#Sling kong

[sagethecoyote]

𓃥𖦹☀︎︎ SAGES INTRO 𖦹☀︎︎𓃥

``🪶 Hey there, My name is Sage! I am a Orthodox Christian and artist. I used to post on @tiggzbeanies123, but eventually, i forgot about the account and ive made a new one, which is this one! Dont worry, ill still post art, but ill also post more content to entertain you guys! 🪶``

``🪶 Earlier, i tried to add DNIS and other stuff, but it failed to post, so im probably gonna add those later. 🪶``

𓃥 𖦹☀︎︎ Stuff i like𖦹☀︎︎𓃥

``🪶 Beanie boos, nature, Christianity (of course), art, quads, budgies, GOLDEN CHEESE COOKIE AHWHEHEH 🪶''

𓃥𖦹☀︎︎Fandoms𖦹☀︎︎𓃥

``🪶 Cos, ff, fpe, sling kong, brawl stars, ect! (All of them are tagged)🪶``

I think thats it!! Or is it heh../hj

[unsafescapewolf]

Summer Kofi doodles part 8!

[gojosconsort]

You're so good at the older bf! headcanons... how bout Mr. Should Kong? Much love x

OLDER BF!SHIU ♡ // HEADCANONS

⁀➷ CONTENT. you're shiu’s controversial younger girlfriend.

♡ PAIRING. afab!reader x older bf!shiu

♡ WARNINGS. mdni. added some x links. age gap, size difference, creampie, oral sex (f receiving), hair-pulling, spanking, public/semi-public sex, choking (with tie), degradation, praise kink, office sex, tummy bulge

♡ AUTHOR’S NOTE. AHHHHHH i love older men

OLDER BF!SHIU who first met you when you were some witness in a case he was stuck handling. he drove you home after, saying, “you’re safe now, dove, don’t sweat it.” slipped his card into your hand with a lazy, “call if you need me,” and peeled off—didn’t think much of it ‘til you called a week later.

OLDER BF!SHIU who showed up immediately when you called because he found you interesting (and pretty). then talking turned into kissing and next thing you know, he’s got you pinned on your couch, fucking you so deep your legs are jelly. left you sprawled out, panting, dripping with his cum while he lit a smoke.

OLDER BF!SHIU who loves eating you out very sloppy, sprawled on the bed, cig still smoldering in the ashtray, your thighs slung over his shoulders. he’s slurping you up, tongue digging in sloppy and wet, growling, “fuckin’ soak my face, princess,” ‘til you’re yanking his hair and dripping all over his chin.

OLDER BF!SHIU who won’t stop after you cum once. keeps his mouth or fingers on you, muttering, “one more, dove, i know your slutty little cunt’s got it,” ‘til you’re shaking and sobbing and he smirks, “there’s my fuckin’ girl,” loving how fucked-up you look.

OLDER BF!SHIU who towers over you with his broad shoulders, thick arms, and a cock so big it’s a struggle every time. loves pinning you down just to feel how tiny you are under him, smirking, “look at you—barely fit me in that little cunt.”

OLDER BF!SHIU who’s obsessed with the tummy bulge—every time he fucks you deep, he presses his hand right there, feeling himself move inside you. “fuck, look at that—my dick’s stretching you out,” he grunts, pounding harder just to see it push up, loving how you whimper about it being too much.

OLDER BF!SHIU who doesn’t give a shit what anyone thinks about the age gap. he just smiles at nosy comments and slings an arm around you, “jealous i got her and you don’t?” later, he’s got you slammed against the wall, pounding you ‘til you’re screaming loud enough the whole damn block knows why you’re with him.

OLDER BF!SHIU who’s always got a cig hanging from his lips, catching you staring and smirking, “want a hit, huh?” grabs your chin, blows smoke into your mouth, then crashes his lips into yours, tongue shoving in hard, “you’re too fuckin’ young for this shit.”

OLDER BF!SHIU who loves showing you off, you in some skimpy little skirt, him in his suit. pulls you onto his lap at a dive bar, hand creeping up your thigh, muttering, “let ‘em stare, princess—they’re just mad they ain’t fuckin’ you.”

OLDER BF!SHIU who doesn’t care about kids but fuckin’ loves pumping you full. pins you down, growling, “gonna stuff you full, dove,” and unloads deep, and gets off on watching it spill out slow, “look at that—fuckin’ perfect, dripping with me.”

OLDER BF!SHIU who’s working late at the office when you get too loud—moaning like a slut while he’s got you bent over his desk. he rips his tie off, stuffs it in your mouth, and mutters, “shut the fuck up, dove—gonna get us caught,” then keeps fucking you raw, the muffled screams making him harder.

OLDER BF!SHIU who’s a lazy fuck but loves watching you work—lounges back on the couch or bed, cig between his lips, hands behind his head, “c’mon, dove, bounce on this dick.” loves how your tits jiggle while you ride him, smirking, “fuckin’ tire yourself out—i’m just here for the view.”

OLDER BF!SHIU who doesn’t bother with condoms half the time—slides in raw and rough, smirking, “shit feels better like this, yeah?” loves dumping his load deep, holding you still while he fills you, “gonna be leaking me all day, huh? nasty little thing.”

OLDER BF!SHIU who’s got that old-man stamina—fucks you hard and fast, flips you over, and keeps drilling ‘til you’re whining, “too much, shiu—fuck!” he just laughs, “tough shit, dove—you can handle it,” and pumps you full again, grinning as you collapse under him, a sweaty, cum-stuffed wreck.

OLDER BF!SHIU who grabs a fistful of your hair when he’s giving you backshots—yanks your head back while he’s slamming into you from behind, his other hand smacking your ass red. “take it, princess—fuckin’ love this tight little hole,” he growls, railing you ‘til the bed groans and your knees give out.

OLDER BF!SHIU who’s hunched over his desk, scribbling notes for his work, when you straddle his thigh, needy and whining. doesn’t even glance up, just smirks, “go on, dove, rub that needy pussy on me—i’m busy.” lets you soak his slacks ‘til he’s done, then grabs your hips, bends you over the desk, and yanks your panties down, “couldn’t wait, huh? needy little thing.”

————— ୨୧ —————

⁀➷ masterlist

[sleazy4shiu]

Shiu's doll

cw: threesome? (Shiu Kong x Toji Fushiguro), bdsm aspects (spanking), power imbalance, age gap relationship.

Life as Shiu Kongs wife was glamorous to say the least, he was a glorified sugar daddy giving you luxuries upon luxuries to keep you happy and in return you had to just be good to him and entertain when he was forced by his work to bring clients over.

It was morning and you were cuddled up in bed with him your arms tangled around him and he chuckled looking down at your sleepy form.

"Doll, tonight Tojis coming over for dinner along with some high end clients to settle out a deal, prepare the house all pretty?" He asked kissing your temple. Using his nickname he christened you with as a form of his tie over you, your his beloved pet he cherishes so dearly.

"Ugh I dont wanna, why cant you guys go somewhere else?" you complained mumbling against him. He quickly yanked your head back harsh enough to get your attention but not hard enough to hurt.

"Now come on doll, dont be a brat," he hissed. He let go pressing a soft kiss to your forehead as you pouted.

Shiu then left for work, spending a grueling day dealing with his clients and an even more difficult time dealing with Tojis incompetence. He finally got home the guests expected to be there in just thirty minutes. you were cooking dinner in the kitchen in a nice dress that he picked out and some heels.

“Hey doll,” he sighed kissing you from behind

“Hey Shiu,” you smiled softly kissing him back.

“Dinner looks good, the client and toji will be here soon,” Shiu added his hand on your lower back. You sighed

“I don’t wanna host tonight i just want to sleep” you complained, “Tojis annoying and the clients are so boring to talk to” you whined in a bratty tone. Shiu let a sharp smack to your rear.

“Now doll these clients you so hate keep you looking so pretty all the time, be good or i have no issues giving you a good attitude check in front of everyone,” he growled in a commanding tone. His hand then rubbing where he hit, kissing your temple as the doorbell rung.

The dinner progressed smoothly, you laughed when you were supposed to and were a perfect host. You helped the client out the door now all that left was Toji. He stayed in the living room with Shiu; the pair drinking alcohol and laughing away. You settled by Shiu annoyed, and clearly showing it on your expression just wanting to have Shiu to yourself for the night. He leaned in and whispered,

“Cmon doll smile, don’t make me have to spank you in front of Toji, your wearing my name, and outfit and in my house… act like it” He kissed your temple as Toji stared lustfully—not disguising his womanizing tendencies—his throat swallowing hard at the scene that’s unfolding

“Cmon Shiu i just want to spend the night with you! Make him go” you complained, and at that he picked you up quickly slinging you on his knee causing you to yelp loudly, “ah! Shiu what!” you shrieked. His hand came down slapping your ass as Toji stared a little in awe and in growing desire for his bosses wife.

“Count,” Shiu commandeered. His hand coming down again

“two!” you whimpered squirming. His hand came down twice more, “three, four—shit shiu i get it stop!” you whined out.

“Now doll don’t do the crime if you can’t pay the time—how about i get to your favorite number hm? seven sound fair, Toji! come here, how about you give the lash couple since she was so disrespectful to you” Shiu grinned. Toji immediately came picking you up easily and held you on his lap as he sat down, your straddling him your cheeks heated in embarrassment and the desire to kiss your husbands employee. Sitting on his lap you can feel his hard cock that rested under his slacks. Shiu gazed fixing his tie.

“come on baby only three more, that’s nothing hm” he grinned sleazily as he quickly struck your rear two more times unexpectedly causing you to whine. Your arms wrapping around his neck as you looked at Shiu, he was grinning back and you could see he was rock hard.

Tojis hand smacked down upon you once more harder than before causing you to leech forward letting out a yelp.

“Now we’re all done you sorry? You hurt me baby—not wanting to spend time with me-ouch,” he quirked his scarred lip up in a grin.

“I’m sorry!” you whined reaching for Shiu who grabbed your hand kissing your wedding ring.

“Your bottom hurt?” Shiu asked concerned. Toji lifted your dress to reveal your reddened ass

“Damn boss she does have a nice ass” Toji deadpanned unfiltered.

“Watch it fushiguro,” Shiu griped

“ah poor baby—we should make it up to you for being so so cruel,” Toji cooed teasingly. Shiu nodded in agreement.

“That okay with you doll?” Shiu asked gently grabbing you off Toji to kiss you.

You nodded and the two men began to strip you down.

“We’ll show you just how sorry we are doll,” Shiu grinned licking a stripe up your thigh as Toji was beside him begining to pry off your panties…

————————————————————————

hope everyone enjoyed! requests are open! :p

[luvyuuma]

ouh my god maybe harua + “lets just cuddle forever” 😭 I gen haven’t been held by someone in ages and would kill to be held by harua icl </3

AUTHOR'S NOTE: ohhhh honey i got u <3

SYNOPSIS / in which harua sentences you to cuddle with him forever.

