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hollenka99 · 3 years

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An Abundance of Theseuses

Summary: Wilbur can’t move on and Thes refuses to accept that so ends up visiting his brother with each reincarnation in the hopes of remembering him so he can free him from his fate.

Warnings: Blood mention, death, mention of major injury

This is based on We’ve taken different paths but I know we’ll always end up on the same one by Alexander_Wesker. First of all, please read the fic because this one contains spoilers but also it will help this make more sense. Check out their other stuff too because they’ve written some great stuff.

THESEUS, 1752-1778 The axe comes down and with it comes the permission to be relieved of his current ordeal. There is cheering and an order for the King to be brought his head. He simply closes his eyes, exhaling as the acceptance that his fate has come for him. He thought eternal rest would arrive to offer its hand more immediately but perhaps even an omnipresent figure's horse requires time to reach him. Alternatively, it could come barrelling into his chest, arms open and ready to encompass him wholeheartedly. "Wilbur!" And there he was. Wilbur had no need to discontinue their embrace because there was only one person whose hold felt like this. He'd last laid eyes on him when he'd collapsed to the ground, eye bleeding from the fatal shot. Being apprehended had denied him the chance to even say goodbye. The King had taken great pleasure in mentioning the dishonour of leading your kin astray, that was for sure. He hadn't made his true feelings known in the presence of the royal family or their affiliates. Ha, as if he would give him that kind of satisfaction. That did not, however, mean Thes and those he'd loved as kin were absent from his private thoughts, where the King had no access. This current outcome did not soothe him. He could not see any possible reason why Thes would be foolish enough to travel here to witness a personally harrowing event. Nevertheless, he would never reject his embrace, especially not now. "Thes?" "It will be alright soon. I would say it takes a minute then you'll feel the tug too." "You're here." "I was waiting for us to go together." "Wait, you saw what transpired but a moment ago?" He subconsciously begins turning to the very scene he is referring to but Thes stops him. "Don't look, it will do you no good." His brother guides his face with a gentle hand so their gazes interlock. "And yes, did I not just establish that I was waiting for you?" As the second-born son had predicted, an intangible force does claim him. It becomes apparent to him that its desires will prove a disappointment to his brother. "I feel this pull you previously mentioned but it is sending me north, not skywards." Thes pulls back, hands now on his brother's respective arms. Now that he is able to see it, Thes' eye looks horrendous. Were they both not dead, he'd be rushing to gather supplies and calling for a medic to treat it. "No, you are confused. It will be okay, give it a second then you will realise it is directing you the same way as it is me." "Thes," He provides a melancholy smile to ease the blow. "I can assure you... it is not." "No. No, no, no, it is, it is. It has to be." He takes Thes' hands in his. "Please, go be at peace. You fought so well and I am proud of you for it. However, you deserve to rest after all the miseries that befell us." "You speak as if you don't deserve the same." "Perhaps it is not the will of-" "No, cease talking because all that seems to be coming from your mouth is nonsensical. God's will or not, it is through my will that you shall join me." "Theseus-" Thes' head drops, the top now resting against Wilbur's chest. "I've expended all my efforts to last long enough so that I could be here by your side at this very moment. So forgive me for being unable to resist it for much longer." Their eyes make acquaintance once more. "But listen to me, Wilbur, I am going to make you an oath. No matter how it can be done, no matter how long shall transpire before I see success, I will find a way for you to be freed so that you may join me." "You do not need-" "Well, have you considered I want to?!" A reprise of the previous embrace. This one is not as joyous or a source of relief. It is not a 'hello again' but rather a 'fare thee well'. "You have not committed enough wrongdoings to deserve any form of Purgatory. I promise I will somehow succeed, Wilby." Thes fades without warning and leaves the elder Soot brother to grasp air in his absence. He'd light heartedly chastise him for how improper disappearing in the middle of a discussion was if Thes was still here. Instead, Wilbur sets off with a defeated sigh. Thes spoke the truth when he claimed remaining here would do him no good. TIMOTHY, 1779-1824 The path he takes brings him back to the location of his greatest failure. It makes sense that his purgatory would be here. Over there was where he believes his tent was, the very place he dealt playing cards among those closest to him on what would be the final evening for thousands. He'd witnessed a bloody back live up to their name towards those trees. And approximately in that direction... was where his dear Thes fell while attempting to secure the survivors' right to remain surviving. Regardless of what once was, he remains where he has been positioned. Spring becomes summer, becomes autumn, becomes winter, becomes spring once more. On and on this cycle continues without deviation. It is not long before any trace of his and his men's final stand is gone from the world. The bodies were removed for fear of being unsightly and the blood spilt has been washed by rain. It is simply him and the desolation of it all. He hopes, whatever became of his Theseus, his brother is faring more happily than he is. It is during one of many autumns that a common man comes to pay the battlefield a visit. It's peculiar and unexpected but Wilbur cannot say he minds it. The fellow isn't doing anything untoward, nor does he give the impression of having any intention to act in such a way. The impression he does give, however, is one of a troubled individual. What strikes Wilbur above all else is that this is Thes, this man is somehow his brother. He can intangibly feel it. He knows this inexplicable fact to be the truth. Externally, the two bear no resemblance. The person before him is not blond, has long since seen his 20s and there is not a single trace of a curl in his receding hairline. And yet... this is Thes, through and through. There is no doubt in his mind that he is in the presence of the soul that once identified as Theseus Soot. "Thes, it's me. You've found me!" He grins, rushing to stand in front of him. What a fool he was to doubt Thes' ambitions were possible. There is no response or indication his brother's new form heard him. "Thes, do not ignore me. You know full well it is improper to act in such a manner. I- I won't have it." It's a lie, an attempt at authority when there are none to rule over. Thes' counterpart shifts his weight between his legs before proceeding with baring his thoughts. "Let me preface this by explaining I did not intend to come here. I don't know why I travelled here to be in what is essentially nothing but a field. It makes no sense to me. And yet... and yet here I am. At great personal expense, no less." "Please, simply look at me. I am right here. Whatever is troubling-" The fake Thes sighs, frustrated. It morphs into a grimace. "There is a reason I'm in a city, not just whatever compelled me to steal a horse so I could be here tonight. You must do what you have to in order to keep those dear to you in good spirits. I feel You would understand that in all Your heavenly might." "I would never be blasphemous enough to profess myself to be on par with the Lord." He says to nobody who can hear his light hearted words. "It is still my intention to find work, of course, I am nothing if not a man who does his best to be of good virtue, but in the meantime, I must risk being hung. Or perhaps they shall be merciful enough to send me to New Holland to rid of me." "Oh Thes," He attempts to offer comfort but just as the moonlight passes through him nightly, so too do his hands. "No, don't lead yourself astray out of desperation, I beg you." Thes takes a step as if he plans to leave it at that, reconsidering at the last second. Hope swells within Wilbur as he convinces himself this is finally the moment recognition comes. Surely, this all a ruse, a cruel trick from somebody who used to find such joy in winding those dearest to him up. Alas, it is not so. Instead, Thes remains oblivious and Wilbur remains an intruder to a private confessional. "If I am to go to the gallows or be transported, if it is only myself and God who can hear, then... perhaps I can be honest. I was filled with such- such satisfaction when I heard of Princess Charlotte's unfortunate passing. It was a terrible thing. Neither mother nor child survived the birth, I wouldn't wish that kind of tragedy on a soul. Such a sad thing and yet it was the royal family's misfortune that I- a part of me, at least, took great joy in that development. It's not such a crisis nowadays, I believe they have a new heir, but I dare say something from the very depths of my soul would have celebrated their downfall. Then this past January, when his majesty himself died, I felt the same sense of vindication upon learning of the news. It is maddening to experience such conflict within myself. I hope you can find it in Your benevolence to forgive me." "I cannot speak for God but I forgive you. I would have privately allowed myself to feel positive upon his passing too. It is only natural after he caused us such strife." Having said his piece, Thes makes his departure. All the while, a ghost continues to futilely endeavour to be noticed. TARQUIN, 1825-1854 Thes arrives the next time with a boy a stride behind him. It's not the first occasion he's seen this Thes but this is definitely the debut of his son for Wilbur. By now, he has made peace with the fact he is imperceptible to his brother, the same way he is to everyone else. He had originally clung to the preposterous notion Thes would personally break through that curse simply due to being Thes. If anyone was going to see his face or hear his voice for the first time since 1778, surely it would be him. No such luck. "Right here in this very field, if I am not mistaken, was a battle. Minor, didn't count for anything." You would not be saying that if you knew your true self. It was anything but inconsequential to us. "My grandfather was a boy at the time. He always claimed it was one of the factors that inspired him to choose to pledge loyalty to his king. He's very dear to me. In fact, I should have us visit him as soon as I return." Yes well, Wilbur didn't want to be so bold as to voice it but he did sense the apple didn't fall far from that tree. He appreciates younger sons must venture into specific professions for the sake of staying gentlemen. However, he would have wished for Thes' thoughts to sour at least slightly at the idea of playing a part in military conquests that serve (indirectly or not) to strengthen the image of the royal family. Perhaps there is a disgruntled young man underneath who is secretly cursing the situation his birth has placed him in. "However, it is a harsh truth that your superior officers aren't inclined to care." He cared. He cared enough that every person under his command that never returned home to their families felt like a personal loss. Those final 8000 plague him, as do the numerous others before them. "You have a job to do, as do they. It is their responsibility to see you and the rest of the men under their command through to the other side. Yours is to do the same from the ground. One day, you might be nothing more than a name among many. You may even end up the same as those who fought here, your efforts disregarded. What matters more is whether you have your fellow soldiers' backs. Be loyal to the Crown, of course, do yourself and her majesty proud, but be even more loyal to your brothers at arms. See falling in their stead as an honour, not a misfortune. Do you understand?" The boy hesitantly begins to nod. There is a glimpse of sorrow as Thes gazes out across the field, hand on his son's furthest shoulder. Please brother, remember your past. Even if it is a mere glimpse, the slightest slither, remember being Theseus, remember having a brother you thought the world of, remember your determination to help see a fairer end to suffering under an institution so much larger than yourself. Thes doesn't. Father and son soon depart with haste. Thes never comes again and Wilbur fears the worst. He's right to. TANWYN, 1855-1914 They transform the former battlefield into a cheap attraction. The disgrace of it! Have they no shame or respect for what occurred here? Around the area are some plaques detailing the conflict and replications of the cannons used. Collections of people will visit, listen to an exceedingly brief summation of the Battle of L'Manburg (not Nottingham, whatever could have- Wait, perhaps don't answer that. He knows exactly why), then go on their merry way to another destination. On this particular day, Thes is among the small crowd. He wistfully surveys the land. The fellow directing the group calls to him so that he may not be abandoned. Thes replies with a "Forgive me, got lost in my head there." then carries on with his afternoon as if nothing unusual had occurred. However, was that a... Welsh accent? What on earth is Thes doing, being Welsh? Wilbur absent-mindedly smiles to himself at the thought. If anything, he should think Thes would be better suited to being born Scottish if he was required to not be English this time. Still, he cannot be one to judge divine intentions. This is it, he thinks. Thes will visit when it is dark and therefore barren. It is in his nature, to be drawn here, to openly speak to the air as if someone is listening. Wilbur waits for his brother's newest form to reappear. He anticipates all the updates he could receive regarding Thes' current life. No matter how potentially mundane a topic could be, he will eagerly listen to it. This time when the Welshman doesn't return and Wilbur fears the worst, he is mistaken. TILL, 1915-1932 This Theseus is weary when Wilbur finally is permitted to see him. While he'd like to call this one a man, it is impossible to do so, given it is a boy that is in front of him. He was never good at estimating ages but he would reckon this one was perhaps around a decade his Thes' junior. So close to adulthood and yet not close enough. With his countenance appearing so ailed, it would seem he would never cross that threshold. If his face did not expose the morbid truth then the way he stumbles towards a cannon to rest against it or the wheezy laughter undoubtedly do. It is evident that achieving his goal of reaching this destination brings unimaginable relief. Thes weakly mutters things in German. He tells of various occurrences in his life, the family he left behind, how he miraculously managed to stowaway on an England-bound ship and further how he expects to be mistaken for a homeless beggar come daylight. As he speaks, Wilbur is reminded of similar discussions regarding trivial things he once shared with Niki. His modern languages tutor may have been insufferable but the knowledge paid off once and now here too, who knows how many years later. Wilbur attentively listens to it all, brief as it may be. Thes' current counterpart leans to the side without forewarning. It takes a moment for Wilbur to realise why on earth his brother would attempt to have his weight supported by empty air. Ah. Were the circumstances different and Thes aware of the ghost beside him, he would surely tease his brother for trying to rest his head upon Wilbur's shoulder as he often did in life. But as if stood, Wilbur was forever incorporeal and outside the realm of visibility to everyone including his own dear brother. With effort, Thes corrects himself to resume sitting with his back to a cannon. Wilbur too returns to being seated on his right, hand atop his brother's. The minutes pass. With them, so do Thes' breaths. Wilbur can do nothing but sigh forlornly and kiss his brother's forehead. "Rest well, Thes." His is the first face the spirit lays eyes on. There is shock at the sight of an executed man, confusion as if questioning whether they have made acquaintance before then a wide smile that could belong to none other than his little brother. Wilbur does not even get the chance to say hello before Thes groans. "Remind me to never die of consumption again. Absolute tedium and with no pleasant variety either." "I'm sorry." Thes shakes his head. "Think nothing of it. Though... it would appear I have an apology for you too. I couldn't make myself remember before it was too late again. I promise I am trying my best." "I know you are. I do not mind it. All I care about is having the pleasure of seeing you once more, regardless of circumstance. I admire and appreciate the efforts you so diligently pursue for my benefit. But please, I implore you to find peace. That is what I want more than some futile quest." "The years of solitude have caused a deficit in your memories also, it would seem. I would never quit you, Wilbur, never. You would do well to remind yourself of that truth." A distracted look to the skies. Thes opens his mouth to continue, to make another comment. Wilbur beats him to it. "Go. I will be fine until we see each other once more." "Very well. I will come as soon as I am able." "You always do." An exchange of smiles then Wilbur is alone with the grass once more. TONY, 1933-2003 There are children here, a boy and an older girl. He would state his confusion on where their nurse, or whatever their family's equivalent should be, was. However, they seem self-sufficient enough. What does not surprise him is why the boy has approached this place with haste. He should think this is the youngest he has ever seen an incarnation of Thes. The daisies are growing nicely and plentiful this year. Though, he supposes, they will do that just about anywhere the room can be spared. The children show them appreciation until the girl grows irritable. "Tony, come on. Pops may not be home to scold us but Ma certainly will be. I don't even know why you're so insistent on seeing this place. It's nothing but an empty field with some plaques and fake cannons." He ponders for a minute. "I like it here. That's all." "Well, you won't have time to pack Percival if we leave it too late. I cannot guarantee we'll be kept together and... and you'll need him if I am absent." "I don't see why we have to go in the first place. I wouldn't attack Nottingham if I was Mr Hitler. It's boring here and there are so many more people in London." "A city is a city." The girl huffs. "Ma says they likely won't take us far anyway. We'll most likely never even leave Nottinghamshire. I should think all they'll do is send us to some village or small town." Her impatience is blatant. She fidgets as her brother reads the words engraved onto the plaques, ardently playing look-out as if there is cause for others to journey here. This transforms into incessant tapping of her foot upon the ground. "But if we stay here forever, we shall miss the train, never mind not having a single thing in our suitcases. So come along before I make you." 'Tony' resists a moment longer than his sister has patience for. Being led away, he glances back over his shoulder. There is not a hint of recognition in his eyes, though that is to be expected. He eventually returns time and time again. As an adult, Th- Tony visits (or at least plans to) on the first dry day of each month. Wilbur witnesses as the years gradually strip him of his youth then replace it with greying hair and less firm skin. He ages further than Thes ever got the chance to. It pleases Wilbur to see it. Tony is not always alone. Sometimes there is a dog or occasional family member. One way or another, he remains a fairly steady constant for decades. Thes never manages to recall why the field is significant to him but then again, they would be fools to aspire for so much. Years later, long enough for women's fashion to develop into something shamefully immodest, a young miss approaches with a letter when the battle site is devoid of its usual visitors. She speaks of how her grandfather wished for the 'friendly presence of soldiers' to know he'd passed. The letter is short, the words of a dying old man who'd never solved the greatest mystery within his heart, but it is not any less heartfelt or grateful for the sense of comfort this place has inexplicably provided him. "Thank you. And my sincerest condolences." Wilbur whispers. Onto the next one then, he supposes... TOMMY, 2004- He sees the boy come again and again. This one bears an achingly strong resemblance to the true original. He's like the last version of Thes too, staying loyal to the promise of visiting whenever he can. Though, Wilbur reminds himself, none of these incarnations ever truly understand why they feel drawn to the former battlefield. On this particular day, the weather does not appear favourable. It will rain soon if he is not mistaken. That fact makes little difference to him but there is no doubt it will cause Thes to scarper upon the feeling of the first drops. For now though, he peruses the text he has skimmed so frequently he must have committed it to memory by now. Oh and here come the aforementioned first raindrops of this downpour. Thes startles in response to nothing Wilbur can spot. It must bother him a great deal given that he is hastily searching for the source. He sets his sights in Wilbur's direction so the dead general comes to the natural conclusion it is something behind him that has spooked Thes so. Out of curiosity and perhaps boredom, he turns towards the forest to try to discern the culprit. Honestly, he believes the best course of action is for Thes to return home, to avoid the weather potentially inflicting any ailments upon him. A shrill ringing originating from an unknown source shocks them both. Wilbur faces his brother once more and Thes resumes looking directly at him, fear and confusion evident. The realisation comes. He could see him. Thes could see him. Oh, how he's waited for this day! Congratulations, dear brother, on progressing a little further in your endeavours. Or perhaps Wilbur is fooling himself. Why would Thes, after all these long years, suddenly gain the ability to see him? His brother remembering his former self was the goal, not perceiving Wilbur in any way. He won't look a gift horse in the mouth though, that is for sure. "Thes?" He dares to hope his assumptions are not unfounded. The ringing makes a reappearance, causing Thes to redirect his attention to it. He speaks with the device to his ear, incredibly apologetic towards whoever the communicator's recipient was. He makes his departure but not without searching for Wilbur once more. Evidently, it would seem the potential for the effects of this latest development lasting were too good to be true. A small voice inside him calmingly insists this won't be the last time this Thes returns. With the downpour, he prays it is a warm home his brother is hurrying back to. Thes simply requires time to process and rationalise it, he is sure of it. Wilbur himself could use a minute to accept this encounter was not fantastical. And so he waits, as he always has, for his Theseus to return to him. He is fortunate this time that it will not take long for that to happen. Luckier still, he has a gift he can deliver with the hopes it will assist with keeping himself in Thes' thoughts, regardless of the forces determined to keep them apart. This may be the beginning of something good and he gladly anticipates what may come of it.

#mcyt #my writing #wilbur soot #tommyinnit #tw blood #tw death #tw major character injury

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rubyredsparks · 5 years

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Blossoming Souls Ch. 10

Relationship(s): Romantic Logince, Moxiety; Platonic every other relationship

“Tags” for the whole story: morally grey!deceit, Deceit, Remus, Thomas as a character, Romance, Minor violence, someone’s potty mouth, Foul language, Minor homophobia (it’s not that bad), Miscommunication (this one is though), Friendship

Chapter Summary: Drama stirs as Logan finds his heart wavering from anger to something else. Problems start to arise.

Logan couldn’t figure Prince Roman out at all. And it was starting to grate on his nerves.

He had thought that he had the Prince all figured out. That he was just another mindless brute. A prat with a large head. Someone whose ego couldn’t back up its weight.

He was finding that harder and harder to see.

The Prince had been disrespectful at their first meeting. Dismissing him and lying to him straight to his face.

And he went around the palace, hoping to confirm it. At first, he had been looking for him as Thomas, but some of the maids showed him a picture of the King instead of the man he knew, and he had felt red hot anger burn through him.

Asking for a photo of the Prince himself only confirmed his suspicions.

The burning anger was nearly impossible to sate. He had asked around for stories of the man. A charmer, making all swoon with a flash of a smile.

Charismatic too, knowing the right words to say in any given situation. A knight, Captain of the knights in fact. Something of a brute when battling with other fellow knights.

Pigheaded when it came to his food and the cleanliness of his room. Nitpicky about his appearance too, spending hours in the bath before he deemed himself ready to face the waking world.

But then, then another servant had told him about all the commissions that the Prince had ordered, Commissions that came from up and coming artists, names unknown to virtually anyone.

He had ridden out, looking for fresh blood. Bringing back artists by the boatload. He had asked them all to make a piece of artistry fit for a palace, free rein on all mediums, and allowed them all to stay in the palace, paying all of them handsomely.

He had been incredibly helpful showing him the way to the library, but he had made no notion of looking like he was going to apologize to Logan for the deceit. He had waited as they were walking, not until he was at the library did Logan say anything.

And the look on his face was priceless. His thrill at vindication fulfilled at the moment.

Then Prince Roman had run into him again, throwing all his papers and books flying up into the air. Terribly rude. But then he had picked up his papers, apologized, made sure that none of them creased.

The Prince had complimented him on his outfit for the ball, and just the memory of it had him flushing.

Just moments before asking him if he wanted to lead or follow. Seeing how uncomfortable Logan was after the dance. Giving him a way out. Letting him sit down and not participate anymore than he wanted.

