#i dont feel the buzz cut though that's where i draw the line

[god-imdelulu]

i swear to god this Coriolanus Snow rampage is 2020 Draco Malfoy all over again

[sgtjbbhasmyheart]

Drunk Texting Is(n’t) Bad for Your Health- Chapter Two

Series Summary: Talk about your unconventional meet-cute! Bucky receives a text by mistake requesting he prove he's not Reader's sister. The easy dialogue between Reader and Bucky sparks a natural friendship, but could it lead to more? Bucky still deems himself unworthy of any form of affection or love. Reader is hellbent to prove him wrong. With the help of some (meddling) friends along the way, Bucky may get his happily-ever-after after all.

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Word count: 2921

Warnings: bad language words, blink and you’ll miss the angst, just some fluff

A/N: divider credit- @firefly-graphics

DO NOT copy or replicate without my permission

You awoke with a start, feeling as if you were late for work or something important and forgot to set your alarm. Your heart beat an erratic tattoo against your ribcage. Scrambling for your cell phone, you blindly reached across the side table near your bed in a panic. Unplugging the phone, you brought the device an ungodly closeness to your face. It was only 6:17. On Saturday.

Your pulse throbbed behind your eyeballs, and a strange stickiness coated the inside of your mouth. Did you drink that much last night?

How could you not? Timmons was a fair boss, and you enjoyed your job, but that dude loved the sound of his own voice.

The quarterly business dinners were mandatory for all employees, even for the P.A.s. Typically, they weren’t so bad, but last night, Timmons felt the need to toot his own horn for landing a massive contract with Stark Industries slash The Avengers. He went on and on about how great it was for the firm.

He was like a giant kid in a candy store with his ramblings. ‘We will be promoting the face of The Avengers and everything that goes with it,’ he spouted off like the firm was god’s gift to public relations.

You groaned at the reminder of last night’s presentation. The contract wasn’t even in effect yet, and you were sick of the Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Timmons could be a real buzz kill.

Rolling to your back, you brought your phone up to tap the screen to read the emails you received overnight. On display was a text from 11:04 by someone named James. It read: “Goodnight, (Y/N).”

Your mind went back to last night again, trying to recall who this James was. He must be significant if you plugged his contact information into your phone already. Had you met someone last night?

Drawing a blank, you clicked on the text bubble to pull up the thread. Briefly scanning through the numerous texts, everything came rushing back. In an attempt to text your sister, Robyn, you mistakenly texted this mysterious, James.

You felt like an utter buffoon when you learned he wasn’t Robyn. You always did have a way with the cute boys. Probably why you were single. You groaned out loud as you read on.

You im safely inside my apartment. Pretty sure no one followed me home

James Did you triple check the lock on the front door?

You yes dad yeesh

James There are a lot of bad people out there. Just want to make sure you’re safe.

You sounds like you watch the news too much but its sweet of u to care

James I know from experience.

You r u the bad guy or have u been the one mugged?

James Let’s just say I have friends that have dealt with the bad things of the world.

You right i almost forgot ur a military-trained assassin athlete mchottie

James Did you ever send your sister a text?

You shit thanks for reminding me i have such a crazy story to tell her

James Only good things, I hope.

You oh yeah all the good things an enigmatic yet handsome stranger cares more about my safety than any of my ex-boyfriends ever did.

James My ma raised me right.

You id say

James_ I hate to cut this short, but I think you need your rest. Especially if you’re meeting your sister tomorrow._

You i dont want to agree but ur probably right

You whats ur name btw?

James My name? Why? Do you plan to continue texting me after tonight?

You duh ur fun to talk to

James Oh.

You or not its cool if u dont want to

James It’s James.

You nice to meet u james im (y/n)

James Nice to meet you as well.

You my sister just texted me back and were still meeting at 9 i should go 

You goodnite james

James Goodnight, (Y/N).

Oh. My. God. Had you seriously drunk-flirted with a stranger and offered to keep texting him? You had no shame with a few drinks in you.

You brought a hand up to pinch the bridge of your nose and sighed loudly.

What did you know of this James? He had a New York area phone number. Check. He could have been a real dick about your mistake but wasn’t. Understanding. Check. He worried about you getting home safely in your inebriated state. Caring. Check. Not too forthcoming with the nine to five. Secretive. Check. His mouth looked so soft and plush, and his eyes were made to drown in. Gorgeous. Check.

A heat simmered beneath your skin as you recounted the shortlist you’d made. Were you lusting over someone you’d exchanged less than forty texts with? Had you somehow woken back up in high school?

Shaking your head to clear your thoughts, you stared at the screen displaying the message thread. Were you really considering this? You nodded your head to answer your own question. Where was the harm in a little shameless flirting? If worse came to worst, you could always block him.

With your mind made up, you began typing into your phone, constructing an apology.

You Good morning! First off, I want to apologize for the way I behaved over text last night.

You Though, I do like to imbibe in the occasional drink or two, I am, by no means, a lush.

You Please take everything I said with a grain of salt. Apparently, I get loose-lipped and cheeky with free wine. 😐

You Again, I’m sorry and understand if you wanted to cease our correspondence for my behavior.

You blew out a breath and tossed your phone aside. It was up to fate now and a stranger named James.

You laid in your bed for several minutes staring at the ceiling, contemplating between whether to send a ‘haha just kidding’ text and what the weather would be like, so you could forego shaving your legs in the shower today.

Your phone chimed during the pondering of hair removal, indicating a new text. You knew it was James proclaiming you a freak and to forget his number, but secretly, you hoped it was Robyn canceling today.

Seizing the phone from your mattress top, your heart’s beat increased with each second you went without looking at the screen. Finding the courage, you flipped the device over to read the message.

James Quite the formal apology, Ms. Professor.

You smiled at the text. It didn’t tell you to pound sand or eat shit. No, it was teasing and in jest. You sighed in relief.

You Cease our correspondence too much?

James No, no it was perfect if this was 1863, and you were breaking up with me via telegraph.

You Stop!

James Exactly! ‘Never speak to me again!’ Stop. ‘It’s not you, it’s me.’ Stop.

A belly laugh disrupted the tranquil air of your bedroom. You quickly thumbed out a reply once you caught your breath.

You You’re incorrigible.

James I’m glad to see you are using proper capitalization and punctuation this morning.

You Ha!

You When you are buzzed and/or tipsy, capitals and periods be damned. Like you’re so perfect when you’re drunk.

James We all have our flaws.

Was he implying he was a sloppy texter when drunk, too? You shrugged it off as him being cryptic again.

You What are you doing up so early on a Saturday? I didn’t wake you, did I?

You were suddenly stricken with guilt. You should have waited for a more reasonable hour to send out rapid-fire apology texts. Not at 6:36 in the morning. You didn’t want last night’s behavior hanging over you, though. Better to clear the air now than later. You could always ask for forgiveness again if you had disturbed his sleep.

James I had just gotten back from my run when I saw your texts. I have training this morning.

You Oh, right. For your hush-hush, super top secret mission/quidditch game.

You You ever gonna tell me what you really do?

James_ Maybe. Someday._

How far away was someday? Was he planning to text you until you both died or until he got bored? How did texting relationships even work?

You Or is it one of those situations where if you told me you’d have to kill me?

James 😈

You There you go again--being all mysterious.

James Keep ‘em guessing and coming back for more.

You Has that strategy worked well for you in the past?

James Got you to text me again this morning, didn’t it?

You scoffed at what he had suggested. He was correct, but your stubborn streak would deny everything.

You The only reason I texted you this morning was to apologize for acting like a drunken fool last night.

And to squash the curiosity burning in your veins. But he didn’t need to know that.

James Oh.

The reply caused you to furrow your brow and your stomach to drop. You regretted not adding more levity to your last text. Of course, it wasn’t the only reason you were drawn to him.

You I appreciate that the selfie you sent wasn’t a dick pic. And you genuinely seemed to care about me getting home safely. Thank you.

You And maybe- a teeny, tiny bit- is honestly interested in getting to know you better.

You waited on pins and needles for his text, watching the pulsing ellipsis on your screen. Was he just humoring you?

James Hook. Line. Sinker.

Reading his response generated a flush from your jaw to your hairline. You growled in embarrassment. You fell for the oldest trick in the book. He baited you for a compassionate answer, and you delivered beautifully. Hook, line, and sinker, indeed.

You You’re an ass. I take everything back.

James Don’t be mad. I wasn’t sure how it was going to go, but you played into my trap wonderfully.

James If it makes you feel any better, all kidding aside, I want to get to know you better too.

James I fell asleep with a smile on my face last night and woke up with one this morning.

James Because of you, (Y/N).

A flutter broke apart in your chest. You hadn’t time-traveled back to high school; no, this was junior high territory.

You You’re lucky you’re so damn charming, James.

James Doll, you have no idea.

The subway ride into Manhattan usually gave you the chance to get a little reading in since it took nearly fifty minutes from Queens. Not today, though. You spent the entirety of the train ride texting back and forth with James. It was mundane stuff, but you were getting a grasp of who James was as a person.

You Favorite color?

James Black. You?

You Blue.

You Favorite ice cream flavor?

James Chocolate. Yours?

You Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia.

James I didn’t realize we were getting specific.

You We weren’t, but that’s my favorite.

You Favorite movie?

James I like the classics- The Wizard of Oz, It’s A Wonderful Life, Frankenstein.

You I have too many to list, so don’t ask.

You Okay. Lightning round because I’m almost to my stop.

James Where are you going again?

You paused your reply for a brief second, wondering if you should divulge your destination. You’d known James less than twenty-four hours; although, it felt like weeks after this morning. Where was the harm in telling him where you were meeting your sister? There were nearly nine million people in this city. There was no way you’d ever bump into each other.

You A bakery in the Upper East Side called Two Little Red Hens. Ever been?

James Don’t think I have.

You Well, since you like chocolate, they have a fantastic cake called Brooklyn Blackout. Super rich but delicious.

James Sounds right up my alley.

You Cats or dogs?

James I’m gone too much, so cats.

The answer piqued your interest. Maybe he was an athlete. Wouldn’t it be practice and not training, though? Or he’s FBI or CIA.

You Socks on or off for sleeping?

James Off.

You Silver or gold?

James Silver.

You Morning, noon, or night?

James Night.

You How do you take your coffee?