TW / none! pure fluff

WC / 0.5k words

PAIRING / harua x gn!reader

touch-starved &team prompt list

HARUA + "let's just cuddle forever"

Everyone knows Harua loves physical touch. Poking his members on their face, slinging an arm around them or feeding them—whatever it is, Harua treats it like it's his solemn duty to do so.

He takes it very seriously, however, he feels out of place knowing no one craves it as much as he does. No one feels like they need human contact to live. It's like a cloud parading him.

You were just like Harua, needing touch to survive. You're just as clingy with your friends. As if not touching someone would kill you instantly.

When you met him, it was like the final piece of the puzzle was found at last. Years and years of searching for some form of sincere reciprocation led to this.

You can imagine that Harua and you became attached at the hip and it didn’t take long for you to start dating. Everyone could see it, how happy you were together. And you were attached, severely even. Holding hands, hand in each other’s pocket, touching knees under the table, anything.

Taki called you the “cootie couple” but that’s beside the point.

Harua and you finished up on a date together, watching sakuras in a nearby park.

You were walking back to your shared apartment, passing by a playground full of children and a convenience store nearby.

Of course you had to stop by so Harua could get snacks.

Then, you walked home together, talking about the most random things.

“No, I don’t think Fuma could beat Donkey Kong!” you argue.

“You have not seen that guy in the gym…” Harua says, letting out more ambiguity than he was supposed to.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” you ask, bursting out laughing.

You push open your front door, welcoming in the warm air. Harua follows in, closing the door but never forgetting to hold your hand.

“It means I’m tired and I wanna be in your arms,” he sulks.

“Only if you say Donkey Kong beats Fuma.”

“Aw, can’t we just meet in the middle and call it a tie?” Harua asks, folding his arms together.

It would’ve been much funnier to continue this conversation but you notice the look on Harua’s face. He must be going through a sugar crash right now. Eyes droopy, lips pouty, grabby hands—all signs of extreme fatigue with the only cure being cuddling your girlfriend.

“I guess we’ll have to since you’re so needy.”

Harua smiles, “If it gets a cuddle out of you, you can call me as many names as you want.”

“For starters,” you begin, as he lays on the couch. “Shameless.”

You plop onto him, letting him wrap his arms around your middle and squeeze you tight.

“You’re shameless and in my arms,” he says matter-of-factly into your hair.

“Shall I get up then?”

He holds you tighter, “Mm-mm, please don’t. We just started.”

“Right. How long do you expect me to stay here, sir?” you ask him.

Harua gasps beneath you and you can feel his stomach go in to make the gasp leave more dramatic.

“You make it sound like I’m holding you hostage!”

“I am being held hostage! What is my sentence?” you ask, lifting your head up.

You almost forgot how pretty he is up close. His facial features are prominent, yet there’s a softness avid within them. It inhibits you, calms you down.

“Forever. Let’s just cuddle forever!” he exclaims, laughing.

In reality, a lifetime sentence of cuddling with Harua wouldn’t sound too bad.

[cuprohastes]

The Cross-body Sling

I love a good cross body sling: Totally un-ergonomic, will fuck your shoulder up, crush your electronics and mostly they're terrible for trying to get a water bottle into.

Also they make you look like a hipster.

Anyway I have four.

Sling bags get thier own corner of the internet for fans and obsessives, and it's pretty hilarious.

The "I review for a living and I have no idea what any of this stuff is" They look at a mesh pocket, brainfault and start saying 'the uh stretchy, um lycra... stuff?.

It's so premium it has nothing. A bag with no interior pockets, padding or zips to stop your crap falling out: $200. A bag with every concession to fitting on the human body and safeguarding each stick of gum or electronic thingy: $50

Let me show you how to pack this! Someone on a channel called PackMasterLordsOfPacking Demonstrating the bag by putting their sunglasses in then dropping a litre bottle of water on and attempting to stuff a Nintendo Switch in to the front pocket with a leatherman attached to the keychain. They hammer their phone into the fibre lined pocket that has the sunglasses logo. The tablet pocket and passport pocket are ignored. There's a Cliff bar hanging off an external strap via a carabiner that's covered in heat-shrink.

This belongs... outside the bag! The insistence on hanging things off of external straps so you're walking around with a chandalier of crap slapping your ass. Just... no.

We're reviewing 50 slings, in 5 minutes, but Bellroy's one so we didn't need to bother. In any comparison video the Bellroy Venture is always the winner. It's just that good. There's only one other sling that's both 5 times cheaper and actually 100% better... but it got discontinued so you have to go with Bellroy anyway.

Im going to Hack this Pack! It's Paracord tied to the straps.

This Every Day Sling is 100% the best for city life It's too small for a water bottle, or a lunch box, or a coat but man, it looks good posing in down-town Hong Kong int he slow-mo walk videos.

EDC Contains only items you need while being hunted by wolves on a mountain glacier. Presenter is in Toronto.

Daily Carry There's a vintage DSLR and a tripod mysteriously strapped to the bottom of the bag and a Clif bar hanging off a carabiner. Everything revolves around the assumption that 100% of people are actually photographers and needs at least two tripods. Still can't get a lunch box or water bottle inside, for some reason. Bag is a foot thick when worn. Presenter is visibly developing RSI.

[hawaiianmochi]

𝒮𝓂𝑜𝓀𝑒 𝓂𝓎 𝓁𝒾𝒻𝑒 𝒶𝓌𝒶𝓎 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝓎𝑜𝓊..

🎼ılılıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅| llılılı🎼

The scattered rain taps desperately raced done the window, the loud rumbles of thunder heard beneath the jazz that played in soft rhythms from the radio. Occasional hums and words which elicited from the doer— Shui Kong..business man, married man. Though, the man made it more than obvious he was a married man, even with all the women that adored him. The only one on his mind was you, though in that moment it couldn’t be worse. Soft drumming of his fingers along the leather, linen cover of the steering wheel. Tension rising in such a languid manner.

Let’s take a quick rewind.

Shui had sworn he would take you out for dinner for your anniversary weekend, he planned a large outing for Friday, dinner Thursday. That hadn’t went as planned, his appointment to pick up the pearl necklace from the jewlery shop hadn’t registered. It’s okay. He still had the restaurant.

Than came the waitress. A absolute bitch. How you would describe her.

All she had done was make it aware that she was IN LOVE with YOUR husband. Bold out ‘husband’ and ‘your.’ As if nothing could have went worse, wine had just spilt on the beautiful, Saint Laurent dress that Shui had gotten you for your birthday. It hadn’t even been worn, a new dress which suited you so well, as if you were some angel. Or, how Shui would describe it.

“We’re going home. I’m done.”

Those words had left your lips. Thats how Shui ended up with a very..very, disappointed feeling and an angry wife. Like life couldn’t get any worse for your poor husband.

At your lovely abode, you walked in with a small lag in your step. Holding Shui’s blazer over your front, tears forming in your eyes. “I’m sorry about ruining tonight, I know you just wanted to do something nice.” You had whispered. Did you expect an outburst from your husband? Yes.

Instead, you felt the tips of his calloused hands moved to cup your smooth cheeks, his dumb grazing over your lips. “Why are you apologizing? It’s not your fault the waitress was a bitch, plus..she’s mad she can’t rock a wine stained dress. You still look gorgeous.” Shui said, his breath warm on your lips..nose slightly slinging with yours before bringing you into a languid kiss, taking in the softness of your lips. His hands only moving down, grazing the side of your boobs before resting amongst your hips and bringing you closer.

A soft hum elicited your lips, a clear chasing for your lips. “Shui..c’mon..” You practically whimpered, your chest pressed against his. Lashes batting in the way he loved, how you swear you were so innocent. Just a succubus who lusted for everything he had inside of him, but he could care less. “You little minx..” Shui whispered, hands trailing down to the back of your thighs before bending down and only with a small tense of his muscles, he had you over his shoulder in a fire man carry.

“I don’t want to hear none of the..complaining .’” A velvety voice teased, a hand coming to loosen his tie.

It hadn’t took long for him to prepare you, now you lied underneath him with slanted eyes. Letting your lips part slightly with a gasp, your back arching off the cushioned bed…a pillow nestled right underneath your spine— Something he had done for some sort of comfort. The soft ‘POP!’ Which came from his cock which had entered into your soaked cunt. Shui was not a small man in any way, he gave a nice enough stretch to have you squirming.

Of course, the small tufts of his happy trail pressed against the soft skin of your ass. His hands settled on you hips, slowly bringing his body into a burying rhythm which left the woman underneath him slowly unwinding from her previous altercations of a ‘horrible date.’

“S’good..your doin so good, mama..” Shui whispered, “M’gunna make you a mama..m’kay? That’s your anniversary..p-present.” Hips stuttering as the flex of his abs showed how fast he was going to finish, it was like her pussy was swallowing him whole. And his hips weren’t faltering, “S-Shui..p—“ a whine leaving your lips, tugging at the sheets underneath her, “L—lemme hear you, pretty girl..you can do better than that..” Shui’s voice came off as teasing, all too teasing. It was like his cock was modeling into her pussy, it had been far too long since they had even had sex. Her husband was much too busy to deal with her small issues..like, sex.

Little did she know, Shui had been so pent up..this was what he really was looking for after dinner. Of course, he loved you..just, it seemed like your pussy liked him a little more.

Groans were continuing to leave his lips, hips shifting and allowing the squelches of her cunt be heard. The backboard of their unhinged bed coming in rhythm to his thrust, ‘thump’ ‘thump.’

You were more than out of breath, hardly able to comprehend how his dick was practically so far deep, you could have sworn he was in your stomach. Shui’s mushroom tip bullying your cervix, over..and over.

“M’gunna— hah, cum!” You whimpered out, drool pooling beneath your mouth. “Come on baby..heh, don’t want the neighbors to hear us.” The man said, hair disheveled. Somehow, a hand had managed to travel up and grip the mound on your chest, his index and thumb slowly teasing the sensitive nipple. His lips working on suckling at your skin that looked so pretty and innocent.

A tense of his abs had the man slowly stopping his frequent and insensitive thrusts into long strokes, his head fogged up before he had even realized your most angelic moan yet. “M—..Hah!”

Your toes curled in ecstasy, only relaxing one Shui’s desperate whine had filled your ears, his ropes of cum filled you. It was hot. You shifted, hips straining in the process before finally laying flat against the cushion, Shui slumped against you, face nestled between the valley of your breast. Hands massaging right beneath your breasts, eyes shut.