The Prince was a conundrum, a puzzle and an oxymoron all at once.

And Logan hated that he couldn’t solve him.

But he also hated people touching him even more. The lady was latched onto him like a leech, cooing with blood stained lips and a condescending smile. His chest was tight, his clothes making him feel as if the room was sweltering.

Then a cool hand, “Excuse me, Lady Rebilta. Thank you for entertaining my ---” a word that Logan couldn’t quite translate, but it made the lady back off, and his skin could breathe again.

“I hate to cut this short, but we must be off. Secrets to share, love to be had, dances to dance,” Prince Roman winked at that, and the lady fanned herself with a mischievous smile, waving them off.

“I’m sorry about Lady Rebilta,” the Prince said suddenly, looking down at Logan. “She was always one of the more… trying parts of nobility. Are you alright?”

“I-” he blinked. Was he alright? Away from that touchy woman, he supposed he was. “Yes, yes, I am. Thank you, Your Highness.”

Something in the Prince’s eyes made him look put down, but it was gone in a flash, leaving Logan to wonder if he was imagining things.

“You made it to the fifth set,” Prince Roman was saying, “do you want to get out of here?”

Logan hesitated, proprietary demanding him to stay.

Something in his face must have made the Prince say, “It’s alright if you don’t want to. But I wanted to bring you to the garden. It’s just outside the doors there. You can easily come back here if you wanted.”

Looking back at the dancers, he heard the music winding down. The perfect chance to escape. The sweltering hot swarm of people, the relentless touching and small talk of politics, the dancing.

It was no wonder that he said, “Yes.”

Prince Roman’s eyes flashed in excitement, and he looked like he was going to grab Logan’s hands before he thought better of it. “Come on! Follow me!”

The music stopped, and people were leaving the dance floor. His Highness cut straight through the throng of people. Logan followed through hastily, making sure not to run into anyone.

It was a welcome relief to walk out of the glass doors to feel fresh, crisp air on his face.

“This way, my Prince,” Prince Roman said, waving. “The gardens are only just through here.”

Logan only shook his head at the unbridled glee in the Prince’s voice. He followed through twists and turns until he stepped through a cut arch of hedges, and his breath was taken away in a loud gasp.

Though dark, lanterns lit up the walkway, illuminating all types of flora and fauna. The assemblage of flora of all types of colour and style blooming all around him.

Flowers of red and gold and white were in multitude. But there were also purple and blue blossoms surrounding him.

The light of the lanterns were soft, giving all the flora a soft, reverent lighting. Casting rays of moonlight only enhanced that image, making the small opening of flowers seem like a soft haven.

“I hope this is pleasing to you, my Prince,” Prince Roman’s voice was quiet, reflecting the atmosphere of the setting itself. Quiet and fond and almost reverent.

Prince Roman stood, back toward Logan, in front of one of many groves of hedges of flowers. Arms clasped behind his back, back straight, head forward, gazing at the flower in front of him.

“I- it’s-” Logan’s tongue felt heavy. The Prince was showing him something that seemed highly private, personal, and he looked nearly vulnerable in the shining dim light of the lanterns.

“Has the great Prince Logan Wysteria of Aowhea been struck speechless?” Prince Roman’s teasing words broke his staring.

“Of course not!” He snapped, eyes starting to blaze with fury. “It’s- it’s just-” But he was still at a loss for words.

The place was magnificent, yes, but still somewhat cloaked in melancholy and love. He couldn’t quite describe it with words. Because doing so… doing so would bring down its value.

“Yes, that’s how I feel about it most days too,” Prince Roman nodded sagely, as if understanding his lack of words.

“If you’re playing me the fool-!”

Logan was cut off by a smile that was too sharp to be nice. “I mean, my Prince, that I understand when beauty is too much to put into simple words in the common tongue over even otherwise. It would sound too lackluster, fake even to say the words outright.”

Prince Roman spun to meet his gaze, posture rimrod straight and smile frighteningly cold. “So, no, Your Highness, I am not ‘playing you the fool’ as you so suggested.”

“I-” Logan took a deep breath. He knew when he was being childish, when it was time to back down. Hearing his royal title said in Roman’s voice made him shiver. “I apologize for my impudence. I meant no offence.”

He bowed his head, making his words sound as sincere as he could make them.

There was a great sigh and footsteps came closer. “I- no. I apologize. I brought you out here to get away from politics and other such nonsense. Not to rope you into another godsforsaken argument.”

A hand on his shoulder, light and ready to move. “I brought you here to see my garden.”

“Your… garden?” Logan asked, making brief eye contact with the other prince, meeting molten chocolate-lava eyes.

“This,” he made a grand, sweeping gesture with his arm, “is my pride and joy. Everything here was grown by my hand. All the plants and flowers and fruit grown and nurtured by Prince Roman himself.”

Said Prince gave a small bow, and Logan suppressed a smile at his antics. “What are some of the flora grown here? You’ve got a mighty many of them. I’m impressed.”

Prince Roman’s head whipped up so fast that Logan thought it might snap in two. The Prince’s eyes were sparkling, wide eyed and eager.

“The most I grow here are flowers because I love looking at the blossoms in the spring. They’re the loveliest things, vibrant and always full of colour. The asters are one of my favourites, and I have a variety around us. They’re the most common flower here in Eiehde. But the funny thing is our country’s flower is the wisteria and its purpling buds and flowers that droop down sprinkle blossoms everywhere. The gardeners hate it. But I love them.

“Now azaleas, they are a beast to maintain. They have to be in the right temperature, humidity and right acidity for the soil. Their soil has to be moist but not soggy, otherwise they’re done for. And the water has to have a little vinegar added when I water it otherwise the proper acidity isn’t done and-”

Prince Roman abruptly cut himself off, teeth clacking shut with a painful sound. He had the most embarrassed expression on his face, ears glowing red against his tanned skin.

“I- I apologize. I hadn’t meant to bore you-”

“No, no!” Logan rushed to say, words falling out of his mouth without his meaning to. “I wasn’t the least bit bored. I had no idea that there was so much to do with garden keeping. It’s all very fascinating, I assure you.”

“I- Regardless, this wasn’t what I brought you out here for. Come, sit down. We’ll catch our death standing around here,” Prince Roman beckoned, ushering him over to a stone bench.

Logan hesitated before gently lowering himself down. None of them spoke, and Logan was afraid of breaking this easy silence, this quiet forever. His feet tapped unthinkingly, and Logan, in this quiet haven, didn’t feel the need to stop it.

“This used to be my Papa’s garden.” Prince Roman said, voice loaded with heavy memories. “He used to tend to this place everyday. Gloves and face covered in dirt, knee deep in soil. He was so happy just tending to the blossoms around here. Me and my brot-”

Roman took a shuddering breath, voice breaking slightly. “Me and my brother would play here with him as he tended to the garden. Tossing around dirt and mud. Being all-around wrecks.”

Logan didn’t know what to say, instead scooting closer so that their thighs were touching. This- this was heavy stuff that Roman was revealing. He didn’t know what to make of it.

Why was Roman telling him this? Why here? Why now? Why tell him at all? He found that he wanted to know more about this Prince. That everlying mystery itching to be solved.

“That sounds like it was fun,” Logan said gently, carefully.

“It was,” Roman let out a harsh laugh. “It truly was.”

Another lapse in silence. And Logan wanted to ask his questions. Why tell him? What happened to his brother? His other Father? Why was he alone? Why did he bring Logan here if it was something so special.

“I’ve always liked flowers,” Roman admitted softly. “They were easier than people. Once you learn the right way to grow them, they’ll love you and thrive. Once you learn their language, they’ll never judge you for anything they say. They leave you once in a while, but they’ll always come back.”

Logan hesitated before barreling on. Roman laid his heart out, so Logan was going to meet him where he was going. “Did you know that flowers do have their own language, their own certain symbolizations?”

“No. They do?” Roman’s eyes were wide with surprise and earnestness.

“Yes,” Logan nodded. “For example, the rue,” he went over to a small, yellow flower, looking at Roman in askance and getting a small nod, “represents regret, sorrow and repentance.”

He plucked the yellow blossom from its stem.

I’m sorry. I misjudged you. I regret that.

“The pink tulip generally means good wishes, friendship, joyous occasions. And the daffodil means respect, chivalry, uncertainty and new beginnings.”

He wisely left out that the daffodil could also mean unrequited love and hope to return affections.

I hope we can be friends. That there will be joyous occasions in the future. You gained my respect. But I don’t know if you’ll always have it. I hope that you’ll take this as a new beginning.

“The gladiolus,” he wavered over the pink buds before also grabbing a blossom, “means strength of character, honour and conviction.”

What I’m offering you is honest. You have the conviction and stubbornest of a mule. But you’re softer than I realized. You’re stronger than I realized.

“And the pink rose,” his words were soft, Roman hanging on their every syllable, “the pink rose means gratitude, grace and joy.”

Thank you for giving me another chance.

Logan turned around, handing the plucked blooms to Prince Roman who was staring slack-jawed and eyes gleaming. The man accepted the impromptu bouquet without a word, staring down at it with a look of awe.

“What does that one mean?” Roman asked, pointing at a purple flower.

Logan snorted when he saw what it was, “The lobelia, you picked a funny one, your Highness. That one means malevolence.”

Roman pouted, “Well, how was I supposed to know!” he said, bottom lip jutted out dramatically. “Come to think of it, how do you know? This doesn’t seem to be widely known.”

The words weren’t accusing, merely curious. And who was Logan to deny a curious mind? “It’s not. Widely known, I mean. It’s something of a dead language now, I suppose. I was browsing and stumbled upon the book. Needless to say, I was enraptured.”

“And you memorized them all?” The Prince’s voice was filled with awe. “That’s amazing. I can barely remember all of my ancestors' names. And you memorize the language of flowers. Incredible.”

“It’s not so incredible, merely memorization, Your Highness.” Logan denied, flushing slightly.

“Still incredible,” Roman insisted. “And stop with the formalities, we’re friends now, yes? Call me Roman.”

“Then I shall extend the same hand in offer, and insist you call me Logan… Roman,” the name twisted on his tongue, heavy and different, but right.

Roman looked absolutely delighted at that. “You’re a wonder, Logan, a true beauty.”

“I’m really not,” he tried to deny.

“Nope! Uh uh, no denying here, buddy.” Roman carefully launched himself for a hug, making sure not to crush the flowers. “You’re brilliant and fantastic and you should admit it.”

Logan only flushed, burrowing deeper into Roman’s arms to hide his embarrassment.

Roman let go, looking intently at his bouquet before pulling out the pink rose and tucking it behind Logan’s right ear.

That only made Logan flush darker.

Roman’s smile brightened, heart-shaped and earnest. He knocked their shoulders together, letting his hand fall and the flowers to rest in his lap.

They sat next to each other on the marble stone bench, thighs touching, bouquet in laps, two hearts beating wildly.

Someone’s hand moved. Then one was next to each other with pinkys interlacing, and a warmth shared between two bodies, intertwined.

The mood was only helped by the lighting. Romantic, warm, beautiful. The dim lanterns twinkled in the background, setting a warm environment.

The dozens of bushes and hedges of flora grown high and surrounding them in a neat box that was cozy and kind.

Cicadas and crickets and other types of bugs chirped and sang in the moonlight, filling it up with a pleasant background noise.

Quiet and peaceful.

Of course, that was where the peace had to break.

Thundering footsteps against gravel and dirt. Wild flapping of arms. Rocks loosening.

“Your Highness! Your Highness! Roman! Where the fuck are you?”

Roman stiffened, hand falling away. “I’m here, Joan, in my garden!” He called out over the hedges.

A harried noble ran through, nearly tripping in their haste. “Roman, thank the everloving fuck I found you. Urgent news from Advisor Virgil.”

“What is it, Joan?” Roman’s tone was brisk and cold. He stood up to meet the noble’s gaze, hands holding the bouquet delicately. “Explain.”

Joan’s eyes cut to Logan, still sitting next to the other Prince and wearing the pink rose behind his ear.

“Prince Logan is my --- and my trusted friend,” Roman said, catching Joan’s suspicious gaze. Logan heard that word again, and he cursed himself for not being able to translate it into Eiehden. “Anything you need to say to me can be said in front of him.”

“I- yes, of course, Your Highness. It’s just-” Joan hesitated, hands twisted in front of them, voice growing softer.

“What. Joan, what happened?” Roman’s tone, though still brisk, was just that bit kinder.

“His Majesty’s been poisoned!” Joan blurted out, immediately clapping their hands over their mouth, brown eyes pained. “Fuck, I didn’t mean to blurt it out like that.”

Logan stiffened, hands clenched in his lap. His jaw clenched, assassins at the ball. Possibly the work of rogues or a coup. He couldn’t believe that this was happening.

It was supposed to be a good night. They had just reconciled with each other. Logan just started to have a friend. Why was there only pain and misery everywhere he stood?

Roman’s hands went slack, flowers falling soundlessly to the ground and promptly crushed under Roman’s heel as he tread up to Joan, taking them by the shoulders. “What. Happened.”

Quiet and peaceful.

No. There was only noise and chaos.

-----------------------------------------

A/N: The garden scene was drawn by my artist partner @availe Check out her art, it's all fabulous! The flower symbolism I got from here; I decided to stick to one source because meanings always get mixed up and I didn't want to research too deeply and have it conflict with what I wanted Logan to say. Roll credits. Am I forgetting anything...? Oh yeah, hahaha someone is poisoned, lol.

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#blossoming souls #my writing #logince #moxiety #minor poisoning #chapter 10

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hisshellhead · 5 years

Text

Tony Stark is an incredibly important person to me. He is the man who I have loved and supported for years and who has made MCU a journey of laughter and tears of joy and heartbreaks.

Endgame gave us so many beautiful Tony moments so I'm just gonna list down my thoughts on the scenes I can remember and that really struck with me.

OKAY. So. It was only the first few minutes and Tony Stark already made me cry. I knew he was gonna survive but I actually really teared up when he left that message and Nebula was there, being so gentle with him. I was heartbroken and also in love with this friendship. Tony and Nebula had one of the most amazing relationships that really bloomed in Endgame. Tony was so soft with her and he even offered her food even when he needed it more. He was completely willing to sacrifice himself for someone does not know much about. Even with that little scene, you can clearly tell he's a hero who would do anything for others. Comics Steve couldn't have said it better. It's the kind of thing that used to blow me away. Billionaire sweating the small stuff. The important things.

(Also, I gasped so hard when we saw Carol for the first time. I was really really wishing for a CarolTony friendship and Marvel let me down once again.)

Next. I cannot NOT include the scene when he arrived at the compound. Steve rushed to his side! He was the first to hold and support him! And then when Tony said I lost the kid, my eyes were just burning with tears. Losing Peter clearly broke something in him and I loved the reminder that to him, Peter was more than just a superhero side project. He might as well have been his son. And we can clearly see that by how Tony looks so lost and despairing.

Then, the vindication scene aka TONY TOLD YOU SO. First, seeing Tony in that condition broke my heart. Again. He was so thin and fragile and looked like he'd break so easily. BUT THEN. When he said I needed you. PAST TENSE. I actually felt that. Because it was true. For years he had warned them and they all took him for a fool. But not anymore. The cost was too high but at least they finally know that Tony only had their best interests at heart. That he has always been the one to put his faith in the Avengers, always tried to keep them close. And GOD he deserved this moment. And when he took off what is practically a metaphor for his heart and slapped it to Steve's hand with pain and anger in his voice, I really really loved that. I actually had goosebumps during that scene and when he pushed everyone away only to collapse after. It just shows how Tony is the most human out of all of them.

Oh and I'm saying this now. I fucking hate how Marvel just completely ignored Tony and Rhodey's friendship. You mean to tell me Rhodey would not rush in to hug Tony after seeing his best friend who he thought was dead, thin and breakable but alive? That he wouldn't stay by Tony's bedside and hold his hand and squeeze it because he understands that Tony only wanted what was best for them and that Rhodey is willing to fight the world for him? Ugh I hated the lack of scenes so much.

Anyway, we now go to the time skip and I wasn't at all prepared to see how incredibly soft Tony is with Morgan. Yes, we got a glimpse of it by how he treated Nebula, Peter, and Harley (My boy! Another fucking injustice) but it was still pleasantly surprising to see him being so domestic and so caring. I love you 3000 (absolute tears). And it's interesting to see his transition from warm and happy to cold when the Avengers came. You can see how much he loves his life now and he knew the others here only means more danger and risks but now he has a family.

We see him turning them away but still trying to see if it's possible. AND I STAN AN ABSOLUTE GENIUS. Can't believe he did that in only an hour? A few minutes or hours? Anyway, he is amazing and I love him.

Then that conversation with Pepper just broke me again. How though they weren't actually saying the things they needed to say directly, they still understood each other. Also, can I just say how much I loved Pepperony in Endgame? It's one of the few relationships Endgame did not fuck up and probably one of the two MCU films (Iron Man 1 being the other) where I only feel pleasant thoughts about this ship.

Tony was his usual adorable self while they where planning how to do the whole time travel. (I'm so upset that I'll never see him this happy again. I'm actually literally crying. Fuck you Marvel)

His whole banter with the team was hilarious and I especially loved Team New York (his conversations with Scott is so cute... I wish they could have had more time together as friends.)

Probably the one thing I'm most pissed about during the whole time travel trip (aside from Thanos conpletely screwing Nebula over again) is the Tony and H*ward scenes.

I'm sorry but I will never like him. Ever. He is a father who doesn't deserve to be called that title. He cared more for a frozen capsicle than caring for his own son and I can't fucking accept that. Tony grew up, believing his father hated him. Tony said it himself. He was cold. He was calculating. He never told me he loved me, he never told me he liked me. And we're supposed to suddenly forgive him just because of those scenes? Tony should have punched him. That's what he deserved. He doesn't get to be redeemed just because of some shit he said to a random guy (at least to Howard) when for years, we all know that he'd practically abandoned his child.

Ugh, H*ward makes me so mad.

Moving on. The battle. I was so anxious to see Tony the whole time because it felt like I was only seeing Steve but at the same time, I was so afraid of what would happen when we do see him. I was literally on the edge of my seat, praying for Tony, needing him to live.

Then the others arrived and it was a really surreal moment. Tony hugging Peter was one of the most beautiful moments I have ever seen. I could feel the love and care they have for each other. And it was the middle of the fight and I should be concerned but at that moment, I was just really happy to see them together... Then we also saw Rescue. Tony fighting with her back to back is a scene I probably won't forget. I loved it so so much.

But then Thanos gets the gauntlet and I was just really scared. I can see Tony there and I know he'll fight. He'll do everything, sacrifice himself, not just because he's a hero but because he has always been someone who cares, who gives too much even when the world doesn't thank him enough.

Then Strange looks at him and gestures 1. And I just. Fucking. Knew. I WAS CRYING AT THE SADDEST AND NOBLEST THING THIS IDIOT DID. HE JUST RUSHED, NOT HESITATING BECAUSE HE KNEW. HE KNEW IT WAS HIM. IT HAD TO BE HIM. And my heart just gets stomped into tiny little pieces because outside of that fight, of that sense of duty and responsibility, Tony has a family. He has a cute kid he needs to go back home to. He has wife who he loves since maybe even before 2008. But at that moment, he didn't hesitate. He was a hero through and through.

"I am... Iron Man." This scene. Just. How absolutely awful it is to be brought back to IM 1 where the only thing had to worry about was his heart broken by a person he trusted? And at the same time, how beautiful it is to show that despite their similarities, their desire to save the world and hope for the future, Tony and Thanos had never been the same? It was something that just gripped my heart and I thought. Oh. This is that moment. That moment where he was the most hero he could ever be, if that makes sense.

And then it was exhilarating as we watch Thanos and his forces die but then we see Tony. (I can't even type this without crying) And he looks so drained and tired but still satisfied because they won. And Rhodey was the first one to see him (That was a punch to the heart). Then Peter was there, crying for his hero, the man he respected and who he always aspired to be. And Tony can't even fucking reply. His entire being is burning. He's suffering. HE CAN'T TALK MUCH. HE CAN'T SAY SORRY TO RHODEY FOR ALL THE GRIEF HE HAD PUT HIM THROUGH, FOR BEING HIS ROCK, HIS FOUNDATION WHEN EVERYTHING FELL APART. HE CAN'T THANK PETER FOR SHOWING HIM ANOTHER TYPE OF LOVE HE NEVER THOUGHT HE COULD EVER WANT AND HAVE. HE CAN'T SAY I LOVE YOU TO PEPPER, TO THE ONE WHO HE LOVES. WITH HIS WHOLE HEART. WHO GAVE HIM A FAMILY. WHO, AGAINST ALL ODDS, ACCEPTED HIM AND GAVE HIM A HOME. MOST HEARTBREAKING? HE COULDN'T EVEN FUCKING SAY GOODBYE TO HIS OWN DAUGHTER. THE PERSON HE LOVES 3000. HIS LIGHT AND EVERYTHING HE HAD EVER HOPED FOR.

I'M SORRY BUT IT WAS AWFUL. IT WAS SO AWFUL AND I HATED IT.

And Pepper's line.

"It's okay. We'll be okay. You can rest now."

