#because the frontal view was something that was giving me a bit of trouble and toady the teacher showed me something that made me go aaahhh

[humanmorph]

you know i like making progress art wise and learning new things but today we did portraits in art class bc the teacher got a model to sit for us for like. an hour and a half? and it was fun but when i look at my lyke painting i can already see what i couldve done better and im not sure how i feel about it .

[alixdelcourt]

Maybe other ones opinions matter more to you than ours

Pairing Katsuki Bakugou x female reader x Eijirou Kirishima

Genre : angst to fluff and comfort at the end.

WC and warnings : 1.5 k / Polyrelationship, Angst, feeling down, abandon, injury, mention of hospital and sedative. Please be careful reading this, and skip it if you're insecure or sensitive, you'll just get hurt. Please be careful.

Note : Hey everyone, I am back ! I am sorry, I wasn't on hiatus so I didn't warned you, I was just sick and trying to recover. And now that I am totally healed, I promise that I'll catch all your requests up quickly ! Today's work is @d3nk1x's request. I am sorry it took my like forever to achieve it, really sorry. I hope that you’ll like it, please let me know, and feel free to ask anything else. I kinda like your requests :)

Requests are still open, and since my college year is over, I am totally free to write whenever I want. And I am bored a bit, so please send many requests if you want, I will be happy to oblige !

The heart has its reasons which Reason knows nothing of… What was sure is that you loved them, from the bottom of your heart. But it wasn’t enough for you to be completely at ease with the relationship that you, Eijirou and Katsuki are entertaining. Well, such relations aren’t usual and you prefer to keep it for you. What would it be if people, even your friends, discover this part of your intimacy and feel free to criticize, or worse to judge you and to deprecate it… Would your ‘couple’ survive all of this ? You prefer not to take the risk. A happy life is a discreet one.

But, your significant others are not on the same page. Like, for the boys, you’re all adults and old enough to make your own choices. You chose them, you brought them together, so why couldn’t you assume this decision ? Why three people in love would be so odd ? This subject was the only point of contention for you, that comes up more and more often. Like tonight.

The three of you were in Katsuki’s room, for the usual nightly cuddles. To have some affection before going to sleep, each one in his own dorm room. For the other students not to notice, Eijirou is the first to leave, and after a couple of minutes, you follow him. But tonight, the guys made a big deal out of it. You argue, explaining again for like the thousandth time your position.

“I just… I just don’t feel comfortable with people knowing that I am in love with two guys. Maybe it’s okay for you to share the same girlfriend, but this isn’t was girls do.”

“And who cares about other girls ? They just don't know what they are missing !”

Eijirou winked at you, trying to make you laugh and give it all up as a joke, but you weren’t laughing. He sighed, and let your mutual boyfriend try. And he did. Like Katsuki really tried. He took your hand, and made you look at his crimson stare.

“Please, Y/n. Let us love you in full view of everyone. I am tired, we’re both tired of paying attention to our reactions around you. We just want to give you all the attention you deserve and the love you generate at any time, not bottling it up or botch it between two training sessions. I don’t want to hide anymore, because this means we’re doing something wrong. And we’re not. So please.”

He’s meaning what he’s saying, and you know it. Katsuki Bakugou ain’t one to beg, for anything. But even if this was the sweetest and the most romantic thing he has ever told you, you can’t overcome your fear. Which deeply hurt the boys in front of you. The ash blond haired released your hand.

“Maybe other ones opinions matter more to you than ours”

Usually, when he’s this rude, Eijirou stands up for you, but today he’s way too hurt and he agrees with Katsuki. Too many words jostle on your tongue, but none were sufficient for you to express how you’re feeling. With obvious teary eyes, you stand up and leave quickly before bursting in cries. You try to convince yourself that you’re feeling this way because they’ve been harsh on you, pressuring you like this, but you can’t fool yourself. Nothing hurts like the truth.

But you made it. You managed to sleep, and in the morning, you decide that you’re moving forward and as usual, leave the situation as it is. But you quickly notice that it’s not the case for Eijirou and Katsuki. When you went for breakfast, they were already done and heading to their own classes. Usually, you have your have your meals together and they accompany you before going about their business. Usually, Katsuki cooks in the morning, and you make the boys tea. Usually, Eijirou takes all of the bags on his shoulders because it’s manlier and ‘every little training helps’. But today was nothing like usual. You tried to avoid your paranoia during the whole morning, but you couldn’t anymore at lunch. They literally rejected you. In front of everyone. Maybe you finally ruined everything by yourself.

When you arrived to the cafeteria, you decided to wait for them before realizing that they weren’t late, but they didn’t wait for you. They were already eating with some classmates. Sero noticed you, lining up alone for your lunch and staring, with a troubled expression on your face.

“Why isn’t Y/n with you today ? The three of you are always together… Something happened ?”

“She decided that our company is no satisfying enough for her. We would not want to force her.”

You weren’t that far from them, and Eijirou’s hard words were sharp and loud enough to reach your ears. He said it that loud on purpose.

“I thought that you and her had a thing… Aren’t the two dating or something like this ?”

Katsuki growled at Denki’s curiosity.

“None of your business, you dumbass”

“I was asking Eijirou ! Of course, no one would date your rude ass”

“He’s right, Denki. Our love life is none of your business”.

No one could possibly ask anything after this, even if they took each other’s hand. They ain’t persons to take criticism. They just proved you that you can’t cut off people’s curiosity. You’re just not strong enough. So you ate alone, and reached the afternoon training late, sorrowed and unmotivated.

Since your two regular partners for training were sulking you, you paired up with Midoriya, who needed help for his frontal attacks. You were strong enough to repulse him sometimes, by putting all your frustration into your fight, and you were agile enough to avoid him when he was too strong. It wasn’t like your usual trainings, but it was instructive in that you were learning new things. And suddenly, just when your sadness has eased a little thanks to work, everything went so fast that you couldn’t understand. First, your eyes caught a familiar vision. Second, your turned your head to see that Katsuki was proudly and fiercely kissing a blushing Eijirou, that wasn’t ashamed to kiss him back. Third, your eyes went wide open, and your mouth in awe.

“… - SMASH !”

Fourth, everything faded away.

Before you open your eyes, you can tell that you’re in a hospital. The smell of disinfectant and the beeping of machines weren’t misleading. And when you opened your eyes, The memories came along with the severe pain. You remember… Izuku, Eijirou, Katsuki… Recovery girl… The hero trainer… The ambulance… The injury, the pain and the cries… The sedative… And then nothing. You got injured during the training, you weren’t paying attention and you received Izuku’s attack you were supposed to block or avoid with full force. If you were a villain, he would have neutralized you, which was the purpose of the training. He isn’t the one to blame, nor are the two who caught your attention. From the very beginning, you were the only culprit. And just when you were thinking of them, you heard Katsuki’s voice grunt behind the curtain that was surrounding your convalescence bed.

“We have to see her ! Oi listen you-”

“We’re in a hospital, quieter !”

“Please, doctor, let us see her. We are so worry, and we need to be by her side when she’ll wake up”

Eijirou’s pleading voice was trying to convince the relentless doctor.

“You’re not her family, I can’t allow you to do so. I am sorry, rules are rules.”

Someone, maybe Sero, intervened.

“C’mon, boys, there’s nothing to do but wait…”

However, they didn’t give up. Kirishima begging and Bakugou threatening almost made you cry. You struggled a bit, but managed to talk with a husky voice.

“Please let them in. They are my boyfriends. Please…”

The curtain was withdrawn in a hurry, and in a split second, the blond and the redhead were by your side.

“Y/N ! How are you feeling ! Is everything okay or are you-

“Don’t ever scare me like this again ! I might lose my mind if you ever-

They won’t let you get a word in edgeways, checking on you and their concerned eyes scanning you. You started crying.

“I am so sorry… I am so sorry that I was stupid enough to hurt you instead of overcoming my fear ! I don’t deserve you, I-”

Eijirou hushed to you, while carefully wrapping his arms around you.

“Shhhh… It’s okay now, sweetheart. We won’t talk about this now, and not anymore. Nothing is more important than seeing you happy and smiling…”

“Besides, all those who were waiting heard you… I am sorry…”

“What a plot twist ! Seriously, don’t be… I am not afraid anymore. Today was horrible, and I got more hurt by the truth then Izuku’s hit. I am not letting anything between us again. I love you, and nothing will stop me from doing so”

Katsuki took your hand in his, squeezing it against his heart and peppering it with kisses. Words aren’t for him, so he lets you know his gratitude in other ways. With a kiss on your forehead, Eijirou concludes.

“If it took you approaching death to realize it, you're more of a dumbass that he calls you so”

__________________________________________

Here is ! Please let me know if you liked it or not, and if you did like it, feel free to share so other people could enjoy it as well :)

@d3nk1x @i-heart-fictional-boys @skywalkerstyles (from which I drew inspiration for the polyrelationship, I totally love your work) @katsukichu @kirislilrock

Maybe I’ll try a real taglist… I just need to figure out how does it work…

[reidgraygubler]

out of the ordinary (chip taylor/reader)

Title: Out Of The Ordinary

Request: no

Couple: Chip Taylor/Fem!Reader

Category: smut/angst

Content Warning: SEXUAL CONTENT (penetrative sex, fingering, oral (fem), sex while someone is injured, breeding kink, groping, praise kink, multiple orgasms, hair pulling), swearing, blood and other bodily fluids, graphic descriptions of violence(!!!!), mentions of sexual acts, 68 Kill Spoilers, mentions of a dead partner, mentions of drugs (unknown), guns and gun violence, talks about kids (in the very far future),

Word Count: 9,562

Summary: Reader works at a hotel where she sees a lot of things out of the ordinary… Including a man running across the parking lot wearing nothing but a small towel around his waist. If only she knew her day was about to get weirder

A/N: day three of what might have been the biggest mistake of my life. But i had fun! Idk how april does it bc i was struggling. Anyways, here is some chip smut. I didn’t edit this too super well, so please pardon any of the editing errors/grammatical issues. The next ones will/are beta’d and edited… thank you so much for sticking with me on this! Tomorrow is something i had a lot of fun writing!  Here is the masterlist for 7days 7fics! And here’s my main masterlist! Thank you all for the love and support! 

{***}{***}{***}

I wish that even though I lived in a small town, in the middle of butt-fucking nowhere, I would see normal things. You know? Things that happen in small towns in the middle fucking nowhere. But, because it’s in the middle of nowhere, and the highway goes right through the middle of our town, we get a lot of… interesting guests. Which makes my job a little entertaining, sometimes. 

Sitting behind a window at a tiny, run-down hotel early morning to mid-afternoon was what I did for a living. 90% of the time I spent my time just sitting there, reading a book/magazine, messing around on my phone, or working on an assignment for my class. That other 10% is checking people in or out of their rooms. 

My day was so close to coming to an end. 11:30… I just needed to be here for one more hour, and then I can go home and go to bed. And, surprisingly, nothing weird had happened. It was a successful day, praise the fucking Lord or whoever is watching down. 

Until, I jinxed myself…I thought I had hit the one allotted out of the ordinary thing for the day. That was until, as I was finishing up this essay, and I heard something from out in the parking lot. When I looked away from my laptop to investigate. And what I saw was not what I was expecting, at all.

A tall man was running across the parking lot, coming right towards the check-in/out window. Now, you might be wondering why this was out of the ordinary. Well, you see, he was running across the parking lot wearing nothing but a face washcloth around his waist. Let’s just say it left little to nothing to the imagination. 

“H-hey! Hi,” he spoke, coming right up to the counter. I was more than happy that there was a counter and window between the two of us. I’m happy he was attractive, in all sense of the words. He was very attractive.  “Do… Do you have a phone… That I could borrow?” he asked, looking at me with actual worry and terror in his eyes and face. I stared at him with a raised brow.

“What happened to the one in your room?” I moved away from my laptop and leaned on the counter beside it. He looked over his shoulder at the room he stayed in. I cocked my head to my shoulder and stared at him. “What room number are you?”

“Uh, that… That doesn’t really matter? Um, I’m running late,” he cringed as he looked back at me. I blinked slowly before looking down at the clipboard with the most recent check-ins. 

“Sure,” I looked right at the last name and noted the time he checked in, “Mister Delacroix?” I slowly looked back at him.

“Chip,”

“Well, listen, Chop,” I paused my words as I walked over to the door to let him in. I was just happy he didn’t correct me when I called him the wrong name. I could have corrected myself, but I was just annoyed that I’d probably have to take care of the mess in his room.

“The owner’s son texted me, telling me that the people in your room had a rager last night… So, if I have to go clean that room and see cum and piss all over the room, and a coke tray on the counters, I’m charging you double,” I looked up at him as he entered the office. He was a lot taller standing in front of me. I don’t know why I thought he was shorter. Maybe its because he was standing on lower ground and I was inside.

  “I… Rager?” He stared at me with a confused crease in his brow. I stared at him before slowly nodding. “Do… Do you know who came over? Do you know who it was?”

“I… Uh, I’ll have to ask the owner’s son. But, by the sounds of it, it was a little rough. I’m surprised you’re still up and walking without a limp,” I chuckled. I slowly looked up and down his body, taking in how he looked. He was slightly muscular, and though he had abs, his tummy was slightly pudgy. Which I could get with. I could appreciate a bit of a tummy on a guy like him. 

“Listen,” he started, his words showing more urgency than before. I looked up, away from his body and at his face. It was probably his urgency that got my attention because I definitely almost went a little lower than the towel. “I need to know-Do you have any clothes? This is slightly distracting,” he looked at me. I wasn’t too sure if he was talking distracting for me, or for him. But I do agree, it was very distracting.

“Uhm,” I furrowed my eyebrows as I pulled my stare off him and went to look for the lost and found box, “There’s not much in here, but I’m sure there’s something,” I glanced at him as I placed the box on the counter. 

“Right, thanks,” Chip looked at me before going to dig around in the box, “Do you know who came to my room last night?” 

“I think… Hold on,” I muttered before rushing to the counter, shuffling some papers to find a random sticky note with some sloppy hand writing, “Christ, I forget he doesn’t speak english,” I shook my head as I stared at the writing. “Some goth chick and her boyfriend, or whatever. Uh, yeah, he told me about it this morning before he left. Like, 6 other people I think,” I swallowed roughly and shook my head, “It sounds like they roughed the place up?”

“Trust me, you don’t want to know,” he looked away from the box for a brief moment. I watched as he pulled out a white and red t-shirt (that was left behind by a group of younger women) and a pair of sweat-shorts. “Great, now I gotta go back to that fucking gas station. Fucking fuck,” he muttered to himself as he dropped the towel to the ground. I widened my eyes and couldn’t help but stare at his ass.

“Gas station?” I asked, keeping my eyes on his body as he turned to face me. That was when I got a view of the full frontal package. I swallowed roughly.

“Are… Are you going to turn around?” he looked at me with nervousness in his eyes as he held the pants and shirt close to his body, lower towards his crotchal region. I smirked, raising an eyebrow and cocking my head to the side.

“Nope,” I looked up at him with a smile. When I noticed that he wasn’t going to move to get dressed, I dropped my shoulders before turning around.

“Which gas station are you talking about?” I asked, looking at the ground. I wasn’t entirely sure why I asked which gas station it was he was talking about. There was just one gas station in the whole town, and I knew he was in a bit of trouble.

  From behind me, I could hear Chip muttering strings of profanities to himself. Part of me wondered if he needed help with anything, or if I was just a disposable person in his day. Probably the latter. 

“The one down the street,” his voice was low. I wondered what he was thinking about and what his urgency was all about. “You can turn around. Can I use the phone,” he asked as I turned to face him. I looked at him and held back a laugh. Which, in turn, earned a glare from him. 

“Yeah, yeah, you have to dial 1 before the number you’re calling,” I went to move the phone closer to him, nearly pushing/pulling everything off the counter. 

“Thanks,” he looked over at me before picking up the phone and dialing his number. I watched as he turned away from me. He wasn’t on the phone for very long, and it didn’t sound like it was a good call. 

“I… I gotta go. Can I use your car?” Chip asked as he looked out at the only car in the lot. I followed his gaze at my shitty 2001 Saturn. I furrowed my eyebrows before looking back at him.  

“I can just give you a ride, you know… And, it’d probably be better if you had a partner with you. That phone call didn’t sound good… At all. And, no one will take you seriously dressed like that,” I nodded at his attire. He looked down at what he was wearing before looking back at me. “Back up just in case? No one will notice I’m gone,” I let out a dry laugh. 

“It’ll be dangerous,” he looked at me with worry in his eyes. I shrugged before looking at the ground.

