#astor bennet

[jakegyllenbaalz]

dexter morgan icons (dexter tv show, 2006 - 2013)

[variouspolltournaments]

Anti-Propaganda is not allowed. Please only give reasons to vote for something and not give reasons to vote against something.

Propaganda

Serina, Nomi, and Renzo Tessaro: (I will go ahead and say, the duology focuses almost entirely on Serina and Nomi and their stories while Renzo stays behind at home but he is kind of indirectly directly responsible for the main conflict of the first book. Continue reading and I'll explain:)

Serina is the eldest and Nomi and Renzo are fraternal twins. They live in a society where only men are allowed to be educated and taught to read, and most women either become wives or they become maids, unless they're very lucky, and they're chosen by the king or a prince to be a Grace (basically a concubine).

Serina has been training her whole life in etiquette to become a Grace, getting the better food portions to grow a curvier figure, and getting finer clothing and makeup than her mother and Nomi. She's content with this life and even looking forward to potentially being a Grace. She's polite and practically perfect. Meanwhile Nomi has been training her whole life to be Serina's handmaiden, and she's anything but happy about it. But she's doing it for Serina. She's an independent spitfire. She has opinions about the ways things ought to be done, even going so far as to defy the laws of the land and asking Renzo to teach her how to read (which he does).

Things all get turned on their head when Nomi gets chosen as a Grace for the crown prince, Malachi, instead of Serina, so Serina ends up as a handmaiden and Nomi has none of the high class suave or etiquette training that Serina has had literal years of. And to top it all off, before the choosing of the prince's Graces, Nomi took a history book out of the palace library, one that specifically states the kingdom had a long history of queens. The two of them get caught with the book after the ceremony and Serina takes the blame like the honorable older sister she is. She ends up getting exiled to a prison island where women literally are pitted against each other in fights to the death for rations and men's entertainment.

From then on, it is up to Serina and Nomi, from their separate islands, to pull on their memories of each other to get them through their circumstances and change the way things work. Can Serina become the spitfire that Nomi always was and survive the prison island? Can Nomi actually please Malachi and potentially the second prince Asa as a Grace without any of the propriety and refinement that Serina had?

But ultimately it will be their quest to find each other again that will bring the kingdom back to its era of queens in the second book of the duology, all of which never would have happened if Nomi's twin brother Renzo had not taught her how to read.

[fleetsummers]

What is the first thing you notice in someone?

"Their voice! There's a lot of things going on in a voice. My Uncle Sol doesn't hesitate in the pace of how he talks but there's a tiny catch at the back of his throat a lot. My dad cuts vowels out of his words like he suspects they might be too soft. Clint talks like he's treading water, sort of bobbing and liquid, from a distance. Nicki almost always hits second syllables, like she's trying to hold herself back from galloping in how she talks. Cass talks in sibilants and sort of drops into words from above. Ares talks up against the roof of his mouth like he might need to take it back at any minute. Mayra's voice is like shale, it has a beautiful fine-grained quality but it shatters sharp. Zack talks throaty and low and rough but he has this perfect lyrical diction, almost trained.

Voices mean a lot to me. I pay attention to them."

[isaacapatow]

Is there anyone who isn't on the raider team that you would like to have join the raider team?

"Not at the moment. Some people have potential in terms of skill, like maybe Clint or Silvy or Zack, but there's other things I look for in raiders and they don't hit those marks. It's a lot of factors and I'll be honest, sometimes the goalposts shift.

Hunters and Security do good fuckin' work, and they're a great bet for anybody who's a lil bit stir-crazy in their skin and helpful in their heart. Raiding is for us junkyard mutts who scavenge as a way of life."

[rhactividades]

EL TORNEO: CIERRE DE ACTIVIDAD.

Todo el evento transcurrió de la mejor manera posible. Contra todo pronóstico, el buen ánimo —ese que parecía casi una reliquia en medio de semanas de tensión e incertidumbre— nunca se fue. La competencia amistosa se mantuvo viva desde el primer momento, vibrante y sincera, como si cada encuentro en las canchas, en los campos y en el agua tuviera el poder de reconciliar a La Sociedad consigo misma. Para los padres y abuelos que alguna vez compitieron bajo el mismo sol, fue como retroceder en el tiempo: volver a esos años donde el orgullo venía del esfuerzo y la habilidad.

Los torneos comenzaron tras una mañana completa —y medio día más— de preparación intensa. Entrenamientos, ajustes de última hora, estrategias improvisadas entre risas nerviosas. La energía era contagiosa. Para muchos, solo estar ahí ya era una forma de victoria.

Antes de la ceremonia de premiaciones, y con el entusiasmo todavía al alza, se permitió que los asistentes participaran en competencias informales. Carreras espontáneas, juegos de exhibición, desafíos improvisados entre familias. Todo era una celebración. Por unas horas, La Sociedad parecía haberse limpiado de todo lo que la ensombrecía.

Ya por la tarde, con el sol descendiendo lentamente sobre los jardines, todos se reunieron para la esperada ceremonia de premiaciones. Sebastián Caldwell, con una mezcla de solemnidad en el rostro, fue el encargado de entregar personalmente los trofeos a los campeones.

El torneo de polo fue ganado por Yongwoo Kwon, cuya destreza y control del caballo asombraron incluso a los más veteranos del picadero.

Katerina Bernard se llevó el primer lugar en voleibol, liderando con una fuerza que recordó a las leyendas del torneo de antaño.

El trofeo de tenis fue para Renhao Mao, cuya técnica dejó claro que no todos los talentos estaban reservados para las viejas familias.

En natación, el imbatible fue Yuxin Zhou, cruzando los carriles con la precisión de una flecha lanzada al agua.

La competencia de atletismo tuvo a Nari Seok como vencedora, su velocidad una mezcla de gracia y determinación.

Xande Valente brilló en baloncesto, anotando con elegancia y pasión, ganándose la ovación de todo el Club.

Y la sorpresa de la tarde fue Weixun Zhou, quien no solo se coronó en golf, sino también en equitación, una doble victoria que pocos habían anticipado.

Uno a uno, fueron pasando al frente para recibir sus trofeos. Los aplausos resonaban como olas, los rostros llenos de orgullo y emoción. Sin embargo, no todos celebraban con la misma intensidad. Algunos, entre la multitud, comenzaron a intercambiar miradas incómodas, murmurando con una mezcla de desconcierto y desaprobación. Tres de los ganadores no pertenecían a las familias tradicionales de La Sociedad: Kwon, Mao y Bernard. Y dos de ellos, Renhao y Katerina, habían sido nombrados como sospechosos en la investigación por la muerte de Astor Caldwell.

Los murmullos comenzaron a crecer, pero fueron rápidamente acallados cuando, desde el extremo del jardín, una presencia inesperada capturó la atención de todos: el cuerpo policial se acercaba, avanzando con paso firme hacia la zona donde se encontraba la ceremonia. Las conversaciones se apagaron. El ambiente, antes festivo, se congeló en un instante.

