#Evan's Shadow still has both arms and he is conflicted about that

[miscellaneousrenaissant]

Ep 3 AU in which Evan succeeded on his death save but lost his arm, so K made him a prosthesis while the group was still on Galamanis

[jokertrap-ran]

(光与夜之恋 Light and Night) Evan’s 6✩ Inspiration: Twilight Facet [暮光之境] Date Translation (END 5+6: Heart-throb)

“I offer you my hand, my heart, my everything; are you willing to believe me?”

*Light and Night Master-list | Evan’s Personal Masterlist *Spoiler free: Translations will remain under cut *Join the Light & Night Discord (＾▽＾)~ ♪ *6✩ Inspirations have 6 Endings!! *CG Image used with permission from 蓝咕咕 ☆ *Evan’s tag will be #For Night, For Revolution

✥ Choice: Heart-throb [心动] ✩Light & Night★

it was the perfect time for a lunchtime nap. I…

✩ E5 LIGHT: Ask about his other bedtime habits ✩

I leaned closer to Evan out of curiosity.

MC: Then, do you have anything else prepared other than the aromatherapy? Or… are there any other rules about this stuff set in place?

Evan pauses for a moment, not saying anything.

His eyes were bright, but also as deep as an abyss. It made me tempted to venture further into it, yet I didn't dare proceed any more than half a step.

After staying in place for a few seconds, I suddenly came to the startling realization of just how close I was to him. My body couldn't help but stiffen as I carefully retracted my neck as I inched backwards.

I leaned so close to him and even asked him such a personal question. Will he think that I'm…

Evan: Are you really that interested in these things?

MC: I just wanted to understand you a little more…

I was so embarrassed that I didn't look at him at all. I kept my head lowered, my face a burning mess.

Evan chuckled lightly. His voice was as deep as ever, and it felt pleasant to the ears.

Evan: Then, I'm glad that you're the one who's trying to understand me.

Evan: But, they're all merely small habits that have followed me through childhood. Take this for example…

He picked up the delicate, yet exquisite cup, shaking the red liquid within.

Evan: This here’s called Hereafter. I started drinking it ever since I was a kid, and it has stuck with me ever since. Now, I need this to sleep.

Evan: I wasn't willing to, at first;  but I slowly got used to it.

I nodded in understanding. After thinking about it for a while, I picked up the teapot and filled his cup with more of said drink.

MC: Then you should finish these off properly.

Evan: Very well.

He picked up the cup and took a sip before pausing. He looked at me a little hesitantly, a conflicted expression on his face.

MC: ...Why are you looking at me like that?

Evan: This is… a little too thick.

MC: Ah! I forgot to add water to it earlier. Sorry, sorry…

I quickly added hot water into his cup and stirred it before handing it back to him. However, his brow furrowed a little after just a sip.

Evan: It's a little too hot now.

MC: I'll blow on it for you!

I took the cup over from him without another word, blowing gently on it. It was only after I'd done it a couple of times that I heard a sudden laugh coming from him.

I froze, looking back at him in suspicion.

He was unable to wipe the smile off his face, leaning affectionately into the sofa as he observed me. His eyes sparkled with glee.

MC: ...You…

I looked at the cup and back to him again. Something clicked in my head.

Is he doing this on purpose?

He chuckled lightly, swiftly taking the cup from my grasp and gracefully downing it in one fell swoop.

Evan: Thank you. Now everything's in place.

MC: ……

He's DEFINITELY doing it on purpose!

I helped him close the curtains after he’d finished up his special drink.

MC: Is there anything else that you'd like prepared, Sir?

Evan looked at me, hesitating for a while before shaking his head.

Evan: That's all there is. Thank you.

I glanced at his dark red tie.

MC: How about I help you take off your tie then? I'm sure it'll be uncomfortable to sleep in.

Evan: ……

MC: ……

An awkward silence lapsed between us. It took some time before the realization that I’d just said something really inappropriate hit me...

I hurriedly averted my gaze away from his tie.

MC: Ahaha… What nonsense am I spouting now…

Evan: Sure.

MC: Huh?

Evan: I'll have to trouble you to help me get it off then. Thank you.

MC: ...Okay.

A warm smile slowly filtered into his orbs as he removed his gold-rimmed glasses. He slowly stood up from his reclining position and moved to stand before me.

He was tall and his shadow almost completely enveloped me. My breathing involuntarily stuttered.

I raised my head and reached upwards, carefully starting to work the knot out.

Looks like he did his tie with an exceptionally complicated knot today. I had a go at it for quite some time, but to no avail.

Evan: Is it hard to undo?

MC: A-A little… Erm, could you… bend down a little?

Evan: Alright… Looks like it was a lack of consideration on my part.

He gave an apologetic smile, moving closer to me and leaning further down.

That slightly smiling face of his suddenly drew up close. My brain blanked out, and I could do nothing but stare dumbly at him.

Evan: Will this do?

MC: ……

My breath hitched in my throat. I hurriedly averted my gaze, frantically nodding as I reached out to have another go at his tie.

However, the knot didn't budge at all no matter how hard I tried. It was almost as if the thing had a grudge on me. I couldn't help but feel a little upset at my futile efforts.

Evan: Looks like this doesn't work either. Then, how about...

The words had only just left his mouth when he suddenly reached over. He wrapped his arm around my waist and hoisted me up!

MC: !!!

I jolted. Startled by the sudden movement, I instinctively clung to him, wrapping my arms around his neck and earning another chuckle from him.

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Carrying me, Evan retreated a couple of steps backwards. He seated himself on the side of the bed with me sitting sideways atop his thigh. He held my hand and brought it up to his collar which was already loose and dishevelled.

MC: Evan…

Evan: It should be much easier now. Try again?

There was a pleasantly warm smile on his face, but it was hard to ignore the firm chest pressed up to my palm, rising and falling in time with his breathing.

This is all to undo his tie, right? Still, this position is a little…

I bit my lip and tried to calm my rapid breathing. I tentatively moved a little, only to feel his entire body suddenly stiffen in response.

I stiffened as well, freezing in place. I didn't dare move an inch.

It was a few seconds later that his voice sounded in my ears again.

Evan: Are you going to start?

MC: ...Yeah.

I tried my hardest to shelve the wild thought that had taken refuge in my head as my trembling hands took hold of his tie once more.

After composing myself, I was soon able to undo his tie. I also helped him unbutton the first button of his dress shirt.

And just like that, his pretty and prominent collarbones were revealed to my eye. Going further up was his adam's apple that bobbed ever so occasionally. And going further down would be his chest, which my hand was currently pressed against, rising and falling with his every breath.

The muscles beneath my touch were firm but relaxed, rippling beneath his skin as if waiting for the perfect chance to come into play. This side of Evan was one unknown to me; one that screamed danger. Yet, it was still deadly attractive. I couldn't stop my face from flushing scarlet once more.

MC: Um… your tie's undone now… You can rest easy

Evan: I'm in no hurry. Besides, this makes up the last of my bedtime habits.

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Evan: Now, how about you tell me about your bedtime habits?

MC: My bedtime habits?

I stared into his deep orbs. The ghost of a familiar melody sounded by my ears, soft and gentle.

It was the song that my grandmother used to sing to me before bed as a kid. Recalling these softened my heart and made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

MC: My grandmother used to hum to me.

Evan: A lullaby?

MC: Yup! But not just lullabies! Sometimes it's a traditional folk song, and sometimes it’s a western nursery rhyme.

MC: I recall there being one with really odd lyrics about how a leopard fell in love with a foxface rabbitfish.

MC: The foxface rabbitfish asked the leopard if it wanted to go down to the sea and see how it was like. The leopard agreed.

MC: And then they both lived happily ever after together at the bottom of the sea.

MC: Strange, isn’t it? I mean, how can a leopard live under the sea?

Evan: ...What if it's possible?

MC: Huh?

I looked towards Evan. His eyes were slightly drooping, his eyelashes casting small shadows upon his features. I couldn’t read his expressions all that well.

It was a while before he looked back at me again. This time, with his beautiful eyes fully open, and the corners of his lips curled into his usual smile.

Evan: Can you sing it to me?

MC: Yeah… Sure thing.

I softly sang him that weird nursery rhyme of mine, again and again, in a never-ending loop.

I didn’t know how many times I sang the whole rhyme in succession; but just as I stopped once more at the part where the foxface rabbitfish asked the leopard whether it wanted to visit the sea, Evan’s head suddenly fell onto the crook of my neck.

MC: !!

The nursery rhyme came to an abrupt stop as my ears were slowly filled with another sound.

It was the sound of his long and steady breathing, gently sounding in my ears. Soon, it permeated through my thin clothes, melting into my skin. His hair was soft and a little ticklish as it brushed against my neck, making my heart pound in unrest.

Our surroundings were silent, with only the soft crackling of the fireplace and the intoxicating fragrance that wafted in the air.

It felt like it was going to be a long, long time before this nap was over.

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it was the perfect time for a lunchtime nap. I…

★ E6 NIGHT: Don't hold him up from his afternoon nap ★

It just so happens that it's the perfect time for a lunchtime nap now…

MC: Am I getting in the way of your rest? I'll wait for you out in the hall then. Have a good nap!

With that said, I moved to head out to the hall. However, I hadn't yet gotten a step further before Evan caught me by the wrist.

Evan: Wait.

The unique temperature of his body slowly spreads upon my skin. His touch brought about a slight coolness, momentarily freezing me in place.

MC: ...What's up?

I secretly peeked at the hand he used to hold onto mine. His fingers were pale and long, but there was an undeniable strength behind them. It unwittingly made people a little nervous.

Evan: I was just going to tell you that I don't intend to take an afternoon nap at all today. But what I do have, is an important document that needs my signature.

MC: Uh… I'll still wait for you out in the hall?

Evan: You can just stay here.

MC: Won't I disturb you?

Evan: You won't. I'm more worried that you'd find it boring here.

Evan: The other door in my room connects to my Study. You can go there and kill time if you feel bored.

Now that he mentions it… I do recall seeing a heavy wooden door on the other side of his bedroom…

MC: Ohh… I'll go check out your Study then!

Evan: Sure. I'll go look for you once I'm done.

MC: Okey-dokey!

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A step into the study was all it took for me to be completely blown away by what awaited inside.

MC: Jesus Christ. These bookshelves span several walls… Who in the world has this many books in their study? It’s kind of amazing in its own right...

And it wasn’t just the bookshelves. There was also a large projector screen on the other end of the study that nearly covered the entire wall.

MC: I’d probably disrupt his work if I watch a movie here… Guess I’ll be better off looking for a book.

But rather than searching the shelves in search of a book, the thought of just what books he'd have in here intrigued me further.

MC: Wow, the bottom few shelves are filled with the biographies of famous people, mystery novels, travel guides… He even has picture books here!

MC: I never knew that he reads such a wide array of books. I wonder if the upper shelves will yield any new discoveries?

I took the stepladder that was placed not too far off and climbed up on it. I excitedly continued my perusal of what books his shelves offered. After a considerable amount of effort, I managed to pull out a thin and old book from amongst a couple of thick books on the history of music.

MC: “Jane Eyre”? Huh…? Was “Jane Eyre” supposed to be this thin, again? And it looks pretty well-thumbed too...

Curious, I opened it.

This was an incomplete copy of "Jane Eyre". There were thick scars on the spine of the book, formed from having its pages torn out. Someone had ripped out nearly ¾ of the book's contents.

Flipping it open, the very first page detailed the part where Jane Eyre wished to leave Thornfield Hall after learning that Rochester was about to get married. Conflicted with her turmoil of emotions, Jane walks to Mr. Rochester's orchard. She'd intended to sneak away as if she was never there, only to be halted by Rochester. And in the end, they finally managed to understand their true feelings for each other under the moonlight, in the eventide breeze that was tinged with the fragrance of jasmine interlaced with roses.

But why does this book start from here? What happened to all the content in front?

Evan: What book is it that has gotten you so engrossed?

MC: !

The low voice that suddenly sounded by my ear made my breathing hitch. Turning around, I hurriedly hid the book behind my back, just like how one would when the teacher found out that they were secretly reading a book in class.

Evan, dressed only in a white dress shirt, was looking at me with a smile that reached his eyes. He wasn't wearing his glasses, and the warmth in his eyes that were normally hidden behind the lenses now faced me in full force.

MC: ...You… You're done with work?

Evan smiled, reaching out to help me adjust the hemline of my skirt that had gotten slightly rumpled.

Evan: Yes. So, what were you reading?

MC: This.

I brought the book I'd hidden behind me back out front.

Evan: Jane Eyre.

His low and pleasantly smooth voice intonated, seemingly touching my very heart. It was like magic; one that miraculously made my heart race.

Evan looked back up at me after reading the title. He had a knowing look in his eyes that was soon disrupted by a flicker of mischief.

I didn't know why, but I didn't quite dare to look up at him right now.

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Evan: “I believe you must leave now. I am sorry, but I believe indeed you must.”

MC: Huh? ...O-Oh, I’ll leave now…

Evan: “Exactly, precisely: with your usual acuteness, you have hit the nail straight on the head.”

This… sounds like the lines I’ve just read in “Jane Eyre”...?

Deep down, Jane truthfully didn't want to leave. However, Mr. Rochester had already arranged everything for her departure.

Her job, her destination, and even her future to come.

Evan: “Do you like Ireland? ...You’ll like Ireland, I think.”

He spoke with a low voice, looking at me with a sort of seriousness that I’d never seen before.

It felt as if that line wasn’t from Rochester, directed to Jane; but rather, from Evan to me.

Confounded, I slowly opened my mouth to respond to him.

MC: “It is a long way off, sir. Not the voyage, but the distance: and then the sea is a barrier—”

Evan: "From what, hm?”

MC: “From England and from Thornfield: and一 From you, Sir.”

The words had just left my lips when Evan reached a hand out, bringing it up to my waist. Just a little bit of strength behind his fingertips was all it took for him to hoist me upwards, pressing my upper body closer to him.

Suddenly, the distance between us disappeared. We were so close that our breaths intermingled.

Evan: “I sometimes have a queer feeling with regard to you— especially when you are near me, as now.”

Evan: “Are you anything akin to me, do you think?”

He gazed at me, his breath brushing across my skin in a manner as intoxicating as wine, effectively sending my rationality out of the window.

I gaped in an attempt to say something. However, my words were eviscerated into nothing by the deep red hue in his eyes.

We stared at each other as we stood within the tall and large study filled with the scent of ink. It felt like we were nothing but the small minuscule dust particles that filtered in with the sun’s rays.

So small, so minuscule that it was almost non-existent; yet still able to hang onto the other, while adrift, fluttering all the same.

Evan: “I offer you my hand, my heart, my everything.”

Evan: “Are you willing to believe me?”

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My heart thudded heavily in my chest. It felt as if time had come to a stand-still.

I lost myself in the moment, forgetting who I was or where I was. The only thing I wanted to do now was to entrust my heart to him in all its genuineness, and to stay in this beautiful and pleasant moment forever.

