#inkling digger

[piquira]

We all know he doesn’t actually care about that girl. He would have continued to hide her and keep her away from harmful press exposure if that were the case. She’s young and dumb and probably thinks she’s in love. Probably likes the money he spends on her too. At some point she’ll know how stupid she’s been. You’d think she at least had an inkling now unless she’s some kind of gold digger, which would serve him right in that case lol. I think he’s just a typical stupid man child who had his heart broken by the woman he actually cared about and is fronting now to hide how hurt he is. He should be alone and in therapy, not constantly scrolling on social media.

Exactly! If he genuinely cared for her, he would have protected her and not exposed her to such a horrible situation. He literally put his ego and pride as Shakira's ex, before the integrity and dignity of his current partner. It's really sad. And not only for her, because she's seeing this all play out and isn't doing much for herself either, but for both of them and their relationship. However I do disagree with him actually caring for Shakira. In my opinion, he's aware that she's the woman that was most convenient for him, the one that provided him with the most benefits, and so his hurt is more about losing everything that came with being with Shakira. It's horrible, but this guy is a narcissist, and I'm pretty sure he's more upset at the privileges and ego boost that came from being with somebody like Shakira, than the fact that he hurt the woman who was by his side for over a decade.

[littlemisshaveitall]

Season Secrets: August 7 Your Partner is NOT your therapist (and neither are his friends or yours)

It’s very tempting to tell your partner every single detail of your life and it’s genuinely allowed, they are your partner but love, not all partners have our best interests at heart. It can backfire and if it does, it’s going to hurt so before you decide to pour your heart, your daily recaps and any insecurities you must watch them.

You must watch your conversations and notice if it is always you talking. Of course, if you know your partner isn’t the talking type and has always been that way then it's okay to an extent but don’t take this disclaimer and run for the hills, you need to analyse if they really are that way or if they are that way with you. Don’t fall for “I just like listening to you” or “Your voice makes me happy”. All of that might be true but if your partner refrains from sharing about their lives but always indulges you to share about yours, you might potentially have a problem. As @honestsinnerrr has said before, ‘Men are info diggers’ and they will use the information you give against you and not only them but people in general.

You must listen to what they ask and really hear them. If they seem to constantly steer the conversation to a particular topic ask yourself why. What value does that  topic present to them? What information are you giving and what can they do with it? If push comes to shove and what you’ve said comes out what is the impact?It is so important to know or at least have an inkling of knowledge about someone’s motives, especially your partners and friends.

You must watch who they are without you and find out why it is the case. You cannot tell me, they are the most talkative person on earth or the most charismatic person with an audience but with you they are suddenly a mouse caught in a trap.If they act of character they want something and are finding out how to get it. Miss me with the BS of “ He gets shy with me” or “She just likes when I do this and that” Sir, Ma’am that might be the case but surely, is it? On this point, you should also intently listen to the petty gossip you hear about them(obviously from reliable sources) , it will give you a sense of who they are and will aid your decision in trusting them with the intricacies of your life.

You might also be wondering why I mentioned your partner’s friends in the title. That was for us clueless babes.If you complain about your partner to their friends they will not only relay all of it to your partner but more often than not they don’t care about you and it will be these friends who cover for your partner if they cheat or do something of the sort. They hold no loyalties to you. Remember that.

It is important to watch the people in our lives because we can’t just disclose everything to everyone and before you decide what you can disclose with whoever, please babe, these topics… are off until they reach best friend status.

Relationship Issues - Refer to a therapist or two friends max

Family Issues - Again therapist ( There’s absolutely no reason to be spilling family drama on to the group chat)

Money - Even with the closest of the closest , unless you are declaring bankruptcy and need a couch to sleep on , we don’t do that here.

Your friend’s issues - Why are you telling your partner your friend’s business when they told you in confidence, I personally think that it’s plainly disrespectful unless your partner can help them in one way or another.