“Happy anniversary.” A small chuckle leaving his lips, body molded in the greeting touch of yours.

Hihi! I rlly hope yll like this, a big change for me. Lmk if I should start a series for my Gojo post! I hope you lovelies like this, mwah! Mochi signing out💕

[aprocessionofthoughts]

It's cold inside

ai-less whumptober2023 day 17- you look a little pale fandom- batman TW- none Summary- Tim suffers from cuddle pollen

ao3 ailesswhumptober masterlist

Tim was so cold. He was currently lying in bed at his apartment huddled under a pile of blankets. His phone had fallen out of his blanket pile a while ago, and he hadn’t been willing to leave the small comfort of the blankets to retrieve it.

He knew, logically, that the blankets wouldn’t really make a difference.

He hated Ivy.

Everything sucked. He hadn’t even been able to catch her. She’d just made sure some of her plants sprayed him with pollen before vanishing, and leaving poor Tim to deal with the aftermath. 

Seriously, why did she have to take her frustration out on him? It wasn’t his fault she had fought with Harley.

He groaned, curling into a tighter ball. He wrapped his arms around himself, hoping the self-hug would work. It didn’t. 

He wanted Dick’s warm hugs, and Bruce’s head pats. He wanted Jason’s brusque worrying and Steph’s teasing.

He closed his eyes. There was no point thinking of any of them.

They were all busy.

Jason was crime bossing in Crime Alley, Dick was in Bludhaven. Bruce was at an important WE meeting. Cass was still in Hong Kong and Steph had mentioned she’d be studying for her exams today. And Time would never ask Damian. He shuddered at the mere thought of asking the little gremlin.

His shaking got worse.

He shuddered. Everything ached. 

His phone range. He ignored it.

It rang again.

He was not getting out of his blanket pile to grab it.

It rang again.

Ugghh. He covered his ears and ignored it.

Three more times it rang.

What did they want!? 

Tim was unavailable.

They could figure something else out.

But what if they really needed help?

Okay, if it rang one more time, Tim would answer.

He waited, praying to all the deities he’d heard about. Surely, one of them must be real. It stayed silent. Yes! Thank you unknown deity!

Then someone knocked.

On his window.

He was not going to get up! If it was a murderer they’d have to stab him through all his blanket layers.

He heard the window open. If only he had his phone so he could bet Steph on which brother it would be.

“Are you dead?”

Jason. Tim sighed, but didn’t respond. Jason would find him soon enough.

“Timberly? Is that you or did you just leave all your blankets on the bed?”

Tim grunted.

The blankets shifted, and Tim let out an involuntary whine as they were shoved off him. Above him, Jason froze. Tim curled into himself. With an actual person so close, the trembling had increased.

“Shit, Timbit, what’s wrong with you? You look a little pale.”

“Ivy.” Tim managed through chattering teeth. 

“Then what the hell are you doing here? You know blankets don’t work with cuddle pollen.” 

Tim ignored him. 

Jason sighed. “Do you want me to call, Dick?”

“He’s busy.”

“And he’d totally drop everything to come cuddle with you.”

Tim wished Jason would hug him. He wished Jason would leave.

“Fine.” Jason said. “Mover over.” “What–” 

Then Jason was shoving him to the side of the bed, and Tim didn’t have time to be annoyed because then he was laying down next to him and slinging an arm over Tim’s chest.

Time melted against him.

Tim could hear Jason on his phone, but he didn’t bother trying to figure out what he was doing. He finally felt warm. 

He was just starting to fully relax when he heard his window slide open again.

“Tim!,” Dick said, coming into the room. “Jason said you got hit with cuddle pollen. Why didn’t you say anything?”

“He thought you were too busy to come.” Jason grunted.

Dick’s expression crumbled, “I’ll always come if you need me, babybird. You too, Little Wing.”

Tim closed his eyes, and Jason shifted behind him.

Then there was someone gently shoving him back into Jason, and laying down in front of him.

He opened his eyes to see Dick settling in front of him wrapping his arm around him and Jason.

The last of the cold left him, and Tim finally was able to fall asleep snuggled between two of his brothers.

[sensei-venus]

Omg! Please! As soon as Lawrence!Reader is strapped down on the car, Robby and Miguel think they're in the clear, but then she starts babbling on about how God knows what!

Bonus points if it's shit neither of them want to hear nor should know about lol

- and anxious gemini bound to get her wisdom teeth out

(Unedited) (Blood,Spit, Lawrence!Reader donky-konging Miguel and Robby in the dentist parking lot because she can, Miguel regrets trying to help, Robby wants to escape his violent sister for once.) ( @gemini-sensei )

“I hate you the mostttt- you and your fucking lush baby curls.” Reader said though a full mouth of cotton balls.

Her hands where stuck under her ass in the seat in hopes of keeping them to herself for the ride. Robby actually grimaced as he watched his sister from the front seat. It took over twenty minutes to even get her into the van and another ten to actually get her strapped in. The whole time she tried to drag them into the van and slam them against the hard plastic of the walls. She was able to smash Robby’s face into a window and then body slam Miguel into one of the back seats, knocking the air out of him.

Getting the Lawrence girl into a car after having her wisdom teeth removed seemed to be almost impossible.

Even with the help of Miguel it was still a challenge.

Miguel being called to help was a long shot. Bring Hawk would have been a nightmare, Demetri would probably never shut up, and Sam would be to worried. None of them would have been able to help try and corner the girl. She was still very loopy from the mass amount of drugs the dentist pumped into her. That did nothing to stop her from having her usual violent outbursts. If anything it only made her more unpredictable. Honestly it was scaring the hell out of Robby. And she was his sister at that.

Miguel was the only choice he really had.

Robby tried his best to ignore the gross red blood tinted drool that threatened to escape her lip. She looked at him but he couldn’t tell if she was looking at him or though him.

“Don’t you fucking dare-“ was all he was able to get out before Reader blew a fat bloody spit bubble his way. Miguel sat in the passenger seat in pure disgust. Watching the girl blow blood at them out of spite was one of the grossest things he had ever seen. He could handle a little bit of blood, but this was just nasty.

“You let them fucking steal my teeth you assholes. I’m going to steal your teeth.” She slurred before looking out the window. Her eyes glazed over , still loopy from the laughing gas and pain meds the dentist had given her. All of them jay sat in silence. The only sound was the ac going in the car.

Miguel slumped in the seat, slinging down in a heap. His eyes slowly moved to look over at Robby “Who thought this was a good idea? Letting you of all people take her home after getting her wisdom teeth take out.” Robby basically growls out “You already know who. Johnny didn’t want to do it because he didn’t want to hear her whining after the meds slowly started to seep out of her system!” Miguel slowly turned his head. His eyes locking with the dirty blonde.

His eye twitched a little in annoyance “Have you meet your sister? She’s a fucking hardass who likes picking fights. You thought she was going to be quiet after they got her high off her ass on pain killers?? Her teeth are gone dude. You think she’s happy.” Reader kicked at the back of Robby’s seat, soon turning to Miguel’s to do the same thing.

“Pay attention to me!!!” Reader whined from the back seat. Her hands still stuck under her butt as she looked at the two boys. Soon her eyes started to well up with tears. Both boys looked at each other for a split second. That was all it took before Reader was crying in the back seat, fat tears rolling down her chubby cheeks and red spit spilling down her chin. It dripped onto her thick thighs and stained her pants. Her chest hiccups with sobs as the minutes tick by.

Both guys freeze up as the violent and shit talking girl they know crys. Not even Robby can remember the last time he witnessed his sister cry over something. Maybe when they where kids as she fell at the skate park. Scraping her knee so bad it scared over.

Miguel wanted to hide away and get as far as possible. Reader crying was not on his too do list what so ever. Her crying had to be some kind of bad sign of some kind. He looked to Robby for some kind of plan.

“Hey it’s ok, why don’t we go get some ice cream? You always like ice cream, and it might make you feel a little better.” Robby says in hopes of calming her down.

“What if I call Tory and ask her if she wants to come over and play some video games with you? You love it when Tory comes over to hang out. I bet she would love to come over today.” Miguel thinks on his feet.

Reader slowly starts to calm down. Her heavy sobs start to slow but her lips still tremble. Eyes puffy and hot form the salty tears. Cheeks hot and flustered. Robby quickly grabs a hand full of napkins from the glove box. With them in hand he reaches back and gently wipes the mix of drool and bloody spit from his sisters face. She doesn’t do much and just lets him.

“Ok…” she says in a defeated tone of voice. Big eyes find their way to her brothers.

“Can Tory come for ice cream too?? Please??” She whimpers as she falls back into her seat. Slumping back and finally showing some sign of defeat.

In a instant relief fills Miguel and Robby.

Thank fucking god for Tory and ice cream.

[rookwurmwood]

The Den

It had been five or six years since I laid on the deck of the Joyeuse in a puddle of my own blood. The ship’s doctor, a Swiss gentleman named Max, leaning low over me so that the cannon fire which flew over us did not hit him; all while trying to put my guts back in my abdomen after it had been unzipped by the cutlass of a pirate. The din of the fighting slowly fading to a piercing drone as a foggy veil slipped over my eyes.

I was no fighting man and fell first when they had boarded us but fate would have it that I was the only of the wounded who would survive the long journey when we limped our way to Hong Kong where I had first taken up that poison to ease the pain as my stitches healed. I would sail with the crew of the Joyeuse for two additional voyages before the captain discharged me after several incidents when the tendrils of withdrawal wrapped 'round my mind whilst underway which deprived me of the sweet milk of the poppy. Coming to a head when I had been seized by a particularly violent episode of delirium which saw me attacking the first mate. After my relinquishment from the East India Company, I returned back to my native Paris to wallow in shameful self-exile. I consider that to be the darkest period of my life as I lived in the most squalid slums of the Left Bank; a maze of narrow boulevards and high, crumbling buildings. There I dwelt with my fellow low-lives and destitutes amidst shadowed alleys which conceal the darkest of doings. Though with all the back-stabbing common in such circles, I had no friends and was well and truly alone.

I made a meager living as a worker on the river-boats which congest the Seine and spent the few Francs I got from slinging crates and tying bowlines on whatever sins of the flesh I could afford. I do not dare to ponder just how many nights I spent traversing the unsavory underbelly of Paris though my face was a familiar one to the proprietors of the brothels and opium dens of the slums. I, of course, frequented those hazy burrows of degeneracy quite often as they had ample supply of opium which was smuggled 'cross the deserts from the Ottoman Empire. I was very much privy to the lengths others who dwell on the lowest realms of society will go to in a bid to see another day, so I dared not leave my hovel without my effects whenever I was off to my preferred lair of corruption and degeneracy. Those two items being: a short cutlass which was given to me as a morbidly ironic parting gift from one of my friends aboard the Joyeuse and concealable percussion cap pistol I won in a game of cards. Desperation and drug-fueled paranoia had greatly sharpened my ability to fend for myself as if I were to let someone get the drop on me again, I would not have another Max who would save my life.