According to the story, this was when Jane and Rochester finally gained a mutual understanding of their emotions for each other, sharing a long passionate kiss.

Evan's eyes lowered, coming to a slight close. His fine lashes fluttered downwards as the pale yellow light illuminated his face, casting small beautiful shadows upon his features. He slightly turned his head, the breath that had been one with mine shifting. It brushed against my face, hot and ticklish.

My body seemingly loses the ability to move, and all I could do was stare dumbfoundedly at the face with well-defined features slowly advancing closer.

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At the very last second, I hurriedly covered my face with the book that I'd let rest against my chest in a desperate act.

And in turn, blocking off what could have happened; something that was capable of making my heart stop beating right then and there.

The air was filled with a moment of silence that was soon broken by Evan's laughter.

MC: You…

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I slowly and carefully lowered the book that'd been covering my face. I watched as Evan lowered his head, leaning it against the crook of my neck as he laughed, shoulders quaking in his mirth.

MC: Stop… stop laughing at me…

Evan: Okay, no laughing.

Evan: ...I'm really happy, (Y/n).

Evan's laughter slowly died off, but his head remained firmly planted onto my shoulder. I quietly relished in the moment of intimate contact with burning cheeks.

MC: Erm… Why’s this book missing so many pages?

Evan: This belonged to my mother. It was already in this state when I first saw it.

Oh, so that’s how it is. Then… perhaps it’s because his mother liked how brave Jane was in this part of the story?

MC: She dared defy; she dared to love.

Evan: Yes. Although, I think my mother will definitely like you much more if she had the chance to meet you.

MC: But… I’m nowhere near as brave as Jane.

He gave a small chuckle before letting go of my shoulder, watching me with a profound look in his eyes. It was as if the Evan that had been reciting Mr. Rochester’s lines had made a comeback.

In the same manner, as Rochester would gaze affectionately at Jane… No. No, that wasn’t it… Those eyes, that gaze… It was Evan who was looking at me so.

Reflected within his orbs were twin silhouettes of me.

He patted my head, his low and intoxicating voice taking on a slightly far-away tone, yet still managing to grace my ears.

Evan: My liking you has absolutely nothing to do with “Jane Eyre”.

Evan: You are (Y/n), and I am Evan. Nothing more, nothing less.

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Time flew past.

The glow of the sunset had begun to set in when Aunt Wang finally sent up my dry-cleaned clothes.

Seeing her so busy, I couldn't help feeling a tinge of regret at being the cause of it.

MC: I've brought so much trouble for them both… I should do something to thank them well next time!

Evan looked at me and closed the book in his hand.

Evan: They're usually the only ones here, so it'll do them a little good to be busy once in a while.

Evan: Having something to do would also make it feel all the more fulfilling.

MC: Mmhm… But I can't help but feel like they're already busy even without us, and now that we're here…

MC: Plus Uncle Chen looked like he was in a huge hurry when I took upon the task of sending the drink for him. It was like he was here for a moment, and gone like the wind in the next.

A flicker of doubt appears on Evan's face upon hearing this.

Evan: Is he truly that busy?

MC: Yeah, he is… He had to rush here to deliver your drink, and he also had to rush over to give the fireplace a change of coal.

MC: Plus, this is also one huge place. Even with the two of them here, they must be pretty busy keeping this place all neat and tidy.

Evan: They do have their work cut out for them, but…

Evan: I seem to recall that we do have scheduled professionals who come by to take care of the fireplace here, so there's no need for either of them to do it themselves.

MC: ...Huh? But he said…

A strange thought suddenly struck me, the realization making the words die in my throat.

Did Uncle Chen make me… bring Evan's drink to him on purpose?

I stared at Evan, absolutely dumbfounded.

He didn't say anything either, only chuckling lightly after a few seconds.

Evan: I suppose, sometimes, having a fireplace at home isn't all that bad.

He'd said it all so naturally, yet I couldn't help but feel like there was something a little off about it. Especially when it came to the word "fireplace". It unwittingly made me recall how oddly Uncle Chen and Aunt were acting… and their ambiguous smiles.

I silently adverted my gaze, biting on my lips as I spoke in barely a whisper.

MC: I'm definitely not getting a fireplace installed in my house next time…

Evan: Hm?

MC: Oh, nothing… nothing! I was just talking to myself!

Evan: That so?

Evan drew both of his arms up to his jaw, propping his chin on it as his heavy gaze fell upon my being.

Under the light of the setting sun, his expression was one of calm contentment and warmth.

He smiled, his voice a low baritone.

Evan: Your wish is my command. No fireplaces in the future.

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✥ Choose another Ending:

END 1 | Choice: Do Nothing [都不做]  

END 2 + 3 | Choice: Approach [亲近] ⊹Touch⊹

END 4 | Choice: Listen [倾听] ❖ASMR

END 5 + 6 | Choice: Heart-throb [心动] ✩Light & Night★

❖☆————— ⊹ For Night, For Revolution⊹ —————★❖

Previous Part: Prologue

[corinnesamuels]

Guarding the Gates, Chapter 4: A Rock and a Hard Place

Lily isn't responding to James' letters.

In fact, she isn't even opening them. He knows this because Sirius told him so.

"I don't think you've been in the doghouse like this with Evans since our fifth or sixth year." Sirius says as he lounges on the couch in his flat, doing his usual crossword.

James lets out a frustrated sigh. "Have you talked to her too, Moony?"

Remus' eyes grow wide for a moment before he gives a slow nod in the affirmative. He looks as if he's trying to avoid the awkwardness of the situation, but James is having none of it.

"Okay, she's talking to everyone but me then?" He looks around to Peter, who puts his hands up defensively.

"I haven't talked to her, mate." He replies loyally.

Sirius snorts. "Is that because she's ignoring you or because you haven't reached out, Wormtail?"

". . . Does it matter?" Peter asks as he attempts to skirt around the question.

James throws himself on the couch, landing heavily on Sirius' feet. Sirius yelps and kicks him for his trouble, but James, ever coordinated, grabs Sirius' feet as if catching a quaffle and holds them in his lap. Sirius pauses to look at his feet and their new resting place across James' legs and, satisfied, reclines back to finish his crossword.

"What was the name of the bloke who came up with all those rules about transfiguration?" Sirius asks, as if his best friend wasn't having an existential crisis just next to him.

"Gamp." James replies absently. "Look, Wormtail, you don't have to stop talking to Lily just because she isn't talking to me. She didn't do anything wrong. This is on me."

"Well, this is a very mature response." Remus says with a raised eyebrow. He sounds pleased, but James detects something else in his voice.

"Why do you sound surprised?" James asks.

Remus shrugs noncommittally. "It's just good to see."

James grumbles to himself and puts his face into his hands. "I didn't expect things to go as far as they did that night." He says.

Sirius puts down his newspaper and gives James an incredulous look. "Surely you saw this coming. Surely you knew this was only going to get worse and prepared yourself for how you would respond when it did?"

When James doesn't respond, Sirius gives a shocked laugh. "You thought that Miranda would see reason by now? Or that Lily would keep biting her tongue until she did?"

James hesitates. "I was hoping things would work themselves out without me having to be in the middle?" Remus and Sirius both groan. Sirius tosses the newspaper in frustration, crossword half-finished.

"Well, what was he supposed to do?" Peter asks, coming to James' defense. "Pick Lily over Miranda?"

"Yes!" Sirius yells as Remus says, "It's not about picking Lily over Miranda." The four of them look at each other, and James looks at Sirius curiously.

"We'll come back to that," He says, with one more look toward Sirius. "Remus, can you elaborate? My hang-up the other night was not wanting to embarrass Miranda in front of the group. And instead, I just pissed off Lily."

"And by not taking a side, you let a pureblood antagonize Lily—a muggle-born—on your watch." Sirius says. "And you let it seem like you agreed with her."

"That's not—" James begins, but suddenly the situation is much clearer. "That's not what I meant to do. You know I would never want that to happen." He looks around the room near frantic, looking for validation from the group.

"We know this, James." Remus says. "But does Lily know this? Does Miranda know this?"

Before James can answer, Sirius cuts in with a different line of questioning. "What is going on with you?" he asks. "This isn't like you. As a matter of fact, you haven't been acting like yourself for a while. I thought it was grief at first. Then I thought you were star-struck over Lily again. But now I just don't know." Sirius looks at him curiously, leaning closer as if he could see inside James' head.

"What do you mean, 'what is going on with me'?" James asks defensively.

"I mean, why are you walking around on eggshells and keeping some strange charade of peace when the James I know would have said what was on his mind because it would have been the right thing to do. The James I know would have said it and dared someone to have a problem with it. You're tiptoeing around these conversations to try to appease both Lily and Miranda, and neither one of them are happy with you." Sirius says before muttering, "But things are never happy for long with Miranda, are they?"

"Sirius." Remus warns.

James' head whips around to Sirius. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"Just what I said. The two of you can never keep it together long. And now you're risking a good relationship with Lily for someone who you don't even seem that happy with." Sirius crosses his arms as if waiting on James to deny it.

"Why don't we focus on the other part of this for now." Remus cuts in, eyes darting between James and Sirius. "Do you feel like you've been walking on eggshells, James?"

James is still angry at Sirius claims about his relationship, but as he mulls it over, he has been . . . restrained. He's been quieter and more compromising, clearly to a fault. He'd been a shadow of himself since Euphemia passed, but now that he thinks about it, this seems separate from grief.

"I don't want Miranda to think that she isn't important to me now that Lily is back. That's not fair to her." James says. Peter nods in agreement, but Sirius just rolls his eyes. James is so conflicted about his next thought that he misses it.

"And I guess . . . I guess, on the other hand, I've also been worried that Lily might see me now, after all this time, and think that I'd reverted. I've been trying to be more reserved, less brash because I don't want her to look at me and see the prat I used to be." James rakes his fingers through his hair and avoids his friends’ gazes.

"Have you?" Remus asks.

"Have I what?"

"Have you reverted?"

James shakes his head firmly. "No!"

Remus sits back in his chair, looking as if he's just realized something interesting. "So, you've been so busy trying to prove yourself in areas Lily probably doesn't need you to prove yourself in that you're making unnecessary missteps?"

James hadn't thought about it like that. He'd been so caught off guard by seeing Lily—by her being back—that he hadn't taken time to get his head on straight. He's felt a need to prove himself to her in one way or another since they were 14. He hadn't thought about the fact that she might not even be looking for him to prove himself anymore. That Lily might have come back to England with all the faith in him that she had when she had left. The thought swirls around strangely in his gut. Mingled with something else uncomfortable. He looks up at Remus and knows.

"And if you're spending all of this energy doing this, are you proving it to Lily or to yourself?" Remus continues.

For some reason, that question makes James more uncomfortable.

"I'm just having a hard time figuring out how to navigate how tense things are between Lily and Miranda. I don't want to embarrass Miranda, but I don't want Lily to think I agree with what she's saying, either." James says, deflecting from Remus' question.

If Sirius caught the deflection, he ignored it. "We know you don't agree with Miranda. Why didn't you make that clear the other night and shut down the conversation? Hell, why is Miranda even still around? The two of you spend most of your time at odds and pretending not to be. What do the two of you even have in common?"

"Plenty of things!" James says reflexively.

"Name them." Sirius counters, mouth set in a dubious straight line.

Read the rest at ao3!

Or, start from the beginnining

[detectivecarlosreyes]

In Case of Emergency (Ch 5/10)

Ao3 | 2.8/8.9k | Eventual Buddie | Status: Incomplete

Prev. Chapter | Next Chapter

Chapter 5: Bad memories can make the worst nightmares Buck has a bad night in the time after he gets out of the hospital following the firetruck accident. Set somewhere in the season 2 finale, around the time of Eddie's probation graduation. 

Eddie was woken suddenly in the middle of the night to the sound of his phone ringing. Barely glancing at the screen, he accepted the call without checking to see who was calling at such an absurd hour and buried his face back into his pillow with a mumbled, “Hello?”

Thinking it might be a prank call upon hearing the prolonged silence accompanied by the sound of heavy breathing, he dropped the phone from his ear and properly looked at the caller ID. It was only when he saw Buck’s name glaring back at him does his heart rate spike as he quickly brought the phone back to his ear, sitting up with a sense of urgency, completely awake.

“Buck?”

No response.

“Buck, what’s wrong?”

The only possible indication that Buck had even heard him was a slight hitch in his breathing which was now beginning to sound more and more laboured, like he was on the threshold of a panic attack.

“Buck! Evan. Talk to me, what’s going on?”

Eddie was already scrambling out of his bed, phone held between his ear and shoulder as he slipped on some pants and then shoes that were tossed beside his bed. As he gathered up a hoodie and briefly checked on Chris, he fished his keys from the bowl beside the door as an almost inaudible whisper came through causing him to pause.

“…Eddie.”

He heard a few thuds and clatters from Buck’s end of the call, sounds that Eddie couldn’t quite decipher until he heard the recognisable sound of rushing water. It was at that point that the call suddenly ended, with three ominous beeps. Eddie swore, setting the house alarm knowing that Chris wouldn’t be moving around in the middle of the night, and rushed to his truck as he hit redial, putting the phone on speaker as he started driving, the dull ringing tone the only sound filling the silence.

“Come on Buck! Answer the damn phone.”

His call rang out without being picked up and Eddie just hit redial again, doing his best not to take his eyes off the road. Buck still didn’t answer the second time. Giving up on the phone, Eddie tossed it on the passenger seat and pressed his foot down further on the accelerator, pushing the speed limits, thankful that the late hour meant minimal traffic.

It had only been a couple of days since Buck had managed to convince Maddie he would be fine back in his apartment. When he first got out of the hospital after all the surgeries to his leg, she had insisted that he stayed with her until he was more mobile on his crutches.

That was little more than a week ago and now with the way the call ended, all Eddie could do is fear the worst thinking maybe it was too soon for him to be by himself, far removed from help. He had stairs in his apartment, what if he had fallen down them? Recalling hearing the sound of water, maybe Buck slipped in the bathroom and he reinjured himself through the cast? All these scenarios played in his head as he made his way to Buck’s place.

Finally arriving at the apartment complex, Eddie haphazardly parked his truck and flew out the door, barely stopping to lock it with the button over his shoulder.

He took the numerous flights of stairs two at a time, easily arriving at Buck’s apartment in half the time the elevator would’ve taken. Fumbling with the keys, Eddie easily picked out Buck’s new blue one for this apartment thankful that it was easy to identify. As soon as it was open he rushed inside, calling out to Buck.

“Buck! Buck? You here?”

A croaky reply of, “In here,” could be heard coming from the downstairs bathroom.

It was only now that he heard the shower running and found the bathroom door wide open. From where he stood, Eddie could see Buck’s crutches laying messily inside the door frame.

Stepping inside, his attention was immediately drawn to the bathtub revealing Buck lying inside still fully dressed and completely soaked to the bone by the running shower, his casted leg awkwardly hanging over the side.