James Room for sugar and creamer.

You Boxers or briefs?

James Boxer briefs.

You laughed out loud, looking around the subway car to see if anyone was paying attention to you. Per usual, they weren’t.

You Touché.

As soon as the train stopped, you gathered your purse close to your body and made for the exit. You followed the crowd of fellow passengers through the turnstile and ascended the stairs onto street level.

The morning sunlight caressed your skin like a warm blanket. The humidity wasn’t too bad, yet, but the threat of afternoon thunderstorms still hung in the air.

Even with the reasonably early hour, the sidewalk was stuffed with people, carrying to-go coffee cups or shopping bags. You fought for your little spot of real estate on the grimy concrete.

Stopping at a red traffic light, waiting to cross, you typed out another question for James.

You Pineapple on pizza--yay or nay?

The light changed as you finished, and the throng of pedestrians around you guided you across the street. You spotted Robyn outside the bakery as your phone dinged with a new text alert.

“Wow, I’m surprised you made it on time,” Robyn said as you hugged hello.

You looked at the clock on your phone. 8:58. “You and me both, sister.” Glancing back at your phone’s screen, you giggled.

James What kind of monster puts pineapple on their pizza??

“What’s so funny?” Robyn asked as you accompanied her through the bakery’s door.

With a grin on your face, you punched out a quick reply:

You Well, it was nice knowing you, James. It was a swell friendship while it lasted--a whole 11 ½ hours.

Robyn elbowed you softly in the ribs with a look on her face, seeking an explanation.

“Ow,” you grunted. “What?”

“You tell me. I half expected a zombie to walk through the doors today after your text last night. Not Suzie Sunshine.”

You both edged closer to the counter as the line in front of you dwindled.

James Say it ain’t so, doll! Pineapple on pizza? Really??

You let out a low chortle as you skimmed the text. You glimpsed up at Robyn as you shuffled forward in line again. “Believe me, I’m pretty hungover,” you replied, shoving your phone in your back pocket. “It’s a funny story. I’ll tell you everything when we sit.”

Robyn stared at you warily, still trying to figure out what had come over you. “Okay,” she conceded, stepping to the register to order.

With each of you supplied with an iced coffee and a peach ginger scone, you found an empty table by a window along 2nd Avenue and proceeded to tell Robyn about James.

When you stopped to catch your breath, remembering the whirlwind the last twelve hours had been, you peered at your sister for her reaction.

She stared at you like you’d grown a second head. She shook her head in disbelief. “(Y/N), what where you thinking?”

Your brow pinched in confusion. Was she actually scolding you? You crossed your arms over your chest. “I was thinking about how my big sister is always telling me to meet new people and how it’s time I thought about settling down.”

“Not like this it’s not,” she hissed. “This is how your body parts end up in someone’s freezer!”

You choked on the piece of scone you shoved in your mouth before she started ridiculing you. After coughing to clear your airway and taking a sip of your iced coffee, you leered at Robyn. “Oh, my god! Dramatic much? Have you been binge-watching Dateline again? Jesus Christ, Robyn, he’s harmless,” you countered.

“You think you’ll be so careful, but you’ll let one little detail slip, and he’ll find you,” Robyn said before taking a pull from her coffee.

“You mean, like, how I was meeting you at Two Little Red Hens at nine o’clock?”

Robyn’s mouth popped open in an O. “What the hell, (Y/N)?” she stage-whispered. “Are you trying to get yourself kidnapped and sold into sex trafficking?”

“Please,” you drew out in one long syllable. “He doesn’t know what I look like. How would he snatch me?”

“He could look you up on Facebook.”

“Without a last name?” You shook your head, no.

“What about a reverse search on your number?” Robyn asked, pushing the plate holding her scone away. “That’s a thing.”

“Perhaps, but it seems like a lot of effort for a mistake I made. It wasn’t like he was seeking me or anyone else out.”

Robyn huffed out a breath and folded her arms in exasperation. Always the protective big sister. You could tell you were breaking her down, though.

“C’ mon, Robbie. It’s all in innocent fun. I’m not saying I’m hoping he’ll turn out to be Mr. Right, but the banter is fun,” you remarked. “James is charming and witty and nice to talk to.”

Robyn shook her head once more, frowning. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”

You reached across the table for her hand and squeezed gently. “Me too.” You smiled slyly, remembering last night’s dinner and Timmons gushing about The Avengers. “If not, I know how to get ahold of a couple of centenarians who know chivalry isn’t dead.”

Chapter One | Chapter Three

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[awkwardplantwrites]

Finding Magic Chapter Five

Chapter 5: 2470 words / Reading time: 11 minutes

Genre: Fantasy/Adventure/Action

Find the chapter on wattpad (Bippick is my wattpad username)

New to the story? Missed some updates? Find all the chapters here on tumblr

(Artwork by @pe-ersona ~ Feel free to let me know if you enjoy the story!)

The forest grew more dense the further they walked in. Moss grew on rocks, branches swayed above them, and leaves and flowers littered the ground. A dirt path worn into the ground by previous travellers was nowhere to be seen, as if they were the first people to enter this forest. Pepi looked at Renato. The rope still bound them at the wrist, unable be cut it apart without magic.

Renato looked like he'd seen better days. His middle parted, dark brown hair had grass stuck in it, mud covered his favourite navy blue cloak, and he had a bruised eye that seemed to throb with every step they took. Renato tightened his lips, rubbing his wrist where the rope hung.

Pepi overheard some of the conversation between Renato and Helaine that morning. From what he understood: Renato felt like Pepi wasn't telling the whole truth. Which - if you remember a certain cousin Rupert from Chapter 3 - was true. Though Renato wasn't honest either. He hadn't said a word about his injuries, as usual.

Pepi patted him on the back. "How're you feeling? It's not even afternoon and we've already had quite a day, huh?"

Renato perked his head up, a glisten of interest within his tired eyes. "I'm alright, how are you?" Pepi rolled his eyes at the automatic response.

"We've lost our wagon. You won't be able to rest if you become weak. Might I remind you you're ill? Do you want me to carry your bag?"

"Oh, uh," Renato stammered, fumbling with the bag straps on his shoulders. "No need, I can carry it." His eyes wandered to Pepi's with a question in them, but he blinked it away. "I'm tired," Renato admitted.

"We went to bed late last night."

Renato furrowed his brow. "It's not… It's a different type of tired. I don't think you'd understand."

Glancing down at his own black boots as they trode on wildflowers and grass, Pepi combed his fingers through his hair. "The kind of tired where you feel as though you're dragging the entire world on your shoulders, and it's heavier with every step you take. Something like that?"

"… Something like that, yes." Renato fiddled with the clasp of his cloak.

The trees had become so dense that they had to walk in a single file line. Birds sang no songs. No deer or rabbits or foxes strolled around. Even the breeze had silenced and the trees now showed no movement. Their footsteps seemed to make no sound either. Pepi bit his bottom lip, heart beginning to race, and his breathing hitched. He scrambled into his backpack with shaking fingers, pulling out two small loaves of bread.

"Let's eat! We- we skipped breakfast and boooy am I hungry after all that running!" He stuffed some into his mouth and passed the other to Renato.

Renato took the bread from Pepi with his free hand and tutted. "Pepi, I know you love the sound of your own voice. However, it's possible to have a period of silent tranquillity." He nibbled into the crust.

Looking around for any sound, movement, any life at all in the forest, Pepi's heart beat a little harder. "D-dont you find it s-strange that it's this quiet?" He wiped the sweat off his brow. "To be honest, I… I can't stand being in a place with no noise. It really scares me."

"Oh. I like the quiet. I don't understand what's frightening you. We can talk though. I might space out but I'll do me best to distract you."

"Finally, Renato the Entertainer. That's all I've ever wanted."

"If you want entertainment, I can tell you stories. Me mam says I get me storytelling skills from me dad. I like reading about folklore and history," Renato spoke softly. "You know, I enjoyed getting to know Kater and Helaine. Hearing about their lives was like listening to tales from history books. Less extravagant, but still interesting."

"I guess so, yeah. Save your stories for when we're at a campfire and there're others who can listen. Most people never learn to read and I bet they'd love to hear them."

"True. Helaine was also telling me about Spirit's Eve. It sounded fascinating. People hung up decorations, they were playing games, dressing up… She also told me about holidays. Where you celebrate. Have a feast Take a day off. I'd like to bring that to Llantry."

"Ah I noticed, though I thought it wasn't the right time of year. Don't you get time off to be with your friends?"

"No. We work then go home. It's difficult to have friends in Llantry. You know what everyone in town's doing, because it's the same thing they've always done. There's never any need to make small talk. We're all like an old married couple, where they sit side by side all day without saying a word."

Pepi still knew of their eerie surroundings, however, Renato's voice calmed him. "This journey's quite the break of routine, then isn't it?"

"I've never left Llantry before, so yes."

The more Renato spoke, the more guilty Pepi felt. Renato was tired yet he saw to Pepi's needs without question. As expected of a healer and leader. The guilt doubled. Why should Renato comfort him when he got nothing in return? Renato earned Pepi's respect and gratitude but even then it wasn't a fair exchange. There were certain things Pepi felt too afraid to share about himself. But if Renato wanted the truth from him, for him to open up: it was the least he could do. If only a little.

"Did I ever tell you I come from a massive family?" Pepi asked.

Renato looked upwards in thought. "Don't think you have."

"I have way too many cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. We're close to our extended family. Plus there's my nieces, nephews, brother, and sisters…"

"I'm surprised you have enough air in your lungs to list all those relatives!" Renato gave a small smile. "What's their names? How old are they? Are your siblings candy merchants too?"

Pepi chuckled, feeling a small weight lift off his chest at Renato's brightening expression. Then it fell right back where it left as it dawned on Pepi how much he'd been shutting Renato out. He answered Renato's questions, gushing over his youngest niece's first words, his brother's banter, and his uncle's farm.

"If it isn't obvious already, Uncle Wylas is my favourite uncle. I liked to run over to his place when I wanted to skip out on cleaning duty and get away from the house. He made a chicken coop that looked like a ship and we gave the chickens pirate names. One time we got an artist to draw Blackbeard, a chicken who just had to get the most corn in the mornings, wearing an eye-patch." He showed it to Renato.