La confusión te atrapa. El miedo —ese que creías haber dejado atrás con la montaña, con la fiesta, con los días de encierro— vuelve a recorrer tu cuerpo. Por un momento, temes que lo sucedido en la gala se repita. Que algo estalle. Que alguien más caiga.

No logras escuchar con claridad las palabras que el jefe de policía le dice a Sebastian Caldwell ni a Ruby Bennet, la viuda de Astor, pero al cabo de unos segundos lo comprendes. O crees que lo haces.

Porque lo que sí ves —lo que nadie puede ignorar— es cómo el abuelo de la familia Seok y el de la familia Zhou están siendo detenidos.

La acusación es clara: los verdaderos culpables del asesinato de Astor Caldwell han sido encontrados.

Y así, mientras la tarde que prometía redención se tiñe de incredulidad y desconcierto, solo una cosa queda clara: en La Sociedad, ningún triunfo está libre de sombras.

¡Hola, cuervos! Con esto damos por finalizada la novena actividad del grupal. Esperamos que haya sido de su agrado y que hayan disfrutado de rolearla.

Lo ocurrido fue presenciado por todos los personajes. Después de que ambos abuelos fueron detenidos, el torneo se dio por terminado y se invitó a los asistentes a comenzar a retirarse.

Son libres de usar los chats familiares o abrir chats privados en el canal de privados de Discord, que habilitamos para esto. Estos estarán disponibles hasta hoy a las 17:00 hrs (GMT-6).

Son libres de seguir respondiendo sus threads hasta que publiquemos la nueva actividad.

Cualquier duda o pregunta, nuestro buzón y chat privado por Discord están disponibles. ¡Gracias por su atención!

[d4rkpassengerz]

IT'S ALL ABOUT FAMILY.

Imagine, for a moment, that you are DEXTER MORGAN. You are born to a mother, LAURA MOSER, with no memory of the man who used to be your father, conjoined to an older brother - a BRIAN MOSER who loves you dearly. You are born, as any man, to some kind of family. A family that only had each other. You would sit in the living room scribbling nothings into paper with broken crayons or fiddling with counterfeit barbie and ken dolls with your brother as your mother painted her nails opposite you in funky little patterns. You don't remember much of her besides this, not anymore, not after you've been overtaken by the incident that turned the world 'round and expelled you from it at full force. Shipping container and a loving brother's lullaby, that's where you now say you were born, in blood and in death with the brother who so dearly loved you and from which's arms you were ripped to the embrace of HARRY MORGAN : foster father, the good cop. You had forgotten the loving brother. You were only three when the world split you down the middle, when Harry did. But you have that foster father who sees the darkness in you and propels it in a direction so odd, so deliberate, yet very much yours now and forevermore. A gift from a loving father and a curse from a misguided cop - your CODE comes from family. And to make it all work, to make the world reach out to you just a bit, there is DEBRA MORGAN. Little sister. Feelings, if you could have them, are rightly hers. She is your conscience and your responsibility. She is your world and you, Dexter, in being unlike Harry, are hers. You are tethered to family. You venture to make yourself look normal. You date, just for the ruse of it. You look around and around for a woman who doesn't want too much of you or might be damaged just enough to be tolerable. And you find her in the form of RITA BENNETT. Radiant, kind-faced Rita Bennet who comes with a family of her own. ASTOR AND CODY, the bundles of abused innocence you want so inexplicably to protect. And that's when she becomes a part of your life, too, because she comes with family. Because you cannot grasp love or care or affection, but you can make view of its semblance in familial energy. You say, you linger, and you have, with her, a child, HARRISON MORGAN. Light of your life he is, and the cement to make that feeling so close to love blossom in your bosom 'round Rita.

Dexter Morgan, hell-bent he is on saying that he is unfeeling and firm in his inhumanity, is a family man. He's a son, a brother, a husband and a father and he does them all very well. Unlike every other part of his ruse, while still imperfect in their sincerity, these dynamics are the closest to being real in his life. He truly loves his sister. He cried when he had to murder his brother. He started to care for Rita when he was truly integrated into her family. He would give his life away for Astor, Cody and Harrison. He lives and abides by everything Harry told him, even beyond the lies and the omissions. Dexter has always been GROUNDED BY FAMILY. It's the primary element pulling him back from being the very thing he calls himself: A MONSTER.

[maddytheweird]

Mr. John Jacob Astor – Richest Man on Titanic

John Jacob Astor IV (JJ Astor) The son of William Astor and great-grandson of John Jacob Astor the fur trader. JJ was educated in the ST Paul's school, concord and later went to Harvard. After a period of travelling (1888-91) he returned to the states to manage the family fortune. In 1894 JJ wrote a semi-scientific novel ‘A Journey In Other Worlds’. During his life he also developed several mechanical devices including a bicycle brake (1898), helped develop the turbine engine and invented a pneumatic road improver.

His 1st class ticket number was 17757 and his cabin number was C-?

He perished on the night of titanic and his body was recovered and identified on April 22nd by the cable ship Mackay Bennet.

He was identified by the initials carved into his cufflinks and the ones sewn into the label of his suit jacket

[older-sister-death-match]