“I could use a little danger in my life,” I laughed before looking back at him, “I’ve been sitting in this stupid office, doing this stupid job since I was 16. The hundreds of people I’ve seen is crazy. This job is boring, I need something risky.” I explained when I noticed he needed more information.

“You could die,” he pointed out. I shrugged like it was no big deal.

“I could die just sitting here. Let me help you,” I stare at him with wide eyes. He looked at the ground and sighed. I could tell he wanted to fight with me, to get me to stay. But I could also tell he really needed help, and really needed to get out of this stupid town and state. 

“Fine, you can come. But, you can’t ask any questions,” he pointed at me. I smiled before closing my laptop and grabbing for my car keys.

“Fine, let’s go,” I looked at him before pushing past him and leaving the office.  

Chip was close behind me, still muttering to himself. From what I did hear, I heard the number 68,000 and then the word dollars. 68,000 dollars??? And he’s in a shit town like this?! What the fuck? What the fuck am I getting myself into? Fuck, this is a mistake… Fuck. 

The ride to the gas station was quiet. Chip must have been thinking of what he was going to say or do when he got there. Let’s just hope it wasn’t Monica there. Bitch is crazy.

“Stay here, I have a feeling what I need isn’t here,” he muttered as he got out of the car. I looked at him with a raised eyebrow. 

“W-w-wait, you don’t want me to go with?” I asked as I slipped out of the car too, “Listen, I know the family that owns this gas station. They’re crazy. They’re nuts.”

“I got it. Just… just wait here,” he looked over at me one last time before going in. I stared at the door that he disappeared into before slamming the door shut. I leaned against the side of my car, patiently waiting for Chip to come back out. 

I don’t even know how long he was in there for. But, it was a very long time. Worry took over as I began to overthink things. That dumb bitch probably killed him. 

My worry melted away once he stepped outside with nothing but shame on his face. I raised an eyebrow, watching as he walked closer to me and my car. 

“You look like you saw a ghost or something,” I chuckled as I pushed myself off my car and back around to the drivers’ side of the car.

“No, no it was much worse than a ghost,” he muttered before getting in the car himself. I furrowed my eyebrows as I looked towards the doors of the gas station. 

“Whatever,” I shook my head before slipping into the car, “Where to now? Monica’s trailer?” I raised an eyebrow as I glanced over at Chip. I watched as he pulled something out of his mouth and wrinkled his nose. 

“Yeah, yeah,” he looked over at me before looking around my car. 

“Do you have a plan? Or… Or a gun?” I asked as we got closer to the trailer park. He looked at me with a little terror in his eye. No plan or gun? Seriously? Good thing there’s a gun in my glove box. “You can’t go to these guys with just luck, Chip. That’ll get you killed,” I glanced at him as I reached over for the glove box, pulling it open and pulling out the gun.

“What the fuck! Where did that come from?” he asked, watching as I placed the gun on my lap. I glanced at him as I pressed down on the gas, speeding down the highway. “Jesus! Slow down,”

“You’re the one who fucking lost $68,000 to fucking Monica! You go in and get her money-”

“It’s not her-”

“It’s her money now, Chip. Jesus, she stole 3 of my bikes when we were little,” I rolled my eyes and shook my head. Chip looked at me again and nodded. “You’re lucky you have help,” I muttered as I kept my eyes on the road. 

“You know this bitch?” Chip stared at me. I swallowed roughly and nodded.

“She’s my, like, second cousin. My Dad’s niece’s kid,” I shrugged before shaking my head, “She’s a cunt. A fucking cunt,” I scoffed as I remembered my childhood with her. Chip was silent as I pulled into a driveway and parked the car. 

“Oh good, looks like there’s a metal baseball bat in the yard,” I smiled at him. Chip looked at me with wide eyes, actual terror sitting in his eyes. I watched as he unbuckled his seatbelt and rested his hand on the latch to my car. He stayed still for a moment before turning to face me. I could tell that there was a moment of hesitation. I don’t blame him, do be honest. I hesitated to bring him here. Taking him here is basically signing his death warrant.

“Stay… Stay here… If I’m not out in an hour… Call the cops,” he looked at me before slipping out of the car. I watched as he walked up the driveway, picking up the metal bat, and walked towards the door. I almost got out of the car and went after him, but I didn’t. I’ll listen to him. He must have a plan worked out if he didn’t need my help yet.

I swallowed roughly, watching him knock on the door and wait for it to swing open. And when it did, a familiar looking guy stepped out of the trailer. It was obvious he was sizing Chip up, mocking him as he spoke. Chip looked over his shoulder at me, silently pleading for help of some sort. I shrugged, pretending like I didn’t understand what he was asking for. 

A bell ringing came up the driveway and passed me. A familiar blonde riding a bike rode up the driveway. 

“Oh, you again,” Chip spoke out loud at the blonde woman. Amy… Of course. Of course she shows up. She’s probably the one who told him where that bitch, Monica, even lived. I was just happy she didn’t even see me when she rode past me. I didn’t want to be a part of any of that bullshit.

Then he was pulled into the trailer. 

“Fuck, this… This isn’t going to be good,” I muttered as I slouched down into my seat in the safety of my car. I wished there was something more that I could do to help him. Because just sitting here for an hour and waiting to call the cops won’t help me or him, specifically Chip. Fucking around with Monica and her… I don’t even know what to call the people she hands out with. 

I grabbed for my gun again, pulling out the magazine and looking at how much ammo I had. Just as I put my hand on the handle to get out, a loud bang came from near the trailer, causing me to nearly jump out of my seat. I sat, frozen, paralyzed in my spot, staring at the trailer. They’ve just killed Chip. Or, Chip just killed them 

“I don’t know what… What do I do…” I whispered to myself as I stared at the door from the safety of my car. I wasn’t prepared for this at all. What I should have done was follow my own advice to Chip and come up with a secondary plan… I can’t exactly go in there guns blazing… Unless, that’s exactly what I do. They won’t expect Chip to have a partner with him. 

Okay, that’s it… That’s my plan… Bust into the trailer, and just go for it… But, I think… Should I wait the hour Chip told me to wait? What if he’s in trouble? Who am I kidding, he’s totally in trouble. 

{***}{***}{***}

I just wish I hadn’t fallen asleep. Because, the next thing I knew it  was morning and Chip was still in Monica’s trailer. Chip was still in danger.  

I quickly fumbled my way out of the back seat and into the front. It was even worse as I rushed to get out of the car, my body nearly falling to the ground. When I was finally out of the car, I recollected myself, hyping myself up as I walked towards the trailer. 

 I had my gun tucked into the back of my pants as I walked. I didn’t want to be quick, but I also didn’t want to be slow. Chip could be in danger, and it was a little bit my fault. He’d be out of that situation if I hadn’t fallen asleep.

My fist carefully knocked on the door, hoping someone would answer sooner rather than later. When the door flew open, Monica was standing in the door frame, looking down at me with slight disgust.

“We don’t want girl scout cookies,” she looked down at me. I swallowed roughly and nodded.

“Good thing I’m not a girl scout, Monica,” I took a deep breath before pulling the gun out from my pants. I lifted it up and pointed it right at her chest. “Where’s Chip,” 

“You want him?” Monica asked, cocking a hip as she leaned against the door frame. She wasn’t even bothered by my weapon being pointed at her chest. It was like she was used to it. “He brought you as back up? Oh that poor boy?” she looked down at the gun. I took a deep breath as I stared at her.  

She knew I wasn’t going to use it. She knew me well enough to know that I just had this stupid gun for looks, and that I wasn’t going to shoot anyone. But, what she doesn’t know is that I’m not afraid of her anymore. She may have tormented me when we were kids. But I’m taking it all back now. 

“Where’s Chip and the money, Monica,” I spoke, my voice low as I spoke. I slowly cocked my gun as I stared at her. 

“Oh, you know about the money too?” she asked before looking into the trailer at her friends and, I’d assume, Chip. “Did you hear that? This slut knows about the money,” she spoke, looking at everyone. I swallowed roughly as she looked back at me, “Is she replacing that other slut we killed last night?” 

“Just go! Get out of here!” I could hear Chip yell from somewhere in the trailer. Monica stared down at me, watching me as my hands shook with the weapon in hand. 

“Too afraid to use that gun?” she mocked in a whiny tone. I blinked slowly as I moved my finger to the trigger. Everything happened so fast, when I opened my eyes, Monica was stumbling back, her hand over stomach where blood was spilling out. Blood was being coughed up as she fell against the couch, looking up at me with wide eyes. “You actually did it,” she coughed, staring at me terror in her eyes. 

“I’m not scared of you anymore, Monica,” I spoke as I stepped into the trailer. I smiled as I looked down at her, cocking my gun and pointing it down at her again, “You terrorized me when we were kids… But not anymore… No,” I took a deep breath before as we made eye contact.

“You don’t have to do this,” she whimpered, looking at me, struggling to move as I got closer to her, “Listen, you can take Chip, and… and the money and go… I’ll leave you alone now…” 

“Sorry just isn’t going to do it, Monica, not this time… Not ever,” I shook my head, “You can burn in hell for all I care,” I scoffed as I stared at her. Blood was dripping down the sides of her lips as she pleaded with me, but at this point I didn’t care about anything she was saying. 

Chip called my name, causing me to look over at him. They really did a number on him. I wonder if they would have gotten this bad had I actually called the cops and did something last night. 

My hands and shoulders dropped as I looked at him. I didn’t even bother with the others around me, I’d take care of them after. 

Or, so I thought… One of Monica’s friends stood up and charged after me. I stumbled back, fumbling to cock the gun before pulling the trigger at him, getting him right in the head. He fell to the ground with a thud, a slab of meat just on the floor. 

“Anyone else?” I looked at the others around me, really feeling my sudden anger and annoyance come through for everyone. The people around me backed away from me. I looked back at Chip, appreciating the way he was looking up at me. Just as I went to my knees to help him, the sound of a shotgun being cocked came from behind me. I froze as the barrel of a gun was pressed right to my head.

“Whatcha doin’ there, Sweet Heart?” a woman’s voice asked from behind me. I took a deep breath as I dropped my gun to the ground. I looked back at Chip and noted how the adoration he had in his eyes slowly turned into terror and fear. “Where’s my money, Chip?” the woman asked. There was a certain fakeness in her words that scared me a bit. 

“I… I don’t have it!” Chip shouted as he struggled to stand up. I cringed as Liza pushed the barrel into my head a bit more. I swallowed roughly as I looked at Chip. 

“L-liza? H-h-how did you… How did you find me?” Chip exclaimed as he looked past me and at the woman.

“I told you, Chip, I always know where you are,” her fake sweetness really struck a chord in me, pissing me off more than I was before. “Now… Where’s my money?”

Someone from the sidelines jumped to their feet and instantly charged at Liza. It was terrifying how quick Liza was to turn and shoot the gun at the man. I quickly moved away and grabbed my gun from the ground. I felt a little bad for moving behind Chip, using him as a shield from this new woman.

“You’re so quick to move on, Chippy,” Liza spoke as she looked back at me. I appreciated that Chip actually covered me instead of cowering away like I half expected him to. “First the whore from last night and now her?” 

“I’m not a slut or a whore,” I stared at her. She cocked her head as she looked over at me. Yet, again another one of Monica’s people came after us, only to be stopped by a different person, their arm being sliced off in one swift motion. If you blinked you would have missed it. 

“Jesus fucking Christ,” one of the three girls shouted front he couch. Liza turned to face the person behind her before saying something else. 

“What… What do we do, Chip,” I whispered as I tugged gently on his shirt. He looked over his shoulder at me before lifting his finger to his lips. I stared at him for a moment, watching as he thought of a plan. The level of chaos in the building was starting to stress me out. I wasn’t expecting two terrifying people to show up at an already terrifying place. 

“Go have fun with that one, Dwayne-y,” Liza pointed towards one of the girls on the couch. The guy looked over at the girl before grabbing her and pushing past Chip and I. I fell against the wall and blacked out for a moment. 

When I came too, Liza was standing in front of Chip, talking to him about something. It was eerily quiet in the trailer now, other than Liza and Chip’s voice. My guess was Liza took everyone out. But, why’d she keep me alive? Chip probably bargained for my life. I’m honestly just a bystander in this whole thing, wasn’t I? 

“You can let him run away… you can hunt him down, and kill him… Or… Or you can discipline him.. Teach him to heel or whatever he’s supposed to do,” Liza cocked her head as she looked at Chip. I took a deep breath, looking at the ground and noticed the gun on the ground right behind Chip. “So, Chip, what option do you want?” her tone was filled with that sickening sweetness, and it made me want to beat the shit out of her. 

“Violet said there’s always another option,” Chip spoke softly as he looked at Liza. I carefully moved and grabbed the gun. 

“Oh, she… She did? Well, I don’t see her here… Because she’s dead, Chip,” Liza scoffed. I took a deep and shaky breath before moving around the chair and aiming the gun right at Liza. “Oh, look who’s got the balls now,” Liza looked past Chip and at me. I stared down at her, feeling nervousness in the form of bile rise up my throat. “Are you gonna shoot me? Baby’s gonna sho-” her statement was finished short by a bullet to her head. I closed my eyes and looked down at the ground. 

“Jesus Christ!” Chip shouted as Liza’s body fell to the ground. I took a deep breath before looking down at him. “She’s dead!” 

“She was going to fucking kill both of us, Chip!” I shouted back, looking at him with wide eyes. Chip looked up at me as he stumbled to his feet. 

“Okay, okay,” Chip looked down at me, placing his hand on my shoulder to steady himself. I looked up at him with wide eyes. “$68,000… My clothes, and then we fucking ditch this fucking place,” he pointed towards the door where the creepy man from before dragged a girl. I swallowed roughly as I looked towards the door.

“Here,” I handed him my gun before nodding towards the door. Chip looked down at me, a slight glare in his eyes before he took a step forward. I followed behind him, staying close to his body. He pushed the door open and immediately fired the gun, killing the guy instantly. 

“I’m never going to sleep again, holy fucking shit,” I muttered as I looked at the horrors in front of me. He fucking ripped the girl a part. 

“Stay here for a minute,” Chip muttered before stepping away from me. He didn’t seem bothered by everything. I was impressed that he was able to step into the room more and move stuff around. One he found what he was looking for he came back beside me.

“Let’s fucking go,” he muttered, holding a shoe box under his arm. I looked at the box as I followed behind him. I could kill him right now, and take that 68grand. I could start a new life on my own… 

“Yeah, let’s go,” I looked down at the ground, “Shouldn’t we clean up the place first? Our fingerprints and DNA is all over the place,” I looked around the trailer and at all the dead bodies. Is it bad this didn’t phase me at all? 

“You’re right. Hold this,” he muttered as he shoved the box into my hands. I looked down at it with wide eyes before looking back at Chip. He had a bottle of straight whiskey in his hand and was splashing it around the room, going into the other rooms before coming back. “You think this will be enough?” he asked, looking down at me with a certain exhaustion in his eyes. I tried to look past all the injuries he had earned, but it was hard when they covered his whole face. 

“Hopefully,” I shoved the box back into his arm before leaving the building. I waited just outside as he lit a lighter and tossed it to the floor, causing the whole building to be engulfed in flames. 

“Where to?” Chip asked as we walked back to my car. I looked over my shoulder at the blazing trailer and shrugged.

“Somewhere away from here. But first, we should get you a first aid kit,” 

{***}{***}{***}

We drove for a long time. A very long time. I think we both wanted to make sure we were away from Monica’s trailer before we rested for the night. Which also meant we had to wait a long time before Chip could get the proper care he needed. It wasn’t fair to either of us that this was the case at the moment. I wasn’t ever expecting this to be what happened to me the other day when I woke up. I was just happy that after the second day of driving, he was actually okay.

“I’ll go get a room, you stay here,” I looked over at Chip. It looked like he was asleep, which I was expecting, so when he lifted his head and looked over at me I was a little confused. 

“No, no let me,” he mumbled as he fought to get his seatbelt undone.

“Chip, you look like you just got out of Fight Club… Let me go get the room,” I placed a hand on his to stop him from moving anymore. He looked up at me with a little bit of terror in his eyes, “I’ll be right back, I promise,” I kept my voice low as I spoke to him. 

“Okay, you’re right,” he mumbled before moving his hand away from the buckle. Chip rested his head against the head rest before closing his eyes lightly. I sighed deeply before sliding out of the car and towards the entrance of the hotel lobby. 

I kept my voice low the entire time as I spoke to the front desk manager. It was hard when I also looked like I just got out of a war and the manager kept looking at me like that was the case. When they finally handed me the room key, I let out the deepest sigh of relief and returned out to the car. 

