothing you can do about it.’

Just as Merlin knew that, Gwaine knew full well that he shouldn’t do what his arm had already started to do but, noticing Merlin’s poorly-concealed shivers, he set down his sword and drew Merlin in so the warlock was resting his head in Gwaine’s chest. Then, kissing the top of his head, Gwaine pushed him away as swiftly as he’d pulled him in. ‘Go to bed, love. If you fall asleep here then your neck will not be thanking you in the morning.’

Looking up, Merlin held his gaze for several moments. With a sigh, he lifted his head and kissed Gwaine on the mouth before reluctantly standing and stumbling back to the makeshift camp. Gwaine watched as he settled himself at a slight distance from the other knights and Arthur, his back turned. The flickering embers cast subtle shadows across Merlin’s back and Gwaine’s gaze remained turned towards him for several moments more before he forced his eyes to travel away from the warlock’s form. Gwaine didn’t need to see it to know how it moulded to his palms when they were alone.

When around other people, Merlin always seemed to skirt around Gwaine, always leaving at least several inches between their bodies, as if afraid of causing Gwaine to shatter as a mirage if he made even the slightest contact with his skin. Gwaine had started wearing gloves more frequently in the hopes that Merlin would be more liberal in brushing against him then, but it had all been to no avail. Then Gwaine had continued to wear gloves anyway, just so that his bare hands wouldn’t have the nerves numbed by grazing surfaces before they reached out for Merlin’s skin. The result was a warm tingle that, to some, would be more of a scald, but Gwaine savoured every moment that his skin was set alight by Merlin. Having a particular skill with fire spells also helped him not feel the agony of burning so much, too.

When they were alone, though, Merlin was the one to remove Gwaine’s gloves and, every time his fingers skimmed the bones in Gwaine’s hand, the knight had to focus so as not to release skittering flames in Merlin’s direction. There seemed to be a ritual with Merlin when they were alone. The warlock would gently draw the gloves from Gwaine’s skin, toss them to one side, and then dedicate a substantial amount of time to tracing the marks on the knight’s hands, no matter how many times his fingers had already followed the cellular paths that day.

First, he always looked for new scalds or burns, disregarding Gwaine’s protests that they didn’t hurt in the same way that their ancestors had when he had first started learning magic, skimming his fingers over the marks as if the touch formed a mental note to treat them at a later date. After assessing the damage, Merlin’s lips always trailed behind his touch, silently reassuring each of Gwaine’s imperfections that they were so wonderfully loved and successfully sending shivers up Gwaine’s spine. Though those shivers always were abruptly severed when Merlin’s touch made its way to the thick scar just below the fold of skin between his right thumb and forefinger. Merlin had never once pushed him for more information about his childhood amongst bandits, but there was always a part of Gwaine that worried Merlin would one day get sick of the sight of the small branded letter, not quite concealed by the path the knife had taken so long ago, and would abandon him to the abyss he had been lost in before meeting the warlock.

But that hadn’t happened yet.

After studying Gwaine’s hands, Merlin then moved to stripping him of his knighthood and it was a death that Gwaine would gladly watch again and again if it was at Merlin’s hands. The chainmail was cast aside, the cloak thrown over a chair, and the sword noisily skimmed the floor until Gwaine was stood in only a shirt and his trousers, equal to Merlin. The only armour Gwaine had ever wanted covering him, since that day at the tavern, was Merlin’s hands. Arthur hadn’t really given him an opportunity to turn down the knighthood and, even if he had, there was always the possibility – in Gwaine’s mind, at least – that Arthur would have been offended enough to maintain his banishment, and then Gwaine never would have seen Merlin again. Being a knight did have its advantages, though: Gwaine never went hungry, nor did he have to sleep with one eye open, and he had been getting into fewer and fewer brawls over the years. Though that last one was perceived as more of an advantage in Leon’s eyes, who had always been the one to drag him out of any frays and then let him cool off in the cells on the odd occasion. Even when that had happened, though, Merlin had always slipped in and spent the night with Gwaine, heating his body up to unnatural temperatures to keep Gwaine warm. The first few times that had happened, Gwaine had been terrified that Merlin would spontaneously combust, but Merlin had frequently assured him that such a trick was not possible.

So they would stand there, facing one another in silence, Gwaine’s materialistic armour strewn across the room, and then Gwaine would take Merlin gently in his hands, tracing segments of the form he knew so well, and then their souls would fuse together with their lips.

When the stars had shifted substantially, Gwaine hauled himself from his position and shook out his legs in the vain attempt to rid himself of the cramp in his limbs, slowly advancing towards Leon’s form. He gently prodded him awake, instinctively lunging backwards as the reflexive swipe came from the blankets, and held out his arms to receive said blankets when a thickened voice quietly called out his name.

Turning around, Gwaine could just make out Merlin’s hands stretching out in a half-hearted wave in the heavy darkness and, telling Leon to forget about the blankets, picked his way through the sleeping knights, guided by the dropping syllables of his name. By the time he reached Merlin, the warlock’s hands had fallen to the ground and, smiling fondly, Gwaine hastily stripped down to his gambeson and slid into the nest Merlin had made.

There were significantly more blankets than Merlin should have had – not that Gwaine was complaining – and Merlin drowsily pushed several layers towards him, turning around to face Gwaine. His eyes flickered in the darkness as his hand fell against Gwaine’s chest and, from the point where Merlin touched him, the knight could feel a comforting heat pushing into him like a blade. Gwaine realised he probably should have tied back his hair so Merlin didn’t accidentally try to eat it in his sleep, but he was too comfortable to do that. With a smile, Gwaine encircled the warlock with his arms and rested his mouth against Merlin’s forehead as his eyes closed.

‘I missed you.’

‘I missed you, too,’ Merlin murmured.

Gwaine frowned, one eye cracking open. ‘You were asleep. You couldn’t have missed me.’

There was a pause. ‘You know I wasn’t exaggerating when I said I couldn’t sleep properly without you next to me, right?’

‘I did not.’ Gwaine waited until he felt five of Merlin’s exhalations drape themselves around his throat before speaking again. ‘Whatever did you do before I came into your life?’

‘Had a decent night’s sleep, because I wasn’t aware of your existence and consequently didn’t have to constantly worry about preserving it.’ Merlin shifted against him, hands crawling under Gwaine’s shirt and settling themselves on his stomach. ‘It’s so strange to think that we didn’t even know that the other existed. That we had no idea that one day we would be right here, in this moment.’

Merlin, when tired, always became philosophical. And usually when Gwaine was tired he couldn’t make head or tail of what his significant other was saying, but perhaps the cool night air had cleared his head more than ale usually did. ‘I think I prefer it that way,’ Gwaine murmured. ‘If we’d known that the other was out there, then I think we would have spent all our lives searching. We would have pinned our entire existence on the other person and that’s...That just doesn’t feel right. Not that I’m saying I don’t love you.’

‘No, no, I know...I know what you mean,’ yawned Merlin, pushing his head into Gwaine’s chest.

Tightening his arms around Merlin, Gwaine listened to the rhythm of the warlock’s breathing pattern, trying to match his own to it, and gently kissed the top of his head. There was a slight mumble, and something that might have resembled an ‘I love you’ and Gwaine murmured it back, just in case. It had been too long since the two of them had drifted off together, wrapped in one another’s beings, and Gwaine would forever bind himself to the soft form that was quite literally touching his heart.

#so compared to moee recent ones this does seem quite fluffy...#thanks again for the prompt!!!#tbh i'm surprised the knights didn't huddle together for warmth when sleeping more often #it can get fucking cold #merlin #gwaine #merwaine #hug prompts #lit writes #bbc merlin #*more

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xsixxx · 6 years ago

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Bad Influence, Chapter Five

Authors note: Sorry this one took a while, I’ve had a hectic week with work & stuff, I’ve barely had time to breathe 🤦🏼‍♀️ I’m sorry if there are mistakes, it’s 3am & I’m too tired to proof read it 100 times like I normally do 😂 Feedback is always welcome 🖤

Warnings: Language, catfight, tiny bit of smut but not really, like there’s a hint

Tags: @triplehaitches @freddiessmallnipples @queen-crue @scarecrowmax @lovesick-heart0 @littlesunnymoon @80sheart-strings @cranberribread @inthebackofmycarlaytheirbodies @deaconsroger @zoenicoles @crazysaladchopshop @ggorehorror @lunamadhatter99 @justtryingtoovercome @chaoticvybe @you-know-im-a-dreamer @eightiesrockbaby

The sunlight filtered in through the broken blinds & bathed my bare back in warmth as my eyes adjusted to my surroundings & my brain tried to piece together the night before. I turned my head to look around me, trying to figure out where I was & was confronted by a tangled mess of blonde hair, snoring softly.

Oh great. I’m a fucking groupie.

I groaned as the memories from last night came flooding back, accompanying the pounding sensation I had going on in my head. This hangover sucked. Guess that’d be the coke for you. Fuck.

I slipped out of Vinces bed, or rather mattress on the floor, & onto the filthy carpet, scanning the room for my clothes. I heard someone move about outside the door & quickly grabbed the closest thing to me & threw it on in a sorry attempt to cover what was left of my dignity. The tshirt, it turns out, didn’t offer much coverage at all, just about covering my ass. I pulled it down & I waddled awkwardly over to the door, dodging the scorch marks & charred cockroaches on the floor, opened it fractionally to peer out & check the coast was clear, before darting across the hall & into the bathroom. I stood with my back against the cool, wooden door, trying to collect my thoughts & even out my nervous breathing. I’m not prepared for this. We established last night that I’d never had a one night stand, I don’t know the fucking protocol for this kinda thing, let alone when the one night stand is with the notorious, womanising, front man of Mötley Crüe. Oh great, I’ve only gone & fucked up that friendship group. Just when I was starting to like them. Nice going, Beth.

I looked at my disgruntled, disheveled reflection in the mirror. My wavy blonde hair fell in a tangled mess down my back & yesterdays mascara was sitting lazily under my tired eyes. I sighed & looked around the bathroom to see if there was anything I could use to at least wash my face with. Frustratingly, hygiene didn’t seem to be a top priority when you’re a rockstar & the bathroom was significantly lacking in soap. All that sat beside the sink was a hairbrush, a can of hairspray & some black face paint. I grumbled as I grabbed the hairbrush, removed, presumably Nikkis, matted up black hair from it & tried my hardest to tame my hair before washing my face as best I could with just water. I looked back at my reflection in the cracked, hair dye stained mirror & ran my fingers nervously through my hair. I looked slightly more fresh faced than I did before, but I wasn’t planning on sticking round long enough for anyone to see me anyway. I put my hand on the bathroom doorknob, took a deep breath & prepared myself to run across to Vinces room, quietly find my clothes & leave in the shortest amount of time possible. I gritted my teeth, opened the door & ran. Straight into the bare chest of Nikki Sixx.

“Well, well, well, maybe my little angel isn’t so angelic after all”

My jaw tensed. I almost didn’t want to look up, knowing that that smirk was waiting for me. I lifted my eyes slowly to meet his & they flashed wickedly, that shit eating grin sitting largely on his face.

“I’m not your anything.” I bit back at him, placing my hand on his chest to shove past. Through my irritation & hideous awkwardness, the feel of his skin under my touch still managed to send a surge of electricity through my body, causing my cheeks to immediately flush pink. I scowled at my impulses & quickly snatched my hand back, attempting to barge past Nikki, but his tall, toned frame didn’t budge, blocking my way. I took a step back, frustration evident on my tired, bare face, rested one hand on my hip & glared at Nikki, wordlessly, with all the anger my hungover body could muster.

“I gotta say, you look damn good in my tshirt.” He spoke, looking me up & down, his dark, hungry eyes resting momentarily on the tops of my thighs where his tshirt was riding up. I fumbled awkwardly, yanking it down to cover my modesty.

“My bad, I thought it was Vinces.” I mumbled, embarrassed.

“Nah, your boyfriend doesn’t like Kiss.” He chuckled lightly. “Fancy some breakfast?”

“Um no thanks, I’m not really hungry.” I replied, smartly choosing to ignore Nikkis comment.

“Good, because we don’t have any food. I meant, did you want a rockstars breakfast?” Nikki produced a little bag of brilliant white powder from the pocket of last nights leather trousers that he was still wearing, before walking over to the kitchen area & cutting it up on the work surface. “It’s an incredible hangover cure.” He winked mischievously, offering me a rolled up note. I shook my head, my thoughts in a far more rational state than they were last night. Nikki shrugged before bending over & vacuuming his mess up. I rolled my eyes, turning back towards Vinces room, when the door to, I had presumed, Nikkis room, swung open & out walked the girl Nikki was all over last night, in nothing but a lacy pair of underwear. She flashed an almost territorial look in my direction as she stalked past me & over to Nikki, draping her arms around him. He looked bored as she ran her fingers through his matted, black hair & didn’t even flinch when she grazed her teeth along his earlobe.

“Come back to bed baby.” I heard her whisper in a low, sultry voice.

“Not with you dollface.” Nikki said bluntly, shrugging off the stunning brunette, making her stumble back slightly. “Get your shit, you can leave out with window.” He waved his hand in the direction of his room as if he was hoping to magically wave her away. She didn’t take to well to that.

“You asshole!” She yelled, storming away from him. “What about this bitch, huh? Why doesn’t she have to leave?!” She shrieked, stopping next to me & pointing rudely,

“Not my fuck, not my problem.” Nikki shrugged, letting out a amused laugh. I shot him daggers, which only made him chuckle more. “Plus, she’ll be leaving out of my window in an hour or so, rather than out of Vinnys.” He smiled devilishly, that hunger returning to his eyes once again. I felt myself grow hot, momentarily lost in my lust. That was until a sharp pain seared through my head, snapping me out of it, as the half naked brunette grabbed a fistful if my hair & dragged me down towards the putrid carpet. I let out a wail as I instinctively started swinging my arms towards her in any sort of attempt to get her off.

“What the fu-” I started to yell, breathlessly, as the pain increased as her nails dug deeper into my scalp. I felt one of my flailing fists come into contact with flesh & suddenly the vice like grip on my hair was released & I dropped to the ground. Everything had gone blurry as I fought back the tears of pain & panic & I struggled to navigate my way back into a stranding position, until a rough hand was extended towards me. I grabbed hold of Nikki as he pulled me back up. I stopped & took a few deep breaths, trying to work out what just happened. I turned to look at the half naked groupie, clutching an angry red mark on her cheek where my fist had caught her.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?!” I screamed at her, frantically trying to smooth out my hair over my throbbing scalp.

“He’s mine, you fucking wannabe slut.” She spat back at me, her tone full of venom & eyes full of hatred. Nikki let out a sharp, loud laugh.

“Bitch, I’m not anybody’s.” Nikki chuckled, almost enjoying the situation.

“But I thought we had something..” She started to say, her face pink with anger & embarassment.

Nikki cut her off, seeming bored again. “Clearly you don’t know me very well. Sweetheart, you’re the same as all the rest, a fun way to end a show.”

My head snapped round to face Nikki, disbelief & disgust flooding over me. I’d heard him use those words before. I looked back towards the woman in front of me, looking utterly humiliated, trying her hardest to cover herself as she turned & ran towards Nikkis room, presumably to leave the same way she came in, through that window that was quickly becoming infamous. I watched her go & I couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. She was stunning, tall, toned, with flawless skin & a face most women would die for & yet, with those few words, Nikki had managed to destroy any confidence she had, shame her & break her heart, all at the same time. The same way he did to my sister.

I looked at his smug face & shoved him with more anger & force than I realised, sending him stumbling back before falling flat on his ass. “You fucking asshole, Sixx.”

“What the fuck, Beth?! Is crazy bitch fucking contagious or something?! He shouted, sounding genuinely stunned.