OLDER SISTER DEATH MATCH - MASTERPOST

FINALS

Lilith Clawthorne vs Bluey Heeler

Semifinals

Candace Flynn vs Lilith Clawthorne

Nani Pelekai vs Bluey Heeler

Quarterfinals

Buffy Summers vs Candace Flynn

Gerard Way vs Dean Winchester vs Lilith Clawthorne

Amethyst vs Nani Pelekai

Artemis vs Bluey Heeler

Round 3A

Buffy Summers vs Thalia Grace

Abby Palmer vs Candace Flynn

Gerard Way vs Beezus Quimby

Dean Winchester vs Lilith Clawthorne

Round 3B

Princess Bubblegum vs Amethyst

Usagi Tsukino vs Nani Pelekai

Barbie vs Artemis

Bluey Heeler vs Applejack

Round 2A

Buffy Summers vs Elsa

Thalia Grace vs Haley

Vi vs Abby Palmer

Alisa Haiba vs Candace Flynn

Elphaba vs Gerard Way

Maya Astor vs Beezus Quimby

Yang Xiao Long vs Dean Winchester

Emira Blight vs Lilith Clawthorne

Round 2B

Princess Bubblegum vs Cremia

Hero Oak vs Amethyst

Lorelai Blyndeff vs Usagi Tsukino

Nani Pelekai vs Shouko Nishimiya

Barbie vs Sophie Hatter

Artemis vs Mari

Hollyleaf vs Bluey Heeler

Rainbow Dash vs Applejack

Round 1A

Buffy Summers vs Death of the Endless

Elsa vs Kendra Sorenson

Thalia Grace vs Mia Fey

Anastasia Tremaine vs Haley

Vi vs Ayano

Abby Palmer vs Nojiko

Alisa Haiba vs Nesta Archeron

Candace Flynn vs Reiju Vinsmoke

Elphaba vs Maria Robotnik

Gerard Way vs Edyn Tidestider

Ruri vs Maya Astor

Beezus Quimby vs Hailey Banks

Yang Xiao Long vs Bianca di Angelo

Temari vs Dean Winchester

Asui Tsuyu vs Emira Blight

Lilith Clawthorne vs April O'Neil

Round 1B

Sara Murphy vs Princess Bubblegum

Ellen Wright vs Cremia

Hero Oak vs Lizzie Lafayette

Drizabella Tremaine vs Amethyst

Lorelai Blyndeff vs Dess

Usagi Tsukino vs Elizabeth Bennet

Karen Araragi vs Nani Pelekai

Summer Smith vs Shouko Nishimiya

Gamora vs Barbie

Peppa Pig vs Sophie Hatter

Artemis vs Jazz Fenton

Kristina Kuroda vs Mari

Hollyleaf vs Leonardo

Ava Ferin vs Bluey Heeler

Rainbow Dash vs Raphael

Kotake the Witch vs Applejack

[chaosandcrimson]

Multimuse blog for @cyberplex. Penned by Anna.

Akira 'Kyra' Kitagawa | 27 | FC: Mio Imada - [ BIO ]

Amirah 'Ames' Shehadi | 26 | FC: Jihane Almira - [ BIO ]

Annabel Lee Chase | 27 | FC: Valentina Zenere - [ BIO ]

Beatrix 'Trixie' Vos | 28 | FC: Lili Reinhart - [ BIO ]

Billie Bennett | 38 | FC: Meagan Tandy - [ BIO ]

Brooklyn Barton | 22 | FC: Bailey Bass - [ BIO ]

Carrie Bachman | 22 | FC: Alisha Newton - [ BIO ]

Cinder Glass | 28 | FC: Imogen Poots - [ BIO ]

Claire Waverley | 37 | FC: Holliday Grainger - [ BIO ]

Constance 'Connie' Bishop | 43 | FC: Gemma Chan - [ BIO ]

Cornelia Belmont | 33 | FC: Sasha Luss - [ BIO ]

Danica 'Danny' Wainwright | 27 | FC: Grace Van Patten - [ BIO ]

Daphne Winters | 40 | FC: Deborah Ann Woll - [ BIO ]

Dashwood 'Dash' Wheeler | 40 | FC: Mary Elizabeth Winstead - [ BIO ]

Delilah Bowen | 26 | FC: Daisy Edgar-Jones - [ BIO ]

Desdemona 'Mona' Montgomery | 34 | FC: Meaghan Rath - [ BIO ]

Domino | 29 | FC: Dua Lipa - [ BIO ]

Emmeline 'Mel' Devereux | 22 | FC: Minnie Mills - [ BIO ]

Emmylou Allerdyce | 30 | FC: Cara Delevingne - [ BIO ]

Eos Genova | 28 | FC: Nina Dobrev - [ BIO ]

Esperanza 'Essie' Rivera | 35 | FC: Eiza González - [ BIO ]

Evangeline 'Eva' Cruz | 28 | FC: Liza Soberano - [ BIO ]

Fate Kurosawa | 21 | FC: Lisa Yamada - [ BIO ]

Felicity 'Flick' Myers | 29 | FC: Kelli Berglund - [ BIO ]

Freja Delselius | 28 | FC: Sarah Gustafsson - [ BIO ]

Gabriela Dantes | 25 | FC: Becky G - [ BIO ]

Gemini | 35 | FC: Jessica Henwick - [ BIO ]

Genevieve 'Genie' Collins | 23 | FC: Nicole Wallace - [ BIO ]

Hazel Hawthorne | 22 | FC: Olivia Rodrigo - [ BIO ]

Helena Montgomery | 22 | FC: Ciara Bravo - [ BIO ]

Holly Rexford | 50 | FC: Amy Adams - [ BIO ]

Irena Harker | 55 | FC: Rachel Weisz - [ BIO ]

Iris Mercer | 29 | FC: Sarah Jeffery - [ BIO ]

Isidora Vega | 33 | FC: Adria Arjona - [ BIO ]

Jacqueline 'Jackie' Porter | 25 | FC: Melissa Collazo - [ BIO ]

Jenna DiCamillo | 31 | FC: Erin Moriarty - [ BIO ]

Jessica 'Jess' West | 29 | FC: Katherine McNamara - [ BIO ]

Joyland Devore | 27 | FC: Grace Van Dien - [ BIO ]

Julie Dantes | 23 | FC: Natalie Alyn Lind - [ BIO ]

Kaitlyn 'Kitty' Castle | 22 | FC: Emilia Jones - [ BIO ]

Karma Jones | 26 | FC: Phoebe Dynevor - [ BIO ]

Keaton Ryan | 26 | FC: Carlson Young - [ BIO ]

Lenore 'Nora' Chase | 39 | FC: Anna Kendrick - [ BIO ]

Lisbeth 'Lizzie' Lovelace | 22 | FC: Emilia Jones - [ BIO ]

Lucia 'Luz' Martinez | 27 | FC: Daniela Nieves - [ BIO ]

Marisol de la Luna | 21 | FC: Isabela Merced - [ BIO ]

Megaera 'Meg' Syrios | 20 | FC: Sydney Taylor - [ BIO ]

Minnie Dantes | 29 | FC: Dove Cameron - [ BIO ]

Misty Rose Wilde | 31 | FC: Alycia Debnam-Carey - [ BIO ]

Mizi Corazón | 26 | FC: Miya Horcher - [ BIO ]

Natalya Belikov | 29 | FC: Florence Pugh - [ BIO ]

Neve Riordan | 24 | FC: Rain Spencer - [ BIO ]

Nikita 'Nicky' Rose | 27 | FC: Charithra Chandran - [ BIO ]

Nyx Nieves | 31 | FC: Victoria Justice - [ BIO ]

Odessa Brody | 30 | FC: Danielle Campbell - [ BIO ]

Ophelia Stark | 20 | FC: Paulina Chávez - [ BIO ]

Pandora Brody | 30 | FC: Summer Bishil - [ BIO ]

Phoebe Lupin | 36 | FC: Amanda Seyfried - [ BIO ]

Quinta 'Quinn' Brody | 37 | FC: Jacqueline Sato - [ BIO ]

Rhiannon Bowen | 30 | FC: Suki Waterhouse - [ BIO ]

Roxanne 'Roxy' Flockton | 25 | FC: Kaylee Kaneshiro - [ BIO ]

Ruby Villanueva | 28 | FC: Maris Racal - [ BIO ]