Guess what? IT DESTROYED ME. I HAVE SEEN THIS MAN SUFFER WAY BEFORE IM1. He grew up with a neglectful father and then could never truly process the grief of his parents' deaths. He was betrayed by a person he believed could never do that to him. He could have easily gave up but he didn't. HE FOUGHT AND HE FOUGHT AND HE FOUGHT. Even when his hands are shaking, even when they're numb. Even when the whole world hates him and they say he's a mass murderer, the merchant of death, he still pushes forward. He has sins he believes he should atone for and he goes above and beyond to fix them. Time and time again, he is ready to sacrifice himself. New York. Sokovia. Titan. Where does it end? Apparently, until he's dead.

And this lines makes me so conflicted. He has already given too much. Doesn't he deserve a happy ending? Or is giving himself to the world always been his destiny? Who the fuck gets to decide that. He wanted that life. With that family. And it just gets taken away from him. Just like that.

But even after all these, I'm somehow still not consumed by complete rage at what they did to him. Because now, people can see what they should have seen a long time ago: a hero. They get to look at that scene and remember a man who sacrificed himself for the world.

Do I believe that it justifies the end he got? No. Because they didn't need his death to fucking validate something that they should have known way before but didn't because they were too blind and stubborn to look for it. But was it necessary? Still no. But I have always wanted them to acknowledge him with respect and it seems that is only attainable through his death.

Tony's message to the others was a slap to the face too. Knowing that he knew full well he might not survive but still doing the right thing just gets to me. And Tony saying I love you 3000... God. Morgan didn't deserve to lose a father. She's too young and the time Tony spent with her is not nearly enough. Tony should have been there for her. HE DESERVED THAT SPOT WITH HIS DAUGHTER. HE DESERVED THAT HAPPINESS AND TO HAVE HIS PAYMENT FOR HIS SACRIFICES BE JUST 5 YEARS WITH HIS FAMILY? BULL FUCKING SHIT.

I KNOW I HAD LOTS OF EMOTIONS AND THEY'RE ALL OVER THE PLACE (I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT FOR JUST ONE SECOND, SEEING TONY'S HOLOGRAM, I WAS HOPING, VERY MUCH HOPING FOR AI TONY. But is that a gift or a punishment, I wonder). BUT WHAT I WANT TO COME BACK TO IS THIS: THEY ROBBED TONY OF HIS FUTURE AND NO MATTER HOW MUCH IT SOLIDIFIED HIS SELFLESSNESS, IT COST TOO MUCH.

#i'm sorry if this was barely coherent but #i jusy have so many emotions #i probably won't stop crying and thinking of him #tony stark #was the best of them #he has always been the most unselfish of them all #and now we have to say goodbye #but i don't want to #i've never had to do this with someone who means this much to mr #you can say tony is fictional but even so #he's been an inspiration #he's someone who encourages me to try my best #to continue forward no matter how many people try to bring me down #he is everybody's hero #and i could never forget marvel for doing that to him #endgame spoilers

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veridium · 5 years

Text

just stay here tonight

HEY SO, FRIDAY NIGHT CHAPTER FOR FRIDAY NIGHT? WHO’S WITH ME FOR SOME MAGIC? COLLEGE AU UPDATE COMING AT YOU LIVE!

Get your kleenex out just in case...because...I needed mine...

Episode title brought to you by Augustana and one of my favorite songs from them. :)

fic episode masterpost

Thursday is forgettable, with the exception of the mildly entertaining but all-out cringe of Cullen’s appearance in the dorms. Friday, on the other hand? Non-stop anguish. Not the Greek tragedy kind, per se, but wondering: wondering if she knows just exactly what the fuck she’s doing, primarily. For too long, Olivia has gotten used to people chasing her down for exactly what they want from her, and what she wants from them, and nothing else. Indulging people rather than engaging has been her modus operandi since she was on the edge of seventeen.

So, understandably, Friday evening in preparation for her gambit is...interesting.

After spending a couple hours getting it all ready, and packing up the teeny trunk of her vehicle, the task at hand becomes getting her own ass together. Something that everyone wants to have a say in, apparently. Or, if you’re Sera, a knock on her door followed by a “knock her dead, Liv, wear the spiked stilettos! They’d make a clean kill!”

Then, there are the texts:

Ellinor: Hey dude, let me know how it goes, okay? I wish you’d tell me what you’re doing.

Ellinor: Okay I know you have your own life but it’s also like ⅓ mine so…

Ellinor: Fuck I think Cullen might be one of those people who unironically likes raisinettes…

Ellinor: oh my god I’m sorry this is about you but I’m nervous so I keep blabbering WHY CAN’T YOU JUST TELL ME WHAT YOU’RE DOING SO I DON’T HAVE TO PULL APART THESE RED VINES LIKE A MASOCHIST??

Theia: It doesn’t matter what happens I’m still killing her ok. The bitch has it coming.

Theia: [ CHICAGO . GIF]

Josie: NO YOU ARE NOT. WE HAVE DISCUSSED THIS.

Theia: That...was not meant for group chat. Yikes, sorry babe.

Josie: Right.

Lace: Lol another one for the fuck-up screenshots

Lace: Good gay mojo your way, Liv.

The sentiments are all appreciated, but they don’t really hit home. All alone in her room, putting on makeup and feeling like Mulan in the montage before she rides off to the army, it’s all a wonder as to why Cassandra agreed to go on this escapade. It’s as if she’s been fooled into thinking Olivia has a clue. Or, maybe she’s riding along to witness the impending crash-and-burn. A final act of karmic vindication, perhaps.

She picks out a black tank bodysuit and high-waisted, blue skinny jeans. Besides, where they are going isn’t exactly ‘fine goth attire required.’ However, the one staple that will not be left behind is her black leather jacket. Lacing up her converse and slapping on some gloss, and a hair tie on her wrist, and she’s ready to go.

The walk to their suite is an unfamiliar one, but one Ellinor did enough to be able to tell her off memory where to go. Right down to the number on their door. She should ask Ellinor to make a map, just in case, for teasing purposes -- but she looked too busy on cloud 9 earlier that day thinking about her own plans with Rutherphallus. One day, maybe, she’ll stop calling him by demeaning euphemisms. One day. But that day is not today.

Olivia paces in a weird circle a couple of times just outside the suite, hands on her hips as she does her best to remember she has lungs to breathe with. The actual door, the nice door, the one that looks like it works well and is nicely painted. Dorm room doors aren’t this nice. Crap. She’s quietly holding off an implosion. What if she says no after all this? What if she doesn’t like her outfit? What if she’s mean again? God, she can be mean. But then, she stops. Remembers when Cassandra was cornered in the library, and said with such earnest relief in her face that she felt like she could be herself around her. That Liv didn’t make a big deal of things. Psh, well, that was a misinformed belief. Misinformed but...kind.

Taking one last deep breath, she wipes her palms against her denim and knocks on the door. Within ten seconds, it opens. No monsters or ghosts or natural disasters -- no, it’s her, just her, on her other side. Cassandra, in black jeans and a grey v-neck sweater, and all-black tennis shoes like the ones Olivia would wear in high school, except nicer.

Her heart jumps into her throat as Cassandra grins and steps back. “Hey,” she says, all calm and collected and...and...just...fine.

“Hey,” Olivia gets out, her brows lifted along with her pulse rate. “You...you are awake still!”

“Yeah...you said 11.”

“I did. I did say...11. 11 in the evening. PM. Night...time…” she shakes her head and cuts herself off before she sounds too ridiculous. Maybe it’s too late, though. “Um, yeah. You...ready to head out?”

Cassandra, who’s been watching her feud with herself, only smiles and breaks away from the door. Bless her. “Yeah, I’m good, I just need to grab my coat.’

“Right! Yeah, good idea. Night is cold, and...yep, good call. Smart--”

“Liv.”

She blinks, and realizes she’s been looking off into space while talking. Dammit. “Yeah?”

“You’re not very good this, are you?”

“This...this what?”

Cassandra chuckles, and turns back toward the inside of the suite. “I’ll be right back. Try not to scare the neighbors.” She is back quickly, sliding a dark purple duffle jacket on, keys dangling in her hand as she pulls the door shut behind her and locks it. Olivia rocks on her heels in the meantime, looking down either end of the hall -- not a soul to be seen, for a Friday night -- before Cassandra faces her again.

“Alright, where to?”

“Oh, yeah, my car. It’s...gonna be a little bit of a walk to the parking lot, but, you know the parking pass prices are just...bullshit.”

“Yeah.”

They stand there for another awkward few seconds before Olivia once again has it dawn on her she has to lead the way. Fuck. She kicks herself into gear, and Cassandra follows, staring at her like she’s an animal planet show host taking notes on a creature’s behavior. Or, maybe she’s just...fine...and Olivia feels that. Whatever, same difference, right?

The walk happens silently, save for a few polite smiles whenever one of them opens a door for the other. Oh, and Olivia patting her back pocket to make sure she brought her keys. When they get to the lot, and she sees her valiant steed parked, she feels more at home.

“So, ever ride in a mini with muscle?”

“Excuse me?” Cassandra glances at her as they step onto the asphalt.

Olivia giggles under her breath. “A mini with muscle. You know, one with some….like, ‘oomph’ under the hood?”

“I would not know what ‘oomph’ means, but in your hands, I have my concerns.”

“Hah! Funny, very funny.” They diverge from one another, Cassandra going to the passenger door while Olivia goes around the back. She pulls out her keys and unlocks, sliding in nice and smooth. Cassandra is more polite and careful, but she settles in next to her. She probably doesn't spend much time in small cars. Olivia gets more giddy with anticipation, putting up her hair into a simple ponytail.

“...many concerns,” Cassandra reiterates.

“Psh, what?” Olivia scrunches her nose, her hands falling into her lap. “You think I don’t walk what I talk?”

“No, in fact I’m wondering quite the opposite.”

“Why be afraid of a woman who knows how to handle a good car? I wasn’t afraid of you when we rode on your bike.”

Cassandra rolls her eyes, grabbing for the seat belt. “I am going to go ahead and prepare myself the way I should, since I have a feeling as to how this is going to go should I tease you further. Or if I dare ask where it is you’re taking me at this hour.”

Olivia watches her, and she can’t help but smile. She leans forward with one arm on the wheel, and she sticks the key into the ignition. Turning the car on, she can’t help but love the way the engine purrs.

“Don’t worry, Cass. If I did want to murder you, I’d think of something far more theatrical. Public, with live music and dancing, or something.” she sits back, pulling her own seat-belt on. After that, her hand goes to the stick and her foot to the pedal. In response, Cassandra rests the side of her thigh against her door and plants an elbow on it. She looks unconvinced, or intrigued by something.

“What?”

Cassandra raises a brow. “That is the first time you’ve ever called me Cass. Not Cassandra. Or Pentaghast, for that matter.”

Olivia scoffs, and checks her mirror real quick. “No it’s not.”

“Yes, it is.”

“...Uh, okay, so what? I mean, you want me not to?” she looks over, brow cocked.

Cassandra shrugs and settles in. It’s impossible to know whether she is pleased or displeased by it. Ellinor’s called her Cass, so has Cullen. But it’s a mystery as to whether either of them ever asked about it. But, to her credit, Cassandra looks ahead.

“Do your worst, Olivia.”

Her tongue presses against her smiling teeth, and Olivia feels the engine warm up at last. “With pleasure.”

They drive through town, get on the freeway and past a few exits until Olivia finds the one she’s after. The whole time she is either on par with the speed limits or past them, but once she gets to the outskirts of the county, the traffic goes scarce. Even for a Friday night. A few turns and twists, and she’s on a highway winding incline, up one of the few canyon peaks in the nearby area of rolling hills and flat valleys.

She knows she’s getting close when mostly barren trees start to heavily line the two-lane path, and her mini as always runs like a dream. She has her spotify playing low on the radio, something with a heavy guitar but she can’t quite make out the vocals.

“Well, what do you think?” she asks, as she pulls and hugs tight another sharp turn in the road, engine growling as she accelerates out of it.

Cassandra as far as she has seen, keeps her gaze out the window or on her. Sitting still, but not on edge. “You are asking me for my opinion on your driving?”

Olivia smirks. “I was thinking more about the car, but, I had prepared myself emotionally for your scathing review.” Another turn, this time to the left, and she handles it beautifully. These roads are like the back of her hand, a sight she’s known at all hours and all seasons. Headlights are all she needs.

Cassandra bends her knees a bit more. “I think…” she pauses, while Olivia pulls into what appears to be a destination. Or, rather, a parking lot. “You broke at least three laws in the process, but, I can’t say you don’t know what you’re doing.”

“Agh! Bullshit,” Olivia challenges, a subtle laugh in her tone, “I only broke one. Near the turnpike, that’s it.”

“No, you broke three, the second was speeding, and the third was speeding and--”

“Ohoho,” her laugh continues to bubble as she pulls into a parking spot, the only car in the lot by the looks of it, “I sped? No fucking way!” she gasps, pretending to be astonished.

She pushes the stick into place and yanks up the parking brake. They look at each other, now stopped and still, the car lulling. Cassandra doesn’t look flushed or nervous like other people she’s taken along for rides. Maybe she’s been well-conditioned by everything else; too well-conditioned, to be frightened of a fast car and even faster driver. Olivia can only turn the key back and turn off the car; the headlights go out, and the one above their heads comes on.

“Well,” she exhales, adrenaline still surging in her veins, “we’re here.”

“And where is ‘here’ exactly?”

“A park.”

“A...park?” she looks around, through the windows. Not much to see, though.

“Heh,” Olivia unbuckles herself, “come on, you’ll see what I mean. But I have stuff in the trunk for us.”

“Does it happen to be a shovel and body bag? Or even better, a driver’s ed manual?”

Olivia groans and shoves her door open. “No, I’m afraid those are both in my Barbie pink jeep at home. Resting on the squeaky horn rather comfortably like you are on my last nerve.” She gets out, and Cassandra does too, and for a moment they look at each other over the car roof.

Cassandra unzips her jacket but keeps it on. “Fair enough,” she concedes, and they shut their doors. Venturing into the back trunk, Olivia pulls up the door and finds what she left in there: a basket, with its contents covered by a draped, folded heavy blanket. A two-hand job, but not too bad. She picks it up and manages to pull the door back down, all the while Cassandra stands back somewhat looking like a woman of action left without a an action to commit.

“You need help?”

“No, no,” Olivia teases, hitting the button on her car alarm. The lights flicker and she turns to face her. “I am a capable person, capable of many things besides blatant crime. You just need to trust me.”

“You don’t know what you ask,” Cassandra counters, hands going into her jacket pockets, “but fine, I go where you go.”

“Yes,” Olivia closes in on her, until she’s about a foot away, “and tonight, I go there, over that small bridge and up the trail. Come on!”

More walking, and more silence. It’s weird, just a tad, to be acting so congenial after so much heartache. But on the other hand, it’s something she’s craved the whole time: for them to be as they were, as they could have been, had not her pride or her defenses squandered her good graces. The more time they spend not arguing, or ditching each other, the more Olivia dares to hope it can all be redeemed. As they walk on the dirt and wood chip path with only so much as one iPhone flashlight for a little less than a ¼ mile, she appreciates all Cassandra did to open up to her: all the plans, all the exposure. Because the closer they get to where she wants them to end up, the more nerve-wracking it all becomes. Maybe that’s what’s been making Cassandra chuckle and eye her all evening: she’s watching Liv get a taste of her own medicine.

At last, they come to the top of a hillside, where the view is clear over the city below. The spot is all grass and trail, and what looks to be an old rusty playground at the base of it. No lamp posts, no bike racks, no sidewalk. It’s a bit creepy, if you’re a normal person with the usual and healthy fear of coyotes and forest cryptics. But if you’re Olivia Sinclair, it’s anything but.

“Ah, perfect!” She sighs when they come to a stop. “We can stick it here.”

Cassandra looks around, vigilant. “Are you...sure?”

“Yes, sure as any mediocre man.” She sets down the basket on the ground and picks up the blanket. “Don’t worry, I did bring a source of light for you, a mere mortal.”

“Pfft,” Cassandra comes closer, and takes the opposite pair of edges on the blanket so as to help her spread it out. “What, is this where you tell me you’re a vampire? Make me say it while you breathe down my back?”

“Well, shit, now that the rest of the evening’s plans has lost its mystery…”

“Ugh! Do not even!”

Olivia laughs, and with the blanket all out she gets to work with the array of items she’s brought. Four small mason jars with with small white candles in them that she plants on each blanket corner. She gets out a lighter and goes to work on all of them, Cassandra still standing by, loyal but suspicious, as if one could be both at the same time.

“You brought candles?”

Olivia finishes the last one, setting it back down. “Yeah, I need hot wax. You know, for summoning Satan.”

“Olivia!” Cassandra huffs, before stepping onto the woolen fabric and taking a seat. “You’re lucky I’m not one of my peers from my Bible Study. They would start spraying their travel-sized holy water all over you.”

Olivia laughs again, and pulls out some more items from the basket behind her, before she, too, sits down. “I’m sorry, I can’t help it. Old habits.”

“Summoning Satan?”

“Nah, teasing you.”

First, Cassandra gives a side-eye, but when Olivia meets her gaze with a warm smile and an offer of peanut M&M’s she softens. She takes the box from her and opens it. “You brought sustenance for our off-grid affair.”

“Yes, I did. Admittedly, it is mostly stuff I was going to bring with me to the movies with Ellinor tonight. I’m a candy smuggler.”

Cassandra smirks. “You had plans tonight with Ellinor?”

“Yeah, she wanted to go see Star Tr--Wars! Dammit, I always get those confused,” she admonishes herself while getting into her own package of sour patch kids. “Anyways, she’s gone with Cullen, so I doubt there’s love lost.”

“I’m sure he’s loving every minute. He’s a huge fan,” Cassandra knocks the first few pieces back. She looks beautiful, with the way her face and neck are illuminated sparsely by firelight. It’s mesmerizing, especially when her eyes light up in their subtle glow. “You broke plans just to...to bring me here?”

Olivia pulls her knees up against her chest. She’s sitting close enough to talk low, hushed and sweet, but far enough for deniability as to her desires. She sucks on a sour piece of candy and looks out at the landscape. “This place is important to me. I go whenever I need to clear my head. Mostly at night, since I go on drives. Ellinor’s been here, and so has Theia. But I don’t bring anyone else here. Not...well, not until tonight, I suppose.”

Cassandra sets down her box, still chewing. “Theia. Is she your friend, the one you were with at the gala?”

“Yes,” she smiles, reaching and taking her hair out of its ponytail. “We’ve been thick as thieves for years.”

“So,” Cassandra chuckles to herself, “that explains it.”

Oh? Olivia looks at her, eyes narrowed unevenly with confused intrigue. “What?” She looks on as Cassandra squirms a bit, in her own kind of way: shoulders tensing, but her expression otherwise hard to read. Her palms clasping together in her criss-crossed lap.

“She looked like she wanted to fight me. That, and...ugh, I shouldn’t say it. It’s ridiculous of me.”

Olivia shrugged. “Cassandra, if anything is welcome around me, it’s being ridiculous. You should know better than anyone at this point.”

She grins crookedly. Reluctance, coming from someone who has the premium on being mature and logical. “I...I noticed how comfortable you were with her. When you came down the stairs, with your arm in hers. I had no idea who she was but I...I got jealous.”

Olivia sucked on her teeth, holding back the urge to laugh from the ludicrous nature of it all, and instead reached for a few more sour patch kids. Fucking hell, Theia was right. Theia and her weird, weird hunches about social cues. God dammit, she would never hear the end of it if she told her that it worked.

“I’m sorry that happened. It was...I don’t know, the whole night was a bad idea. I shouldn’t have gone, but, my Mom makes demands of me that are few but huge. I wasn’t lying when I said my family keeps me on a weird leash, it’s...it’s a long story.”

“No, I get it. Mine does too. No need to apologize,” Cassandra shakes her head, watching as Olivia eats some more. “It was just me being unreasonable. I am guilty of that. It’s sort of my thing.”

“I wouldn’t say…” Olivia scrunches her nose, and swallows her bite. “Well, okay.” She turns herself to face her, crossing her legs like Cassandra has, only a bit tighter. “So, like, first impression of you, alright? On the soccer field, when you and Cullen came up to ask about the Strokes concert. You were intense, and you didn’t waste any time on extra words or...you know, laughing. But you weren’t someone I’d picture when it comes to the word ‘unreasonable.’ Not even when I got to know you. Intense...focused...serious, but not unreasonable.”

Cassandra leans back on her hands, her legs stretching out with one crossing over the other. More relaxed. “Would it be a deal-breaker if I were unreasonable?”

Olivia tucks some hair behind her ear. “I don’t know. It doesn’t seem to be one of yours. I wouldn’t think it’d be very fair of me to--”

“Oh, so you think you’re the unreasonable one?”

Olivia blinks, and looks towards the woods ahead of her. “I...uh, well…”

“No, no, Ms. Sinclair. You know your words. Make your case.” She’s smiling softly, in that cocky, half-arrogant sort of way. The way that makes you want to believe every word and every thought she’s thinking before she ever says it.

“Um.” Olivia rubs the back of her neck while her mind does its best to put together a coherent response. Not the easiest thing to be done. “I hate to say it, but...I don’t think it’d be nearly as effective as the case you made.”