“How can you treat women that way?! Fucking use them & throw them out like they’re not worth a damn thing. Have you got so little respect for us?!” I screamed, Nikkis face growing darker & angrier with each word I hurled at him. But suddenly, he stood himself back up & his anger melted away, revealing that notorious smirk in its place. He had a ice cold look in his eyes that sent a shiver down my spine &, for some reason, a flash of fear ran through me.

“Oh Princess, it must be hard work up their in your ivory fucking tower, looking down & casting your fucked up, hypocritical judgements on us unworthy people.” Nikkis voice was as smooth as silk, but his words were cold & razor sharp as he started taking steps towards me. “What do you think happened last night, Angel? Because if you think my boy Vince is going to come out of that room full of romance & kisses & offer to buy you breakfast, you’re in for a nasty fucking suprise.” His voice oozed arrogance but his eyes stayed cruel, fixed on mine as he continued to walk towards me. “You’re just like the rest of them Lizzy. You drink our booze & you sniff our drugs & you fall for our charm &, for one night, you serve a purpose to us. You fuck us because we let you believe you’re worth something, we make you think we care. But here’s the truth baby, we don’t. You don’t mean shit to us. You’re a gullible, cheap way to get our dicks wet & as soon as that’s done, we’ve got no fucking use for you. You’re a slut, Princess, just like the rest of them. Just like your sister.”

I felt the hot, humiliated tears creep into my eyes & spill down my cheeks. Nikki smirked as he watched them fall. “Did I upset the little privileged, rich girl? Better run home to Daddy.”

I looked into those harsh, green eyes, wondering how I’d ever felt any kind of desire towards him. Anger filled my veins, anger towards Nikki & anger towards my own damn idiocy. I knew this was who he was, I knew he was a bad person. So why did this cut me so damn deep? I’d let myself get played by him & he knew that as well as I did. He was the Devil himself & I’d been stupid enough to let him tempt me. I looked at his full, pink lips, the lips that, just last night, I had craved on my skin with a fierce desire, now twisted into a cruel grin that seemed to be enjoying my humiliation.

“I never wanted to be one of those girls.” I whispered, finally finding my voice at last.

“But Princess, you are one of those girls, why else would you be here?”

“I don’t expect anything from Vince, I don’t want anything either. I used him last night as much as he used me.” I said with more conviction, determined not to let Nikki win. “I wanted sex, so did Vince, it was a mutual thing,” I shrugged. It was true, I didn’t want anything more from Vince than what we’d had last night & I needed Nikki to know that he was wrong. I needed to pretend his words didn’t hurt me.

Just then, the door to Vinces room opened & out he walked with his tangled mess of blonde hair & just a off-white, grubby looking sheet tied around his waist. He frowned as he scanned the room, seeing me practically against the wall with Nikki in my face, assesed the situation & tried to figure out what was happening.

“Sixx, maybe leave it a few hours before going after my leftovers, yeah?” Vince winked at me. “We got any blow?” He asked with a yawn. Nikki tossed him the little baggy of coke & I left them cutting up lines whilst I went to go find my clothes & get dressed.

*Nikkis POV*

That stuck up bitch was really starting to get on my fucking nerves.

“So when’s the next chick arriving Vin?” I asked, loud enough for Beth to hear as she walked off into the bedroom that Vince & Tommy shared, although fuck knows where T-Bone ended up last night. Vince shushed me as he looked towards the bedroom, before shooting me a look. “What?!” I chuckled, “it’s not like she doesn’t know you’re a single-use kinda guy.”

Vince scoffed, nodding his head. “True man, true.” He smirked. He glanced over to the bedroom door, almost longingly, for a brief second. “I tell you what though, man, it’s the ones you don’t expect that end up being the fucking filthiest. She’s a damn good fuck.” He laughed, winking at me.

I rolled my eyes, my irritation towards her growing. “That’s probably because she’s never been fucked before, you know what those snobby, rich chicks are like, they like being roughed up when all they’re used to is ‘making love’ in fucking missionary.” I sneered, trying to make fun at Beths expense.

“That’s probably true man.” Vince laughed, snorting up his last line. “But honestly, I don’t give a fuck why, that chick is a freak & she’s got a mouth like a fucking angel.” I watched him bite his lip at the memory.

I felt a momentary surge of jealousy course through me as my mind inadvertently wondered towards what it’d be like to have havs Beths lips around my cock, those big, doe-like brown eyes staring longingly up at me as I fucked that pretty mouth of hers. The slam of the bedroom door snapped me out of dirty little day dream & little Miss Too-Good-For-You came storming out of the bedroom, her face still evidentially seething.

“Have a bump with us, dollface.” Vince cooed, grabbing Beth by the waist & pulling her over. I smirked at her, knowing full well she wouldn’t break Daddy’s rules sober. She looked me & I watched the determination wash over her. She smiled smugly at me as she took the rolled up note Vince had extended to her & snorted up the last line of coke. I felt my jaw tighten in annoyance.

“Wow, you’re one of the lucky groupies that gets to steal our drugs after she’s served her purpose.” I drawled, condescendingly, trying my damn hardest to get to her again.

“Ignore him babe. Sixx tends to be an asshole when I pull someone he fancies.”

That blonde prick, I fumed.

“If I wanted her, I could’ve had her.” I shrugged with enough confidence to mask my growing anger.

Beth let our a sharp laugh. “That’d require me to actually fancy you back, you arrogant piece of shit.” She said boldly. I honestly didn’t know whether I wanted to scream at her & throw her out or bend her over my knee & make sure she never fucking spoke to me like that again. Who does she think she is?!

“Come on baby, lets go back to bed.” Smirked Vince, wrapping his hand around the nape of her neck & pulling her in for a kiss. I was stunned. Vince never fucked a girl more than once. His motto was hit it & quit it. If they weren’t out the window by sunrise, he made it very fucking clear they weren’t welcome there any longer.

Vinny took hold of Beths hand & lead her back to his bedroom as she giggled like a schoolgirl. I watched her slink off, her skirt riding up slightly so her ass peeked out from beneath the material as she went. She must’ve felt my eyes trailing along every inch of her because she turned & blew me a patronising kiss before slamming the door shut.

I hated her. Beth was everything I couldn’t stand about people. She was stuck up & came from the sort of family that looked down on people like me. She was so self assured & judgmental & she had an ability to piss me off like no-one I’ve ever met. I hated her with a passion & yet, I fucking wanted her just as badly.

Through all of my anger & hatred, as I heard her sweet moans of pleasure drift from Vinces bedroom, I couldn’t help but wonder what she’d sound like moaning my name.

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jakeh2987 · 5 years ago

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We Found Each Other In The Dark: The Last of Us Retrospective

On Christmas Day in 2012, I was gifted two games by my cousin; I had just gotten my PS3 over that summer, and while I had a few games, my library was pretty limited at that time. Those two games were the first two Uncharted games, Drake's Fortune and Among Thieves. I played those games in very quick succession over the next month or so into 2013, and bought and finished the third game, Drake's Deception. To this day, the Uncharted series remains my favorite in gaming, but little did I know just how impactful that Christmas gift would end up being in my life, even nearly eight years later. At this time, I didn't really follow specific game developers or studios; I kinda just saw a game I was interested in, kept up with that particular game, and eventually bought it when I could. However, I knew I had to see what Naughty Dog, the company who developed the Uncharted series, was going to do next. It turns out they were working on a little game called The Last of Us that was going to be releasing later that year. I was all in on the marketing and diving into any coverage I could, and the anticipation kept building unlike any game I could really remember. Then, right before the game's June 14th release, the reviews hit, and my excitement hit its peak, because the reception was absolutely glowing in a way I hadn't really seen for a video game. I knew The Last of Us was going to be special, but I don't think I was prepared for how much impact it would have. A couple days after the game came out, I was able to go out and pick up a copy. I don't remember how long it took me to finish the game, but I do remember rolling credits on it at like 3 or 4 in the morning one day, just letting them play while I sat there in total awe at what I just played. The Last of Us is a game that truly blew me away in so many different ways, but the thing that has always stuck with me is the story and its characters. The Uncharted games had really fun stories and memorable characters, but Naughty Dog brought it to another level with this game. Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson as Joel and Ellie remain some of the most powerful performances I've ever seen in not just gaming, but in any medium. The storytelling, while on the surface a fairly typical post-apocalypse, zombie-like survival story, was told in a really grounded way that made it resonate more than a lot of other stories in the genre. Everything was centered around Joel and Ellie's journey and how their relationship progresses, and there are some truly poignant moments throughout the story that I still get emotional watching when I replay it or watch someone else play it. This was a story about love and how far you're willing to go to protect it, or find it again, and it's also a story about resilience and finding hope in a world that doesn't have much of it, to say the least. I often find something new to take away from it every time I play it again, which I've done every year since I got my PS4 and the Remastered version in 2015. I can certainly say that playing it this year to get ready for its sequel in the midst of a global pandemic in real life added another layer in the back of my mind. But ultimately, The Last of Us is a game that's about two people finding each other in darkness and helping each other navigate it into, hopefully, the light, and that has stuck with me from day one. There's a reason this piece is named after the song by City & Colour, but more on that in a bit. The Last of Us is an amazing game on its own, but there's also a personal reason this game means even more to me now than it did even when I first played it. One of my very best friends Patches and I met on Twitter in December 2017 because of our mutual love of the game. Funny thing is, it was totally by chance; she had attended that year's Playstation Experience, and she got the opportunity to meet Neil Druckmann, creative director/writer for the games and now-Vice President of Naughty Dog, basically the creative face of the game. Neil had retweeted photos of a tattoo Patches had gotten and a photo of the two of them meeting, and I happened to see them and decided to give her a follow. I was just starting to get my footing in online gaming communities after listening to the Kinda Funny crew and other places throughout that year, and I was looking for more people to follow who were in the same spaces. The tattoo, which is a replica of Ellie's tattoo from Part II, was also just really cool. Anyway, Patches and I interacted a bit throughout the next year or so, but it wasn't until late summer/early fall last year that we actually became friends and grew to be really close. I won't go into personal details here, obviously, but we were both in some rather dark places, and I think we were able to dust each other off and help pull each other out of that darkness. We became life-long friends because of that experience, and now we have a really strong bond over this game, and I'm just so eternally grateful for that. Like I said earlier, this game is about two people who find each other in the darkness and helped pull each other out of it, and because of this game, Patches and I were able to do that for each other. And for a video game to have an impact like that is truly special. As I write this, we're just about a week away from the release of The Last of Us Part II. I know this game is going to destroy me emotionally, but I couldn't be any more excited for it. The first game changed the way I looked at video games and it led me to a life-long friendship I'll cherish forever, so I cannot wait to see what Part II has in store.

#the last of us #the last of us part 2 #naughty dog #playstation #ps4 #video games

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plusarevfa1979-blog · 6 years ago

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I know where you coming from. While my mom has never been a criminal, she has behaved in toxic ways to say the least. And for the longest time I had the exact same thought you expressing here that she had so much negativity in her life that I needed to be a positive one.But unfortunately, that really hardly ever how it works. Its a habit and it takes hard work and time to break it. U gotta be self aware and take time to notice what you doing and then reverse it and change it. It hard work and it sucks but its worth it.. If the Garleans moved more troops in to defend the bases, it be an aggressive move that breaks the peace. If the alliance makes a move against the bases, it could force the empire to move the war into full scale again. No matter who starts the war, it will likely be a nasty affair, with high casualties on both sides given both sides have generals capable of wiping out hundreds of soldiers with minimal effort. We are expected to be absolutely perfect, successful and joyous so that people will see us in a decent light. In the media either we are a beautiful being that makes women jealous or a fun jokester not taken seriously. 구미출장샵 It kinda bleeds into the expectation of gay men to, that they must be effeminate.Also most parents would not like to have their child be trans, and there are many case of domestic violence because of that.Things are better day by day though, and I wish that one day I could get rid of this in front of my name for good.TLDR: Thais are laid back and let people do or be anything as long as it not bothersome, but that does not mean people would not judge us.KyleJasonSarg 6 points submitted 3 days agoThis is a problem that faces long running reality competitions. But wait; the competition doesn't stop there. Next comes the award for Best of Breed. Dogs that have earned the points necessary to be champions can enter this race with the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch. A father figure doesn't mean an actual father who's there all the time lol lol if he did any more than everything he did without actually being in a serious relationship with lorelai (not till late in the show anyway), it would just be weird. I think the reason they showed so much of Rory wanting max as her stepdad is because it was to show why Lorelai was always hesitant of bringing another man into their lives. She was afraid her flightiness would affect Rory and it did. I always thought it would be a cool feature if there was a "central repository" Krita could connect to for downloading resource bundles like CSP. Users could look at thumbnails and descriptions for each resource bundle other users upload. The they can download and automatically install the resource bundles right from Krita.. Oh my god that fucking terrible. Doomfist was definitely a nightmare for me when I was playing Ana. At that point I think I would just switch to Widow or Brigitte or something I can stop him with haha. FoundationFoundation is the foundation of all makeup application(no pun intended). There are many different kinds offered on the market these days. From full coverage to light coverage tinted moisturizer. I say this because one of their implemented policies, as reported in a blog post in 구미출장샵 2017 by Youtube's vice president of product management Johanna Wright, is that "comments of this nature are abhorrent and we work. To report illegal behaviour to law enforcement. Starting this week we will begin taking an even more aggressive stance by turning off all comments on videos of minors where we see these types of comments."1 However, in the wormhole I still see countless users time stamping and sharing social media info.

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joshhhhhhhhhhhhhhh · 6 years ago

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Gakkougurashi Review!

Hi, I’m Josh, and did you know that I review anime sometimes? You wouldn’t think so because other than weekly coverage of currently airing shit I post reviews like, once a month maybe? Really wanna do something about that. But anyway, I’m wasting time.

So today, or yesterday as of the time of writing this, I watched Gakkougurashi, which has been on my plan to watch for quite a hecking while now, and I quite enjoyed it…?

The first episode was super strong, leading off and baiting us with some still genuinely enjoyable slice of life stuff, but then pulling the rug under us with a well foreshadowed twist. Now I did actually know going into this show that there was a twist – in fact I basically knew the entire nature of the first episode, but that didn’t get in the way of me enjoying it. And then episodes 2 through like, 6 or 7 are a little bit more of that – the School Survival Club being cute funny anime girls with good chemistry and occasionally strong backstories being forced into awkward zombie situations and also having to entertain Yuki’s delusions which is fun.

See, Yuki would be a generic main character in any other cute girl anime. She’s pink, cheerful, absolutely adores her friends and constantly talks about how great they are, sucks at school but loves it and all her teachers, the whole shebang. She’s like, ridiculously generic, but the context in which she exists makes that genericism work wonderfully. She’s generic but she’s got PTSD and has become literally delusional – subconsciously forcing herself to behave the way she does because it’s her only hope. Honestly while Yuki herself isn’t the most interesting character or anything, the way she actually works in the narrative is something to be admired.

Speaking of stuff that needs to be admired the tone of this narrative itself. This show genuinely manages to blend an equal amount of slice and life shit with edgy shit and somehow the tone for both moments is both perfect on its own and doesn’t clash with the other’s – primarily because of Yuki in fact. Honestly I’d go as far as to say that this might be the single best execution I’ve ever seen of two such polar opposite genres and narrative ideas being blended together. The edgy zombie shit compliments the slice of life shit and vice versa.