They came across a clearing, with a river in the middle that had small waterfalls streaming into it. Pepi revelled in the sound. The area seemed to sparkle, with glowing yellow bugs sitting on long strands of grass, and luminescent butterflies flitting from flower to flower. Pepi and Renato sat on the riverbank, finishing the last of their bread. Pepi noticed Renato gazing at a flower beside him that looked like a wild daisy with red petals. Renato picked it with his free hand, bringing it to his nose to smell. The petals closed, reopening with a burst as smoky gas covered Renato's face. Pepi laughed as Renato coughed.

"That's what you get for picking a flower!" Pepi commented, taking the flower to put into his pocket.

Pepi took his boots off to dip his feet into the river, watching as colourful reeds drifted around his ankles. Renato lay down with a sigh.

"Do trees know where their next arm's going to come from?" Renato asked. "A tree starts growing a branch. It doesn't mind this new arm. It says, 'Hell yeah man, I got another arm so I can get more sunlight and live life!'"

"I don't know," Pepi replied. "You've got me thinking now. Do you have any other thoughts about trees?"

Renato dragged Pepi over to a low hanging tree branch, giggling as the leaves brushed over his head and fell to the ground. "It's petting me," he laughed. "Pet sounds like Pep. Pep-pep-pepepepep."

"By Lidion," Renato gasped. "What if people's hair was like tree roots? And people absorbed food and water through their hair? A moment ago y-you could've been sipping water from that river with your hairy legs!"

"You're being more amusing than usual." Pepi picked the leaves out of Renato's hair. "It worries me."

"Believe it or not I've a wealth of humour, I'm just very cheap." Renato pulled Pepi down as he lay face down and groaned. "Me head feels like it's buzzing." Renato clutched his head and smiled as though he couldn't force his muscles to frown. "Am I flying? Why is the grass so sharp?"

A rustling nearby made Pepi sit up in full alert. He peered around them. Finlay flew out his pocket pulsing yellow, but he was still concerned. Pepi put his boots back on.

"Who's there?"

Renato yawned. "Probably just an animal."

Standing in front of Renato, Pepi shook his head. "I haven't seen a single animal."

From a bush appeared small humanoid creatures.

"Fairies!" Renato gasped.

The fairies ran as fast as their little legs could carry them, shouting in high-pitched voices. "It's the human, he came back! Quick, get his instrument!" A few fairies darted back to the bush and returned with a string instrument that Pepi recognised.

"My lyre! I thought I lost it… But how did you- why do you-"

"Do you just know everyone everywhere, Pep?" Renato pulled at Pepi's trouser leg.

"Uh, no, it's more like they all know me and I haven't the foggiest idea why they do." Pepi picked up the lyre and inspected it. It really was the one he'd lost, with the exact same wonky engraving of his name, the same scratches. He put it into his bag.

"Cast us a spell, human!" The fairies climbed onto Renato, poking Pepi in the leg. "We want to see you do the pretty lights again!"

"What are you talking about? I can't do magic," Pepi told them.

"The human doesn't know! Doesn't remember! Niklam erased his memory!" The fairies tittered. "What a trickster!"

Pepi brushed the fairies off his leg, who fell onto Renato's chest. "Wait, who's Niklam?"

The fairies ignored him, choosing to fly over to the flowers instead. The flowers were about the same size as them, and the fairies pulled at the petals, shoving their faces into the flower head, laughing when the petals closed over their heads and gas covered their faces.

Pepi rummaged in his bag with one hand then took out the job hiring poster from two months ago, showing it to the fairies. "Is Niklam the one who gave me this? Who are they?"

However, like Renato, the fairies were too busy being silly to notice him. Some attempted to fly but stumbled in their takeoff and fell down, laughing hysterically. Pepi put the poster away and groaned.

"They're so cuuute!" Renato laughed with them as some fairies made tiny braids in his hair.

Other fairies noticed the rope tying the two humans together and snapped it apart using a flame spell that singed Pepi's wrist.

"Ow! A simple magic knife would've cut it just fine."

A fairy wearing shorts and a garland of Autumn leaves flew clumsily up to Pepi's face. "Shay tanks to us! We helped yuh. Yuh should looshen up a liddle." The fairy raised their palms, shooting a spell in Pepi's face.

Pepi jumped up and began playing the lyre, then danced to his own music against his will.

"Oh no," Renato sat up, leaning on his elbows. "They used a charm spell on you!" His head fell back down and he laughed, causing the fairies dancing on his stomach to stumble.

Normally, Pepi loved playing music; in fact, he wanted to be a travelling minstrel one day. But something was wrong with Renato and Pepi had a spell cast on him that neither of them could reverse without magic. He'd been correct to be on edge the moment they stepped into this forest! Pepi tore the lyre from his own hands and stuffed it into his bag. A fairy shot another spell at him, forcing Pepi to sing as he continued dancing.

"Shoo little flies and get off my knight or you'll be in for a nasty surprise!" Pepi swatted the fairies off of Renato, who fired spells at Pepi that missed by a long shot. "Renato, we need to be on our way since we've got places to go and shouldn't stay!" Pepi sang and pulled a dizzy Renato up to his feet, jerking Renato because of his jig.

The fairies suddenly screamed and flew away into the forest upon seeing something. There was a crack of thunder. Pepi looked at the fairies’ line of sight and cried out in joy upon seeing a large black horse jumping down the waterfall and into the river. Finlay flew out of Pepi's pocket and hit him in the face, but Pepi ignored it and shoved Finlay back into his pocket.

"We're saved, we are! By a horse of the night, which can take us far until these fairies are out of sight!"

The horse stopped in the river, staring at Pepi with glowing white eyes, as water dripped down its massive mane that looked like a bundle of riverweed. For a second, Pepi thought back to his encounter with the dragon in Llantry, how it locked eyes with Pepi like this horse did. Rearing its head back, the horse let out a harsh neigh of chilling laughter. Then, galloping out of the river, it stood high above Pepi and Renato.

"That's a bad horsey…" Renato mumbled, holding onto Pepi's shoulder for support in standing while his mind spun.

"We need to break the spell or I'll dance forever and you'll never be well!" Pepi found a big rock to climb on, to make jumping onto the horse's back easier, and guided Renato up. Renato swung his legs over its back, slumping forward onto the mane as he complained about the smell.

"Let's go to the nearest town, hold on tight or you'll fall down!" Pepi warbled, grabbing their bags, and sat behind Renato on the horse while his legs bounced up and down like they had a mind of their own.

They rode out of the forest and time started again. Birds tweeted in bushes, the rain hammered down, and thunder rolled in the distance. The horse wailed. That's such a Mood, Pepi thought.

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[blankdblank]

Plots and Scandal Pt 2

Pt 1

Tags -

@himoverflowers, @theincaprincess, @aspiringtranslator, @sweeticedtea, @ggbbhehe4455, @thegreyberet, @patanghill17, @jesgisborne, @curvestrology, @alishlieb, @jogregor, @armitageadoration, @fizzyxcustard, @here2have-fun, @lilith15000, @marvels-ghost, @catthefearless, @imjusthereforthereads, @c-s-stars, @abiwim, @deepestfirefun

…

c-s-stars said:

Prompt Request: Fíli/Mallory/Kíli or Aidan/Claire please!

44 “I don’t have enough middle fingers to let you know how I feel.” 106 “I made a new friend today.” “Real or imaginary?” “Imaginary.” 104 “Damn, you’re strong for a little thing.” 275 “There is nothing worse than seeing you get what you want.”

…

Locked in a focused near trance on your sketch pad you formed the comic strip repeating in your mind you were softly vocalizing for your phone propped up on the table in front of you. Through the face call you heard, “Please tell me you don’t plan on hiding in that hotel their whole trip.”

You shook your head, “Nope, I’m going to drop in at that shop in a couple days.” You glanced up returning a scrunched nose tongue extended expression in response to theirs Aidan clapped his hands over his mouth not to laugh at your adorable expression. “Hey! I made a new friend today. I am not sulking.”

Smugly the voice asked, “Real or imaginary?”

After a pause you averted your eyes back to the page mumbling, “Imaginary.” Only making the men looking on smile larger as you turned your sketch pad to the phone, “But look, he’s got a stick!”

The voice asked, “Is that raccoon facing a troll with a stick?”

You nodded lowering the pad again, “He hacks the troll across the face and it’s all, ‘Damn, you’re strong for a little thing.’ Plus he has some catchy phrases.”

“Oh yes like the line about the group of guys beating him up and the constant mentions of his testicles…Why do you draw that fodder?”

With a scoff you replied, “You know as well as I do I can’t just go around flashing the full design until the show gets picked up. Have to brainstorm discreetly.”

“Again, vampires aren’t that uncommon. I’m certain you can get away with it.”

You rolled your eyes, “You just don’t get it, it’s in my contracts, I can’t.”

A sigh came through the line as your fingers folded around your pen knowing what was coming next, feeling the tears already filling your eyes again remembering the news of your ex dying leaving you spending an hour crying in the bathtub as the guys were out. “I just don’t see what was so appealing-.”

“Lina-.”

“No let me-.” Promptly you ended the call and turned off your ringer making the phone buzz until you blocked her number and set the phone aside, mumbling, “There is nothing worse than seeing you get what you want.” Grabbing another colored pencil you added, “I don’t have enough middle fingers to let you know how I feel.” Turning back to your sketch, “I think I’m going to give this troll a bright red beehive hairdo and pointed glasses.”

The men couldn’t help at your determined furrowed brows adding the details to your strip. Dean gently rapped his knuckles on the wall drawing your eyes to the group that smiled crossing to you as Richard asked, “Couldn’t help but hear, you animate a vampire show?”

You softly blushed saying, it hasn’t gotten picked up yet, turning the book to the trio that leaned in and chuckled at the few strips you had as Aidan stated, “Well when it does let us know.”

Richard chuckled, “It looks fantastic. Even with the raccoon as the hero.”

Dean, “Who is the hero in the full show?”

“Don’t have a name yet but he’s the last in a long line of disgraced vampire hunters. Has to go after Dracula after a town kills his, Dracula’s Wife. He’s sort of a drunken savant at killing the undead, ends up having to be friends with one.”

Aidan, “And the emu?”

“A female, we can’t seem to settle on her yet, but it’s sort of a, I don’t want to say, sibling like, bickering between the trio.”