Safiya Wilson | 29 | FC: Greta Onieogou - [ BIO ]

Samantha 'Sam' Bennett | 36 | FC: Candice Patton - [ BIO ]

Scarlette Leong | 31 | FC: Chloe Bennet - [ BIO ]

Serenity Pierce | 31 | FC: Lucy Boynton - [ BIO ]

Sophie Astor | 34 | FC: Margot Robbie - [ BIO ]

Stephanie 'Stevie' Sinclair | 32 | FC: Taylor Swift - [ BIO ]

Teagan Castle | 40 | FC: Jenna Coleman - [ BIO ]

Thalia Belmont | 24 | FC: Sarah Michelle Gellar - [ BIO ]

Valeria 'Val' Dutton | 24 | FC: Maia Reficco - [ BIO ]

Victoria Stark | 34 | FC: Lindsey Morgan - [ BIO ]

Virginia 'Ginny' Bennett | 20 | FC: Mia Isaac - [ BIO ]

Voltare 'Volt' Vessar | 29 | FC: Sarah Catherine Hook - [ BIO ]

Whitney Wainwright | 36 | FC: Lily James - [ BIO ]

Xenon Luxe | 28 | FC: Janella Salvador - [ BIO ]

Yoshiko 'Yoshi' Nakahara | 25 | FC: Reina Hardesty - [ BIO ]

Zarina West | 29 | FC: Katherine McNamara - [ BIO ]

[mikebennet]

with @zackastor & @clintbennet | the daybreakers : a familiar face; from recent and from years ago. dogs set to hunt zack to ground. clint, a catch taken back.

Zack Astor -he makes his way through the forest, quite a bit away from the farm, trailing ahead of Clint- We're not gonna be long. We're just gonna reset the traps. You know how to set up a tripwire, right? 

Clint Bennet -He adjusted the strap of his rifle as he walked over the hard frozen ground. With winter settled in, the area was wildly quiet, snaps of twigs seemed to echo out through the barren forest. At Zack's question, Clint shook his head.- Can't say I've ever done that. Y'show me how t'do it on one and I'll help with th'rest. -He offers, closing the distance between them.-

Zack Astor -he casts a glance back at Clint for a moment- Really? Alright. Keep watch on your surroundings when you do. -Zack orders. They were close enough to the Daybreaker camp that they needed to stay vigilant. Especially with how the Daybreakers had started setting traps up in turn. However, reaching the first trap seemed to be without incident- Looks like it got one of them. -Zack commented, pointing towards the blood on the ground. The trap had been torn apart and dismantled, probably in frustration- Not much we can reset. There's another one that way. Between two birch trees, one of them burned. Check that one.

Clint Bennet -He didn't give a response to Zack's disbelief, he didn't work with those types of traps. Instead he nods his head and gives a 'Yessir' and observed as Zack pointed out the signs and the state of the trap. Even though it was destroyed, Clint could see some of the parts and imagined how they worked with each other, the amount of old blood on the ground proved it's effectiveness. It looked like whoever was the victim needed to be dragged away.  He was careful as he made his way towards the two trees he mentioned, judging by the scorch mark, it seemed to have been set off as well. The difference was that there was no blood.- Think this one was tripped on purpose.- He reports and kneels down to see what things looked like when it was in better condition.- Looks t'be in one piece.

Zack Astor -that makes Zack perk up when he follows Clint to the set-off mace trap. Something about it seems strange, and it makes the back of his neck tingle- They've been disarming them for a while now. -Zack keeps a couple of meters distance from Clint, carefully listening for any sign of danger- Did they cut the wire? Or damage it?

Clint Bennet -Following Zack's instructions, he looks over the wire to see a branch lying across it. Bending down, he moves it, but sees the metal wire is overall in good shape- Naw, it's in one piece. -He straightens up, looking Zack over, the man suddenly seemed on edge.- What y'got on yer mind?

Zack Astor -that's ringing alarm bells immediately - like the Daybreakers wanted them to find the trap, wanted them to reset it, and- fuck- Clint, run! -Zack barks, hand on his gun, but he can't even draw before four people, out of nowhere, descend on them, guns drawn, ambushing them, almost right next to Clint-

Clint Bennet -Gears seemed to be turning in Zack's head, Clint was just about to pry again before he barked his order just as several men rose up from their camouflaged positions in the brush.- Fuck! -Out of instinct he reached for the straps of his rifle, of course they were too close, and one jammed the butt of his own rifle right into Clint's diaphragm, knocking the wind out of him and causing him to stumble back closer t. Eyes darted, scanning the faces of the men who were surrounding them. He swore he saw one of them say the name Astor. The men started closing in on them when Clint realized that he needed to give Zack an opening. If either of them were going to get out of this, it needed to be Zack, he needed to lead the rest of the group.-

Zack Astor -It was strange, just how easily shit could go haywire. He should've suspected something, but he hadn't, not early enough. His mind was circling through possibilities, for that split second, as the camouflaged Daybreakers came in, weapons drawn, and then it became focused, sharp. The four men were trained well, two guns fixed on Clint and the other two in Zack's direction, ready to shoot either of them. He couldn't take all four. He'd have to wait for an opening, make one himself. His gaze flickered to Clint. Telling him to wait, with just a gaze.-

Clint Bennet -Lips drew into a thin line as his mind raced on what to do. He managed to catch the look Zack was giving him and recognized it's intent. He shifted on his feet, getting a look at everyone with their weapons drawn.- You have t'git out... -The words came at just barely a whisper when he faced him as he turned, head low to hide his lips. He wasn't sure what Zack was planning but the two needed to be on the same page with this.- "Hands up!" -One of the men ordered, Clint complied, raising his hands to shoulder height and turning to face the man who gave the order.-

Zack Astor -Zack noticed the whisper, but with the couple of meters distance between them he couldn't quite make out what Clint was saying. Whatever it was, Zack's gaze remained sharp, narrowed, a non-verbal order to stand down for now. This was a planned trap, the men alert, and- they didn't look untrained. Different than the patrols. Hell. Zack raised his hands up as two of the Daybreakers slowly circled closer to him, guns trained on him- Don't even think of trying anything stupid. -one of them said, face twisted into a scowl. Zack didn't recognize him, but the way the guy bore himself told him he wasn't up against a rookie- On your knees. Hands on the back of your head. Both of you.

mike bennet Position should be easy enough for you to recall, Astor. -the drawl comes from a fifth man, without a gun; Michael doesn't need one, not with the other four. He goes over to Zack when the two men are on their knees, grabbing Zack's hair with one hand and petting it with the other, almost obscenely- The General's gonna be glad I brought him back his favourite pet. -he stays stroking Zack's hair with a sinister smile before adding- And a lagniappe, too... -Mike looks over at Clint, initially not that interested, but then frowns, his grip clenching in Zack's hair painfully as the Daybreaker looks back at him- Did you bring my tadpole brother on a dangerous patrol with you, Astor? You got no sense how to plan a reunion? -he cuffs the side of Zack's head hard enough to draw blood and moves over to Clint, looking down at him half-perplexed, half-smiling- Well well, petit frere. Only you ain't so petit no more, huh. You trying to kill me and my kind?