Except, I think that’s less true in the last few episodes. See, Gakkougurashi is obviously a zombie show still, so to justify the existence of zombies, they manage to find out that the government or whatever is testing bioweapons and their school – which conveniently has about everything a person would need to survive in the long term if society collapsed – was deliberately designed to be some sort of safe space. And then, for no reason other than “why not?”, lots of shit just starts hitting the fan such that one of the main characters – a dog – dies, while another one nearly dies. And by the way I really wanted this other one to die. I loved her, she’s probably best girl, but to see what is still a cute girl slice of life show kill off a main character this late in the game would’ve been cool. But instead all that stuff about the government and bioweapons meant that they could cure her, and then the only actual consequences at the end are that the dog died, but it also had puppies maybe so even that’s not all bad. I realise I’ve gone completely off-topic from what I was opening this paragraph with. Basically I wish this show’s edgy moments were edgier, but rather than fully committing to that in the last few episodes, they just give the illusion of it being edgier by having some not that interesting plot stuff to introduce fake stakes. It’s honestly kind of boring. Not helping is that they sandwich in a filler episode about them chilling at a pool or whatever. I kind of liked how early episodes actually combined edge and slice of life, but at the end that stuff was relegated to specific episodes only. I mean, I found the ending really satisfying, and part of that could be because it was a good change of pace from the barrage of plot stuff I’d had to endure for the past several episodes, but I’d rather I found the ending less satisfying if it meant the episodes leading up to it were a touch more interesting.

Because I don’t care about structure, I’m gonna talk about the narrative in the early episodes again, because they take something of a nonchronological approach and blend it with more of Yuki’s delusions, though I didn’t know about this in advance so while the clues were there I was still surprised by it – the death of Megu-nee. See, their cute girl slice of life anime teacher is a pink haired girl called Megumi, and at a basic level, she’s just the friendly teacher who loves her students and they all love her back. But what they don’t actually (directly) tell us until later on is that she’s been dead since before the start of the series and none of us as viewers actually knew because of Yuki’s damn delusions. It’s really great and that twist genuinely surprised me, but the second it happened it immediately clicked with me and I remembered all those “you’ve got no presence” jokes and ahhhh I really do like how the early episodes tell their stories. Later ones aren’t even bad they’re just kinda boring.

I’ve already talked about Yuki and a little bit about Megumi, but I think the rest of the characters were also pretty good. In the slice of life scenes we see that they’ve all got enough going on to carry like a 6 or 7/10 normal slice of life show but the zombie aspect makes them all the more fun. Kurumi’s maybe best girl but idk Miki’s also pretty good and also develops better than most of the other characters in the show. Kind of wish we got to know a bit more about Yuuri since most of her character’s just the reliable onee-san one that wants the rest to survive. They’re all pretty fun though and I actually dig all of their designs, which is nice because in lots of cute girl shows I often find myself immediately latching onto the girl with the best design. Here, the designs are pretty even all around.

Uhhhhhhhhhh this show looks cute as shit and I dig the OP

Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh I’ve either run out of things to say or am too tired to remember anything.

Final score: 7/10

Definitely not the best show I’ve ever seen and there was room for improvement in a few areas, but honestly I did really enjoy this and it definitely wasn’t the big disappointment I know a lot of other people found it. While there was definitely potential with this that they left untapped, I wouldn’t’ call the potential they did tap “wasted” or anything like that. Would I recommend this show? Yeah, probably.

#this is lowwwwwww quality #as in the review #but #eh #if you're curious about my thoughts on this show just like #ask me #and i'll probably write a better review in one go off the top of my head just conversationally #gakkougurashi #josh reviews #21.2.19

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cks11 · 4 years ago

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Air Conditioner Tools Review

The aircraft tools market forecast is quite impressive. In the next three years, this air compression technology is poised to revolutionize the way that we work with air compression. This air compression technology is being applied in a huge number of industries across the world. Companies like NASA use air compression to power their space shuttles. Engineers design air compressors to power air transportation systems for trucks.

So the answer is, yes, aircraft tools are here to stay. It is estimated that in North America alone there will be approximately 13 million jobs created as a result of air compression technologies. Additionally, the market for aircraft tools is growing each year as more companies become interested in using air compression to accomplish their business goals. That is right, you heard me right. Air compression is not just for engineers any more, aircraft tools are being used by CEOs, Presidents, secretaries, general managers, vice-presidents, CFOs, engineers, inventors, plumbers, HVAC technicians, cabinet makers, mortgage brokers, stockbrokers, contractors, and anybody who might use air compression technology in their lives.

As if that is not enough to get people interested in air compression technology, what about the fact that aircraft tools are so inexpensive. Sure it is cool to buy these air compression tools to perform air compression repairs or modifications to your air conditioner, but once you get started on your project and realize how much money you can save by air compression then you will probably be hooked. These air compression tools can be purchased at your local hardware store or at your Lumber Liquidator (where you would go to buy the aircraft tools anyway). You will also find that they can be found online at places like eBay and Craigslist. If you are really interested in one of these handy little tools you should look on either of these two sites to find one in your price range.

The reason these aircraft tools are so popular is simply because they perform a critical task. Unlike air compressors, aircraft tools do not waste air. Instead, when air is used to power these air compressors the tool uses the air produced from the air compressor to push air through a nozzle. This air compression technology helps the air flow through a more dense media than air without air compression technology. These air compression tools are used to air upholstery items such as upholstered furniture, carpeting, drapes, moldings, paneling, headliners, seats, deck trays, and so on.

Another thing air compression technology does is to keep air circulating in a room or building. Air that is circulated throughout an air conditioning system helps to keep cool air from gathering in one part of the air conditioning system and drawing air in from another part. The air conditioners can also run longer with air compression technology because air is circulated in and out of the system at a higher rate. This is a huge benefit to businesses and commercial air conditioning customers because it can save them money and time.

Even the air conditioners themselves benefit from air compression technology because they are less prone to leaking. Leaks in air conditioners can lead to very expensive and even dangerous repairs. With air compressors however, air leaks are less likely to occur. As long as the air filter is replaced on air conditioners every month air conditioners will stay in great working shape for many years to come. That's about all the proof there is needed that air compressors and air conditioning systems are great investments.

If you are looking for air compressors and air conditioners then you might want to check out the AirCat products line. All of their air conditioners and air compressors are made with the latest technology. They are also very well known in the air conditioning industry because of the quality they put out. You don't have to worry about spending your hard earned money on air conditioning repairs. AirCat has air conditioning professionals that are available to help you any time you need them.

If you do have an air conditioning unit that needs some repairs done then you can trust AirCat to handle all of your air conditioner needs. You can find an air compressor for air conditioners parts right over the web at AirCat Tools market research . No matter what air conditioning system you have you can trust that you can take care of it with the help from AirCat tools. There is no reason to replace your air conditioning unit when it can be taken care of easily and efficiently. Take a look at some air compressor reviews to see how well these tools work for other consumers just like you.

Summary

The report forecast global Drilling Tools market to grow to reach xxx Million USD in 2019 with a CAGR of xx% during the period 2020-2025 due to coronavirus situation. The report offers detailed coverage of Drilling Tools industry and main market trends with impact of coronavirus. The market research includes historical and forecast market data, demand, application details, price trends, and company shares of the leading Drilling Tools by geography. The report splits the market size, by volume and value, on the basis of application type and geography. First, this report covers the present status and the future prospects of the global Drilling Tools market for 2015-2024. And in this report, we analyze global market from 5 geographies: Asia-Pacific[China, Southeast Asia, India, Japan, Korea, Western Asia], Europe[Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia, Spain, Netherlands, Turkey, Switzerland], North America[United States, Canada, Mexico], Middle East & Africa[GCC, North Africa, South Africa], South America[Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Chile, Peru]. At the same time, we classify Drilling Tools according to the type, application by geography. More importantly, the report includes major countries market based on the type and application. Finally, the report provides detailed profile and data information analysis of leading Drilling Tools company.

Key Content of Chapters as follows (Including and can be customized) : Part 1: Market Overview, Development, and Segment by Type, Application & Region Part 2: Company information, Sales, Cost, Margin etc. Part 3: Global Market by company, Type, Application & Geography Part 4: Asia-Pacific Market by Type, Application & Geography Part 5: Europe Market by Type, Application & Geography Part 6: North America Market by Type, Application & Geography Part 7: South America Market by Type, Application & Geography Part 8: Middle East & Africa Market by Type, Application & Geography Part 9: Market Features Part 10: Investment Opportunity Part 11: Conclusion

Market Segment as follows: By Region Asia-Pacific[China, Southeast Asia, India, Japan, Korea, Western Asia] Europe[Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia, Spain, Netherlands, Turkey, Switzerland] North America[United States, Canada, Mexico] Middle East & Africa[GCC, North Africa, South Africa] South America[Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Chile, Peru] Key Companies Schlumberger Limited United Drilling Tools Ltd Mitsubishi BICO Drilling Products Cougar Drilling Solutions X Drilling Tools Redback Drilling Tools Knight Oil Tools Weatherford International Sandvik Coromant 3D Drilling Tools Perkins Drilling Tools Market by Type Bails Adapters Switchers Drill Gaskets Drill Collars Market by Application Oil & Gas Construction Mining National Defense Others

For more details contact as https://www.reportmines.com/contact-us.php

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multiverseofmiracleshq · 6 years ago

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THIS POST CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR AVENGERS: ENDGAME !!

STAGE II | PART II ( destiny is fulfilled ) → MORAG: 2014. arriving on morag, it was up to james rhodes & nebula to find the power stone before an outlaw idiot named peter quill did. while they found the stone, they also found that they weren’t the only ones there looking for it and a trio familiar face meant trouble.

THIS IS THE OFFICIAL COMPLETE CHAT LOG COVERAGE OF THE IC

M O R A G : 2 0 1 4

NATASHA: They had done it. They had actually done it. Although the day had yet to be saved the fact that the Quantum technology had worked was something that Natasha could barely comprehend. For years she had been sitting, waiting and planning for that special something that would tip the scales and now they had it. The ship vibrating under them, Natasha helped Clint ease the space ship ( her - the kgb spy - was piloting a spaceship ) to the ground where it made a loud thud as it connected to Morag. As the doors hissed open she followed Rhodey and Clint out onto the planet to make sure that they were ready.

RHODEY: Rhodey craned his neck as he watched Nebula ease the pod they would be using to the ground. “Good, Blue. Drop it down. Yeah, mhm. To the left. Line it up on the line. Down, down.” He coached.

NATASHA: Kicking at a weird alien creature that was running around, Natasha cracked a smile at where Rhodey was. “C’mon, guys. Chop chop. We’re on the clock.”

RHODEY: “All that? Really helpful.”

NEBULA: After Nebula finished programming the coordinates for Natasha and Clint, she proceeded to join them and Rhodey on the surface. Her first steps onto Morag left her feeling tense, even as her teammates joked around and prepared to split ways for the mission. “The coordinates for Vormir are set.” She let them know, standing off to the side. “All you have to do is not fall out.”

NATASHA: Reaching out to hug Rhodey, Natasha pulled him close. “Take care, okay?” She would have hugged Nebula but it didn’t seem right. She settled instead for a smile and a nod.

RHODEY: Saying goodbye to Nat and Clint wasn’t as hard as he thought. They had a job to do and so did he and Nebula. They’d have time for sentimentals when it was all over. “Go get that Stone, okay? No messing around.” If anyone could do it, it would be the two who were once Strike Team Delta. Nat and Clint knew how to take care of each other. “Hey, watch each others six.” He tacked on at the end.

CLINT: Clint followed behind, giving Rhodey a nod of affirmation in lieu of a goodbye, “Hey– you got this.” He wasn’t entirely familiar with Nebula, nor was he aware of her trustworthiness as of yet, but she seemed to have a pretty steady blue head on her shoulders. With that observation, he stepped onto the ship with Natasha.

NEBULA: Nebula had been with these people for years now. She cared for them, in her own way. Being a part of a team wasn’t ever something she thought possible, but here she was. And even though Nebula kept things short and to the point, she hoped that they all knew how she felt. Natasha’s nod was enough, and Nebula gave her one back. Every time she thought about the place Nat and Clint were going, her stomach flipped. None of this was easy, but she was grateful that it wasn’t her going to Vormir. Her sister was murdered on that planet. It would have been difficult to set foot in that place, even if at this time, that horrible thing hadn’t happened yet. After the ship had taken off everything went quiet, and Nebula was a bit lost in thought.

RHODEY: Believe it or not, Rhodey had gotten decently close with Nebula over the past few years. She’d crack a joke, he’d laugh. Vice versa. It was nice but neither were super over the top about being friends. Rhodey could respect, and the silence between the two was far from uncomfortable. He took a few steps as he looked around. “--’kay, so, uh, we just wait for this Quill guy to show up and then he leads us to the Power Stone. Is that it?”

NEBULA: Nebula was clearly uneasy. She looked to Rhodey, trying to hide the obvious anxiety on her face and failing. “We should take cover–” She turned her back to him, taking a few steps, aimlessly looking for a hiding spot. “We aren’t the only ones in 2014 looking for the stone.”

RHODEY: They weren’t the only — “Wait, wait, wait. What? Who else is lookin’ for these Stones?” Rhodey moved closer to Nebula even though she still faced away. It should have just been them and the idiot Quill. That’s it. Morag wasn’t exactly a populated planet.

NEBULA: “My father. My sister. And.. me.” Maybe she should have said something sooner, said something to the team before they all left. But it wouldn’t have changed their plans.

RHODEY: And it got weirder. “And you?” His voice was hesitant. Skeptical. “Where are you right now?”

NEBULA: “Most likely, my sister and I have been called back to our father’s ship by now.” Nebula recounted that day. “When he heard word of the Power Stone’s location, he sent us to a ship run by a man named Ronan. It’s the start of how we come in contact with Quill. But we should hide now.” She changed the subject quickly, ducking behind something nearby and waiting for Rhodey to follow.

RHODEY: Once they were in position, Rhodey crouched down beside Nebula. The arrival of Quill wasn’t hard to miss. Nebula’s psuedo brother-in-law was singing and dancing around. Rhodey bobbed his head, trying not to be judgmental. He failed. “So, he’s an idiot.” It was a statement and not a question.

QUILL: Bounty hunters – or as he liked to refer to himself: a rare item aquiree. No death, not much at least, and if anything, Quill was more of a booty hunter, if you got his gist. Settling his foam padded headphones over his ears, he set his cassette tape to play and as a late era symphony played in his ears (aka Come and Get Your Love by Redbone) Quill meandered his way across the empty landscape. Of course, he had a tune to his step, and a song in his voice, but he usually lacked any sense of shame when no one was around to look. Besides, with his notoriety, anyone showing up would recognize him for what he was: a legendary outlaw. As the chorus hit, he spun in a wide circle, catching himself just at the end where he went into a tune-filled slide, only to collide with the tough metal of a —

RHODEY: One arm extended was all it took. The head of the space pirate? thief? idiot? connected solidly with the sturdy arm of the War Machine armor and he was instantly knocked out cold. Rhodey watched Nebula dig around his bag for a long minute. “What’s that?” He finally asked.

NEBULA: Once Nebula found what she was looking for, she stood up and held it in front of her while a small bit of relief washed over her. “The tool of a thief.” She gave Rhodey a nod and then headed over to the run down building where the stone was hiding. At the entrance she used the Quill’s tool and opened it with ease, and even while the doors were still sliding open she took a step forward to make her way inside.

RHODEY: Seemed useful. As Nebula used it to open the door, Rhodey watched the stone and metal slowly reveal the interior chamber where the orb was being hung in the middle of the room. As soon as she was moving, Rhodey shot out an arm to grab hers. “Whoa, whoa, whoa. This is the part, y’know, where spikes come out with skeletons on the end of them and everything.” He made a gesture.