“…Buck.” Eddie breathed out with a breath he didn’t realise he had been holding taking in Buck’s appearance for a moment before he swiftly moved to the bath, pushing up his sleeves. The ice cold water splashed on his exposed arm causing Eddie to flinch at the temperature as he reached for the tap to turn it off.

Buck only acknowledged his presence when the water was no longer running over his head and he looked up at Eddie with a haunted expression marring his features. The nearly healed scratches beside his eyebrow look even more pink than usual, standing out against Buck’s pale, cold skin.

His eyes looking almost sunken, shadowed in the lighting as if he hadn’t slept in weeks. A small whimper passed through his lips as recognition set in, tears intermingling with the water droplets that were still falling from his hair.

Buck reached a desperate hand out to him, and Eddie took it in his own, kneeling down next to the bath now at eye level with Buck.

“Eddie? You’re…here?”

“Yeah Buck, I’m here. You called me, remember? And then you hung up on me and wouldn’t answer your phone, I was worried.”

“Oh.”

“Come on. Let’s get you out of the tub and into some dry clothes.”

Eddie helped hook Buck’s other leg to the side of the tub and turned him around so his body was facing out and all he had to do was pull him up to a standing position. He then guided Buck to the toilet and got him to sit down so the water from his shorts didn’t drip down into his cast.

Eddie handed him his towel that was hanging on the towel rail and instructed Buck to dry off as much as he could while he went to get some plastic wrap and fresh pajamas. Searching in his chest of drawers, he easily found some comfortable and warm clothes, and coming back to the bathroom, Eddie was greeted with a much more alert Buck who was still soaking up as much moisture from his shorts as he could with the towel.

“I have something dry for you to change into and some plastic wrap to cover the top of the cast while you change if you think you need it.” He set both items on the counter next to the sink and picked up the crutches that had been left abandoned, resting them within Buck’s reach. Catching Buck’s eye, Eddie gave him a quick nod before leaving the bathroom, closing the door behind him for privacy.

While he waited, Eddie was able to take in the state of the apartment, noting all the details. Every single light was turned on, from the kitchen to the living room making it seem like it was daytime. The couch had been turned into a fold-out, with blankets and pillows strewn across it. His work duffle bag was resting open next to the couch, presumably containing a selection of clothes for Buck to wear instead of having to go upstairs every day to get dressed.

His attention was brought back to the man in question, who awkwardly managed to open the bathroom door with his crutches and sheepishly ducked his head as he moved past Eddie to get to the couch bed. Eddie followed him and took a seat in the armchair next to the tv. He waited, watching Buck as he straightened up the pillows and blanket around him, doing what he could to avoid eye contact.

Buck finally sat down on the edge, briefly making eye contact with Eddie before running a hand through his hair and letting his gaze slide away, “You don’t have to stay you know. I’m good now.”

Knowing that he wouldn’t get a straight answer from Buck by pushing him with questions, Eddie stayed quiet leaning back in the chair with hands resting on his stomach, clearly indicating to Buck that he wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon. It didn’t take Buck long to realise this, so he picked up a pillow and rested it on his lap, smoothing out the wrinkles in the pillowcase as he traced random shapes that only he could see. He exhaled slowly before opening his mouth.

“I’ve been getting nightmares about the bomb, ever since I got home and was off the heavy meds. From what I can remember it tends to be the moments leading up until the explosion with me and the guys riding in the back of the truck except I always know what’s going to happen before it does, and I always managed to wake up just as it went off.”

Buck paused and gathered the pillow up in his arms, hugging it. Eddie waited patiently, giving him the time to gather his thoughts.

“Before, when I was in the hospital, I said that I couldn’t remember anything after the explosion and at the time it was true while I was all doped up. And I’ve remembered bits and pieces, but tonight was different.” His voice cracked before he breathed out, “Tonight I remembered everything.”

“I remembered all the pain from being thrown out of the truck, and the crushing weight of it on my leg. I remember thinking that I was going to die there, stuck and alone when that kid came over in his vest, surrounded by this intense heat trapped from the explosion in the metal and radiating from the road. There was no escaping the heat, it felt like I was burning from everything around me.”

Eddie leaned forward, concern colouring his voice with his observation, “I’m guessing that’s why I found you freezing yourself in a cold shower.”

Buck nodded, knowing where Eddie was going with that line of thinking, “I don’t even remember getting in the bath, but I guess even in my panicked state I recognised that I needed something to cut through the heat and properly pull me out of the memory.”

Eddie hummed, knowing all too well the need for a shock to the system to break of a memory.

“I’m surprised you managed to call me if you were that far gone.”

“I honestly don’t remember doing that either, I just remember you holding my hand back then, and then you actually were.”

Eddie bit his lip, recalling that moment and all the conflicting feelings that came along with it, his heart and his head fighting for control as he tried to decipher what they all really meant.

“What do you need?” he eventually asked after a moment of quiet.

Buck looked at him in confusion, not understanding the question.

“You called me – what can I do? What do you need me to do?” Eddie clarified, wanting to be of use, to help the person that has helped him through so much, his closest friend and confidant since moving to LA.

Buck answered with a shrug, looking away. “I- I don’t know. Really, you should just go home to Chris, I don’t want to keep you from him. I’m fine now, honestly.”

Shit. Eddie chewed his lip feeling both guilty for leaving his son and torn, wanting to help his friend who was clearly in need of some comfort but with the reminder, he didn’t want to leave his son for any longer than an hour even with the security alarm on.

Coming to a decision he shifted to the edge of the chair and leaned forward, “Do you trust me?”

“More than you could know Eddie.” Eddie couldn’t help but smile at that.

“Lie down. On your stomach.” And Buck does as he’s told, hugging a pillow under his face which he turned to the side to watch Eddie as he settled a pillow under Buck’s cast before moving around the apartment to turn off most of the lights.

He left the lamp beside the couch on, so now the apartment was bathed in a soft glow without feeling oppressively dark. Once all that was done, he took a seat beside Buck who gave him a questioning look but said nothing.

“Just close your eyes, let’s see if we can get you a few more hours sleep.” Buck shut his eyes without question, showing Eddie how much he really did trust him, which had him hoping against all hope that this idea would work.

He started to hum, a soft tune that his mother used to sing to him as a child that he now sings off-key to Christopher at times when he couldn’t get to sleep and started tracing the backs of his fingernails in lazy circles across Buck’s shoulders and back, gently enough that wasn’t scratching but firmly enough that it didn’t tickle.

Surprisingly, it didn’t take long before the tension in Buck’s body started to bleed away until his breaths evened out into a slow deep pattern. It looked as though he’d fallen quickly into a deep sleep and he didn’t stir when Eddie stopped in his ministrations. He couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief to see Buck looking to be at peace before he headed home to his son.

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

Buck woke disorientated, somehow feeling more refreshed in the few hours of sleep he’d gotten than in the days after he’d left the hospital, unsure of how he even managed to fall asleep in the first place with that lasting memory still fresh in his mind.

It was only as he started paying attention to how he got in this position did Buck begin to notice the quiet clattering of dishes in the kitchen and the low murmuring of two very familiar voices causing him to blearily open his eyes to see not only Eddie but also Christopher huddled together over the island bench bathed in the morning sunshine making his heart flutter over their presence.

Seeing Eddie brought back the rest of his memory of what happened in the time after he’d woken from the nightmare and put himself in the tub. Remembering that Eddie had not only come at such a ridiculous hour because he’d called him in an irrational state of panic, but he also helped him out of his sorry state with zero judgment and stayed long enough to him get back to sleep which he didn’t think he would be able to do.

Sitting up slightly he sniffed the air, smelling the familiar scent of pancakes permeating the air and drew the attention of Eddie who caught the movement, gesturing for him to stay put while looking quite pleased with himself. Buck turned over to sit in a more comfortable position as the two Diazs’ continued murmuring to each other as they finished before they changed tact and made their way over to him in the living room laden with the freshly cooked breakfast.

“What are you guys doing here?” he asked, unable to keep the incredulity from his voice at having them being there on a weekday morning, “Not that I don’t appreciate that you’re here and made me breakfast, but shouldn’t you be at work, school?”

Buck watched bemused as Eddie carefully settled the tray on his lap, ensuring no coffee was spilled and sat down on the arm of the couch as he answered, “Well, Chris has just started spring break and I have an afternoon start, so I figured you might like some company for at least part of the day,”

They share a meaningful look at that and Buck gave him an appreciative nod, before patting the spot next to him, inviting Chris to join him, and laughed when Eddie quickly rescued the coffee mug just before Chris bounced into position excitedly.

“And I’m guessing you’re the genius who decorated these delicious smelling pancakes.” Buck proclaimed to Chris as he surveyed the strawberry slices and whipped cream smiley faces adorning the stack.

“Yep, Dad let me do it!”

“That’s a good thing, I don’t think your dad could have done a better job.” He said in a staged whisper to Chris.

“Excuse you! I managed to cook these pancakes, didn't I?” frowned Eddie in feigned indignation, causing Buck to laugh.

“Of course, Eds, and you did a great job,” he answered lightheartedly with an appreciative pat to the knee before reaching to reclaim his coffee which Eddie begrudgingly returned to him.

As he sipped at his mug, Buck couldn't help but feel his heart swell over having these two in his home taking the time out of their own free time together to spend the day with him, for no reason except to make sure that he was okay. And if he was ignoring his crush on Eddie that was slowly but surely growing, it was near impossible to ignore now.

[mattzerella-sticks]

⭐2020 Fics in Review ⭐

Happy New Year’s Eve! 💫💫💫 2020 sure was a year... between everything that was happening on the macro (the pandemic, elections, etc.) and on the micro-level (shows delayed, some ending - disastrously, so much drama, etc.), the past 12 months felt like a blur. Especially since we’ve been inside and realized time is an illusion!

But, there were moments where I was able to ground myself in the present and not be swept away by the tide. Most of them were because of fanfiction. Whether writing or reading, fanworks became a soothing balm. And I’d be remiss (and breaking tradition) if I didn’t reflect on my past works of 2020! 

I’ve written 43 fics across a wide array of fandoms - the most being Supernatural, with 9-1-1, DC Comics, Marvel, Boku No Hero Academia, Stargirl, Star Wars, Hollywood, and RWBY sprinkled in. I really branched out this year, and am looking forward to what I will write in 2021. Maybe new fandoms? Maybe an original work? Who’s to say!

Thank you to all those who’ve read my works, and am grateful for both your support and continued engagement - can’t wait to see you in 2021 with me 😁

Here are my works!

9-1-1 (TV Show)

Caught (Evan ‘Buck’ Buckely/Eddie Diaz, side Athena Grant/Bobby Nash, side Maddie Buckley/Howie ‘Chimney’ Han)

Photobooths are prime for catching special moments and making them last forever, even if they are less both and more open spaces with a backdrop. When Athena, Bobby, and Michael stumble upon one such moment between Buck and Eddie, what will they do?

And how will it affect Maddie and Chimney?

Lumped Together (Evan ‘Buck’ Buckely/Eddie Diaz, side Henrietta ‘Hen’ Wilson/Karen Wilson, side Maddie Buckley/Howie ‘Chimney’ Han)

As an apology for keeping her thoughts about medical school secret from her wife and partner, Hen takes them (and Maddie) out for lunch. With the promise that it would only be them. And for the most part it was. Until Buck and Eddie strode in with every intention of eating Takoyaki.

Just not with them.

Armed with new information, what's a girl to do? Hen spends the next day fighting back the natural instinct to tease her friends about the wonderful step they've taken together in their relationship. Can she make it home without saying anything? Or will she give in?

DCU

Lonely Together (Barry Allen/Bruce Wayne, past Barry Allen/Iris West, past Bruce Wayne/Selina Kyle)

Barry needs others, yet whether by his enemies or his own actions, he ends up alone. After Iris leaves him, Barry feels as if he drifts through life. Like lightning humming in the air without a rod to ground him.

Until he struck another lonely soul and entered a relationship he never thought possible. Now, months since he and Bruce began sleeping with each other, Barry feels settles. At peace in a way he hasn't felt in a long while. Since he and Iris started petering out.

But it's not love... is it?

Come Home (Jason Todd/Kyle Rayner)

Jason Todd gets a message from Bruce. He's surprised to see it. Then, he's surprised by the message itself. Hearing Bruce's final message stirs something inside of him, urging him towards a place he's avoided ever since his and Bruce's falling out. So he gathers his things, and then... waits.

He can't leave yet. Jason doesn't know why. Bruce gave him a mission, just like old times. Except it's not, because he... Jason can't move. Can't even stand.

That's how Kyle finds him.

Restless (Barry Allen/Bruce Wayne)

Returning home from a mission in outer space, the team picks up a distress signal off-course. They rush off to help, landing on a strange alient planet teeming with life. Especially within the plant kingdom.

While guarding the Javelin, Bruce and Barry encounter one such member while engaging in some familiar fight-flirting. Will its effects spell trouble for the League, or help these two relax their guards long enough to explore new possibilities?

(Hint: It's a little bit of both)

Marvel

Hot Seat (Peter Parker/Johnny Storm)

Spiderman likes Johnny. Like likes him. And he thought Johnny felt the same. He wasn't wrong, but Johnny like liked someone else, too. Someone he actually wanted to pursue, over Spiderman.

Unfortunately that someone is Peter Parker.

However, after a terrible misunderstanding, Johny isn't too keen on seeing either Peter or Spiderman; the longer this confusion left unresolved, the more Johnny's hurt would fester. Can Peter find a way to make Johnny listen?

Hollywood 

Merrily We Roll Along (Archie Coleman/Rock Hudson)

With their careers still on the rise and no peak in sight, sometimes Archie's and Roy's lives get a little too busy. Understandably so. Archie's in the midst of writing his next screenplay while the latest opens across America. Roy spend more time on set than at home working on his latest project. When their schedules allow it, all they want is to be together.

Can they enjoy a simple morning together, or will the clouds of Hollywood cast a heavy shadow over their sunny day?

RWBY

Lucky You, Huh? (Qrow Branwen/Clover Ebi)

After all that happened, it's time for the dust to settle. Choices were made. Now, the consequences for certain actions need to be carried out.

Even though he fought alongside her to save Mantle, Robyn Hill couldn't help save Clover from the whims of the Council. Without a job or home, Clover needs to find a way to carry on.

If anyone understands what that feels like, it's Qrow. Never being one who can communicate his feelings well, would he be the best to comfort the other man. When he's the only one who can, what does that mean for Clover?

Star Wars

Fourth (Poe Dameron/Finn)

What's a man and his co-general to do when they're on a mission together on a planet known for frequent sandstorms?

Flirt? That is a possibility. And definitely the one they take.

Stargirl

I’m Here (Courtney Whitmore/Yolanda Montez, past Yolanda Montez/Henry King, Jr.)

Coda to 1x10 "Brainwave Jr."

Losing Henry was sad, but it's not the first person Courtney knew whose future was snatched by the Injustice Society of America. That doesn't make his death any less tragic. It does remind Courtney how screwed up and dangerous her life was. At least she was able to wake up the next day and keep moving. And so was Beth, and Rick. But Yolanda...