Clint Bennet -He was getting restless, wanting to do something, anything  to get them out of the situation, but the look in Zack's eye kept him in place. He didn't know what the fuck the hold up was. Why they needed to wait, but Ike had told him Zack had experience with these people, he needed to trust him despite every cell in his body screaming at him to move. He watched the men as they approached Zack, he definitely seemed to be their focus. When the other ordered them to get on their knees he didn't comply right away, earning him a kick to the back of his legs, forcing him to his knees and a shove to the back of the head before he intertwined his fingers there. There was a moment of quiet before another blond man joined the circle. The way he carried himself and his late appearance gave the impression that he was high up on the food chain in their group. Clint's eyes followed him as he spoke, shifting on his knees when he grabbed Zack by the hair but the click of a gun behind him stopped him in his tracks. When the man turned his attention towards him, Clint glared up at him, his expression turning to confusion when he calls him his brother. No way that could be Mike. There was no fucking way, they could have gathered intel on them, this could be a mind game. It had to be, it didn't even sound like his brother. He decided to ignore it, his face becoming stern again as the man approached him, looking down on him.- Y'all ain't givin' us much of a choice, are ya? Y'reap what y'sow, ain't that how th'sayin' goes?

mike bennet -his frown deepens more into the perplexed, with a touch of annoyance, and in a firm motion he bumps his knee beneath Clint's chin to knock his head up- Look at me when I'm talking to you, Clint. And don't you quote no fuckin' Scripture at me. Ain't nothing in them there pages for the likes of two swamp rats like us, didn't our father slap Jesus out of your head hard enough, boy?

Clint Bennet -His teeth clench when his chin is forced upwards, he stares the man in the eyes, glowering up at him.- Don't know what th'fuck kind of game yer playin', lyin' through yer teeth. Y'aint m'fuckin' brother. -He spits up at the man, a defiant grin creeping across his lips. Good, he had this guys attention on him. If he could keep it that way, or draw more of the other's attention, maybe it would give Zack a chance to escape, to go back to the ranch, get the last pieces in place to do what they came here to do.-

mike bennet Believe it or don't believe it, petit. Don't make no difference to the same blood we got in our veins. -he lifts a hand, holding it poised in front of Clint's face, meaty fingers flexing; into a fist, out of it, until finally he draws his middle finger back against his thumb and flicks Clint hard between the eyebrows with a sneer- Still ain't got no more sense than a damn child eating brine shrimp out the mud. -he returns his attention to Zack, snapping his fingers at one of the Daybreakers- Still got that dog collar on you? We might as well bring him crawling back to the General the way he's used to. We kept your cage free for you, Astor! Couldn't put no inferior mutt in there, not after you kept it warm so long!

Zack Astor -Zack's face didn't betray much. Not when Mike appeared, not when the fingers twisted into his hair, not at the scuff and not when he revealed that he was Clint's brother. He watched, from narrowed eyes, taking in the guys, their positions, trying to work out a plan on how to get out of this before they were brought to the camp, because Zack knew damn well that this time, he wouldn't get out. Not soon. It was only when Mike spoke to him directly, that his gaze flicked back- You know he isn't gonna award you for that. -Zack grunted as one of the Daybreakers pulled his head back, fumbling with something in his pocket before pulling out a leather collar, worn out with little tears. The muzzle of his gun shifted. Zack could grab it. His cheek felt warm with blood- You're really gonna do that to your brother? You know what they're gonna do to him. -Zack figured that any appeals to morals were lost. He knew Mike. He was working on something else.- They're gonna tear your brother apart alive. You don't wanna see that, Mike. He ain't a danger. Let him run.

mike bennet -Mike leans back slightly when Zack warns him about the response he'll get for bringing Zack back- Oh? No? Because you know how the General works better'n I do? I mean- -he leans down slightly, a salacious grin halfway across his face- ...maybe that's true, in the Biblical fashion. But me, I know the man. I know the soldier. And he appreciates even the lowliest fuckin' cur being given a sportin' chance. So I'll tell you what, Astor. -Mike grabs the collar after the Daybreaker does up the buckle around Zack's throat, hauling him to his feet and giving him a shove as the armed men stay out of Zack's reach- You go on and give us a hunt, boy. I'mma give you a full-on ten-count to get started too. -he starts counting off, loud, starting at ten and going backwards-

Clint Bennet -Brows furrowed when the other man put a taunting hand in front of him, shaking his head in annoyance when he flicked him and watched as he turned his attention back to Zack. Fuck. Listening to Zack's plea for his sake, he could feel frustration boiling up inside of him and craned his neck to see one of the Daybreakers produce a collar. These people were sadistic. When the other man seemed to give Zack an out, as narrow of a chance he had, Clint nodded his head- Get out of here, Zack.

Zack Astor -he meets Mike's gaze evenly, jaw set tight, only a twitch in his muscles at the reference, matching the cold glare of his eyes. Something Mike was familiar with. And then Zack was dragged up to his feet and given a chance. His gaze flicked to Clint for a split-second, then back to Mike. He'd always been able to make the hard decisions. That was part of being in the military, part of leading. He couldn't save Clint, and a chance for at least one of them to make it out was presented, however slim. He didn't have to like it, but it was the reality, and he would act. There was no hesitation when Zack bolted as soon as Michael began counting. Running into the forest as fast as he could, and not looking back. He couldn't afford that - he would need every bit of leeway, every advantage he could get.-

mike bennet -as could be expected - as Zack is no doubt expecting - Mike speeds up once he hits six, and then takes one of the guns from the armed men and gives a sharp whistle. The Daybreakers take off running after Zack, and Mike swings the gun on Clint- Time for you and me to take a trip, tadpole. Gonna introduce you to the hospitality of the Daybreakers. Astor back there's already familiar, and now you're gonna learn.