Your future plans - This could be due to evil eye or unnecessary sabotage from randoms but it is also psychological. When we talk about plans that haven’t manifested yet to lots of people we trick our minds into believing that we have actually achieved our goals and that in turn makes us less likely to achieve them

There’s always more to add and feel free to do so (don’t be extreme lovies) but I’d like to mention that as much as your friends/partners can screw you over with the information you give them, it is also extremely important to not become closed off in an effort to protect yourself because every single relationship platonic or not is a risk and after you’ve done your trust risk assessment and you deem them people you can trust, their dishonesty is not on you baby. I’ve been there, I traded meaningful conversations for surface level pleasantries and I missed out on significant connections because I was scared of being hurt again. Being hurt is always a risk but if you always live in defence mode you aren’t living so you must find a balance. My friend says “ You can only live a good life if you throw yourself completely into it and that’s every aspect of it. So loving like you’ve never loved before, living like you’ve never loved before, laughing like you’ve never loved before, trusting like you’ve never trusted before even though other things have given you reason not to because the moment you start to restrict yourself and hold yourself back , you diminish the quality of your life.” 

You need to take the risk 

but only if it’s calculated.

Love,

Quesa

[thebigpapilio]

Another New Lila Gets Exposed Prompt Idea:

Lila isn't the only person who doesn't like Marinette at CFD. Some other jealous jerk (maybe they have their own problem with Marinette, maybe Lila got them to do it) leaves a nasty bullying message on her locker (I don't recommend KYS-level, but still heavy; maybe she's accused of being a gold-digger with Jagged, Audrey and Adrien).

Bustier doesn't do anything about it as usual, telling her to woman up or be the better person or whatever bullshit excuse she makes.

Marinette wants to accuse Lila, but Alya and the others don't recognize the handwriting as hers or Marinette's, so when Lila accuses Marinette of faking it for attention, the class gets an inkling of something else being up with Lila. Why would she insist Marinette would do this?

Things slowly start to click, especially as Alya and company (the whole class minus Marinette, Lila and maybe Adrien) do an investigation. Just how much about Lila is learned pre-exposure (her threats, her alliance with Hawkmoth, etc.) is up to the writer, but the fact she's told some lies to the class and fooled them is a must-have.

Adrien salt is your choice, Alya and Class salt would be greatly disliked (I can't make y'all not do it, even if I would like it to be forbidden), and both Lila and Bustier salt are heavily encouraged (though redemption is your call).

UPDATE 2/5/2022: As @heyitsbugette said, this is very much possible. Surely there are plenty of people who would want a piece of the pie Marinette has or at least resent her for having said pie. A potential example is something like this fic right here!

Valete,

TheBigPapilio

[ducktracy]

In some of your reviews, you talk about how it was Tex Avery who made comedic villains in cartoons such a trend. Can you go into more detail about that? I find it fascinating, especially since I was sure other early toons had funny villains as well. It would be interesting to see how the evil characters in his cartoons compare to the ones other directors had.

OF COURSE!!! i'll preface this by saying my answers'll be pretty Warner Bros. specific because i still have a LOT of research to do on other studios, ESPECIALLY so early on at this time, so this'll be from a WB-centric point of view. this’ll also be long because i LOOOOOVE to talk about and explain this stuff

there were absolutely comedic touches to villains in early cartoons, primarily revolving around the way their plans were foiled. aside from the occasional snarky jab or quote, they quite often posed a very real threat whereas Tex sort of honed in the idea of an incompetent villain--some more threatening than others.

villains were a VERY prevalent plot piece in the earliest WB shorts, villains and KIDNAPPING. practically every other short had a villain kidnapping the damsel in distress and the Mickey Mouse talking young ruffian swoops in to save the day.

usually the manner in which the villain was exposed would be the funniest part (like this from Big Man from the North in 1931, which was the first WB cartoon to prominently feature a villain).

otherwise they'd usually just bare their teeth and laugh at whichever small fry they were taking on. this isn't a kidnapping picture here, but rather Bosko and the titular Big Man get in a gun fight and Bosko shoots the fur off of the villain, who's reduced to a disgusting, naked mess and runs for the hills. a happy ending! while the resolution is comic, the villain did pose a serious threat and was relatively menacing

again. HEAVY emphasis on the kidnapping aspect and lots of mustachio'd villains too. some villains were animals (bears, lions, etc) but a very prominent plot point was "villain wants girl, girl refuses, villain kidnaps girl, spunky young boy saves the day, villain gets foiled in a rather comical way" (though the last cartoon has the girl leaving her boyfriend FOR the villain because his head--he's a vinegar bottle--is replaced with a sexy head from a perfume bottle and she falls in love)

Tex also had his share of nefarious villains (like his debut with Gold Diggers of '49), but i'd say the first inkling of a comic villain was with The Blow Out, which is one of my absolute favorites from the era.