Where was Yolanda? Courtney needs to know.

Crusher (Lawrence Crock/Paula Crock, Pat Dugan/Barbara Whitmore, Lawrence Crock/Pat Dugan)

When Lawrence met Pat, he saw another body that could benefit from some exercise at his gym. The more they interacted, became friends, he saw that body doing other things in other places. And his wife is totally supportive of this. While in the midst of an afterhours training session, Lawrence drags his feet on telling his friend a few important things. Egged on by Paula, will he say what's on his mind? How will Pat react?

And does Pat have a secret or two of his own?

Boku No Hero Academia/My Hero Academia

Little Secrets Everywhere (Bakugou Katsuki/Kirishima Eijiro)

Mina thought letting Bakugo read whatever was in her folder wouldn't be too bad. Maybe he would snipe at her for her less than perfect English translation and sentence structure, slap her on the head with the balled up assignment. What she wasn't expecting was for him to charge with hellish fury towards her in the common room with all their friends to see.

One careless mistake leads to many things coming to light. Everyone walking away with something new to think about.

Boku No Fundanshi (Bakugou Katsuki/Kirishima Eijiro)

Bakugo Katsuki is a top student at the premier hero academy in the world. Bakugo Katsuki is a boy with the ability to use his sweat as a weapon, each droplet containing enough nitroglycerin to obliterate a phone book. Bakugo Katsuki enjoys reading manga where boys fall in love with one another. Two out of the three are commonly accepted facts. The final one is a heavily guarded secret that Bakugo protects with his life. At least until his vigilance lapses, and he loses a doujinshi.

Will he be able to recover what he lost before anyone realizes it's his? Or, by the end of this, will he have found something he didn't know he was missing?

Portmanteau (Bakugou Katsuki/Kirishima Eijiro)

Portmanteau (port·man·teau) n. a word blending the sounds and combining the meanings of two others

Like Bakugo's chosen hero name. But was that his first choice? Kirishima doesn't think so, after finding a damning piece of evidence hidden within his notes. Except it's not what he thinks, at all...

Supernatural

 Real (Dean Winchester/Castiel, background Eileen Leahy/Sam Winchester)

Coda to 15x09 "The Trap"

Morning after, and Sam spies a little something blossoming in the kitchen. Something that stokes the fires of his curiosity. When the scene ends, he walks in with an intent to investigate. Learn about the strange magic that happened before his eyes. How quickly Dean and Cas's relationship repaired. And what brilliant new shape it took on after Purgatory.

Will Sam be satisfied with the answer?

Half-Priced Chocolates (Dean Winchester/Castiel, background Eileen Leahy/Sam Winchester)

The day after Valentine's Day is great for many things. Basking in the glow of a night well spent, sharing the joy of love with your family, and eating chocolate priced considerably lower than it was the day before.

Except Sam can't enjoy any of that, because Dean won't let him. Because Dean woke up in a sour mood and has picked up the banners of war against romantic love.

Albeit, the three aforementioned things might make his conflict the shortest in history.

Spill (Dean Winchester/Castiel)

Dean always thought it would take more to force him into retirement. Yet here he is, locked in the Bunker until the world figures out a cure for a deadly virus. It could be worse - at least they have a home. He cannot imagine how worse it would be if this happened years earlier, where he and Sam were trapped in a tiny motel room together. Here they have options, and miles of outdoor space they can stroll through if their options become stale.

And they were beginning to. Dean could only do so much indoors. Dean knew he needed to shake things up, but couldn't begin thinking how. Luckily Castiel has an idea, and gives him a new way of looking at their kitchen.

Supernatural Crack🩹tober

Following the Supernatural Cracktober prompt list, one day at a time.

Prompts will be listed in the notes and the chapter title.

Enjoy!

Bullets Over the Bayou (Dean Winchester/Castiel)

Everyone wants Castiel Novak to quit the force, including Castiel. But he stays on despite the toxic work environment he’s surrounded by. Still believing he can do some good despite the many lines of red tape impeding him. Luckily, a pair of scissors by the name of Dean Winchester drops into his hands, and he finally feels like he can do some good.

Dean Winchester thought he would be in New Orleans for a day or two. Identify the body of his deadbeat father and then move on. No one knows he’s here. His mother and brother are blissfully unaware of the danger his father roped him into. With a parting gift of a journal, delivered to him the same day he received word about his father, Dean has become the target of a group of people who want him dead. The same people who killed his father.

Racing against the clock, can Dean and Castiel figure out what is so important about John Winchester’s journal that someone would kill for it?

Kick Ball Change (Dean Winchester/Castiel, background Eileen Leahy/Sam Winchester)

Coda to 15x10 "The Heroes' Journey"

Dean has the Bunker to himself at a time after he and Sam regain their supernatural abilities. With nothing needing his attention, he decides taking time for himself wouldn't hurt. But the usual fare leaves him bored and tired.

So he tries something new. Something he wanted to try, but wasn't sure he would be good at. Dean starts off strong, but doing it on your own can only be so fun. Get you so far. Luckily a partner happens by and truly allows Dean to enjoy a part of himself he knew was there, but didn't want to share.

Tempered Desires (Dean Winchester/Castiel, background Charlie Bradbury/OC, background Sam Winchester/Jessica Moore, background Sam Winchester/Ruby, background Sam Winchester/Mick Davies, past Dean Winchester/Arthur Ketch)

Dating, sex, and finding love were the farthest things on the minds of both Dean and Castiel. There were more important things to worry about - namely the pandemic that swept across the globe and changed everything. Navigating this new environment was hard enough without adding romance.

But fate never intervenes when you expect. From first meetings to first dates, we'll see how Dean and Castiel's relationship blossoms despite the circumstances.

Sunrise (Dean Winchester/Castiel, background Eileen Leahy/Sam Winchester)

Dean and Sam were free. Finally, unequivocally, free.

But this wasn't the happy ending Dean had expected. Maybe in the past, having Sam in the passenger seat tearing across an open stretch of highway as the sunsets, it'd be what he wanted. But that was years ago. He's not that man anymore. Dean's tired of sunsets, of saying goodbye. He yearns for a different ending. One that's less of an ending, and more of a beginning. A sunrise instead of a sunset.

Sam has his. Dean lost his. Despite this setback, he won't stop. He'll live in memory of his sunrise.

Except, what can he do when he feels those rays on his face again?

Coda to 15x19

Fixing It (Dean Winchester/Castiel, background Eileen Leahy/Sam Winchester)

Dean Winchester walked a long & difficult road. House burning down when he was 4, constantly being on the move until his father lost a fight with demons at the age of 25. Reunited with his mother only to lose her again. Have a son only to lose him, too. Of all the shadows that have crossed his path, he thought one of the main sources of light was his husband Castiel.

But he had to ruin that, too.

Can he ever have that shine again? Or are there things that are too good for him to hold? Will they mend what was broken?

Heart in My Hand (Dean Winchester/Castiel, background Eileen Leahy/Sam Winchester)

He was right there.

Cas was telling Dean everything he ever wanted to hear since meeting the angel of the Lord... only each and every word of his confession stabbed at Dean's heart. Because once he finished, there's no more time for them. For him. For any chance of happiness - all that taken away by the Empty. And now he has to carry on.

He tries. Stands, gets in his car and drives where Sam tells him. When he meets with the others, though...

Coda to 15x18 "Despair"

A Dumb Idea (Dean Winchester/Castiel)

They celebrated Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving, birthdays, even the Fourth of July. What about the other holidays? What about Valentine's Day?

Mrs. Butters actually had a plan for that, but she left before it could come to fruition. Sam, however, stumbles on Dean and a leftover piece from said plan. Something Dean would rather Sam not see. When he does get a peek as to what it is, well... Dean and Sam have a lot to talk about.

Coda to 15x14 "The Last Holiday"

What the Water Gave Him (Dean Winchester/Castiel)

It was over. Chuck lost, Sam and Dean can live their lives how they want them. But their victory wasn't without losses. The biggest upset nearly taking Dean out of the game, happening so close to the final battle. Now he's on the other side, alive against all odds, but Sam knows he isn't happy. Not truly happy since the Empty stole his best friend.

But there's a chance they can save him. A slim chance. A risk that Dean's willing to take despite every logical nerve in Sam's body screaming at him to look for better options. That threading a needle this small is too dangerous. That they don't have to take on another big bad, not anymore. That they don't have to risk their lives anymore. Dean is far past the point of listening. Dead set on this mission, Sam can only watch.

And pray his brother proves him wrong.

(Now with art from gabester-sketch)

Acutely (Dean Winchester/Castiel)

Jack said he's sorry, after getting his soul back.

Jack said he's sorry, and he's looking at Dean. They're all looking at Dean.

Jack said he's sorry, and Dean can't take it. It's too much. Like a frog thrown into a boiling pot he hops out, jumping out from the room towards safety. Doing his best not to succumb to the pain.

He can't hide forever, let the wounds fester. It's too much to deal with on his own, though. Can someone help him through it?

Leeches (Dean Winchester/Castiel)

Sharing a Netflix makes sense, in hindsight. Dean gets it. But that doesn't mean he appreciates seeing a bunch of profiles after his that weren't there last he checked.

He's gonna get to the bottom of this - of when this happened, why, and how they were able to guess his password.

Revival (Dean Winchester/Castiel, Eileen Leahy/Sam Winchester)

Sam and Dean stand there on the bridge, the camera panning out on them as they are finally reunited in Heaven.

But then Sam wakes up.

(Coda/Fix-It Fic to 15x20 "Carry On")

Memento (Dean Winchester/Castiel)

Why did Castiel have a photo of himself in a cowboy hat? Where did he get it? Who took it, and more importantly who gave it to him?

Coda to 15x15 "Gimme Shelter"

The End (We Deserve) (Dean Winchester/Castiel)

Dean Winchester dies in Sam's arms.

And then he doesn't.

(How that scene originally looked...)

Constants

Meeting with alternate versions of themselves makes Sam and Dean think about what the landscape of the former multiverse might have looked like - or, really, "If there can be multiple Deans and multiple Sams, can there be other versions of things they know. Like... Baby?"

Dean says no. There's only one Baby. She's got four wheels, black paint, and has been his from the beginning. Sam thinks otherwise.

Let's explore what the possibilities of Deans, Sams, and Babys in different universes might look like.

Enjoy the Present (Dean Winchester/Castiel)

Sam had a birthday, Jack had a birthday...

It would only be fitting for Dean to have one, too. It's expected, really. Yet the one Sam and Jack throw him still catches him by surprise. Maybe because he actually agreed with Butters, about having outgrowned birthdays. Or because his thoughts were pulled elsewhere because of some disappointing news.

If it's the latter, than a birthday will definitely take his mind off of that. Especially when it comes time for his present.

Coda to 15x14 'The Last Holiday'

Swallow It Whole (Dean Winchester/Castiel)

"The older you get... the less lies make everything better"

But when you've told as many lies as Dean has, it's hard to tell what's true and what's not. How can he remove all the rotten parts of himself without bringing everything down? Which lies have ingrained themselves so firmly, that removing them would change everything about who he was?

And, scariest of them all, who would he be without those lies?

Coda to 15x16 "Drag Me (Away From You)"

Desperation, Baby! (Dean Winchester/Castiel)

Death took her sweet time parsing through Chuck's book, meaning Lucifer spent longer than he'd like surrounded by his former vessel, his brother, his son, and a man whose obvious longing made him want to vomit. Instead of returning with his prize, Chuck welcoming him back, he must waste his valuable time playing 'nice; with those he can't stand.

Not that it matters. They don't trust him, each member of this ragtag group of survivors watching Lucifer in shifts. Never leaving him alone.

It's Dean's turn now, and he's driving Lucifer up a wall by doing nothing at all save for broadcasting a never-ending supply of feeling. Can he cut the signal without showing his hand, or put Dean's heart to good use?

Coda to 15x19 "Inherit the Earth"

A Healing Touch/New Experiences (Dean Winchester/Castiel, Adam/Serafina)

Maybe if Cas hadn't abandoned him, he wouldn't have agreed to Adam's offer. But with free will finally theirs, Cas made his choice, and Dean his. Now he has to live with the consequences - even if they are awkward. He won't die from it, certainly.

It's only a massage.

But what Dean doesn't know, is that it's more than a massage. It's healing.

It Feels Real Good (Claire Novak/Kaia Nieves, background Dean Winchester/Castiel)

Jody sent her to Yosemite, and she brings her back. For what reason, Claire doesn't know. But it had better be important, otherwise Claire gave the Dark Figure that stole her happiness another chance at escape. Will Jody's house hold a reason important enough for Claire to let go of the heavy burdens she's been carrying since hopping through a rift into another universe?

Coda to 15x12 "Galaxy Brain"

Through the Door (Dean Winchester/Castiel)

Cas tells Sam that Chuck and Amara are here. But how does he know? Sure, he could've felt them land through his grace. But all that time Sam was gone? There was enough there that he could've investigated. They'd need to know where they were anyway, when the time came.

But Cas should've known better. Now wasn't the best moment for a little family reunion, especially when there's so much bad blood it can drown them all. Yet he came, and finally got the audience he always seeked with his father.

Coda to 15x17 "Unity"

Four of Swords (Dean Winchester/Castiel, background Eileen Leahy/Sam Winchester)

The Four of Swords, in the present position, means you don't want to interact with the rest of the world. Because of stress, you need to spend some time with yourself - unhealthy always being 'on'. That the healthiest thing to do is to escape.

Dean might crave escape, but it's not something he thinks he can have. Something he deserves, even. After his and Sam's most recent hunt, this cancerous feeling has grown heavy and weighs him down. He cannot escape on his own, as best he tries.

Luckily a guardian 'former angel' angel swoops in at his lowest. Helps pick up the pieces as best he can and lovingly put them back together. But he can only do so much. The rest is up to Dean.

Can Dean take those final steps, say those final words, and finally free himself?

i’d like to teach the world to sing (Dean Winchester/Castiel, Castiel/Others, WIP, 10 out of 15 chapters posted so far)

Mar del Vista, California - 1972

The groovy counterculture that dominated conversation in the past few years still clings to the landscape, floating around like smoke off a burning joint. Changed by the fires of war, Manson, and life into something new. Less trusting, optimistic, and innocent.

Cas is just one of many disillusioned hippies, saddled with a general distrust even before the movement self-imploded. Wary of about everything. Perfect for his line of work, where what's on the surface might not match the truth underneath. It's not an easy life, but he's comfortable with how it goes. Coasting until he hears a case he has no business accepting. For one, it's about a missing teen. And another, it's personal.

Except Jack's disappearance, like every other case he's worked, isn't so cut and dry. Like a rock skipping across a then-placid lake, the ripples stretch far and wide. Those waves slamming at Cas; of cops, federal agents, hippie cultists, and a certain green-eyed detective who's a little too interested in Cas's investigation.