“We have a room… Two days…” I looked over at Chip as I drove to a parking spot near our room. 

“Two days… Nice, nice,” he murmured and nodded. I looked over at him and watched as he slowly unbuckled. 

“You go into the room, I’ll grab the food and first aid kit,” I handed him the key before we both got out. Chip nodded before leaving and going towards the room. I made sure to be quick as I grabbed the stuff from the back.

“Should I shower?” 

“No, no, let me clean your wounds up first,” I nodded towards the bed. Chip looked over at the bed before going to sit on it. I was relieved when he laid back on the bed like nothing mattered in the world. He opened his eyes and looked at me.

 “Are you going to play nurse with me?” he asked, looking at me with a playful smirk on his lips. I laughed and nodded as I approached the bed. 

“Unfortunately, I think I’m all you got,” I laughed as I sat on the bed beside him. He sat up and moved closer to him. We were both quiet as I pulled out alcohol wipes and gauze. I looked at his face, trying to figure out where to start. Thankfully the swelling in his eyes went down, but I cracked an ice pack to help. 

“This is gonna sting,” I looked at his face as I lifted the wipe to his face. He winced as I began wiping the wounds on his face.

“Are you okay?” I looked up at him as I carefully placed butterfly band-aids and regular band-aids over the wounds. He looked back at me, a certain softness in his eyes. I was happy that he’d probably just need a few band-aids on his face instead of gauze and stitches like I’d thought. We both didn’t want to go to the hospital… 

“Yeah, yeah, I’m okay,” he whispered as he tried to not move away from my touch. I frowned looking at his face. “You didn’t have to do this, you know,” he added. I looked down at his hands and nodded. 

“Did you want to go to the hospital and tell them the truth?” I raised an eyebrow as I shifted closer to him with an alcohol pad. He cringed as I pressed it to the open wound on his hand. “Sorry,” I cringed as he flinched.

“You’re right, though… I don't think I could make up a believable lie in the hospital,” he looked at me, watching me clean the injuries.. 

“Was it worth it?” I asked, feeling a small smile grow on my lips. Chip shrugged a bit like he wasn’t too sure what I was talking about.

“Was… Was what worth it?” he asked, trying not to furrow his eyebrows. I laughed lightly and shrugged.

“The 68 grand that you risked your life for, Chip,” I laughed as I grabbed a bandage and picked it open, “Is it okay if the band-aid is pink with butterflies?” I held it up to show him the design. He swallowed roughly before nodding.

“Yeah, it was worth it,” he whispered, causing me to look back at his face. I furrowed my eyebrows when it became my turn to stare at him. “Because if I didn’t lose the $68 thousand... I probably wouldn’t have met you… And you saved my life,” 

“Oh please, don’t compare me to Violet,” I laughed and shook my head. I felt a little bad for bringing up his dead friend, but I personally felt like he was comparing me to her. Just a little bit. 

“I’m not,” he looked taken aback by my sudden statement. I shrugged, not entirely believing him. He knew that too. I looked at him, noting the cut and bruise across his nose. Who knows how long that was going to take to heal, but I hope it didn’t hurt him too much. “I’m being serious,”

“That makes me feel better,” I smiled as I began cleaning up the first aid kit we had bought when we pulled into a new town, “I should probably let you go your own way, come morning. I don’t want to get in the way of you while you’re trying to flee everything” I laughed as I clicked the first aid kit shut, “I’ll let you have my car,” 

“Please stay,” he whispered, watching as I stood and walked across the room. I almost didn’t hear him. But I was preoccupied with my thoughts, trying to figure out how I’d get home if I had given him my car to leave. I was 2 days away from home… That’d be a long way back. “I probably would die if you didn’t come with me,” he added as I turned to face him.

“I’d be pretty useless if I came with. Is your life always like that, Chip?” I asked, placing my fists on my hips. He stayed quiet. “Because if it’s always like that, running from danger and shooting guns…”

“You’ll go back home, I get it. What happened the other day was-”

“I never said that,” I cut him off, “Yeah, what happened the other day was terrifying, Chip. But, I don’t think I’ve ever had such an eventful day in my entire life. I just don’t think I would be able to do that again. That parts gotta go,”

“Consider it gone,” Chip shook his head, watching as I slowly walked back over towards him. I looked down at him, appreciating the way he looked back up at me. “Forgotten. We can… We can buy a house in… In Iowa. Have kids, have a family. Get as far as we can from that place,” he moved his legs and allowed me to stand between them. 

“Iowa?” I scoffed, wrinkling my nose at the thought of moving to Iowa. “And… You want to have kids? After everything that happened? You want to bring kids into this world?” I sighed deeply as I looked down at him. I left out the part of how we just met 4 days ago. He doesn’t even know me. 

“Yeah, but if you were their mother, I think they’d be pretty safe,” Chip laughed as he reached up to grab my hand. I stared at him, feeling my heart swell in my chest. 

“You don’t even know me, Chip,” I laughed lightly. He furrowed his eyebrows before shrugging. “And you already want to have kids with me?”

“I don’t think… I don’t think it matters. You saved my life,” he pointed out. I bit my lower lip as he brushed his thumb across the back of my hand. 

“Yeah,” I paused, taking a deep breath as I stared at him, “You saved mine too, Chip,” I smiled at him, “I think Liza might have killed me if it wasn’t for you,” I laughed lightly out my nose. And, it was true. She probably would have killed me after she knocked me out...

“Well, good thing Dwayne was easy enough to take care of,” he returned the laughter, “Can’t believe I dated that bitch,” he sighed as he looked up at me. 

“Yeah, I was about to say…” I smiled softly. Chip smiled as he carefully tugged my hand so I would fall forward slightly. 

“Kiss me,” he whispered as I braced myself on his shoulder with one hand. I furrowed my eyebrows, looking down at his lips. The cut on his upper lip had thankfully stopped bleeding. 

“Is that a good idea,” I pulled my hand off his shoulder and gently held his face. He wrinkled his nose and closed his eyes. “Chip, I’m serious,” 

“I am too,” he begged as he looked at me, “I could di-”

“You won’t die tomorrow. You’re safe now,” I smiled softly as I looked at him.

“So, what’s stopping you from kissing me,” he asked, pointing out the fact that there was indeed nothing stopping me from kissing him. 

“Why you gotta be like that?” I asked, moving my hand up his face. I carefully brushed the wound on his temple before carding my fingers through his hair. 

“Be like what?” Chip asked as I pushed my hand through his hair and rested it on the back of his head. 

“You’re so… nice. You’re not like other men, the ones who look at women like objects,” I laughed and shook my head, “You wouldn’t even hurt a fly.” 

“You do know I killed, like, bunch of people yesterday,” he asked. I smiled and nodded. He pulled his hand from mine and rested both his hands on my hips. I furrowed my eyebrows as I looked at him.

“Okay, yeah, that’s fair…” I sighed deeply and cocked my head, “You won’t regret it, will you?” I asked, my voice hardly a whisper.

“Regret what? Kissing you?” He asked, his thumbs playing with the hem of my shirt, just barely touching the skin of my hip. I nodded lightly. “Why would I regret kissing you?” 

“Wouldn’t be the first time a guy regret kissing me,” I whispered as I looked away from him, “The last guy I dated… He dated me as a joke… It wasn’t till after we… Well, we did a little bit more than kissing, did he tell me that it was all a joke,” I whispered before looking down at the ground.  

“Nothing about me asking for a kiss is a joke, I promise,” Chip replied, his voice causing me to look back at him. He lifted a hand and rested it on my shoulder. “We don’t even have to do anything… You don’t have to ki-”

“I do… I do want to kiss you, Chip,” I whispered softly, “I’m just scared, that’s all,” I stared down at him.

“You don’t have to be scared,” he smiled softly, running his hand down my arm before grasping my hand. I swallowed roughly before moving to straddle his legs. He took a sharp breath as I adjusted myself on his legs.

“Sorry,” I cringed as I tried to get off his legs. Chip looked at me before resting his hands on my hips, keeping me in place on his lap. 

“It’s okay,” he whispered, bringing a hand back to my face. I stared at him, feeling a small smile grow on my lips.  

After a moment of just staring at each other, I moved forward, closing the space between. Our lips connected, and it was the softest, gentlest kiss ever. Although my lips were still dry, his lips felt dry, drier than the sand on the beach. The blood that was on his lips dried slightly, but it didn’t bother me at all. 

Chip placed his hand on my lower back, moving me closer to his body. My arms wrapped around his neck, my body willingly moving closer to him as if it couldn’t get enough of him. I could tell that he craved me too, his other hand moving hastily around my body. 

“Is this a good idea?” I murmured against his lips. I was careful as I pressed my forehead to his, feeling a small smile tug on my lips. “You’re like… Seriously…” I stopped myself from saying ‘seriously injured’. 

“I’m okay. I’m fine with it if… If you’re fine with it,” he whispered, his hands going back to the hem of my shirt. I closed my eyes and let a deep breath of air out my nose. A small smile grew across my lips as his hand finally slipped up my shirt and up to my bra. “Please tell me your fine with it,” his voice wavered slightly with his words. I swallowed roughly and nodded, our noses brushing together as my head moved.  

“Yeah, yeah it’s… I’m fine with it…” I nodded, taking a deep breath before opening my eyes, “I’m more than fine with it,” I whispered as I looked at him.  

That was when he kissed me again. It was different than before. Because, before it was gentle and soft, like he didn’t want me to melt away. But also it was soft because we both had mild- not so mild injuries, and I knew he didn’t want to hurt me. The differences between this one and that one is, fervent and passionate, it took my breath away.

Chip’s hand on my back fiddled with my bra as he tried to unclasp it. I couldn’t help but laugh as he began to struggle. It was clear he was getting frustrated with the struggle, so when I went to help him, he let out a sigh of relief. 

“Sorry,” he muttered as he fought to pull my shirt off. I laughed and shook my head.

“No, it’s okay,” I whispered before lifting my arms in the air. Chip smiled before pulling my shirt over my head and tossing it somewhere behind me. I sucked in a sharp breath as the cool air hit my bare chest. Chip was careful as he pressed his lips back to mine, then on the side of my mouth, before trailing down my neck. It was gentle, and soft, but it was enough for me to notice him sucking soft spots on my skin. My hands went back to his head, carefully pulling at the hair on the back of his head.  

My head tilted to the side the further down my neck he went. A small gasp fell from my mouth as he attached his lips to my breast. My fingers gently pulled his hair, causing him to hum lightly. It was hard not to react to him and his touch. I needed him more than I needed air.

“D-don’t stop,” I whispered, my words wavering with each syllable. It was so hard to concentrate on anything as he placed his lips around my nipple. A shiver went down my spine, causing me to arch my back into him more. 

Chip stood up, causing me to latch on to him so I wouldn’t fall, before turning around to put me on the bed. I looked up at him, my breathing picking up slightly as he stared down at me. His lower lip was pulled between his teeth as he looked at me.

“Don’t hurt yourself,” I whispered, lifting a hand to his face. He could hear the worry in my words as I spoke, letting his lower lip fall from his mouth. “Your lip is bleeding.” I left out that it was only bleeding a little bit, but it was enough to notice the red. 

“It’s fine,” he whispered, bringing his hand to rest on my cheek. His thumb brushed against my lower lip. My body shivered slightly before I opened my mouth slightly. He smirked before slipping his thumb between my lips. I swirled my tongue around his thumb as I stared at him. 

“Good girl,” Chip hummed, resting his other hand on the mattress by my head. I swallowed roughly before grabbing his shirt and pulling him down to my face. He moved his thumb from my mouth and looked down at me.

“Please don’t make me ask more than once,” I whispered, releasing my hand from his shirt to lift it to his face. He flinched away slightly as my hand barely touched his face. I could feel my face soften as I looked at him. “I won’t hurt you, Chip. You’re safe now,” I whispered as I moved my hand from his face.

“I know, I know,” he shook his head before lowering his face to mine, lightly pressing his lips to mine. I hummed, wrapping my arms around his neck again. “You won’t have to ask more than once,” he murmured against my lips. He looked down at me before pressing his lips to mine again, slowly kissing down my neck and chest. 

Although he was quick to move down my chest, he was slow once he got to my hips. 

“Hold on,” he stepped away from me, rushing to the bathroom real quick. I sat up, resting back on my hands, as I waited for him to come back. 

“What… What are you doing, Chip?” I asked, my patience starting to wear thin as the seconds ticked by. I swallowed roughly as he stepped back out of the bathroom.

“Cleaning my face a little bit more,” he looked at me with a small smile on his lips. I furrowed my eyebrows as he came back to stand between my legs. 

“I-I’m confused,” I looked up at him. Although, I really shouldn’t be confused. I’m the one who said ‘Please don’t make me ask more than once.’ and he obviously wanted it as badly as I did.

“You know,” he smiled as he lifted my hips a little bit before pulling my pants off my body. I suddenly couldn’t control my breathing anymore, and I was left trying to control myself. “Wouldn’t want to get blood everywhere,” he looked up at me as he dropped my pants to the ground.  

I stared at him watching as he lowered to his knees between my legs. He was gentle as pressed his lips to the soft skin on my inner thigh. I took a deep breath, trying so hard to regulate my breathing. My elbows and arms gave out, causing me to lie back hard on the bed. 

“So beautiful,” Chip whispered before blowing softly at my core. I gasped and pressed my head into the bed beneath me. My hands and fingers got knotted up in his hair again, slowly pulling his head closer to my body. 

Chip laughed at me before peppering butterfly kisses over my pussy. I gasped, tugging lightly on his hair. He looked up at me before grasping both of my hands and holding them down on the bed. 

“Ch-chip, don’t stop, please don’t stop,” I whimpered pulling at his hands. He hummed before licking a stripe right up my cunt. I swear, I couldn’t even breathe. He squeezed my hands as he kept licking at me. After a moment, his lips attached around my clit, sucking softly at the sensitive bundle of nerves. 

“Fuck,” I cried out as he pulled a hand from one of mine. I didn’t even notice that he pushed a finger into me. My free hand went over my mouth as a moan fell from me. Chip obviously enjoyed that sudden reaction, causing him to moan too. The vibrations from him caused me to moan again. 

“ ‘m so close. Please, Chip, so close,” I moved my hand to his hair and pulled on it a lot harder than before. It was like I couldn’t breathe, the wind being knocked from my lungs like I was punched in the gut. “Fuck, Chip,” I moaned, my hips jerking at him. He pulled his hand from mine and placed it firmly on my stomach, holding me down. 

“You’re doing so good, Princess,” he murmured against my body. I cried out when he pressed his lips back on me. 

My mind went fuzzy and my vision turned white. I could feel my toes curling against the rough, scratchy comforter beneath me. My hands gripped his hair and the blanket so tightly I was sure my knuckles would blanch. And the only thing I could say was his name as I came.

My chest heaved as I tried to breathe. When I opened my eyes, Chip was back over me. He smiled, clearly enjoying what had just happened. 

“That was… That was good,” I laughed lightly. Chip returned the laughter before pressing his lips to mine. I hummed following after him as he pulled away from me. 

“That was, like, barely the pregame,” Chip laughed as he looked down at me. I furrowed my eyebrows and smiled softly. “If at all the pregame,”

“Well are you going to get started on the actual game or just leave me alone?” I asked, quirking an eyebrow as I stared at him. Chip laughed again before standing up right to rid himself of his jeans. I quickly moved so I was lying up by the pillows. 

“Are you sure this is okay?” He asked once he was back over me. I swallowed roughly and nodded. 

“Yeah, yeah, I’m positive. If I wasn’t… I wouldn’t have let you eat me out the way you did,” I laughed as I brought my hands to his face, “I appreciate you cleaning your face a bit before you did that though. I don’t really want the staph infection or STD,” I laughed harder than I should have. But that in turn caused Chip to glare at me.

“Well, now I don’t think I want to have sex with you,” he looked away from me before sitting up right. I stopped laughing before sitting up to look at him. 

“C’mon, Chip, I was just joking.” I moved so I was closer to him, “I’d love to get a STD from you,” I bit back my laughter as I looked at him. He glared at me again. 

“Shut up,” he muttered, looking down at the bed. I smiled before lifting a hand to his face.

“You’re the one who wants to fuck the girl you just met 4 days ago,” I pointed out as I moved to straddle his waist. He looked at me as I sat on him. “But, to be fair, I also want to have sex with the guy I met 4 days ago so it’d be a little hypocritical of me to judge you,” I shrugged. I tried really hard not to look at his cock, but it was right there… It was obvious that he was painfully hard. “Use me, Chip,” I swallowed roughly as I looked up at his face. His eyes were scanning my face as his hands were resting on my hips. I could feel his fingers digging into my skin, and I was more than happy to let that happen.