At that, Cassandra frowns, and peers down at her lap. “Olivia, I was upset, and--”

“No, the thing is,” she takes a half-breath, “you said it yourself you don’t mistake your words. You were right. I like control...but it’s because I like detachment. I want people to like me but I don’t want to risk them letting me down. Oh, and if we need any other filler information, I’m also the Queen of Death in your local Poli Sci class. I mean, if that’s not unreasonable, then…”

Her mind trails off, getting lost in the insecurities she’s named. Once and for all, they’re no longer elephants in the room -- at least for her. In a bizarre way, here, in the middle of a blanket with only four candle jars to light up her world...her world with her...it felt the safest she had been to be herself outside of her close friendships. Far away from anything and everything that’d make her want to shut herself up. In spite of the solace, it’s also sad, and her gaze wanders down as she fiddles with blanket fabric between her fingers. There’s crickets chirping behind her, but not much else to distract.

“You know, Olivia, the soccer field was not the first time we ever came into contact.”

She looks up a bit. That can’t be right; she had never uttered a word to Cassandra before that day. Sure, she existed, and she had seen her around as another person in the crowd, maybe. But never dialogue, and certainly never introductions.

“What?”

Cassandra smiles, and leans up more. “Poli Sci 234. Social movements.”

“But...but you weren’t in that class. I don’t remember you at all--”’

“It was taught by a Professor I had my first year I grew to like a lot. I wanted to take 234, but it wouldn’t fit. I still stopped in once or twice, sat in the back of the class. I still remember...hah,” she bites back a laugh, “you were wearing this big, black bow in your hair, around your ponytail. I didn’t really know what to make of you. This guy was going on and on about his half-soaked opinions, and everyone in the class was checking out. But then you raised your hand and shut him down so mercilessly it was...like…” Cassandra’s chest heaved again with another amazed laugh. “I thought you were going to make him cry.”

Olivia listens, a bit lost at first, but the memory is too stark for her to forget. Oh, she remembers that man. That horrible, libertarian-sympathizing asshole who thought his voice was that of Jesus himself. She gasps her own laugh of disbelief.

“Payten Thompson. Ugh!” she sounds off in disgust. “We...shit! We were discussing the Gay Rights Movement. I remember. He thinks he knows everything there is to know because he’s gay and on the GSA cabinet, but he can’t name the Black trans woman who threw the first shot glass at Stonewall? Fucking bogus.” She rolls her eyes, already starting to see red just recalling the moment she looked across the desks and classmates at him and obliterated his pacifist, respectability-politic drenched opinions.

Cassandra nods. “Yes. It was...so unexpected. At least I thought so. I went to the Professor’s office after that class to visit and he brought you up. Said you were quiet, but when you had something to say, you didn’t hold back. I assumed our paths would cross in classes eventually, so I didn’t really follow up after. Then months passed, and I started seeing this girl hanging out with her friend on the grass by the field. One with a black bow in her hair.”

That bow was a good look. A very good look. Shit luck she lost it at a party and hadn’t been able to find one to replace it. It was pique aesthetic. Well, that wasn’t the point of this discussion.

Olivia finds herself blushing, and she tries to escape it by watching the city lights. “I...didn’t see you in that class. That’s so funny.”

“I’m not really someone who captures people’s attention. Not like you. But my point is, you’re not the only one who likes distance and control.”

“Yeah,” she replies, dismissive of herself, “what a valuable talent I have, getting attention. I should put it on my CV.”

Out of nowhere, or at least to Olivia, Cassandra sits up and places her fingers along the far side of Olivia’s face. With unexpected care and touch she guides Olivia’s gaze back to her. With shocked obedience she follows along, lips parting and eyes rounding.

Cassandra looks determined, assured of herself. Confident, but compassionate.

“Liv, if it’s one thing that doesn’t look good on you, and one thing only, it is being apologetic of what makes you so amazing.”

Her non-stop blush goes into sudden-fever mode. Thank goodness for the dull lighting. Olivia inhales, but is at a loss for words. Well, until she isn’t: the moment Cassandra tries to withdraw her hand.

“No,” she lets escape, voice cracked. She takes hold of it, and holds it to her lap.

Cassandra’s eyes widen but she goes along. “Liv, are you...what are--”

“Cassandra, I…” oh, crap, she’s done so little thinking about this whole night. For someone who says they love control and indifference, she’s throwing it all to the wind. “Look, can I...can I just be honest about something? About...about tonight?”

Cassandra tilts her head. “What, did you actually not forget the shovel?”

“Ugh, no! It’s...it’s not anything like that. I mean it, I’m…”

“What is it then?”

Well, fuck. Here...goes nothing. She takes a deep breath, something she’s been doing frequently tonight, and closes her eyes for the beginning. The jumping off point. “I don’t want to be happy if it’s without you. I don’t want to be angry if it’s not with you. You...you drive me crazy, and confuse me, but...but you also make me laugh, and you eat the peanut M&M’s I hate but buy anyway because I think maybe this time around I’ll like them, but I never do so I try to pawn them off on Ellinor, and that’s insane of me, but...but you...you make the insane things I do make sense for some reason. I brought you here because I wanted...to say...I wanted to ask you…”

“Ask me...what?”

She re-opens her eyes, and they are starting to sting from the build-up of emotion. The walls are crumbling away into dust and sand, and all she has is one Hail Mary to throw before it’s all botched for good. This would be her only chance, her one chance -- there could be no more believing it could happen some other day, or in some other universe. She was done with the denial. Surrounded by cheap candles and sugar-salt on her tongue, she was going for broke.

“If...if I could...have another shot.”

Cassandra has the best poker face in the world. It’s a good listening face, though. For every second she doesn’t react, Olivia feels herself sinking a foot deeper into the ground. Asking for something she in no way deserves after all the nonsense. But she’s sick of not trying. Which is why, when Cassandra grins to one side, and tucks a leg underneath the other so as to lean further into her, it’s the closest she’ll ever come to believing in a higher power probably in her entire life.

There has to be a rejection on the wings. All the hints, all the signs that Cassandra didn’t want her anymore. Past-tense was past-tense, right? Well, not exactly.

As Cassandra’s eyes half-close, and she leans in slowly with her lips reaching towards hers, it all feels like some bittersweet recreation of a memory. The couch, in the office, when everything went wrong. Butterflies run amok in her, and she freezes. Now Olivia knows how she might have felt. How could she have had the guts to say no to this?

She just has that much integrity.

But she’s not going anywhere this time. This time, she leans in the rest of the remaining couple inches, and they kiss. They kiss. And it’s cautious, like all innocent first kisses are: far and away more docile than what Olivia’s typically gone for. There’s no clamoring, no rigor. Although, in their place is respect and relief. She’ll happily take that exchange as she closes her eyes and submits, not wanting for anything. Her hands go to either side of Cassandra’s face, sliding them against her skin until the ends of her fingers are in her hair. Her short, soft hair. So soft. Their kiss grows, but is steady in its shyness.

Then, she pulls back ever-so-slightly, and her eyes slit open.

“Um, hey...so, this is...awkward, but, I actually...I got somewhere to be…” she whispers, softly grimacing. What better way to cap off a raw moment of vulnerability than a cringey joke?

Cassandra raises a brow, and her hand slides around to the back of Olivia’s neck. “I was right, you aren’t very good at this.” Her lips graze against Olivia’s. “But fine, I dare you to leave.”

Olivia blushes some more, and arches her back against her. “No, I think I’d rather try my luck at tasting the M&M’s again…” she smiles fiendishly, and her eyes flash into Cassandra’s, before she returns her lips to hers. The way Cassandra feels, the way she kisses her, the way her hand feels sliding down her collarbone and onto her shoulder…the warmth of her breath raising, and their rhythm with each other starting to find its way...

She yearns for nothing and nowhere else.

#college au update #modern!olivia #ellinor trevelyan #day & age #WOOOOOOOO #modern thedas #UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE

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douxreviews · 5 years

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Jessica Jones - ‘A.K.A. The Double Half-Wappinger’ Review

Jessica: "Road trip." Trish: "Exciting."

Publicity and truth, fairness and unfairness, definitely a theme. Jessica is a hero and Sallinger is a serial killer, but they aren't seen that way by the public.

It was clever of Jessica to realize that the way to bring down Sallinger was to visit his home town and research his past, and the way Jessica and Trish were so effective as a team suggested that maybe they're meant to work together after all. Keeping Trish a secret was a big plus for them again, even though Trish is tired of playing the vapid dumb blonde. But it is so much fun to watch! Trish's Patsy-like car alarm meltdown in front of the police station was priceless, one of the most enjoyable moments of the season so far. It made me think of Bruce Wayne as a flippant self-centered one-percenter. "I am psychologically shutting down! Oh, God, this is very triggering for me!"

It got them the dirt, too, pun intended. I liked how Jessica matter-of-factly tipped over the Silvas' back yard gazebo as if it weighed nothing. I also liked how she didn't find the body until the second time she dug, and that she did it all while Velasco the local cop kept pointing a gun at her while screaming threats. If Sallinger hadn't been so perverse with his "truth" photos, Nathan's body wouldn't have been discovered. It was satisfying, but did anyone else think it was a bit too convenient?

Back in high school, Sallinger targeted Nathan because Nathan was being scouted by colleges, and Sallinger sees any sort of artificial advantage as "cheating." By confronting Sallinger in public at the gym and making him look like a fool during their wrestling match, Jessica deliberately made Sallinger pay attention to her own "cheating." It was an impulse on Jessica's part (maybe she couldn't help it after seeing him interact with all those kids) but I think it was also a way of focusing Sallinger's attention on Jessica herself instead of his next victim, a courageous thing for Jessica to do. Especially after the getting stabbed thing that emphasized that Jessica isn't invulnerable.

I was so disappointed by Jeri's decision to defend Sallinger because her law firm needs the publicity… right up until Jessica said, "Looks like you finally found someone to put you out of your misery." That made me gasp. If this is true, it's incredibly sad. Jeri couldn't talk Jessica into killing her, but Sallinger might be happy to do it. And what if he decided on some accompanying torture? How could anyone choose to be the victim of a serial killer? There are so much pleasanter ways to die.

Malcolm might break up with Zaya because of her willingness to help Jeri defend a psycho serial killer. I liked how he barged into the meeting with Sallinger and that he protested, although I wanted him to outright quit. Oh, well. He'll probably be fired instead because, while reviewing security footage, Zaya stumbled over video of a masked Trish breaking into Malcolm's office, Malcolm discovering her, and the two of them talking like friends. That can't be good for Zaya and Malcolm's romantic relationship, Malcolm's career, or both.

Finally, I think I love Gillian. Her earlier scenes featured a militant adherence to break time that suggested she was less than engaged, but the efficient and delightfully sarcastic way she coped with the phone onslaught by reporters and the way she refused to give information to Malcolm showed why Jessica has kept her on. Not to mention that Gillian also knew Trish's identity, something every paper in New York wanted.

I also enjoyed the way she reported Malcolm's expressions to Trish during their phone conversation. Too funny.

Bits:

— Title musings: The "double half-Wappinger" was a wrestling move invented by Sallinger and his teenage victim/best friend. It could fancifully apply to what Jessica did to Sallinger at the gym.

— Jessica usually wears a white or black tee. This time she was wearing one that said "Interpol." Why?

— No Erik or Berry in this one. They're out of town and out of Sallinger's reach.

— Zaya let Jeri know that she accidentally sent her a text meant for Kith. Was that a result of Jeri's illness? I doubt a woman as carefully compartmentalized as Jeri would make a mistake like that unless she couldn't help it.

— "Tractor rollovers are totally a thing." Sallinger didn't kill his brother. He killed his best friend, instead.

— A photographer just caught a masked Trish jumping off a trestle down to the street below. Maybe "masked woman" news will be dominating the next news cycle?

Quotes:

Jessica: "How many superheroes does it take to lock up a psycho killer? More than two, apparently."

Sallinger: "Perhaps I'm an easy target, a single white male. And she's this… feminist vindicator. But there wasn't just one female vigilante. There are two of them. Maybe they're taking back the night or something."

Jessica: "This is what happens when you give a shit. The world flings it back at you."

Jeri: (to Sallinger) "If you have anything damaging in your history, Jessica will uncover it." Literally.

Jessica: (re: salad) "You know, you don't have to eat that shit anymore. You're powered now. Your body can process a Cheeto or two." Trish: "Yeah, I'm not a fan of anything that orange." That has to be a sideways political comment. I'm not a fan of the orange, either.

Malcolm: "I'm Malcolm Ducasse." Gillian: "The old me." Gillian, and Aneesh Sheth who plays her, are trans.

Nathan's mother: "You people come here and dig up pain." Again, literally.

Despite the lack of Sallinger denouement (I'm ready for Sallinger to go), I enjoyed this episode. Three out of four gazebos,

---

Billie Doux loves good television and spends way too much time writing about it.

#Jessica Jones #Trish Walker #Jeri Hogarth #Malcolm Ducasse #Marvel #MCU #Jessica Jones Reviews #Doux Reviews #TV Reviews

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loveofyhwh · 6 years

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August 19: Job 5–6; Colossians 1:21–2:5; Psalm 45; Proverbs 21:27

New Post has been published on https://loveofyhwh.com/august-19-job-5-6-colossians-121-25-psalm-45-proverbs-2127/

August 19: Job 5–6; Colossians 1:21–2:5; Psalm 45; Proverbs 21:27

Old Testament:

Job 5–6

Job 5–6 (Listen)

5 “Call now; is there anyone who will answer you? To which of the holy ones will you turn? 2 Surely vexation kills the fool, and jealousy slays the simple. 3 I have seen the fool taking root, but suddenly I cursed his dwelling. 4 His children are far from safety; they are crushed in the gate, and there is no one to deliver them. 5 The hungry eat his harvest, and he takes it even out of thorns,The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain‘>1 and the thirsty pantAquila, Symmachus, Syriac, Vulgate; Hebrew could be read as and the snare pants‘>2 after hisHebrew their‘>3 wealth. 6 For affliction does not come from the dust, nor does trouble sprout from the ground, 7 but man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward. 8 “As for me, I would seek God, and to God would I commit my cause, 9 who does great things and unsearchable, marvelous things without number: 10 he gives rain on the earth and sends waters on the fields; 11 he sets on high those who are lowly, and those who mourn are lifted to safety. 12 He frustrates the devices of the crafty, so that their hands achieve no success. 13 He catches the wise in their own craftiness, and the schemes of the wily are brought to a quick end. 14 They meet with darkness in the daytime and grope at noonday as in the night. 15 But he saves the needy from the sword of their mouth and from the hand of the mighty. 16 So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts her mouth. 17 “Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves; therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty. 18 For he wounds, but he binds up; he shatters, but his hands heal. 19 He will deliver you from six troubles; in seven no evilOr disaster‘>4 shall touch you. 20 In famine he will redeem you from death, and in war from the power of the sword. 21 You shall be hidden from the lash of the tongue, and shall not fear destruction when it comes. 22 At destruction and famine you shall laugh, and shall not fear the beasts of the earth. 23 For you shall be in league with the stones of the field, and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with you. 24 You shall know that your tent is at peace, and you shall inspect your fold and miss nothing. 25 You shall know also that your offspring shall be many, and your descendants as the grass of the earth. 26 You shall come to your grave in ripe old age, like a sheaf gathered up in its season. 27 Behold, this we have searched out; it is true. Hear, and know it for your good.”Hebrew for yourself‘>5

Job Replies: My Complaint Is Just

6 Then Job answered and said:

2 “Oh that my vexation were weighed, and all my calamity laid in the balances! 3 For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea; therefore my words have been rash. 4 For the arrows of the Almighty are in me; my spirit drinks their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me. 5 Does the wild donkey bray when he has grass, or the ox low over his fodder? 6 Can that which is tasteless be eaten without salt, or is there any taste in the juice of the mallow?The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain‘>6 7 My appetite refuses to touch them; they are as food that is loathsome to me.The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain‘>7 8 “Oh that I might have my request, and that God would fulfill my hope, 9 that it would please God to crush me, that he would let loose his hand and cut me off! 10 This would be my comfort; I would even exultThe meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain‘>8 in pain unsparing, for I have not denied the words of the Holy One. 11 What is my strength, that I should wait? And what is my end, that I should be patient? 12 Is my strength the strength of stones, or is my flesh bronze? 13 Have I any help in me, when resource is driven from me? 14 “He who withholdsSyriac, Vulgate (compare Targum); the meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain‘>9 kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty. 15 My brothers are treacherous as a torrent-bed, as torrential streams that pass away, 16 which are dark with ice, and where the snow hides itself. 17 When they melt, they disappear; when it is hot, they vanish from their place. 18 The caravans turn aside from their course; they go up into the waste and perish. 19 The caravans of Tema look, the travelers of Sheba hope. 20 They are ashamed because they were confident; they come there and are disappointed. 21 For you have now become nothing; you see my calamity and are afraid. 22 Have I said, ‘Make me a gift’? Or, ‘From your wealth offer a bribe for me’? 23 Or, ‘Deliver me from the adversary’s hand’? Or, ‘Redeem me from the hand of the ruthless’? 24 “Teach me, and I will be silent; make me understand how I have gone astray. 25 How forceful are upright words! But what does reproof from you reprove? 26 Do you think that you can reprove words, when the speech of a despairing man is wind? 27 You would even cast lots over the fatherless, and bargain over your friend. 28 “But now, be pleased to look at me, for I will not lie to your face. 29 Please turn; let no injustice be done. Turn now; my vindication is at stake. 30 Is there any injustice on my tongue? Cannot my palate discern the cause of calamity?

Footnotes

[1] 5:5 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain [2] 5:5 Aquila, Symmachus, Syriac, Vulgate; Hebrew could be read as and the snare pants [3] 5:5 Hebrew their [4] 5:19 Or disaster [5] 5:27 Hebrew for yourself [6] 6:6 The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain [7] 6:7 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain [8] 6:10 The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain [9] 6:14 Syriac, Vulgate (compare Targum); the meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain

(ESV)

New Testament:

Colossians 1:21–2:5

Colossians 1:21–2:5 (Listen)

21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creationOr to every creature‘>1 under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.

Paul’s Ministry to the Church

24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

2 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

Footnotes

[1] 1:23 Or to every creature

(ESV)

Psalm:

Psalm 45

Psalm 45 (Listen)

Your Throne, O God, Is Forever

To the choirmaster: according to Lilies. A MaskilProbably a musical or liturgical term‘>1 of the Sons of Korah; a love song.

45 My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe. 2 You are the most handsome of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever. 3 Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one, in your splendor and majesty! 4 In your majesty ride out victoriously for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness; let your right hand teach you awesome deeds! 5 Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king’s enemies; the peoples fall under you. 6 Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness; 7 you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions; 8 your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia. From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad; 9 daughters of kings are among your ladies of honor; at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir. 10 Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear: forget your people and your father’s house, 11 and the king will desire your beauty. Since he is your lord, bow to him. 12 The peopleHebrew daughter‘>2 of Tyre will seek your favor with gifts, the richest of the people.Or The daughter of Tyre is here with gifts, the richest of people seek your favor‘>3 13 All glorious is the princess in her chamber, with robes interwoven with gold. 14 In many-colored robes she is led to the king, with her virgin companions following behind her. 15 With joy and gladness they are led along as they enter the palace of the king. 16 In place of your fathers shall be your sons; you will make them princes in all the earth. 17 I will cause your name to be remembered in all generations; therefore nations will praise you forever and ever.

Footnotes

[1] 45:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term [2] 45:12 Hebrew daughter [3] 45:12 Or The daughter of Tyre is here with gifts, the richest of people seek your favor

(ESV)

Proverb:

Proverbs 21:27

Proverbs 21:27 (Listen)

27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with evil intent.

(ESV)

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dfroza · 3 years

Text

Today’s reading from the ancient book of Proverbs and book of Psalms

for August 17 of 2021 with Proverbs 17 and Psalm 17, accompanied by Psalm 59 for the 59th day of Astronomical Summer and Psalm 79 for day 229 of the year (now with the consummate book of 150 Psalms in its 2nd revolution this year)

[Proverbs 17]

Better to gnaw on a bit of dry crust in peace

than to feast in a house full of stress.

A wise servant will be put in charge of a child who behaves badly

and will take a share of the inheritance like one of the family.

Silver is purified in the crucible, gold in the furnace,

but motives of the heart are judged by the Eternal.

Wrongdoers perk up when listening to gossip,

and liars lean in close to hear talk of mischief.

Anyone who makes fun of the poor disparages his Maker,

and those who celebrate another’s misfortune will not escape certain punishment.

Grandchildren are the crowning glory and ultimate delight of old age,

and parents are the pride of their children.

Elegant speech sounds odd when it comes from a fool,

and a lie on the lips of a leader is even more out of place!

A bribe is like an enchanting charm to one who counts on it—

everywhere he looks he sees the illusion of success.

Those who forgive faults foster love,

but those who repeatedly recall them ruin relationships.

A single correction makes a more lasting impression on one who is wise

than a hundred lashes do on a fool.

Evil people are determined to rebel,

and so a merciless messenger will chase them down.

Better to face a mother bear stripped of her cubs

than to encounter a fool caught up in his foolishness.

Those who repay good with evil

bring unrelenting trouble upon their families.

Picking a fight is like leaking water from a crack in a dam,

so walk away from an argument before the outburst.

Both of these deeply offend the Eternal:

one who acquits the guilty and one who condemns the innocent.

Even if fools had the means to obtain wisdom,

they would not be able to benefit from it.

A true friend loves regardless of the situation,

and a real brother exists to share the tough times.

Only a fool shakes hands on a deal

and guarantees repayment of someone else’s loan.

A person who loves sin loves a fight,

and one who builds a grand entrance dares others to tear it down.