Will Cas find Jack? Or will he drown in the tides.

Checkmate (Dean Winchester/Castiel)

Billie saves Jack from suffering a fatal end from her plan, and knowing Jack was safe gave Cas space to focus on his own troubles. Nearly losing his son again... revelations from Chuck... choices Dean made, were set on, until Sam broke through at the last minute - too close - they all were...

It was too much. Cas needed to digest these roiling experiences away from faces it hurt to look at. Except he stumbles exactly where Chuck wants him. After countless times praying for guidance, Chuck finally decides now is perfect for a long-awaited heart-to-heart.

Coda to 15x17 "Unity"

Slide (Dean Winchester/Castiel, Eileen Leahy/Sam Winchester)

This isn't his day. It's Sam's and Eileen's. But while out on the dance floor, Dean realizes something that forces him to act. Act boldly.

It's not his day, but he cannot push back what's been there all along, dam bursting with no hope or need of rebuilding itself. He has to say something to Cas.

Why? Because it's Electric... boogie woogie woogie

(Inspired by the Suptober Day 9 prompt - Electric)

Unwrap Me (Dean Winchester/Castiel)

Dean never thought he would make it this far. Nor would he have as many wonderful things that he has now. A home, friends, family, and most importantly love. With a former angel.

Given how normal his life is now, Dean decides he wants to go all out celebrating Christmas. Parties, feasts, and the perfect presents. He wants to get Cas something that will translate everything that resides in his heart. Dean believes he has the right gift, but decides against leading with it. Instead surprising Cas with it after showing him his Christmas best.

Although, during his entire time planning Cas's present, he never wondered what Cas got him...

Disappointment is temporary, but creativity is eternal 🥂 to more fanworks in 2021!!!

[sirrriusblack]

Ickle Potter

I rounded the corner and stopped abruptly. James Potter was strutting down the hallway, holding some sort of parchment and muttering to himself. Every few seconds, he’d push his glasses up his nose and look around. I almost stepped out of the shadows to approach him, to ask him if he was alright. Almost.

“Potter,” I heard a voice say. I knew that voice. Severus. He had his hood on, covering his face and was clutching his wand, waiting for James to turn. James’ eyes widened and he quickly tapped his wand to the parchment before rolling it back up and spinning around.

“Snivellus,” He replied, his tone somewhat civil. I rolled my eyes, ready to stop Potter from being his usual arrogant self, before three more figures rounded the corner behind Severus. Rudolph Lestrange, Lucius Malfoy and Narcissa Black. My breath caught and I hated myself for it, hated that nauseous feeling I got whenever I was alone in the corridors too late at night, whenever I locked eyes with Malfoy’s sort. Even Severus, sometimes. I’d go down defending Severus, don’t get me wrong, I knew he was good, but there was… something off about how he’d been acting lately. Roaming the corridors with his hood covering his face. Spending his time with Lestrange and Malfoy. It wasn’t right. I flinched as Narcissa laughed.

“Ickle Potter, all alone in a dark corridor,” she sneered. “Whatever shall we do?” James ran a hand through his hair, cocky as ever. Severus laughed.

“Nervous, Potter?” he taunted. I couldn’t listen, didn’t want to. Maybe I’d gotten the voice wrong, it wasn’t like I could see his face. Maybe it wasn’t Severus. Though James seemed to think so.

“Not at all Snape, I was just looking at you and for a moment, well I had to check that shampoo still exists,” he explained, and though he was facing away from me, I could basically see the obnoxious grin playing on his face. I rolled my eyes again and Severus huffed. The Slytherins were moving forward now, all four of them, backing James up against the wall. James looked—well, he actually looked nervous.

“You know, Potter, we came out here looking for some filthy mudbloods to hex, but I reckon you’ll do just fine,” Malfoy sneered, leaning into James. I flinched. “Go on, Severus,” he spat and moved away, giving Severus room—to hex James, I realised. Severus raised his wand.

“Sectu—”

“Expelliarmus!” I shouted, sending Severus’ wand flying. James’ eyes were shut, his knuckles white and I realised, James had given up. He knew he wouldn’t have been able to take on all four of them and he was ready to take whatever Severus was going to throw at him. What was the spell he was going to cast? I’d never heard of it.

“Evans?” Lestrange spat, eyes wide. I took a deep breath, fighting down the fear churning in my stomach.

“It’s past curfew and while I can’t prove you were about to hex Potter, I can give you all detention for being out this late, so if you had any sense, you would go back to your dorms now.” I stated, avoiding Severus’ gaze completely, and staring at Rudolph’s robes instead. Narcissa glared at me, shooting daggers with her eyes and took ahold of Lucius’ arm. The three of them spun around and stormed off, hopefully toward the dungeons, leaving James, Severus and I alone. “I said, go back to your dorm, Severus, or I’ll give you detention.”

“Lily I—” I locked eyes with him and for the first time, I understood. I understood what everyone meant, understood the warnings against being his friend. Because I didn’t see Severus. Not my Severus at least. There was something cold and distant behind his eyes, something that sent a chill down my spine.
“Please, go back to your dorm, Severus.” he stared hopelessly, opening and closing his mouth.

“You heard her fishface, bugger off,” James said, his smug smirk so at odds with the nerves he was showing before. I closed my eyes, willing Severus to leave, willing the storm inside me to calm. Severus glared at James.

“You’ll get what’s coming to you, Potter.” James looked nervous, but it was gone in a second and he grinned at Severus, a grin that leaked arrogance. Severus turned around and stormed off. We both waited a while after Severus had left to turn to eachother. I pretended I didn’t see how pale James’ face was and he pretended he didn’t see the conflicted emotions behind my eyes. Instead he smirked.

“Evans, my knight in shining armour!” He teased, bowing dramatically. His face turned more serious. “Are you okay?” I rolled my eyes.

“Same goes for you, Potter, go back to your dorm now or I’ll give you detention.” I rubbed my eyes and made to walk off, but James followed.

“If I’m correct, Evans, you’re not currently on your prefect rounds, so really, you’re not one to talk.” Crap.

“And how would you know my schedule, Potter? That’s a bit odd, wouldn’t one think?” James reached his arm out to touch my hair and I dodged him with a piercing glare.

“Ah, well, you forget that my dear, beloved Moony has the same perfect rounds as you and he is currently pining after a very oblivious Sirius in the common room.” James grinned, something like pride in his eyes. I rolled my eyes again.

“Go back to your dorm James.” The way he ran his hand through his hair had my eyes burning. I wanted to be alone, I wanted to think and James freaking Potter was here being a pompous ass, frankly.

“Well I can’t very well let you traverse the castle with Snivellus roaming the cor—“ I couldn’t bare it, the flood of emotions. I was crying and I was angry and I shoved stupid Potter away from me.

“Go back to your dorm right now, Potter or I swear I call for Professor Mcgonagall.” I yelled at his supid face and his stupid smirk and his stupid taunting eyes.

“Ooh, feisty, Evans! I’m sure Minnie would—“

“Shut up, Potter! You don’t get to be like this, okay? You don’t get to ask me if I’m okay, you don’t get to make fun of my best friend—“ James’ eyes went wide.

“He was about to hex me, Lily! You saw it, you stopped him!” James ran his hands through his hair again, no longer smug. The frantic look in his eyes hit something in my gut, some knot of guilt and fear. I shook my head.

“I did my job as a prefect and sent everyone back to their dorms for being out after curfew.” James shook his head this time.

“Lily don’t try and deny what Snape would have done if you weren’t there to—“

“Have you ever thought that maybe you deserve it, Potter?” I shouted, regretting the words the instant they escaped my mouth. James was silent for a moment and when he finally spoke again, his voice was flat, quiet.

“Have you ever thought that maybe I don’t?” And with that, he walked around me. I let the tears stream down my face for a moment. I could still hear his footsteps, but when I turned around he was nowhere to be seen.

[canyouhearthelight]

The Miys, Ch. 47

Okay, we made it through the first six hours of the food festival, now for Sophia’s shift on the ground. I’ll be honest, when I started writing this chapter, all the characters just ganged up on me and decided to do whatever they wanted...

Needless to say, the results are interesting.  From what I can tell, no one is plotting nefariously in the background this time.

This chapter is dedicated to @parisconstantine, as always, for being an amazing beta and putting up with my shenanigans.  Also, @charlylimph-blog for Charly Harper, along with Coffee Williams, who was mentioned in the previous chapter.

Deep breaths, I reminded myself as I got ready to go back on shift for the festival.  This time, I would be in the crowd instead of holed up in my office, safe from the crush of humanity. GK will be there, I repeated for what had to be the hundredth time. So will Conor and Maverick.  It’s safe. Nothing’s happened yet, and it stands to reason that nothing will. I had been repeating the words in my mind like a prayer for the last hour, refusing to bow out of my responsibilities as a Councillor.  I could do this – I had to be able to do this.

Finally, I cracked a little. “Good Evening, Miys,” I asked the air hesitantly.  I was trying to be more polite and treat them the way I would treat another human. Results had varied. “Do I need to go to a medbay to get a mild sedative for anxiety, or am I allowed to get it from my console?”

“Good evening, Wisdom,” the reply hummed quietly. “Since it is a standard prescription in your medical file, you can request a half dose every four hours, or the full dose will otherwise be added to your meals. Since you are attending a public eating event, it is noted that you should take the half dose before the event and the other half after if needed.  Kim was notified to advise you when she arrived.  She also has moderate override authority should she judge that you need additional medication after the event, so long as Antoine Costa approves it himself.”

I felt both relieved and stung at the same time, like a too-old bandage being ripped off.  Conflicting feelings aside, I didn’t hesitate to request the medication from my console along with a glass of water to wash it down. “Miys, can you please notify Grandma Kim that I already took the half dose with you as witness? I don’t want her to think I’m trying to get out of my medications.” I was pretty bad about doing that as it was, so the odds of her believing me that I actually requested the dose were pretty slim.

“Yes, Wisdom.  I have notified her.”

“Thank you, Miys.”

“It is our… pleasure?”

“Pleasure means you gained enjoyment satisfaction from performing a task, rather than simply performing it out of obligation.”

“Then yes, it is our pleasure.”

I settled down on my couch as I waited for the rest of my ‘team’ to arrive.  I waited for Mac to bounce into my lap like he always did, but he was nowhere to be found. Probably begging food at the festival, the pig, I chuckled.  If he gained much more weight, I’d have to send out a ship-wide announcement that he was on a strict diet and not to feed him no matter how cute he was.  That, or send Mac to the quarters of whoever kept feeding him cheese and let them deal with the biological warfare that resulted.

“Maybe I can send the entire ship a video of Mac being treated, again, for obstructed bowel,” I mused at the thin air just as the door to my quarters chimed.  As expected, my two guard-shadows flanked a deceptively-normal looking older woman, the tableau completed by the enormous German Shepherd giving me a doggy grin at her feet.

With a look of pure mischief in his eyes, Maverick opened his mouth to say something.  Grandma Kim, however, beat him to the punch. “Two sides of beef in shining armor, delivered as promised,” she quipped without batting an eyelash.

The astonishment on the men’s faces snapped the last bit of tension in me and I started howling with laughter. Lyric was quick to support me as I went to my knees, unable to breathe from shrieking in amusement.  Unperturbed, GK left her two victims at the door and just stepped around me to get herself some tea.  “Are you released to drink coffee, love?” she called over her shoulder as though I wasn’t gasping and dripping tears on her dog.

I managed to give a thumbs-down and shake my head, hoping she could see.  Slowly, I got my breathing under control and wobble to my feet, face hurting from smiling so hard. “God, I needed that,” I chuckled, wiping the last tears from my cheeks. Glancing at the door, I noticed Conor and Maverick were still standing there, thunderous scowls in the place of their usual grins.  “Oh, come on, you goobers.  Stop being such sourpusses and get in here.”

Conor relented first, groaning and dropping his head back as he stomped into my quarters like a toddler.  Maverick finally shook his head at the other man’s theatrics and padded in, allowing the door to slide shut behind him.  He spoke first. “I thought you were supposed to be released to drink coffee today?”

“I technically am.” Looking down, I twisted my fingers and focused on my feet.  “But I’m nervous about all the people, and I couldn’t calm myself down for the past hour, so I took half a dose of my sedative a few minutes ago.  I don’t want the caffeine to get me keyed up and jittery again.”

I felt Grandma Kim pat me on the arm. “Well then,” she said softly before putting a warm mug in my hand. “Ginger lemon tea, it is.”  I took the mug and sipped it, grateful to have something to do with my hands as I walked over to where Conor had already slung himself across my couch.

As soon as I was close enough, he hooked an arm around my waist and tugged me next to him.  Without thinking, I snuggled into his side so he would stroke my hair. “Sophie, everything on Beta shift was smooth as glass.  I’ll be with you, this eejit will be there,” he gestured floridly at Maverick, who had just sprawled on the other side of me. “Xiomara will be on the ground, so will these two fine ladies.” He pointed at Grandma Kim and Lyric for emphasis.  The effect was somewhat undone by the fact that Lyric had chose that moment to lick a certain portion of her anatomy.  Rolling his eyes but not missing a beat, Conor continued. “None of us will let you get hurt, swear.”

“You aren’t the only one who’s nervous, Sophie,” Maverick added, reaching over to tap my chin. “We’re scared something is going to happen to you, that’s why we wanted to be there.  Yeah, we know logically that GK and Lyric are perfectly capable of keeping you safe.  But emotionally? We need to see it for ourselves.”  He paused to shoot a glare over my shoulder. “Shut up. She needs to hear this more than you need your dumb pride, Conor.” After another moment of silence, Maverick looked back to me. “Look.  We both already did our shifts. We could stay behind if we wanted, no foul. If we did, though, we’d worry to death about you until we barged down there, forced our way through the crowd, and probably scared the life out of you by abducting you to make sure you were okay.  May as well just be there from the outset and save ourselves from pissing you off.”

A glance back at Conor showed him biting his lip in embarrassment, a dead giveaway that Maverick was right.  I managed – barely – not to snort at the picture Maverick painted, only saved by how touched I was by their concern.  Squeezing both their knees, I smiled.  “Glad to know I’m not the only nervous wreck.”

Between the medication and the knowledge that my shadows were just as worried as I was, I managed to make it all the way to the area of the festival before I balked again. I silently thanked the medication I had chosen to take, knowing that I would be much worse off without it. Deep breaths. “Okay, crowd or no crowd, there is food in there, and I’m going to have some,” I said aloud, mainly to myself.

Just then, my data band chirped with a familiar voice. “Delta Shift, please report when you are online.”

“Sophia Reid, Resource Observation, online and en route to relieve Eino Wiitala and Evania Josue.” I managed to sound calm.

“Grandma Kim and Lyric, Crowd Control, online.” She quirked an eyebrow and smirked at me.

“Maverick Okima, Support Personnel, online and en route to relieve Eino Wiitala and Evania Josue.”

“Conor MacMaoilir, Support Personnel, online and en route to relieve Eino Wiitala and Evania Josue.”