What he did next surprised me. He lifted my hips up so I was hovering over him, before slamming me on his cock. A shout came from my mouth as I wrapped my arms around his neck. I pressed my face into his shoulder as I tried to breathe properly after the sudden intrusion. 

“Fuck,” I panted before looking up at him after a moment. My muscles clenched around him as I slowly got used to his size. Chip pressed his lips to mine before carefully thrusting up into me. My hips slowly moved, meeting him at the perfect spots. His lips hardly left mine, and when they did it was only for a few moments.

“Gonna fill you up,” Chip mumbled as he pressed his lips to my neck, “Gonna put a baby in you,”

“Please! Don’t stop, fuck,” I cried, rolling my hips against his. My mouth opened around his shoulder, my teeth carefully sinking into his skin. “God,” I whined looking back up at him, “Do it, please, do it,” 

“Yeah? You like that?” Chip groaned as he brought a hand to my chest. I let out a shaky breath and nodded as he massaged my breast. “Being filled with my cum, carrying my child,” he looked up at me. I pressed my lips together and nodded, feeling myself get closer to the edge. 

“Fuck, Chip, please,” I placed my hands on either side of his face and pulling him closer to my face. I pressed my lips to his as he pulled me closer to his body, my chest pressing against his. 

My breathing grew raged as he picked up his pace. His hand dropped to where our bodies met, his finger encircling around my clit. I was pushed right to the edge, calling out his name as he called out mine. His hips faltered slightly as he filled me with his essence. 

My head dropped to his shoulder and my arms wrapped around his chest. It took a while for either of us to move, the intensity of the moment catching up with us. Although, the last few days in general were catching up with me. 

“I gotta clean you up,” Chip finally whispered after a moment. I swallowed roughly before I struggled to get off his lap. 

“You really do want to have kids with me,” I laughed as we finally broke a part, “I mean, yeah I want kids too. But not for a while,” 

“I told you, we gotta get to Iowa first,” Chip looked over at me as he got off the bed. When he noticed that I was a little nervous about that, he came over to my side, “We don’t have to go to Iowa,”

“No, no, I know… It’s just… The thought of leaving… And going with you. The other day was terrifying, with everything th-What if I just left?” 

“I know you're nervous. You have every right to be nervous. If we leave, we can get as far from that place as possible. We can find a safe place and be safe… Together,” he knelt on the ground beside me. I looked down at him and nodded, “Besides, you had the most boring life in that stupid motel,”

“True, true,” I laughed and shook my head, “You’re not going to, like, murder me… Are you?” I looked at him as I carefully grasped his hand.

“No! I wouldn’t do that! After the shit I just said to you with my cock in you? You think I’d kill you?” Chip nearly fell back on the ground, causing me to laugh again. I smiled and nodded.

“Okay, I… I guess if the worst thing you’ll do to me is get me pregnant… Then I think I’m safe.” I looked at him with a small smile, “And that’s not even bad,” I shrugged as I looked at the bed in front of me.

“I won’t murder you if you won’t murder me,” he spoke, lifting his hand and showing me his pinkie. I looked back at him and nodded.

“Promise,” I whispered before interlocking my pinkie with his. 

if you want to be a part of a taglist or have any comments about this one shot, let me know here

[haro-whumps]

Box Boy Bedtime

(CW: slavery, dehumanization, videotaping, implied noncon, creepy + intimate whumper, creepy comfort, brainwashing)

Tag list:  @thatsthewhump @whump-it @ashintheairlikesnow @fairybean101 @finder-of-rings @comfortforthepain @shameless-whumper @that-one-thespian @burtlederp @castielamigos-whump-side-blog

Part 1

*click* *click*

“Position six,” Ren ordered blithely, and Soren stretched his hands out in front of him, close together so Ren could tie or handcuff if they wanted. They lifted their fancy camera again and took two more pictures, one frontal view, one profile.

*click* *click*

“Position seven.” Soren stood straight and crossed his arms behind his back. Ren was photographing each position to spruce up the guidebook. Sure, the infographics were useful, but why would they want to look at pictures of stick figures when they could have their sweet Soren acting them all out? 

On and on the camera clicked. Soren, for the most part, seemed calm. Like when he would make beadcraft keychains and get really into it, practiced and second-nature and thoughtless.

“Position seventeen,” Ren ordered, and blinked with surprise when Soren walked away from them, to a nearby wall where he placed his palms and forehead against it with his legs spread and ass out. Ren laughed, but took the picture, and then rounded to the side. Pretty Soren glanced up at them, and when they smiled at him he smiled back, bashful and pleased. Ren really hoped that they caught that on camera. 

At the end of it all, Ren clicked through the photos on the tiny display screen, making sure that they didn’t need to retake any, and gave Soren a quick kiss on the cheek when they were satisfied.

“We’ll need to do this again when your hair’s all grown out,” they mentioned off-handedly, “But I think these will make great placeholders for the booklet until then, yeah?”

“Mhm,” Soren hummed with a nod, leaning in close to them and glancing at the camera display, seeing himself keeling pretty.

Ren lifted the camera again and adjusted the focus, close range now. 

“Exalted?” Soren asked, confused, and Ren pulled their eye away from the lens a quick moment.

“Just for fun, because you’re pretty,” they said brightly, and brought the camera back up just in time to see Soren blush and duck his head, a lock of hair falling over his bashful smile.

*click*

“Such a pretty little angel,” Ren murmured, smiling fondly down at the photograph. “I’m going to go print these out, m’kay? I bet you’re tired.”

Soren glanced up hopefully. “It, has been a long day, for me, Exalted.”

“Oh, I bet it has,” Ren cooed, reaching out to brush that stray lock of hair behind his ear. “Go ahead and take a bath, sweet honey babe. I got you some nice products that’ll help your pretty hair grow out faster, and soap that’s good for delicate skin. And you’re so fragile, aren’t you my little bird?”

“Yes, Exalted,” Soren sighed happily, leaning into their palm. “Thank you.”

They kissed him again, then gave him a nice sharp pat on the cheek. “Go on, then. I’ll check in when I’m done printing these out, and then we’ll get you nice and comfy in your bed.”

He smiled at them so gratefully, warm and soft with a genuine affection, and that delighted want-have-want-have fluttered inside Ren’s chest again. They had to put in genuine effort to leave the room, leave their precious Soren even for a moment, but they really did want to bedazzle the handbook with photos of their precious angel, so it had to be done.

Besides, they thought with a private chuckle, it wasn’t like they’d really left Soren. They jiggled their computer mouse and tapped twice on their tablet, pulling up the video feeds while the computer woke up. They’d tested all the cameras well before Soren had arrived, waving to themself and watching their own waving on the tablet screen. They could access the video feeds on their tablet, computer, phone, and work computer, so even if something broke or ran out of power they would always have plenty of alternatives. They hooked up the fancy camera and started the download, examining their pet.

Soren was naked, and while that wasn’t anything particularly special, knowing that they were seeing him naked while he didn’t know that sent a thrill up their spine. He was examining the adjacent bathroom, also redecorated before his arrival, seeming to have trouble taking it in. The tub was massive, with water jets in the side and all sorts of soaps and bubbles lining the inner rim, easily large enough to lie down completely submerged within. Nothing but the prettiest of bird baths for their little angel. The shower curtain looked like an honest tapestry, and the mat was cloud-like in shape, texture, and appearance. 

He applied the hair products liberally, thank goodness, they would hate to have to correct their precious Soren so early in, and seemed to enjoy the soak, afterwards. It even looked like he started dozing, a little, which made Ren giggle delightedly when they realized. Oh he must be very tired. They idly pasted the photographs into the booklet while he bathed, and when he pulled the plug of the tub they got up and headed back over.

They’d timed it just a tiny bit too early, winding up in Soren’s room before he emerged, pink from the heat and in a towel, but they smiled and acted like they just arrived.

“Oh, you’re out? Perfect, Soren. Come here,” they said, hands outstretched, and he rushed to them, rushed to the safety and warmth and comfort they offered so freely. “Let’s get you dressed and to bed. It’s been a long first day, huh baby?”

“Yes, Exalted,” he murmured into their shirt, fingers pressing ever so gently into their back where he clung to them. 

“Here, I put your pajamas in this drawer,” they said, showing him, pulling it open by the gold-painted handle and taking out a soft and fluttering nightgown. Soren, once again, ran his hands over the fabric eagerly, stunned by how soft it was, and put it on before tugging at the bottom of it with a sudden spike in anxiety.

“Um, Exalted?”

“Yes sweetheart?”

“Do I, get to wear, maybe underwear, or pants, with this?”

Ren laughed, squishing his freckled cheeks. “Of course not you silly goose!”

“Y-yes, Exalted,” he muttered though his smushed face, making it come out more “yef evahded.”

“Alright, into bed with you, angel,” Ren ordered cheerfully, stroking their hands up over his face, then down his pretty hair, shoulders, arms, and finally taking him by the wrist, guiding him to the golden canopy. They pulled at the cloth, opening it a little wider, and Soren climbed in, fumbling a little when the mattress and thick comforter dipped more than he had expected them to. Ren laughed at him, giving a playful swat to his rump as he crawled past.

“Now, gimme goodnight kiss,” Ren said sweetly, crawling in after him, on top of him, caging him in with their limbs. They dropped their weight onto him again, their hips forcing his legs open and apart, and he began to tremble ever so sweetly as they kissed him. They took their time with it, deep and heavy, hands sliding beneath his light body wrapped only in the thin nightgown, feeling the planes of his shoulder blades and the divot at the small of his back. Soren wrapped his arms around them too, one hand in their hair and the other clinging around their neck, and he pressed up against them, into their touch. Needy, needy, needing them, needing them so badly. 

It was with great satisfaction that they pulled away, feeling his body follow, feeling the way he held on just a second too long before realizing he had to let go, seeing him staring up at them with wide-blown pupils and parted lips, wet with spit. It was with great satisfaction that they had riled him up all sweet and supple and wanting, and would now be leaving him without granting him any satisfaction whatsoever.

“Under the covers, precious boy.” Ren giggled, “You’re very good at goodnight kisses, now go to sleep.”

“Y-yes, um, Ren,” he said, and Ren felt another thrill shoot up their spine. That was the first time he’d used their name since coming out of that box, and it felt important that it was happening then. That it was happening now.

Once he was settled in amongst the pillows, thick comforter pulled up to his chin, they gave him one final caress along the side of his pretty face, golden hair damp beneath their fingers, and stood, pulling the canopy closed behind them. They went to the balcony doors, then the windows, pulling the billowing curtains shut one by one, and then turned off the bedside lamp. “Sleep tight, my darling,” they crooned, turning off the overhead lights before shutting the door. They pulled at the chain of their necklace, producing the key, and locked Soren’s door behind them. He would never leave that room without them.

They watched on their phone to see if he would touch himself, with the door locked and no one around. They wanted to know if he would take care of the little problem they’d given him, if he would shudder out a gasp and moan their name, if he’d be silent, or if he’d refuse his own touch at all, squirming to get comfortable until it went away. 

He actually ended up falling asleep mere moments after they pulled up the video feed, body slumped and boneless, laying half on his side. They blinked, but, well. He really had been tired, then. 

Poor thing, so exhausted, he really must have had a hard time, then, before coming here. Before being Ren’s, like he was rightfully meant to be.

Why hadn’t he come begging? When things got hard, surely he had to have known they’d take him back… Maybe they hadn’t impressed that on him enough. They’d been foolish and ham-fisted, then, maybe they hadn’t told him frequently enough that they loved him, that they’d always be happy to do anything for him, that they never minded one single request he ever made. Or maybe he truly had gotten a real stick up his prideful ass, so upset over a little temper flare he’d rather risk everything than come back where he belonged--

They grabbed their wrist, forcing their fingers to relax before they cracked the phone screen. They counted their own pulse, feeling their heartbeat press up against their thumb. It didn’t matter. It didn’t matter if some fuck had screwed Soren over and left him desperate for any option or if he’d just had a long stroke of bad luck. It didn’t matter if he was too proud to come begging for forgiveness for rejecting them, or if he’d thought they wouldn’t forgive him, even if he begged. It didn’t matter how he’d become desperate (even though the thought of someone purposefully scamming their sweet, precious Soren set their pulse skyrocketing), it didn’t matter why he’d signed himself over to Whumpees-R-Us, it didn’t matter what had happened between that godawful haircut and Ren finding him on the internet listings. 

All that mattered now was that they had him. He was there, and he was theirs. He’d messed up, but they’d managed to fix it, the stars had aligned and even though he’d done a domino line of stupid things they’d still managed to get him safe and warm and home and eating out of their palm, finally, finally!

They turned off their phone and turned on the final recording device, a baby monitor disguised as a little figurine angel on the bedside table in Soren’s room. They didn’t expect anything to happen overnight, Soren clearly needed his rest, but it would be a good habit to establish.

How fortunate, then, because something did happen that night. They woke to sounds of distress filtering in through the monitor, and for a moment couldn’t place the noises, before sitting bolt upright. Soren.

They were at his door and fumbling with the key in an instant, then rushed to the bed, throwing back the canopy.

“Soren?”

Soren gasped, eyes flinging open and jerking upright, eyes blindly searching his surroundings in a panic.

“Ren?” Soren cried, head snapping to them. He reached out, hand shaking, and Ren took it, sliding onto the bed with him. “R-Ren, I, I, y-you’re--”

“I’m here, baby, I’m here,” Ren murmured, realizing now that it was just a nightmare. He’d only had a nightmare. “Shhhh, angel, it was just a bad dream.”

Soren made aborted little half-words, eyes searching their face, and then he nodded, sobbing, chin wobbling in the way that meant he was trying not too.

“Come here, come here,” Ren crooned, pulling him into a crushing hug, feeling his rabbit pulse beneath their fingers. “It’s okay, my delicate little crybaby, I know you need to let it out,” they murmured, mouth to his ear, “Precious little crybaby, sweet little crybaby, it’s okay. I’ve got you, you’re safe, you’re in my arms, sweet little crybaby boy.”

He cried into them, clinging to them, never once trying to stifle himself or push away after they’d told him it was alright, and they relished it. What a glorious thing to wake up to. Soren was scared and shaking and desperate and needing them. He wanted them so badly, cried out for them in terrified half-sleep, and wept into their shirt. When he seemed to start calming down, a ping of sour mood hit Ren and they kissed Soren’s hair.

“What was your nightmare about, sweet angel?” Ren asked, syrupy and smooth, and was silently delighted when his shivering picked back up. 

“Y-you, didn’t want me, you p-put me back in the box, and,” Soren hiccupped out, and Ren had to press their face into his hair, hide their reaction from his eyes. How perfect! “And you sent me back, and everything was confusing, a-and terrible, and I didn’t know what I did wrong to,” Soren sobbed, high and cracking, and Ren stroked gently down his beautiful hair, “m-make you not want me anymore!” Soren’s breath jerked, chest spasming with it, and Ren pulled back, eyes soft and concerned and betraying none of their inner delight.

They took his hand and lifted it to his collar, pushing his fingers around the gold.

“Soren,” they crooned, “whose are you?”

Soren blinked, sniffed loudly, and gripped his collar tightly, other hand coming up and joining the first.

“Yours.”

“Who do you belong to?” they asked, just as gently.

“You, Exalted,” Soren said, body slowly unwinding, trembling dissipating, knuckles white from his grip.

“You will never,” Ren pet the hair back from one side of his face, “ever,” they pet the other side, “belong to anyone but me. You’re mine, Soren, forever, forever and ever. No one else will ever touch you, no one else will ever get you, you’re never leaving this house unless it’s on my leash.”

Soren hiccupped as he smiled up at them, pressing into their palms, cheeks tearstained and ruddy.

“Never, Soren,” Ren soothed, “You’ll never leave me.”

Next

[precuredaily]

Precure Day 113

Episode: Futari wa Precure Splash Star 15 - “Softball is the Bond between Mother and Daughter” Date watched: 12 April 2019 Original air date: 14 May 2006 Screenshots: https://imgur.com/a/6udeh4g Project info and master list of posts: http://tinyurl.com/PCDabout

Young Saki is always a win

Now that Michiru and Kaoru’s allegiance is known, we can see them truly playing their part as infiltrators. They spy on Saki's morning softball practice and comment on how silly and futile it seems. Gohyaan pops up and tells them to return to their fountain, but without even batting an eye they unanimously say “no” and walk off to class. During literature class, all of the softball players are dozing off, to the ire of the teacher, and an offhand comment from Mai that they’ll do well in the tournament tomorrow gets the sisters thinking.