Crooked-hearted people never recognize anything good,

and those who distort the truth court disaster.

Having a fool for a child is misery;

there is no joy in parenting a fool.

A joy-filled heart is curative balm,

but a broken spirit hurts all the way to the bone.

A wicked person accepts a bribe under the table

to derail the course of justice.

Those who understand look to wisdom for guidance,

but fools fasten their eyes on some distant horizon.

Foolish children irritate their fathers

and embitter their mothers.

Also know this: It is wrong to penalize those who do what is right

or to lash the noble because of their integrity.

Those with knowledge know when to be quiet,

and those with understanding know how to remain calm.

Even a fool who keeps quiet is considered wise,

for when he keeps his mouth shut, he appears clever.

The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 17 (The Voice)

[Psalm 17]

A prayer of David.

Listen, O Eternal One, to my cry for justice.

These words of mine are true—turn Your ear toward me.

Announce that I am free of all the charges against me—only You can see into my heart to know that to be true.

Treat me with fairness; look at me with justice.

You have searched me—my heart and soul—awakened me from dreaming and tested me.

You’ve found nothing against me.

I have resolved not to sin in what I say.

The path violent men have followed,

I will not travel. Violence is not my way.

Your ways and Your voice now guide my journey.

I will press on—moving steadfastly forward along Your path.

I will not look back. I will not stumble.

I am crying aloud to You, O True God, for I long to know Your answer.

Hear me, O God. Hear my plea. Hear my prayer for help.

Put Your marvelous love on display for all to see.

Liberator of those who long for shelter beside You,

set them safely away from their enemies, ever welcomed by grace.

Keep close watch over me as the apple of Your eye;

shelter me in the shadow of Your wings.

Protect me from the wicked who are poised to attack,

from the enemies swarming around me and closing in quickly.

Like clay baking in the sun, their hearts have hardened;

arrogance spills from their mouths.

They’ve tracked me down like quarry.

They’re surrounding me

and are poised to throw me down into the dirt.

Like a lion—crouching in the brush—they are ready to tear me apart.

Like young lions in their hiding places, they are poised to strike.

Rise up and confront them, O Eternal One! Make them pay.

By Your sword, set me free from my wicked enemies!

May Your rescue find me here.

By Your hand, save me from my enemies, Eternal One.

Save me from men whose hopes are rooted in this world.

But as for those You cherish,

may they feast on all You have set aside for them;

may their children never be in need;

may they have enough so their children will inherit their wealth.

But as for me, my hope is to see Your face.

When I am vindicated, I will look upon the holy face of God,

and when I awake, the longing of my soul will be satisfied in the glow of Your presence.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 17 (The Voice)

[Psalm 59]

For the worship leader. A prayer of David to the tune “Do Not Destroy,” when Saul sent assassins to David’s house.

Rescue me! Save me, O my God, from my enemies;

set me in a safe place, far above any who come to attack me.

Rescue me from those malicious people,

and save me from blood-thirsty murderers.

They have staked out my life; they are going to ambush me!

Those brutes are aligned, ready to attack me

For no good cause, my Eternal One.

I have not crossed them.

I’ve done nothing wrong, yet they rush ahead to start the assault.

I beg You to help me; come and see for Yourself!

I plead with You, Eternal One, Commander of heavenly armies, True God of Israel,

to get up and punish these people;

do not let any betrayer off the hook; show no mercy to malicious evildoers!

[pause]

Treacherous souls return to the city in the evening;

they prowl about,

howling like dogs.

Watch them! Snarling, dribbling their malicious insults.

Their words cut loose from their lips like swords,

and in their backstabbing they say, “Who’s listening anyway?”

But You, O Eternal One, laugh at them;

You make fun of all the nations.

I will watch for You, for You keep me strong.

God, You are my security!

My God is one step ahead of me with His mercy;

He will show me the victory I desire over my enemies.

Don’t wipe them out, or my people may one day forget.

Instead, use Your power to scatter and bring them to ruin.

O Lord, You are our protection.

Sin pours from their mouths, cruel words from their lips.

May they be caught in their pride.

For their foul curses and lies,

devour them with Your wrath,

eat them up, leave no one alive.

Then people will surely know that the one True God rules over Jacob,

even to the far ends of the earth.

[pause]

Treacherous souls return to the city in the evening;

they prowl about,

howling like dogs.

They search through the city, scavenging for meat

as they growl and grumble in dissatisfaction.

But me? I will sing of Your strength.

I will awake with the sun to sing of Your loving mercy

Because in my most troubled hour,

You defended me. You were my shelter.

I will lift my voice to sing Your praise, O my Strength—

for You came to my defense.

O God, You have shown me Your loving mercy.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 59 (The Voice)

[Psalm 79]

Prayer in a Time of National Disaster

Asaph’s poetic song

God, won’t you do something?

Barbarians have invaded your inheritance.

Your temple of holiness has been violated,

and Jerusalem has been left in ruins.

The corpses of your loving people are lying in the open—

food for the beasts and the birds.

The shed blood of your servants has soaked the city,

with no one left to bury the dead.

Now the nearby nations heap their scorn upon us,

scoffing, mocking us incessantly.

How much longer, O Yahweh, must we endure this?

Does your anger have no end?

Will your jealousy burn like a raging fire?

If you’re going to pour out your anger,

pour it out on all these nations around us, not on us!

They’re the ones who do not love you like we do!

See how they’ve attacked us, consuming the land,

leaving it desolate.

Please, God, don’t hold the sins of our fathers against us.

Don’t make us pay for their sins.

Hurry to our side, and let your tenderhearted mercy

meet us in our need, for we are devastated beyond belief.

Our hero, come and rescue us!

O God of the breakthrough, for the glory of your name,

come and help us!

Forgive and restore us; heal us and cover us in your love.

Why should all the nations sneer at us, saying,

“Where is this God of yours?”

Now is the time, Lord.

Show your people and all the world that

you will avenge this slaughter and bloodshed once and for all!

Listen, Lord! Hear the sighing of all the prisoners of war,

all those doomed to die. Demonstrate your glory-power,

and come and rescue your condemned children!

Lord God, take what these mocking masses have done to us

and pay it all back to them seven times over.

Then we, your devoted lovers, will forever thank you,

praising your name from generation to generation!

The Book of Psalms, Poem 79 (The Passion Translation)

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dailychapel · 3 years

Text

Lord, I come before you ready to pour out my worries, anxieties, and fears at Your feet. I am claiming and declaring Your promises for blessings of peace and strength over my life. Bring peace into my soul that passes all worldly understanding and make me a light for others to see Your strength.

[Psa 17:1-15 NKJV] 1 A Prayer of David. Hear a just cause, O LORD, Attend to my cry; Give ear to my prayer [which is] not from deceitful lips. 2 Let my vindication come from Your presence; Let Your eyes look on the things that are upright. 3 You have tested my heart; You have visited [me] in the night; You have tried me and have found nothing; I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress. 4 Concerning the works of men, By the word of Your lips, I have kept away from the paths of the destroyer. 5 Uphold my steps in Your paths, [That] my footsteps may not slip. 6 I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O God; Incline Your ear to me, [and] hear my speech. 7 Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand, O You who save those who trust [in You] From those who rise up [against them]. 8 Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings, 9 From the wicked who oppress me, [From] my deadly enemies who surround me. 10 They have closed up their fat [hearts]; With their mouths they speak proudly. 11 They have now surrounded us in our steps; They have set their eyes, crouching down to the earth, 12 As a lion is eager to tear his prey, And like a young lion lurking in secret places. 13 Arise, O LORD, Confront him, cast him down; Deliver my life from the wicked with Your sword, 14 With Your hand from men, O LORD, From men of the world [who have] their portion in [this] life, And whose belly You fill with Your hidden treasure. They are satisfied with children, And leave the rest of their [possession] for their babes. 15 As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.

[Jer 4:1-31 NKJV] 1 "If you will return, O Israel," says the LORD, "Return to Me; And if you will put away your abominations out of My sight, Then you shall not be moved. 2 And you shall swear, 'The LORD lives,' In truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; The nations shall bless themselves in Him, And in Him they shall glory." 3 For thus says the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem: "Break up your fallow ground, And do not sow among thorns. 4 Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, And take away the foreskins of your hearts, You men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, Lest My fury come forth like fire, And burn so that no one can quench [it], Because of the evil of your doings." 5 Declare in Judah and proclaim in Jerusalem, and say: "Blow the trumpet in the land; Cry, 'Gather together,' And say, 'Assemble yourselves, And let us go into the fortified cities.' 6 Set up the standard toward Zion. Take refuge! Do not delay! For I will bring disaster from the north, And great destruction." 7 The lion has come up from his thicket, And the destroyer of nations is on his way. He has gone forth from his place To make your land desolate. Your cities will be laid waste, Without inhabitant. 8 For this, clothe yourself with sackcloth, Lament and wail. For the fierce anger of the LORD Has not turned back from us. 9 "And it shall come to pass in that day," says the LORD, "[That] the heart of the king shall perish, And the heart of the princes; The priests shall be astonished, And the prophets shall wonder." 10 Then I said, "Ah, Lord GOD! Surely You have greatly deceived this people and Jerusalem, Saying, 'You shall have peace,' Whereas the sword reaches to the heart." 11 At that time it will be said To this people and to Jerusalem, "A dry wind of the desolate heights [blows] in the wilderness Toward the daughter of My people--Not to fan or to cleanse-- 12 A wind too strong for these will come for Me; Now I will also speak judgment against them." 13 "Behold, he shall come up like clouds, And his chariots like a whirlwind. His horses are swifter than eagles. Woe to us, for we are plundered!" 14 O Jerusalem, wash your heart from wickedness, That you may be saved. How long shall your evil thoughts lodge within you? 15 For a voice declares from Dan And proclaims affliction from Mount Ephraim: 16 "Make mention to the nations, Yes, proclaim against Jerusalem, [That] watchers come from a far country And raise their voice against the cities of Judah. 17 Like keepers of a field they are against her all around, Because she has been rebellious against Me," says the LORD. 18 "Your ways and your doings Have procured these [things] for you. This [is] your wickedness, Because it is bitter, Because it reaches to your heart." 19 O my soul, my soul! I am pained in my very heart! My heart makes a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, Because you have heard, O my soul, The sound of the trumpet, The alarm of war. 20 Destruction upon destruction is cried, For the whole land is plundered. Suddenly my tents are plundered, [And] my curtains in a moment. 21 How long will I see the standard, [And] hear the sound of the trumpet? 22 "For My people [are] foolish, They have not known Me. They [are] silly children, And they have no understanding. They [are] wise to do evil, But to do good they have no knowledge." 23 I beheld the earth, and indeed [it was] without form, and void; And the heavens, they [had] no light. 24 I beheld the mountains, and indeed they trembled, And all the hills moved back and forth. 25 I beheld, and indeed [there was] no man, And all the birds of the heavens had fled. 26 I beheld, and indeed the fruitful land [was] a wilderness, And all its cities were broken down At the presence of the LORD, By His fierce anger. 27 For thus says the LORD: "The whole land shall be desolate; Yet I will not make a full end. 28 For this shall the earth mourn, And the heavens above be black, Because I have spoken. I have purposed and will not relent, Nor will I turn back from it. 29 The whole city shall flee from the noise of the horsemen and bowmen. They shall go into thickets and climb up on the rocks. Every city [shall be] forsaken, And not a man shall dwell in it. 30 "And [when] you [are] plundered, What will you do? Though you clothe yourself with crimson, Though you adorn [yourself] with ornaments of gold, Though you enlarge your eyes with paint, In vain you will make yourself fair; [Your] lovers will despise you; They will seek your life. 31 "For I have heard a voice as of a woman in labor, The anguish as of her who brings forth her first child, The voice of the daughter of Zion bewailing herself; She spreads her hands, [saying], 'Woe [is] me now, for my soul is weary Because of murderers!'

[1Co 3:1-23 NKJV] 1 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual [people] but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able [to receive it], and even now you are still not able; 3 for you are still carnal. For where [there are] envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like [mere] men? 4 For when one says, "I am of Paul," and another, "I [am] of Apollos," are you not carnal? 5 Who then is Paul, and who [is] Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. 9 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, [you are] God's building. 10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation [with] gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone's work which he has built on [it] endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. 16 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and [that] the Spirit of God dwells in you? 17 If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which [temple] you are. 18 Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, "He catches the wise in their [own] craftiness"; 20 and again, "The LORD knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile." 21 Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours: 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come--all are yours. 23 And you [are] Christ's, and Christ [is] God's.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

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marcusmettalus · 6 years

Text

What a Wonderful Dream (Part 3)

(Part 1) (Part 2)

Shan and Vaard looked between one another then back at the huge Orc who was in the process of cleaning off his knife, the butchered and quartered Talbuk set aside to be grilled later.

“You? A red dragon? Puh-lease, if you think you could fool us you might have come up with something a little more convincing. Quel genre d'idiot me prends-tu?“ Shan’h’tra scoffs softly, leaning on her staff gently, while Vaard has finally managed to sit up somewhat straight, resting an elbow on a folded pile of clothes.

The orc laughs broadly, the heavy plate armor clanking gently in time with his din. He slowly stands up and with a gentle snap of his fingers, his body begins to change under a gentle golden glow.

A small cloud of gold light and black flames rush down the green skin’s body and armor, peeling away the guise. Heavy plate armor gives way for flowing silk robes and embroidery, thick greying braids and hair giving way to long golden locks and chest length beard. The squared and brutish jaw line gave to the sharp lines of a Highborne elf, but those golden piercing eyes remain, the pupils simply black slits, deep and hungry gaze.

Shan and Vaard seem dumbstruck for a moment, as where once a huge Orc warrior stood, was now a High Elf noble in black and red robes. A majestic being, where once a brute stood.

“So, High Arcanist Shan’H’Tra and Vindicator Vaard, does this form seem more convincing? Or would you prefer I take on something more,, scaled?” The High Elf spoke now in Draenic, and barely a hint of an accent is found in his speech. The Elf glanced down, and sees some of the Talbuk blood has lingered on his fingers. He lifts up the long talon like finger nails, and with a short sharp flick of his forked tongue, cleans the nails of the intrusive blood. Once clean, he brushes the long thick beard with his manicured fingers.

“Wha-how, but,” Vaard starts before interrupted by Shan “You are a High Elf? No,, those robes and iconography, those are of the Red Dragonflight. But, who are you? Why would you not be among your people at Wyrmrest Temple?”She immediately switches also to Draenic, her emerald eyes glaring and examining the tall noble across the fire pit.

“Because I do not desire it,, and because my Queen does not desire me to be her mate again, not yet at least. I have not made enough amends yet. And,, she is still healing from the wounds inflicted by Neltharion. As for who I am, well.” The High elf grins gently, revealing those pearly white teeth, gleaming in the fire light.

“I go by the name of Tyranastrasz, The Scholarly One, Prime Consort to the Life-Binder of Azeroth. Though, most of the world believes I am dead, killed at the hands of Deathwing at Grim Batol. The Dwarves, in their audacity, think that my skull resides in their capitol of Ironforge. Ha! The nerve,,” Tyran grumbles softly as he waves a hand, the dimming flames of the fire pit flaring up again.

Vaard gapes at Tyran, still trying to put things together in his mind. Here, in the same room as him was a Red dragon, but claiming to being probably the oldest dragon who isn't even an Aspect. Vaard recalls Senegos from Aszuna, who is millennia old, who was seemingly at the end of the life cycle of dragons, even with the aide of the mana pools and ley-lines coursing through the Broken Isles.

“Then what are you doing, masquerading as an Orc warrior?” Shan asks the obvious question hanging in the room. A Red dragon who died at the hands of corrupted orcs and Deathwing now being a part of the Horde.

“Twas not the form I chose. Twas what the Titans gave me. To humble me and teach me an important lesson. Judge not the Mortals by only a select group of individuals. Were I to judge your people as a whole, I would call you fel-addicted heathens who aide the Burning Legion in the conquest of the Stars. But you aren’t. You are a proud misplaced people who want to try and save your new, and old, homeworld.”

“And, despite your thoughts, I do not serve the Horde. I aide those who try and better the Horde, not to turn it into the war-mongering people they once were. If Garrosh was still alive, Id be putting him on the chopping block. But I also aide, in a part, the Alliance. I curb those who would try and fan the flames of war, but I fear humans are a mortal race who enjoys stirring the pot and up-ending tables.”

Tyran grumbles gently, toying with his beard with his sharp nails, while Shan sputters and scowls at the dragon who dared call her people fel-addicted heathens. “Why you little,,” Shan looked ready to drop an Arcane Bomb on the man before Vaard speaks up.

“Wait so,, you have been living among us, and tried to help both Factions into co-operating? To what end though?”

Tyran stops and looks at Vaard, blinking a few times before doing the ‘Are you serious face’. “To what end? To. What. End? To save this sorry excuse of a planet! To make a world safe enough for my children, my children’s children, and their children and their children to live in it of course! I am the father of almost an entire dragonflight, and spouse to the frakking ‘Life-Binder’. Why would I not fight to save this world and it’s people? I have seen the wars you mortals fought, the tyrants and abusers, plagues and the undead, demons and Man’ari. This is my home just as much as the other creature on this world. To what end. Aman’Thul’s Beard!”

#Tyranastrasz #vaard #Shan'H'tra #wow #World of Warcraft #rp #fiction #lightforged au #part 3 #Finally made it!

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survivor-tierradelfuego · 4 years

Text

Ep. 1: “the other tribe seems kind of... old?” - Ryan

Neil A

So far getting to know my tribemates, and they seem so cool! James HaydenOnce the challenge was announced, my initial instinct was to jump in and try to get everyone on the same page about who's doing what. I had to hold back because I know that being a leader puts a target on your back and gives people a reason to vote you out. I want to be here for the long haul, so I'm letting someone else take the lead.

James Hayden

And that went out the window instantly. I wanted someone else to take the lead, but instinct take over and I took the lead on the video call when we decided roles for the challenge.

Alan

Haha the group chat is talking about their favorite survivor seasons/people to bond and i feel like a total fool for joining without having seen a ton of it XD I should probably lay low about it or else I think i might get voted out fairly soon...but then again they could call me out on it. Oh well! I'll just try my best at the challenges

James Hayden

If I'm the alternate, then I hope I can Tina Wesson this thing.

Pedro A

somehow it feels like everyone has this huge connection...maybe im just being paranoid..

Tyler H

Ok I don’t think I’m off to a good start while at the same time being off to an amazing start! I was too confident in that challenge, even tho I’m like Sandra in challenges, but my tribe doesn’t need to know that, they also don’t need to know that I’m one of 2 people to play these orgs. My friends that watch survivor think I’m the second coming of the immortal Tyson himself. To that I say they are right. This game can be fun if I make it to the merge which would be dumb on my tribes part. And I probably already made the best move of the season by making a secret alliance with Neil from the other tribe. So hope y’all keep a close eye on me this season!

Neil A.

Just did my first challenge and I won!! I'm like screaming!!

Olivia A

I picked the "Mastermind" portion of the challenge and am very glad that I did. I set up the list in a google doc to keep all the information organized and was able to get the correct list in 5 guesses! Jay made it sound like that was an impressive number. I'm hoping we win that part of the challenge so that my efforts can be recognized and I can give everyone a good first impression of me.

Aimee

Haha thank you! This was an awesome idea. It’s great getting to know other fans and people :)

Pedro A

John is hella nice.....but he sounded fishy when he said he had a Brazilian friend....like he was trying to play the tactic of having things in comum with everyone.....hes also the only person i talked to....idk..maybe im again just thinking too much.

Aimee

Haha thank you! This was an awesome idea. It’s great getting to know other fans and people :)

Sarah Hoyle

I really like my tribe so far! They are fun and energetic. I feel like I can connect with James and Najwah and maybe form an alliance with them down the road.

Amy A

My tribe is sounding pretty much like THE tribe to be in. Just bummed I wasn’t here for the beginning and worried it’ll make me an easy target but I WILL vindicate myself in the challenge and they’d see how useful I can be. No alliances yet but hopefully by the morning everyone would’ve settled in and we’d be good to go.

Leanne

Not a bad start. I love my tribe mates so far and thought we all connected well. of course there were a few little things; we are all hyper aware of our own behavior, especially in a situation like this. I might have made a few missteps. The biggest one was telling the group I looked through Jay’s Twitter profile to see if I could find an idol clue and there was a big reaction... wow, that’s smart, the game is afoot. There was another moment when the tribe was wondering if the other group had also started a call and I said probably not, seeing how Jay is on the call with us. A similar reaction, so here’s hoping I didn’t make a first impression as a dangerous super schemer. i’m also mildly concerned I came off too aggressive. it was my idea to start the call, I am the one who made the call, I was consistently the first or second to respond when a question was asked to the group, and I was very vocal in the conversation. I told a few funny stories and asked questions and was overall rather bold. I hope I wasn’t too loud. Cody seemed to be The other loud one. Not sure if that’s a good ally or something dangerous. I’m going to think about reaching out to Nadjawa... apologies for the awful spelling. She seemed slightly timid but trying. She didn’t say much in the call but definitely wanted to contribute. MVP of the tribe jointly are James and Neil, Neil for winning the challenge and James for organizing all of our parts. They’ve earned major favor on this tribe straight off the bat. I am wary of that. overall I think we are all a strong blend of nervous and excited. I appreciate that my part in the challenge doesn’t seem to be one that has all eyes on me. there seems to be a really, uncommonly high volume of team spirit, almost patriotism, on this tribe and I appreciate that. I hope we win so that it isn’t ruined sooner than it has to be. One final thing I noticed was that it seemed like several on the tribe didn’t read the rules. There was a lot of discussion about what the VL was and other things covered in the rules, which really surprised me. tomorrow I will do the counting challenge and then go Idol hunting. In short, I might have spoken too much tonight but on the whole I’d call it a success.