Clint Bennet -There was relief when Zack bolted, leaving Clint behind and his eyes drifted up to the man who aimed his gun at him. Rising to his feet, he looks past the man towards the Daybreakers lumbering towards Zack's figure. Could he really make it back? There had to be some advantage he could provide. Not thinking twice, he drew his gun, aiming it at the man for a moment before he adjusted his aim slightly past him and fired at one of the men chasing after Zack, managing to hit him in the neck.-

mike bennet -Mike's about a second away from shooting Clint exactly where he'd flicked him earlier between the eyes, but instead he readjusts and shoots Clint in the elbow of his gun arm while Clint's distracted shooting after the Daybreakers, stepping in to follow it with a sharp blow to knock the other man to the ground- You had your lil hero moment. Now it's time to have the other side of being a hero. -he smiles, teeth gleaming- Let's you and me git reacquainted, petit. -with that, he knocks Clint out completely-

Clint Bennet -He couldn't help the smile that cracked across his face at the hit, watching the Daybreaker stumble to the ground. The celebration is short lived though as a gunshot rings out and his arm explodes in pain. He drops his gun immediately and is about to reach to hold his arm before a blow to the head sends him crumpling to the dirt.- Fuck-! -He spits this time managing to wrap his fingers around his injured elbow, his sleeve quickly staining red but he looks up at the man who called himself his brother.- Thought I was a tadpole, Mikey. -He mocks before the man gives the final blow, a bright searing white takes over his vision before everything goes completely black and his body goes limp.-

[redwoodwv-hq]

Name: Michael Bennet Age: 41 Town Occupation: Sanitation Previous Occupation: Coal Miner / Dealer Redwood Resident Length: New Arrival Faceclaim: Boyd Holbrook

Bullet Points:

Michael talks with a drawling Kentucky accent, having scoured the Cajun out of his voice completely

During Zack Astor's captive months with the Daybreakers, Michael took an active part in torturing him and killing his Wolves; he was also present when Nicki Torres was captured 

Is an experienced moonshine distiller and proficient hunter

Has two swallow tattoos on his chest, for his mother and brother

Biography:

The bayou wasn't so bad a place to grow up, if you stuck to the swamp and your baby brother and stayed out of the reach of your father's heavy hand. Michael thought he'd bide his time till he turned eighteen and then he'd grab Clint and they'd be on their way, but an incident three years shy of legal age made him step up his plans to hightail it -- without the baby brother.

Michael moved around doing jobs under the table or out past the law until by the magic age of eighteen he'd ended up in Eastern Kentucky. The hills and hollers of the Appalachians provided ample opportunities for a man who didn't mind being underground for half the week in the coal mines, and slinging oxy and babysitting moonshine stills for the other half. He worked on swapping out Cajun for hillbilly, on integrating himself into Harlan enough so nobody would look at him sidelong as an outsider. He got stuck in there so good he never did find a moment to think about heading back to that swamp to dig his baby brother out of the duckweed and catfish.

When the world came slamming down and going to rot, Michael took stock of his skills -- hardened by Bloody Harlan -- and found a place among a scavenger group called the Daybreakers. Their rules were ironclad and brutal, but so long as you provided, you wouldn't find yourself among the General's prisoners, a fate worse than being put to death or turned. In fact, if you proved to be a good torturer, you could be one of the General's more trusted men when the time came to take down a place called Redwood.

[fleetsummers]

Have you ever liked someone you didn’t expect to?

"If we're talking like-like, I didn't expect to like Clint -- he's not my usual type at all, because I mostly dated wealthy older men who wanted a side piece to spoil and wear on their arm, and Clint's very sweet and very homespun, not like that at all. And I didn't expect to like Zack, especially since our first meeting was a little rough and I didn't know whether my instincts about him were right or not. They were, though, which has been gratifying, to say the least."

[keeping-thepeace]

Uhhh… no, they weren’t from Bennet.

Uh, it was this girl named Ember and this other girl named Anna. I think uhhh.. they were from House of Astor. Ember died, Anna lived.

*He rifts in with tear tracks on his face*

Kayliii..? Are you busy?

-Merope

Oh, dear. Are you alright, Merope? I'm not busy, don't worry. Merely writing up a couple small files for some prisoner surveillance.

( @keeping-thepeace )

[isaacapatow]

with @clintbennet  | the daybreakers : catching up over a meal; ike discloses some things about growing up in ark

Clint Bennet -In all the madness of prepping to take on this group, it was easy for everyone to get lost in their own worlds, their own tasks, getting one thing done before quickly moving on to the next. Familiar faces outside of those that were completing tasks with you were rare to come by, but on his way to the community center to grab some much needed hot food, Clint couldn't help but recognize a familiar pair of shoulders that came around a corner and started heading down the walkway.- Ike-Hey! -He called out quickening his stride to find himself shoulder to shoulder with the other man.- Y'git a bit of a break too? 

ike apatow -he gives a good-natured grunt of agreement and acknowledgement, not slowing down or pausing -- Clint's got long legs too -- as he keeps heading to the kitchen- Yep, smoke 'em if you got 'em time. And man, I wish I had 'em. But whatever they cooked for us today is gonna have to do. -he slants a sidelong look at Clint- You been going out? Or staying in?

Clint Bennet -He keeps up with the other mans pace, not blaming him for not wanting to waste time.- Goin' out. -He responds simply before jutting his chin at the other- I know I ain't even got t'ask you. What do they got y'doin' outside th'walls? -The both of them came through the door, and Clint breathed in the scent of the food, he was pretty sure he smelled squash, one of the veggies they didn't seem to be running out of.- I'm just hopin' fer  some protien at this point...

ike apatow -he snickers, then ventures- I think Astor brought in a couple turkeys. He's a dick but he's reliable when it comes to bringing in the goods. And yeah, I've been doing outside stuff, mostly hit-and-run. I don't care for all this guerilla shit, I like working on my own stuff, raiding stuff, but we all gotta pitch in, right?

Clint Bennet Never thought I'd be grateful t'him... -Clint mutters under his  breath. He watches as Ike explains his adventures, giving a nod before he grabs himself a plate.- Are y'at least able t'work with yer team? Or are ya gettin' pulled in every direction?

ike apatow They're each of 'em well trained and used to being out past the wire, so it's made more sense for us to split up, accompany people who maybe aren't leaving town so often. Which is kind of nerve-wracking, Clint, if you wanna know the truth. -he dishes out some of what looks like a turkey casserole onto his dish, filling the spoon again and hovering it over Clint's plate if he wants any- I mean, hell -- taking townies out there even on a predictable milk run is always a crapshoot, much less this. Taking it to a group like the fuckin' Daybreakers.

Clint Bennet Shit, I can imagine. -He responds with a sympathetic look, giving a nod to accept the spoon full of food he was offering, supporting the plate as the food fell on it. He moved on, grabbing some bread and returning the favor of offering it to Ike.- Th' raiders, hunters, n' outside security are used t'bein outside, everyone else seems t'have lost some of that instinct, despite tryin'. So far I've worked with  Nicki, Silvy, David n' Leigh. Felt on edge with  Silvy n' Leigh, no fault of their own... We should have done more trainin' fer everyone... now we're scramblin',

ike apatow Ahhh, I dunno. -Ike holds out his place to accept the bread as they move along the counter- People here train all the time, whether out of boredom or paranoia or to get a better booty or whatever, but everything's different when you're looking at trained fighters who're actively gonna fuck you up if they catch you. That's beyond even learning how to stick a walker in the head. -he grunts, considering the ubiquitous roasted squash- Real people. That's always what's gonna trip you up.