Porky doesn’t have enough money to buy an ice cream soda, but quickly discovers that doing favors for people = $$$. he returns lost wallets and lost canes and little things like that, until he unintentionally stumbles upon a mad bomber (voiced by the evil queen from Snow White!) and keeps trying to return the bomb to the bomber (not knowing it IS a bomb)

the bomber poses a threat, but MUCH of the cartoon is spent with the bomber running AWAY from Porky and yelling at him. before, villains were hardly ever scared of their opponents and only showed weakness at the last minute. here, the villain is now the victim, trying to shove this pesky kid away before he gets blown to smithereens.

the cartoon actually ENDS with the bomber willfully giving himself up the police (by that i mean running as fast as he can from Porky and jumping into the police van), and the bomb goes off in the van as Porky coyly poses for his money reward after putting the bomb in the van in the first place

it’s a FANTASTIC cartoon and one i can’t love enough. the villain still poses a very real threat, but the short revolves more around Porky inconspicuously trying to kill the villain rather than surrounding the bad deeds of the villain.

Milk and Money is another great Tex cartoon that follows a similar motif; the villain is there to collect Porky’s father’s mortgage which he can’t afford, and the villain (known as Mr. Viper--THE SNAKE!) gives him until 3pm tomorrow to pay or else he takes the farm. 

he’s dressed as a stereotypical mustache twirling villain which, as we saw, WAS a very real and persistent trope, but his authority is repeatedly diminished through fourth wall breaks. he whips towards the audience to tell them “he’ll never make it!” before slithering away onto his carriage like a literal snake. there’s certainly a very strong air of playful mischief surrounding his personality rather than a real threat.

things happen, Porky gets the money for Viper, Viper begrudgingly accepts it (he tells the audience “I’M SUNK!” after he initially sees Porky with a hefty wad of cash) and then, to add insult to injury, a horsefly from earlier in the film zings Viper right in the ass and he’s thrown right out of the film. 

ALMOST DONE I’D SWEAR. the first TRULY comic villain who poses no threat at all and is a total hack is from Tex’s Little Red Walking Hood--specifically, the wolf.

IMMEDIATELY, the wolf is introduced by cheating at a game of pinball in the pool hall--and STILL losing. his incompetency is established right from the start and is a very persistent theme throughout the entire cartoon.

he spots the titular Little Red (who is a flamboyant impression of Katherine Hepburn), and as soon as he makes advances towards her she calls him out for sexual harassment and leaves him. when he still tips her hat towards her the traffic light bonks him right on the head, which, again, makes him look like the utter loser he is.

same thing happens after a brief but befuddling encounter with Elmer Fudd (who, at this point, is just a pinhead walking across the street whistling and doesn’t say a word)... and again after picking up Red and failing once more.

even his attempts to get granny are foiled--granny stops their chase midway to take a phone call from the grocer, which causes the wolf (brilliantly voiced by Tedd Pierce) to yell “AWWWWWWW, C’MON, GRANDMAAA!”

and, because he can’t even do his job right and kidnap or eat the grandma, he BEGS her instead to “give him the stuff” and put on the granny costume--which she obliges. he’s an absolute total loser and is VERY charismatic and funny as a result.

after Red surveys his costume and talks about how silly their altercation is and after the wolf accosts a latecomer to the theater, it’s ELMER who foils the wolf after the wolf asks “now who da HECK are you anyway?” “huhuhuhh, i’m the hero in this picture! hhuhuhuhuh!”

Tex has had comedic villains as we’ve seen, but none of them had ever been established losers or failures from the start like the wolf, and it paid off MIRACULOUSLY. all of these Tex shorts are very very funny, and he really did pave the way for fresher takes broken stereotypes. while villains COULD be funny beforehand (the villain in You’re Too Careless With Your Kisses! tells the audience “i’m not crazy... MUCH!”) their credibility was never as fervently nor effectively crushed as it was with Tex Avery.

[lubdubsworld]

Change of Heart ( Taehyungx OC)

Chapter 1   Chapter 2    Chapter 3     Chapter 4     Chapter 5   Chapter 6  Chapter 7   Chapter 8

Summary : Times are changing. After years of being oppressed, werewolves are taking a stand against humans , demanding equal rights and fair treatment. Heading the movement is Kim Taehyung, the breathtaking heir to the Kim fortune and one of the few remaining Alpha werewolves in the country. His disdain for the human race is well known and well warranted. They killed his family after all….. He wants to change the world , to put humans in their place but when his five year old daughter takes a shine to their very human neighbor , maybe he has to start with a change of heart , first.