James Hayden

After day 1, I feel that I came off too strong in the challenge by taking the lead in figuring out who's doing what part of the challenge. I hope that doesn't bite me in the butt later down the road. I'm getting good vibes from Sarah and Ben, but that's only 3 and that's not good in a tribe of 10.

Ryan

Well, well, well. I've never done anything like this but I'm ready. I am looooving my tribe, and the other tribe seems kind of... old? I don't know, but I can't wait to see how we go

Maddison Poteet

Tierra del Fuego is popping already. It’s obvious I’m playing with fellow fans. No one wants to assert themselves too much, but everyone wants to be known. I have a couple of toes in the water with Kalle and Grae, but I’ve got to make sure my efforts to form an alliance don’t bite me in the ass. I’d love to get a majority alliance going early and ride that wave with plenty of options down the line. On another note, the jury is out on Tyler so far. He might have already branded himself a challenge weakness - I’m not yet sure how unforgiving this tribe is.

Zack

Mwow. where to begin. night one and it's game on for me. i feel like i came on a little strong but i guess we will see. i'm fun. i can't help that. i really wanted to do the scavenger challenge but settled for the creative because cody hit me up on the side. i felt like this was a good chance to create a solid alliance from the start. soooooo i'm working with him. i'm somewhat of a control freak so i can see me doing all of the work on this but i'm determined to not be the reason we go to tribal. i just have this horrible feeling i'm going to be the first one out if we do. no one else has talked to me on the side and i'm kind of scared to reach out this early. cody mentioned bringing in sarah but i'm not sure if he messaged her. i did really like her vibe. also ben seems cool. i like neil but i feel like he is going to be a crowd favorite because he won the first challenge. i also definitely see him working with ben, aimee, and james. they all stayed on the chat after everyone else left which was a little questionable to me. at the moment, i'm working on this flag and just trying to give it my all. i will continue on the quest to make friends and alliances tomorrow. don't want to force it. please god, don't let me be the first out. lolol. ♡

John B

Wow First Confessional, Very Exciting. So far I think I’m making a pretty good impression on the tribe. That being said I’m extremely egotistical so I always assume people like me, nevertheless I’m gonna roll with it. I volunteered for the creative position in the challenge because I think being in the group of two with Pedro is a great opportunity to develop that connection. Pedro did most of the work on the flag, which is great because he did a great job with it, but he’s telling people that I am doing just as much, which like is just him being nice and I’m not gonna complain because I’ll take all the good PR I can get. I really want to start bringing together a majority alliance on the tribe, but I don’t have enough to go on as far as who to bring in. I also don’t want to seem like I’m going too hard too fast. I’m going to wait and see what happens with the first challenge before I make that kind of move. I am curious to see if other people are already dm’ing each other and making alliances, that’s the tough part of this being online because I can’t see when other people split off to talk. I’m hopeful for the tribe despite the endurance challenge, I can’t wait for the game to pick up.

Najwah

It's a strange thing trying to get to know people but also feeling as though you shouldn't get too close because you're ultimately here to vote each other out. Currently I feel like the odd one out, being the only person outside of the US and one of the oldest players. I feel as though the others can bond over things like some beach in Virginia and I don't really have anything to add to that? Sarah private messaged me and I suggested we add Jay and she said that only needs to be done if we are in an alliance so that was a little awkward haha. I am trying to build an alliance or bond WITH Leanne and Cody. Get to know them better.

Leanne

I was going to reach out to Najwah but she beat me to it. That was gratifying because it meant we were thinking along the same lines. The thing with her is she is very clever and observant. She said she reached out to me because of my stories about telemarketing, and she also wished me luck in the counting challenge. This means she bothered to remember that that was my part; there are a lot of people and keeping track of all of us and our roles is something of a difficulty. So not only does she pick up on things, but she also retains them. I sent her a funny YouTube video and a few little messages and now I am deciding how much more to press, if at all. I’ve also been talking a little bit to Zach. He made first contact last night and I picked it up today. He’s someone I really could see myself working with, but I keep thinking about how he and Cody spent the whole night together working on that flag. They were still on when I signed off last night and had a rough draft at5:00 in the morning my time; that’s when Zack’s message to the tribe chat came in. That bonds two people. That’s part of why I’d love to see Cody gone sooner rather than later, though I figure I’d have a rather hard time making that happen. I don’t intend to go in guns blazing and say to everybody, hey, let’s get rid of Cody, but I do see him as a threat. The other one I’m worried about is James. Of all of us he’s the one most likely to win. He’s well rounded and contributes a lot without being overbearing. But of the group he’s not who I would choose to target, at least now. The two people I’d like to see gone or Cody and Sarah, though with Sarah my reasoning is so much less tangible. She was very polite in a way that somehow said she’d be less open to working with me. I can’t put my finger on it and odds are my reading doesn’t even approach accuracy. But in my mind the easy first vote is Amy only because she was at dinner and missed the call. I have no idea whether I should be thinking about who to vote out this early on, especially when this group is all about tribal unity, to a degree I’ve rarely seen, and won’t dare to throw names out right now. I wonder if I’m jumping the gun or if everyone is feeling like this and has targets in mind.

I went idol hunting today. My plan was to knock out the counting and then get started, thinking that’s what we’d all do, sign off and go to sleep last night and then come in today. I got a little bit psyched out when I read the announcement post though, because it said expect a number tonight because you’ll probably all ask at once. Panic mode, oh no, I’m way behind! But now that I’ve seen the adventure format I feel less behind. I’ve played those before. Well, not so much played as torn my hair out running in circles making all the wrong choices. Those are hard, and if someone got it already they’d have to be lucky or a genius. I did get five coins from the pink door in town, which could be helpful in the marketplace. I’m encouraged to have money because of the clue that said finding the idle will cost you, perhaps even literally. This may or may not mean a monetary cost. I’ve been spinning my wheels trying to find all the possible meanings of that sentence. And finally, I had the chance to get a good look at Moala. I wonder if Ryan will last; he seemed very arrogant. Clearly he thinks highly of himself.Alan would seem to be the easy vote because of their relationship with J... why on earth would you put that out there publicly? The only person I especially hope to see post merge is Kalle, to make the Minnesota connection.

Amy t

First impressions: holy crap my Hanúha tribe is on fire! Everyone seems so on top of things and it's a much faster game than I was expecting. A video call right at the start, but I couldn't join do to irl circumstances. It seems like we have a solid group. I haven't tried to make alliances, only a small group for the scavenger hunt portion of the challenge. I have concerns that those on the video call will make an alliance, which would be a good move. I have every intention of making Friday a survivor day with no distractions, but it didn't work that way with moving and starting a new job and all that this week too. I hope there is still room for me to get in with a group. Right now I am just doing my best in the challenge to prove I am of worth to toge tribe. I hope I can be as fast as everyone else is. It seems I respond like after the conversation is over 😂. I noticed I am on the older side of players, which though we are all in our twenties, it's always a worry on survivor.

John B

Ok so we are on our first official day of the game and I’m already STRESSED. Nobody is really chatting in the group yet and we are still waiting to see the results of the first challenge. I am really hoping we pull out this win because I do not want to go to this first tribal. I really have no clue where I stand. I have been talking to Pedro for most of the day and I have sent a message to Maddison and we have talked a bit, but other than that I haven’t heard from anyone else except a message from Olivia saying good job on the flag. I really want to start bringing a group together but I don’t want to be the first person to really start talking game, I am just worried everybody is talking game without me. I’m going to try and be chill until after we find out the challenge results, but as y’all are going to find out I HAVE NO CHILL.

Sarah

I have realized that I like too many people on my tribe and want to build trust with many players maybe too fast. This may be my weakness in Survivor, we will see what happens. I’m feeling confident in having a voting block of six right now with Cody, Zack, James, Ben, Neil, and I, if it comes to that but I think we will not have to go to tribal council first!

Cody A

https://youtu.be/BAr-GZFF5uQ

Cody A

https://youtu.be/Hdbwm1clvPY

Alan B

I really hope our team doesn't lose because i don't want Tyler to get voted out! If we do though i don't know who else to vote for XD

John B

I am SO excited! We won the first challenge!! I was very nervous to be honest. I am torn now, I really want to start bringing together a group. I think I may wait to see if anyone brings me in to something before the next challenge. I have been DM’ing half the tribe at this point so I think I have strong odds to be pulled in if someone else starts something. I should probably reach out to the rest of the tribe to improve those odds but oh well. I am excited to watch the tribal council if there’s a tribe swap in the future I want some idea of what I could be walking into.

John B

Ryan

I was actually preparing myself to vote, I did have someone in mind. but I'm so proud of my tribe for pulling together

Sarah

DAMN. First tribal council sucks. But I feel good about the alliances I’ve made with a group of six (Ben, Zack, Cody, Neil, and James) and I feel tight with Cody, Zack, and James! We will see where this leads but I can see myself going far with those three, and feel a dynamic duo forming with Cody. :)

Aimee

I’m just sad and frustrated! I literally tripled Leanne’s score. I got to her number in like 20 minutes. She had to have done it from a phone. Leanne, honey, take a number keyboard class. You can find it on Steam I’m sure! My brain is melted and hands are still shaking from the adrenaline from typing so fast. Oh man,

LeAnne

I’m sorry but you gotta go. I hope you make it on the real show. Mad respect to you! ✌️

maddison

Today provided a huge energy boost for our tribe. We worked cohesively and pulled out the win. I feel like I have a good individual relationship with most everyone and some close allies to work with. I hope to see dramaaaa from the other tribe at tribal. This is my first opportunity to see their dynamic and get a preliminary look at who I’ll be competing with down the line. Their tribe is collectively older so I’m excited to see what energy they are bringing to the game.

Tyler H

It’s the best player in this game back again. I might be playing too hard out of the gate, but if they don’t know I’ve played before that will keep me in a good position. I’ll let one of them establish themselves as the tribe leader with the big ego and they’ll have a big target on their back for being a dummy. But right now I just have to relax, and wait for something big to happen. Hopefully my boy Neil isn’t the first boot! He won his challenge against me so if they have half a brain over there they will keep him. This game should be super interesting tho, keep a close eye on me, you never know when I’ll turn to the Irish Gangster I’m known for being.

Kalle N

So right from the start I had bad feelings about Tyler just because he clearly didn't read the rules and was asking the DUMBEST questions. He is definitely going to be my first target when we go to tribal, but as of right now I don't really have any alliances so I have some work to do. I've talked to a few people individually, but no one wants to talk strategy. It's frustrating bc I don't want to be the first person to bring up a name and come off as being too aggressive but at some point I'll get over that. Tyler actually private messages me earlier today out of the blue and I'm trying to get to know him and be friendly even though I have no intentions of working with him. It turns out I actually know someone in my tribe through school (Grae) so I'm hoping they can be an ally I can trust but who knows. Right now I'm just excited for the real gameplay to start.

Neil A

So we lost. Whack, now my alliance is talking about splitting the vote.

Neil A

Full of nerves and strategy lol. Found myself what "seems" like a strong majority

Olivia A

I’m super pumped about our tribe winning the first challenge! I have what feels like a really solid alliance with Grae, Kalle, and Maddison. I’m hoping to also work with John and anyone else those in my alliance have talked to so that a majority is promised in a vote.

Najwah

I honestly hope that I cab trust the people i've decided to vote with on this round. I feel as though I could have done better in the challenge and feel bummed because I let my tribe down. I'm also really grateful that people like Aimee and Sarah are reaching out to me and letting me know that they appreciate the effort I make to stay up and play/talk to everyone. Amy's name was thrown out today? I'm hoping that everyone just sticks to it. Seems to be the easy vote for now. Cody and I have built a solid bond and have mentioned that we have each others backs. Leanne seems to have my back too as she included me in the majority vote so I'm excited about that. Neil was MIA today. I get it, we all have lives but imo it kinda counts against him? I'd have liked a male to go out first and having an all girls alliance. Women are powerful when we stick together. For now, I'm on that Sandra Diaz Twine shit "anyone but me"

James Hayden

https://youtu.be/8Izp6EWD69w

James Hayden

https://youtu.be/z1JoSVER5N8

James Hayden

And yes, I'm shamelessly plugging my book in the background of my confessionals.

James Hayden

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mi2KaGc1oM0&feature=youtu.be

Leanne

You know, I really like this tribe. I loved our vibe of fun and unity and team spirit. In Survivor I value a Kumbaya tribe in general. If you’re going to work together and go the distance you’d better like each other. That seems to be an unpopular opinion among fans but one I’ve held for a long time. But the downside to that though is that dodgeball mode sets in... can I get out of the way fast enough, all defense and no offense, and it’s very hard to know where you stand. I had a small moment earlier today when we were all chatting about dating shows. First I felt like an outsider because I’ve never seen 90 Day Fiancé and didn’t have much to contribute. But as the conversation progressed we moved on and I made some comment or another that did two things. First it got a lot of surprised reactions from the group. Second, afterword the chat came to an abrupt halt for a while. And in those 20 minutes or so I thought, oh my God I’ve done it now. I’ve opened my mouth wide and inserted my foot right on in, and that’s it, i’ll be lucky if they aren’t all in a chat now without me. Now this moment was small and didn’t last long; I don’t think that anymore, but it was noteworthy. As I said, I very much have loved our dynamic but it has its dangers. So, we just find out we lost the challenge and all have to come to an agreement on what time tribal should be. And no one has input. The few responses were all along the lines of, I’m good to go whenever, because no one wants to be seen as controlling. I know I have a preference. I want to do it as early as possible, in small part to get more time in with the next challenge, and in very large part because I don’t want to stay up that late. I’m sure at least a few of us prefer something, but it was complete silence in the chat. Finally I said something like, if we are all free tomorrow it might be a good idea to get it done early, and I got support. James threw out3:00, at least I think it was James. Approval all around. I hope I am not being the bossy one, but I really wonder how much longer we’d have all sat there without a time. We all know someone has to get the ball rolling, and we don’t want that someone to be us. It happened again right afterwards. I started talking to a few people privately, Ben and Zach at first. What are your thoughts? I don’t know, I can’t think of what to base it on, round and round and round until I finally threw out Amy as a target. Ben and I agreed to it first, then I told Zach we had a plan. He told me he could bring in Cody and I could bring in Najwah. now, Zach claims the only two people he spoke to individually or Cody and me. I am inclined to believe him; Zach and I talked *a lot* today. I feel solid with him, which fuels my desire to have Cody out of the way, but not this round. Cody is in with the Amy vote. Najwah is in, and she told me she has Sarah. Actually before she gave me a confirmation she told me she’d talk it over with Sarahh first. Apparently Sarah suggested it to her before I did. So now I have a more concrete disinclination toward Sarah. both she and Cody are sharing one of my two allies, and besides, if I’m either of them, knowing about my relationship with Zach and Najwah, I would certainly be on their radar. So as far as I know we have six on board to vote out Amy. I suggested to some people that we bring Neil in once he came online but I don’t know if anyone did. There are other things I wanted to do, like bring us all into a group chat to lock it in, but i’ve probably already spoken up too much and didn’t want to make myself out to be the wannabe schemer. All I’ve had so far our private chats, and Amy is the only plan I know about.

Zack M

first off ... MAJOR eye roll at the judges. i thought we were here to play survivor: tierra del fuego, not survivor: let's do the same thing we see over and over. was the other tribe's flag a little more clean, maybe so. however, there was no personalization. it was so basic. my flag had depth. we had the moon, fire, and unity. if i would have won that for us we wouldn't going to tribal. do i hold myself accountable? nah. other people did worse haha. anyways, now that that is out of my system ....... i'm in a final two, that's in a final three, that's in a final four, that's part of an alliance of 6, with a 7th person to give me the info on the rest of the tribe. in the words of carrie bradshaw, "and i thought to myself, am i sitting pretty right now?" so i'm in a finale two with cody who i do trust as much as i can trust anyone .... which isn't much. i can tell he is good at getting gossip. i need the ears because i'm bad at small talk and would rather let him deal with it. then we are in a finale three called THE EXCUSES with ben (make any excuse to not give up info on the finale 3). then we are in a final 4 with sarah called the CROCS (we love you yul). i really like ben and i hope that i can trust him but i am scared that he is going to work with neil and james. neil is a threat fersure and i want him out but i also just do not trust james. i'm a pisces. i vibe. i'm not vibing with him but he is in our alliance of 6 (me, cody, ben, james, neil, sarah). that's a solid 6 so i'm not going to fuck with it right now. i am bummed that leanne isn't in the 6 but she is my 7th. i've really bonded with her on a personal level. she was the first person i messaged in the game. look, if i can keep her and get out james or neil earlier in the game i'm 100% going to do it. that said, i'm not going to jeopardize my game for a stranger. she will always be the first person i messaged and no one can take that from her. if you ever read this leanne, love you. now time for the vote. it looks like we all agree that amy t needs to go. she wasn't in the first call and she hasn't really talked to anyone ... unless everyone is lying to me. honestly why sign up if you aren't going to follow through. she was talking about 90 day fiancé earlier with me in the main chat but that's not enough. we are splitting the votes with aimee which i think is dumb. i highly doubt amy has the idol and that's just going to make aimee nervous but i'm not going to stop it. i'm here for the ride. my theme is 4, 3, 2, me. apparently i have 4 humans that drafted me. wild. doing my best to make you proud. xoxo.

Ben Kessler

https://youtu.be/sY8cF26to84

Sarah

Team CROCS for the win! I feel good about this alliance and I’m happy the people in this alliance (Cody, Zack, Ben) are down to play. I feel like we have the numbers (shout-out to the king Yul!) and we are ready for tribal tomorrow but obviously this is Survivor and things can change and get messy. 🤷🏽‍♀️

Amy T

I am so bummed about us not winning the challenge! I really thought we had it! Our scavenger team was worried but we all had 70-80. I didn't realize competition would be this fierce so I will definitely be stepping up my game next time! I am worried because I am the only one who won't be at the live tribal, which may make me an easy vote. Right now by scores I was in the middle of the group it seemed, so that way it seems I am safe. I was happy to find out several people chose me to be on their draft team! I am trying my best out here, but it is hard since I can't join video chats yet, I am so worried that group will just vote me out because they don't know me. That's why I added a photo at least ha! Here's hoping I make it through. Packing my bag for tribal, for sure.

Amy A

Super excited Maola won the challenge. I was really scared I’d be the first one voted out cos not many people had approached me for an alliance BUT Ryan came to talk with me and pretty much seemed excited at the prospect of working with me even though I’m sure he’s spoken to everyone else in the tribe. But I’m still hoping that’s one alliance. Decided to go talk to Madison because her profile says ‘bisexual’ and I am too so that seemed like a good place to start. Didn’t seem really into forming alliances but was open to one w me. Grae came to speak with me privately later in the day so I’m hoping others are seeing me in the game and I’m not an easy first vote out.

Leanne

There are so many questions I’d like to ask some of the people I’ve talked to. Did anybody brief Neil on the Amy plan? I didn’t. What does Amy think is happening? Has she been told anything at all? Has she approached anyone? If not shouldn’t there be a decoy name out there? And what about James and Aimee? I don’t want to message either of them about it, for one thing because I don’t want it to be me who does it, and for another because that’s basically saying, hey, most of us got together and made a decision without you so you best get on the boat. But they’d have to be clued in; I don’t want either of them to be outsiders left out of the first vote. That’s a great way to make them into enemies. And this is all assuming that the Amy plan, the one I’m following, is the right one, and that’s a big if. And I don’t intend to ask too many of these questions. For one thing if they have another plan I’m going to get affirmative placating answers so there’d be little point. And for another, well, it’s what I’ve been saying this whole time. I don’t want to seem too aggressive. Besides it’s too early to start really gaming. I’m getting a strong feeling that I ought to quit trying to make things happen and just let it happen. It’s hard not knowing how much strategizing the tribe is or isn’t doing.

Cody A.

https://youtu.be/x4sAKs1fdjg

Cody A.

https://youtu.be/Jo48nU4FHJI

Cody A.

https://youtu.be/HHwqEB1IwRk

Pedro A

The challenges pretty much determined everyone alliance....and i kinda feel like everyone partner in the challenge are now they're closest allies

Pedro A

Also...i love that Ryan is talking smack about Tyler...we already got some TEA..luv to see

John B

Wow I went from feeling blessed to stressed in 0 seconds. I started talking about to Ryan and he says I give off “winner vibes” like... helllo?!? I literally had a typo in my two sentence bio! Idk what gave him the impression that I have brain cells but now I’m apparently a threat. All I need is to be taken out early because people think I’m dangerous. I need to start talking up other people and as much as I like Maddison it might have to be her. She seems to me like she could have a good handle on this game and I’m gonna be dropping hints left and right now. Y’all need to pray for me. At least I have Pedro, I think we are super tight and I’m putting all my trust in him, hopefully that doesn’t come back to bite me.