[[evil thoughts]]

During the after school softball practice, they intercept Dorodoron before he can attack the Precures, and remind him that full-frontal assaults without a strategy are why Moerumba lost. They hint that the girls’ power as Precure seems to be connected to their moods and enjoyment, so Dorodoron decides to play coy and sticks a tiny pebble Uzainaa in her catcher’s mitt that will cause her pitches to go wildly off target. This works for a while and it really kills Saki’s spirit. That night at dinner, she has no appetite and goes to sleep early, until she has a nightmare about missing 100 pitches in a row and allowing the other team to win in a landslide.

She snaps awake at about 1 AM and realizes she’s hungry so she goes downstairs to grab something. Saki finds her mother in the kitchen, working on new confections for the store, and after some motherly prodding Saki unloads all her troubles. Mom reminds her that she didn’t start out great, and missed a lot when she was a child too. Her mother told her then that the most important things were to “Give it your all, try your hardest, and have fun!” and she reiterates that now. At the time Saki wanted to use her mom’s glove to see if it would help her, but of course she was much too small for it to fit her hand back then. Now, however, her hands are about the same size as her mother’s, and so Saori suggests her daughter try using her glove for the game tomorrow.

(as an aside, I realize I am very much underselling this scene, it’s a powerful moment, but in my effort to keep this concise I’m having to skimp on the details)

The next day Saki is feeling enthusiastic again after her mother’s pep talk and she eagerly chats with Mai on the trolley about getting to use her mom’s glove in the match. Dorodoron is riding on top of the train, somehow completely unnoticed, and overhears this, and he is not pleased. He intercepts the duo on a bridge and says that he’ll let them go and not fight them today if Saki agrees to use her own glove. This sets off some alarm bells in the girls’ heads and they go back and forth, trying to find out why he’s so adamant about this. Finally, when Saki refuses to use her own glove, he gets angry and releases the Uzainaa, growing it back to giant size, and then somewhat fusing with it (not pictured).

Saki and Mai transform into Pretty Cure and realize that this Uzainaa is what’s been throwing Saki off her game. Dordoron taunts her, assuming that her spirits will still be down and therefore Precure’s power will be lessened and he’ll have an easy fight. He didn’t count on his ruse being revealed, or the power boost they would get from their righteous anger at his foul play. The girls strike in unison, brushing aside his attacks and delivering strong counterattacks of their own, surprising the soft-spoken general. Bloom explains that, despite his efforts, she still has the support of her mom, Egret, and all of her friends and teammates, and the goal is to do your best and have fun, so she wouldn’t let him bring her down. The Cures perform Twin Stream Splash on the monster and Dorodoron beats a hasty retreat. After it’s gone, Bloom expresses her disgust at the underhanded tactic, and the camera pans up to show Michiru and Kaoru spying on them from above, looking disappointed.

possible symbolism: Bloom and Egret facing toward each other, while Michiru and Kaoru face away from each other

Michiru says that the Precure are unexpectedly strong, while Kaoru retorts that it’s more like Dorodoron is unexpectedly weak, but they both agree that Precure have powers they weren’t aware of and they’ll have to keep watching them.

At the game, Saki scores the winning strikeout on the opposing team and everybody celebrates. She goes hom and makes dinner for her family that night: a special omelette! Now, the usual trope for pink cures is that they can’t cook and their food tastes awful, so imagine my surprise when her whole family agrees that the dinner was really good! Happy ending!

Look at those Kiryuu sisters, they just arrived and they’re already changing the game. Kiriya spied on Black and White the same as Michiru and Kaoru are doing to Saki and Mai, but he did very little to help his sister in battle. On the flipside, Michiru and Kaoru are giving advice to Dorodoron about better strategies than just charging in and demanding the location of the Fountain of the Sun. Trying to throw Saki off her groove was actually quite clever, and it would have worked if he hadn’t been such a dunce about it. He could have easily hidden near the girls and had the Uzainaa jump from Saki’s glove to her mother’s, further wounding her pride and confidence, but instead he jumped out and made a very suspicious demand that led to his premature defeat. I feel justified in picking apart silly villain plans because, in this show and later shows, the villains can and have done better, even on the instances when they still ultimately lose, so it’s not just me being salty that the good guys always win because it’s a hero show. Certainly, Saki’s speech about being inspired by her mom and friends was powerful, but imagine how much more powerful it would have been if Dorodoron hadn’t played his hand so early. Then again, that he needed the Kiryuus to point him in the right direction says a lot about his competence as a villain as well.  M & K’s scheming is fun, though, and I look forward to seeing what else they come up with. (I’ve honestly forgotten)

Also, the Kiryuus are the subject of a lot of interesting camera work. There’s that high angle, which is also meant to include Dorodoron, and there’s a low angle from his point of view:

Earlier when Gohyaan showed up to say hello, there was an extreme closeup on Michiru’s face showing her just barely moving her eyes and nothing else to acknowledge his presence.

Dorodoron isn’t exempt from the fun, he gets this one distinct shot that I really like:

For someone so timid he’s surprisingly expressive.

Saki gets to be the subject of some creative mood lighting and beautiful sunset animation.

I guess I’m a sucker for sunsets. There’s also these shadows that symbolize her sadness when she feels like she’s lost her skill:

And then the next day after talking to her mother, she’s bright and well-lit again.

Now, I’m going to cheat a little bit here, because I love pointing out poor-quality animation when it pops up. This following shot was only visible for a single frame before dramatically zooming out, so the low quality makes sense for the distance, but the split second that it’s there as a closeup..... it’s bad.

But as I said, their fight has some great synchronized action and that gives us shots like this:

It feels a lot more interesting than some previous episodes of the show. Y’all know I didn’t give Karehaan the time of day, and even Moerumba got a bit tiring. The villains themselves are endemic of my larger issues with the show: it was good but it wasn’t really doing anything. Now, however, we’ve got some much-needed intrigue and that’s helped the show a lot in this episode. As I recall, it only gets better from here, so I hope you enjoy coming on this journey with me.

The last couple episodes haven’t had much in the way of Saki’s catchphrase, so this episode decided to make up for it in spades!

Pink Precure Catchphrase Count: 3 Zekkouchou Nari (from Saki) Saki’s mom also gets in on the fun with a “Zekkouchou Nari” of her own, and.... Saki uses her anti-catchphrase, “I’m in bad form!” twice!

Miracle Drop Count: 2

[worldcakecakecake]

Feliciano and the King of Hearts

Chosen by the gods as the Queen of Hearts from the moment of birth, we follow Feliciano’s story as he grows into royal life, learns to rule, go against age old customs, and his relationship with his husband to be, the King of Hearts.

Chapter 1 I  Chapter 2 I Chapter 3 I Chapter 4 I Chapter 5 I Chapter 6I Chapter 7 I Chapter 8 IChapter 9I Chapter 10I Chapter 11I Chapter 12 I Chapter 13 I Chapter 14 I Chapter 15 I Chapter 16 I Chapter 17 I Chapter 18 I Chapter 19I Chapter 20 I Chapter 21 I Chapter 22 I Chapter 23 I Chapter 24 I Chapter 25 I Chapter 26 I Chapter 27 I Chapter 28I Chapter 29 I Chapter 30 I Chapter 31 I Chapter 32 I Chapter 33 I Chapter 34 I Chapter 35 I Chapter 36 I Chapter 37I chapter 38 I Chapter 39 I Chapter 40 I Chapter 41 I Chapter 42 I Chapter 43 I Chapter 44 I Chapter 45 I Chapter 46I Chapter 47 I Chapter 48 I Chapter 49 I Chapter 50 I Chapter 51 I Chapter 52 I Chapter 53 I Chapter 54 I Chapter 55 I Chapter 56 I Chapter 57 I Chapter 58 I Chapter 59

So this might be the last chapter I post here in Puerto Rico before leaving again. In my new set of travels, of course I will write when I can, but I’ll be going back to a relative slowness. I hope you understand and than you enjoy this chapter.

                                                   Chapter 60

Ludwig had to admit that it had been an enchanting ride. Every spectacle from their height was new and shinning, more colors spreading, more for their eyes to see play in action and bring to life even the very colors of the sky. To be honest, when Ludwig had pointed to their spot of landing, he was glad to had been behind Feliciano, so he wouldn’t see the utter disappointment for when the wind and exhilaration left, once again on harshened ground, like awakened from a lively dream.

 “It’s so small,” Feliciano giggled once he saw this home.

 It was a little cabin, desolated, no flowers, no neighbors, lonely in this field, only two routes available, one to the near sea, the other to the center of the village. It was in hazes of red, surely needing a new fresh coat of paint as someone hadn’t come to properly take care of it in years.

 Ludwig shrugged, “I did say it wouldn’t be a big deal.”

 Pookie now having been transformed to his small self, took his perch on Feliciano’s shoulder, ready for whatever plans his master held. Ludwig ushered them inside, up wood that creaked under their footing, the front door opening in just the same sounds, revealing a dusty home that had Pookie already coughing. It was dark, limited furniture, but at least it had a decent space and Feliciano smiled despite.

 “I’m…sorry it’s so dirty.” Ludwig was feeling heavy embarrassment.

 “Nothing that can be fixed quickly.”

 A reminder that Feliciano was not one to enjoy cleaning, always wanted it quick and easily done with no trouble to anyone. It was because of this that he sometimes learned spells or magic for cleaning, mastering them to the point that with enough concentration, a bit of his Ace power, and a snap of his fingers, the cabin was released of all dust, as shinning as if the servants had done their most amazing job.

 Ludwig, from impressed, then turned towards Feliciano with a scolding glare. “What?” Feliciano didn’t find anything wrong knowing this magic.

 “Unbelievable. You’re this lazy!” Ludwig joked as he made his entrance, wanting to organize and better accommodate themselves in the area before they could do anything else.

 “Well if you wanted to do everything by hand and take time away from our holiday, go ahead, I would have sat by a chair drinking a milkshake.”

 They didn’t want to waste any more time when there were places around them they wanted to see. They spent that first day in the village, a beautiful colored one that Feliciano didn’t mind getting to know the people and dining in their singular foods. Well, to be honest, Feliciano hated it and Ludwig had ended up taking him back to the cabin to cook something more at his preference. The bed was not the heavenly comfort of their own back in the castle, but it was sufficient enough, soft under their skins, not cough or sickness inducing, letting a delightful sea breeze enter through the small window they left open as another blanket.

  To Ludwig’s surprise, it had been Feliciano that woke him early the next morning, excited about waves, sand and games they could try. In one of their singular bags they placed everything they would both need for their outing, Feliciano running off with it the moment Ludwig allowed it. He shone freely in those shorts, in that opened blouse shirt that surely must have belonged to a celebrated designer who made it specifically for royals, especially only for balls or special occasions. Ludwig didn’t bother in scolding him for it, he was starting to understand Feliciano’s views in wearing whatever for whenever and that the only thing that mattered was his comfort and how easily he could move in it. Also…he had to admit Feliciano looked incredibly adorable in them.

 Ludwig already felt bliss the moment his feet touched the cold sand, especially in seeing this area of the beach so lonely, all that blue immensity for them. Feliciano seemed just as excited, for he jumped and twirled with Pookie, ready to run all the coast and Ludwig had no doubt that he would dare. He let him, taking out an umbrella and settling under the extra shade as he read on some notes he made concerning one of Khaos’s books, more specifically that of inner cleansing of darkness. He had re-read enough by the time Feliciano had returned from his run, laughing with Pookie flying in circles above him.

 “Ludwig!” He called, sounding angry. “I thought we were taking a break from our teachings and readings!”

 “Reading still helps me relax.”

 “Come on, you’re joining me.” Feliciano went and pulled him from his spot, Ludwig letting himself the reach of the gentle waves that got to their feet at the shore.

 “Joining you in what exactly?”

 Feliciano smirked, giving Pookie a messaging smile, the little lion understanding, using his frontal jewel to transport as they had seen he could do. Right between the two royals fell a ball, one of football Ludwig could easily recognize, rolling his eyes because he instantly understood.

 “Are you sure?” Ludwig grinned, competitive.

 “I used to have so much fun beating you every time,” Feliciano smirked, already bouncing the ball between his knees.

 “It wasn’t that often!”

 “If I recall correctly, you only beat me once,” Feliciano was haughty, striding quite provocatively around the area as he prepared his starting spot.

 Ludwig was accepting the taunts, preparing his own stance of defense. “We’ll see about that.”

 And it was with that dare they had begun, their ports but rocks in the sand that they did well to protect. They had mostly kept even numbers, both showcasing the growth of their tactics and moves as the ball went between earth and water, beginning purposed splashes to wet the other more.

 At some point it was less about the points and more about the laughs as they ran, fell and even swam about. The ball was then forgotten, throwing each other water and sand instead, until they tired and landed to the ground together in defeat, taking in their breaths in laughter. After they gained sufficient energy, they let the water drag them more into their depths, floating in relaxation, taking a dip from time to time to then come back to their holding, to the trust of their kisses and the thread of their fingers on one another. But there was so much cold they could take, shivering all the way to shore, groaning when they noticed how far off the cabin was and how they would have to return this wet and exposed. Luckily, they had Pookie, who smiled and offered his assistance. A transformation and he kneeled to offer their ride. Both smiled to each and took an instant mount, the air doing well to dry them, whatever cold they could feel up here ignored in favor of the views, of the freedom, of their shouts and pretends of their extending arms, wanting them to be Pookie’s magnificent wings. Feliciano had them spinning well around the area, passing well the cabin and into other directions, seeing more of this shore and even of the other near villages in the island.

 This new art of flying Pookie was one they were adjusting to and enjoying, always wanting this flight, always wanting to stay in the skies. Pookie could tire though, he needed his rest before he could take them back for the night, so he settled with bringing them to the height of a cliff, on the only mountain in the entire island. While they waited for him to take his rest, Pookie did not mind at all as Feliciano and Ludwig took his body to lay upon. It was soft and Pookie’s slow breathing did quite the lulling, but they couldn’t really let themselves that rest with the beauty of the sea, of the stars coming into view, of the festive lights below with the routine of the people. It made Ludwig question why his ancestors did not build that home up here. He also wondered if it wasn’t selfish to ask for a new home to be built in this area once he was king. This would be a wonderful place to go on weekends with his queen after…oh right.

 He looked down to his queen, his adoring, wonderful, sweet and most beautiful queen. Feliciano took quite a comfort on Ludwig’s chest, well wrapped on him and seeming ready to remain there for the whole night, sleep if he had to, like he hadn’t done it already.

 It was amazing how petite, innocent and fragile Feliciano looked that moment…when he was an Ace, when he was to be his queen, to rule, destined to defeat an immense evil and bring peace to their ancestors and even the heavens.

 How many times had he already told himself to push away how time ticked, of the imminent and fearsome future that lay ahead. Like Feliciano had told enough, he should focus on how comfortable he lay in his hold, on the sweetness he could have for himself, each and every time only solidifying what he should do next, what he should claim before the surely devastating depart to heaven.

 Enjoy every minute, every second, every coming moment of peace.

 “I know what I should do now,” he found himself wording aloud.

 “Should do what?” Feliciano perked, looking up to him now with widened eyes.

 Ludwig wanted to hit himself for this compulsive speak. “Nothing.” He hoped Feliciano would forget, letting his eyes remain on the star and sea so Feliciano could follow his gaze there to remain as well.

 “I can’t believe we’ve grown to be this disgusting,” Feliciano laughed.

 “What are you talking about?” Ludwig joined.

 “About all this.” Feliciano poked Ludwig’s nose with a single finger, then rising slightly to lay a quick kiss on his lips, then back to cuddling to his neck.

 Ludwig would never stop getting so flustered, with hits of wonder and stars whenever he was kissed by Feliciano. “I…I don’t think it’s disgusting,” Ludwig shied, wrapping his arms more strongly around Feliciano, pulling him much closer.

 Feliciano smiled, agreeing with another kiss on his cheek. “But, you know, one of those many promises was not being like this,” he chuckled.

 “I didn’t think I would…fall this way for you,” Ludwig admitted with a beautiful blush, one that had Feliciano glowing, tracing his fingers on that red of his cheek, faint under this moonlight.

 “I didn’t think so either,” Feliciano whispered, but oh he didn’t mind it, he didn’t mind at all having fallen for his best friend, to continue these cuddles and kisses that would have had their childish selves gagging and looking away.

 “I’m sorry…but that promise I have to break. I enjoy being…this disgusting with you.” Ludwig laid him well in his arm, for one hand to be able to traverse him well, giving Feliciano delightful shivers that brought heat.