I would tuck both weapons into my sash, wait until sun-down, and skulk down the filthy avenues and gutters to whichever place had not been raided by the police. One night, I had gone out on my usual routine of pursuing vice with additional fervor as I had been paid extra that week. I had found a reputable (as reputable as such a place can be) locale which I had heard of by word of mouth from other untouchables. I soon found myself reclined upon a mound of oriental silk cushions, my limbs heavy, body numb, and mind swathed in ignorant euphoria as I watched the smoke dance about the flame of the candle which sat on a stool in front of me. I sunk deeper and deeper into lethargy until my eyes felt impossible to keep open until I succumbed to the baneful yet caressing hands of my master. I felt that familiar sensation of death yet again; but this time, I resisted not the embrace of Azrael for if this is what it felt like to pass through the curtain of death by the kiss of opium, then I would go willingly. The darkness seemed to swallow the darkness as I found myself amidst endless black gulfs of nethermost confusion.

Yet, I awoke. I was still surrounded by darkness, yet I could feel cold stone beneath me. I then became aware of the funerary silence around me, my ragged breathing and clumsy stirring produced no echo which indicated I must have been in a very small room. I blindly groped around my surroundings and was met with a uniform surface of damp stone and the stale air was thick with the odor of mold. I reached into my pockets and felt for my book of matches and stuck one against the side which bathed the chamber in a dim light. I was at the end of a narrow tunnel with a very low ceiling. I looked above to see if there was a trap door above me but saw only the yawning darkness of the shaft which stretched above and beyond the light of my measly flame. I had heard of this happening before, patrons of opium dens overdosing and the owner dumping their bodies into the catacombs beneath the city to dispose of the evidence. Someone must have taken me for dead in my fugue state and I was dropped down some shaft into one of the fringe tunnels of that subterranean labyrinth.

Panic washed over me. I had been aware of the catacombs since I was a boy and had known that people would always go in and never come out as they practically ran the width and breadth of the entire city of Paris. Eventually, I had gathered my wits and resolved to find a way out and pressed forward into the dark tunnel ahead. I had assumed a strange, stooping posture to walk or crawl down the tunnel; as I progressed, the floor became covered in frigid, stagnant water which gently rippled beneath the soles of my boots which pried the iron doors of silence just a tad farther open as I continued. Eventually, the tunnel grew wider and taller and I could stand erect yet again. I had burned out most of my matches by this point but by chance, my hand brushed upon the rusty torch-sconce on the wall which still held its load aloft. I seized the handle of desiccated, worm-eaten wood, and saw that the head still had a bit of moldy canvas or linen bandings on the top which I set alight with my final match. This increased the reach of my vision and provided a good deal of warmth and comfort which eased my addled nerves as I roamed the Hadean darkness.

The tunnel I was in soon gave way to a larger chamber. The flame which clung to the end of my torch struggled to part the tenebrous curtains which obscured what appeared to be the undercroft of a cathedral with a gothic vaulted ceiling held aloft by many stone pillars which further obstructed my view of chamber and threw dancing, wraith-like shadows on the moist stone walls. The water was still present, shimmering in the light of my torch and a distant dripping could be heard. The walls that made up the perimeter of the room were lined with several alcoves which were elevated above the floor by at least a foot though what was noteworthy about these recesses were their contents as every single one of them had bones neatly stacked into them. Creating a morbid wall, almost cyclopean in appearance, from which the hollow eyes of many skulls peered out from. I had heard that many had used parts of the catacombs as ossuaries but had never seen them first-hand. I trembled as I walked about the room, the shallow water on the floor splashing with my every step as I was silently observed by my sightless spectators. At the far end of the room as a doorway in the shape of an arch and bordered by two ossuaries which held their skeletal sentinels. Beyond this threshold was a flight of stairs, choked by thick sheets of cobwebs, which lead up into a lugubrious void and with that: a potential path to the surface.

I know not how long I climbed but I had to rest at frequent intervals to catch my breath. The height of the climb was uncannily tall and called into question how exactly I had gotten down here. If I had been dropped down some chute like I had initially assumed, then the fall would have certainly killed me. Near the top of the stairs I was assailed with a sickening odor, far worse than the mold, a charnel and metallic stench like that of putrefied blood and I was met by a heavy wooden door. Strength had not yet fully returned to my limbs as a side effect of my binge and it took tremendous effort to push the door open, the hinges creaking and groaning while the timbers scraped the stone floor.

I was met with a wide passage, the walls of which looked as if they were entirely composed of yet more skeletons which had been meticulously arranged into patterns like some macabre mosaic which stretched from the smooth stone floor to the low-hanging ceiling. The horrible miasma was so thick in the tomb-air that I had to untie the sash from my waist and wrap it around my nose and mouth like a scarf, though this helped little. It was only then did I realize that whoever had hauled me down here had taken the liberty of relinquishing my cutlass from my custody, yet neglected to rid me of my pistol which I resigned to carry in my off hand. Traversing these tunnels proved quite difficult as they twisted and turned and intersected, all while I was scrutinized by the empty sockets which mockingly leered out at me. I began to panic and started to run through the halls, hoping that I'd chance across some hatch to the surface. My footfalls broke the sacred silence as I frantically searched for a point of egress until I stumbled on an uneven patch of floor and dropped my torch which was promptly snuffed out. I tried in vain to rekindle the dying embers yet no amount of blowing would revive it and I found myself plunged into blind darkness yet again.

I resorted to steadily walking with my hands outstretched, pawing at the intangible void to ensure I did not run head-long into a wall. I went on like this for some time, my hands occasionally meeting the dry surface of the tomb-dweller or cold, rough-hewn stone.

As I progressed, I found myself conscious that I could actually see my surroundings in some dim radiance. I had at first assumed that fancy had overtaken my vision until I realized that it was the faint glow of candles. The light grew brighter until I rounded a corner to be met with a wrought-iron gate, beyond which was another sepulcher quite similar to the one I had seen earlier. This one was free of water and lit by hundreds of candles which sat upon whichever surface could hold them, many where perched atop mountains of layered wax which had indicated continual use. I took this as a sign that I was nearing the surface and opened the gate, stepping into the warmly illuminated chamber. It was here where I also discovered the source of the malodor. There were no ossuaries in this undercroft but the parallel walls to my left and my right were lined with stone slabs, upon them were white shrouds, stained and moth-eaten, beneath which I could make out ghastly profiles of anthropoid forms. I dared not remove these grave-cloths as I was all too aware of what they were concealing. At the far end of the room was yet another archway which led to a short vestibule which was terminated with another door of heavy wooden planks. Above the doorway was an inscription which I could decipher as it was written in a curiously archaic hand which I had first thought to have been Hebrew yet with closer examination revealed certain characters and runes which looked out of place. My next assumption was Greek yet I still failed to see any familiar letters.

As I drew closer to the door, I grew conscious of an indistinct sound just beyond the hatch. It sounded first like soft weeping, gently echoing off the stone walls but as I reached for the great iron ring on the side of the door I began to make out syllables. As I pulled the door open, I could hear the sound more clearly as the stifled resonations of prayer. The room past the door was bereft of any ghoulish contents yet it still greatly unnerved me. Upon the floor in the center of this square room was a circular tile or slab set onto the floor, engraved upon its face was a seal or sigil made up by a seven-pointed star. At each point of the heptagram was a black candle, the flames of which did not react to the breeze generated by my movements. On the left and right side of the room each had a doorway. One had a short flight of stairs heading upwards whilst the other led to a dark room, barely illuminated by the shaft of light which spilled in from the chamber I was currently in and from which drifted the soft sounds of supplication.

I turned to the doorway on the left, hoping to ask whoever was speaking if they knew a way out of catacombs. I lowered my improvised bandana to make myself appear less suspicious and hid the pistol by my side. I approached the threshold and saw a figure resting upon its knees just beyond the light which issued forth from the doorway. I called out to the worshipper, yet they ignored me, simply continuing to whimper and pray under its breath in a harsh, gibbering voice. I made out the invocations were being spoken in a very archaic dialect of French which I had only heard men of the cloth us to speak to one another, assuming this was the sexton who oversaw the catacombs and called out again only for the caretaker to disregard me yet again. I had become frustrated at this point and began to enter the dark room.

I approached the kneeling figure just as my eyes began to adjust to the darkness and stopped. As my vision began to acclimate, I could see the worshipper in more detail. They were nearly nude, save for what appeared to be a pair of fur trousers, the skin on its back was saggy and wrinkled, accentuated by the bumps of the spine which ran down the middle. It did not kneel as much as it squatted upon the floor like the gargoyles atop the buttresses of Notre Dame. I reached out a hand to tap them on the shoulder and quickly drew it away in shock.

My heart nearly leapt from my chest as it turned to face me. As it did not turn its body to look around, rather its head swiveled over its shoulder at a freakish angle atop a neck which was far too long than should be natural. Its head was topped with greasy strands of black hair which hung in-front of its face, parted by a protuberant set of jaws which extended out from the rest of its gaunt face in a grotesque snout-like fashion. Without moving its head, it turned its body towards me and stood. Its skin hung loosely about its frame and closer inspection showed a mutated upper body like a man yet what I had initially assumed to be a set of pants were, in actuality, a pair of crooked legs covered in matted fur which ended in feet that were neither wholly hooves nor claws. The whole thing was horribly fantastical, like the mythical faun rendered in nightmarish clarity.

The thing then dropped low, like an animal stalking its prey and it outstretched its long arms which terminated in great taloned hands. I then saw something behind it from between its bestial legs. A twisted something which gleamed red in the light which could barely reach into the room. It slowly advanced towards me and I could hear more whispering in the darkness around me. I soon broke free of the restraints of terror and lifted my pistol to fire upon the thing, there was a thunderous crash followed immediately by high ringing which drowned out all other noises around me. The shot had hit its mark and the thing reeled back in agony, it must have screamed a great deal for its jaws parted wide to reveal rows of yellow teeth as it brought its had to its chest where the lead ball had pierced its abdomen and shattered its ribs.

However the crowning horror came when the flash from the muzzle illuminated the room for the briefest of instances which revealed several more of the tomb-fiends slowly creeping towards me, previously obscured by shadow, all issuing forth from a cavernous opening on the far wall.