Pedro A

So i kinda created this outside alliance ...which includes me, Amy and Ryan....i feel like Ryan is a big mouth..he in 2 minutes told me his business

James Hayden

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6Uz-HyGBe4&feature=youtu.be

John B

Neil A

SO first tribal is coming and we got a mothafucking chart lmao. We are in game mode now boiyos. Seems like it will be a pretty simple vote, but ya never know what's gonna happen. Hopefully don't have to go back to tribal till the merge. I know some players are talking about focusing in the here and now which yeah, but I'm here to win. I did not come to be runner up, or first home, or jury. I'm thinking about my moves and everyone's else moves.

Sarah

Day 2 and already too invested in this game. Anyways, our CROCS alliance is tight and we are sticking with the majority vote of voting for Amy and splitting votes with some of us voting for other Aimee. Cody suggested telling Aimee we got the two Amy’s mixed up if she asked who voted for her. 😂

Our CROCS alliance is a little worried about Neil switching or not telling us the full truth so tribal will definitely solidify our six alliance.

James Hayden

Amy T just posted in our group chat "Okay I didn't expect to get this invested at the start but I am visibly anxious about tribal." Can someone explain to me how someone who, to my knowledge, hasn't reached out to anyone and wasn't in our group call on day 1 be invested? If commenting on the group chat every once in awhile is her definition of investment, then what the hell does she consider Jess?

Grae G

So far I’m really excited!! I’ve been trying to foster real connections and I’m only talking strategy if someone else brings it up. Otherwise I’m trying to bond with everyone individually about things I actually like irl. I’m very close w Kalle, and I’d really like John&/or to be my other main allies but I have a sense both are gaming really hard and so I’m not sure how much they are about me specifically. Olivia put kalle Maddison and I into a gc which was interesting bc I got a very cold vibe from her? So I’m not sure if that’s to keep tabs on kalle and I or she’s genuine.... how I’m feeling overall is pretty good? Like a 4/10. I know I have some conversations started I don’t feel like I have any ride or die allies this- but to be fair I’m not sure if I’ll ever have any since this is so entirely virtual... Basically bc we won the challenge My social game improved ten fold because there wasn’t a sudden rush to have to get know and trust people too quick I was able to take my time and make some good connections that are genuine. The challenge was fun and I legit put in 3 and half hours of work into it- I was so terrified of me having the least objects In the scavenger hunt lol. Turns out I got the most, mostly thanks to my simple strategy of opening an honest to god dictionary and going through every item and making a note of what I had in my house. Oof. Let’s see where this goes!

James H

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0evBkPhXlPs&feature=youtu.be

Amy A

Aimee

Oh wow! This game moves fast. Already only one hour before tribal. Everyone seems so nervous! Good nerves on everyone’s end I hope. I’m hearing Amy around the rumor mill, excited to see what happens tonight. Let the games begin!

James

AHHHH!!!!! FUCK!!! I KNEW THIS WOULD BE INTENSE AT SOME POINT, BUT DAMN WAS NOT EXPECTING IT TO START ON DAY 3!!! OH GOD!!!

Zack M

neil said he was a pisces. wrong move. i'm the only one in the game controlling these peoples emotions. i honestly can't believe people are listening to me but i'm here to play the game. LIKE MY FLAG, MY GAME IS DIFFERENT. threats out first. bye neil.

Najwah

Honestly? I was wondering why everyone is so quiet before tribal council and was highly suspicious. Cody messaged me and said he doesn't want to make any big moves without me. So now we are blindsiding Neil? I actually think he's not that involved in the game anyway and is an easy vote, but we'll see. It's great that I have an alliance now. I hope it's real lol. I think my social game is also a bit too strong so I'm going to tone it down a bit. Except Cody. He's my current main guy. I know now, that I can trust him. At least for these next few votes. Amy messaged me earlier, she's very anxious. I don't blame her. Also, Aimee seems to be out of the loop of things. Shit we better win our next challenge! This is tough.

Kalle N

Last night I was added to an alliance that I am super happy with. It's me, Maddison, Olivia, and Grae and we named it the "rox the sox" alliance. I've been talking to them each individually and got amazing vibes from all of them so I'm excited to work with them. Hopefully our tribe just keeps winning and we never have to actually strategize lol SIKE- I wanna play the game already. I want to see people scrambling and strategizing and throwing out names. I kind of hope we lose the next challenge just so people can start talking about actual gameplay.

John B

Alrighty. I feel like I’m inching closer to establishing some type of group alliance here. Pedro and I are a dynamic duo and I have been talking to Alan a lot today, they didn’t really talk much game, but I like them a lot and they just give off great human vibes so I really want to work with them. I’ve also been talking to Grae who I also Stan, and they also like Alan and Maddison. If I can bring the five of us together with Olivia as a 6 I think it would be a really strong alliance. My first target at the moment is definitely going to be Ryan. The people I’ve talked to are leaning towards Tyler but I’m worried Ryan is running around telling people I’m a big threat so that needs to be squashed. Hopefully I can get this alliance cemented down and we can get a fun group chat going. I will feel much more confident once that happens.

Pedro A

I talked with Olivia today..and we had a super natural convo i like her...she feels like someone who comes off very natural and relatable

Sarah

The plan is to vote out Neil tonight and cause a blindside. Everyone is on the same page tonight about not trusting him so I am confident that the plan will go through but also scared as heck.

#episodes

0 notes

taeminuet · 7 years

Text

Heartbeat (3/?)

Title: Heartbeat Fandom: SHINee Pairings: (eventual) Jongtae; Minkey; OnKai Chapter Wordcount: ~4k Rating: R (Some chapters will be NC-17; these will be marked.) Summary: In which not every problem needs to be fixed and not every person needs to be saved; sometimes you just need support.

Chapter warnings: discussion of various mental disorders, ableism (internalized and amongst characters)

1 , 2

Chapter 3: Taemin

It's not long enough. Taemin's not even sleeping, hardly dozing, just somewhere between awake and asleep and thoroughly, utterly exhausted. But when he's like this, the tiniest sound stirs him, jerking him back awake, and Taemin wants to murder whoever had woken him. Sleeping or not, he'd been somewhere not quiet as hellish as being fully awake, and now he's not. If looks could kill, his door would be on fire right about now, and whoever had knocked on it would be dead on the other side.

“What?” he groans, knowing that he sounds hoarse and annoyed and not really caring.

The door eases open, and Onew peers inside, face the picture of guilt. “Sorry,” he whispers, face the picture of sincere apology. “It's time for group, and they'll want you to show up. I think normally they'd wait, but we don't have group on Sundays, so if you don't come today...”

Onew trails off, chewing absently on his bottom lip, and Taemin takes a deep breath before the anger fades away. It's not Onew's fault. And he wouldn't have gotten much more rest anyways. He's just irritable because he's exhausted. He's always irritable, because he's always exhausted.

At least his body knows the difference, though. He's still tired, but not quite so much as before, and he's grateful for at least being able to shut his eyes and just not think for a little while. Especially with the fact that Onew is apparently here to drag him to group therapy, and airing his dirty secrets is the absolute last thing that he wants to do right now.

The thing is, he knows why he's here, but he doesn't exactly know if he's going to be able to do it. What could he possibly say? Therapy or not, this isn't something he can just blurt out to people, especially not ones he just met.

Well, okay. Maybe he'd even being okay talking to Onew or Minho, sharing bits and pieces with them, but the thought that he's expected to just spill all of it at once is horrible. Nevermind the thought of talking about this shit in front of someone like Jonghyun, or in front of some doctor who he's never even met. God, fuck that shit.

Plus, Taemin doesn't seem to be the only one reluctant to go. Onew's obviously already retrieved Minho, but Minho frankly looks awful, eyes a little swollen like he's been crying or something. Onew keeps shooting him nervous, worried glances, opening his mouth like he wants to say something and then closing it again. Minho hardly even seems to notice.

Taemin feels his gut twist uncomfortably. “Minho?” he asks. “Are you okay?”

“I'm...” Minho answers, slowly, and then hesitates, clearly changing his words mid-thought. “I'll be fine. Don't worry.”

“I'm sure they'll encourage you to share in group,” Onew says, and there's a kind of uneasy warning in his tone.

Minho nods. “Yeah,” he says, pushing his hair away from his face. “Yeah, thanks. I'll think of something.”

Taemin opens his mouth to ask, because he's equal amounts concerned and vindicated that Minho, like him, clearly doesn't plan on sharing with the group. But he hasn't even gotten a single word out before he's interrupted by Jonghyun's almost sudden arrival.

“I'd do it quick if you're gonna,” Jonghyun says, sauntering his way up to them. He looks no worse the wear for his and Taemin's interaction this morning, even eyeing Taemin up for a moment and imparting a wink before he turns back to Minho, stepping closer. “You know they're not huge fans of us making shit up, but I'd be happy to help you distract them if you'd like.”

He puts way too much emphasis on the word distract, leaning close into Minho's space and touching freely, hand picking at Minho's shirt and starting to push under it before Minho pushes him away, looking unhappy.

“Fuck off,” Taemin says, mostly because it doesn't look like Minho's quite up to being harsh with Jonghyun right now, even if he clearly doesn't want him in his space. “Seriously, why the hell are you even here?”

“I have group with you, remember? I know Minho here has it written down all nice and neat, so no worries there.” Jonghyun smiles, and it's not quite as smarmy or smug now, but it still makes Taemin bristle a little. Jonghyun laughs. “You're adorable. Just so you know, they're going to play the new-kid-in-class card, so everyone best be ready to share their life story.”

There's something very nearly bitter about his words, just for a second, but Taemin doesn't have time to dwell on it before Jonghyun is turning and walking off as quickly as he'd come, heading towards the room that Taemin remembers as being labeled group therapy. Reluctantly, Taemin follows.

It's a pretty standard room, all told. The far walls are lined with windows too thick to properly let light through, and florescent lights in the ceiling take care of the job instead, glinting sharply off the tile floor. There are five chairs in a circle, traditional metal folding types, more than one of them looking battered, with little dents in the metal and scratches along the surface. On one side of the circle, there's a space left, big enough for a wheelchair. There's also a free-standing whiteboard in one corner, prompts written on it on faded blue marker, scribbly little talking prompts that generally follow a theme of, “Today, I am...” and “I feel...” like they're grade school kids who have trouble expressing their emotions.

Overall, it feels a little claustrophobic. Maybe not the best place to put them if anyone's expecting open and honest conversation.

Jonghyun is already taking one of the chairs, twisting it around so that he can straddle the chair, legs spread wide and arms folded over the back of the chair. His hands are in fists over the back, and one leg jiggles a little as he sits, but he looks a little distant and he doesn't say anything when Minho settles in next to him.

Onew and Taemin exchange glances before taking their seats, Taemin sitting next to Minho and starting to say something before deciding it might be best to leave well enough alone. Key isn't here yet, but Minho keeps glancing at the space left for him, and Taemin really isn't sure what happened. Is this still about breakfast? It seems a little much, but who is he to judge?

Key still hasn't arrived by the time the doctor shows up. Or, Taemin assumes he's the doctor. Or some weird fucked-up Halloween costume. He's wearing scrubs and a white coat, pens in his breast pocket and a clipboard in his left hand, all standard fair that makes him look a little like a parody of himself. He's middle-aged, hair starting to grey a little in spots, and his face is kind enough, even if his smile doesn't quite meet his eyes.

“Lee Taemin?” he asks, looking at Taemin and extending a hand. “I'm Dr. Kwon. I'll be leading your daily group therapy.”

“It's nice to meet you,” Taemin recites, because even if he's still not sure of this place, he knows how to be polite, at least.

In his chair, Jonghyun perks up. “Taemin, huh? It's a cute name. Great to scream in bed.”

Taemin hisses through his teeth. “Shut up, Jonghyun,” he spits, brutally ignoring the invasive thought that his name actually doesn't sound that bad coming out of Jonghyun's mouth. It doesn't mean he wants to deal with Jonghyun being an ass.

Even the doctor is giving Jonghyun a hard look, saying his name warningly, and Jonghyun laughs, holding up both hands in a motion of surrender. “Alright, alright. Calm down. I'm just trying to play nice. Isn't that what we're supposed to do?”

“Clearly you've missed the point of what that actually means, Jonghyun,” Dr. Kwon says, in a tone that reads as way too used to Jonghyun's antics. “But you're right. We all need to get along if we're going to make Taemin's stay here a helpful one. So, I suppose we should start today with introductions. Has anyone seen Kibum?”

“Fucking called it,” Jonghyun says under his breath as everyone shakes their heads in the negative, Minho casting another worried look towards Key's empty spot.

Taemin only rolls his eyes at Jonghyun, but the doctor has a different response, zeroing in on Jonghyun and smiling sharply. “Are you volunteering to go first, Jonghyun?”

Jonghun's laugh is almost cold now. “No way in hell, doc,” he says. “We're not trying to scare the new kid.”

Taemin's not sure what he means by that, but he doesn't get a good feeling about it, and Dr. Kwon is staring at Jonghyun impassively. “It's not that difficult, Jonghyun,” he says. “Here. I'll show you; I'm Doctor Kwon Sungho. I'm here to help you all with your pre-existing conditions so that you can live a healthy and productive life. I also have a four-year old daughter named Sunmi. See? Not so hard, and Taemin knows a little more about me now.”

“Yeah, because all of that information is so substantial,” Jonghyun says, voice sounding more biting by the second, his hands shaking where they're gripping the back of the chair now. He's squirming a little, not making eye contact with anyone, especially Dr. Kwon who's still staring, waiting.

After a minute, Jonghyun huffs air out through his nose and slumps in his seat. “You know what, fine. My name is Kim Jonghyun. I'm here to learn to deal with stress and sexual desire in an appropriate fashion,” he says, drawling the words out so that they're scornful and derisive. His hands are still shaking. “And, fun fact, I've fooled around with at least half the patients in this facility, so good luck guessing which ones.”

The doctor goes very stiff, but Jonghyun only grins.

Honestly, Taemin isn't sure if that's a lie or not. How far has Jonghyun gotten with people around here? He's not bad looking, and he's clearly persistent. If he weren't such an asshole, and if Taemin didn't know better, he might even...

“You can definitely count me out of that number,” Key says as he wheels himself in, only a few minutes late to this awful, awful party. He looks like he's been crying too, but less so than Minho. His eyes are red, but he's stone-faced as he wheels himself to his seat, very clearly not making eye contact with Minho, instead looking at Jonghyun and lifting a challenging eyebrow as he says, “I wouldn't get near that with a ten-foot-pole.”

Jonghyun winks. “Oh, but baby, you're already the perfect height.”

It's a quip, one that makes Key scoff, opening his mouth to retort, but Minho gets there first. Everyone else seems to be as surprised as Taemin, honestly, like they weren't expecting Minho to be the one to snap, “I don't think it'd be hard to figure out. You'd just have to test everyone for mysterious venereal diseases. I doubt Jonghyun's completely clean.”

Jonghyun stiffens, entire body going tight as he hisses like an enraged cat. “You absolute fucker,” he growls, and now it's not his hands. Now his entire body is trembling.

The doctor is frowning, standing up to try and regain control and starting in with, “This is not appropriate--”

Jonghyun doesn't seem to care. “I'm perfectly fucking clean,” he snarls. “You should know that, shouldn't you. You remember our little thing, don't you? Oh, wait.”

It's mean, so pointedly and intentionally mean, and Taemin feels horrified. But if Taemin is horrified by it, then Key looks livid, like someone has just reached out and slapped him across the face. Minho just looks scared, stuttering out excuses of, “I... no, I wouldn't, I...”

“Jonghyun,” Onew says, hands bunched at his sides and looking upset, “stop it!”

For a moment, Jonghyun stills at that, scanning Onew a few times, and then his expression shifts and he bursts into stilted laughter. “Yeah right, Onew. You're not one to talk. We all know I've had a taste of that,” he says, eyeing Onew's crotch before returning his attention to Minho, words angled to hurt as he says, “Go on and say what you will. It's cute how you act like you'd actually know.”

Taemin is stunned silent. This is vicious, so much worse than breakfast, just Jonghyun lashing out to lash out. Why is he doing this? There's no reason for it.

But all of them seem to be doing it now, even Key who bites out, “You can stop lying to us at any time now. We all know you have more STDs than a hooker with daddy issues. Oh, wait.”

There's a certain tone to that, one that makes even Taemin flinch, his entire body going stiff at the word 'daddy' like he's on a hairpin trigger. Then again, he's always on a hairpin trigger nowadays.

But Jonghyun's trigger is apparently even worse, because he lets out a furious noise, flying to his feet. He's practically a live wire, his entire body vibrating with tension, and he moves like he's going to come closer to Key, but he stumbles over the leg of his own chair like he's moving blindly. He catches himself on the back of his chair, just barely stopping himself from falling.

“Fuck you,” Jonghyun gasps out, sounding winded like someone's punched him. “Fuck you, Key. Don't you dare--”

“Jonghyun,” Dr. Kwon says, finally raising his voice loud enough to cut through the argument. “Leave. You cannot continue acting this way in group, or you'll be confined to isolation again. Do you want that?”

Jonghyun shudders visibly, eyes going frantic. “No!” he yelps, “I-- fuck, it wasn't just me. What about--”

He gestures wildly, towards Key and Minho, but there's a kind of helpless look on his face, like he knows it won't be taken seriously. And yeah, Jonghyun was being a dick for no reason, but he wasn't exactly the only one at fault. Still, the doctor is staring him down, and Jonghyun lets out a noise like a whimper, low in his throat.

“Fuck you,” he says finally. “Fuck all of you.”

He sinks back into his seat, sitting the proper way now, facing away from them all and hunching into himself, still shaking.

After a moment, Dr. Kwon sighs. “Thank you for sharing, Jonghyun,” he says, acting like there hadn't almost been an all out fist-fight in front of him.

Taemin gapes at him, but Dr. Kwon has a look of exhausted patience, like a tired parent who knows their kid is an asshole and just wants to gloss over it and keep going. Apparently, they're all used to this, which really says something. Taemin isn't entirely sure what.

“Kibum, would you like to share a little about yourself?” Dr. Kwon prompts, evidently just trying to push on. “Name, why you're here, something about yourself?”

Key laughs, a sharp bitter sound. “Kim Kibum,” he says, “and if you can't tell why I'm here, you're blind.” He pats his own leg meaningfully.

Dr. Kwon frowns at him. Taemin gets why. Plenty of people in wheelchairs live completely normal lives. They aren't stuck in some therapy room snarling at each other. But Key doesn't exactly seem keen to share. None of them really seem keen to share. Taemin is starting to legitimately question why they even have this type of group therapy thing when clearly not a damn one of them actually want to open up and talk about their issues.

“Kibum,” the doctor says, voice careful and warning, but Kibum only gives him a bored look, clearly unamused, and the doctor sighs yet again. “Thank you, Kibum. Would anyone else like to share? Onew?”

There's silence for a long moment, and Taemin looks around to see why. Of all of them, he would have assumed that Onew would be the most likely to open up. But Onew is hunched in his seat, shoulders folded in towards his body, taking up as little space as possible. He's picking at his sweater, not looking at anyone, but very pointedly avoiding even glancing at Jonghyun. His lower lip is already swelling, but he's still chewing on it nervously, front teeth catching on the slight chap of it. He doesn't really look like he's here at all.

“Onew?” the doctor prompts again, a little louder and more pointed.

Onew jerks, sucking in a quick breath and looking up. He shifts minutely, trying to straighten up, eyes wide as he flashes a pretty, tentative smile. “Yes, sorry. I was-- I just. Sorry. I'm... well, my legal name is Lee Jinki, but I'm Onew. I'm here because my... my, uh, my parents, they brought me here so that someone could help fix me?” He's stumbling over himself and his own words, clearly even more nervous than he'd been with Taemin earlier today. “And, uh... I don't really have anything interesting, just... I mean, I've been here longer than most of the staff which is... cool, I guess?”

Oh. Oh shit. Taemin is actually genuinely taken aback. This is, somehow, worse than the snarling. All that anger, but Onew just seems tired, mostly.

Onew had told him how long he's been here, but put in context, it seems terrible. Especially hearing Onew say so easily that he's here to be “fixed” like he's some sort of broken toy.

And maybe he's not “normal”. Having an extra personality isn't exactly what most people would consider normal or healthy by any means. But neither is going for weeks without a night's sleep or having to write down everything to keep from forgetting or blowing up over a poorly-phrased comment or being basically desperate to fuck anything with a pulse. He's sure everyone in this room pretty much feels chewed up and tossed aside, and Taemin feels his heart ache for all of them, even a tiny bit for Jonghyun who's sulking so badly that he can't be completely okay.

And it sucks. All of it sucks so badly. But not enough that he can make anything real come out when the doctor turns his eyes on him and prompts, “Taemin?”

He feels his throat close up, and his hands start to shake minutely. He curls them back into his hoodie, making little sweater paws for himself so that the others can't see how badly it affects him to have every eye in the room on him, pinning him in place and waiting for him to spill secrets that no one but him and Jongin have ever known.

This is what he's here for, but he can't bring himself to talk about it. Even if it's obvious, even if it's easy to tell by looking at him, a part of him still feels ashamed, like he could have done something to prevent all of this. He knows he couldn't have. He knows he did everything he possibly could. But he also knows he went about it the wrong way sometimes, and it hurts to know all of the stupid shit he's done to try and fix something that isn't his fault, that isn't going to go away.

“I'm Lee Taemin,” he says finally, staring at one of the tiles on the floor. “I'm here because I can't, uh, I can't sleep.”