 “As do I,” Feliciano whispered, his fingers now tracing his lips. “I hope we can always be this disgusting.” They laughed before they crashed their lips, feasting on their smiles against one another, moistened movements that darkened everything around them, now only red and fire, ignited in magic, more glowing than the stars and more breezing than the air. Pookie rolled his eyes and had to smack them with one of his wings to get them to stop. They laughed but took this as a sign that he was well energized and could take them on a flight back to their cabin.

 Although the wind had done well drying, their clothes were still in a damp they wanted instant riding of, so the moment they headed inside, Feliciano was the first to remove his blouse, landing it carelessly in the room as he tousled his curls to rid of any sand. Ludwig busied by lighting the room, not paying attention to Feliciano until a sudden turn, halted then by the light on him, bringing his body a shine that did callings that Ludwig shouldn’t answer to if he wanted this night to remain innocent. But he was weak, he found himself reaching, extending his hands to have them in a warming wrap around that heavenly body. Feliciano had stood, landing his back well against Ludwig’s chest as he had finished, turning only his face to smile in enchantment, with stars that looked like he had brought inside with him. And so Ludwig came down to kiss the dust of his lips, turning him until he had him well wrapped, Feliciano’s own hands on his back, playing with his hair and neck, blazing with that union more a fire in their loins.

 Their touches danced for more, and in their twirls, they led themselves to the bed, in a heaped mess of traversing hands, of legs expanding and pushing. Ludwig made himself comfortable between it all, hands now daring through all the expanses of his bared legs, while Feliciano rid Ludwig of his own shirt and enjoyed from the strength under his fingertips. He wanted all of it well laid on him, so he wrapped his arms strongly around him and pulled him more into him, to the still blazing kiss, one so blinding that it let themselves the freedom from a royal restriction, one that tried to repress how strongly they wanted to show this desire.  

 There came a grinding motion that brought delighted moans, shouted uncaring to the ceiling, confident with the loneliness of this cabin in the area. Ludwig wanted more of that skin, so he began a passing down his jaw, his neck, making sure to leave all the markings, all the love that he wanted shown, continuing in his voyage down his chest until…he met face to face with the promise necklace.

 Despite being in the middle of that heat, his own hands now under Feliciano’s underwear, fingertips so near to his voluptuous backside, Ludwig halted, letting them finally a space to breathe and dim themselves down.

 There came thought, there came reminders, none more stronger than the cross that laid well on Feliciano’s chest. In that very moment, Ludwig hated it above everything, sending it glares, thinking it to be taunting, caging well whatever that could have continued.

 “This is a damn accursed thing,” Ludwig uttered, letting his fingers play with the pendant.

 Feliciano laughed, raising his hips to meet more with the growing strength in Ludwig’s center. It was meant to be playful, Feliciano didn’t expect it to have Ludwig groaning and having to hold himself well with a heavy grip on the sheets of his bed, teeth baring and biting into his lips like an animal.

 “You were the one that gave it to me and I wore it faithfully and unknowingly because it was from you,” Feliciano told with true honesty in his eyes. “Why did you even send it? Did you even know what it meant?” He had been wondering for a while.

 “Yes…I did. I was a teenager, possessive, I wanted you all for myself and couldn’t stand thinking about you being like that with…someone else,” Ludwig shied and blushed, all in beautiful colors that made Feliciano smile, his hands now raising to caress at his face, lovingly and instilling confidence.

 “Even without this necklace, I would have saved myself for you still. I couldn’t think of myself with anybody else and I can assure you that I will be yours only.” He pulled him down for a sweet quick kiss. “But you have to promise as well that you’ll be mine only too,” he giggled and poked Ludwig’s nose in a coax.

 “I have been for a long time,” Ludwig chuckled in turn, now comfortably laid between Feliciano, the heat having died down and only a want for lips and then rest.

 Ludwig gave one last glance to the necklace, a sigh escaping knowing that he still had to wait.

 “I think it’s sweet that we’re waiting until marriage. For us it will be special and meaningful, and it can be like an added gift. The gods will be proud that we held such a powerful promise.”

 Ludwig agreed, smiling and settling well down into Feliciano’s neck, arms well wrapped around him, yawning and eyes in a shut ready for sleep. “We still have to wait though.”

 “We’ll wait all that’s needed, amore.” He placed a kiss on his head and decided on settling himself with Ludwig’s comforting weight.

 “Hm, I love you,” Ludwig said lastly.

 “I love you too.” Feliciano wrapped his own arms around him, the last tightening grip of their consciousness before sleep took them.

  They arrived back to the castle an early afternoon, to a big group of dignitaries waiting for them at their landing area. There was no impression to how majestically the winged lion presented itself, they just immediately went to the royals upon the moment their feet touched ground.

 “Your highnesses, letters from the other royals have arrived about acceptance to the coming reunion.”

 “We must prepare all the necessary.”

 “We need decisions concerning the ball.”

 “We’ve also received replies from the many others you invited.”

 “Your fencing practice! You must immediately begin!”

 “You have to start with the dark bits release!”

 Ah yes, they were back to the calling of their royal duties.

 Servants took care of their small bags, the group dragging them, Ludwig and Feliciano giving all kind of commands in different directions. Some of these things the King and Queen were supposed to be doing, yet everyone headed to them obediently, sure and knowing that whatever their choosing will be the best. It was moments like these that reminded the arising royals of the power and command running through their veins, using it to officiate as they should.

 Ludwig and Feliciano really wanted to remain together, chose as the couple the kingdom expected, but there were still different things they had to do, and so the group began to divide in two, one taking the arising king, the other the arising queen. They gazed to one another in the distance that grew between them, already a miss, already wanting a grasp of another again. But they did have to work, they did have to do these things, and so with disappointed sighs, they turned to their papers and words, back to their usual ruling.

  There were still times for them, for cooking, baking, trying new clothes from the designers, spending time with Ausgustino, their readings together in the balcony of their room, strolls around the city, and even sparring between one another to practice their powers along with their growing armies who wanted a part of the surely coming war. It was an eventful month indeed and each day Ludwig was convinced more than ever over what he should do. His love for Feliciano solidified and strengthened, his power grew, he was taking more responsibilities and was feeling surer of his reign along with Feliciano.

 With only but three days left to receive their visitors and for the ball, Ludwig went up the palace in sureness, a determination that made the servants bow and respect like that of all an astute king. He shone well in a red and white coat tail, gold and rich vest at his front, shinning with many intricate details, powerful boots, a pristine and handsome image even if he had just come out from dealing with the warrior dogs.

 He arrived to the king’s study, his presence loud even if his steps were slow and professional as ever, going up some of the stack of spiral stairs, passing shelves and ancient items, until he reached a singular safe at the very end of the room. Its birth was of a childish one, Ludwig had simply used it to hide his chocolate and other sweets from Gilbert or his cousins as a child, and as he grew older, it began to hold more items of importance, such as his sword, Romulus’s letter, even diamonds, rubies and gold for emergencies. Then, there was the last gift, the one that after the letter, he thought he would never give it use, that it would never see release from the safe as it did now, well in Ludwig’s hold, inspecting that it was still strong, clean, beautiful, ready. Knowing that…knowing what it meant, what it was about to bring, its weigh so heavy that it made Ludwig nervous, fretful, catching his breath as if it had taken all his energy. The air around him and even himself were weak, Aldrich’s sudden presence, gentle, soothing, still startling him.

 “What’s the matter?” He questioned. Ludwig wasn’t here often and so he came nearer wanting to see what could have brought him. His eyes slightly widened once he noticed the shinning single item on his palm, startled himself surely over the decision that it meant.

 “Do you know what it means?”

 “Yes, Opa, I know.”

 Aldrich came closer, a well securing stand beside him. “Do you think this time we’ll hear a more positive reply?” He tested.

 Ludwig sighed, “I don’t know, but I’m…still going to try.”

 Aldrich hummed, slightly nervous himself. “And…will you be ready for what would come afterwards?” Aldrich really wanted Ludwig to understand. What would come next was a big change and decision, a taking that was to well change the kingdom.

 “Isn’t that what me, Feliciano and Kiku have been preparing ourselves for? Besides, with the coming war…it’s best if we’re the ones to truly face it,” he smiled confidently, no delays, no fear, as sure about everything as the wind of the kingdom that blew outside proudly.

 Aldrich couldn’t believe he had doubted, that he had momentarily forgotten, especially with how well Ludwig proved himself from the moment his arising began despite the turmoil with his arising queen.

 Yes, it was time for a new sun to rise and reign.

 “You have been ready for a while…you can begin,” Aldrich smiled, Ludwig thinking it perhaps the shiniest one he had seen on his wrinkled face for a while.

 Ludwig had never been surer about this.

I am really excited to write the next chapter.

[roosting-n-writing]

2,16,30,47,61,73,82,84! (tfw you don't know how to ask for more writing beyond bringing up prompts >

Thanks Dani!! And don’t worry about it, I love this stuff. I’ll try to post a new prompt list soon for ya ;)

2. “They hide paper towels in their room and I don’t know why.”

“Hey, Kilo. I just found out something weird.”

“What now, Neff?”

“No no, listen. Thia hides paper towels in her room, and I don’t know why.”

Kilo paused, and put her glass of juice back down onto the table. “Come again?”

Neff just nodded.

“I... You’re right that is kinda weird. How about we just ask her?”

“No wait! I don’t want her to know I was snooping!” Too late, Kilo was already leaving the Asylum’s kitchen. “Kilo!” Neff hissed.

“Hey, Thia!” the big blonde called. “I want to ask you something real quick.”

Thia’s head popped up from the couch, where she was watching TV with Panzer. “Yeah?”

Kilo ignored Neff tugging at her sleeve. “Why do you hide paper towels in your room?”

Thia scoffed. “What a tactless question. I will hear no more about this.” Then she snuggled back down under Panzer’s arm, ignoring them.

16. “You know I’d do anything for you.”

Gross ducked behind a crumbling concrete wall as the hostile mercenaries opened fire. This should have been a quick and easy raid, but someone must have tipped them off. It was out on the outskirts, though, so at least there was a low chance of collateral damage.

“Kilo! I need some smoke cover,” he called over the radio.

“Ask nicely,” came a curt reply.

Gross huffed. “Please.”

He couldn’t stay mad, though, when her giggle floated over the airways. “Coming right up! You know I’d do anything for you.”

“Likewise. Thanks, babe,” he answered softly as thick gray smoke started to pour out of a broken window a short way ahead of him, blocking the view of the enemy. He readied his hardlight sword, crouched in a runner’s stance, then launched forwards.

The raid was pretty easy after all.

30. “It’s two a.m., why are you next to me?”

Omni stirred from his sleep as something started moving in his bed. He opened his eyes, though they protested, to find Neff trying to slip under his blanket.

“Neff, it’s two a.m., why are you next to me?”

“There’s a thunderstorm. I couldn’t sleep.”

Sure enough, as Omni paused to listen, he could hear heavy rain beating again the window. In the distance, though not the distant distance, thunder rumbled menacingly.

“Can you really not sleep through this? The rain is actually really calming.”

Another roll of thunder made Neff flinch and bury her face into Omni’s side. He sighed, and wrapped his arms around her. “Okay. Stay as long as you like.”

“Does the thunder really not bother you at all?”

“Nah. I used to sleep outside through worse storms. I guess it’s... it’s just a lot better than what I grew up with.”

She hummed, but didn’t say anything more and was soon fast asleep.

47. “What if I prove you wrong?”

They had all barely met, boot camp hadn’t even begun, and already Ghast was boasting. “I was called The Dutchman for a reason! I’ve killed hundreds. None were able to defeat me in hand-to-hand.”

“Really?”

“Yes really! With knives, I’m unbeatable.”

“Oh?” Thia crooked an eyebrow. “And what if I prove you wrong?”

Ghast just laughed. “There’s some confidence behind that pretty mug of yours, darling, but confidence won’t help you.”

“Mug?” Thia appeared more insulted at the crass language than the actual implied insult. “How about I teach your mug some respect?”

A few minutes later, they were facing each other in the sparring room. Each held a practice knife that wouldn’t cut, but would deliver a painful electric shock on contact with skin. They were both stripped down as much as possible while still remaining decent. The other six squad members stood to the side, quietly placing bets.

One of the instructors on base was acting as referee. At his signal, Ghast rushed at Thia, low and incredibly fast. He swiped, and had it been any normal person, he would’ve won right then.

But Thia was far from normal. She sidestepped with a dancer’s grace and with two small movements, used Ghast’s own momentum to send him tumbling out of the ring. The ref gave her a point. Ghast stood, fuming silently at the instant humiliation.

He hadn’t taken her seriously at all. The second round, he didn’t advance. Rather, he was pushed back by Thia’s sudden torrent of attacks. She swung her stun knife so quickly, the others had trouble keeping up. The attacks seemed random and flailing, but Ghast could feel the intent, the pattern behind them. All her blows were raining towards his abdomen and head, forcing him to protect his vitals. But they also came too quickly for a counterattack, and she came in at steadily wider angles, forcing him to move further to deflect her strikes. It was exhausting, but lasted for mere moments before she landed a graze along his shoulder. His weapon arm seized up, and she struck him in the chest with an open palm, sending him sprawling to the ground yet again.

Match point. They took up their positions for a third go.

“Alright, no more Mr. Nice Guy!” Ghast declared. He jabbed his knife towards Thia’s face with the speed and accuracy only a trained killer can show. But this technically perfect move looked almost childish as Thia brushed his arm aside with her off hand, leaned in, and jabbed him under the ribs with her stun knife. Ghast yelped, then collapsed into a heap. Thia huffed, her point proven.

61. “All I was doing was looking for you.”

Neff landed hard next to the ground team hiding in the jungle. “There you are!”

Omni was the first to greet her. “What, you stop for dinner on your way here?”

“All I was doing was looking for you!” And it was true. The team was operating under total stealth. No powerful radio signals, no signal flares, not even a flashlight pointed at the sky. It had taken Neff nearly an hour to find their hiding spot. “On the plus side, you guys are really well hidden.”

“And we need to stay that way.” Gross spoke up. “Look alive, the next truck is coming. Ready on the smoke, Kilo. Panzer in position.”

They had spent the last week slowly convincing the local PMC that there was a vengeful ghost in the jungle outside their isolated bunker. It sounded silly, but a frontal assault on such a heavily armored and well-defended base would never succeed. Psychological warfare was an obvious next step. Well, to Gross it was, at any rate. The rest had been skeptical at first, but it seemed to be working.

“Smoke.”

Kilo opened up her arm, and pale gray smoke gushed out, quickly blanketing the area in what looked like spooky fog. The fog rolled out of the trees down across the road just as a truck full of soldiers drew close. A quick hack from Omni and its engine cut out. Some troops jumped out of the back and pointed their guns vaguely in the direction where the fog seemed to be coming from. Even from here, the team could see the rifles shaking in the PMC troops’ hands. Panzer stood to his full seven foot armored height and activated his hardlight overshields. A faint blue glow picked out his silhouette in the fog. The PMC men started screaming at the driver, who was trying his damnedest to get the truck started again, not realizing Omni was keeping the starter from firing. Gunfire cracked as the panic reached a fever pitch and they opened fire at Panzer’s ghostly form. The bullets ricocheted off; he didn’t even flinch.

A few moments later, the Myriad pulled back. Panzer vanished into the dark jungle, the fog dissipated, and the truck suddenly sprang to life.

“Keep an ear to their comms,” Gross said to Omni. “I think they’ll be panicked enough to start pulling their troops inside anytime soon. If they do, we’ll step up a bit. Do stuff to keep them awake at night. Then when they’re exhausted and running off fear and coffee, we’ll strike.”

73. “Why do you want Taco Bell now?”

“C’mon! Let’s go!” Neff was practically bouncing as she pulled Omni towards the garage.

“But why? Why do you want Taco Bell now?” a very bewildered, and still groggy, Omni asked.

“Because sometimes you just want something cheap and tasty and they have good breakfasts now let’s go!”

“You’re such a weirdo.”

“But you love me,” she grinned at him.

He sighed, and leaned in to kiss her. “Yeah, I sure do.”

82. “There were two so I figured one was mine-”

“Kilo what the hell!” Gross shouted from his bed.

“There were two so I figured one was mine-”

“That’s not how it works!” He cut her off as he leaned over and tried to grab his left leg out of her arms. “Give me my leg back!”

“Give me my smoothie back!”

“It was an accident! I didn’t know you were gonna drink both! I said I was sorry!”

“Turnabout’s fair play,” she teased, turning one of his favorite phrases against him.