NEBULA: Rhodey’s attempt to stop her from going in wasn’t forceful, but she paused nonetheless. As he explained his reasoning, her normally straightforward expression hinted towards disbelief at the ridiculousness he was spouting. “What are you talking about–?” But she knew his answer would be even more ridiculous, so she turned away from him with a small shake of her head and entered the ruins anyway, hoping he would drop his monologue and follow her in. It was dark in the chamber, the only sources of light being the one Rhodey held in front of him and the energy field protecting the stone. Nebula took a brief second to look over the cage it was held in and then reached forward with her left arm, the one made completely from inorganic materials. Her hand seethed as it passed through the energy shield, glowing a bright orange as it began to burn and melt away. But there was no indication that it caused her any pain, and within moments she had grabbed the orb containing the stone and pulled it out. Her arm was damaged, still glowing from the heat, smoke curling up and away as it cooled. She turned and dropped the orb in Rhodey’s hand before inspecting herself, seemingly unaffected by what she had just done. She had felt the heat, felt part of herself quite literally burn away, but it wasn’t the same as before. These parts of her would forever be different, a reminder that she wasn’t whole. But as Rhodey’s gaze stayed glued to her, Nebula was forced to look away. “I wasn’t always like this.” She whispered, almost ashamed that she had let him see her like this.

RHODEY “–When you walk into a place called The Temple of the Power Stone there’s gotta be a bunch of booby traps.” Nebula kept walking though and Rhodey couldn’t help but shake his head. “…Okay then. Alright. Go ahead.” Walking behind her with his light held over his head, Rhodey paused and watched Nebula grab the orb even as her arm seemed to burn down to the metal frame. There was something intense about Nebula. Anyone who met her could see that and the still steaming orb dropped into Rhodey’s armored hand as her own smoldering was a sign of that. He watched her as she stared at her own hand, the fire singed appendages dangling in the air between them and he felt – No, not pity. He didn’t pity her because he didn’t think she wanted to be pitied. But he felt something. Maybe a remorse that someone had taken her and warped her into something she didn’t seem to know. At her motion his eyes snapped up to her face. When she spoke his gaze dropped to the floor, lips tucked in against one another. “Neither was I.” He admitted, voice low and devoid of bravado. For someone who had always known who he was and what he wanted it was hard. It was hard to wake up and feel the stillness of his own legs. It was hard to take them off at night knowing what was going to happen as soon as sleep cleared his mind. He had fought a war knowing what the risks and outcome could be but it was still hard to look down and realize that the only way he could walk was because of a gift that Tony had given him. A gift, from a friend who had started a war that Rhodey had jumped headfirst into. He always had. War was something he had learned. It was coded into him, he was a soldier and that’s why he believed it when he said “But we gotta work with what we’ve got.” The two made eye contact then, a moment coming and going. There they were: two people outside of their time with bodies outside of their control. “Let’s go.” He broke the silence. Snapping on his Quantum traveler, the white suit covered the War Machine armor. “Three, two, one…” And with that, Rhodey was gone as he fell into the Quantum Realm and was yanked back towards the present.

NEBULA (2014): As Rhodey and Nebula did what they needed to do on Morag, the Nebula that belonged in 2014 had her own business to attend to. The fight was beginning to get on her nerves– they should have finished this ages ago. And it was from that frustration that Nebula reared up with a scream, lunging for the closest adversary and swiping with the blades she held in each hand. She landed one final blow, but it distracted her from the grenade that landed next to her, and when it went off it sent her flying back. Another much larger alien approached her as she sat there stunned, and for a moment there was fear in her eyes. But before she even had a chance to move, the enemy in front of her was sent flying up and into the energy stream behind her. Just in time. It was Gamora who had saved her skin, of course. Was Nebula surprised? No. But it made her blood boil, and she let out a groan as her sister approached her. ”I could have handled that.”

GAMORA (2014): Another day, another mess to clean up. Or, as Gamora had thought about it: another day in hell. Whatever fight they were engaging in was not one that she was interested in. They letted blood on Thanos’ word alone and that was the law. The way things were supposed to be. For as long as she had known Nebula ( which had been most of her life at this point ) Gamora had gone head to head with her sister and come out victorious each time. Even when they weren’t sparring with one another Gamora had fallen into the routine or besting her and after listening to Nebula’s childlike scream and near fatal failure, Gamora intercepted with a shout of her own as her sword quickly felled the one who almost dispatched Nebula. A part of her looked at the blue alien sitting in front of her and wanted to smack her in the face for being so caught up in Thanos’ games. If Nebula hadn’t been so eager to please one who already saw her as a tool alone maybe they could have gotten somewhere. Emerging from the smoke, Gamora sighed and sheathed her weapon as she moved to pace around her sister. “You’re welcome.” Her tone was smug but tired. This had happened too many times. Even then as Nebula groaned Gamora knew she couldn’t let her die. They were sisters who seemed to hate each other, but sisters all the same. “Except, you needed me to.” She proffered a hand then and didn’t flinch when Nebula smacked it away. “Get up. Father wants us back on the ship.” She paused, dreading the next words. “He’s found an Infinity Stone.”

NEBULA (2014): Nebula was still seething as Gamora gloated above her, so it took a moment for her words to sink in. The look she gave her sister was one of surprise– this was a moment they had been waiting for, one that she thought might never come. But now it had. She followed Gamora back onto their father’s ship which was in orbit, and once they were situated Nebula’s curiosity got the best of her. “So father’s plan is finally in motion.. Where is the stone?”

GAMORA (2014): The ride on the Q-Ship back to Thanos’ behemoth of a craft was silent and tense but Gamora wouldn’t have expected any less. They didn’t have long until their father arrived and they had to be on the same page. “On a planet called Morag.” Gamora was walking around the holographic projection that hung in the air. “One Stone isn’t six, Nebula.” She was quick to correct her sister with a glare and hands planted firmly on her hips. Gamora had to revel in that fact. Even if Thanos had one there was still five chances that Gamora had to keep him from achieving his goal. One of those chances was hidden away so far only she knew where it was. Vormir: a god forsaken planet that was a hidden blessing. For now though, they had to focus on Morag and what was there.

NEBULA (2014): “It’s a start.” Nebula felt it was important to note that. She could tell that her sister felt strongly about all this– she was more hesitant, more impacted by the news than Nebula was. But now she could almost understand where her sister was coming from. “If he gets all six stones..” In the end, Nebula would always be more afraid of punishment than what their father would do to the rest of the galaxy. And her train of thought was interrupted as the Titan arrived onboard.

THANOS (2014): In a flash of bright light, Thanos was transported up to his ship. Once he arrived, he stepped out of the light and towards his daughters. They were waiting for him, just as he requested, and as he wiped his blade clean with a cloth he made his way over to them. “Ronan has located the Power Stone.” He informed them. “I’m dispatching you both to his ship, immediately.”

GAMORA (2014): As soon as it became apparent that Thanos was arriving both warriors quickly turned to face the blinding light. “He won’t like that.” Gamora tucked her arms behind her back, head bowing slightly in her fathers presence.

THANOS (2014): “His alternative is death.” It was a statement of pure fact, one that Thanos knew he wouldn’t have to say twice. As he walked he tossed the bloodied cloth aside. “Ronan’s obsession clouds his judgement.”

NEBULA (2014): As Thanos approached, Nebula held her head up high and straightened her back. She moved forward, placing herself in front of Gamora before bowing allegiance to him. “We will not fail you, father.”

THANOS (2014): “No, you won’t.” Thanos looked down at her, both proud of her dedication and annoyed at her over-eagerness to prove herself.

NEBULA (2014): “I swear I will make you proud.” Nebula stood up, looking her father right in the eyes before she stumbled backwards, holding her face as pain shot through her. The implants in her skull burned and crackled, setting off sparks. As she crumpled to the ground, she desperately tried to make it stop by hitting herself, but instead it brought forward a projection. 2023 Nebula would have recognized him as Rhodes, but this Nebula had no idea who this was. ’So what, we just wait around for this Quill guy to show up, and then he leads us to the Power Stone, is that it?’ And Nebula swore she heard her own voice answer the stranger, but she couldn’t be sure. She smacked her implants again and the projection disappeared, leaving her shaking and gasping for air. Luckily, the pain began to dissipate.

GAMORA (2014): She was being ridiculous. Gamora didn’t even bother to conceal her eye roll as she watched Nebula drop to a knee and suck up to their father. It wasn’t good enough. No matter what she did Thanos would never favor her. It was cruel but that was how it was. When Nebula pitched to the side in pain she was quick to drop down next to her and grip the partially metal skin to see if she was okay. Gamora had hurt Nebula but she still did not like to see her in pain. Watching the recording in confusion Gamora leaned closer when it shut off. “Who was that?” Her tone was urgent to hide the concern.

NEBULA (2014): “I don’t know–” Nebula’s voice was barely at a whisper, and it was shaking. “But my head is splitting. I don’t– I don’t know–” She was panicking now. There was no room for malfunctions, especially not now. She was afraid of being ripped apart for scrap metal.

GAMORA (2014): This was bad. This was very bad. She would beat Nebula in combat when required to stay alive and stop Thanos from experimenting on her any more than he already had. The silver etching over green skin was a sign that she hadn’t always pleased him despite her wins, but she didn’t wish to see Nebula in pain and she definitely didn’t wish to see her stripped and discarded by Thanos into basic spare parts. He was likely cruel enough to melt that metal down, create a weapon and force her sister to carry the remains. Gamora kept her fear tucked away just like always as she confidently stood to her feet and faced their Father. If Nebula were to make it, she would have to be brisk. Professional. Thanos needed to be assuaged. “Her synaptic drive must have have been damaged in battle.” Despite it looking like a change in posture, Gamora was deliberate as she sidestepped in front of Nebula to use her body as a wall against the looming form of their father.

THANOS (2014): Thanos didn’t even look to Gamora as he stepped forward. What was happening to Nebula was curious-- perhaps she would be scrapped by the end of the day if this problem persisted, but she was still of use to him at the moment. The stranger mentioned the Power Stone, which couldn’t have been a coincidence. And if he was to secure this stone, he needed every advantage he could get. When he reached his daughter Thanos lifted his blade and placed in underneath his chin. The cold metal was close enough to her throat to make her feel uncomfortable, and he noted how much she was shaking as he forced her to look up at him. She was still weak-- a scared child. But there was something insider her head that he needed. “Bring her to my ship.”

GAMORA (2014): All she could do was step to the side as Thanos approached, dark eyes darting back and forth from the blade that the Titan used to push Nebula’s head upwards to the frightened look on her sisters face. it would have been easy for Thanos to end it there but instead his words were daunting. Daunting but not final. There was a chance they could turn it around. Bending down, Gamora grabbed Nebula and roughly dragged her to her feet. The force was in place only in case the other daughter of Thanos resisted. The steps after that towards the pod were gentler. Gamora released her grip -- they had never really been ones to touch. If anything contact had been burned out of their memory by a cold and unrelenting father who saw his children as weapons. Gamora could vaguely remember her mothers hands but now Thanos’ haunted her dreams, tipping her chin up as he looked at her with something akin to a cruel pride. Still, she kept her arms tensed and ready in case Nebula should fall or stagger. To keep things composed was to have a better chance at ending this without Nebula disposed of. Once on this ship she watched as the Maw ( her least favorite of her siblings ) strung Nebula up in the air so she hung like a decoration.

EBONY MAW (2014): As always, it was an honor to serve. There was a prestige that had once existed among the Children of Thanos. The Maw remembered the days all too well. Korvus, Proxima, Cull and Himself had long thrived as the Black Order and the most trusted of Thanos’ offspring. The two girls that arrived with the Titan were ones Ebony Maw knew of but he was not impressed. The little Zehoberei, Gamora, he knew well. The Maw had walked the dirt poor ground of her planet while Thanos’ glorious purpose was achieved. He had observed her family die so she could ascend into another and she had never been grateful enough for the gift. Thanos favored her with a fervor that Ebony longed for himself and it was infuriating that one so young had gotten to grow up under the wise hand of Thanos. As for the other one, well... the luphomoid had always sought to serve Thanos but her eagerness outweighed her skill. Now she was on display like a common jest and Ebony emerged from the shadows silently towards the command center that housed the technology they needed to examine her. Many times over the years had he watched in this position, stripped bare so Thanos could do as he please. Many times had the Maw observed, helped and listened to her screams with no twinge of remorse or pity. His hands were both efficient and effective as she powered the device and hooked it up to the right frequency so that a cable fell slowly towards her head.

THANOS (2014): Thanos took long steps around Nebula as she hung suspended in the center of the room. The Maw was off to the side, readying everything they needed to extract the information from Nebula’s memory. He stopped, tipping his head to the side as he observed his daughter for a moment, and then reached up to pull down the cord above him and connect Nebula to the ship’s systems. Once he clicked it into place, he let it go but stayed close. “Run diagnostics. Show me her memory file.”

NEBULA (2014): Nebula felt helpless. She found herself in this position more and more often as time went on, it seemed. But it never got easier. She felt like a feral animal, caged and chained up to be gawked at. There were only three people in the room with her but it felt like a thousand. When Thanos connected her to the ship, she let out a soft gasp but stifled it down, knowing that any emotional response would be ridiculed later.

EBONY MAW (2014): “Sire,” his hands were still moving as he processed the information. “The file seems to be tangled. It appears to be a memory but not hers. There’s another consciousness sharing her network.” How intriguing that was. Perhaps she should be torn apart to see what was going on. He broke his pause, “Another Nebula.”

THANOS (2014): “Impossible.” Thanos gave Ebony Maw a puzzled glance, wondering if he could be mistaken.

EBONY MAW (2014): Oh, but it was apparently. “This duplicate carries a time stamp. From,” he hesitated, beady eyes squinting as he checked the information. “...Nine years in the future.”

THANOS (2014): Fascinating. Even with the doubt he still felt, there was something intriguing about what was happening. It couldn’t be ignored, even if it turned out to be something other than what they expected. “And so where is this other Nebula?”

EBONY MAW (2014): The information was easy to access. “In our solar system. On Morag.” It seemed so convenient considering the size of the galaxy. The Zehoberei looked away from Nebula and the Maw wondered if it was because of the same disgust he felt.

THANOS (2014): The pieces were starting to fall into place. This was definitely not just a coincidence. “Can you access her?”

EBONY MAW (2014): “Yes.” He could do most anything Thanos asked. “It’s linked.”

THANOS: “Search the duplicate’s memories for Infinity Stones.”

EBONY MAW (2014): Ringed fingers danced over the images until Nebula’s head jerked upright like a puppet on a string. Which, in many ways, she was. The holograph began to project one confusing image after another as strange Terran’s walked around in discussion of the Stones. Thanos’ Stones, nonetheless.

NEBULA (2014): As the Maw weaved his way through her mind, Nebula did her best to stay still, not blink. When he found what he was looking for, her optic drive kicked back on and another projection appeared in front of her. This time it wasn’t just one person, but a whole group, Nebula didn’t recognize any of them. They spoke of the very stones Thanos had been chasing down. They were searching for them too.

THANOS (2014): “Freeze image.” Thanos paused the memory, taking a step closer as he analyzed the faces he saw in the projection. There was something familiar about them.

GAMORA (2014): Moving almost under her sister that she could look up at what was bring displayed, Gamora’s face twisted in confusion. “Terran’s.” She knew of them but had never met any. Instead, she knew what Thanos had told her about the Chitauri battle and the failure of the Asgardian. Terran’s stayed on their own planet and so they were ignored.

THANOS (2014): ”Avengers.” Thanos spit out the words. “Unruly wretches. But--” He pointed to a spot on the projection. “What is this image in the reflection? Amplify it.”

GAMORA (2014): As the Maw flicked his wrist and did just so Gamora’s heart sunk into the pit of her stomach. These were Terran’s -- Avengers -- and there, reflected in the image, was Nebula’s exact likeness. “I don’t understand.” Her words were quiet. Eyes slowly moved from the one that was intangible to her actual sister who was hanging there. Gamora wanted to cut her down but she couldn’t. All she could do was try and make sense of what she was seeing. “Two Nebulas?”