I promptly turned tail and ran, screaming and wailing as I clambered up the stairs to be met with an iron door which I heaved open. Hope swelled as I felt the cool night air and saw the moon between the growing gap between the doorway and the plate of rusted metal but as hearing returned I could hear the creature's cloven feet clacking upon the steps behind me. With a tremendous effort I threw the door open and made my escape. I was greeted with dirt paths and moss-covered headstones as I realized I was in the Calvaire Cemetery in the Montmartre district. I looked back to see if my pursuers still followed and saw only a mausoleum with the door ajar and stair leading down into a yawning chasm with many sets of yellow eyes staring back at me.

I don't remember what happened after that, save that I woke up in a gutter somewhere in the Left Bank to a vagrant trying to steal my boots. It took me a while to rationalize what had happened that night, eventually coming to the conclusion that I must have overdosed and had been lying in that ditched all night, deep in a state of delusion as I frothed and spasmed. I took the whole fiasco as a sign to stop pursuing vice and I've since turned my life around after a stint at a sanatorium. After a long and grueling effort, I had broken the chains of dependency and freed me from my slavery to opium. I still work on the riverboats of the Seine but have since left the red-light district behind and eventually managed to get an apartment away from the Left Bank.

I still have nightmares of those apparitions and illusion conjured by opium and can still swear I see yellow eyes peering out at me from the storm drains. Yet the detail that haunts me the most is when I awoke in that ditch, my sash was still loosely tied around my neck and my pistol, which I had always kept primed and loaded was empty and the percussion cap was spent.

[everythingheard]

Mark ( @gravityslingshot ) ▌sent 🎁 for a starter.

James had been rather curious at Mark's initial request that he join this little Hollow Earth expedition. It's not a major excursion, only requiring the two of them as they venture further from the observation outpost, though questions as to its purpose have been relatively vague. But that's fine for now. He rather supposes he'll figure it out, or wear Mark down into sharing whatever data he presumes is being collected once there's anything to share. Besides, despite their acquaintance since the other man first joined Monarch, it's been some time since he's seen Mark out in the field.

As they continue making their way along the river ( the roar from a nearby waterfall almost deafens them to their surroundings, and he doesn't like that ), James traces his gaze along the skyline overhead. A flock of Leafwings soar above, yet don't appear interested in disturbing them; they're already carrying a carcass between them, far enough away that he can't quite make out what it is and large enough that they're focused on returning it to their lair far more than anything else. Good. They can stay that way. He's never been fond of them after watching what they did to Nieves on Skull Island.

When James glances back to where Mark is standing on the rocks along the water, he doesn't see any ripples or distortions upon the river's surface. If anything lurks beneath, it's slumbering. Nevertheless, he feels the faint tell-tale prickling that always runs along his back when he's being watched. But from where?

"Mark — " Even though he's uncertain whether the eyes on them are a danger, his rifle is in his hands ( better to assume everything's a threat and end up lowering your weapon than realize you need it and die before you can reach it ). James is closing the distance between them when one of the rocks, mostly concealed by the tall, thick grass along the riverbank, lunges. "Get down!" He's not sure if Mark steps back or falls back as an enormous reptile's jaws swing forward, and he doesn't have time to look. Instead, he raises his M16 and fires at the creature's head.

In the split-second between pulling the trigger and releasing it, James recognizes the lizard, one a few of the scientists have been calling a Foetodon. Using their grayish-black coloration, they thrive in ambush scenarios just like this, during which they take advantage of vulnerable prey. He's never seen one this close to the observation outpost before ( they usually steer clear, aware that a number of the humans there are considered ' under Kong's protection ' and fearing the consequences of harming them ), but the spikes and bony plates that run down its back and tail are unmistakable.

The bullet hits its target's eye, or close enough, sending it back into the water. No wonder he didn't catch any tracks in the soft earth; the reptile had crawled from the river and staked out this spot long before they arrived. Slinging his rifle back over his shoulder, James turns his attention towards Mark. "Are you alright?"

[strangesthirdeye]

Chapter 10: Reciprocated feelings

Unspoken Love Masterlist /Chapter: 11

☆KAMAR-TAJ - ROOFTOP DEFENSE COMPOUND - MORNING ☆

Just like the previous day, the same morning at the Kamar Taj without any changes was a good day for students training on the rooftop without any interruptions. Although most of the students are more fond of spells training, it doesn't mean they don't need to learn martial arts. Some training may be a bit harsh for them but that's normal when they study at Kamar Taj.

A group of students there were solemnly taking and wearing the sling ring including Stephen who was still standing there. He and you were satisfied to meet and chat the day before which means your relationship is getting better. you don't need to train to make a portal today because you have passed the training much to Stephen's dismay. Well, Stephen still has a long way to go to be on the same level as you.

Which for him was a bit fleeting according to the photographic memory he had. He always skipped something that was not important to him, which made John a bit frustrated with him to the point that he had to monitor Stephen's lessons like a father monitors his son's schoolwork. Stephen is always eager with new things and John is very eager to calm him down and take things slowly and steadily. Not everything he needs to be skipped or accelerated.

Mordo who was in charge of supervising students there sauntered slowly among the rows of students with eyes like eagles. It should be John's turn to supervise students today, but he has to carry out a mission with Dhani in the Hong Kong Sanctum, which is relics hunting. As usual.

Mordo observing all the mistakes and steps of the students there. His eyes lingered on Stephen for a few minutes. Watching Stephen struggle to form the portal. A spark of fire could only appear in front of Stephen who was helpless and frustrated silently. His eyes darted around the students who managed to form their portal with a hopeless face.

A spark of fire could only appear in front of Stephen who was helpless and frustrated silently. His eyes darted around the students who managed to form their portal with a hopeless face.

"Visualize. See the destination in your mind. The clearer the picture, the quicker and easier the gateway will come." Mordo said with detailed. Mordo stopped for a moment by Stephen's side, observing his struggle before returning to continue on his way supervising students there without any words.

While they were in the middle of training, The Ancient One appeared there with Master Hamir, the one master that Stephen had mistaken. Mordo, noticed the Ancient One there commanded to stop training.

The Ancient uneasily fixed her eyes on Stephen after realizing his lack of progress. Master Hamir silently stood by the side of the Ancient One with his hands folded across his chest and hidden between his wide sleeves.

"I would like a moment alone with Mr. Strange. "Ancient One demanded.

Mordo nodded understanding. "of course" he then dismissed all the students.

Stephen sighed heavily. A look of shame engraved on his face. He looked defeated and resigned to his lack of progress. Although you have helped him to improve his progress but still he failed to improve.

The Ancient One and Master Hamir stood facing Stephen with their professional faces. Stephen approached them and sighed.

"I see you still struggle to cast any spells, don't you?" The Ancient One said while fiddling with her folding fan in her hand.

"My Hands" he complained while showing his damaged hands.

"It's not about your hands" Ancient One replied.

"how is this not about my hands? I've tried my best to cast any spells but none of them work. It's all because of my damaged hands that make my work difficult" he argued.

"Y/n is just like you but she doesn't complain about her lack of leg movement when she is doing martial arts training, she tends to ignore all those thoughts about her disability to move fast and yet she can still do martial arts training well. Like I said it's not about your hands" the Ancient One explained firmly.

"She's probably using magic to walk" Stephen replied not realizing that he had said bad things about you.

The Ancient One eye twitched faintly. She then turned her head to look at Master Hamir. "and how do you need to use magic with this? Master Hamir" she said the Master's name next to her.

Hamir who was standing next to the Ancient One started raising his wide sleeves, pulling his hands out of his robe or rather his 'hand' out of his robe. The smooth stump a few

inches short of a wrist is the other end of his hand. Stephen was stunned.

Hamir makes passes in the air, writing a calligraphy of light and Strange plainly sees that the stump of Hamir's missing hand is drawing runes as deftly as the living hand.

Strange is at once both amazed and humbled.

Hamir finishes the runes. Pulls his arms back into his robe.

The Ancient One turned her gaze towards Stephen with a knowing look on her face. She glanced at Hamir. "Thank you, Master Hamir" she said pleasantly.

Hamir bowed and walked away, passing by Mordo, who watched from a distance. The Ancient One looked at Strange.

"It's not about your hands. You cannot beat a river into submission, you have to surrender

to its current and use its power as

your own." said the Ancient One.

"I control it by surrendering

control. That makes no sense. Stephen said in disbelief.

"Not everything does. Not everything

has to. Your intellect has taken you

far in life, but it will take you no

further. Surrender, Stephen. Silence

your ego, and your power will rise. "Ancient One demanded.

Strange nods, although he doesn't truly understand this lesson just yet He is still on the verge of accepting the whole mystical things that are happening in front of him. His mind is still narrow.

The Ancient One draws a gateway in the air with her own sling ring, then walks through it. "come with me"

And Stephen followed her into the gateway like a chick follows its mother.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

۞ TIME SKIPS ۞

You walked past the rooftop defense compound with a tired face after 3 hours of Martial Arts training with the replacement Master who replaced Dhani for a short period of time since Dhani was still carrying out her mission (with John). This replacement Master is very brutal in training. You have been beaten by him endlessly many times and you can only think that this one will leave a lot of bruises behind you. Although the replacement Master's face looked quite good and innocent, but as soon as he started training, his face automatically turned very serious which made you gulp your saliva several times.

You winced when you accidentally bumped your shoulder on the collar there as your mind wandered everywhere thinking about Stephen's condition. He was supposed to meet you at the library to study together but then, he didn't show up. His training should be over by now, but you don't see him at all. Now you start to worry. You just met him and now he has disappeared again. God knows what happened to him.

You silently arranged your steps past the Ancient One and Mordo who were standing looking ahead as if waiting for something to appear in front of them. You stopped and furrowed your eyebrows at them.

"You guys fine?" You walked to Mordo's side and looked at them both with a confused face.

"oh, we're fine. Just hoping that someone there is fine or not" the Ancient One replied while fiddling with her folding fan. Her eyes remained in front of her.

Mordo looked concerned and leaned closer towards you to whisper something. "It's Stephen she's talking about"

You gaped and widened your eyes after hearing what Mordo said. You looked at Mordo for confirmation to which Mordo only replied with a small nod.

"Is it sling ring training?" You asked Mordo.

"What else?" Mordo replied.

"oh god, not again." you palmed your hands and brought them to your mouth.

Mind silently replaying your rather brutal sling ring training where the Ancient One trapped you on a safari where a pack of lions were. Of course you are safe, the lions there just sit and look at you as if you are just a game for them. They don't attack they just watched you like you're some kind of performance to them but lion cubs there sure as hell have a high hunting spirit. They once tried to ambush you but you managed to open the portal and run into the portal with a few scratches on your legs which the lion cubs there kindly gave you. You flinched as you remember that brutal memory.

"Where is it this time" you looked at Mordo.

"mount Everest" The Ancient replied simply without turned her gaze at you.

You massage the bridge of your nose. "no.. how long has he been there?"