“Wait, what the hell?” I gaped. “I thought GK was my support?”

She shook her head with a chuckle.  “Misters Okima and MacMaoilir convinced me to let them register as your support, so that they could keep a better watch on you. I’ll still be close by, as we have the same route, but this frees me up to act as crowd control if you are safe and there is an issue that needs to be addressed nearby.”

I whirled around to face the two men behind me. “And what exactly do you plan to do if I’m attacked?” I asked scathingly.

Unimpressed, Conor pointed at Maverick first. “Pick you up and take you to a safe location.” He reoriented his finger to himself. “Restrain the attacker until Xio’s people arrive.  You tend to overlook the fact that I’m one of the bigger feckers on this boat, and as much as I don’t like to, I can beat the breaks of a body if I need to.” With a pointed look that he clearly picked up from my sister, he dared me to argue.

“Whatever,” I grumbled, refusing to admit defeat. Instead, I squared my shoulders, chin up, and turned toward the festival.  “Okay, food. Let’s find Eino and Evan and get this show on the road.”

We managed to find the pair without incident, although Grandma Kim had to wrangle Conor away from a few vendors and remind him that we need to relieve Gamma Shift first.  Finally, we were ready for handoff, and both shifts held our collective breaths.

True to her nature, Xiomara had already spent Gamma Shift as Crowd Control Command, but was handing off to Simon as Resource Command for Delta.  When I had questioned her about working two sessions back to back, she had simply waggled her eyebrows at me. No rest for the wicked, Sophia, she had laughed. She wasn’t laughing quite so much now.

“Xiomara Kalloe, Crowd Control for Delta Shift, online.  Also, as Crowd Control Command for Gamma Shift, reporting for handoff to Resource Command. Simon, confirm handoff?”

“Simon Rodriguez, Delta Shift Resource Command, confirming handoff.”

Xiomara shook her head with a scowl before turning a bright smile towards me. “I don’t think I’ll ever get use to him being back on the Council.  How are you?” Briefly, she held and squeezed my shoulders – her version of an arms-reach hug.

“I’m okay,” I exhaled. “Still not sure I’m ready to be around so many people, but if I can’t be safe with so much security around, when can I be?”

“Truth,” she nodded before turning to my ersatz guards. “Conor, Maverick.  Good to see you two.  I know Sophia is here in an official capacity, but please make sure she has some fun.  Stuff her full of food, take her to the pub, whole shebang.”

“You’ve got it, Commander,” Maverick saluted crisply. Some habits died hard, and he refused to stop treating Xio as his commanding officer.  She took it with as much grace as she could muster, which wasn’t much. She’d stopped scolding him, though, so that was something.

The next several hours after that were a whirlwind of flavors and smells, briefly punctuated by stops in the various quiet rooms. Conor and Maverick took turns dragging me to the different vendors they had discovered on their previous shifts.  Some of the foods offered could only be described as artistry: an amuse-bouche that still managed to capture the flavor of an entire bowl of ramen, meat with actual marbling, bubbles of soup that exploded in your mouth. Several times, they had to haul me away from badgering the vendors for their secrets.

My data band showed we were just over halfway through our shift as the men dragged me into one of the Green quiet rooms.  “You don’t understand how hard it is to get properly marbled prosciutto from the consoles!” I argued for the fifth time as they gently shoved me onto a beanbag.

“Probably not, but I understand that you need some water,” Conor insisted.  “We’re glad you’re having fun, believe me, but Tyche gave us strict instructions not to let you get overwhelmed.  And before you say you aren’t, your hands are shaking and you started swaying a bit back there.”

“Fine,” I sulked, gracious as a toddler.  “You’re all conspiring, I just know it.”

“Yep,” Maverick agreed cheerfully. “We’re conspiring to make you take care of yourself.” With that, he dropped a bottle of water in my lap.  “Drink, please.  At least half.”

Grumbling, I opened the bottle and took a swig. “Big talk coming from the guy who requires a prescription to eat.”

“Sophie,” Conor scolded. “That’s low, and you know it.”

My immediate shame showed how right he was. “I’m sorry, Maverick. That wasn’t fair.”

“No, it wasn’t,” my target confirmed. “But, you and Antoine did that to make sure I took care of myself.  Now, Conor and I are doing the same.  Just the fact that you’re being such a brat shows that you need a break.”

I gaped for a second before snapping my mouth shut.  Maverick had a point – he usually did, much to my frequent consternation.  When he started spending more time around, a bit of digging in his file showed that he shared the same Clarity I possessed, but it was by and far his strongest trait.  Where Conor was too kind to call me on my bullshit, Maverick had no such compunctions. That, combined with a startling lack of self-preservation, was largely the reason Tyche and I had swept him up in our family.

After a few seconds of awkward silence, Maverick started humming as he looked around the room.  Suddenly, he whirled around with one finger jutting out in weaponized precision. “Conor. You designed this room, didn’t you?”

With narrowed eyes, the other man answered slowly. “Yeaahhh, I helped… why?”

Maverick reached out to flick a vine of what looked like green bubbles. “String of pearls. My aunt grew these.  They’re difficult to get this big.”

“They’re succulents, yeah,” Conor started warming to the topic. “They didn’t take well to hydroponics, and the aeroponics were incredibly finicky.  We had to design a completely new setup for them.”

“You didn’t tell me that,” I turned my head, wide eyed.  “You just showed up with them.”

He blushed slightly. “There wasn’t any point in figuring out how to grow them if no one would see them,” he admitted. “But they’re poisonous to cats, so I couldn’t put any in your quarters or Tyche’s.”

“Oh. I think I would kill them, anyway,” I admitted. “I’ve never been good with succulents.”

“That, too,” he winked at me.

After a few more minutes of idle conversation, we braved the crushing throng of humanity in the corridor again. We had barely made it twenty feet before Conor tugged on my hand and steered Maverick by the shoulder to a stall.  I assumed it was to try another tidbit of the wares the festival was centered around, but to my surprise, he walked up to a tall black gentleman in a pink, short sleeved shirt. Just before we reached them, he called out cheerfully. “Coffee!  Is that Charly with you?”

The man – who had to be Coffee Williams – turned around with a broad smile, as did the petite brunette next to him. “Conor! Good to see you, man,” he chuckled, clapping a hand to Conor’s shoulder. He glanced at me and Maverick. “Miss Sophia, it is delightful to finally meet you.  And you must be Maverick Okima.”  He gently squeezed my hand in both of his larger ones before giving Maverick a firm handshake.  He gently – almost reverently – brought the young woman with him to stand in front of him. She glanced down nervously and started rubbing her hands on her skirt.  “Sophia, Maverick, this is Charly Harper.”

She shot a look up at me and glanced at the shortest of the three men present. “It’s nice to meet you,” she nodded before turning, the delicate smile brightening her face again. “Hi, Conor.  I’m glad we ran into you.”  When she tipped her head back to see Conor’s face, and I caught a glimpse of something brown circling her throat.

“Oh! Is that a new collar?” Conor asked with genuine enthusiasm as he crouched to get a better look.  She obligingly kept her head tipped slightly back so he could see better before standing back up again. “That’s beautiful!  Well done.”  The second part of that seemed directed at Coffee, and I puzzled at that before suddenly something clicked in my head.

Oh. “May I see?” I asked politely. She glanced up at her companion before giving me a nod and tipping her head for me.  To err on the side of good manners, I made a point not to touch the collar.  “Oh, wow… that’s really lovely.”  I wasn’t exaggerating.  It looked softer than butter, in a warm brown leather with an intricate pattern worked into it.  It was clearly made by hand.

“I’m sorry, what – “

“We’ll explain later,” I cut off Maverick as gently as possible. “I promise.  But I assure you, it’s very pretty.” The last was directed at Charly and Coffee.  The latter nodded his thanks, although I wasn’t sure if it was for complimenting the collar or for keeping their business private.

Charly suddenly bounced a bit.  “Oh! You three should try this stall! It’s chocolate, all kinds.  Milk, dark, plain, fancy, you name it! They swear they have chocolate for every taste on the ship.”

Conor and Maverick groaned in unison before shaking their heads at Coffee.  Charly looked confused before I shot her a shark-like grin.  “I love trying new flavors.  Challenge Accepted!”

<< Prev  Masterlist  Next >>

[louthegreatfurrry]

the impossible, for evan uwu

There are hands on Pinky's skin.

There is also sand in his boots. "I have sand in my boots," he says, because he's no liar.

Sabeltann, the owner of the hands, laughs. "Of course you do."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Pinky asks, jokingly offended.

"Oh, nothing, dear," says Sabeltann lightly, his fingers on Pinky's wrists twitching.

Pinky rolls his eyes behind the blindfold. He can feel Sabeltann's amusement through the touch. There's silence for a moment. Waves roll in the distance; Pinky cocks his head to better listen. "Where are you taking me, anyway?"

"The beach," says Sabeltann.

"Really?" says Pinky drily, and flexes his sand-covered toes. "I never would've figured."

A helpless little chuckle. "Patience, my sweet, patience. You'll learn soon enough."

"Sometimes," Pinky says, "I regret making the first move."

"And then you remember how dazzlingly handsome I am?"

"And then I remember how dazzlingly handsome you are."

Sabeltann laughs, loud and real, and Pinky can't help the soft smile he feels spread over his face. They walk only a few steps more, Sabeltann steadying Pinky when he stumbles in a loose root he - naturally - can't see.

"Okay," Sabeltann eventually says, "hold still." He moves behind him, hands gentle against his hair. After a bit of fumbling, the cloth tied around Pinky's head is pulled off and away.

Pinky blinks at the bright light, squinting as he tries to adjust. Indeed, they are on a beach - sandy, some shrubbery creeping up to the sand but stilling there. He knows the Grim Lady must be nearby - he'd been aboard her as recently as half an hour ago, after all - but due to the formation of the beach, he can't see her.

That isn't important, though. In the sand stands an improvised table - an overturned barrel with a white cloth thrown over it - joined by two crates similar to the ones they use as chairs on the deck of the Lady. Steaming plates are on the table, along with a single lit candle. The sunset against the dark-blue sea lights the scene in a muted, golden hue.

"Oh," says Pinky, very softly, very kindly.

"Happy birthday," Sabeltann whispers, pressing a gentle kiss to Pinky's temple. "Sponsored by Gusto."

"Is it..." Pinky asks, fingers curling loosely around Sabeltann's, resting on his waist.

"Buttered chicken? Of course," says Sabeltann, and squeezes lightly.

Pinky's favourite. "I love you," he says.

"Anything for you." Sabeltann steps towards the table.

Suddenly it makes sense why he's dressed up.

Pinky picks at his own shirt, hoping to brush off some of the salt he knows is there. They returned home to Abra just today, and he'd been working close to the gunwale the whole day. Water has coated him more than once. Terribly flustered, he follows Sabeltann to the table. "I'm sorry I'm not better dressed," he says, not quite meeting Sabeltann's eyes.

Sabeltann, who'd waited for Pinky to sit before getting seated himself, gives him a look. "I gave you no warning, Pinky. It's been a long day, don't worry about it - I want you to enjoy yourself. Okay?" He reaches across the table to gently take Pinky's hand. "Can you do that?"

"I want to look good for you," Pinky protests, but it's weak, and they both know it. He's learned to trust his captain in matters like these. If there was a problem, Sabeltann would tell him.

"And you do, my star. Every day. Always." He smiles, his eyes wrinkling in that specific way Pinky has ever only associated with him. "The food's getting cold."

Pinky startles, reaching hurriedly for the cutlery. He takes a few bites, ducking his head over the delicious chicken to hide his thoughtful expression. "Thank you," he says, quietly. He knows Sabeltann glances up at him without having to look. "I don't know how you keep doing this."

"Doing what?" Sabeltann asks. His voice is also quiet; there's a gentle concern in his tone.

Loving me, Pinky doesn't say. "Surprising me," he says instead, smiling. "Making me feel special, I guess."

Maybe it's the setting sun casting strange shadows across Sabeltann's face, and maybe it's just that he dares to look at Pinky like he carved the moon, but his words are weighted when he says, "It's because you are."

And Pinky believes him.

Later, when they've finished eating - ("Do we bring it back to the inn?" - "No, Gusto said he'd collect it.") - Sabeltann grabs Pinky's hand and pulls him along the beach. It's the late hours of twilight, the warmth of summer still trembling in the air. "I want to show you something," says Sabeltann, and kisses him with sweet lips.

Pinky giggles into his mouth and lets himself be pulled along further, stumbling in the sand. Sabeltann steadies him, laughing, and kisses him again.

He takes him to a little alcove, shaped by the water in ancient times. Now it lies dry, right by the sand - shielded from view from Abra, the harbour, and any curious souls that may be walking about. "I used to come here often," says Sabeltann, and drags Pinky down to sit in his lap, hands folding around him. Pinky melds against him, happily tucking his head beneath Sabeltann's chin. "A few decades ago, the water was higher - just high enough to make it possible to rest here, with water to my chest." He's quiet for a moment; Pinky reaches up to tangle his fingers in his hair. "It's one of my favourite places."

"Why?" Pinky asks, curious.

And Sabeltann leans down to whisper against his skin, "Look up."

And Pinky does. A soft little, "Oh," escapes his lips at the sight of the world unfurled above him. He's seen the stars often enough before, but – there's something about them, now, like the veil between worlds is thinner than usual.

"It's the light from Abra," Sabeltann explains, lacing his fingers with Pinky's. "Shielded, yet not. And the ocean is strong here." With his other hand, he traces gentle circles against Pinky's thigh.

Pinky closes his eyes, intent to just feel. "Thank you for showing me," he whispers. His heart thrums through his chest, warm and lazy, bearing none of the Pinky's uncertainties – none of the self-consciousness or fear. "I love you," he adds, because one can never say that enough. Especially not when one feels like this.

"I love you, too," Sabeltann replies, shifting to nuzzle the top of Pinky's head. "More with every day that passes."

Pinky is about to respond to that, but it occurs to him, very abruptly, that he's barely seen Sabeltann all day. "How was your day, actually?" he asks.

Surprised silence, then a bout of helpless giggles from Sabeltann. "Back to small-talk? Really? Something you're trying to tell me, love?"

"Not at all, dear captain mine," says Pinky, grinning though Sabeltann can't see it, "I just remembered I haven't seen you all day, and I'm curious." He turns to rest his head on Sabeltann's shoulder, glancing up at him through his bangs.

Sabeltann doesn't look at him, expression not quite conflicted, but not quite not, either. "Pinky," he says, and stops, considering. "You're the best thing to ever happen to me."

Pinky's heart constricts, and he swallows, shifting, throwing an arm around Sabeltann's chest to semi-hug him, semi-press his own nose against his neck. He doesn't answer; can't – he knows when Sabeltann lies to him.

He isn't lying now.

"I mean it!" Sabeltann exclaims, apparently taking Pinky's too-gay-to-function response as his disbelief. "I mean it, angel. You're the most important thing in my life. More important than the Lady, than gold, and gems, and jewels. I'd give it all up for you."