THANOS (2014): “No. The same Nebula-- from two different times.” Thanos corrected her. He turned to Maw. “Set course for Morag, and scan the duplicate’s memories. I want to see everything.”

NEBULA (2014): The Maw pulled up another memory from 2023 Nebula’s files. It sent a shock through 2014 Nebula, and she was forced to watch again as an image of her father appeared in front of them. He was.. Different. Worn down, half of his face covered in what looked like scars. Nebula thought that it was impossible for their father to be beaten. It came as a shock to see him like this. He spoke of the stones, said that he had used them and then.. destroyed them? It chilled her to the bone.

THANOS (2014): Thanos, on the other hand was fascinated. He was staring straight at himself, and while he appeared weak he could tell that it was after a long deserved victory. It did not trouble him. It only made him more eager.

GAMORA (2014): With their path now being traced, the clips continued on playing in the air in a horrible sequence. Thanos was burned, badly injured and rasping for breath. He was being asked where the Stones were and his next words stilled the blood in her veins: gone. All she wanted was for them to be forever out of reach but this didn’t look like it had been a happy ending. Unable to look away, Gamora listened to the twisted version of already twisted father as he explained the Stones had been used to eliminate themselves. Her eyes dropped at the mention of his work always being done. She knew that all too well. His words were pretentious bit she wouldn’t be permitted to say so. Instead Gamora stood with her hands folded behind her back, blank face trained on his burned one. “What did you do to them?”

THANOS (2014): “Nothing. Not yet.” Thanos was calm, collected. More sure of himself than ever. “The Avengers aren’t trying to stop something from happening in our time. They’re trying to undo something I’ve already done in theirs.”

GAMORA (2014): “The Stones.” The words fell out in a whisper, breath catching and stopping them from being spoken at full volume.

THANOS (2014): Thanos turned to Gamora, a small smile on his face. There was a hint of admiration and softness across his expression, like he was glad his favorite daughter was here to share this moment with him. “I found them all.” He moved over and stood in front of her, his voice at almost a whisper as he glanced down at one daughter and ignored the other. “I won. Tipped the cosmic scales towards balance.” Then he reached out, gently brushed aside the magenta waves off of Gamora’s shoulder.

GAMORA (2014): She stood steadfast as he approached, not flinching despite the heavy tremors from his boots that reverberated from the ground and up her legs. Thanos was not affectionate. She had never seem him touch any other one of his children the way that he did her: gently. From the moment she had first laid eyes on him on that hateful day he had reached out to her. His thumb had dwarfed her entire hand but she had taken it and he had crouched beside her, shielding her eyes from the carnage with a gentle nudge back towards the gift he had given her. Back then Gamora had no idea how rare the Titan’s actions were, how different he was around her. Even though he had hurt her more than she could bear to remember there had always been a tenderness that rose bile in her throat. As his hand gently caressed the bottom of her face she was reminded all over again that the man who claimed to be her father was not so. Her father was dead, wiped out in a genocidal wave of violence with no real point. Unable to stop her skin from crawling she dropped to her knees, head bowed in what appeared to be reverence as she took a second to close her eyes and shake off the all too familiar wave of nausea that accompanied his toxic touch.

EBONY MAW (2014): “This is your future.” His voice was reverent. It was a well deserved win for their savior.

THANOS (2014): ”It’s my destiny.” He had always been sure of that. Then the memory began playing again, and it was Nebula’s voice that was heard. It was mere seconds before a blade came crashing down in view, and the Thanos from the old Nebula’s memory met his end. But he did not flinch, nor seem bothered by watching himself die.

NEBULA (2014): Nebula watched a foreign memory from her mind and what she hard made her sick. Her father was apologizing to her, admitting that after decades of mistreatment and torture that he had perhaps been too harsh on her. He couldn’t even say it for sure. In his final moments, there was no regret in his voice, only pity for the girl he took apart and spliced back together again. Watching him die left her feeling too much, and yet nothing at all.

GAMORA (2014): She remained postulant he spoke, but upon hearing Nebula refer to their father her head shot up with the disgust still evident on here face. The confusion overtook it as he seemed to almost compliment Nebula and then the unthinkable happened: Thanos was felled. His head was severed clean from his body in an act Gamora had only ever dreamed about as she jumped to her feet. It was what she wanted, but the confusion and conflicted feelings still thrummed through her. If Thanos had died and Nebula was there, Gamora wondered, where was she? Why had she not been there to help? If anyone wanted to kill Thanos it was her. Nebula had been so busy kissing his boots she never seemed to have any inkling to do so.

THANOS (2014): “And that--” Thanos looked proud, looking upon himself with a smirk on his face. “Is destiny fulfilled.”

EBONY MAW (2014): “Sire,” he could barely control the rage coursing through him. “Your daughter,” waving one hand in the air, a cord tightened around Nebula’s throat in a chokehold. “Is a traitor.” The last word was spat.

NEBULA (2014): Nebula was finally free of the forced memories, but as soon as any relief was felt there was cold metal being wrapped around her neck. The Maw tightened its grip, and she struggled to breathe as she felt the links dig into her skin. “No, no--” She shook her head frantically, trying desperately to convince her father that Maw was wrong. That wasn’t her, that couldn’t have been. Even though deep down, she knew the opposite was true. “That wasn’t me, I could never--- I would never betray you--” She watched as Thanos approached her, very calm and collected, and when he reached out the chain around her neck broke and fell away. Nebula took in a breath, thankful for a brief second that she had been saved, and then froze as her father cupped her face in his hand. He could easily end her right in this instant, but he didn’t. And she wondered why he kept giving her chance after chance, even as she failed him every time.

THANOS (2014): “I know.” Thanos replied, trying to get his hysterical daughter to shut her mouth. “And you will have your chance to prove it.”

NEBULA (2023): Nebula had been ready to leave with Rhodes. They the stone, they had a moment, and she was ready to go back. There was almost a smile on her face as she readied the GPS on her wrist, but before she could hit the switch her skull felt like it was about to split. The implants near her eyes sparked under the pressure, and she collapsed to the ground, holding her face in both hands as the pain spread. She was helpless, unable to move as someone or something forcefully pushed their way into her memory files. She tried to fight it. She did. But her efforts were wasted. And she caught glimpses of faces-- her father, Ebony Maw, Gamora. And she was able to piece together what had happened: somehow, her past self had become linked. Thanos had been able to see the future through her eyes. And-- he knew she was here. Once Maw deactivated the link, Nebula gasped for air and realized the severity of the situation. She pushed herself up and ran back to the pod as fast as her legs would carry her. Rhodey was gone, but Clint and Natasha could still be out there. But every attempt to contact them failed, and before she had a chance to run, Thanos’ ship arrived and beamed her aboard. This was it. She was done for, and so was the plan to save the universe. Nebula huddled in the corner of the pod, waiting for someone to open the hatch. She could have fought back. She wanted to fight back, but seeing her younger self made her freeze, and 2014 Nebula easily pulled her out and threw her down to the ground. ”You’re weak.” She said. And Nebula replied back: ”I’m you.” Her response prompted a punch, and as her skull met with the metal of the floor 2023 Nebula let herself lay there, even as her former self pulled the time GPS off her wrist.

NEBULA (2014): Nebula was reveling in her victory. She stood up as Gamora entered, dangling her prize in her sister’s face before passing her to take her place.

NEBULA (2023): “You could stop this.” 2023 Nebula looked up to Gamora, eyes brimming with tears. She thought she would never see her sister again. It was surreal, but she was also desperate and needed to lean on Gamora’s unspoken feelings. Nebula knew her sister wouldn’t go along with their father’s plan. “You know you want to. Did you see what happens in the future? Thanos finds the Soul Stone. You want to know how he does that? What he does to you?”

GAMORA (2014): Judging by the sound alone, Nebula was taking her aggression out on herself. Gamora heard the kicking and the grunts, the sound of boot meeting body and she entered the room assessing the situation. Nebula was holding something triumphantly but it wasn’t apparent what it was. As her sister passed her, dark eyes flickered over to watch how close they came to brushing shoulders. It was with her head held high that Gamora tried to look at the version of her sister on the ground, but something was off in her posture. She couldn’t stand as straight and guarded as she needed to. Thanos finds the Soul Stone. If he did that, it meant... Those words caused a cataclysmic shift in Gamora. She blinked rapidly, lashes fluttering before her eyes fell to the ground. What he does to you? That was why she wasn’t there when he died. It had to be. Had her father killed her when he learned she lied? The map to Vormir remained nestled in Gamora’s mind. She knew enough to keep Thanos from getting on the right trail, but not enough about how to keep it safe from his greedy reach. In the future -- in as little as nine years -- she would be dead and Thanos would have the Stones. Even if he met his end too it wasn’t good enough. It meant that Gamora had failed somewhere along the lines and slipped up. It was enough to make her hands shake, but she was a warrior and an assassin. She wasn’t supposed to be short of breath or trembling from words alone. What he does to you? Whatever it was, it couldn’t have been pretty if this new and different Nebula sounded emotional about it. Her sister was far from stoic but the tone in her voice was new. For almost the first time since Thanos had decimated her planet, Gamora was truly s c a r e d.

NEBULA (2014): “That’s enough!” Nebula took a quick glance to Gamora before lashing out and promptly kicking her older self back down to the ground. Gamora was starting to look uncomfortable, almost.. scared. She didn’t think that he sister could feel fear. But the expression on her face was enough to make Nebula make sure this older version of herself shut up. She unsheathed a blade from her belt and it hummed with energy as she crouched down to her other self, waving the knife in her face as a threat. ”You disgust me.” She even went as far as throwing a hand to her neck, just enough pressure to make it obvious who had the advantage. “But-- that doesn’t mean you’re useless.” The one distinction between the two of them was the orange plate on her older self’s skull. It was bright and obvious, a strange choice. It made her stand out. But it could be taken, and it could be used. So Nebula took her blade and wedged it underneath the plate, removing it easily. She then removed her own replaced it, then took everything else she could find out of the pockets of her other self. This was sure to make her father proud.

NEBULA (2023): Nebula was broken. She didn’t say anything as her younger self walked out, head held high as she passed Gamora to go talk to Thanos. Their father wasn’t disappointed for once, and after a talk about their next move, 2014 Nebula was sent back in place of her other self. With the changes made to her appearance (the orange plate and a pair of gloves to cover up her flesh hand), it would be easy enough to blend in. She left the ship and went to 2023, leaving the rest of them behind to ready themselves for the fight ahead.

[ Our heroes are sucked through time, returning to one another at the New Avenger’s Facilities in the year 2023 ]

CLINT: Clint Barton was no stranger to pain. His years training as an expert bowman to be used as a weapon, to be mind controlled and pitted against his friends and teammates, to countless beatings because sometimes a bow just wasn’t enough. Clint Barton had thought pain was merely physical, maybe a touch mental, but mostly he could bandage up, pop a few aspirin, and be back in the game the next day. He’d never felt pain before, though, not until he watched his family get swept up like a cloud in the wind, reduced to ashes and given back to the Earth. Not until Natasha’s hand slipped out of his own and he couldn’t pull his gaze away quick enough before he saw her collide with the rocks below. She was gone. His family was gone. Clint Barton was gone. The return to the present was too much for him and he collapsed to his knees, the hard surface biting into him, but he didn’t feel it.

BRUCE: This trip was the epitome of an out of body experience for him and one that filled him with more confidence than anything else on this mission had before. “Did we get them all?” he asked to the group, but it was at that moment when he saw Clint fall to his knees. He took a step forward. “You okay, Clint?” He glanced around for Natasha but couldn’t see her. Did she enter in her calculations wrong? Tone and face full of concerned he asked Clint a question he wasn’t sure he wanted to know the answer to. “Clint, where’s Nat?”

CLINT: All he could do was meet Bruce’s gaze, and then Steve’s. The horror that radiated from Steve’s face was almost palpable, and Clint understood the feeling all too much. It was his fault she wasn’t here. It was his fault he couldn’t save her. He hung his head low, the guilt radiating over him.

BRUCE: Clint’s face said it all. Bruce’s jaw dropped as his knees buckled. He couldn’t believe it. Before he knew it he found himself dropping to his knees not far from Clint. In a moment of Hulk like anger he slammed his fist into the platform denting it and causing the entire lab to tremble.

TONY: As soon as they arrived back through the portal, Tony felt like he could breathe again. There had been a snag in the plan but they fixed it. Sure, he saw his dad and things got weird. It got emotional, it got a little screwed up, but the mission was done. Steve got what they needed and the briefcase at his side had the stone that they lost. But it only took a few seconds to see the empty space next to Clint. Tony had been looking forward to that smile of hers when they got back, the one she had on just before they left. It had only been seconds since then in real time. Mere seconds, and now Natasha was gone. And suddenly their victory didn’t feel like much of one at all.

#event: endgame #endgame: 2.2 #chatlog: destiny is fulfilled #momevents

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snarktheater · 8 years ago

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The Chemist — Chapter 26

We open the chapter after Val's worked her makeup magic on Alex (and more descriptions of how ridiculously large Val's apartment is). And of course, Alex is now "perfect", by which we mean pretty. Val also insists she could make Alex sexier if Alex didn't insist on being inconspicuous. But she did need to be pretty for some reason? I get hiding the bruises, but the rest is just weird.

The two of them banter for a while about looks and Daniel, a.k.a. the only range of girly topics Meyer knows.

“Thanks for passing your observations on to Kevin.” “You’re being sarcastic, but you should thank me. Aren’t things easier now, without the secrecy?”

Anyway, plot-wise, this means Alex can move forward with her plans without constantly worrying about having to avoid being noticed. But first, the obligatory scene where the boys react to Alex's makeover in admiration. I mean, this is essentially what this is: a makeover. You may call it a disguise, but it's pretty clear from the narration that you only care about looking pretty.

“I’d gotten so used to seeing you with the bruises, I’d almost forgotten what you looked like without them,” [Daniel] said, and then his grin got wider. “It’s nice to see you again.”

"Again"…with a ton of makeup. Which I don't think she was wearing the first time. Something tell me Daniel isn't all that observant.

But the plot does eventually advance, as Alex heads out to place a tracker on Carston's housekeeper's minivan. Which the book doesn't seem to think is interesting enough on its own (and…can't really fault it there), so we also have Alex calling Daniel to "act natural" in the street, forcing us to suffer their pseudo-domestic banter, because Meyer can't imagine any couple that isn't a suburban married couple with mundane interests.

Oh, but if you think "what do you want for dinner?" is boring, wait until they get to talking about politics.

“You don’t care who the president runs with?” [Daniel] asked. […] “Ventriloquist dummies […] I don’t worry about the puppet,” Kevin said. “I worry about the guy pulling the strings.” “That’s a pretty cynical attitude about the democratic nation you used to work for.” Kevin shrugged. “Yup.” “Alex, Republican or Democrat?” Daniel asked. “Pessimist.”

Yeah, because having political ideals and caring about the state of your country isn't cool. It's for those other people. You're so edgy, Meyer.

But seriously…why is this here? No one was talking about politics until now. I assume your non-answer here is because you don't want to alienate any potential reader, but…again, what's the point of bringing it up at all?

Oh, but it's not over.

“So nobody cares that the front-runner is some ultra-right senator from Washington State who used to work for the Defense Intelligence Agency?”

Considering when this book came out, and what's going on right now, this is making me both uncomfortable and amused. I mean, ultra-right is correct, but the rest? Could not be more incorrect.

“It’s sad, but you’re probably right. Just a beauty pageant.” “Everything is, honey,” Val told him.”