"seven minu-"

"eight minutes now" The Ancient One cut Mordo off her eyes remaining at the space in front of her.

You gaped and looked ahead of you. Expect Stephen's gateway to appear out of nowhere but nothing appeared. Time flies for about a second although it feels like an hour the three of you wait for Stephen to appear. Mordo became concerned.

"perhaps I should" Mordo began to reach for his sling ring on his belt.

Ancient One put her hand over Mordo's as if stopping him to help Stephen but then out of nowhere, Stephen's Gateway appeared and here comes Stephen stumbling to the ground with his body shivering from the cold. His beard, body and hair are full of white snow. You automatically crouched next to him and held his pale hand, noticing how cold his body was, you activated a warm spell on your palm hoping to warm his body.

Stephen raised his head to look at Ancient One. His face is somewhat between pissed off and grateful with what he has achieved. Piss off the way Ancient One did the scene a while ago on him and grateful because he managed to open the portal on his own. He then let out a relieved breath and looked at you who was concerned with his well-being. Your face and his are only about 2 or 3 inches close, one inch he can kiss your lips. Stephen's face suddenly started to heat up when he thought about such a thing.

"Come on.. let's warm you up.. otherwise you will die from hypothermia" you tried to lift his cold body, not noticing how red Stephen's face was. Warm spell still working.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

"Which one is your room?" You held onto Stephen's shoulder trying to stabilize him. He still shivered like someone who has tremors but the color of his skin is getting better thanks to the warm spell you cast.

Stephen glanced at you and then looked ahead of him. He nodded towards a second door at the end of the corridor. "that one, second door"

You nodded and led him to his room slowly. The door to his room opened, you took Stephen to the middle of his room. You look around. His room is very neat and awake compared to the owner himself who is still scruffy with a beard and long hair. You turned your gaze to Stephen.

"come on, I'll take you to the bathroom.. Let's just give you a hot bath, I guess.." You held Stephen's hand and led him to the bathroom.

Stephen's room is just like your room so it's not surprising if you know where the bathroom is located. As you enter the bathroom with Stephen in the back who is still cold, you release his hand from your grip and walk to the water faucet to set it to hot water which at first when you come here is quite surprising that the Kamar Taj is not a place that does not use technology other than wifi so it's no surprise that the bathroom faucet can be set to hot or cold.

After you set it in the hot water, you glanced at Stephen who was still stiff behind you. His eyes looked at you with an unreadable look on his face. You can't identify the reaction he is making now as he seems to be thinking about you as if you are an endangered creature and humans see it for the first time which makes them stunned.

Weird metaphor? yes i know. You walked up to Stephen.

"Stephen?" you call him

Stephen jerked slightly and looked down at your eyes. Both of you staring at each other's eyes for a good minute. You can feel butterflies in your stomach flutter as your heart beats fast and skips a few beats. Your face warmed when you held Stephen's gaze. Stephen didn't move but just looked at your face. But it didn't last long, as you broke the staring contest by looking at the bathtub.

"the water is ready.. I'll leave you to take a bath then." you said avoiding looking at Stephen, face still red.

Stephen nodded before silently walking towards the middle of the bathroom to undress himself.

"You should shave all those hairs you know? Maybe cut it short or shave it clean? Cut that hair too" You said while looking at Stephen who had half opened his tunic to reveal his firm chest.

Stephen stopped and looked at you. "I've tried but both my hands shook badly. I've had cuts on my face before so I don't want to take any risks" Stephen turned his back to you.

"need help with that?" you blubbered without hesitation.

Stephen turned his body to you back and looked at you confused. "have you ever shaved before?"

"Even though I'm a woman, it doesn't mean I don't have hairs to shave." you said simply.

"right" now he feels stupid for asking such a question.

"now stay there, I'll prepare the shaver and scissors, I know what to do with those hairs" you opened the mirror on the wall and took out the electric shaver and silver scissors. Stephen gulped nervously.

After you took the items, you closed the mirror and walked towards the towel rack next to the bathroom door which means outside. Stephen's white towel was reached by you and you walked towards Stephen who was still standing in the same place.

"Oh, Dammit i forgot. I better do it after you shower. You still cold. I don't want you to dead yet." you put the electronic shaver and scissors in the sink, silently cursing under your breath for forgetting Stephen conditions.

Stephen nodded without any words while you who still ashamed with forgetting about his condition left the bathroom to give Stephen privacy.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

"Can you just sit properly? Do you want your face full of cuts? Sit properly" you patted his bare shoulder with your free hand while the other was trying to shave and trim a little on his new beard.

Stephen rolled his eyes while looking up to the ceiling to allow you to work on his chin. "yes ma'am"

You glared at him and continued to trim his beard for the last touch where you stand in front of him who is sitting on a chair so that you are at the same level as him and it is easy to trim his goatee. His hair is already cut, which goes with his look and his new goatee.

You just followed Stephen's instructions regarding that he wanted to change his new appearance so was his new life which suited him with this new look and this made something flutter in your stomach when you made the last touch on his goatee. And then everything is done.

You smile satisfied with the results of your work. Stephen looked up at you with an appreciation look.

"yeay, all done" you patted his bare shoulder and walked to the side allowing him to look at himself in the mirror.

Stephen got up and stood in front of the mirror and took a small towel and gently wiped his new wet goatee before putting it aside and cocked his head upwards to look at your work. Clean, neat and tidy. Stephen nodded in satisfaction.

"not bad" Stephen praised.

"oh, thank you, Doctor Strange" you bowed slightly with a smirk.

Stephen pushed your head jokingly. "Stop it" He smiled.

You chuckled and glanced at his firm chest accidentally before quickly turning your gaze towards Stephen's face who still held his smirk. Your face started to turn red.

"Like what you see, stoat?" Stephen smirked teasingly.

"shut up, Giraffe" you turned your gaze to the side. Your face was very red and warm but you managed to hide it.

"don't be shy, sweetheart. You've seen me naked before" Stephen poked your shoulder with his index finger.

"Yeah well that was when we were 11 years old. We weren't mature at that time. Besides you're not completely naked at that time, you're just half naked like now" you waved your hands to the appearance of him wearing only a towel around his waist.

"Wait until I open-"

"wow, easy boy.. just shut up!" you smack his shoulder a little hurt.

Stephen winced and rubbed his shoulder that you smacked before he took both of your hands and held them tightly. His face softened as he looked at you and appreciated the things you did to him just now.

"thanks for helping me cut and shave me. I can't really describe how much you have done for me. So thank you" Stephen complimented.

"I'm just returning the favor you did to me before" You muttered.

"and yet this also means something to me" he put his forehead on your forehead and closed his eyes. So was you too.

You sighed heavily. "can we just be like this forever? like hangout with each other, treat each other like we did when we were kids. Can we do that again?"

"I want to do that too. Hangout with you until both of us fell asleep or just us having a silence moment together until we get bored and want to do something silly" Stephen replied, slowly rocking his and yours body together side by side . Stephen let go of your hands and put his hands on your waist.

You automatically put your hands on his shoulders and unconsciously played with his back hair. "I miss you.. I miss us"

Stephen sighed lightly. "I miss you too.. I miss us too.. We are just so busy with life that we rarely see each other"

You hummed. "Have you apologized to Christine? You know after you outburst your frustration on her. Even though you two have broken up, it doesn't mean you don't have to apologize to her. She deserves your forgiveness, Stephen"

"don't worry, I'm planning to email her for the 40th time again" Stephen said.

"She didn't reply to any of your emails?" you parted away from his forehead and stared at his face with a dumbfounded look.

"no, she.. I don't blame her for not replying to my emails.. she deserves to do that. She probably wants space" Stephen sighed and stared back at your face with a sad look.

"Oh, Steph. I'm sure she'll open her heart to accept your forgiveness" You stroked the back of his hair gently.

"What did I do to deserve a person like you?" Stephen muttered.

"we know each other for a long time, I'm sure you understand what kind of person I am" you replied with a twinkle in your eyes.

Stephen stared at your eyes for a long time. Stephen is no stranger to how you both treat each other. Whether it's touching, hugging or kissing one another's cheeks in greetings. That's what friends always do, right?

'friends' Stephen thought bitterly.

Friends are not like this. Hug like you've been together for more than 2 years. Not that they both care, they know and understand each other better than their own partners. It's like peas in a pod, meaning never separated and always going everywhere together and doing work together. Not counting a few months of silence treatment they did but still both of them always thinking about each other.

Is it possible to love your childhood friend? It is not impossible as this kind of thing has been experienced by many other people in this world so it is not surprising if one of them starts to confess.

Stephen's eyes stared at your own a few moments before he broke his staring by looking down. He sighed.

"I think I need to say this to you" Stephen began.

You looked at him confused. Stephen let out a small sigh and stared at your face in new found confidence.

"i-" Stephen paused. "we've been friends since we were both 10 years old until we were 40. Our friendship has never been challenged or broken even if we both fight or have a disagreement. We always apologize and help each other in our own way and that never becomes less in our friendship." Stephen put his hands on both of your cheeks. His face softened.

"And I think we should be more than that. We rely on each other no matter what happened and it's doing something inside of me like something flutter inside me whenever you help or accompany me in anything. I just love your presence, your voice, your knowledge about anything and I love what kind of person you are. In fact, I love everything about you because you are different from others. You don't care about other people's things. You don't care about what people say about me Nor did you care to be friends with me even though I have high ego and arrogance. You're still with me even after knowing that I'm dating Christine.. I don't realized that i pushed our friendship away knowing you just wanted to keep this friendship but then again, dating with Christine is not the same as I was with you. I didn't realize that I really want you..I have done all kinds of things for you so that you can get a hint that I actually want to be more than a childhood friend. I'm just afraid to say this to you. I'm just afraid that you don't have the same feeling about me. I still think that you are not destined for me but now I can see the other way" Stephen confessed.

You are speechless. 'He likes me' you thought. The heart began to beat faster when the long-hidden feelings now rose again. After all this time he likes you back. He returns your love to you. You are just blind and don't realize that all this time Stephen has done all sorts of things that a good friend would never do. He showed his love for you in an unspeakable way. He returns your love without saying anything but he used action to tell you that he likes you. Unspoken love in this term, he doesn't dare to say that he really loves you more than childhood friend and he wants more than that with you. The way he shows how much he loves you is so big and more than enough but you just blinded by your own doubt not knowing that he too feel like you doesn't have the same feeling to him.

"Stephen" you whispered, hands reached to rubbed Stephen's hands on your cheeks.

Stephen looked down, ashamed."I understand that you don't have the same feelings for me, but at least I can say what I want to say to you about my feelings that have been hidden in my soul for a long time. I always love you no matter what."