He swung himself out of bed and hopped angrily after her. She ran from the room, giggling like mad.

84. “Just a bit more-”

Neff entered Omni’s basement workshop to the sound of rhythmic thumping accented by Omni grunting with effort. “Just a bit more...”

Neff poked her head around the corner to find him wrist-deep in a gun. Well, the side of a gun. She didn’t recognize it from training a few days ago. “What’s that?”

He jumped at the surprise voice from behind him, and pinched his fingers in the process. “Ah! Ow ow ow ow get out!” He yanked his arm back and managed to free his hand.

“Oh, sorry, didn’t mean to scare you. I was just bored and got curious.”

“Yeah, no worries,” Omni replied as he sheepishly rubbed his hand. “I was just experimenting on one of the SAWs they had at the armory. It’s an older model, so the quartermaster didn’t mind donating it to the cause.”

“Oh, neat. So what are you doing to it?���

Her eyes glazed over as Omni launched into an excited rant about the characteristics of the gun and the specifics of the modifications he was making. But she caught enough to basically understand that he had improved the bullet-firing part and that he could switch to hardlight bullets on the fly. “I don’t know if it’ll actually be much use in the field, but I’m having fun with it. A nice experiment if nothing else.”

She nodded, relieved he was finished. She stretched her arms, flexing her wings. “Well, I better-”

“Hold on, were those wings always there?” He moved to get a closer look, taking her by the shoulders to turn her around.

“Uh yeah, but I take them off for training. The instructors got mad at me.”

“This is incredible!” Neff almost choked at his excitement. “Hey, I got an idea. Do you mind if I take these off and get a closer look?”

[nidarostwins]

Three strikes and you're out

Oneshot featuring two fan apprentices, and a quick appearance by Asra. Slight NSFW?  Word count: 1664. 

A little story Dane wanted and that I happily wanted to write x’D Enjoy!

Eisa knew her twin brother well. She knew what he liked to eat and drink, what he liked to do... and to her displeasure, WHO he liked to do - which was anyone who gave him a spark of interest. She never complained, Fenris was after all his own person and if he liked to sleep around, he was free to do so. In fact it wasn't always negative, because the times he was outside working there were always more customers in the shop than when he wasn't. Yes, in a way she was using her brother to increase business, but he liked the attention so it was a win-win situation for the two of them.

Or at least it had been, until one particular evening when Eisa came home late, having been away most of the day searching for very specific ingredients. She walked in with a sigh, closing the door behind her.

”I'm back, Fenr-”

”AAAH!”

She almost jumped out of her skin, dropping the things she held in her hands, as someone screamed, followed by muffled voices from the backroom. She stood there frozen, just listening for a moment as she heard shuffling on the other side of the drapes, someone walking into a hard surface with a loud thud before Fenris surfaced, limping slightly and looking at her with a faint embarrassed smile, his clothes dishevelled.

”Uhm, hey sis. I didn't know-” He mumbled, attempting to tuck his shirt back into his pants as a woman's voice rang out from behind him.

”F-Fenris? I.. thought your sister wouldn't be home.” She said, poking her head out inbetween the drapes. ”Hello.” The woman attempted a smile. Eisa finally realized what was happening, crossing her arms as she raised an eyebrow at her brother. If Fenris seemed embarrassed, the woman was ten times worse, her face flushed in a very vibrant red. Eisa sighed, letting her arms fall to her sides again as she turned away to pick up the supplies she had bought.

”Sis- Eisa, I am sorry...” Fenris started while taking a step towards her, but Eisa just held up her hand to silence him.

”I'm going to put these away, go up, take a bath... and when I'm done, you two better be done too.” she said as she stood up, not even looking at them as she headed behind the counter.

”How long does she take a bath?” The woman whispered, attempting to lean closer to Fenris without losing the cover from the drapes. Eisa growled slightly, she was way to tired for that kind of shit right now.

”Half an hour,” she said, walking towards the stairs leading to the second floor, turning around halfway to glare at Fenris as she pointed a finger at him.”And no screaming!”

Coming back from her bath, Eisa found her brother sitting on the floor next to the bed, his eyes on the carpet, seemingly not wanting to meet her gaze.

”So, uh...” He started, fiddling with a loose thread in the carpet. ”I hope you're not mad at me right now.” ”You know I can't be mad at you.” Eisa sighed. ”Annoyed though, and that's a whole different story.”

”I wasn't intending for it to happen!” Fenris exclaimed, looking up at her. ”She came in for a reading, I gave her one, or... uhm, I began to give her one and then her hands wandered, she moved closer and-”

”Stop.” Eisa groaned while pinching the bridge of her nose. ”I don't care what when, or even WHO you do - but in the backroom?!”

”I'm sorry!” He said, sitting up straighter. ”I really didn't mean it, promise!” Eisa glared at him for a little longer, eventually sighing deep while moving over to sit down next to him.

”....did you do it on the table?” She asked softly, getting a small amused smile in return and a nod.

”Yeah.”

”You're building a new one tomorrow,” she said, while nodding to herself, ” 'cause I'm never using that table again.”

”Deal.” He smiled, moving to ruffle her hair before leaning back and absentmindedly adding ”To be fair... it has been a bit rickety the last few times.”

”Wait, WHAT?!”

As days passed, Eisa forgot about the ordeal, pretty happy with the new table while everything went back to normal. After a few weeks, however, Fenris came home from a bar with a whole other person, trying to hush them as they moved up the stairs to the living space. Looking around he made sure Eisa wasn't home before dragging the person up the last few steps. ”Where is your sister?” They asked, a chuckle in their throat as Fenris pushed them down on the bed. ”Out with the bastard.” Fenris said, grinning down at them while his hands tore open buttons, revealing naked skin. ”Don't worry, she won't find out.”

Eisa giggled as she and Asra walked back to the shop, gently leaning against him as they talked.

”This was a fun day,” she smiled up at him.

”Yes, it was” Asra nodded, giving her a smile in return. ”I'm happy I managed to get you out from that shop for once.” They laughed, arriving at the shop not long after and and parting ways. Asra had only been in Vesuvia since the day before, already heading off again... leaving her alone with an aching heart.  Eisa looked after him until he disappeared around the corner of a street, then with heavy footsteps heading inside. She was in the middle of a deep breath, attempting to calm down her heart when she heard it – talking, and soft chuckles. At first frozen in place, Eisa soon glanced towards the stairs, finding a light still burning on the second floor. She took a step up the stairs, then cursed to herself as a loud groan from the wooden step, betraying her until now hidden presence. The sounds from upstairs went quiet, and Eisa walked the rest of the way, not knowing what to expect.

”Bro-” She started, looking around and finding him on the bed as colour drained from her face.

”Sis! You're back.... early!” Fenris smiled at her with a small wave, the person beside him shamefully hiding under the covers. Eisa took a deep breath, her eyes squinted with anger burning in them.

”Fenris...” She said through gritted teeth, trying to sound calm. ”Please tell me you two didn't...”

”We did,” Fenris interrupted, without any shame as he knew there was no point trying to sugarcoat the situation to her.

”In the bed,” she said in low tone. ”OUR bed. The bed we both use to sleep in.” Fenris simply nodded, the person under the covers curling up even more as they tried to hide.

”Yeah, sorry about that.” Fenris scratched the back of his head. ”I was going to change the sheets before you got home, but I thought Asra would keep you occupied for a few more hours.”

”Have you done this before?” She asked, her arms crossed and Fenris could swear he saw small hints of flames as she huffed. He smiled apologetically.

”...will you calm down if I say no?”

That night Eisa slept in the corner Fenris normally lounged in, forcing him to replace both the mattress and the sheets straight away the following morning. It took longer for her to forgive him this time, but as time passed her anger melted away, and he made it up to her by showing her a place she could go and dance. Eisa started going once a week, being gone for hours at a time, finally able to forget some of her troubles while dancing the night away with likeminded people. It wasn't only out of the goodness of his heart though, as this left Fenris by himself in the shop for a few hours each week – something he made sure to take advantage of every time. Eisa normally came back sometime after sunrise, collapsing in the bed to sleep a few hours before work started for the day – none the wiser of what had been going on in their home while she was gone.

It went on like that for over two months, until one night she returned home a lot earlier, her leg now aching after a slight tumble she had taken in the shop earlier and not thinking it was bad enough to stay home.

”Fenris, I'm home!” She called out while locking the front door, smelling the sweet scent from the hookah wafting down from upstairs. She sighed in content as she walked up, but reaching the top she stopped completely, letting out a loud gasp as her eyes fell on a man laying amongst the pile of pillows in Fenris lounging area, where the hookah also stood. The man was naked, relaxed and smiling.

And... it wasn't Fenris.

”Well, hello there,” he said, exhaling a cloud of smoke and letting it drift towards the ceiling. ”The shop is closed, and the twins aren't available.” Eisa only stared at him, not able to blink or turn away even though she wanted to, she really, REALLY wanted to as she realised the man was sitting with his legs spread.

”Where is Fenris?” She asked, attempting to not sound angry.

”Oh! He's in the bath,” the man replied, nodding towards the bathroom. ”He just went in, so it might take a while, I guess.” He shrugged before smiling at her and adjusting himself to a more comfortable positition, causing Eisa to turn even more red as this allowed her to get an an even better full frontal view. ”So... who are you? Someone else who wants to get a taste of him?”

”FENRIS!! YOU NOT SO LITTLE SHIT, I WILL KILL YOU.”

[the-master-cylinder]

Elisabeth was born on July 2, 1951 in Toronto, Ontario and adopted by William Harrison “Sandy” Luyties Jr. (1927-1996) and his wife Joan (née Brooks; 1935-2010) when she was 6 months old.

Out on the west coast, Elisabeth balanced her career goals with fostering her infant son. While waitressing at both L.A.’s Roxy Club and the then exclusive upstairs affixture On the Rox, she became acquainted with Hollywood high-rollers, including Warren Beatty, Harry Dean Stanton and Jack Nicholson (with whom she claims to have had a wild six-month relationship). While working an onset babysitting assignment, she was discovered by the actor Don “Red” Barry. It was never clear to me what specific contribution he made, but shortly after her introduction to the actor, she made her television debut in an episode of the NBC series, EMERGENCY (1972-1977).

Elisabeth subsequently earned prime time visibility from guest appearances on hits like Starsky and Hutch and made the telefilm Heart to Heart. Brooks also made the rounds at Universal Studios, appearing on The Rockford Files, The Six Million Dollar Man, The Bionic Woman and even The Night Stalker. She played a nurse’s aide on the episode, “The Spanish Moss Murders.”

She tells of her first role in a Universal movie: a small bit in Alfred Hitchcock’s Family Plot (1976). “I had a very small part,” she admits, “and when I first got on the set, I overheard the make-up man and wardrobe people and crew talking about how he [Hitchcock] had not talked to anyone in two weeks. He just wasn’t a friendly person to the crew. He wasn’t rude to them, he just didn’t talk to them. He didn’t spend much time talking to anyone. He didn’t care to get into conversations with actors so he had an Assistant Director give all the directions.

“When I started to do my two lines, he sent the AD over to the guy I was working with to give him some directions and the AD came to me and said, ‘Mr. Hitchcock suggests…’ and way in the corner I hear this booming voice saying, ‘Young lady…’ and he started talking to me and I got very nervous and I was the talk of the set because I was the first actress he had directed on the film directly. I felt really impressed

“And of course the first few times I screwed up. I got him to laugh. I was very nervous and I dropped my purse right in the middle of everything and he started laughing and I said, ‘I’m sorry…’ and he said, “That’s all right, that’s all right.’ This was just a small start.”

For nine months, Brooks lived in New York and played an ex-alcoholic country singer on the soap opera, Days of Our Lives. It also brought Brooks her first fan mail. “She was kind of a spaced-out character,” ‘Brooks says with a laugh. “She wasn’t too sure what was wrong, what was right and what she was going to do next. She ran off to be a rock and roll star.” It was on that show that Brooks began singing, and writing her own music and lyrics. “During the show I opened my own publishing company and I did a couple of my songs on the show. The part I played was not a good singer and so it was easy,” she chuckles. She is now taking lessons and is planning on performing when ready.

Elisabeth was best known for her role as Marsha. the tempestuous werewolf in Joe Dante’s cult classic, THE HOWLING (1981). Brooks had never heard of the novel, The Howling, but she received a call at home, telling her Avco Embassy was making the movie and they wanted her to come in and read for a part. “I went in and I was given a script and I read it and came back. I did a scene for the producer, Mike Finnell, and the director, Joe Dante, and came back again and did another scene, or the same scene for the executive producers, Daniel Blatt and Steven Lane. And then I had to come back with a long, dark wig on.” Brooks was wearing short, blondish hair at the time.

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Marsha is described in the film as “elemental” with vast untapped powers. She’s also a seductress, who has little use for men and even less use for women. She’s accused of taking men and bending them to her will for whatever purpose she chooses and no one can understand her motives.

“I was told not to read the novel,” Brooks explains. Marsha may be one of the few elements to remain similar to the book’s depiction. Marsha Quist is also the toughest role Brooks has undertaken. She describes Marsha as an animal. “And in being an animal, she has no compassion or desire to be associated with human beings. She has very definite points of view on the human race and being an animal, she finds them extremely threatening to her unless she can control them. And she does control the humans.” To her, it was an extremely challenging role and she feels she accomplished what she set out to do: create a complex character and make her believable.

What disappoints her is the final cut of the film. She describes working with Director Dante as being very easy. “We really didn’t have any trouble until I saw the film–and then we really didn’t have any trouble. I had a meeting with him to voice my complaints, I felt he didn’t leave enough substance to my character. He just centered on the sexually stimulating parts of her which are fine. Those are just actor’s and director’s opinions. He had to make his movie work. That’s the way he said he could make the movie work. I am upset as an actress because I worked very hard on developing a character that I spent a lot of time and energy trying to develop. It’s a little disheartening when you work so hard on something and you see so little of it up there except something that you were told wouldn’t be the substance of the character and all of a sudden that’s the substance and everything else you worked on isn’t there anymore. I know how much was not left in and I’m a little upset but it’s ok,” she says.

“For Marsha,” Brooks continues after taking a breath, “I was told to think of a cat. A very sexual, soft and feminine cat but very dignified. The type of thing a cat is. A cat gets it victims through sex-they have a very sexual outlook. I think a lot of that was left out of the film. A lot of the power was left out. The power that was left in was sexual power. So that’s ok. Joe and I had many talks about it but by the time I found out about the cuts, it was too late to go back and change anything.”

Part of the sexual nature of Marsha is also very visual since Brooks had to do a scene with full frontal nudity. “It was freezing,” she remembers. “It was done very late at night and it was extremely cold. We did it very quickly. It was my first such experience and hopefully one of my last.”

What made the love scene so difficult was not just the cold. Both Brooks and Christopher Stone had to go through partial transformation into werewolves while supposedly making love. Both wore fangs in their mouths that slid into place when wires were tripped with their tongues.

Thinking about Marsha, the young actress goes on to discuss her, “In the film and the character and the script I read, my character had a lot of substance and credibility to it. And this person I played had a lot of dimension that in the actual cut of the film, I feel, has been diminished. I think The Howling is a cartoon brought to life. In looking at it as a cartoon, my character is a cartoon character, totally different from me as a person. I think it will be a very, very big hit.

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“It is fun and it doesn’t gross you out. They didn’t put a lot of traditional horror elements in it, yet it encompasses all of it. I’ve heard it’s almost a classic type of film. I think it will reach for more than the horror audience. Everyone has a good time.”

She was very vocal in her objections to scenes that required full-frontal nudity. “I was signed to do the movie on my acting ability alone. I was told the sex shots would be smoke screened by a bonfire and that you wouldn’t be able to see anything.” Playboy published the nude footage, without Elisabeth’s approval, in the magazine’s annual “Sex in the Cinema” retrospect. With no heat waves nor smoke, she disrobed near the embers of a modest blaze. Elisabeth was further quoted, “In the past, I’ve always refused to do nude magazine work because I believe in the Bible and have morals.” Elisabeth later told me that she had a reputation to consider as a single mom; she was referring to Jeremy, who was seven years old when THE HOWLING was released. Elisabeth refused to marry the boy’s father.

To make Marsha come alive, and turn into a carnal werewolf, Rob Bottin worked with her. Brooks says of him, “He’s a sweetheart, really easy to work with. They put a mask on my face when I turn into a werewolf. My face gets all distorted. They put a plaster cast over your whole face and it’s a total freak-out, totally blows you away because you can’t breathe. The whole time I was there, knowing Rob was there … he never stops talking, never. He has a soothing voice and you get comfortable and you don’t get scared. Anytime I started to get scared, he would sense it and he’d say, ‘It’s ok Elisabeth, sit still … He explains every step that he is doing so you know what’s going on. He’s fabulous to work with and he’s like that with everyone.”