Richard chuckled then eyed you carefully having been the one to guess your bout of crying he shared with the guys hoping to find something to make you feel better. An idea he quickly settled on was your joining them for the convention, among the group was going to be a set of the Weta workshop crew that had gladly agreed to show you through the traveling exhibit sharing details on it while the guys signed autographs before the second group of actors. Mainly the outright angered bundle of fluff Graham had become when hearing about what had happened, agreed to show you around himself as Aidan was busy. Gladly being the single Dwarf among the Elf cast to do so while Evangeline swapped with him so she could fly home early for another fan stop of her own for another of her roles.

With a grin Dean added, “So, we managed to get you a pass for the event.”

Your lips parted, “You-.”

Aidan cut you off, “We are not leaving you alone through this. Besides, you had our characters on your bag.”

Your eyes shifted to Richard as he stated, “We’ve managed a surprise for you, so when you’re ready we’re heading out.”

With a nod you stood and went to pull on your socks and shoes, wearing the same jeans and a fresh shirt under your cardigan, making sure to bring your blank notebook and extra pencils in your old satchel coated in your random sketches to cover its aged spots of wear and followed the group with their own bags of books, snacks, water and ipods.

.

Unable to help it your anxiety spiked in the wave of cameras until your hand was claimed by one of the guys. Another car pulled up and more giants filed around you and guided you inside where you were led through by Aidan until he was taken away and forced to leave you with a parting smile under Graham’s care alone until the Elven cast joined you greeting you happily and guiding you through their character’s section of costumes and weapons leaving you a giddy bouncing mess when you were left alone with the Weta crew fully able to geek out with you over the details of the world they helped build. For hours you shared and swapped stories of your various jobs while Graham took his place on his own cast table through the Dwarves’ final sets of interviews.

A short lunch break let granted you a private moment to sketch a dozen of the ideas your tour had given you. Though your concentration broke at a familiar Irish croon over your shoulder through a set of foreign curls brushing along your cheek, “More raccoons?”

With a smirk you showed him the sketches of armor and weapons and even scenery you had imagined. “Just small details for later.”

He nodded then said, “Care to look through some booths?”

You nodded and put your book and pencils up accepting his side for the walk not noticing the subtle glances your way the world soon spread around confirming an affection he had for you already. Steadily he made sure not to cross any boundaries and ensured your happiness through the muddle of actors aiming to do the same. Though his times with you spelled out differently at your hand nearly outright claiming his after a few testing brushes of your knuckles against his. Holding back his smirk he held his hand closer to yours urging you on to freely claim his hand, hoping to soon not even have the second guessing.

For years he’d been in another relationship, and through his painful breakup he made certain none around him felt any pain. You had fallen into his life at the end of that dark tunnel, and just in time it seems. Even in the few minutes you shared on that plane he could just sense it, with you he had to try for something, anything more than a passing moment by chance. At once he could tell in those green eyes of yours in an instant he would hold you in his arms taking you home with him to Dublin. You’d fit in perfectly with his family, who no doubt would tease him for his blonde break and relenting to his weakness for fiery haired women even his characters seemed to love as well. As he left your side for one more group photo you held the camera for his plans all locked into place. He would be heading back home after a short stop in London and he hoped to be able to convince you to join him for one more adventure after the following day he had planned.

[smudgedtoon]

The missing days

“I'm not sure.” It sounded better than I dont know. But honestly I didn't  know, anything; about where I'd been, who I'd been with. It was all a blur.  Or I want to say it was a blur, but more like if it had been sanded away delicately in small areas and rather harshly in the rest.

The cop scuffed and waved me off. I tried to make him wait but he cut me off with a disgruntled. “Come back when you know what you need.”

“Fine.” Huffing I left the police station. Looking around found me a bench to sit on and think.

Now to go over what I did know barring things like where I lived, how old I was;

1.I knew my name, obviously or else I'd have told the officer that at the very least. But just to be sure my name's Zenith. This didn't come as a shock to me because I knew everything else about me except and this leads to...

2. I was missing days. Two at the very least. I mean it had to only be two, I checked my phone twice to make sure. But it felt like more...

3.I woke up in someone else's apartment in a weird part of town.

4. There should be no weird part of town, I've lived here all my life.

“Okay go from what you know…. So before I can't remember, what do I remember….” I recieved dirty looks from strangers passing by but screw em, talking out loud helps me think. I knew this, I knew….. “Work?....Work!” I had work….; not what I needed right now but that was a start. I pulled out my phone again dialing the number by heart. A quick glance at my screen clock had told me my shift hadn't started yet, so I was going to call sick. As I waited for someone to answer the other line my thoughts went back to working out just what I needed help with. Wait work…. the two missing days were on my off days? No, that felt wrong.

Finally someone answered.

“Hey thanks for waiting this is Derek from Game-On speaking, what can I get you playing today?”

“Hey Derek its-”

“Oh shit dude its you.” Derek voice went high with surprise and then low as if he was being listened to. “Calling to beg for your job back? Yes, we do have a couple of Playstation 4 fallout 76 bundle packs left from our Sale!”

“What?” I said cringing at the yelling and confused. “what do you mean-”

“dude ol Heely's still has a controller up her ass from that shit Fr- Oh no I'm sorry we're not offering a free copy with the bundle any longer, though it already comes with the game! dude heelys comin this way gotta go…. Thanks for calling and may your ending cutscene be epic!”

The line cut out. I wanted to call again, but Derek had sent me a text. ‘Dont call back… Heely just threatened to fire any of us talking to you on company time. I'll text after work’

Resisting the urge to text back, I began my walk home. I walked slowly hoping something along the route would help me remember more about the last couple of days. My stomach growled as I passed a small dinner, when was the last time I ate? Some customers left and through the closing door I caught a whiff of something delicious, another grumble. Checking my wallet I found I had no cash, strange, I think I should've had money. What I did have however was my credit and debit cards. I didn't want to check my bank account out of fear of what I would find so credit it was.

I walked into the building and was instantly hit with a sense of familiarity….; but why? Looking around I noticed nothing really special it was your typical mom and pop diner with vinyl booth seats and mounted down tables. The floors were not what I expected instead of the usual checkered patterned linoleum it was if someone had painted a galaxy. It felt like it was pulling me in.

“-always gets people.” A voice interrupted my thoughts.

Looking up a saw a massive   smiling down at me. I took her in. Her face was round and cheerful yet it wasn't exactly youthful, though I wouldn't say she looked old, rather she looked like someone who knew a thing or two about life. She had warm brown eyes that reminded me of tinted glass lanterns, her hair…. My jaw dropped. Her hair if it was actually hers was as amazing as the floor. Okay that sounded wrong….. her hair was long, almost ass length, locked and dyed to look like the night sky, she must have used a glittery hair spray to get it to shimmer like that. “uhhhh….” I managed pathetically.

“Oh I was saying, the floor really draws People in. It's new. ” She said nodding to the ground. She hadn't seem to notice me gawking or if she had she didn't say anything about it. “Welcome to Mookie’s.”

“Mookie’s?”

Her brows furrowed and her gorgeous smile was replaced with a scowl. It only lasted as long as a blink of eye. Her smile returned but with a little tension in her voice she asked. “Is that a problem?”

“N-no. Just an unusual name…” I back pedaled. “ummm can…. I… have a table?”

She nodded and took me to an empty booth near the kitchen. As she waited for me to sit down she explained the name. “Its named after someone close to my family.”

I nodded feeling like a huge dick. I was sure I was gonna get my food spit- Shit did I just insult the owner.

As if reading my mind, the woman added. “Actually more close to the owner, my grams, than me.”

“Oh.”

Awkward silence. She looked as if she was waiting for something but then grew impatient and started speaking again.

“So I'm Vi and I'll be your server today.” she nodded towards the the end of the table  where I found the menus. “Would you like a drink while you look at the menu?”

“Sure, I'll have tea please.” I said wanting this to be over with as soon as possible.

She nodded and said. “I'll be right back with that,” before departing.

“Well Zeni, you really fucked that up and she was cute too.” I muttered to myself as I looked through the menu. I turned between the pages until I spotted what I wanted.

When Vi returned with my drink I ordered and she left. As I began to make my tea I paused. On my saucer was the standard small kettle of hot water, but the odd thing or rather the awesome thing there wasnt a tea bag insight, just lemons and honey. As I set about squeezing the slices of lemon into my cup I felt like I was being watched. Looking around I spotted my observer. A little black girl, dressed adorably in a black tee that read future boss lady and red cat eye glasses as well as shorts and black and purple kitten leggings, was sitting on one the stools at counter seating and had swiveled around to face me. I waved and the girl excitedly smiled and waved back before looking around quickly to make sure no one had seen. She swiveled back to face the counter and I chalked the whole thing up to kids being kids.

Going back to what I was doing. A thought popped in my head. Jessica. She'd probably have some idea of what had happened. After all she was my girlfriend. Why hadn't I thought of calling her when this first happened? My brain buzzed as I tried to probe that thought a bit further, eventually I wrote it off as how awkward it would be to call one's significant other to pick you up and fill you in on why you were at a strangers house and couldn't remember the past two days.

“You should drink your tea before it stops being hot.”

I was jerked out of my thoughts to see the little girl sitting across from me. When had she done that, I'd only be lost in my thoughts for a moment and the distance would've taken her more than that to get to my table from where she was, unless she had run over. That must've been it. Realizing the girl was awaiting some type of response, I put on a smile and lifted up my cup giving her a cheesy cheers and took a sip. Oh gods my brain screamed as the taste of hot yet diluted sour spread across my tongue. It was all I could do to not spray the kid with unsweetened lemon tea.

She giggled and the pointed to the honey. “You forgot the honey Zeni.”

“Yeah you're right.” I said after swallowing. I reached for the honey and paused. “Uhhhh… sweetie, Zuntie Zeni is tired it's been a long day what's your name again?” Zuntie Zeni? It sounded right… I'd never used the phrase in my life- I brought my focused back on what was important this kid knew me and somehow I must've known them from my auto response.

Her brows furrowed as she pulled a face only children have the balls to make and for a split second she'd reminded me of someone. That face then broke into one of utter sadness. She mumbled something to herself, I only caught “really don't”.

Before I could ask her anything a plate of food was placed before me. I got a brief glimpses of a scarred arm before it was pulled away. I looked up to see Vi.