You softened your looks at him and caressed his cheeks softly. " Steph, you don't need to explain it, because I also have feelings for you. It's been a long time but I don't have the courage.. I don't have the courage to tell you this.. I'm afraid you'll reject me because I think it will ruin the friendship we built a long time ago"

Stephen shook his head and rubbed your cheeks with his thumbs. "no, don't say it will destroy our friendship.. we are the only two who don't have the courage to confess to each other. But only time will tell how organized our story is.. Look at us now, confess to each other. I always love you " Stephen leaning closer to your face.

You stared at the multicolored eyes in front of you with a softened look engraved on your face. Admire a beautiful galaxy in his eyes. Along with his face that you grew up with. And without hesitation, You leaned closer to his lips with yours. Kissing each other lips passionately without one of you parting away. Stephen returned the kiss deeply savoring the warm feeling of your lips with his eyes closed. His hands automatically go to your neck to bring your body closer to him while your hands slide to his firm chest.

After a good five minutes, the two of you parted away from each other to breathe with smiles on both of your faces and then both of you giggled like school kids whose love was returned by their crush. You giggled while rubbing Stephen's chest while Stephen giggled while rubbing his thumbs on your neck gently.

"wow" you giggled and put your head on his chest.

Stephen put his right hand on top of your head and gently rubbed your head while his left hand slide to your hips. His head on top of your head and then he automatically kissed the crown of your hair tenderly. "I know, love."

You blushed at that new nickname he gave you and hide your face on his chest. And then the atmosphere was quiet and the two of you enjoyed each other's warm embrace with an aura of love and affection around the two of you. Only your two breaths could be heard in Stephen's room.

Stephen decided to break the silence. "So you and that woman before had no relationship, right?"

"Dhani? Oh! no no.. me and her are just friends.. nothing happens between us.. She and John are the only ones who have something.. She's always disappearing with John" you moved your head to the side and listening to his heartbeat.

"oh, ok.." Stephen muttered.

You raised your head to look at Stephen with an arched eyebrow. "why.. do you think I'm into a women now?.. Gosh.. no, I still have lust for men and that man is you" you stand on your tip toes and peck his lips.

Stephen blushed. "But it's true what you said.. John also always disappears with Dhani.. Something must happen between the two of them.." Stephen paused. "wanna make a bet?"

You looked at him in disbelief. "Like when we were stupid teenagers? Remember that I lost a lot to you."

"That was before, but now maybe there is luck. Who knows, you won anyway.. My bet is John who confessed to Dhani first"

"fine.. Mine was Dhani who confessed first with her weird way" you mumbled.

"Whoever wins gets 10 rupees" Stephen added.

You hummed. "enough to buy ice tea.. deal" you started holding out your right hand to seal the deal.

Stephen nodded and without hesitation shook your hand with his and shook it a few times before kissing the back of your hand as an extra. "deal"

[kimhortons]

24/02/2024 • Saturday.

— finally nakapag pafootspa ako ulit. huling footspa ko ata na matino ay nung nasa manila pa ako. yung unang footspa ko kasi dito sa legazpi non, hindi ako nasatisfy kasi nag mamadali na kami, ang tagal kasi ng cleaning ko nun, si J gutom na kaya di ko na pinatuloy. kinuskos nalang ng very light since ang tagal narin naka babad. yung itong sa sm though hindi ko feel na premium siya, goods narin at mukhang nafresh naman yung paa ko haha. feeling ko kasi puro kalyo na kaka sapatos.

— nag ikot ikot kami sa dept store. initially for the purpose ng mirror selfie haha. then we noticed na sale pala, may trip sana akong canvas shoes dun, yung sprint. not sure if known brand, para siyang converse. wala lang, ang cute kasi ng color nung high cut tsaka 400 nalang haha. bibilhan sana ako ni J kaso nahihiya ako na gagastos na naman siya e binabudget na nga niya, at di ko pa naman kailangan ng bagong shoes ulit kasi 3 pairs na meron ako. ang kailangan ko talaga ay closed shoes na high heels para sa new office namin, pero ako na 'to. haha.

— ayun, napadaan kami sa bag section, may nakita kaming cute na slingbag. ayun nalang yung binili niya as early birthday gift niya daw saken. haha. umay na kasi ako sa nag iisang sling bag ko dito, metal yung strap niya, e acidic ako. so parang nag aamoy kalawang ako pag gamit ko yun. lagi nalang din ako naka tote bag kaya umokay nalang din ako sa bagong sling bag. hehe.

— yang bucket fries sana gusto kong pasalubong ni J saken kahapon kung di ako nagpa Legazpi. kumain nalang kami after ko magpa footspa after namin mag ikot sa dept store, since di naman ako nag lunch. mas dito na kami kumakaen lagi kesa sa Jollibee at Mcdo haha. pero may mag bubukas daw na Popeyes dito sa SM e, mukhang matagal pa kaso. for sure dun naman kami kakaen next time hehe.

— ganito lang kami lagi every weekend, since tuwing weekend lang din naman talaga ako nakaka gawa ng personal errands kasi nakaka pagod umuwi ng late after work. food trip lang after work ang madali naming nagagawa nila zha pagka out e. so ang self love at bebe time aay nakalaan na tuwing weekend. hehe

[atlaswingsofruin]

Atlas the mimicker (ft. My OCs)

Characters are:

Atlas (the orange novabeast & the dragon)

Alter Atlas (the pale/colourless version of Atlas)

Vakuum (as a white-purple novabeast)

Explain time:

So i once did a video of Atlas mimicking a phoenix, so here i am with Atlas mimicking multiple creatures (Griffin, Gargoyle, Sabertooth & Fennec, the cries are all from sling kong), so for those who don’t know, Atlas has the ability to mimic other creatures, and he does that often cuz he has no cry of his own

[schrijverr]

Tomorrow Will Be Different 9

Chapter 9 out of 26

Instead of managing to meet up later, Oliver has to keep running with Akio. The only way to keep them safe is to go public with Oliver being alive, leaving him back home in charge of Akio, while Tatsu and Maseo are still in the wind

In this chapter, Oliver tries to settle in at home and connect with family. As well as meet new allies.

On AO3.