Pinky sniffles. "I'm no poet," he whispers, a half-choked apology for not having a response. "I'm no poet, captain, you know that."

"I don't expect you to be," Sabeltann soothes, brushing his fingers against Pinky's cheek – tucking some hair away behind his ear. "I just want you to be happy."

Pinky's breath hitches. I love you, he doesn't say, I love you, I love you, I love you, he doesn't say. He does say, "I think I want to marry you."

Sabeltann tenses and Pinky immediately regrets saying the words out loud. It's not the first time he's thought them – not the first time he's dreamed, or wished, or hoped – though he should've known better. Should've known pretty words don't mean anything binding, however truthful they are.

But when Sabeltann speaks, the words tremble with choked hope. "Do you mean that?"

Pinky swallows. Swallows. "If you want me to."

"Do you want me to want you to?"

Yes! yells Pinky's heart. Yes, yes, a thousand times, yes! He doesn't look at Sabeltann when he answers, a quiet little, "Maybe…"

Sabeltann pulls away from him, placing palms flat against his cheeks, gaze searching his. "Pinky, please," he whispers. "Please. Tell me the truth."

Pinky traces trembling fingers down Sabeltann's exposed neck, lingering at the familiar, muted splotches of his markings. "Yes," he says, "yes, I want – I would quite like – to. Marry you. Yes. But it's just – it's just me, you don't have to – if you don't want, which you don't, I –"

Sabeltann kisses him. He's trembling, lips and hands and all. "I," says Sabeltann, when he pulls back, eyes half-lidded, "would quite like to marry you, too, Pinky."

"Don't say that just because I want to hear it," Pinky says, even though he knows he's not– he can tell – Sabeltann never trembles, not unless it's something important.

Sabeltann scoffs. "Don't be an idiot," he says and kisses him again. "When have I ever done something I didn't want to?"

Pinky's about to point out the countless of times Sabeltann has eaten Skalken's decaying rat soup but bites his tongue. Comparing himself to that is a step too low. "You mean it?" he asks instead. Sabeltann just looks at him – really looks, his eyes soft, his hands tender. "You mean it," Pinky concludes.

"Yes." Sabeltann touches their foreheads together gently, skin against skin, breaths mingling. They sit there for a long moment, and then Sabeltann sighs, pulling back. "It's getting late. We should get back to the ship."

Taking the hint, Pinky nods, climbing to his feet before helping Sabeltann stand.

"We can talk more about – marriage," says Sabeltann, and his voice rises and nearly breaks against the word, but it's in a good way, "later… okay?"

And Pinky leans against him, fingers tangling in his, and whispers, "okay." He glances up at him; at his hair falling freely down his back, his eyes gleaming in the distant moonlight; at his lips, crooked in a tender smile. "Thank you," Pinky says.

The tender smile turns puzzled. "For what?"

For loving me. "For everything."

[cleopatrarps]

In northwest Syria, Turkey extends aid and casts big shadow

AFRIN, Syria (Reuters) – The flags that fly over Afrin are both Syrian opposition and Turkish, but there is little doubt who is in control of this battle-scarred city.

FILE PHOTO: People speak with Turkish soldiers in the center of Afrin, Syria March 24, 2018. REUTERS/Khalil Ashawi/File Photo

Nearly four months after Turkey-backed forces captured the northern Syrian enclave from a Kurdish militia, signs of Turkey’s influence are everywhere: from the soft drinks sold in dusty shops to the heavy presence of its security forces on the streets.

Turkey’s push into northwest Syria opened a new front in the multi-sided civil war and highlighted the ever-greater role of foreign powers in the seven-year-old conflict. It is not clear how long Turkey will continue to hold sway over Afrin, previously a Kurdish-dominated area near its southern border.

(Syria – areas of control: tmsnrt.rs/2JCynMn)

“When Turkey came to help, we stayed here,” said Ahmad Jaad, a 27-year-old history teacher who said he had been living in Afrin for the last four years. An Arab, he said he supported the mainly Arab rebels and said life was better than under the Kurdish militia.

He was speaking to a group of foreign reporters visiting Afrin with Turkish officials.

Under an operation dubbed “Olive Branch” by Ankara, the military and its Free Syrian Army allies drove YPG Kurdish fighters from Afrin in March. Turkey considers the YPG a terrorist group and an extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has waged a three-decade insurgency in Turkey’s largely Kurdish southeast.

President Tayyip Erdogan has threatened to crush what he calls the “terror corridor” of YPG-controlled territory along the southern border with Syria. That has increased tension with the United States, Turkey’s NATO ally, which has backed the YPG in the fight against Islamic State.

“They opened hospitals. They collected children to go to school,” said 31-year-old Muhammed Khaled, a member of the recently elected local council in Afrin, about Turkey’s efforts.

In April, 20 people were elected to the local council, the mayor, Zuhair Haydar, told reporters through an interpreter. He said members included Kurds, Turkmens and Arabs.

HOSPITALS, SCHOOLS

The Kurdish-led authority that runs parts of northern Syria, and previously Afrin, sees Turkey as an invader.

“Afrin is occupied,” said Ilham Ahmed, who comes from Afrin and is a senior member of the Kurdish-led political authority, told Reuters in a recent interview. “People uprooted from Afrin are now living in a small area, in camps and destroyed houses.”

She also accused Turkey of resettling insurgent fighters and their families in Afrin.

Turkey has repeatedly denied allegations of human rights violations and dismissed them as terrorist propaganda.

Two years ago, Turkey intervened further east in northern Syria, an operation called “Euphrates Shield”, to sweep out Islamic State fighters and check the advance of the YPG. It has retained a presence there since and is opening schools and helping to run hospitals.

In that region, schoolchildren study Turkish and there are Turkish signposts, Turkey-trained police and a Turkish post office. Damascus has accused Turkey of colonial ambitions, while some Syrian activists decry what they say is “Turkification”.

Erdogan has said that Turkey has no wish to occupy areas of Syria and wants the rightful owners of those regions to return. One official said Afrin would likely follow a “similar model” to the areas to the east.

Turkish security forces will start a process of withdrawing from Afrin next week, the official said, adding it would be a long-term project, as local police needed to be fully trained before it could be completed.

Some 2,000 people are being trained as local police, another official said.

“We are scared of the situation, the problem is the youth. There is no security for the young men,” said one woman on the street, before slipping away.

LOOTING REPORTS

Armed young men – some looking as young as their late teens – manned checkpoints, wearing fatigues and sandals. Police vans sported writing in both Turkish and Arabic, and had Turkish flags taped on their windows.

The United Nations has said more than 134,000 people remain displaced in dire conditions in a zone around some nearby towns. Some limited returns to Afrin took place in May, it said.

Rights group Human Rights Watch said last month that Turkey-backed rebels seized, looted and destroyed property belonging to Kurdish civilians in the aftermath of the Afrin offensive.

Turkish officials in March said they were looking into allegations of looting and property seizure and that they would ensure Afrin would be a safe place for residents to return to.

Turkey says that some 140,000 people have returned to Afrin since the offensive ended, although there is no ethnic breakdown of the returnees. The population is around 300,000 now, according to one of the Turkish officials.

While many shops remain closed, with graffiti spray-painted across their shutters, one street teemed with people.

At a makeshift market, an elderly man sat among some caged chickens. A dozen plump catfish, one still squirming in the midday heat, were laid out on the floor in front of him.

Turkey aims to get the olive oil industry working, after facilities were damaged in fighting, another official said.

The officials met reporters in a secure compound off the main street. The sign on that building read “Republic of Turkey Hatay Governor’s Office, Afrin Humanitarian Aid Coordination Centre”. Above the building flew the Syrian opposition flag and, above that, the Turkish flag.

“This is a specific spot under the control of Turkish authorities,” said one of the officials about the building.

Additional reporting by Ellen Francis in Beirut; Ali Kucukgocmen and Dominic Evans in Istanbul; Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg

The post In northwest Syria, Turkey extends aid and casts big shadow appeared first on World The News.

from World The News https://ift.tt/2z3SQFF via News of World

[dragnews]

In northwest Syria, Turkey extends aid and casts big shadow

AFRIN, Syria (Reuters) – The flags that fly over Afrin are both Syrian opposition and Turkish, but there is little doubt who is in control of this battle-scarred city.

FILE PHOTO: People speak with Turkish soldiers in the center of Afrin, Syria March 24, 2018. REUTERS/Khalil Ashawi/File Photo

Nearly four months after Turkey-backed forces captured the northern Syrian enclave from a Kurdish militia, signs of Turkey’s influence are everywhere: from the soft drinks sold in dusty shops to the heavy presence of its security forces on the streets.

Turkey’s push into northwest Syria opened a new front in the multi-sided civil war and highlighted the ever-greater role of foreign powers in the seven-year-old conflict. It is not clear how long Turkey will continue to hold sway over Afrin, previously a Kurdish-dominated area near its southern border.

(Syria – areas of control: tmsnrt.rs/2JCynMn)

“When Turkey came to help, we stayed here,” said Ahmad Jaad, a 27-year-old history teacher who said he had been living in Afrin for the last four years. An Arab, he said he supported the mainly Arab rebels and said life was better than under the Kurdish militia.

He was speaking to a group of foreign reporters visiting Afrin with Turkish officials.

Under an operation dubbed “Olive Branch” by Ankara, the military and its Free Syrian Army allies drove YPG Kurdish fighters from Afrin in March. Turkey considers the YPG a terrorist group and an extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has waged a three-decade insurgency in Turkey’s largely Kurdish southeast.

President Tayyip Erdogan has threatened to crush what he calls the “terror corridor” of YPG-controlled territory along the southern border with Syria. That has increased tension with the United States, Turkey’s NATO ally, which has backed the YPG in the fight against Islamic State.

“They opened hospitals. They collected children to go to school,” said 31-year-old Muhammed Khaled, a member of the recently elected local council in Afrin, about Turkey’s efforts.

In April, 20 people were elected to the local council, the mayor, Zuhair Haydar, told reporters through an interpreter. He said members included Kurds, Turkmens and Arabs.

HOSPITALS, SCHOOLS

The Kurdish-led authority that runs parts of northern Syria, and previously Afrin, sees Turkey as an invader.

“Afrin is occupied,” said Ilham Ahmed, who comes from Afrin and is a senior member of the Kurdish-led political authority, told Reuters in a recent interview. “People uprooted from Afrin are now living in a small area, in camps and destroyed houses.”

She also accused Turkey of resettling insurgent fighters and their families in Afrin.

Turkey has repeatedly denied allegations of human rights violations and dismissed them as terrorist propaganda.

Two years ago, Turkey intervened further east in northern Syria, an operation called “Euphrates Shield”, to sweep out Islamic State fighters and check the advance of the YPG. It has retained a presence there since and is opening schools and helping to run hospitals.

In that region, schoolchildren study Turkish and there are Turkish signposts, Turkey-trained police and a Turkish post office. Damascus has accused Turkey of colonial ambitions, while some Syrian activists decry what they say is “Turkification”.

Erdogan has said that Turkey has no wish to occupy areas of Syria and wants the rightful owners of those regions to return. One official said Afrin would likely follow a “similar model” to the areas to the east.

Turkish security forces will start a process of withdrawing from Afrin next week, the official said, adding it would be a long-term project, as local police needed to be fully trained before it could be completed.

Some 2,000 people are being trained as local police, another official said.

“We are scared of the situation, the problem is the youth. There is no security for the young men,” said one woman on the street, before slipping away.

LOOTING REPORTS

Armed young men – some looking as young as their late teens – manned checkpoints, wearing fatigues and sandals. Police vans sported writing in both Turkish and Arabic, and had Turkish flags taped on their windows.

The United Nations has said more than 134,000 people remain displaced in dire conditions in a zone around some nearby towns. Some limited returns to Afrin took place in May, it said.

Rights group Human Rights Watch said last month that Turkey-backed rebels seized, looted and destroyed property belonging to Kurdish civilians in the aftermath of the Afrin offensive.

Turkish officials in March said they were looking into allegations of looting and property seizure and that they would ensure Afrin would be a safe place for residents to return to.

Turkey says that some 140,000 people have returned to Afrin since the offensive ended, although there is no ethnic breakdown of the returnees. The population is around 300,000 now, according to one of the Turkish officials.

While many shops remain closed, with graffiti spray-painted across their shutters, one street teemed with people.

At a makeshift market, an elderly man sat among some caged chickens. A dozen plump catfish, one still squirming in the midday heat, were laid out on the floor in front of him.

Turkey aims to get the olive oil industry working, after facilities were damaged in fighting, another official said.

The officials met reporters in a secure compound off the main street. The sign on that building read “Republic of Turkey Hatay Governor’s Office, Afrin Humanitarian Aid Coordination Centre”. Above the building flew the Syrian opposition flag and, above that, the Turkish flag.

“This is a specific spot under the control of Turkish authorities,” said one of the officials about the building.

Additional reporting by Ellen Francis in Beirut; Ali Kucukgocmen and Dominic Evans in Istanbul; Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg

The post In northwest Syria, Turkey extends aid and casts big shadow appeared first on World The News.

from World The News https://ift.tt/2z3SQFF via Today News

[party-hard-or-die]

In northwest Syria, Turkey extends aid and casts big shadow

AFRIN, Syria (Reuters) – The flags that fly over Afrin are both Syrian opposition and Turkish, but there is little doubt who is in control of this battle-scarred city.

FILE PHOTO: People speak with Turkish soldiers in the center of Afrin, Syria March 24, 2018. REUTERS/Khalil Ashawi/File Photo

Nearly four months after Turkey-backed forces captured the northern Syrian enclave from a Kurdish militia, signs of Turkey’s influence are everywhere: from the soft drinks sold in dusty shops to the heavy presence of its security forces on the streets.

Turkey’s push into northwest Syria opened a new front in the multi-sided civil war and highlighted the ever-greater role of foreign powers in the seven-year-old conflict. It is not clear how long Turkey will continue to hold sway over Afrin, previously a Kurdish-dominated area near its southern border.

(Syria – areas of control: tmsnrt.rs/2JCynMn)

“When Turkey came to help, we stayed here,” said Ahmad Jaad, a 27-year-old history teacher who said he had been living in Afrin for the last four years. An Arab, he said he supported the mainly Arab rebels and said life was better than under the Kurdish militia.

He was speaking to a group of foreign reporters visiting Afrin with Turkish officials.

Under an operation dubbed “Olive Branch” by Ankara, the military and its Free Syrian Army allies drove YPG Kurdish fighters from Afrin in March. Turkey considers the YPG a terrorist group and an extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has waged a three-decade insurgency in Turkey’s largely Kurdish southeast.

President Tayyip Erdogan has threatened to crush what he calls the “terror corridor” of YPG-controlled territory along the southern border with Syria. That has increased tension with the United States, Turkey’s NATO ally, which has backed the YPG in the fight against Islamic State.

“They opened hospitals. They collected children to go to school,” said 31-year-old Muhammed Khaled, a member of the recently elected local council in Afrin, about Turkey’s efforts.