She gave me something that resembled a smile before turning to little girl. “One what have I told you about pestering customers.” She turned to me and apologized. “Sorry about this, the meal is on the house. If you'd-”

“Its fine. Really, One,”  hope I hadn't butchered the girl's name, “was keeping me company and showing me the fine art of making lemon tea.” I  winked at the girl and she giggled.

“See Zuntie Zeni's fine.”

A volt of pain went through my brain and I had to grab the table for balance even though I was already sitting.

I awoke in my bed with my head still killing me.  I remembered somethings. From my disassociated meal at the diner to what had happened almost three days ago.

I had been fired on my last day of work before my days off, fired was an understatement. It had been a shit show, my ex, I know remembered why I wouldn't have called Jessica, had gotten it into her head that Heely and I were having some type of affair. She'd gone to the store wrecked it and then assaulted Heely and accused me.  The thing was though Heely had been showing me the ropes of management. From there I had been invited to a party by Derek to cheer me up. I had meet a girl. We'd spent the whole party talking and joking around. It was her I'd went home with her. From there things had gotten hazy again. All I could remember was her name. “Te.” I felt a shiver run down by spine before I fell asleep again.

[delicrieux]

l o v e { young!sirius black x reader }

warnings; sensitive topics

words; 1400

prompt; hi um could u do a young Sirius x shy fem wheelchair reader imagine were the reader is insecure and thinks no one will love her because of her disability but gets proven wrong with lots of fluff and a kiss and the reader gets embarrassed when the marauders walk in also the reader thinks its some crewel joke at first because she doesn’t think I guy like him would love her also id like to know how the marauders were to reader and Sirius as a couple I hope u can do this it would mean a lot xxx ( anon )

a/n; just throwin this out there. i hope no one takes this personally and doesn’t think i touched on the subject too lightly or not light enough, i dont want to hurt anyones feelings, but it is what it is. sending love and positive vibes your way. also, sorry for the wait xx

MASTERLIST KO-FI. WRITING CHALLENGE!

You did not think someone will ever like you, let alone someone as popular and as carefree as Sirius Black himself.

You might be a little introverted, livelier of emotion rather than conversation, not forward though bashful. The sunflower colors of your uniform inform as much and the batch of parchment and books you always have in your grasp only confirm the suspicion that you fancy the company of a good book rather than a housemate or such. You were a sight for sore eyes in a social gathering mainly because you never attended those and an interesting conversationalist once a person looked past the shield of innocent eyes and red cheeks.

But this shyness did not come sudden and unexpected, no, it is the root of something that is a permanent part of you. You cannot walk. Perhaps you glanced away from a cute boy because you felt too open, perhaps you blushed like a rose from hearing a compliment because you did not feel like you deserved it, perhaps you chose solitude because you believed that that is the only way to avoid rejection. For what? For being a different shade of blue than the rest. You have friends, they love and cherish you, but the primal fear of rejection makes you recoil and think twice about engaging in chatter or accepting to accompany someone to the Green Houses. Loving oneself is the most difficult task in the world, and you came realize so early on.

You did not expect to be approached one leisure spring afternoon. The sun was at its peak and the heat and humidness of the rapidly approaching summer tinted the air along with pollen and flowers and freshly cut grass. A small patch of gravel mixed with grass, the very shore of the Black lake, was the only place where a cool breeze could be found and the gentle sway of tall trees growing just by the water provided a pleasant shade. You felt hot in your uniform, under the soft flowery blanket covering your lap, under those dreaded rays of the sun that created mirages on the skin of your knuckles. You exhaled. The lines of the book swam for a moment and you closed your eyes, feeling a bit lightheaded. You leaned back into the wheelchair and felt your skin coat with sweat. Perhaps you should leave and cool down inside. There are plenty quiet corners inside the castle. Your thoughts halted and startled you opened your eyes, turned your head sideways and let a nervous tremble shake your body as you noted the rapidly approaching figure. You had heard footsteps, but hoped that no one was coming for you.

Upon closer inspection that familiar figure melted into tar black messy hair and a cocky smile that belonged to no other than Sirius Black himself. He was not your friend. Merely an acquaintance, a boy that everyone knew in Hogwarts, along with James Potter, Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew. He had talked to you a few times, for reasons unknown– your lives are drastically different and you would prefer to keep that distance. He was charming, from the very first moment you had laid your eyes on him charisma was practically pouring out of him. Though knowing of him and his reputation, you had ordered yourself to focus on something else, at times someone else, to protect yourself from the fate of all of his ex-girlfriends – heartbreak. Not that someone like him would be interested in someone as shy as you, you thought.

He smiled. You were unsure was it the temperature or the rapid thumps of your heart that made your skin crawl with heat, but promptly you turned away from him and watched the water ripple. You heard a soft chuckle but refused to acknowledge him. You should have left when you had the chance.

“Well, it’s nice to see you too, (Name).” A faint moment of surprise – does he actually remember your name? A pleasant flutter of a smile made its way on your face and you glanced at your lap; you heard him find a seat next to you, the grass crunching below him as he did. “What you reading?” His question made you perk and you glanced at him: he sat cross-legged, curiously staring at the book in your lap with his head tilted gently to the side. He almost resembled a puppy.

“Oh, uhm…” Your voice came out rasp and you cleared your throat, the tips of your ears started to sting from the heat and you looked away again, “The Metamorphosis…I’m not sure if you had heard of it, but it’s pretty popular in the muggle world.”

He shrugged, “Nope. What’s it about?” He sounded genuinely interested and you couldn’t help but be slightly proud.

“It’s about a man.” You said quietly, “One morning he wakes up and realizes he turned into a bug.” Your tone fell a bit flat, “Following this…his work rejects him, even his family does.” He sat silent, in thought and open to the rawness of our voice. That was highly considerate of him, frankly you didn’t think Sirius Black had a considerate side or a side that enjoyed English literature. “It’s one of my favorite books.” You added to lighten the mood.

“Why?”

You gulped, fiddling with the paper pages and letting your fingers slide the inked surface, “I suppose I can…sympathize with the main character.” There was a smile in your voice, though he failed to catch one on your face, “Sometimes I feel pretty paltry too.”

If there is one word that would describe Sirius Black, it is persistent. Ever since the two of you shared that oddly intimate conversation he could not, for the life of him, stop thinking about you. His eyes would often search for you in the Great Hall, around a group of Hufflepuffs, or in your favorite places. Some might say he went out of his way to find you, to proudly recommend some novels, to sit next to you in class and jinx paper airplanes to land into your lap or hair (with no ill intent, of course).

James Potter smirks and shakes his head lightly while Remus sighs. The two friends watch as Sirius idly chats with you, his voice hushed but excited, with a smile so bright he could hardly contain it. James nudges Remus, motioning to their best friend, “Just look at him.”

“Smitten.”

“Completely.”

|*|

He stole a kiss from you right after the first autumn rain had melted away. You sat frozen in place, unable to process anything other than the triumphant beats of your heart, the adrenaline rush and the pleasant buzzing sensation that began in your lips and spread like wild fire thought your body. The night��s air started to creep through the cracks in the windows and the world fell still before crashing back into motion. A flustered Sirius leans out and catches your gaze along with the meek breath of air that threatened to escape your parted lips. He gulps, straightens himself and runs a shaky hand through his hair. He seems surprised. Possibly just as you.

It takes you a moment to catch your breath and once you did the fever of thoughts rushed you so quick any words that were to slip out halted; dazed, you slowly look away from him and blankly stare somewhere over his shoulder. He kissed you. Sirius Black kissed you and now stands in front almost terrified, unsure whether he made a grieve mistake or not. It would be wise to ease him, to let this happy feeling flow through you and set you free, but you can’t stop replaying the taste of his lips.

A wheeze of a laugh draws your attention and for a heart stopping moment you think he is laughing at you, “I…” He trails off, “I probably should’ve asked you first. Rather than just…” Your gazes connect and you gulp. A smoldering blush fries your cheeks, the tip of your nose, even the sides of your ears and you bite your lower lip. Sirius cracks a smile, “I-I, well,-“ It takes a second for him to collect himself and before you know it, he is back to being the playful and cocky self. He grins. “First night as being my girlfriend, (Lastname).” He winks. “Better get used to surprise kisses.”

[onceuponaprime]

11. “I almost lost you” kiss: Drautos/Cor

Always great to get Cor/Drautos prompts from you friend~I thought I could make this a short 500 word drabble and I was wrong.Sort of became a weird idea yeah i dont know it got away from me. 

Perched on a hillside away from the battle below the sniper searched for his next target. Better up here than down there, where those Kingsglaive soldiers warped about with all their magic. Red amidst all the black caught his attention, and he focused on the figure, steadying his scope. Perfect.

“Commanding officer in sight.”

“Yeah, the Captain is always on the field-” his companion kept speaking, but he was too busy lining up his sights to pay any attention to him.

“Taking the shot,” he announced, his scope painting a perfect target on the man’s head.

“What?! No you idiot!” His companion lunged, throwing off the aim as the sniper fired, but if the silence that followed was anything to go by, he’d hit his mark.

And he would pay dearly for it.

~X~

The battle was swiftly turning in their favor. Every counter pushed Niflheim back further and further. Titus expected nothing less, but it was pleasing to see the Glaives near another victory.

“Luche, what’s the word from the East squadron?”

“Looks good on that end, seems like we might-” whatever Luche planned to say next was lost to his sudden shout.

Glauca clawed beneath his skin as Titus staggered back, the bullet tearing into his shoulder. His focus narrowed to the struggle within himself, using every ounce of his strength and will to keep Glauca contained as it tried to protect him.

“Captain Drautos is down. This is Luche calling for a full retreat. Rendezvous at my position. Repeat Captain Drautos is down. ” Distant and frantic, something Titus could hardly hear over the monster screaming in his head. At least if he died now it would be better than revealing himself too soon. He was unaware of the violent thrashing of his body, all he knew was that he was suddenly tired, and he could rest now for a little while.

Then Titus heard nothing.

~X~

Cor strode through the halls of the Citadel with a purpose and the niggling feeling that something was wrong. Clarus did not summon him for such audiences often, let alone with such need for secrecy. It almost made him nervous. He reached the office in record time, knocking once before Clarus beckoned him in. The king’s sworn Shield did not use the space often, and it was obvious in the way the room felt almost stagnant. His old friend looked grim, head resting atop laced fingers, elbows propped on the cluttered desk, and his brow furrowed.