Okay, now I'm just uncomfortable. Oh, but wait. It gets stranger as they keep talking about the candidate to the vice presidency.

“Plus, the new guy is one part grandpa, one part silver fox, with a catchy two-syllable name.” […] “Vice President Pace. Do you think he was born with that name, or did he alter it to make it voter-friendly? Wade Pace.”

This…can't be a coincidence, right? And if it isn't…what exactly is Meyer saying here?

Oh, but wait. It's actually a plot point. Yes, not-Pence here is our P-name winner of the Juliana Acronym Lottery.

“That name… it sounds familiar.” “I think everyone knows his name,” Daniel said. […] “I don’t follow politics,” Alex said.”

How did you do your job as an interrogator if you had no idea what was going on in the world? You realize politics isn't just about campaigning, right?

Eh, whatever. By the magic of coincidences (and really contrived conversations), we have our candidate to the highest element in our little conspiracy. Except he's now candidate to the vice presidency. But since he's only candidate, that means the Secret Service isn't protecting him yet, which means it's the perfect time to strike, according to Kevin. Sure. Sounds like a great plan. No one will notice!

“So he put a hit out on me, my brother, you, your friend… so he could try to be president. Oh, I’m going to enjoy this one.”

So, um…you're not even going to investigate a little? You're just going with Alex's instinct on this one? First name with a P that she hears is the right one and we're not gonna question that at least a little? Well all right then, I guess.

Oh, and they're going to straight to planning assassination, by the way.

“Quiet is the goal, right? It won’t get too much attention if our wannabe president dies of a heart attack or a stroke – not the same coverage as if he were found shot in some kind of home invasion.” “I can be quiet,” Kevin insisted. His eyebrows were pulling down into a scowl. “Natural-causes quiet?”

Alex asks for a few days to adapt her Carston plan to Pace, and…Kevin argues with that. Yes, he once again wants to improvise the assassination of a candidate to the vice presidency. Great idea, Kevin, you are truly showing how much of a competent agent you are.

Daniel breaks up their argument with the standard "let's just team up again" statement, i.e. have Kevin carry out Alex's plan. And do so within a few hours. Yes, really. This book is fucking insane. Actually, it's so insane that we don't even wait for the next chapter to do this. One scene break later, Kevin's inside Pace's home, with Alex remotely guiding him. By which I mean she just tells him to find something only Pace would use and poison that, because she'd feel guilty if they killed his wife too.

From everything Alex had learned in her hurried research about the senator’s wife, Mrs. Merritt-Pace seemed a pleasant enough woman. Certainly not deserving of the painful death her husband was about to suffer.

Yeah, well, to be fair, I hope a senator's wife is able to hide her skeletons in her closet enough that a couple hours online won't turn them up. Otherwise she wouldn't be very good at politics, which she probably plays too, being a senator's wife in the midst of a presidential campaign.

We waste a few pages trying to find what to poison, they settle on poisoning his nicotine patches, and…that's it, I guess. Kevin goes on to "target number two" (which I assume is his former boss?) while telling Alex to take care of her own guy. Because they can't cooperate on all three for…some reason.

So, after a nap, we cut to Alex watching Carston's housekeeper with a different makeup and wig. The point being, Carston likes organic orange juice, so Alex buys some while the housekeeper does Carston's groceries, poisons them, and switches them around.

She and Barnaby had called this drug simply Heart Attack, because that’s what it caused.

Someone please stop Stephenie Meyer. She has no idea how scientists work.

A man of Carston’s age, in his physical condition, and factoring in the high-stress job – well, Alex greatly doubted that anyone would look too carefully at the cause of death, at least in the very beginning.

Yeah, why would anyone investigate on the death of a spy, right? That's just ridiculous!

Only problem is: Alex notices that the housekeeper isn't buying the same things as usual, and that's bad because Carston has his habits (also something that totally works with his life as a spy), and that makes Alex worry she might kill the wrong person and alert Carston that she's still alive and around.

Luckily, Alex has just spent the earlier parts of this chapter listening to Carston's calls, so she just so happens to know that Carston has his granddaughter over. She hesitates, misses her window of opportunity. And because the book realized that this was not a very compelling way to add tension, she suddenly gets a call from Kevin, except no one's talking on the other end of the line.

Alex almost said, Kevin? Four years of paranoia stopped her tongue.

So instead she gets rid of her phone and prepares her escape. And that's our chapter break.

#the chemist #stephenie meyer #book reviews #ya books #young adult #books #young adult books #ya #reviews #book #book review #review #st: the chemist

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howellrichard · 5 years ago

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12 Cruelty-Free Makeup Brands to Add to Your Makeup Bag

Hiya Gorgeous!

Do the labels on your go-to makeup products make you do a double-take? What ARE all of those impossible-to-pronounce ingredients, anyway… and are they safe?

If you’re a makeup lover like me, you might wonder if you’ll ever find healthier alternatives that work just as well as your go-to brands. Because when it comes to makeup, terms like eco-friendly and vegan haven’t always gone hand-in-hand with professional quality. But don’t put your brushes away just yet—beautiful cruelty-free makeup DOES exist, and that’s exactly what we’re talking about today!

As a kid, watching my mom do her makeup was one of my favorite activities.

I’d join her in the bathroom every morning—perched on the toilet, transfixed by each and every brushstroke. She was the glamorous teacher and I was the eager student.

My fascination only grew when I got one of those 70s Barbie styling heads, remember those? She came with her very own makeup palette: bright red, baby blue and pea green (gorg!!). I practiced on her all the time—poor Barbie had her fair share of makeup mishaps. Luckily, she was a very patient customer.

It wasn’t long until I started begging my parents for my first lip gloss, which was a big N-O until I was 13. But you probably know by now how I feel about that no word… So I’d sneak my Barbie palette onto the school bus and do my bold makeup when she wasn’t looking. And let’s just say it was bold enough to garner more than my fair share of sideways stares!

As I evolved over the years, so did my taste in makeup.

My career as a professional actress and dancer motivated me to refine my skills, and I learned a thing or two from the incredibly talented makeup artists I worked with along the way! Today, I feel most like myself with a more natural, toned-down look. And when I’m working from home, running my business and leading my unicorn team from my laptop, I prefer to let my skin breathe and just be me—totally makeup free.

But don’t get me wrong, I still love makeup! It can be a wonderful creative outlet and way to express ourselves. I’ve just learned that I don’t NEED it to feel beautiful or confident, and neither do you!

I’m also a lot more conscious about the cosmetics I do and don’t use.

Since going vegan and better educating myself about my carbon footprint, I pay much closer attention to what goes my makeup, as well as how it’s tested and its impact on the environment. To be honest, sometimes I’m still taken aback by the nasty junk hidden in our personal care products. Not to mention the brands that continue to use animal testing… what?!

I have good news, though—cosmetics don’t have to come at the cost of your conscience! The cruelty-free makeup brands I’m about to share are changing the face of the beauty industry by making kinder products without sacrificing quality.

12 Cruelty-Free Makeup Brands to Add to Your Makeup Bag

1. Thrive Causemetics

Every single product from this fabulous brand is vegan and cruelty-free. But that’s not all, Thrive Causemetics also gives back with every purchase. That’s right—every single product sold results in a donation to support domestic abuse survivors, women fighting cancer, women seeking a path out of homelessness or women veterans. You can learn more about Thrive’s mission here.

In my makeup bag: The Brilliant Eye Brightener and Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara make my peepers shine!

2. Milk Makeup

What can I say? I’m a sucker for cruelty-free with a side of cute branding! But Milk Makeup’s products aren’t just beautiful on the outside—they’re also vegan and cruelty-free. They even have a list of ingredients they promise never to use up on their website!

In my makeup bag: The Kush Fiber Brow Gel is super easy to apply and gives my brows a polished yet natural look. And the Flex Concealer provides comfy (not cakey!) coverage all day long.

3. Mineral Fusion

You might have spotted this EWG Verified brand at Whole Foods or your local health food store, which means you don’t have to make a separate trip to restock on your faves! All of Mineral Fusion’s products are cruelty-free and made in the US, and you can check out a list of vegan options on the FAQ page on their site.

In my makeup bag: I love Mineral Fusion’s vegan nail polish in the shade Tiara— it always makes me feel like a queen!

4. Beautycounter

This cruelty-free makeup brand is raising awareness about something we don’t hear much about—issues with the mica industry. Mica is used in a lot of cosmetics, but it’s often not responsibly sourced (learn more in the informative video here). I love seeing brands use their platforms to educate consumers! Check out Beautycounter’s vegan makeup options here.

In my makeup bag: This Velvet Eyeshadow Palette is full of gorgeous statement shades with fantastic color payoff. And the Sheer Lipstick in the shade Petal is one of my all-time faves!

5. Cover FX

I dig Cover FX for a lot of reasons, but the diverse shade range they offer for foundations is at the top of my list! Many makeup brands exclude folks, especially people of color, by having really limited shade ranges. I support brands like CoverFX because they’re committed to inclusion. Their products don’t come cheap, but it’s worth the investment if you can swing it!

In my makeup bag: The Natural Finish Foundation and pretty much everything else for that matter—did I mention they’re 100 percent vegan and cruelty-free?

6. EcoTools

EcoTools proves that sometimes it IS a good idea to put all your vegan eggs in one basket! They’ve got one mission—making vegan makeup brushes that look, feel and work even better than the alternatives made with animal hair. They also use recycled and renewable materials like bamboo. Even their packaging is made of tree-free paper. EcoTools brushes are also affordable, what more could we ask for?!

In my makeup bag: The Ultimate Shade Duo for my eyes and the 360 Ultimate Blend set for my face!

7. Juice Beauty

This brand lives up to its name by using botanical juice concentrates instead of water as the base for their makeup and skincare. That means their products don’t just look great—they’re also packed with antioxidants and other vitamins, as well as good-for-you phytonutrients and hydroxy acids. Turns out juice is more than just a delicious drink!

In my makeup bag: The Phyto-Pigments Last Looks Cream Blush in the shade Flush is a gloriously smooth pop of color for my cheeks!

And more cruelty-free brands for your makeup bag!

I don’t have them all on hand at once (like I said, my makeup routine is pretty minimalist these days!), but here are some more notable cruelty-free brands that deserve shoutouts!

8. e.l.f Cosmetics makes some of the most affordable vegan and cruelty-free makeup out there. I like their 16-Hour Camo Concealer and the Charcoal Hydrogel Under Eye Masks for a soothing treat!

9. W3ll People’s Hypnotist Eye Pencil is a longtime love of mine (if you’ve been following me for a while, you might remember that it was also featured in my What’s in my Makeup Bag post back in 2017!). It creates the perfect cat eye for date night… meow!

10. Axiology makes cruelty-free, vegan lipstick in knockout shades. I haven’t yet, but I can’t wait to try one of their Sheer Balms!

11. Urban Decay is always expanding their vegan options—their Naked Skin Color Correcting Fluids are incredible!

12. Anastasia Beverly Hills has some great vegan highlighters—I’m a big fan of the Sun Dipped Glow Kit.

Conscious Cosmetics 101

I hope you saw something (or a couple of somethings) that you’re excited to try! You might also be wondering how to find and evaluate your own cruelty-free faves. And lucky for you, that’s what this section is all about! These must-have tips will help you navigate the makeup aisle with ease.

Cruelty-free vs. vegan

Many folks assume that if something is labeled as vegan, it must also be cruelty-free (and vice versa). But these terms each have specific implications and are often used independently. Cruelty-free cosmetics have not been tested on animals, whereas vegan cosmetics don’t contain any animal-derived ingredients. I know it can be confusing, but just being aware of the difference will empower you to make buying decisions that align with your values!

Animal testing

We covered what cruelty-free means, but I want to be crystal clear: animal testing is a hard no in my book, end of story. Many cruelty-free makeup brands are doing just fine testing their products on humans, so as far as I’m concerned, there’s no excuse to keep hurting innocent animals. Some countries still require animal testing before products can be sold, but I prefer to stick with brands that prioritize kindness over profit.

Greenwashing

It’s cool to be eco-friendly these days, right? Many brands really do care about the environment, but some just see green… as in money. Trends like these open up opportunities for brands to capitalize without actually changing their practices.

Watch out for products that use generic terms like “natural” or packaging that gives the appearance of sustainability without any legit certifications or proof to back up their claims. Same goes for brands that claim to be organic—the FDA doesn’t regulate that term for personal care products like it does for food, so you might need to do a little digging. Knowledge is power, toots!

Certifications

We know that labels can be misleading, so what’s the best way to find products you can really trust? Certifications, baby! There are many options out there, such as EWG Verified, NSF Certified, Certified Vegan and Leaping Bunny Certified. You’ll come across a variety of logos and stamps of approval in your cruelty-free makeup search, so I encourage you to do your research and seek out the certifications that resonate with you most.

Please keep in mind that certifications can be cost-prohibitive, especially for new or smaller brands. If you don’t see the certification you’re looking for, consider asking the brand for more info about their practices. Any company worth its salt will be happy to fill you in. And you never know, maybe your feedback will motivate them to pursue a certification!

Supply chains

This is an issue that trips up many cruelty-free makeup connoisseurs, so it might come up for you as you learn more. Vetting brands can get really complicated when you take into account where they get their raw materials, because suppliers aren’t always required to adhere to the same standards as the brand itself.

But trying to trace every last ingredient in your cosmetics back to the source can be incredibly frustrating, so I don’t recommend it! The best thing you can do is stick with brands that offer plenty of info about their products. Trust me, companies that go the extra mile to ensure consistent standards across their supply chain want you to know about it. And you don’t have to rule out the rest—tell brands you love that you want more transparency. Your voice is powerful!

Trusted resources

You might be wondering how to keep track of all these details, not to mention how much research you’ll have to do next time you need new mascara! But don’t fret, dear one. This isn’t about knowing every DO and DON’T off the top of your head. Instead, the key is finding a trusted resource to help with some of the heavy lifting.

For me, that’s the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Skin Deep Database. It contains hazard ratings for nearly 70,000 products and 9,000 ingredients on the market… Can you say wow? All you have to do is enter a new brand you’re considering or an ingredient you’ve never heard of in the search bar and ta da—the info you need to make conscious choices, at your fingertips!

Enjoy your cosmetics without compromise!

I shared a lot of info today, so give yourself time to process and learn more about the causes you care about most. And as you explore the world of cruelty-free makeup, please remember that your worth is not defined by your appearance. You are kind, smart, sensitive, loving and everything in between—that’s what matters. Have fun with your makeup but more importantly, have fun with your life!

Your turn: What’s your favorite cruelty-free makeup or personal care product? Or if you don’t have one yet, which brand from my list will you try?

Peace & conscious cosmetics,

The post 12 Cruelty-Free Makeup Brands to Add to Your Makeup Bag appeared first on KrisCarr.com.

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theliberaltony · 5 years ago

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via Politics – FiveThirtyEight

We’re less than three weeks away from the Iowa caucuses, and the Democrats held their first presidential debate of 2020 on Tuesday night in Iowa. Just six candidates took the stage this time, the smallest grouping yet.

Much of the debate centered on foreign policy, given President Trump’s recent decision to authorize a drone strike that killed Iranian military leader Qassem Soleimani, which has escalated tension between the U.S. and Iran. Another topic of debate was Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s claim that Sen. Bernie Sanders told her in 2018 that a woman couldn’t win the presidential election, which led to an onstage disagreement between them. But Warren seems to have gotten the upper hand — she got the highest debate grade from viewers and she now has the highest net favorability rating, according to our poll with Ipsos, which used Ipsos’s KnowledgePanel to interview the same respondents before and after the debate.

Anyway, maybe you missed the January debate because you’re gearing up for the three debates in February (it’s a marathon, not a sprint), or maybe you just want more analysis of how this debate will affect the race. Either way, we’ve got you covered.