Ships: none

Warnings: none

~~~

Chapter 9: The Creaking of Settling Back In

Oliver is livid. Nothing has gone as he had hoped today. Seeing his mom and sister again has been great, but it seems like everything has gone down hill since that first hug by the plane.

The car ride over to the house had been stilted and slightly uncomfortable, Thea is acting weird, he’s pretty sure his mom has something against Akio and she made him upset, and now he doesn’t even get to have a proper hello with Tommy, because he’s so pissed off.

In short, it’s another shit show.

He can feel Akio quiver with unshed tears, trying to not be as upset as he is over Moira’s words and obviously failing. All Oliver can do is get Akio as far away from the situation as he can, before sitting him down in a windowsill seat and kneeling down in front of him.

As gently as he can, he puts a hand on Akio’s shoulder and looks him in the eye, saying: “Hey, I know that it’s hard, but my mom doesn’t have the whole story. She doesn’t know Lyla is looking for your parents. They’re going to be found.”

Akio takes a deep breath, much like Tatsu does when she’s upset, holding it for a second before letting go. The tears don’t fall and a determined expression comes on his face. “They’re going to be found,” he repeats, before adding: “Tomorrow will be different.”

“Tomorrow will be different,” Oliver agrees with a smile. Their chant of reassurance from Hong Kong still holds here.

The moment is interrupted by Tommy, who says: “Dude, since when do you speak Chinese?”

Oliver is grateful that he chose to say the sensitive, secret information in Mandarin, because the last thing he needs today is more questions. He looks up at his friend and deflects: “Results of necessity I suppose. Maybe if college offered a more life or death experiences, I wouldn’t have dropped out so often.”

He can see pain in Tommy’s eyes at that and mentally scolds himself. The gallows humor he has developed these past few years doesn’t have the same impact here with people who have lived in comfort instead of fear.

To deflect from the mistake that was his deflection, he says: “Are you also coming to tell me I’ve turned into a weirdo?”

“Nah, though I might have to cancel that welcome home bash now that you’re all responsible all of a sudden,” Tommy smiles. And Oliver is so thankful that Tommy is still Tommy, taking everything in stride with a joke ready to lighten the mood.

“One of us has to be,” he replies.

“You’re hurting me over here, man,” Tommy laughs, clutching his heart as if it truly hurts. Then he straightens out and says: “But I was coming to offer my carrying services. Maybe you forgot how heavy those mattresses are.”

“Probably,” Oliver agrees, getting up. “What do you think Akio? Do you think this dope here can be of use?”

Akio cocks his head to the side, studying Tommy for a second. Oliver tries not to laugh at how the spine of his friend straightens out, as if he is trying to make a good first impression. Though the amusement is mostly overshadowed by gratefulness. He had expected some push back surrounding showing up with Akio in tow, but it’s worse than he thought, so having someone try is nice.

However, Oliver can’t contain the snort when Akio bluntly says: “No. But he can stay. He’s kind of funny.”

“Kind of funny?” Oliver repeats, playing up his offense. “It took you weeks before I was deemed alright, why does he get to be funny immediately?”

“He’s funny, you weren’t,” Akio shrugs.

Tommy lets out a bark of laughter at that. He slings an arm around Oliver – who is proud of not flinching at that – and grins: “I’m a natural charmer.”

“Yeah, yeah, charmer,” Oliver rolls his eyes, starting to walk again. “Let’s see if your charm will help you carry that mattress.”

It turns out to be quite a task to carry the mattress. The Queens don’t do single mattresses, nor do they low quality. Which is great for sleeping, but not for moving. Oliver couldn’t have done it by himself, even though he provides most of the muscle, while Akio directs the two.

The excitement of the move has cheered Akio up considerably and he pokes around Oliver’s old room with great interest.

Oliver lets him explore, finally getting to say hello to Tommy properly. “Thanks for the help. It’s good to see you, man.”

“I can say the same to you,” Tommy replies, pulling him into a proper hug. “I still can’t fully believe you’re okay. It’s a goddamn miracle.”

“Yeah, you can say that,” Oliver says, deciding not to go into that. It doesn’t feel like a miracle, more a never ending battle. “And don’t swear in front of the kid. You’re not the one who has to explain it to his mom if he repeats it.”

Tommy gives him a look that tells Oliver he agrees more with Moira than him about the likelihood of Tatsu and Maseo being found. However, he smartly keeps his opinion to himself, instead incredulously saying: “That’s gonna take some getting used to.”

“What?”

“Just you, man,” Tommy says, gesturing to all of him. “I never thought I’d see you grow up.”

There is a deeper layer to it than just Oliver’s maturity and Oliver is reminded that everyone thought he was dead. That his life had been cut short at age twenty-two and he would never get the chance to develop more than that. He can imagine that his current personality will take some getting used to.

He doesn’t want to get too deep into it, but allows himself to become a little more serious, dropping the ‘shooting the shit’-attitude he usually has with Tommy. “Me neither, honestly. But Akio’s a good kid and his parents have done a lot to try and help me get home. I owe it to them. And to Akio. He was my only bright spot for a while there. I don’t know if I would’ve made it if he hadn’t been there.”

Both fall quiet after that statement, watching Akio flip through books Oliver has never read, since they mostly acted as decoration.

After letting his words linger for a second, Oliver clears his throat and asks: “Are you going to stay for dinner?”

“Do want me to?”

“Yes, please,” Oliver says, not even embarrassed about the pleading tone. With how today has gone, he’ll need Tommy there.

“Course, dude,” Tommy smiles.

“Thank you.”

Oliver wants nothing more than to lock himself in his room and be alone for a minute. He is so glad to be home, but being here is also reminding him how much he has lost these years. How badly he fits in these lavish halls.

However, Akio wants to explore the ‘castle,’ as he has dubbed the Queen Mansion, so Oliver has to follow along, not wanting Akio to get lost or have to face his mom or sister alone. Not to mention the fear of Shrieve sending men to capture them.

Tommy also follows Akio around, telling him embarrassing stories about Oliver, which only makes him more liked by the kid, much to Oliver’s faux-annoyance.

As they watch Akio, Tommy catches him up on everything he missed, ranging from the Superbowl, the elections, to the ending of Lost and the latest socialite drama. It’s lighthearted and not that serious, which is exactly what Oliver needs right now.

He was also right about needing Tommy at dinner. He makes the whole experience ten times less awkward.

However, it seems his mom and sister are trying, even if they don’t fully know how. They try to make conversation with Akio – and don’t mention how he struggles with the knife and fork – but it is clear that with the story they’ve been fed, they don’t know what to ask. So, Akio talks a bit about the game he’s been playing since the embassy, while they pretend to listen politely.

The trying extends to the sleeping, because Moira doesn’t comment on it when she comes to check on them and finds Oliver on a mattress on the floor.

Oliver is still awake when she sticks her head in. He hasn’t been this comfortable in ages, but it also feels weird, almost uncomfortable in its comfort. So, he is tossing a little when he hears her, shooting upright immediately at the noise, before spotting her and dropping the defensiveness for a sheepish smile.

Her gaze softens into something that is mostly pity, though laced with concern. It makes Oliver’s inside twists, so he tries to ignore it by asking: “Are you okay?”

“Yes,” Moira answers, suddenly looks a little lost and embarrassed as she admits: “I was just making sure you were still here.”

Now Oliver’s insides are twisting in a very different way and he sounds slightly choked up when he says: “I’m here, mom. I’m okay. I’m not going anywhere.”

“Good. That’s good,” Moira nods, more to herself than anything else, before wishing him goodnight and closing the door softly behind her.

Hope blooms up in Oliver. Maybe they can find a new normal, a balance. It will never go back to how they used to be, but they can find a new understanding. He has always been more his mother’s son than his father’s.

This hope continues this morning when she says: “I’d like you to introduce you to someone,” before gesturing to a muscled Afro-American man standing in their living room. “This is John Diggle, he’s a bodyguard. Since you’re still worried about those men, I hoped this would ease your mind a little.”

He will have to check if this man is someone he can trust and be on guard, but having an extra trained set of eyes might be useful. “Thank you,” he says with all the sincerity he feels, before going to shake the man’s hand.

“Oliver Queen,” he introduces.

“John Diggle,” John Diggle replies. “Mrs. Queen mentioned you want to go into town today, so the car’s ready outside.”

It is true that he wanted to go into town today. He doesn’t know how long it will take Lyla to catch Shrieve and find Tatsu, Maseo and Amanda, but he wants Akio to have better clothes than the tourist shirts he managed to snag and he wants him to have some games and a laptop, so he can continue his studies. So, he follows John Diggle out the door and into the car, Akio right behind him.

In the car, he observes the bodyguard for a bit, trying to get a read on him and deciding whether or not he can trust him. “So, what do I call you?”

“Diggle is good, Dig if you want,” Diggle replies.

A fear grips Oliver’s heart and he scoots closer to Akio, finding all possible exists to the car that are possible with Akio while it’s driving. He tries to remain casual as he says: “You’re ex-military?”

He wonders if Shrieve send him as Diggle answers: “Yes, sir. Army Rangers, 105th Airborne out of Kandahar, retired. Been in the private sector a little over four years now. Though, it was my ex-wife that got me this job.”

Oliver has his exits, but he doesn’t want to tip his hand just yet, besides, his interest is piqued. So, he curiously repeats: “Your ex-wife?”

“Yes,” Diggle says, meeting his eyes deliberately in the mirror of the car. “Lyla Micheals. She said the two of you have met.”

“You’re the contact?” Oliver asks, surprised. He didn’t see that one coming. “You don’t look like A.R.G.U.S..”

“I’m not. She didn’t want an obvious connection. In the loop, but off the record, Mr. Queen.” Diggle replies.

It’s the same phrase Lyla used and Oliver feels himself relax slightly. However, he doesn’t trust that easily, if he did that, he wouldn’t be alive right now. So he asks: “Is there a way to get her to confirm you’re the one to talk to?”

Diggle looks approving as he gets a satellite phone from his inner pocket, holding it out to Oliver, before rounding the corner. “She’s waiting for your call.”

Oliver dials the only programmed in number, hearing it ring three times before: “This is Lyla Micheals speaking.”

“Lyla,” Oliver greets. “Got a John Diggle here, says he’s the contact. Is he legit or do I have to hide a body somewhere today?”

“He’s legit,” Lyla says and he can hear a smile in her voice as Diggle throws him a dirty look that he returns with his most innocent eyes.

“Good to hear. How is going? Any sign of Amanda or the Yamashiros?”

“Some of the higher ups definitely don’t want Director Waller found, but it appears to be a power grab, not a conspiracy. I’ve rounded up some loyalist off the books to canvass A.R.G.U.S. safe houses, but no luck yet,” Lyla reports professionally.

“Tatsu and Maseo might not be in an A.R.G.U.S. safe house,” Oliver points out.

“And that makes them harder to find,” Lyla says. “We suspect they’ve gone further underground and won’t come out until Shrieve is in custody, but my men are keeping their eyes out for them and I have someone canvassing morgues as well. If they show up somewhere, we’ll know.”

Oliver hates that she’s looking at morgues as well, but he knows that it’s best to cover all the bases with how the situation is. So he doesn’t respond to that, instead focusing on something else: “Do you know how they’ll know when it’s safe to come out? I doubt the government it going to televise Shrieve’s plans.”

“We’re still working on that, but we’re doing everything we can.”

“I believe that,” Oliver says, because he does. He is very grateful for all Lyla is doing, even if she isn’t doing it for him or Akio, but for Hong Kong and Amanda. “Any other problems that I can do something about?”

“Maybe,” Lyla says. “We covered up the bodies best we could, but some people did spot you. Most of them have been quieted, but that CNN reporter is trying to make this story as big as she can to further her career. Be prepared in case something about it comes up during your press release later today.”

“Alright, I will. Thank you,” Oliver says.

“Of course. I have to go now. Work is calling.”

“When does it ever stop,” Oliver smiles, before hanging up. Then he asks Diggle: “Am I hanging onto this, or you?”

“Me,” Diggle replies, holding out his hand.

When it becomes clear Oliver is done, Akio immediately asks: “Did she find Otōsan and Okāsan?”

“Not yet, but she has a team of people on it,” Oliver assures him. “And right now, no sign is good, because that means the bad men also don’t have them.”

It’s not entirely true, for all they know Shrieve does have Tatsu and Maseo and is torturing them in the hopes they can tell him where Amanda has hidden the Alpha component. However, he keeps that to himself when Akio looks so happy. Let him enjoy the hope.

[healyafterdark]

2,926 masl

March 16-18, 2024. Sa Mt. Pulag.

Tayo ang nagkasama sa grupo ng mababagal umakyat. Si papa, yung mag-asawa, yung guide, ikaw, at ako.

Sabi mo nung tinanong kita, first time mong sumama at umakyat ng bundok. Di mo ineexpect na ganun naman pala kahirap yon. Ako rin, first time ko rin na umakyat ng bundok talaga tapos Mt. Pulag pa, the highest peak in Luzon.

Narinig ko pa nga sabi mo doon sa kasamahan natin, na walang gamit ang paggigym niyo kasi nahirapan ka pa rin sa pag-akyat sa bundok. Tapos bigla kong sabi, "Hindi ata aerobic ang exercise ninyo, baka puro buhat. Dapat yung exercise na hihingalin kayo." Tumingin ka lang naman sakin nun. Siguro same tayo ng iniisip. Nako, nagsalita ang akala mo naggigym.

Isa sa mga pinakapangit na itsura ko yung nasa bundok tayo. Walang makeup, puro pawis, walang ligo, nakashirt at leggings, tapos mas lalong halata yung tinaba ko. May bitbit akong sling bag na mabigat, isang 32 oz na Aquaflask sa kaliwang kamay, at tungkod sa kanang kamay naman. Marami akong bitbit pero di hamak na mas malakas naman ako sa akyatan. Mas kita ko yung hirap mo kahit maliit na ecobag lang naman ang bitbit mo hahahaha. Tinawanan kita sa isip ko nun lalo na nung nag-alok yung guide na kunin yung maliit na pulang ecobag na yun. Ang arte pala neto, sabi ko sa isip ko lang.

Nung nasa camp naman tayo, di naman gaanong nagkrus ang landas natin. Naka dalawang shots lang naman ako ng whisky tapos bumalik na sa tent namin ni papa. Ikaw ata sumama naman sa inuman ng mga katrabaho ninyo ni papa. Pero ang di ko makakalimutan eh nung nakita kong mag-care sa iyo si Sir Egay. Hinahanap ka niya kasi di ka raw niya makita kung saan. Nasa tent ka ata nun, di ko lang sure kasi nga wala naman akong pakialam pa sa'yo that time.

Kahit nga nung paakyat na rin sa summit nung madaling araw, di naman tayo nagkausap kasi nga focus lang ako sa pag-akyat nun. Hindi ko talaga akalain pagkatapos ng bundok, magiging magkaibigan tayo. Eh di sana inayos ko man lang ang sarili ko nung nandun tayo, kasi mapapansin mo pala ako kahit ganun ang gulo gulo ng buhok ko. Oh baka kaya napansin mo ako kasi nga ang gulo gulo ng buhok ko?

Ilang2x by Ang Bandang Shirley

Isinulat ngayong May 3, 2024 | 12:43 PM