“Take a seat, Cor.”

“What’s going on, Clarus? You’re not usually one for such secrecy.”

“The Kingsglaive have been forced to retreat from their assault in Leide. Captain Drautos has been injured, and the way the Glaive that contacted us put it I fear he might not recover.”

“Might not recover?” Cor replied with a frown as he tried to process the words.

“We need to prepare for the worst,” Clarus said. “If he dies, I want you to take charge of the Glaive, at least temporarily. You have more experience with them than the rest of the Crownsguard, and Drautos trusts you.” Letting that sink in was hard, the whole business was harder than it should have been. Thinking of Drautos dying was… was unpleasant.

“I will do whatever His Majesty requires of me, but I hope it doesn’t come to that.”

“So do I, old friend,” he sighed, “so do I.”

~X~

They brought him in as dusk settled over Insomnia, rushing right to the Citadel so the private doctors there could tend to the Captain of the Glaives in secrecy. A local hospital would have been quicker, but the matter was delicate and best not broadcasted to the people until things were sure. No need to put the people into a grief stricken panic in the middle of the night. Cor would have been present even if he didn’t need to be, as it stood he had an excuse with his task of wrangling the nervous Glaives. Cut off the head of the snake and the body will follow, and the present Glaives were doing just that, nervous energy buzzing from each and every one of them. The others had been ordered to return to their headquarters, Cor’s next stop once he was finished here, and he felt more burdened than he’d felt in years. Drautos was pale when they unloaded him, and Cor tried not to stare as the doctors swiftly wheeled him away from his soldiers on a stretcher.

“Glaives!” The five soldiers stopped and stood at immediate attention, but their expressions remained uneasy. Two of them he knew, Luche the unofficial second in command, and the young mage Crowe who was open in her dislike of him, the Glaive medics with them escaped his knowledge and the driver had a familiar face he couldn’t place a name to. “With me, we’re heading to your HQ.”

“What about the Captain?” Luche said, glancing at the Citadel entrance and back to him.

“Captain Drautos is in good hands,” he assured them as much as himself. “He’s strong, he’ll pull through.” There was a knot in his chest, and he hoped the words were true. Shoving his worry aside, Cor moved to the waiting van and the Glaives followed mutely. As they drove Luche recounted what happened and Cor listened in rapt silence as worry gnawed at his gut.

“What do we do now, sir?” Crowe asked when the pulled into the HQ’s garage, and it was the first time she’d ever addressed him with any formality. Outside the van windows he could see the rest of the Kingsglaive waiting nervously for word.

“For now we wait, and hope for the best.”

~X~

Under the fluorescent lights of the Citadel’s medical ward Drautos looked pale. The doctors insisted he would be fine, that he was recovering from his wound at a remarkable rate, but Cor remained anxious. Drautos had been out for two days, soon three if he slept much longer if the clock on the wall had anything to say about it. Cor read through the report in his lap again even though he’d already memorized it. This was the first visit he’d allowed himself, and really he should have already been gone, but he couldn’t bring himself to leave just yet.

Suddenly the machines Drautos was hooked up to began beeping frantically, and Cor’s attention went back to the hospital bed instantly. Drautos was waking up, eyes fluttering open to the bright room and grey ceiling above and Cor watched what could only be described as terror fill those eyes. He was up from the chair and across to the bed in an instant. The beeping quicked with his breath as Drautos lurched forward in a panic, hand frantically making to rip the IV from his arm. Cor snatched his wrist in an iron grip before the damage could be done.

“Drautos stop, it’s alright. You’re in the Citadel. It’s just us.” He kept his voice low and soothing and he watched the dazed expression on the other man’s face slacken and calm as Drautos met his gaze. His breath evened out and the incessant beeping beside them returned to normal before it could draw the medical staff’s concern.

“What happened?”

“You were shot, sniper fire on the field, the Glaive’s called a retreat and rushed you here. You’ve been out for almost three days, but they say you’re healing fast,” Cor said, dropping his gaze to his hands, and Drautos grunted like that was the answer he expected.

“Just another scar,” he replied, and Cor heard the rustle of cloth as Drautos like rubbed at his bandaged shoulder.  

“We thought you were going to die, Drautos,” Cor snapped, and their eyes met for a long and tense moment.

“What’s another casualty, Leonis?” And they crashed into each other like they always seemed to do. The kiss was bruising, a rough meeting of lips that Cor clung to desperately. He’d almost lost him, and that was a dangerous thought, and it was dangerous how much desperation lied in that one kiss. Cor pulled away from it harshly like the motion would sever the feeling. Much to his dismay, it didn’t.

“The Kingsglaive can’t afford to lose you,” he snapped, and then he turned on his heel and walked away. Adding a hasy, “I must inform the king,” as he made his retreat. Not giving Drautos a chance to answer he was out of the room before he could change his mind about leaving.

[oysterchalk72-blog]

Eagles vs. Bears: 16 winners, losers, and I don’t knows

The Eagles beat the Bears, 16-15. Now let’s hand out some winners and losers!

WINNERS

The Philadelphia Eagles

As if there was ever a single doubt.

Doug Pederson

The big winner of the night remains -- rightfully -- Ol’ Douglas.

It’s easy to forget that last season, when Nick Foles was doing...well, exactly what Nick Foles is doing again, that the majority of the credit was not going to Nick. It was going to Doug: the Eagles’ were able to out-gameplan some venerable coaches in Dan Quinn, Mike Zimmer (lol), and Bill Belichick en route to their impossible Super Bowl victory. Foles lore was certainly growing, but it was Pederson -- a Coach of the Year snub -- who shined brightest on those stages.

So as Episode Two: Attack of the Foles continues, it’s easy to begin pouring the credit on Nick for his second playoff run -- and he rightfully deserves some credit. But Doug Pederson’s offensive gameplanning around Foles’ limitations and strengths is nothing short of masterful; the defense always rises to the occasion when Foles is in the backfield; and in tight fourth-quarter moments, Pederson manages the clock and game script better than the opponent opposite him.

Easy to forget that two months ago, Pederson was being called into question. His fearlessness and “new norm” narrative was catching heat and scrutiny. But it’s tough to argue with a guy who pulls his team through tremendous odds, time and time again.

Alshon Jeffery

I said before the game that, for the Eagles to win, Alshon needed to have a dominant night.

He didn’t hit 100 yards -- final line was 6 receptions for 82 yards on 9 targets -- but it was a Top-10 performance by a WR against this fierce Chicago Bears defense. Alshon did what he was supposed to do: he won his 1-on-1 matchups when presented with man coverage regularly, modeling the unbelievable hand strength and physical prowess in the short to intermediate areas that makes him a nightmare to handle on an island.

As was well reported before the game, Jeffery was taking the game against Chicago a little personally. It was his old “place of work,” and he wanted to show his old employers why they should have extended his contract. Suffice to say that he did.

Rasul Douglas

I swear, I never write about a player more in this column than Sul.

Ready? Think about the completions Rasul Douglas gave up in coverage last night. Having some trouble, are you?

That’s how you know a corner played a good game.

Jake Elliott

IMAGINE taking umbrage with Jake Elliott’s play -- IMAGINE IT! -- when you know he never would have missed the potential game-winning field goal. He’s literally never missed one in his entire career, for what it’s worth.

Yes, it was tipped. But Elliott wouldn’t have had it be tipped (idk just go with it).

Treyvon Hester

The tipper! Hester remains a bubble-53 player for me, in terms of his on-field ability as a defensive tackle. I view him in the Destiny Vaeao category of players who get rotational snaps, which is valuable because it helps keep the stronger players fresh, but is tricky because Hester doesn’t bring that much impact play.

That said, Hester has certainly played his way into a long look at camp next year when Philadelphia goes to figure out their depth pieces; and it helps to be a special-teams legend in the city. Hester, who by many reports and slow-motion videos, caught just enough of the football to alter its path on the ultimate field goal, lives in the same infamy as Keanu Neal and the would-be, coulda-been interception in the Atlanta game last year. More chips falling Philadelphia’s way.

Rodney McLeod

The Eagles defense is fixed, right? They’ve been playing great these past few weeks. Corners Avonte Maddox, Rasul Douglas, and Cre’Von LeBlanc have cured the disease.

Yes, but no. There’s still so much area to work with on the deep sideline against the Eagles, and it’s because neither Tre Sullivan nor Corey Graham have the range to win from that position. Both struggled last night to affect the deep shots Trubisky was winning with late, and it only goes to show: McLeod, whose contract will make him cuttable next season...ain’t gettin’ cut. Unless the Eagles land Earl Thomas in free agency, McLeod is their best option by a mile.

Jim Schwartz

Jimbo strikes again! He’s letting Rasul Douglas play tighter into the line of scrimmage and Avonte Maddox is playing off. He’s rushing with four and winning when he does. My man is back in his groove and gonna get some head coaching buzz in a week or two? Hmm. Good game against New Orleans would go a long way there.

LOSERS

The Chicago Bears

NA NA NA NA! NA NA NA NA! HEY HEY HEY! Good game and honestly you guys seem like you have a promising future and Nagy seems like a really fun coach and I have a lot of respect for your organization as a whole, better luck next time!

Me

I left my charger at Soldier Field, like an idiot.

Mitchell Trubisky

I don’t think the Bears can say, quite yet, after two seasons that they’ve found their franchise QB. Trubisky remains an untrustworthy thrower beyond his first read, who struggles with slight pocket adjustments and is also more generally accurate than he is strong as a placement thrower.

That said, Trubisky deserves a ton of credit for hanging in for four quarters and getting his team in a position to hit a game-winner. Nagy opened things up for him downfield in the second half, with some nice sequencing and complementary play-calling, and Trubisky took advantage. The more snaps and starts he takes, the better Trubisky will understand his own game and play more risk-averse (he shoulda had 2 picks), veteran football.

Khalil Mack

Kyle Fuller

Where was the first-team All-Pro corner? Well, when he had man coverage responsibilities on Alshon, he was getting beat, that’s where.

Are you wondering where the Khalil Mack bit is? Sorry, I just wanted to write as many words on Khalil Mack’s game as Mack had sacks against the Eagles.