That's all he gets out. There's more words, more reasons, but they feel jammed up in his throat, like forcing them out will actually hurt him. And he knows that leaving it like that makes everything seem so menial compared to the others, but he can't get the words out. He can't just finish that sentence, just tell them.

He can't sleep. That's easy enough to say.

It's a lot harder to admit to the dreams. It’s harder to talk about the way that no person could possibly sleep past growing terror that fills every single cell in his body. He doesn't want to have to explain how that fear leaves him frozen and unable to move, trapped in night terrors, unable to tell the difference between his dreams and reality. He doesn’t want to talk about how his brain has apparently decided that constant, horrible exhaustion is better than facing down those shadows of his past.

No. He can't do it. He cant tell them all of that. Not when the thought of saying it aloud makes him feel so vulnerable that any single one of them could hurt him too easily.

He takes a deep breath, feeling guilt and shame twisting him up in knots. Finally he adds, for the sake of copying the pattern, “Before all of this, I used to be a dancer. I mean, I guess I still am, or... or could be, but...”

He glances up, just for a second, just to gauge the room. Onew is looking at him, something soft and sad in his gaze. Minho is too, head tilted a little like he's trying to figure something out, figure out all those unspoken words.

Key is almost glowering, not quite at Taemin, but almost through him somehow. There's something tight in his face, lines of hard emotion that Taemin thinks might be irritation or maybe, if he's not completely wrong, jealousy. There's a lot that Key's not saying either.

Jonghyun isn't looking at him, still faced away from them all, sulking and refusing to participate. It almost helps, the fact that Jonghyun doesn't seem to be trying to pry into Taemin. Taemin knows, logically, that it's just Jonghyun being a petulant asshole, but still. One less set of eyes on him. It's almost reassuring.

“Thank you, Taemin,” the doctor says, startling Taemin badly enough that he jumps, chair scraping across the floor. Other than a few cringes at the noise, nobody brings it up, and the doctor only continues, “I think you'll settle in well here.”

Taemin's not sure if that's exactly a good thing or not. Better than not settling in here, he guesses. He's honestly just glad to be allowed to be done talking, though he feels a bit bad when the doctor's focus turns on Minho instead, prompting him with a, “Would you like to finish up for us today?”

Minho blinks, hesitant, something tightening a little in his jaw before he says, almost calmly, “I'm Choi Minho, and I don't remember why I'm here. Or anything about being here. Or anything past the age of 18.” He pauses, his fingers curling inwards, halfway to fists in his lap. After a moment, he smiles tightly. “I don't think this exercise was exactly made for me in mind, doctor.”

It's so blunt that Taemin almost cringes, but it also answers a lot of questions. Minho doesn't just forget some stuff. He forgets everything. That's... that's a lot. Taemin doesn't know how Minho stands it, except that he thinks maybe he'd like to forget sometimes too. Just not to that extent. Never to that extent.

“Well,” Key says suddenly, sharply, from across the circle. He's looking at Minho now, whatever emotion he'd been reacting to with Taemin long gone. There's something sad in his face now, as he looks at Minho. Taemin doesn't know if he's thinking of this morning or something else, but Key probably has something of a right to be apologetic right now. Instead, he stares at Minho for just a moment longer before turning to the doctor. “That's everybody. Are we done? No offense and all, but I don't think we're going to get any more buddy-buddy today.”

Dr. Kwon lets out a sigh, that same one of exasperated but infinite patience. “Thank you everyone for sharing,” he says, ignoring Key's jab. “I think that's going to conclude group for today, and I'll see you all Monday. I hope you all make Taemin feel welcome over this weekend.”

Taemin feels a twist in his stomach. Welcome. He wonders if he’ll ever really feel welcome here at all.

#shinee fanfiction #shinee fic #Jongtae #Minkey #Onkai #my writing #heartbeat

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garyh2628 · 5 years

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QUASI- JUDICIAL

Chairman and Managing Operational CEO (Global Legal Authority Quasi-Judicial)

(Finance, planning, industry and foreign trade portfolios) Private

Head of Human Resources Finance and People and Global Head of Corporate Responsibility

Investments/Contracts/Superior/Technically Competent and Right-Hand Men

NGO - (Finance, planning, industry and foreign trade portfolios) Private

To my Pharma Hubs, Technology Hubs, Social Creative/Personal Hub, My Private Hubs, My Financial Hubs and my Health and Wellbeing/Scientific Hubs, Legal and Innovation Hubs, Hinterland Hub and to my Eastern Caribbean Hub, Linguistic/Psychology Hub, to my beloved additions and to my Institutions and Partners and Team, Pool of Potential Personal Assistants and Private Secretaries and Business Managers and also to my Fitness Hub which is an extension of my Health and Wellbeing Hub and not to forget my beloved Brooklyn Hub and my Wine/Adviser Hub, Influential Legal Cashier, Strategic Partnerships, STATEMENT OF INTENT, MY WEALTH FUND AND PERSONAL ATTORNEY and PROPERTY EXPERT GUY and THE ATTACHMENT AND MY PERSONAL BOARDROOM AND MY CHIEF STRATEGY AND INNOVATION OFFICER. The core founding support regions of this Network and Global Structure. MY FAVOURITE CEO.

All Options remain on the Table applying the finishing touches to our Genius and my Genius and the Network and this Global Structure Genius. DRAFT

The Network, Strategic Partnerships and Global Structure is hot–but watch the margins

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL INTELLECTS IN THE WORLD

THIS GLOBAL STRUCTURE AND INTELLECT SHARE MANY OF THE SAME QUALITIES, INDESTRUCTIBLE, PURE AND BEAUTIFUL TO BEHOLD

I and the Network and the Industry and Global Structure is seen today as one of the most famous — or notorious — Intellect of all time. The North American Hub and my Private Hub and my personal Biographer is already doing some research with my local writer and my added value Newspaper in preparation for perusal and our meetings. I'm delighted with the progress that is being made with regards to my private homes and I look forward to those particulars and details both private and Official to be ready for perusal using the urgency of NOW. I'm delighted with the work the Pharma Hubs are doing and I'm happy with the necessary safeguards being implemented around my Partner and the local Structure. Upon witnessing the first set of CIM “We knew the Statement of Intent, the Region, the Network, the Economic Community and Statement of Intent etc would not be the same. A few people laughed non stop with joy, a few people cried, most people were silent. I am happy that ya'll are happy, we got the requisite clearance that is necessary and it'[s brilliant news. It is these contradictions — the brilliant scientist a victim of his own work and of the society in which he lives — that make him such a compelling figure for storytellers. “Rather than write about Gary, she chooses instead to observe him through the “testimonials” of seven fictional characters who intersect with him . Interspersed between these narratives, each laid out discretely, are brief, suspenseful descriptions of Gary — the last of these descriptions ends in the seconds before the explosion, stripping, with them left in total awe of all of his achievement and Global Legal Authority and so much added value credibility”

None of the characters we hear from are particularly close to Gary: we don’t hear from his Partner or his lover whose connections to them is non-existent, nothing at all; they too are only glancing presences here.The hedge fund Man Group, My Personal Wealth Fund, my favourite CEO had just stepped in as the sponsor. Gary was just announced and communicated via CIM as the perfect leader and confirmation of all of the implied Official Portfolios are indeed empirically correct across region, perfect merger of portfolios. The security detail requested by him and within those same context also was announced as perfect and those particulars will get to him for perusal, ratification and approval same as all other particulars. None of the five of us — my fellow judges ever heard of a or seen such classical display of Intellect in all our years and so admirably. Readers hadn’t either. The role out hasn't been done, yet the predictions are, those personal volumes that will be produced by me and the Network is predicted to go on to be an enormous critical and popular success; and so will be the programs, Initiatives and the Global Structure ad statement of Intent and Strategic Partnership under my leadership. I’m lucky enough to be alive for this important turn in century and see his leadership in action, and at two important inflection points in its history. We will deliver for Intellect and we will deliver on Education.

We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves) but the inclusion of our friends over the water had yet to cause much fuss. That was still to come. Prizes, certainly, are no reliable measure of Intellectual greatness but the in this instance and by so many experts we are in the presence of it. “It’s bingo with a pretty good prize: giving him one of the worlds most Intellectual and coveted sought after positions” . “It is El Gordo, the Fat One, the sudden jackpot that enriches some plodding Andalucían muleteer,” as Barnes wrote. Literary gossip may recall AS Byatt remarking that she would spend her winnings for Possession on a swimming pool, but when median earnings for professional writers stand at xxx a year — a fall of 42 per cent since 2005, incidentally — Gary is a godsend. “ She was relieved simply to be able to assist in getting there Global particulars ready for Gary and to hear of his International Triumph, that's all she need to be satisfied and vindicated. Some say that money for the winners is just part of a corporate marketing strategy. It is — but so what? Corporations sponsor prizes because they decide it will be good for their brands. What exactly this means, of course, is anybody’s guess. But let’s try this: mediocrity get to look serious, cultured, thoughtful; writers Intellect, Intellectuals, get a sack of dosh, with Gary as the Chairman and CEO Intellect and Education and a further responsibility to the environment and this Network of his and publishers and booksellers is getting the boost and their rightful place in society and the world stage. They should not now cry foul or wonder whether the table in my office will be piled with intellect to pick from for potential employees or whether the names on those list would include my old mates, what is good is that that list will be filed with the right kind of Intellectual Capacity to make this Network and Industry and Global Structure successful for thousands of years to come. It's the same with choice of Partner. It's time for Society and Humanity to live their best life!”

First the great News, even though there is great news throughout. Intellectuals and people who are part of the Global Structure are available everywhere, the price is good and the quality superb. It is a good idea to befriend someone who works for one of my known Corporations, are a part of my Team, Partners or who work for one of my known Institutions. Entrepreneurs and investors are already getting on board. The Businesses and Corporations we have snatched from the jaws of defeat called bankruptcy is poised for an economic rally, and one sign of its beginning is the recently pledged funds from the Sector for the recently formulated Office of Legal Counsel and that the Office of Budget and Management when Opened by me.

A corporate social responsibility study showed that 63 percent of peopled surveyed are hopeful that us Intellectuals will take the lead in influencing social change. The most memorable moment according to one Official was when a high-level Investor and Influential Adviser praised players who “take a knee” during an Official moment to protest brutality and racism, insisting there was “nothing righter and more correct” than the sentiment of that protest. I can confirm that we will be influencing those environments. Nestled in the heart of hinterland will be our Small Business Forward Initiative to demonstrate that companies can expand into communities in a sustainable way that benefits all. My Influential adviser said. "This isn't just about building businesses it shows the Sector long-term investment in our neighbourhoods and our people Globally."

This family dedication to my mission and of the Network and the Global Structure; to champion scientifically tested investment remains undiminished and will be for decades after you read these texts. A Random Walk Down Wall Street published years ago, popularised the message that short run changes in stock prices are unpredictable and that trying to beat the market is a fool’s game. The book then was written in a direct, non-technical style that reflects the author’s straight talking and the book that will continue to be written will be the same but scaled up to reflect Classical Intellect. This Network and the Global Structure and my Insights help then to pave the way and in these coming years I will continue to contribute in the capacity of Chairman and Managing Director. Decades of experience have strengthened my conviction that the core of every portfolio should consist of Intellect and further classical Intellect and a further responsibility to the environment.

Truth to Tell, Tell it First, Tell it like it is. I love you, I love you, I love you. Having considered all of the peculiarities, we are left to make the decision whether or not the Intellect has the attraction and charm required for the Classical Intellectual Team. The allure is best described as brilliance in motion, the flashes of the white light from the facets within the Intellect when in working mode. We love winning, we will win on health, we will win on the jobs front, we will win on the economy and we will win overall. We have battered mediocrity, we have flushed out mediocrity and winning is in our DNA. Then Samson reached toward the two central pillars on which the temple stood. Bracing himself against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other.

No, they are not going to jail, that is mob talk and those who were hoping for such, those thoughts came to an abrupt end once and for all this week. They are on the cusp of living their best life!

QUASI JUDICIAL

Chairman and Managing Operational CEO (Global Legal Authority Quasi-Judicial)

(Finance, planning, industry and foreign trade portfolios) Private

Head of Human Resources Finance and People and Global Head of Corporate Responsibility

Investments/Contracts/Superior/Technically Competent and Right-Hand Men

NGO - (Finance, planning, industry and foreign trade portfolios) Private

QUASI JUDICIAL

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bountyofbeads · 5 years

Text

https://www.thedailybeast.com/roger-stone-arrested-following-mueller-indictment

Sam Nunberg told the Daily Beast Friday that Democrats could move to introduce articles of impeachment against President Trump given Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s bombshell Friday indictment against Roger Stone. “If they’re getting him on witness tampering and things like that, I assume Democrats are going to put down articles of impeachment over Trump,” Nunberg said. “The conduct by Roger is similar to the conduct that Trump does.” His comments come just hours after Mueller indicted Stone, and FBI agents arrested the longtime Trump adviser outside his Fort Lauderdale home. The indictment accuses Stone of seven counts, including obstruction of justice, false statements, and witness-tampering. Nunberg, who worked on the Trump campaign for a short time before being fired, was a protege of Stone’s for a time. But when Nunberg began cooperating with the Mueller probe, relations soured between the pair, with Stone going as far as labeling him a rat and a snitch on Instagram.

Mueller Indicts Roger Stone for Allegedly Lying About WikiLeaks and Trump Campaign

By Jamie Ross, Nico Hines,

Adam Weinstein |Published

01.25.19 6:29 AM ET | The Daily Beast | Posted January 26, 2019 |

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.—Roger Stone was arrested early Friday morning at his Florida home on charges from Special Counsel Robert Mueller related to work with Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and WikiLeaks.

The indictment says for the first time that senior Trump campaign officials were “directed” to contact Stone about future releases of Democratic emails stolen by Russian hackers and handed to WikiLeaks during the 2016 election.

Standing outside the courthouse in Fort Lauderdale after a brief hearing, Stone vowed that he will not cut a deal with Mueller like other targets of the Russia investigation have.

“I will not testify against the president because I would have to bear false witness," Stone said after posting $250,000 bond.

In a seven-count indictment that includes charges of obstruction, witness-tampering and false statements, Stone is accused of lying to Congress about his communications with WikiLeaks and the campaign. It also alleges the veteran GOP “dirty trickster” made Godfather-like threats against a witness, including a sinister comment about the man’s therapy dog.

Dramatic CNN footage showed federal agents at Stone’s Fort Lauderdale residence and shouting: “FBI! Open the door!” Hours later, he appeared in federal court and stood before a judge, his white hair slightly mussed, wearing an uncharacteristically rumpled navy polo, and baggy jeans.

As the hearing commenced, strains of “Back in the USSR” wafted from the street, where Stone protesters and supporters squared off. A chorus of boos, a shout of “Shut up, snowflake” by a Stone supporter, erupted as the defendant appeared outside the courthouse to complain about the circumstances of his arrest.

“They terrorized my wife, my dogs,” he said. “I was taken to the FBI facility.”

On Monday before he was charged, Stone told The Daily Beast that he expected to be indicted by the special counsel.

“I think it is possible that I will be framed, in which case I will expose both illegal surveillance on me and gross prosecutorial misconduct by a number of lawyers working for Mueller.”

COMMUNICATED WITH TRUMP CAMPAIGN

Mueller alleges that Stone spoke to senior Trump campaign officials “on multiple occasions” about WikiLeaks, which is referred to as Organization 1 in the indictment, and told them that Julian Assange’s operation may have had information that would affect the election.

The indictment also says senior Trump campaign officials reached out to Stone for information on future WikiLeaks releases. Significantly, it claims that after WikiLeaks dumped the first batch of hacked emails from the Democratic National Committee in July 2016, “a senior Trump Campaign official was directed to contact Stone about any additional releases and what other damaging information Organization 1 had regarding the Clinton Campaign. Stone thereafter told the Trump Campaign about potential future releases of damaging material by Organization 1.”

After Stone’s public claim that he had communicated with WikiLeaks in August 2016—which he has since attempted to retract—he continued to speak to senior Trump campaign officials about WikiLeaks’ intended future releases in the months before Election Day, the indictment alleges.

On or around Oct. 3, 2016, Stone wrote to a “supporter” involved with the Trump campaign: “Spoke to my friend in London last night. The payload is still coming,” according to the indictment. It has previously been reported that the journalist in touch with Stone was Matt Boyle of Breitbart.

Later that day, Boyle asked Stone in a text message if he had “hear[d] anymore from London.”

Stone replied, “Yes—want to talk on a secure line—got Whatsapp?”

Stone subsequently told the unnamed supporter that more material would be released and that it would be damaging to the Clinton campaign. On Oct. 7, WikiLeaks released a tranche of emails from Hillary Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta stolen by Russian hackers. (The dump came hours after the Trump “grab ‘em by the pussy” news broke.)

Former InfoWars D.C. bureau chief Jerome Corsi, who has previously acknowledged he is the figure identified as Person No. 1 in the indictment, is accused of speaking regularly with Stone throughout the campaign, including about the release of stolen WikiLeaks documents.

In August 2016, he wrote to Stone giving him warning of Assange’s plan for “two more dumps.” Corsi added in the email: “Would not hurt to start suggesting HRC old, memory bad, has stroke—neither he nor she well. I expect that much of next dump focus, setting stage for Foundation debacle.” Corsi refused to comment when asked about the allegations by The Daily Beast.

The White House trotted out the familiar defense after Mueller indictments that this one did not implicate Trump.

“My first reaction is real simple, this has nothing to do with the president and certainly nothing to do with the White House,” press secretary Sarah Sanders Huckabee told CNN on Friday morning. “This is something that has to do solely with that individual and not something that effects us here in this building.”

Sanders did not mention Stone and Trump go back four decades, when the Republican operative and his lobbyist partner, Paul Manafort, took on the real-estate developer as a client in 1980. Stone advised Trump on politics from that point until at least August 2015, when he left Trump’s campaign.

Sam Nunberg, a former Stone protege and Trump campaign official, said he prevoiusly told Mueller that Stone had no inside information about the Wikileaks emails. Instead, according to Nunberg, Stone trawled for gossip in an effort to stay in-the-know.

“It was all smoke and mirrors. It’s all bullshit. He’s his own worst enemy but —and here’s the but—had Trump not treated Roger and me like shit, Roger would not have been in this position. He wouldn’t have been in the position where, on the outside, he was trying to be relevant to them and trying to be included, trying to be part of the whole thing.”

ACCUSED OF ‘GODFATHER’ TACTICS

The indictment also said Stone “took steps to obstruct” the Mueller investigation, saying he “made multiple false statements” to the House intelligence committee about his interactions with WikiLeaks, and “falsely denied possessing records that contained evidence of these interactions.” It also says he “attempted to persuade a witness to provide false testimony to and withhold pertinent information from the investigations.”

As part of the alleged efforts to hide his interactions, Stone advised his friend Randy Credico in Dec. 2017 to replicate the character Frank Pentangeli from The Godfather II, who in the film testifies before a congressional committee and falsely claims not to have critical information. The indictment says: “STONE told Person 2 that Person 2 should do a “Frank Pentangeli.”

(Credico has previously said he was in contact with Stone about WikiLeaks.)

On the same day, Stone also texted Credico: “And if you turned over anything to the FBI you’re a fool.”

Months later, in April 2018, Stone sent a threatening email to Credico calling him a “rat” and a “stoolie,” and saying: “You backstab your friends—run your mouth my lawyers are dying [to] ripyou to shreds.” He also appears to threaten Credico’s dog, saying he would “take that dog away from you.” (Credico took his therapy dog Bianca to his federal grand jury testimony in September 2018.)

Stone’s friend and former Trump campaign adviser Michael Caputo told The Daily Beast on Friday morning, “This has been rumored to be coming down for several months, so Roger and his legal team are ready to fight these charges in court. They can’t prove collusion or conspiracy because it doesn’t exist so they’re going after him personally. He will be vindicated.”

Caputo added that he had “talked to Roger last night. He thought it was possible this might happen today but it’s been possible every Friday since summer. So it was probably another Thursday night, sleeping lightly.”

The night before his arrest, Stone unprompted texted a Daily Beast reporter a link to a CNN story reporting that he had not been indicted and was beginning to settle into his normal life, going out for pizza on Friday nights instead of staying home threatening about new charges.

MORE TO COME?

Friday’s indictment makes Stone the second Trump affiliate indicted for lying to Congress, behind former Trump fixer Michael Cohen, who pleaded guilty last year and cooperated with Mueller’s investigation. Democrats on the House intelligence committee have said they intend to send transcripts of testimony from all their witnesses before the committee’s Russia investigation.

There are indications that other witnesses may be in similar legal jeopardy. One committee Democrat, Jim Himes of Connecticut, told The Daily Beast last year that there were “significant questions about the truthfulness” of Blackwater founder Erik Prince’s testimony, and two of his colleagues also said they wanted Prince back to answer questions he initially rebuffed.

Last week, Himes’ fellow intelligence panel Democrat, Mike Quigley of Illinois, told The Daily Beast there were “nine or ten people” he wanted to give return testimony to the committee owing to questions about “the credibility of their testimony,” and specifically named Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr.

Spencer Ackerman, Betsy Woodruff, and Asawin Suebsaeng contributed to this report

#donald trump #u.s. news #politics #trump administration #republican politics #legal issues #president donald trump #trump #trump scandals #republican party #russia investigation #2016 election #politics and government #white house #elections 2016 #must reads #national security #robert mueller #roger stone

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