Clint Bennet -Clint had to pause to look back and catch what Ike was saying, in the walls he opted not to wear his hearing aids, batteries were far and few in between and he needed a break from the noise. Ike had good points, Clint was finding that he was a lot more short sighted than the other, there were things that Clint hadn't considered that Ike seemed to naturally know.- Yer right...-He comments getting himself a spoonful of the squash. He thought about offering some to Ike but the expression on the  other man's face made it seem like maybe he didn't want any.- I don't know much about this group... just the details comin' out as we're gettin' assigned tasks. With all this preparin' I feel like everyone's on edge waitin' fer th'other shoe t'drop...

ike apatow A whole god damn Payless, more like it. -he dithers some more about the squash, then decides against it, grabbing an apple instead- I can't decide whether it's better that some of us know the Daybreakers and the way they work, or if that's more antsy-making. But we're doing what we can, right? -Ike squares his shoulders, almost visibly throwing off the weight of what's facing them- If you know any old Cajun weather spells, now's the time for 'em, Clint. We need snow and lots of it.

Clint Bennet With both their plates situated, Clint leads Ike to a table close enough to the fireplace to cut through the cold that was clawing at the walls.-  Y'think people willl panic if they know what they  can do? -He questions, taking a bite. He was going to ask Ike to give him more insight but from the look of the other, he needed a break from thinking about them. He huffs out a laugh and shakes his head at Ike's request.- I dunno if y'know this... but m'neck of th'woods ain't known fer gettin' a ton of snow if any. Y'want a hurricane though, I got y'covered. -He rests his elbow on the table rubbing a bit at his forehead.- How are ya holdin' up with everythin'? I  know it's knockin'  th'wind out of m'sails...

ike apatow I'm not doing that bad, all told. After being townbound with my head healing up, I got a lot of pent-up energy at my disposal. -he tucks in, concentrating on the casserole for a while before returning to the conversation- Although I needed to get my mind back in the business, too. That took a little longer. -Ike lifts his chin at Clint, to encourage him to keep talking- You're finding the outside jobs draining? Or is it the whole idea of the Daybreaker threat?

Clint Bennet -Brows knit together when Ike mentioned the head injury.- That's the one from the outin' with Renee? -He had only heard about it from her, it must have been more serious than he imagined for him to be townbound for so long. He took another bite, considering Ike's question and responding with a shrug of his shoulders.- I dunnoknow what it is... I'm used t'bein outside th'walls, I've done jobs goin' out further plenty of times. Feel like when I'm walkin' back through those gates though, I just want t'collapse. Everythin's fine 'til then.

ike apatow Yeah. -it takes a moment, but then Ike blinks at Clint- The outing with Renee. That's how people know it? Huh. -he abandons his savoury food for a while, opting for the apple- It's a lot to cope with. You get used to the idea of walkers -- and that takes a lot of fuckin' getting used to -- and then you gotta recalibrate to understand why actual living people are attacking each other. Wears the brain out.

Clint Bennet -He was a little perplexed at Ike's reaction, wondering if he didn't explain it well.- Renee told me, y'all went out t'get some medical supplies, includin' m'hearin' aid, thank ya fer that by th'way. She said she did somethin' stupid n' ran in 'cause she got pissed 'n went inta th'buildin', said there were walkers in there and her fuck up ended up  with y'gettin' scalped. That's th'gist of it, sure there's things I'm missin'. -Clint had a hard time putting his feelings or the reasons for his feelings into words, it was something he always struggled with, but he knew Ike was patient and knew more about him than anyone else at this point. The reason didn't matter so much, but he appreciated Ike's interest in it and his tendency to prod until he got to the bottom of things.- I don't think that's it, I'm used t'the biters... n' y'know I'm all too familiar with how shit people can be. -His eyes narrow slightly at the other, knowing he would pick up what he was putting down.- Th'whole time I'm out there, I can't help but worry what's goin' on back here. Damn radio keeps makin' me jump thinkin' they've finally  made their move... I think that's what's wearin' me out.

ike apatow That's as good a mythology as any, I suppose. -Ike shakes his head, dismissing the subject of the disastrous clinic raid, or Renee's part in it, or anything- Doesn't matter much. Everyone has an oncoming storm of shit to get under their umbrellas from right now. -he gnaws on his apple, abandoning the last third to return to the casserole as Clint edits and corrects Ike's suppositions- Being on edge in general, or being on edge about Redwood's safety? You could shift gears, Clint. Stay around home and hold down the fort. God knows there's plenty enough in town that needs doing. That way you'd at least cut down on the worrying from being away from town.

Clint Bennet -The situation with Renee definitely seemed to be a sore subject for Ike and like Clint had guessed, both he and Renee seemed to have vastly different recollections on the event. Still, Clint didn't know if that was a bear he wanted to jump at, he didn't want to poke at still scabbing scars, in this case, literally.- I dunno, Ike, if y'wanna  talk about it, I'll listen, she completely took th'blame when talkin' t'me though if it helps at all. -His shoulders shrug again when Ike made his suggestions. He took another bite and considered his words.- Worryin's all I do, whether I'm in here or out there, it don't matter, I'm gonna worry 'bout where I ain't and who I ain't with. I'm of more use out there. -He meets the other  man in the eyes- Besides, I'd get stir crazy in here before long. There ain't no winnin' but I'm not expectin' t'find comfort, not with all this goin' on. I'm fine Ike, I'll git used t'it, cope like everyone else has been.

ike apatow Well, bully for her. -he picks up his apple again, alternating bites of it with the turkey casserole- It's fine. I'm not interested in some kinda he-said, she-said situation, especially against Doctor Saint Renee Mother of Redwood. -Clint talks about his chronic worry, and he sounds like he's thought this out before, so Ike grunts in acknowledgement- Awright, then. But all the same, Clint -- there's a certain amount of hurry-up involved in what's going on, yeah, and I'm sure you know your own limits, but it's easy to burn out when you're on that hypervigilance kick. We both know what that's like. I'm gonna be checking in on you to make sure you're not at the end of your wick without knowing it.

Clint Bennet -well there was certainly no mystery when it came to how Ike felt about Renee. It was a little surprising that they were on such bad terms considering how much Clint enjoyed the both of them.- Got it boss, say no more. -he comments, dropping the subject completely and tasting some of the squash which tastes surprisingly good, he takes another bite, watching Ike as he spoke, making it clear that Clint was fully on his radar which was a nice sentiment, but not a burden he wanted to put on Ike, or have Ike put on himself. Still he knew better than to try to change the man's mind once he spoke it out into the universe.- I hear ya, Ike, I'll watch m'self, promise. Last thing we need is any one of us spiralin'. -he jutted his chin at the other.- N' you? Don't mean t'rub salt in th'wound here, but yer lookin' pretty tired too, yer not pushin' too far past yer limits are ya?

ike apatow -he snickers, reaching to steal some squash from Clint's plate for himself- I'm fine. All healed up, not pushing myself. There's just been some things piling up on me that I'm working through, but moving outside of the town's been good for that. I feel like I can recalibrate and ... and fuckin breathe. It was getting a little tight staying in the walls. -he's caught somewhere between wistful resignation about that, and cheerful positivity about the new living situation, taking another piece of squash and waving it to punctuate his talking- People don't seem to believe me when I ay it, but honest injun, Clint -- I take care of myself pretty good. Sometimes the tired's just unavoidable.