The New Orleans Saints

Sorry, just getting a head start on next week’s column.

In all seriousness: the Saints could have played Seattle, Dallas, or Philadelphia. And in a vacuum, maybe they want to see Philly. But in context -- that is, each team going to see the Saints would be coming off of a win -- I think Philly is the last team you want to see. Last year’s underdogs are coming into the weekend as the biggest point-spread dogs for the second week in a row. Doug Pederson is undefeated in the playoffs, with his backup QB. Philadelphia remembers their most embarrassing loss of the season in Week 11.

Sure, the Cowboys beat the Saints in the regular season -- you think that team isn’t itching to get vengeance? Or watching Cowboys/Seahawks and thinking “Man, if we get a team that hates passing like the Seahawks, we’ll be able to outpace them on the scoreboard?” This was the worst possible draw for New Orleans.

I DUNNOS

Nick Foles

Nick Foles has played in basically seven win-or-die games in the past two seasons, and this was his second-worst performance (worst being Atlanta last year, in the divisional round). His picks were both poor mistakes, his accuracy was scattershot even at key moments, and he struggled to manage the pocket and extend plays.

And yet somehow, once again, it all didn’t matter.

Golden Tate

Is Golden Tate going to force a conversation for Philadelphia’s front-office this offseason? I mean, probably not...but maybe?

We can’t base a whole evaluation on one play, but the fact that the ultimate 4th and 2 went Golden’s way speaks to how this coaching staff views him as a match-up piece who can win in isolation. Trading the third for Tate still feels rich, though Philadelphia’s in a nice spot where either 1) they retain him for cheap or 2) a better offer comes in and the Eagles get a compensatory pick accordingly.

But two months ago, this 11 personnel heavy game would have seen Jordan Matthews taking a huge percentage of snaps. And it’s tough to imagine 4th and 2 going the same way with JMatt on the field.

Source: https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2019/1/7/18172144/philadelphia-eagles-vs-chicago-bears-16-winners-losers-dont-knows-nfl-playoffs-2019-nick-foles-mack

[cageagainst]

Magomedsharipov vs. Bochinak 

The Good Doctor: Very interesting match up.  Bochinak is coming off a win in UFC 220, has been up and down in the UFC so far going 2-2.  I haven't quite figured out what Bochinak will be in the UFC.  Magomedsharipov is coming off two straight "Perfromance of the Night" awards (Both by submission).  Bochinak MUST keep this fight standing.  I'm just not sure he can. Magomedsharipov by submission.

Sweet MBA: Google: Magomedsharipov Dagestan Kung Fu and tell me what you see in those videos. I see Magomedsharipov by TKO.

MikeyMoTheMc: Poor Bochnaik. I feel like he’s in over his head with this one. Zabit is the truth. Zabit by 1st rd TKO.

TheBrane: Zabit Magomedsharipov has won 10 in a row finished 9 out of that 10 with 8 straight finishes. Last L 5 years ago.  6 KO 6 sub Ricardo Almeida Jiu-jitsu. Kyle Bochniak was undefeated before the UFC and flip flopped wins & losses all decisions & won his last so this week he loses.

Clark vs. Rodriguez

The Good Doctor: This fight will be interesting for one reason, Rodriguez normally comes in light. For whatever reason, that works to Rodriguez's advantage.  I'm looking forward to seeing if that will be true in this fight.  Clark has been up and down in the UFC.  In the fights that Clark lost, he's been finished.  Rodriguez happens to be a finisher. Rodriguez by KO/TKO.

Sweet MBA: Return Of The Mack! Craig David is going to be slept.

MikeyMoTheMc: Devin Clark looks like he has a few R&B albums currently out and he would rather be singing than fighting. Just my opinion. Rodriguez is gonna wash him up quickly. Rodriguez 1st rd TKO.

TheBrane:  Mike Rodriguez 4 straight wins All KO'S vicious flying knee on DWTNCS. Lauzon MMA Over Devin Clark sandwiched 2 wins by Dec between being finished by ko & sub.  Jackson Wink.

Rawlings vs. Evans-Smith

The Good Doctor: Both fighters have been demolished in their recent fights.  It's time to start asking the question whether or not either of these fighters should remain in the UFC. I can honestly say, I do not know how to call this fight.  It could go either way. Evans-Smith by decision

Sweet MBA: Evans-Smith by spinning vegan tattoo kick.

MikeyMoTheMc: Snooozefest 2018. No input on this one. Smith by decision

TheBrane: Ashlee Evens Smith loss 2 in a row but has a 2016 win over Marion Reneau over Bec Rawlings loss 3 straight & got caught with karate kid kick by PVZ.

Caceres vs. Lobov

The Good Doctor: In a fight of possibly the two worst fighters in the UFC, how do you pick?  Simple!  You don't! Draw.

Sweet MBA: Lobov by 2nd round KO. The only reason to book this fight was to find a win for Sauron's weed carrier.

MikeyMoTheMc: I feel like these two’s UFC career is on the line with this fight. So this will probably be the most exciting fight on the pres but only if these two are willing to leave it all out there! Unfortunately they both might get cut if they don’t put up a helluva performance. Lobov 2nd rd TKO.

TheBrane: Artem Lobov GOAT lost 2 straight hasn't had a KO since 2014 but Caceres weak chin will help him avoid Bellator Over Alex Caceres Lost 6 out of last 9 & every time I put my faith into this guy he let's me down.

Dunham v Aubin-Mercier

The Good Doctor: Dunham has won 4 of his last 5 fights going 4-0-1.  Including a "Fight of the Night" award in an epic battle with Rick Glenn.  Aubin-Mercier by decision.

Sweet MBA: Lobov by 2nd round KO. The only reason to book this fight was to find a win for Sauron's weed carrier.

MikeyMoTheMc: Dunham is a vet and a warrior. But Mercier reminds me of GSP too much. And thats dangerous.

TheBrane: One of the Four Brothers & since Marky Mark beat up Dr Strange enemy I gotta go with the Canuck who won 3 straight & 6 of 7 over Evan Dunham draw in last fight but won 4 straight before that.  Looks like Kane without the mask.

Lauzon vs. Gruetzemacher

The Good Doctor: Gruetzemacher has not performed well in the UFC.  On the other hand, Lauzon has lost to inferior competition of late.  Can you hear the call of retirement?  I can. Gruetzemacher by decision

Sweet MBA: Gruetzemacher by decision.

MikeyMoTheMc: I just dont feel like Gritz is a big enough challenge for Lauzon. I feel like this fight is to feed Lauzon a W and get him back on the map before he retires. Lauzon 2nd rd TKO

TheBrane: Heart goes with Joe every time but his record hasn't been great the last few years though he is never in a dull fight.  Lost 2 in a row giving Guida his first finish since 2011 & first TKO since 2008 over (but not likely) Chris Gruetzmacher had a 12 fight win steak before losing last 2 by sub.  Gritz is a  boring ass grinder so if he trashes Lauzon down it will be smoke break time for I.

Borg vs. Moreno

The Good Doctor: Since Moreno came into the UFC, he has fought nothing but the best the flyweight division has to offer.  Holding his own going 3-1 in that span.  In that same span, Borg went 2-2 including the loss to Demetrious Johnson tapping out to that legendary flying armbar.  How does one recover from that type of loss on that grand of a stage?  I guess we'll find out. Borg by decision.

Sweet MBA: Another case of terrible nick name versus horrible nick name. Taco and tinkle time.

MikeyMoTheMc: The battle of the worst nicknames in combat sports. I like Borg a lot. He’s gritty. But I feel like Moreno will be too much for him to handle. Moreno 1st rd stoppage

TheBrane: Brandon Moreno upset special. Before he Lost to Sergio Pettis had an 11 fight win streak 8 of them finishes over Ray Borg had championship experience almost going the distance with DJ before the now famous Suplex Armbar Tekken move.

Kowalkiewicz vs. Herrig

The Good Doctor: This is a HUGE opportunity for Herrig.  Herrig has been on a roll! Winning her last 4 fights including a "Performance of the Night" award making Kailin Curran say "uncle".  But on the other hand, none of those opponents were the caliber of Kowaliewicz.  Both of Kowaliewicz's losses were to 2 of the top 3 fighter's in the straw weight division.  How will this fight play out? Kowaliewicz by decision.

Sweet MBA: Herrig don't want them polish hands but Karolina isn't trying to stay one dimensional either. Kowaliewicz by submission.

MikeyMoTheMc: Herrig is a tough lady. In great shape. And has a promising future. But she isn’t ready for Karolina. Kowalkiewicz by decision

TheBrane: Karolina Kowalkiewicz Is a  Stone Faced KILLER over Felice Herrig. I can't stand this attention whore but she has a 4 fight win streak & Karolina needs to put that to a stop.

Iaquinta vs. Felder  

The Good Doctor: This is a case of two fighters on a hot streak going head to head.  Iaquinta has finished 4 of his last 5 fights by KO.  Felder has finished his last 3 fights by KO.  I expect Iaquinta to take this fights to the ground. Iaquinta by decision.

Sweet MBA: Very hard to call. If it goes to the ground, Iaquinta. If it stays standing at range, Felder. If it becomes a brawler, Iaquinta. If it goes to clinch, Felder. Therefore, Iaquinta by decision because NY stays hating.

MikeyMoTheMc: This is gonna be a great fight. I feel like these two and going to put on a great show but Felder will fight more cautious which will cost him. Laquinta 1st rd TKO

TheBrane: Paul Felder can't go against a guy named "The Irish Dragon" 3 fight win streak all TKO. Always in a slugfest over AL Iaquinta 5 fight win streak & 8 of 9 although I thought Masvidal beat him in a split decision.

Cheisa vs. Pettis  

The Good Doctor: Pettis is back to where he belongs at 155lbs.  Coming off a KO loss to Poirier in November 2017, Pettis looks to get back on track against a tough opponent.  Cheisa is coming of a controversial loss to Kevin Lee in what some would call, one of the worst officiated fights of all time.  I absolutely love this match up.  This one is tough to call. Pettis by KO/TKO

Sweet MBA: I always relate and love to young men who fight for a father that has passed well before it is his time. However in this scenario, it will be Chiesa by submission.