While THE HOWLING cleaned-up at the box office, Elisabeth required a hysterectomy to recover from PID (pelvic inflammatory disease). The illness was one reason that she backed-out of THE HOWLING II, though initially agreed to do the sequel. But there was another reason. Friend Kristy McNichol, an actress formerly tied to a popular TV series (FAMILY, 1976-1980), had wielded some influence on HOWLING II’s failed salary negotiations.

Elisabeth said she had met Kristy while babysitting on movie sets. They actually performed together in a movie aptly titled THE FORGOTTEN ONE (1990). It was reported in the Star tabloid (Dec. 1994) that McNichol, upon learning about Brooks’ diagnosed cancer, “ran to her side.” Their relationship, while sometimes tumultuous, was very close.  After a 33-month struggle with brain cancer, Brooks died in Haven Hospice near her home in Palm Springs, California at the age of 46.

CREDITS/REFERENCES/SOURCES/BIBLIOGRAPHY Fangoria#12 Femme Fatales v07n02

Elisabeth Brooks: Sexy She Wolf Elisabeth was born on July 2, 1951 in Toronto, Ontario and adopted by William Harrison "Sandy" Luyties Jr.

[standtoreason93]

One Way or Any Way? – Part 2

By Greg Koukl

I do not consider myself a particularly brave person, and I think it especially foolish, on the main, to make a frontal assault on a clearly superior force. Further, it is always dangerous to cross theological swords with C.S. Lewis. He was, arguably, the most compelling voice for Christianity in the 20thcentury, and his impact continues unabated into the 21st.

Even so, as a young Christian I read something Lewis wrote that gave me pause the first time I saw it. Now, decades later, it troubles me more than ever. The problematic piece appears towards the end of The Last Battle, the final installment of Lewis’s wonderful and theologically rich children’s fantasy, The Chronicles of Narnia.

Emeth, a noble young Calormene soldier who all his life had innocently served Tash, the false god of his people, encounters Aslan face to face for the first time.

“Lord, I am no son of thine but the servant of Tash,” he admits to the great lion.

“Child,” Aslan answers, “all the service thou hast done to Tash, I account as service done to me…. If any man swear by Tash and keep his oath for the oath’s sake, it is by me that he has truly sworn, though he know it not, and it is I who reward him.”[i]

In narrative form, Lewis seems to be suggesting that those who sincerely pursue God the best way they know how, regardless of the particulars of their own religion, are accepted by Him. Could he be right?

Anonymous Christians?

I don’t for a moment think Lewis was a pluralist. In fact, when Emeth asks Aslan if he and Tash are one (“Tashlan,” as some had put it), he “growled so that the earth shook.” This was error; Tash and Aslan were opposites. Clearly, though, the religious sincerity and the noble life of this young Calormene were taken by Aslan as implicit loyalty to the lion himself.

Lewis intimates that, though all religions are not true in themselves (pluralism), there still exist people of other faiths who are what Catholic theologian Karl Rahner called “anonymous Christians”—those enjoying the grace that comes through Jesus alone, even though they never explicitly put their faith in Him.

Was Lewis right? Many Evangelicals in this country seem to think he was, giving rise to a trend I have called the “confused confession.” It’s a term I introduced in the last issue of Solid Ground (January 2019) to describe the following claim: “Jesus is my savior. He is the only way for me. But I can’t say He is the way for others.”

As I argued earlier, this could mean a number of different things.[ii] Some, for example, may be uncertain about the fate of those who never heard about Jesus. This, I think, is Lewis’s concern. Perhaps God will judge them by the limited light they’ve been shown. Others, though, seem to take it quite a bit further.

Dinesh D’Souza, author of the vigorous defense of Christianity titled What’s So Great about Christianity, faltered in a debate with atheist Christopher Hitchens and Jewish thinker Dennis Prager. When asked by Prager if Jews who do not accept Jesus as savior can still be saved, he said, “I believe the answer to that is yes.” Clearly, Abraham made it to Heaven without believing in Jesus, D’Souza pointed out. There must be, then, another “mode of salvation…that doesn’t include Jesus.”[iii]        

In her book A Simple Path, Mother Teresa explained why she did not “preach religion” to those in her care. In a section titled “Equal Before God” she writes:

There is only one God and He is God to all; therefore it is important that everyone is seen as equal before God. I’ve always said we should help a Hindu become a better Hindu, a Muslim become a better Muslim, a Catholic become a better Catholic.[iv]

Consequently, Mother Teresa never considered it a problem when people of different religions joined together in prayer at her center and read from their own scriptures, since her focus was to encourage them in their “relationship with God, however that may be.”

Roman Catholic thinker Avery Cardinal Dulles makes this stunning claim in his essay “Who Can Be Saved?”:

Jews can be saved if they look forward in hope to the Messiah and try to ascertain whether God’s promise has been fulfilled. Adherents of other religions can be saved if, with the help of grace, they sincerely seek God and strive to do his will. Even atheists can be saved if they worship God under some other name and place their lives at the service of truth and justice.[v]

Remarks like these raise a host of questions. If Jews today don’t need to believe in Jesus, but can be saved as Abraham was, why did both Jesus and Paul say the gospel should go to the Jews first, before it went to the Gentiles (Matt. 10:5–6, Acts 1:8, Rom. 1:16)? Given that Hindus worship idols, wouldn’t helping them be “better” Hindus make them better at breaking God’s first commandments (Ex. 20:3–5)? If atheists are seeking truth, why does Paul say they are suppressing the truth (Rom. 1:18)? If people following false religions are recipients of God’s grace, why does Scripture say they have exchanged the truth of God for a lie (Rom. 1:25) and are therefore without excuse (1:20)? Worse, what implications do such sentiments have for the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18–20)?

This is why I call such a confession “confused.” It may sound plausible at first, but it is hard to make sense of it in light of either Old or New Testament teaching.

Let me tell you one of the reasons this confusion gets a foothold. People draw the wrong conclusions from an obvious scriptural fact: Not everyone in history needed to believe in Jesus to be restored to relationship with God. Though it may be that Abraham understood something about Jesus (John 8:56), that cannot be said of every patriarch, prophet, or Old Testament faithful. Despite their own sins, they still found favor with God apart from explicit faith in Christ. This is Lewis’s point.

Couldn’t the same be true today, some ask, not only of those who have never heard, but also for those who reject the message of Christ through no apparent fault of their own? How can we say what’s in a person’s heart? Who are we to judge?

This, I think, is D’Souza’s, Teresa’s, and Dulles’s point. Though Jesus’ death on the cross is the only provision for forgiveness, belief in Jesus is not the only way to receive the grace He alone provides. This view is called “inclusivism,” since even those who do not believe in Christ can, in certain circumstances, be “included” in the grace that He alone secures.

It is true; you and I are in a poor position to judge the hearts of others. But God is not. Though our judgments may falter, His are true. Has He said anything to shed light on this question? He has. Lots.

A “Jealous” God

First, it might be helpful to remember that from the very beginning, the God of the Bible has been narrow in His demands.

Adam and Eve’s violation of God’s singular restriction in the garden brought swift justice. The serpent’s suggestion of an alternate route to wisdom, knowledge, and fulfillment resulted in death, not the promised enlightenment.

God’s very first commandment to His fledgling people explicitly condemned all other “roads to Rome.” In Exodus 20:2–5, He said, “I am the Lord your God.... You shall have no other gods before Me.... You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God.” Transgressors of this command were executed, some destroyed directly by God Himself.

God showed His utter contempt for other religions by pummeling Egypt with plagues, each one directed at a different Egyptian deity (Exodus 12:12b: “...and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments—I am the Lord”). The capstone plague ended the life of every firstborn whose doorway lacked the blood covering that was to be applied according to God’s very precise and particular conditions.

During their wanderings in the desert, the Jews were offered only one antidote to the poison of the serpents God had unleashed in judgment upon them. Only those who gazed upon a bronze snake lifted up on a pole were spared (Num. 21:9). Jesus Himself cites this event as a type—a foreshadowing—of His crucifixion, which alone purchases eternal life (John 3:14–15).

In Acts, we learn that “Christian” was not the first name given to the followers of Jesus. Instead, the name they used for themselves embodied the heart of their message about the Savior. They were simply called “The Way”—not “a way,” or “one of the ways,” or “our way,” but The Way (Acts 9:2; 19:9, 23).

This pervasive theme of exclusivity was captured with crystal clarity in Jesus’ words, “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matt. 7:13–14). Jesus’ very next words warned of false prophets who would appear as sheep yet would ravage the flock like wild wolves.

From Wide to Narrow?

Even so, it does seem that New Testament standards are more “narrow” than Old Testament ones. Why is that? Here, some distinctions may be helpful.

First, throughout the biblical revelation, the source of salvation has always been the unmerited mercy of God. Our Sovereign owes no rebel a pardon. That He extends clemency to any is a pure gift of grace (Eph. 2:8, Titus 3:4–7).

Second, the ground of salvation has always been the redemption secured by Christ on the cross. Old Testament saints who, because of progressive revelation, had not yet learned about Jesus were still saved because of Him. God “passed over the sins previously committed” (Rom. 3:25), knowing the full, complete, and final payment would be made at the cross (Heb. 9:15, 10:10–18).

Third, the means of salvation has also been constant. Every sinner ever justified gained access to God’s mercy by faith. Whether in Old Testament or New, active trust in God’s grace appropriated His mercy. In every age, the just have lived by faith (Gen. 15:6, Hab. 2:4, Rom. 4:5, 5:1).

Each of those has been constant. Only one thing changed as God progressively revealed His plan. The way one expressed their faith in God (the means), that appropriated the work of Christ (the ground), based on the grace of God (the source), has been different at different times.

Adam received the covering God provided for his nakedness and trusted God’s promise that a seed of woman would crush the serpent (Gen. 3:15, 21). Abraham simply believed God’s promise of descendants who would bring blessing to the nations of the earth (Gen. 12:3, 15:6). Jewish slaves in Egypt trusted God by believing the blood covering would protect them from the plague of death at the Passover (Ex. 12:13, 23). Old Testament saints trusted God through the atoning sacrifices He required to cover their sins (Leviticus).

There is only one question we need to answer at this point: What is the appropriate way of expressing faith now, in the New Covenant period, since the public appearance and proclamation of the world’s singular Messiah?

The answer from every New Testament writer is the same. Since Pentecost, the focus of faith and the ground of salvation are one and the same: Jesus. There is no other name that can save, and there is no other “name” we may put our trust in. Not the Levitical sacrifices or Passover blood (Heb. 10:8–10). Not zeal or sincerity (Rom. 10:1–2). Certainly not pagan gods, false prophets, or counterfeit religions (Matt. 24:23–25, Gal. 1:8–9, Jude 4).

That’s why Jesus said that our response to Him would be the acid test of our true loyalty to the Father. Anyone who loves God will honor the One sent by God. Conversely, those who reject Him, reject the Father also. This one point is so critical, it is repeated in various ways no less than 16 times in the New Testament (John 5:23b, 5:37–38, 8:19, 8:42a, 12:48–50, 14:7, 15:20b–21, 15:23, 16:2–3; 1 John 2:22, 2:23, 4:2–3, 4:15, 5:1, 5:9–12; 2 John 1:7–9a).

These verses reveal something crystal clear to me. Had any Old Testament saints lived during the time of Jesus or after, their love for the Father demonstrated by their earlier expression of faith would have driven them to embrace His Son, Jesus. Each one of those accepted by the Father under the Old Covenant would have loved the Son of the New (“Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad,” John 8:56).

In a sense, then, nothing has changed from Genesis to Revelation. God’s way has always been specific, limited, and precise. A narrow gate leads to life. A broad way leads to destruction (Matt. 7:13–14).

And there are many more verses that make this clear. For example:

“He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” (John 3:36)

“Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” (John 8:24)

“And I say to you, everyone who confesses Me before men, the Son of Man will confess him also before the angels of God; but he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God.” (Luke 12:8–9)

And after he brought them out, he said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” (Acts 16:30–31)

I testify about [the Jews] that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge. For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. (Rom. 10:2–4)

And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. (1 John 5:11–12)

The God-Fearing Gentile

The most compelling single passage against inclusivism comes from the book of Acts and the conversion of a Gentile named Cornelius. Scripture says Cornelius was “a devout man…who feared God with all his household, and gave many alms to the Jewish people and prayed to God continually” (10:2). Indeed, his “prayers and alms [had] ascended as a memorial before God” (10:4). As “a righteous and God-fearing man,” he was “divinely directed by a holy angel” to send for Peter to come to his house and hear a message from him (10:22).

This is quite a spiritual pedigree, all without the gospel of Christ. In fact, Peter was so impressed at the clear working of God in Cornelius’ life, he said, “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him” (10:34–35). This is the whole of inclusivist theology in a single sentence. Everything stated about Cornelius fulfills the inclusivists’ demand.

What does Peter do next? He does not assure this “anonymous Christian” that all is well and turn on his heel to leave. Instead, he preaches the life, death, and resurrection of Christ (10:36–41), then warns of final judgment by Jesus for all except those who believe in Him for the forgiveness of their sins(10:42–43).

Why go through all this trouble and labor over theological details about Jesus? Here’s why. For all his spiritual nobility, Cornelius is still lost. If the inclusivist gospel were true, Cornelius would not have needed a special visit from Peter. Yes, Cornelius had responded faithfully to all the revelation given to him up to that point. But it was not enough. It was just the first step. Even God-fearing Cornelius needed the rest of the story, the specifics about Christ and the cross, without which he could not be saved.

The teachings of Christ and also the writings of those disciples Jesus personally trained to proclaim His message after Him give little comfort to inclusivists. Remarkably, Dulles admits as much: “The New Testament and the theology of the first millennium give little hope for the salvation of those who, since the time of Christ, have had no chance of hearing the gospel.”[vi]If this is the clear testimony of the ancients, what good reason do we have to abandon that message in the modern era? I don’t see any.

And I will give you one final reason to be faithful to that message.

Pascal Redux

I have a last thought for any who may still be tempted to sit on the fence on this issue. Blaise Pascal, the 17th century French scientist and Christian sage, once offered a famous wager to his detractors. Based merely on a kind of cost/benefit risk assessment, Pascal argued it is smart to “bet” on God. If the Christian is right, he gains eternal life. If wrong, he passes into non-existence, nothing lost. The atheist, on the other hand, gains nothing substantial if correct, and if incorrect suffers eternally for his error.

I think the wisdom of Pascal’s wager applies to inclusivism. If we preach the message of Jesus, the apostles, and the early church—that faith in Christ is necessary for salvation—and we are wrong, what is the downside? If we proclaim that those separated from the gospel are also separated from Christ and have no hope and are without God in the world (Eph. 2:12), yet we are mistaken, Heaven will be more crowded than we thought. If we erroneously preach exclusivism, the upshot is good news, not bad.

However, what if we take the side of inclusivism and err? What if we are wrong when we teach that the person who has heard the gospel of Christ does not have to answer its challenge by humbling himself before the cross? What if we say that sincere people will be accepted by God in the pursuit of their own religious convictions? What if we discourage other Christians from “forcing” their views on “good” Jews, Muslims, Hindus, etc.? What if we do any of these things and it turns out their rejection of Christ—either active or passive—seals their fate: judgment and an eternity of suffering for their crimes against God? What is the downside then? Only that we have given false hope to the lost and have prevented them from seriously considering the only salvation available to them. If you are an inclusivist and you are wrong, that is very bad news.

It seems we have a simple choice. We can be broad-minded and advance the broad way, a path Jesus said leads to destruction. Or we can endure being called “narrow-minded” and preach the narrow way, the only path that Jesus said leads to life. I, for one, would not want to be on the inclusivist’s side of this issue.

_____________________

[i] C.S. Lewis, The Last Battle (New York: Collier, 1956), 164–5.

[ii] For details, refer to “One Way or Any Way?—Part 1,” Solid Ground, January 2019, at str.org.

[iii] Dinesh D’Souza, “The Christian God, the Jewish God, or No God: A Meaningful Dialogue,” May 8, 2008. Find a video clip of this portion of the debate at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoonNPAs1Zc.

[iv] Mother Teresa, A Simple Path (New York: Ballantine Books, 1995), 31.

[v] Avery Cardinal Dulles, S.J., “Who Can Be Saved?,” First Things, February 2008.

[vi] Ibid.