Warren got high marks

First up, who viewers thought had the best debate performance. To answer this, we compared candidates’ pre-debate favorability ratings1 to how well respondents who watched the debate thought the candidates performed. Candidates are graded on a four-point scale where higher numbers are better; comparing those grades to favorability ratings helps us adjust our expectations, since people may be inclined to view well-liked candidates in a positive light. Warren got the highest marks for her performance on Tuesday night, and they were strong enough to be impressive even after you account for her high favorability. That represents an improvement for her, after she fell slightly below expectations during the December debate. Sanders, former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg and former Vice President Biden didn’t do poorly per se, but because they were already well-liked, we expected a lot of voters to view their debate performance favorably.

Voters’ priorities affected candidates’ grades

Democratic voters really care about picking a nominee they think can beat Trump. Nearly two-thirds of likely Democratic primary voters in our poll with Ipsos said they prefer a candidate who they think can win the general election over a candidate who shares their stance on issues — and those numbers didn’t budge after the debate.

In December, voters who prioritized winning in November thought Biden had the best performance, but this time they thought Warren performed the best — perhaps a sign that her pitch for why a woman can win the presidency resonated with viewers. Sanders, meanwhile, did best with voters who preferred a candidate whose position on the issues was similar to their own, which is consistent what we found after the last three debates.

Voters who prioritize beating Trump thought Warren did best

How debate-watchers scored candidates’ performances (on a four-point scale where higher is better) in the January Democratic debate, by which type of candidate they prefer

voter Prefers a candidate who … candidate shares stance on issues can beat trump Warren 3.0 3.4 Biden 2.6 3.1 Buttigieg 2.7 3.1 Sanders 3.1 3.1 Klobuchar 2.6 3.0 Steyer 2.7 3.0

From a survey of 3,057 likely Democratic primary voters who were surveyed between Jan. 10 to Jan. 13. The same people were surveyed again from Jan. 14 to Jan. 15; 659 responded to the second wave and said they watched the debate. The average ratings are out of 4 points, where 4 is best and 1 is worst.

Source: Ipsos/FiveThirtyEight

Voters warmed to Klobuchar

Most of the candidates on the stage made good impressions with voters Tuesday night, according to changes in their net favorability ratings (favorable rating minus unfavorable rating). But perhaps unsurprisingly, the candidates who gained most were those who many voters didn’t already have an opinion on. For instance, around 40 percent of voters had neither a favorable nor an unfavorable view of Sen. Amy Klobuchar and billionaire activist Tom Steyer before the debate — easily the highest percentages of anyone on stage — and they also saw the biggest gains in net favorability, racking up 5 points or more on this measure. The other candidates saw more modest gains (Buttigieg and Warren) or lost some ground (Sanders and Biden).

In fact, thanks to Warren’s gains and leading candidates’ stumbles, Warren now has the highest net favorability rating overall.

Some voters soured on Sanders

Change in net favorability for candidates in a FiveThirtyEight/Ipsos poll taken before and after the January Democratic primary debate

Net favorability candidate before debate after debate change Klobuchar +12.3 +18.1 +5.8 Steyer +9.9 +14.9 +5.0 Buttigieg +26.5 +31.2 +4.7 Warren +43.3 +47.2 +3.9 Biden +45.3 +43.7 -1.6 Sanders +47.8 +44.3 -3.6

From a survey of 3,057 likely Democratic primary voters who were surveyed between Jan. 10 to Jan. 13. The same people were surveyed again from Jan. 14 to Jan. 15; 1,743 responded to the second wave.

Women grabbed the mic

In the last three Democratic debates, a female candidate has led the group in number of words spoken, and the same was true again Tuesday night. Warren topped the list by speaking 3,428 words in total, just 134 more than Klobuchar. On the other end of the spectrum, Steyer spoke the least with only 2,285 words, though that’s still more than he’s said in past debates. In contrast to the other candidates, however, when he was talking, Steyer was often agreeing with his opponents. Of the 11 times he was able to give a substantive response,2 he spent at least part of five of them agreeing with another candidate.

Who held the floor?

Number of words spoken by candidates in the January Democratic debate

Candidate Words Spoken Elizabeth Warren 3,428

–

Amy Klobuchar 3,294

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Joe Biden 3,178

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Pete Buttigieg 3,088

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Bernie Sanders 2,824

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Tom Steyer 2,285

–

Transcript is preliminary and may contain errors that affect word count.

Source: Debate Transcript via ABC News

But Steyer speaking the least isn’t all that surprising given that lower-polling candidates tend to get less air time. However, both Klobuchar and Buttigieg managed to buck that trend, speaking just about as much as higher-polling candidates like Biden and Warren, which was similar to what we saw in the December debate. Overall, the relationship between a candidate’s polling average3 and the number of words he or she spoke was not as strong as in the early debates when the stage was much more crowded.4 That said, Sanders still spoke relatively little given where he is polling nationally.

Trump came up more often

Klobuchar mentioned Trump by name more often than other candidates in Tuesday’s debate, which was consistent with her strategy in the December debate, when she also mentioned him the most. But the president’s name also came up more often in general than it did last time — candidates mentioned him an average of about eight times each on Tuesday, compared with about six times each in December.

Who talked about Trump?

How often each candidate mentioned Trump’s name in the January Democratic debate

Candidate Trump Mentions Amy Klobuchar 12

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Bernie Sanders 10

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Elizabeth Warren 8

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Pete Buttigieg 7

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Tom Steyer 7

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Joe Biden 6

–

Transcript is preliminary and may contain errors that affect word count.

Source: Debate Transcript via ABC News

Warren, for instance, only mentioned Trump once in the December debate, but this time she called him out on eight occasions. Biden talked about Trump six times in both the January and December debates, but while that put him in third last time, he was the candidate to mention Trump the least this time around.

Do you want even more debate coverage?

Cool graphics from other sites:

The New York Times tracked how much time each candidate spent speaking about various issues, finding that Warren, Sanders and Klobuchar spent more time on health care than other topics. Biden, on the other hand, spent a lot of time talking about the military.

And despite the Warren-Sanders clash over whether a woman can be president, it was actually Klobuchar who attacked her opponents the most, according to NBC News’s attack tracker. Warren came in a close second.

Bloomberg News compared which issues dominated this debate with previous debates and found that health care, which has taken up less time in the last two debates, was revived on Tuesday night. Meanwhile, economic inequality and social issues took a backseat compared to past debates.

And here’s more great post-debate analysis:

Rick Klein at ABC News5 broke down the debate’s focus on foreign policy and the clashes between the candidates.

The Des Moines Register covered how Iowans watched the debate and what candidates need to say to caucusgoers.

PolitiFact did a live fact-check of the debate.

Of course, we think our debate coverage is pretty good too:

The politics crew chatted after the debate.

Nate Silver, Galen Druke and Clare Malone stayed up late to bring you a podcast.

We partnered with Ipsos to poll the same group of voters before and after the debate.

And you can re-create all the action by scrolling through our live blog.

#IFTTT #Politics – FiveThirtyEight #politics #538 #Likhitha Butchireddygari #Laura Bronner and Anna W

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insurancepolicypro · 6 years ago

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Should-Reads Of The Week From Brianna Labuskes

Completely satisfied Friday! Do you ever marvel what our modern-day model of bloodletting is? You already know, that observe that will horrify whoever is writing the Breeze 200 years from now? You’d assume protections can be in place to maintain wacky theories from gaining traction as of late, however they appear to persist even centuries after that bloodletting craze (most likely) hastened George Washington’s demise.

Anyway, as these of us in D.C. bid adieu to the times of barely much less site visitors, right here’s a have a look at what you’ll have missed this week.

There are stories that Purdue Pharma goes to pony up between $10 billion and $12 billion to settle the consolidated opioid case scheduled to go to trial in October. That deal would come with the Sackler household paying $three billion from its personal coffers (who is aware of how deep these are …) and ceding management of the corporate. Purdue would additionally give its habit therapy medicine to the general public with out price. Already there are rumblings that some state attorneys common are lower than happy with the main points of the settlement, although, so don’t rely this as the ultimate deal but.

NBC Information: Purdue Pharma Presents $10-12 Billion to Settle Opioid Claims

That huge Purdue information got here on the heels of an Oklahoma choose’s ruling that Johnson & Johnson has to pay the state $572 million for its function within the opioid disaster. The quantity might sound huge at first look, however J&J’s shares really rallied after the information as a result of it was far under what the corporate was braced to pay. The choice had been intently watched as the primary of its form, however ultimately, the messages it despatched had been blended. Which implies everybody’s collective gaze snapped to that looming Ohio case (see above).

The Washington Put up: Oklahoma Decide Orders Johnson & Johnson to Pay $572 Million to Fund Remedy Applications

In the meantime, how did an organization recognized for Band-Aids and child powder get so caught up on this? The New York Occasions takes a have a look at J&J’s faltering status.

The New York Occasions: Johnson & Johnson’s Model Falters Over Its Position within the Opioid Disaster

And in case you’re within the authorized features, this was a fairly cool learn in regards to the little-known doctrine making all this courtroom motion possible.

Politico: The Little Recognized Authorized Doctrine Making Large Pharma Pay for the Opioid Disaster

Outrage has been rising over a brand new Trump administration coverage that enables sick immigrant kids receiving look after life-threatening situations to be deported to their house nations, the place the identical remedies won’t exist. Democrats blasted the change as “completely immoral,” calling it a demise sentence for kids with most cancers and different ailments. “There isn’t any nationwide safety justification for additional traumatizing sick children at their most susceptible,” mentioned 2020 hopeful former Vice President Joe Biden.

“I inform individuals, I really feel like I’m signing my son’s demise warrant,” mentioned Shonell Norville, a 37-year-old from Guyana, whose son receives common medical care to deal with his seizures. In The Boston Globe’s protection of the story, she says she fought to remain in Boston “to save lots of him — now, simply to be pushed out. How do you comprehend that?”

The Boston Globe: ‘Our Authorities Has Issued Them a Demise Sentence’: Youngsters Receiving Remedy at Boston Hospitals Face Deportation

The Boston Globe: ‘Deportation … With This Sort of Medical Situation Is a Demise Sentence’: Outrage Grows Over Federal Coverage Change

Circumstances of the mysterious vaping-related lung sickness proceed to climb throughout the nation, however principally crickets have been heard from federal public well being officers. However state and native officers are stepping in. Town of Milwaukee, for one, has advised all its residents to cease vaping ASAP.

Politico: Thriller Youth Vaping Illness Reveals Gaping Holes in Regulation

CNN: Metropolis of Milwaukee Urges Everybody Who Lives There to Cease Vaping Instantly

The federal government did situation a public advisory this week about not smoking marijuana. And the CDC got here out with a warning Friday advising youth, pregnant girls and individuals who don’t at present use nicotine merchandise to not begin vaping, and to be careful for counterfeit merchandise. Surgeon Basic Jerome Adams and HHS Secretary Alex Azar additionally aimed their warnings at youngsters and pregnant individuals specifically, citing the efficiency of modern-day merchandise which might be obtainable as a motive to remain away. Or, as Adams mentioned: “This ain’t your mom’s marijuana.”

The New York Occasions: Don’t Use Bootleg or Avenue Vaping Merchandise, C.D.C. Warns

The New York Occasions: Surgeon Basic Warns Pregnant Ladies and Youngsters To not Smoke or Vape Marijuana

In the meantime, over within the Large Tobacco world, a reunion may very well be within the works between Philip Morris and Altria greater than a decade after the 2 grew to become separate firms. The talks have anti-smoking advocates cringing. They are saying a merger like that — which might deliver Marlboro, IQOS and Juul below one firm — can be a public well being nightmare.

The New York Occasions: Philip Morris and Altria Are in Talks to Merge

The Workplace for Civil Rights filed a discover of violation towards the College of Vermont Medical Heart in Burlington over allegations that the hospital compelled a nurse to take part in an abortion. The hospital, in the meantime, mentioned it had investigated the incident and that the discover was “not supported by the info” of the case. At stake right here? Thousands and thousands of in federal funding for the ability. The variety of complaints into the Workplace for Civil Rights has skyrocketed below the Trump administration, which has been vocal about making morality protections a precedence.

The Related Press: US Company: Hospital Compelled Nurse to Take part in Abortion

With regards to million-dollar remedies, even uncommon ailments don’t appear all that uncommon when the payments begin including up. Previously, employers and unions might simply shrug off the “unhealthy luck” of getting to cowl an employer with such a situation, however as extra miracle medicine emerge increasingly more unions discover themselves footing prices they had been by no means ready to pay. In a startling instance: At one level in 2018, for each hour that one in all a union’s 16,000 members labored, 35 cents of his or her pay went to cowl one household’s drug therapy.

The New York Occasions: The $6 Million Drug Declare

For households with kids who had Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the announcement that Sarepta was engaged on a remedy for the situation introduced limitless hope. That’s, it did for households with boys. The ladies had been disregarded within the chilly.

Stat: They Rallied Round ‘Our Boys’ With Duchenne. The place Did That Depart Ladies?

Within the miscellaneous file for the week:

• The outcomes are in: No single gene dictates same-sex habits. And I’d say from studying by the handfuls of articles on this story, the complexity of human sexuality will be summed up by the big range of headlines. That’s to say, it’s sophisticated, y’all.

The New York Occasions: Many Genes Affect Similar-Intercourse Sexuality, Not a Single ‘Homosexual Gene’

• If overdoing antibiotics may cause resistant micro organism to thrive … might the identical principle apply to chemotherapy and malignant most cancers cells? One oncologist needed to check out a brand new strategy to therapy fairly than simply flooding the physique with as a lot chemotherapy because it might deal with. (Although he sweated bullets on the thought it won’t work.)

Stat: A Heretical Method to Chemotherapy Is Extending Sufferers’ Lives

• The headlines in latest weeks have been flooded with the promise of “pink flag” gun management legal guidelines as each a bipartisan aim which may really get by Congress and one thing that has real-world advantages. However advocates warn that whereas, sure, the legal guidelines do work, they work provided that supported with sources. And that usually just isn’t the case.

Stateline: Success of Pink Flag Legal guidelines May Depend upon Psychological Well being Groups

That’s it from me! Have an incredible weekend!

from insurancepolicypro http://insurancepolicypro.com/?p=659

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Charleston West Virginia Cheap car insurance quotes zip 25396

"Charleston West Virginia Cheap car insurance quotes zip 25396

Charleston West Virginia Cheap car insurance quotes zip 25396

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Insurance question..I have 4 years no claims on my 125cc scooter....?

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""HELP, car insurance!?""

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Charleston West Virginia Cheap car insurance quotes zip 25396

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Why do people keep comparing health insurance to car insurance?

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Why did Geico raise my insurance just because I changed my ADDRESS!?

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Charleston West Virginia Cheap car insurance quotes zip 25396

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/richmond-kentucky-cheap-car-insurance-quotes-zip-40475-ben-rakowski/"

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3one3 · 8 years ago

Text

The Sequel - 865

A Joint Thing

André Schürrle, Juan Mata, other Chelsea/BVB players, and random awesome OC’s (okay they’re less random now but they’re still pretty awesome)

original epic tale

all chapters of The Sequel

“Stop. You don’t even have to give the speech. I don’t want to talk about it. Tomorrow, yes. Not now.”

“Okay. Whatever you want.”

“What are you doing?”

“Figuring out how to send hay and grain for the horses and livestock affected by the hurricane in Texas. The flooding is so bad. Did you eat? I had a strip steak because I was starving. I got one for you too though. If you want it. It only takes a few minutes on the grill.”