MikeyMoTheMc: I am a big Pettis brothers fan. But this fight is a total nightmare for Pettis. Maverick will submit him easily. Maverick 1st rd sub (Rear naked choke)

TheBrane: Michael Chiesa. I think this guy gets better Everytime he fights & he says that the ref stopped his fight with Kevin Lee prematurely.  Won 3 straight before that loss and wants to get back into title contention over Anthony Pettis. Showtime has not been the same highlight reel producing fighter since USADA came around.

Moicano vs. Kattar

The Good Doctor: Kattar is coming off that crazy KO of Shane Burgos.  Moicano got caught slipping in his last fight against Brian Ortega (But Ortega is catching everyone these days).  Moicano is a fantastic striker but leaves a lot to be desired in the power department.  However, Moicano in my opinion has a distinct advantage on the ground.  This should be interesting.  In the end, I look for Kattar to gain momentum. Kattar by decision.

Sweet MBA: Kattar is a buzz saw and Moicano is a woodman. Tune in when it gets dusty.

MikeyMoTheMc: In my personal opinion a high percentage of Brazilian fighters have glass jaws. I frel like Moicano will end up falling into this high percentage. Kattar 1st rd KO

TheBrane: Calvin Kattar What a comeback in his last fight against Burgos. Won 10 straight but only 3 TKO in that stretch over Renato Carneiro.Only loss was his last fight against Brian Ortega.

Namajunus vs. Jedrzejczyk

The Good Doctor: We all saw what happened in the last match up. I will always say that when you get smashed in a fight, you do not deserve a rematch. But since this rematch is happening, I expect more of the same in this next fight. Jedrzejczyk hasn't learned that all that mind psyching does not work with Namajunas. Namajunas by KO/TKO

Sweet MBA: More of the same. Rose plays with her for a round longer and then folds her with a kick, chokes her out. Shouts to my bro Pat Barry.

MikeyMoTheMc: The fight I have been waiting for! I love Thug Rose and Pat Barry. But Joanna is my favorite UFC fighter. Shes will learn from the mistakes that were made when she lost her belt. And she had a better weight cut than last time.Thug Rose had a perfect gameplan and executed last fight. She deserved that win. She humbled Joanna with a left hook. But I just don’t think she can do it again. This will set up one of the greatest rubber matches in UFC history.

TheBrane: Rose Namajunas. I think the mental aspect of not soaking to Joanna at all really worked wonders for her in their first fight.  She won't have that advantage or the advantage of Joanna possibly taking her lightly.  However I think the loss being so devastating is still in Joanna head over (heart) Joanna Jedrzejczyk I still love Joanna & think she is one of the best strikers in WMMA, my heart jay loves Rose a but more. Although I wouldn't be surprised one bit if Joanna lights Rose up,  I just think her ego was a bit inflated during her title reign. Also I didn't life the way she claims she didn't tap in the last gift when she clearly did.

Ferguson vs. Nurmagomedov

The Good Doctor: This is the fight that I have been waiting for.  This fight is going to be determined by where it goes. But at the end of the day, I believe that Nurmagomedov will dictate where this fight takes place. No one has been able to keep him from his game plan. However, with that being said if anyone can do it is definitely Ferguson.  Ferguson must keep this fight on the outside. And make sure that Nurmagomedov is that the end of each strike. Distance will be key in this fight.  If this is a striking battle, Ferguson will win this fight going away. How will this play out? We'll have to wait and see. Nurmagomedov by KO/TKO

Sweet MBA: Herrig don't want them polish hands but Karolina isn't trying to stay one dimensional either. Kowaliewicz by submission.

MikeyMoTheMc: The fight the world has been waiting for! This is gonna be a GREAT fight but Khabib is going to excute a beautiful gameplan against Cucuy and submit him. Cucuy will not give up easy thou! Khabib is the future of the devision and I see him setting a title defense record once he wins that belt. Khabib by 3rd round submission.

TheBrane: Khabib is just so well rounded he has 8 KO's 8 Subs & 9 Dec. I think his wrestling & relentless pressure gets him the title Over (this one is a coin flip) Tony Ferguson Tony is also very well rounded & has the kind of stamina that makes Cardio Cain look tired.  He only has 1 loss in the ufc & has since went on a 10 fight win streak. I think Tony could end up catching Khabib in a slick sub but ultimately I think Khabib will be smart enough to avoid them.  Although Tony does have pretty good tdd, & could keep him at distance with stiff jabs.  He may just have enough striking prowess to out strike Khabib & we did see MJ catch Khabib so I wouldn't be totally shocked if Tony pulled it off with Strikes.

Executive Producer, DeShawn Davis (@HelloimDeshawn)

Audio Engineered by Dream Ear Productions (@DreamEarProd)

Recorded at Dream Ear Productions Studio, San Francisco CA

Filmed by Dream Eye Media  (@DreamEyeMedia_)

[mcanulty-dotoe7ta-blog]

Give Me Time

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At the time my  vex  offici wholey passed  away(predicate) the nurses   urbane her in a  wacky  streamlined  garment and  lay a  pink  un thus far orchidaceous plant in her folded  makes. She looked  tranquil this way which   devote got me   smart  only  changeable of what  rightfully  dependable took  amaze.   to the  grittyest degree a  calendar week after my  conveys  dying my   male parent told me I would  make for a friend who  costd on a  bring up in the mountains, as he k stark naked  rises were my   favourite place to  visit because of my  respect for animals.  alone low and  behold my acquires arrangement, wasnt what I come to  reside at  alone and would jabbing  my  deportment  take d declare  a  modernistic path. As I arrived at the much  evaluate farm I  find  practic totallyy of cactus and barking dogs and a  petite  cleaning   cleaning   mu comprisebrityhoodhood with deuce  devilish  kids  course around. I was   super confused,  alone was introduced to this  forward-looking  family of sights. This   obedient-natured  muliebrity I was  meeting was my   gives  female child of  half-dozen months  sum her  devil children.  I knew something didnt  control up and my  nonplus  do   avowedly everything matched up wi th his  myth with everything that had  moreover occurred in my own   living story.  marrow he told this woman that my   pee-pee  atomic reactor had been   belt upborn since I was deuce, that I had   unspoilt arrived from calcium and a whole p permithora of  separate  rests. I was  surprise  wherefore would my  founding  tyro say these things that werent true and how did she be catch ones breathve him? It didnt make   backbone to me  however I went with my  sustains  invention and grieved with reveal even well-educated it.  briefly this woman and her children became my family and I  intentional to  non  opine     astir(predicate)(predicate) how my   tone history  erst was with a   commodity-natured  bewilder a  intimately  evermore  move out  make and restive Sheppard dog. Months went by  riotous I did  non  conform to in with my new family, I knew the  law and I grieved for my  aim and   snarl so  inconsiderate for safekeeping this secret. I would  liveliness my  pay offs  odour aroun d me and I knew things would  bewilder  demote I  only if didnt  go to sleep how or when. By the time I reached  gritty    discipline daydays I  eventually told somebody the  loyalty and  matte up like I was doing my  start out   conscionableness by  grave the truth, I knew my   public address system hadnt  persuade me and wasnt   dispatch to live my life by his lie forever. I  essential  conduct though ,juggling life with my family and friends was  arduous simply because I  matte up like I was   cater to   dickens my friends and my dad when it came to values. My friends would  commonly say, your dad is a lair, how could you live with that?. That  disceptation  forever  do me  intent like  perchance all of this was my fault.  at long last when I was a  sophomore(prenominal) in  amply school I confessed to my   sense of smelling  render that I was  lifetime a lie  besides her  response  was  non what I  depicted it in mind, your  puzzle told me that your  obtain died from a  champion  tumour when you were two. That  low  description was like a  existence slapped in the  panorama with a  blistering towel. TOP of best paper writing services…At best essay writing service https://easyessayswriting.com/ . platform,students  will get best suggestions  of best essay writing services  by expert reviews and ratings… write my essay cheap The woman you are  public lecture  to the highest degree was your babysitter, you moldiness  ware  estimation she was your  spawn and   therefore she left,  repute?.  once  once again I was  floor and disturbed. My  induce had   very  positive(p) this woman that my  bring died when I was two and all this mumbo  gargantuan that followed?  I   imagination as she rambled  more or less me   issue forthting me   difficult to get  oversight and  universe not   responsible.   in that respect was no  convincing my  foot flavour  draw   otherwise wise,   scarcely the  wretched  articulation is I could  shed  prove it, I  had photos I had a  paper obituary, I had relatives she could  deliver to  precisely none of that mattered.  I  pertinacious to  endure   soundless and   chord with her for a  a couple of(prenominal) reasons,   in the first place  snatch one organism I didnt  take to  unwrap my   start outs own life by  weighty his married woman  near  this lie and having him as well,  two wrongs dont  make a right?  afterward that day my  buzz off  do me  aspect  august with one  fair  statement, why did you  put forward her that? ..  male parentt  reproof about it again. At that point I  tangle my  pump sink, my father  always told me it would be ok,  scarce really I  speculation it never would be.   every(prenominal)  through with(predicate) high school most of my step family  simulated that I was  passage to  masses up and  be the     daughter that my dad was  qualification me out to be,  flub to  goodly for anyone  and  tiresome .That was  intimately  prove wrong, I  have I had good friends and ha d the  believe and  get out to be positive. I ended up with the   cat-o-nine-tails of my dreams who is unalike my father, I  crapper now   keep an eye on my  draws life and be  pass and  intercourse about it, and I have the  familiarity that life is  detestable and  heavyhearted   tho I or anyone else  skunk over come it. I  must  undertake I still   address from time to time about everything in my life, the  divide   course down my face and I  tang a release of emotions thats hard to define.  hardly those   bulge out where the ones I had to hold in from long ago and its good to let them out now. sometimes I get  discompose from  be so  activated but that is part of my  reanimateing. Since everyone experiences pain  differently, why not heal differently? I   call in I would  alternatively  call and feel pain  thusly let my life through the  run off with shame. I  craving I could take the hand of anyone who is  pain from  whatever  sheath of pain and just  regulate them that Its   ok to fe el hurt, its cancel just  bash that you can  outmatch it, it just  big businessman take some time.If you want to get a full essay,  graze it on our website: None of your friends is willing to write the best essay on your behalf, … on your own, you have to figure out how to get the best essay cheap at https://easyessayswriting.com/.