In April, 20 people were elected to the local council, the mayor, Zuhair Haydar, told reporters through an interpreter. He said members included Kurds, Turkmens and Arabs.

HOSPITALS, SCHOOLS

The Kurdish-led authority that runs parts of northern Syria, and previously Afrin, sees Turkey as an invader.

“Afrin is occupied,” said Ilham Ahmed, who comes from Afrin and is a senior member of the Kurdish-led political authority, told Reuters in a recent interview. “People uprooted from Afrin are now living in a small area, in camps and destroyed houses.”

She also accused Turkey of resettling insurgent fighters and their families in Afrin.

Turkey has repeatedly denied allegations of human rights violations and dismissed them as terrorist propaganda.

Two years ago, Turkey intervened further east in northern Syria, an operation called “Euphrates Shield”, to sweep out Islamic State fighters and check the advance of the YPG. It has retained a presence there since and is opening schools and helping to run hospitals.

In that region, schoolchildren study Turkish and there are Turkish signposts, Turkey-trained police and a Turkish post office. Damascus has accused Turkey of colonial ambitions, while some Syrian activists decry what they say is “Turkification”.

Erdogan has said that Turkey has no wish to occupy areas of Syria and wants the rightful owners of those regions to return. One official said Afrin would likely follow a “similar model” to the areas to the east.

Turkish security forces will start a process of withdrawing from Afrin next week, the official said, adding it would be a long-term project, as local police needed to be fully trained before it could be completed.

Some 2,000 people are being trained as local police, another official said.

“We are scared of the situation, the problem is the youth. There is no security for the young men,” said one woman on the street, before slipping away.

LOOTING REPORTS

Armed young men – some looking as young as their late teens – manned checkpoints, wearing fatigues and sandals. Police vans sported writing in both Turkish and Arabic, and had Turkish flags taped on their windows.

The United Nations has said more than 134,000 people remain displaced in dire conditions in a zone around some nearby towns. Some limited returns to Afrin took place in May, it said.

Rights group Human Rights Watch said last month that Turkey-backed rebels seized, looted and destroyed property belonging to Kurdish civilians in the aftermath of the Afrin offensive.

Turkish officials in March said they were looking into allegations of looting and property seizure and that they would ensure Afrin would be a safe place for residents to return to.

Turkey says that some 140,000 people have returned to Afrin since the offensive ended, although there is no ethnic breakdown of the returnees. The population is around 300,000 now, according to one of the Turkish officials.

While many shops remain closed, with graffiti spray-painted across their shutters, one street teemed with people.

At a makeshift market, an elderly man sat among some caged chickens. A dozen plump catfish, one still squirming in the midday heat, were laid out on the floor in front of him.

Turkey aims to get the olive oil industry working, after facilities were damaged in fighting, another official said.

The officials met reporters in a secure compound off the main street. The sign on that building read “Republic of Turkey Hatay Governor’s Office, Afrin Humanitarian Aid Coordination Centre”. Above the building flew the Syrian opposition flag and, above that, the Turkish flag.

“This is a specific spot under the control of Turkish authorities,” said one of the officials about the building.

Additional reporting by Ellen Francis in Beirut; Ali Kucukgocmen and Dominic Evans in Istanbul; Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg

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AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR Teaser Trailer: The Ultimate Shot-By-Shot Breakdown

For the past hundred years or so, audiences have grown acostumed to an exciting movie to peak with an action climax scene. Next year Marvel Studios will fulfill a vision that was put into motion ten years ago with the unexpected blockbuster, Iron Man, that changed the course of superheroes forever. They have perfected long-form storytelling at the cinema and their upcoming epic, Avengers: Infinity War, promises to be a movie that serves as the climax to over 20 films worth of story.

The end credit scenes of Iron Man and The Avengers made a cinematic promise of a much larger universe and conflict on the horizon in the form of Thanos (Josh Brolin). Now your decade long commitment is about to pay off as the first trailer for the Avengers: Infinity War is here and we are about to break it down like cardboard boxes in your recycling bin. But first, the long wait is over. Enjoy the trailer first.

The scope of this film is unprecedented, along with a rumored budget of over $500 million dollars for this and the currently filming Avengers 4, with the Russo Bros at the helm of both adventures. However, when the size of this film’s cast comes into the equation, it’s clear how the budget is justified. Avengers: Infinity War features Robert Downey Jr., Josh Brolin, Mark Ruffalo, Tom Hiddleston, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Chadwick Boseman, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Holland, Jeremy Renner, Chris Pratt, Sebastian Stan, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth Olsen, Samuel L. Jackson, Benedict Wong, Zoe Saldana, Karen Gillan, Dave Bautista, Pom Klementieff, Don Cheadle, Anthony Mackie, Cobie Smulders, and the voice talents of Vin Diesel and Bradley Cooper.

Marvel Studios have sharpened their marketing skills over the years and are well aware of the amount of scruitiny that their trailers generate and misdirection is often a key part of their strategy. With that in mind let’s dig into every key notable moment from the teaser trailer for Avengers: Infinity War.

Unknown Planet

  This is the opening shot of the trailer showing an unnamed planet. It’s meant to hint at the intergalactic nature of the film’s story and if you look a little closer you can see many large scale explosions. This is a world under attack and probably will establish the devastating potential of Thanos’ army. We see that the purple “power” stone is the first gem Thanos collects, in his gauntle. So if this isn’t Earth, it could be an early attack on Xander where the Nova Corp is protecting the stone. 

  Sad Stark

  Things have clearly went wrong for Team Stark in this shot. Robert Downey Jr’s character has had a lot of heartbreak in recent films and it looks like this could be the payoff for the deadly future that Stark glimpsed in Avengers: Age of Ultron. Also, in the footage that was screened at this past summer’s San Diego Comic Con, Stark was seen cradling an injured Spider-Man who is apologizing for letting the billionaire down. It’s possible that this is all part of the same sequence.

  Return of the Hulk

  This is clearly the return of the Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) to Earth. The most fun part of this shot is that it’s a clear allusion to opening of the Infinity Gauntlet storyline from the comics. In the story, the Silver Surfer crashes through the roof of the Sanctum Santorum warning Doctor Strange and Wong of Thanos’ pending invasion of the Earth.

Marvel Studios doesn’t own the rights to the Silver Surfer character (as of today), which is currently held by Fox Studios. So substituting the Green Goliath for the epic comic book moment is a stroke of genius. It also further hints at a huge space battle that leaves Thor hurdling towards the Guardians of the Galaxy and the Hulk crashing into NYC.

  Doc and Wong

  This looks to be the reaction shot to Banner crashing through the roof and they are probably observing his transformation back from his monstrous Hulk form. In Thor: Ragnarok it was established that Banner is trapped inside the Hulk. It will be interesting to see if Strange is able to use magic to help induce his return to his human form, which could be a funny play on Black Widow and Thor’s previous attempts.

  Science Bros Meets Magic Bros

  It appears that Stark was aware of the “falling star” and followed it to Strange’s lair. It will be interesting to see the clash of science versus magic that the characters inherently represent will result in a comedic and awkward introduction to each other. Plus, this means that we might also get a well-deserved goatee joke between Stark and Strange as well.

  Thor Gazing

  Thor has just seen the destruction of his homeworld and it appears that we are getting another look at his personal tragedy aboard his Asgardian ship. However, it’s even more likely that he is monitoring Thanos’ path of destruction aboard the Milano after crashing into the Guardians.

  Spider-Sense

  This movie will feature all of the familiar faces of the MCU and it appears that Marvel will still look to advance the individual heroes’ respective character arcs. Here we see that Peter Parker (Tom Holland) is getting a warning of the pending danger coming to New York via his trademark Spider-sense.

  Arrival Invasion

  This appears to be the device or drop ship that deploys Thanos’ invasion. It’s also hard to overlook its visual similarity to the language spoken in Arrival. We will soon see that Parker’s curiosity is peaked and will investigate further…

  The Iron Spider

  It appears that Parker takes Stark up on his offer of a brand new suit from Spider-Man: Homecoming. It’s a clear adaptation of the Iron Spider armor from the comics and it’s likely that he is investigating at the same time that Stark is meeting up with Banner, Strange, and Wong.

  Thor’s Money Shot

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It’s likely that this is early in the movie as we know that the space ship carrying Thor, Valkyrie, Loki, and Hulk, is intercepted by one of Thanos’ battle stations. This looks to be a hero moment where Thor is (hopefully) allowing for the escape of his people, while sacrificing himself. Ultimately, this is probably the sequence that sends him hurtling through space and directly into the Milano.

  Scarlet and Vision

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If you are paying close attention, it’s clear that Vision and Scarlet Witch’s romance has been building since their debut in Avengers: Infinity War and Marvel is not steering away from the source material. In the comics they actually have kids and a recent casting call for the next Avengers film for twins has everyone speculating their future.

  That’s Using Your Head Vision

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The even bigger mystery will be how Vision will survive this vicious attack. Since Age of Ultron, the Infinity Stone embedded in Vision’s forehead has been a ticking time bomb. Paul Bettany has reported to the set of Avengers 4, so the question is what will happen to the android without the stone in place. Will he lose his powers, life, or free will? We will find out in six short months.

  Ebony Maw

  The identity of this booted warrior casually walking through a battlefield of casualties would seem to be Loki on first glance. However, it actually belongs to Ebony Maw, the intellectual villain of the four Children of Thanos, who will be assisting his master’s conquest of the Infinity Stones.

  Just Another Wakandan Soldier

  A fun side plot will be how and why the Winter Soldier is revived and if he will be gifted with a Vibranium arm, which would make him even more unstoppable. However, the social significance of seeing Bucky alongside the prideful Wakandan nation is palpable. Could the NRA and Black Lives Matter come together if we were attacked by a force that threatens our way of life… Probably not, judging by reality. But it’s a thrill to see the possibilities that superheroes can open. 

  Proxima Midnight and Cap’s Catch

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This is another member of the Children of Thanos, aka the Black Order from the comics. Proxima Midnight is perhaps the most formidable opponent of the quartet, whose spear has magical powers that could rival Thor’s Mjolnir. Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) has dropped the Captain America moniker, however emerges from the shadows to prove he still has the best hands and reflexes in the MCU. He catches Proxima’s weapon with the ease of his own shield and proves why Rogers is a legend among his peers.

  Assault on New York Part 2

  We have seen this look before back in 2012, when the Chitauri first attacked New York in The Avengers. It’s likely that directly after their introduction Thanos’ scout ship arrives. In fact, they could be looking up at Spider-Man who is getting a close and personal look at the alien technology.

  Loki and the Tesseract

  Loki was seen glaring at the Tesseract, aka the Mind Stone, at the end of Thor: Ragnarok. Apparently, he did nab the dangerous artifact and it appears that he is tearfully giving it away, presumably to Thanos. It’s likely that this is happening during the attack that leaves Thor and Hulk hurtling through space. Let’s just say that it’s noteworthy that we don’t see Loki anywhere else in the trailer…hmnn…

  Puts the War in Infinity War

  Falcon is peppered throughout the teaser, however this aerial shot looks like it will be his moment of glory. The sweeping shot shows the worldwide scope of the Infinity War, as a huge battle commences in Wakanda. This should also give a sense of scale to the action, which promises to deliver on the largest set pieces seen in the past ten years.

  Thanos’ Profile Pic

  After the shoddy visual effects of Justice League’s space villain Steppenwolf, a lot is riding on the visual believability of Thanos, the Mad Titan. It should help that he so closely resembles Brolin, who is known for delivering epic performances. With six months still left to go before release, he should look nearly flawless by May.

  Infinity Gauntlet…Loading

  They also make a point to show that Thanos has collected two of the six Infinity Stones and already appears omnipotent. This may signal that it will take the second film for him to fully assemble the gauntlet and ultimately change the entire Marvel universe.

    Hulkbuster on Safari

  In MCU canon, the Hulkbuster was the brainchild of Dr. Banner conceived as a preventative measure against the Hulk in case he rages out of control. It looks as if Banner will get the chance to tinker with it again, either before or after the epic battle in Wakanda. While Doctor Strange could, and probably did, teleport Banner and Stark to Wakanda with a few magical hand gestures. It’s unclear if Stark actually made the trip and is indeed piloting the Hulkbuster in battle. Particularly, with Iron Man seen battling Thanos on a different world.

  Captain America & Bucky Join Wakandan Army

  Black Panther opens in less than three months time and will be fresh in everyone’s mind when going to see Infinity War. The movie will introduce audiences to a roster of fresh faces and promises to be a mostly insulated story. However, one question that isn’t expected to be addressed is the location and status of both the Winter Soldier and the soldier formerly known as Captain America, Steve Rogers, who are both fugitives of the law hiding out in the foreign country.

  Thanos’ Old Man Strength

  In case you missed it, Spider-Man is a mere teenage boy with extraordinary gifts. However, that fact has not been lost on Thanos who uses his old man-strength on the adolescent. In the SDCC trailer, a scene was glimpsed that found an unmasked Parker in the arms of Iron Man apologizing for letting him and the Avengers down. It will be interesting to see how this sequence plays out and the how the events shape the future of the Wall Crawler.

  Get This Man a Shield

  Captain America not only dropped his identity at the end of Captain America: Civil War, but also his trademark weapon of choice, his shield. The shield was forged from the rare Vibranium metal that is only found in Wakanda and is the most likely place to have a replacement made. It also should be noted that the mineral is the country’s most prized possession, so the fact that T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) is willing to gift it to Rogers shows the level of trust and friendship between the two.

  These A-holes again…

  Marvel is the master of the button scene and they do it one more time in this teaser trailer. There is clearly a lot of information to process in the trailer and it’s understandable if the absence of the Guardians of the Galaxy went unnoticed. However, they are a large part of the plot and will have interactions with Spider-Man, Thor, Iron Man, and others, so we can expect to see more from them once the full trailers are released. Can this get any better?

  Infinity War Money Shot

  While Joss Whedon didn’t make his name by being a visual filmmaker, the rotating hero shot from The Avengers and the tracking shot during the opening of Avengers: Age of Ultron have set the standard for the franchise. The Russo Brothers have proven to be adept storytellers along with dynamic action directors and have not forgotten what makes the franchise tick. It should be noted that Rogers has been gifted Wakandan gauntlets that surely have some hidden technology that should provide the hero with new abilities for the intergalactic battle. Now, will we get a shot of all of the Avengers in one shot, much like we got in Captain America: Civil War? We will find out soon.

Official Synopsis:

As the Avengers and their allies have continued to protect the world from too large for any one hero to handle, a new danger has emerged from the cosmic shadows: Thanos. A despot of intergalactic infamy, his goal is to collect all six Infinity Stones, artifacts of unimaginable power, and use them to inflict his twisted will on all of reality. Everything the Avengers have fought for has led up to this moment – the fate of Earth and existence itself has never been more uncertain.

Avengers: Infinity War opens on May 4th, 2018.

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Source: Marvel