I want 20 things and none are a strip steak, no matter how superbly she could probably cook it, André rued after Christina nodded at the mostly empty plate beside her Macbook in the study. There was one piece of broccoli left on it alongside some discarded fat. It was Saturday night, and he just got home from the match, and he pretty much hated everything until that very moment. How sweet is she. Does her two hours at the stadium to see me play like the Invisible Man for 55 minutes and then makes herself dinner for one, to eat while she works on helping abandoned or homeless animals. And she has that face like her mind is going hundreds of kilometers a minute to figure out what to do or say to me to erase that I am currently useless on the football pitch and hurt all the time.

“I had dinner in the ice bath. Who are we helping? One organization or a bunch of little ones?” The player walked the rest of the way into the cozy study decorated primarily with books, and pushed the back of his chair from one side of the partners’ desk to the other so that he could sit beside his girl and see what was on her screen. She slid over a bit to her left, and then leaned back over to the right to kiss his cheek. If not for the distraction of the coverage of the hurricane drowning greater Houston under an unprecedented tonnage of water, Christina would have been totally consumed by her sympathy for her partner and his frustrating struggle to show his quality and worth at the Westfalenstadion. He was simply a body to bounce the ball off now and then during his minutes that evening. The whole team was rather slow on the ball, and one-dimensional. André couldn’t make or take any chances, and he seldom even had the opportunity for nice interplay with his black and yellow teammates. The three points were secured for the home side, and their #21 didn’t do anything costly or embarrassing, so it wasn’t a complete loss, but he looked and felt irrelevant and disappointing. His girl wished she knew how to help him turn it on again, or even just how to get on the right path to it. Injuries and good form by others meant it had been nearly a year since he enjoyed an uninterrupted spell in which to build and flourish. His struggle was breaking her heart, and demolishing his spirit. Her instinct was to make him talk about it instead of brush it off for “tomorrow”, but she knew what it was like to be in his shoes too, and knew he needed a cool-down period before it was worth encouraging him to share his burden with her.

“That’s what I’m trying to decide. The ASPCA is doing a lot but I’m not sure if they’re doing livestock or just pets. USEF has a fund going just for horses. I’m looking for, like, if some group is taking in otherwise homeless horses and caring for them while their owners can’t. I’d like to send supplies. I don’t like just giving money to those big groups because I don’t know how much of it actually helps the animals, or how long it takes.” The horsewoman moved her dinner plate aside so that she could lean on her elbow on the desk and sigh while André scrolled through the pictures she found on Twitter.

“Why don’t you make a post saying that you’d like to help, and see who responds? It shouldn’t be too hard to verify and not get scammed. Your Twitter has a big reach,” he reminded her. “I’m sure people will tell you who is doing what.”

“Yeah, I guess. I’m going to need someone who knows what’s going on and where I can even get hay and grain sent from, and how to get it to whoever needs it. I emailed someone I know at USEF to find out what they can tell me. I’ll wait to post until I hear back from her. Hey, are you sure you don’t want anything?” Christina watched him watch a rescue video on the screen, and reached for his fuzzy cheek with the back of her hand. He turned and offered a small but reassuring smile.

“We had pasta and chicken. I’m not hungry, Prinzessin.”

“Do you want anything else? Couch? Bed? Fire pit? Movie downstairs?”

“Didn’t you want to begin your Game of Thrones education tonight?” the footballer yawned.

“Yes but actually I want to save that for tomorrow because it’s supposed to rain aaaaalllllllll day and Lukas has a playdate at Nuri’s- all the kids do- I think it’s someone’s birthday but I forget- and so it’s the perfect afternoon for us to get embedded on the couch and watch a bunch of episodes at once. I even made watermelon salsa for the whole grain tortilla chips.” Christina blinked at him with big, round, welcoming blue eyes, and just that little hint of hopefulness in them- her hope for him to be into her plans- was enough to help him feel just that little bit better about everything. Instead of expressing excitement about her Sunday agenda, he decided to tease her.

“You’re sending him to a birthday without a gift?” he asked with mock incredulity.

“Tugba only just told me about it at the game!”

“Did you get to tuck him in?”

“No,” she frowned. “Espen said he watched most of the match though. He made you something today,” Lukas’ mom smiled back. “It’s upstairs. Want to see?”

His dad nodded and followed her to the master bath, to check out the little platinum blonde’s art project. It all started when Espen arrived for work with a tie-dye kit and some cheap t-shirts. She was joining some new friends from her apartment block on a sort of bar crawl/drinking scavenger hunt that would stretch from brunch into the evening. It was a team competition, and her team was all going to wear tie-dye shirts. The others were getting together on Saturday to make theirs but since she had to work she just got her own supplies and made it into a fun activity to do with Lukas. Christina couldn’t resist joining in. They filled horse buckets with the water and dye and taught Lukas how to bunch up the shirt and add the rubber bands. After he saw the results on a his-size shirt, he wanted to make one for Daddy. It had to be yellow, because his “Daddy shirt” was yellow. Espen showed him how to draw on the adult-size white tee with fabric markers before they prepped it for the dye. He attempted a dinosaur and several humans of varying sizes and proportions. They weren’t all entirely recognizable as people. The finished product looked like a terrible children’s doodle made into a shirt instead of refrigerator art. He wanted to put it in the dye twice to deepen the yellow hue per Espen’s recommendation, so Christina hung it in her shower to dry because the dark tiles wouldn’t get stained.

“I think you should let him give it to you in the morning,” she explained to the lucky recipient of the haute couture piece. “He’ll be so proud and happy.”

“You think? Wouldn’t he like it if I just wear it?” André loved his ugly shirt. He loved that his son thought of him when he wasn’t around, and wanted to make him something.

“You can wear it after he gives it to you. I think you’ll look sexy in it, babe.”

“For some reason yellow doesn’t do for my eyes what it does for yours.” He pointed a cheeky smirk at his girl while holding the shirt up to his body.

“It’s really not your color.” She wrinkled one side of her nose and shook her head, and inadvertently reminded him of the things he didn’t want to talk about. I never look good in yellow. That’s the truth, he huffed inside. BVB shirt on, all talent, composure, and intelligence, gone. I just look like a jackass. “We tried to make it a darker, more flattering shade for you.”

“Mhm. Should I put it back in the shower? It seems dry.”

“I think it’s fine. Why don’t you put your bag away and stay awhile?” The rider winked at the dejected player and then wandered out of the bathroom and onto their bed. It was freshly made in clean linens, and too inviting to simply be walked past. There was nothing else to do in the house besides hover around André anyway.

“Where is your tie-dye shirt?” he asked her from his closet.

“In a drawer. It’s rainbow colored. I’m like a tie-dye pro.”

“Are we going downstairs, or outside, or bed, or what? What should I put on right now?”

“I dunno I don’t care.” Hola Juanin, Christina thought as her sweatpants pocket vibrated. It wouldn’t have been anyone other than the Spaniard. He played 74 minutes and assisted the match-winning goal, and she was waiting for him to respond to her congratulations text.

“Thanks. We played well. Who is it going to be with this time?” he wrote back. Her message also mentioned her desire to do another Dirk video, with a new artist, whose music she discovered only that afternoon, sort of.

“You know the song I played for you that sounds like its straight out of 1983 and I said I thought it might actually be brand new and not from Miami Vice? The featured artist on it is two guys called Oliver, because they’re both Olivers, and they’re DJ’s and producers and I heard their album that just came out and it’s AMAZING. You’ll prob love it. Add it on Apple. “Electrify” is my fave,” the rider told him with several dancing girl emojis.

“Why can’t you pick someone I already know personally and have a relationship with? Don’t you like any Kygo songs?” Juan’s feigned exasperation was audible in his digital words.

“Who says I want you to produce the video again?”

“Your mom.”

“We’re invited to a nightclub party in Milan on Saturday night with Rafa people. It’s not all night tho. Do you wanna?”

“I don’t know. That’s a week from now.”

“What are you doing tonight?”

“I had dinner with Paula. I’m home now. Bedtime for Juan.”

“Are you still hanging out with Taylor tomorrow?”

“I put sweatpants on because you have sweatpants on,” André shrugged on his way over to join his girl on the nicely made bed. She was upside down and tapping away on her phone. “Watcha doin?”

“Nothing.” Christina barely got the word out before the other player’s next message arrived.

“Yes.”

“Coming in hot.” The BVB midfielder crawled over her and literally just collapsed on her body, trapping the phone and her hand under his shoulder. “Ahh, yeah. Comfy.”

“Ugh, you weigh a ton. Why are your bones so heavy? There’s no fat on you to weigh this much.”

“Stop complaining,” he ordered before reluctantly scooting down some so that their parts lined up slightly better. He took the phone from her hand and set it on the bed, and then put both of her hands down at her side, out of the way of his elbows. Then he dropped his head down for a quick smooch. “Thanks for coming to the match.”

“Why do you still thank me?” Christina laughed. “I will never get that. I’ve been going to your games for almost 7 years. I was going to them even before that too. You just didn’t know it.”

“Because I’m still thankful that you support me. And that you support me at home too even after I play like crap.”

“You’re a hero to me and your son whether you score a hat trick, an own goal, or an award for doing absolutely nothing of note for an hour.” She couldn’t help but tease a little. It was totally fine with him because her teasing smile was very nice to look at. He bent down to kiss her again, a little slower, and then petted her forehead and some of her hair.

“I guess you weren’t paying attention when I gave the ball away and we almost lost a goal.”

“No I was, but you didn’t even do that well enough for them to actually score, so...doesn’t count.”

“Nice.”

“In all seriousness, was something hurting? You weren’t moving so good.” Christina held onto his waist and enjoyed his freshly showered smell. It was clean and manly and evoked all of the things inside a female that tell her to notice a male.

“Not really, but you’re right. By the end I wasn’t moving well.”

“Do you need a butt massage?” She slid her hands down over his behind and gave it a demonstrative double squeeze.

“You mean you have time for an ass that isn’t Jon Snow’s? You’ve found a way to include it in every other conversation for two days. Who is that?” His attention was diverted before he could list all the times she managed to work Kit Harington’s perfect ass into conversations. Her phone vibrated again, and lit up.

“How should I know? I can’t see it. Duuhhhhh.”

“Duhhhhhhh.”

“You’re crushing my liver or something. So you’re lucky you smell good.” And...meh. As the Olympic medalist inhaled some more eau du manly man, several threads converged in her head and dampened her mood. She spent much of the pre-match festivities with Zoe, and Nuri’s wife Tugba, talking about her new interest in Game of Thrones, and how it spawned from “that love scene” everybody was on about. The girls had so much to say and not just about Jon Snow’s wonderful, Fibonacci sequence-aligned bum. The other two knew more than the rider about the series, so they had more perspective on the significance of the love scene, but she could still testify to the powerful and meaningful emotions that were fueling it. It was obvious. The scene was about love, not sex. Zoe told her it was one of the few sex scenes in the whole story that portrayed the act as something loving instead of brutal and animalistic.

She also got wistful and fanciful and longing in talking about “that kind of love”. Marco’s girl asked, rhetorically, how amazing it is to have sex like that- to be so enamored, and so deeply in love, and so “so”. It was a struggle for her to even put a label on it. Tugba was all about it too. Nuri’s wife knew exactly what Zoe meant, and so did Christina. Unfortunately, thinking about the “oh my god, star-crossed lovers finally together, they need each other, they need to make love to fully experience it” sort of love just made her realize that she never had that with André anymore.

As Juan’s texts piled up on the phone next to her head, she felt uneasy inside. He was the one with whom she experienced that sort of love. He was the one she longed to be with that way. The girls also talked about other kinds of love, which they deemed good but not as singularly rewarding, satisfying, and special. André ticked the boxes for her for “when he’s so hot or handsome and you just need him” love and “casual, flirty” love, and “when you wake up Sunday morning and love each other” love. The player’s wives called the rarity of the other sort of love bittersweet, because they wanted to experience that encounter more often but recognized that it would be diminished with greater frequency. Zoe even said it was a “two handful” life experience, meaning one would only experience it maybe 10 times in a lifetime. So Christina logically shouldn’t have been that alarmed by the realization that she and her partner hadn’t had a night like that in some time, or that she wasn’t feeling that way about him. But she wasn’t sure that Zoe was right. It seemed like she thought of Juan that way all the time, and they had “Jonerys-level” sex multiple times just that summer. Sniffing her husband and feeling attracted to him on that most basic level of desire was disappointing for her, because it just reinforced everything she thought of in hospitality with the girls.

“Do you want me to move?” André offered when he noticed that her expression went flat for too long for her just to be kidding when she said he was lucky to smell good. It was like she frowned to go along with the banter but then just never smiled again or re-engaged.

“No. But...do you still...do you ever feel like you love me so much that you need to love me, like, physically? I mean- Not- Like- Like when you want to literally make love. You want to be together because of just...love. Not because you want to get off, or because I look good or whatever, or even like when you’re obsessed with being with my body for a while. I mean make love like the night before you went to Brazil, and our wedding night, and the first time we were together post-separation when it wasn’t weird anymore. When you look at me and I actually look back.” Christina regretted opening her mouth with every additional word she piled on to try to make herself clear. Her face was pink by the end, and she was hoping to disappear into the mattress somehow.

“How many times did you watch the scene with his butt? You are so obsessed. Let it go, Prinzessin,” André chuckled. “You get so hung up on films and shows. Life doesn’t have to be that dramatic!”

“Never mind the show. Do you know what I’m talking about? Don’t you-“

“I wanted to be with you like that yesterday and you didn’t feel the same.” Why is she asking me this, he wondered. Why does she fool around when I want to be serious, and get serious when I’m just whatever. Why does she watch and read love stories and then have to live them the same?

“No that’s not the same, babe.” The rider shook her head and peered up at him with almost something like urgency. “I’m talking about when we’re both feeling exactly the same way. It’s a joint thing. It can’t happen to just one.”

“Well wouldn’t you know then? If it has to be both of us then you know all the times,” the player sighed. He just didn’t want to be having that conversation. He wanted to go back to enjoying her face and her casual conversation. She sighed too, but inaudibly, and nodded. His answer illustrated a good point. There was no point in asking him if he experienced something recently that she didn’t when the experience was dependent on them both. So it wasn’t just Christina that wasn’t feeling it. It wasn’t just that she had Juan as an alternative. The other half of the equation was messed up too. She wanted to know why, but didn’t know how to find out. He lifted his head to look at nothing across the room- an inadvertent but indicative gesture that put more space between their faces. His girl didn’t know how to even go about finding out her answer without aggravating him further.

“Okay.”

“Has anyone told you the guy with the ass and the girl with the braids are brother and sister? And that he’s a bitch? He would be the guy who listens to Drake and cries over girls. It’s just a TV show, Chris. Real life isn’t supposed to be comparable.” He was still aggravated anyway.

“Can you get off me if you’re going to talk to me like I’m an idiot?” So was she. He flipped over onto his back next to her for a second and then did a sit up and shifted around to lean against the headboard. She rolled onto her stomach and picked up her mobile.

“Goodnight baby girl.” He says with a red heart. Honestly, why do I fight to be in love with a man I love dearly when it’s no struggle at all to be in love with the other man I love? Seriously. Why? Why do I do this? Schü and I treat our relationship like it’s a project we’re working on, or like a patient with a whole bunch of problems and we don’t even know if he’s going to make it. I just love Juan. That’s it. That’s all there is to say. I don’t have to try. He doesn’t talk about us like we’re a work in progress. He realistically COULD do that, because I know he sees us being together in the future and it must seem like we take steps toward and away from that at times, but he doesn’t. Why do we do this? I don’t even know anymore. The old answer was that I wanted us to be together, and I wanted to keep our family together. I used to say that just because something is hard doesn’t make it not worth it. I need a drink before I get upset.

“Where you going?”

“Water.”

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