Clint Bennet -eyes watch the other and a smirk plays on his lips when Ike helps himself to the food on his plate.- Anything I can help take off yer plate? -He hums, glad Ike was finding comfort in his new house. Especially after their last conversation during the prom, he was sure Ike would appreciate a space all to himself.- When yer ready fer visitors let me know, I've been keepin' m'eye out fer a housewarmin' gift, just haven't found th' right one yet. -he flashes the man a smile before clarifying- I'm lookin' fer somethin' real stupid, somethin' only you'd be able t' appreciate, th'type of shit that would make other people blush but would make you laugh. -he takes another bite watching Ike flail the squash around as he spoke, sure it would fly clear off his fork but to his amazement it stuck on.- I believe ya Ike, n' y'got your raider family t' watch over ya too. It's my selfish need t' want t' return th' favor.

ike apatow -Ike gives a noncommittal grunt when Clint prompts for info on when he might be up for a visit to the graveyard cottage, reluctant still to let anybody think they had an invitation, but his interest is piqued when Clint continues on to muse on what the housewarming gift might be- Well. I have always had a taste for the vulgar and sheer stupid. -he hoots in soft, huffing laughter at the idea- Can't wait to see what you come up with, Clint. Now you've gone and tickled me right in my curiosity spot. -he eats the squash, rescuing it from taking flight, still not thinking about it much when he snitches yet another piece from Clint as if this had been agreed on in advance- Naw, don't think of it that way, favours. I don't like that system myself so I never hold anybody else to it. Things you do for other people, you release into the world and that's that. -finished eating now, Ike puts his fork down and splays his fingers in the air to articulate what the releasing looks like-

Clint Bennet -Ike didn't need to say anything, his body language said it all and Clint felt like someone's home was a boundary that didn't need crossing.- Or, I can leave it at yer door like th'shirt on yer birthday. You'll know who it's from. -He offered the alternative tearing off a piece of bread and taking a bite.- Guess that makes two of us. When I see it, I'll know though, hopefully y'git a kick out of it when it shows up on yer welcome mat, whatever th'fuck it ends up bein'. -He watches Ike snatch another bite, feigning annoyance at the man, but taking another bite of bread regardless, watching as he spoke. His shoulders shrug as Ike denies him.- Well, in that case, it's just cause I want to, no favor or nothin' involved. Cause I care 'bout ya.

ike apatow I like that. On my doorstep like a package delivery. That would be nice. -Ike's mood sobers slightly, though, when Clint stops wanting to return favours and offers something else instead, an expression of care not predicated on anything except his own feelings- That would be even nicer. I'm not the kind of man to push away people who want to care for me, Clint -- I appreciate it, for a number of reasons I won't get into over supper -- I just need them to know that one size doesn't fit all. I'm me and there's stuff that works for me and stuff that doesn't, stuff I want and stuff that just sounds to me like you might as well have gotten me a random Hallmark card. You know what I mean?

Clint Bennet Call me FedEx then. -He grabs one of the last remaining squashes before Ike has a chance to finish them all off. He looks up at him, chewing as Ike explains himself. Clint responds with a nod, wavering side to side before he swallows.- I think I get ya. Not gonna say I ain't gonna fuck it up from time t'time... maybe most of th'time, but I feel like I'm gettin' t'know ya enough t'git it right at least once. -He shoots Ike a smile before he takes a drink of water.- M'goal is t'not make things worse.

ike apatow I'm pretty good at saying outright what I like and don't like, don't worry. It's no big mystery so long as somebody pays attention. -he grins, clapping Clint on the back- Don't make a mountain out of my molehill, it ain't as serious as all that. I don't like generic, what're they called ... platitudes. That's all. Maybe it's from growing up with all the blanket religious catechisms, y'know? Biblical advice that's supposed to apply to everyone across the board even if it really doesn't. 

Clint Bennet Mm, sometimes y'like t'paint with broad colorful strokes around it. That's where the payin' attention comes in I suppose. -He points out with a chuckle as Ike smacks him in the back, something he was getting used to, he preferred it over having his hair grabbed though.- Naw, no mountain, just me, talkin' out m'ass. -He took another drink as Ike brought up something he wasn't expecting, some more of his upbringing, the story of the goat was starting to make more sense.- Y'know, y'never told me anything 'bout yer upbringin'. Did y'grow up in a... Convent? Is that what they're called? Or was it somethin' else? - Maybe he had a super religious parents, but the way Ike brought it up made Clint feel like it was more intense than that, like it built his world view and his view of himself.-

ike apatow A convent's for nuns, so no to that. I'd look great in one of those wimples, though. -he snickers at the idea, stretching out his legs under the table and starting to fiddle with his drinking glass for something to do- I grew up in a real rural town -- off the grid, rural, anything we could make for ourselves, we did -- and it was ... I mean, it was a cult.  -Ike rolls his shoulders back, crinkling his nose slightly- That was all I knew until I reached twenty and couldn't take it anymore, the things they asked of me. So I ran.

Clint Bennet -He laughs and shakes his head imagining Ike in the full nun getup, stubble and all.- Y'd be causin em all t'break their vows right n' left. -He teases, but listens seriously when Ike starts to barely scratch the surface of his childhood, at first it didn't sound so bad but it all clicked together when Ike used the word Cult, Clint sat back feeling like there was another piece to the puzzle that was Ike, fitting into place.- Must have been a culture shock, goin' from livin' like that t' th'city, even if by choice. I'm sorry y'grew up like that, Ike.  Y'ain't gotta go into specifics, but it must have been a lot t'make y'want t'leave it all behind 'n run.

ike apatow Culture shock like you wouldn't believe. I had no idea how the secular world worked. We didn't even use money in Ark, everything was communal or bartered. It was a steep learning curve. -Ike draws out the last sentence wryly, the understatement of it clear in the way he lets go of his glass to scratch one short fingernail against the table- Cults like in Ark rely on a lot of different ways of controlling you and they're all ... pretty damaging. I left all my sisters behind. That was the worst part, knowing I got out and they didn't. But I couldn't look back. -Ike shuts his eyes for a moment, lips pressed together tight, mouth twitching slightly to one side before he collects himself again- So, y'know. Drugs.

[bloodprettybutnottasty]

They are all his kids.