: Pairing : Taehyung x OC / Werewolf AU!!

Genre : Romance, Explicit Content

Chapter 9

“I believe you owe me an explanation....” My father’s voice was soft and steady, his gaze piercing as he stared at me. I could feel my skin thrum with distaste and the urge to take a shower was strong. I wanted to scrub my skin off, Eun Woo’s touch somehow lingering and heavy on me.

“Give me my phone back.” I said instead and my father shook his head.

“No can do. Those men you met? Paranoid bunch. They thought you and Eun Woo might have been recording something and they wanted me to check your phone. i had to reassure them and so, just for good measure, I destroyed it.” 

I glared at him.

“I’m still waiting for an explanation. Two weeks ago you couldn’t stand the sight of Eun Woo.... And now here you are, at my Yacht club , claiming you’re dating the man. What are you trying to pull?” My father prompted. 

“There’s nothing to say. I just... I lost my job at the preserve and I can’t really look for anything else right now Eun Woo is just helping me out.” I whispered.

My father looked surprised. 

“That’s interesting, I see your pride isn’t as strong as it was when I introduced him to you at the preserve.”

I kept quiet. 

"Good. I’m not surprised that you’ve come around to be honest. You are your mother’s daughter after all. Gold digger that she was, at least she left you some of her good looks for you to cash in one, yeah? ‘.

My breath caught in my throat, lips wobbling as tears sprung .

“But still.....the fact that you would whore yourself out to a bunch of animals, to keep him? It makes me wonder. What exactly is going on here, that I’m missing” ”

Taehyung , I thought miserably. I wanted him so badly right now that I felt like I would shatter if I didn’t get away from here. 

I glared at my father, feeling disgust well up at the mere sight of him. 

“I’m not going to do any such thing.... I’m just helping you . Eun Woo told me you’ve been looking to finish the deal and those men wanted to see me at the resort on the seventeenth. You should be thanking me right now.  . ” I said defiantly and my father’s eyebrows rose. 

And then he chuckled. 

 “I feel like you’ve bitten off way more than you can chew. But just remember, this is your doing and if things go south, i am not risking my entire reputation to rescue you. ” He said firmly. 

“I can take care of myself.” I said shortly. I clenched and unclenched my fingers , trying to ground myself. 

It was so amazing, how blind my father could be. He hadn’t suspected Eun Woo at all. Merely chalking him off as a perverted wolf who wanted to make a bit off money at his resort. Eun Woo was smart as well, being obtuse and sounding foolish on purpose, playing into my father’s belief that wolves weren’t intelligent. 

. And this would be his downfall, I thought vindictively. The way he continually thought that wolves were foolish. That he was somehow smarter than them....

“I am not sure if I trust you entirely so I’ve asked Eun Woo to keep an eye on you, till the seventeenth. You can stay with him at his apartment.  ” My father said thoughtfully

I kept my gaze down. 

“At first i considered calling the whole thing off but apparently , Eun Woo’s onto something with the whole beta wolves being into voyeurism. Perhaps that’s a whole new avenue I could look into.... Those men out there....I’ve been showering them with gifts and women for months and this deal wouldn’t come through. But Eun Woo sweeps in, dangles you in front of them and suddenly they want to finish this deal in five days? Apparently,  you’re  the secret weapon I should have been using all along?”

I glared at him.

He looked thoughtful as he stared at me. And then he nodded, features hardening. 

“So be it... You can go fuck that wolf in front of those men and I’ll get my work done. Always knew you weren’t unlike that mother of yours....” He smirked.

I felt my heart clench at that. My mother had been nothing but innocent. I recoiled when he made to stroke my cheek and he laughed again. 

“He’ll come pick you up in a couple of hours . Take a shower and fix yourself. ” He gave me one last look before leaving. 

The door slammed shut behind him and I sank to the floor. I stared around the room... groaning. 

And then my eyes fell on the small pink phone, sticking out of my bag. My dad had taken my phone but not this . It was the pair to the toddler phone that I’d bought Luna so many moons ago. After my fallout with Taehyung I hadn’t used it at all but it had remained at the bottom of my bag. It would only connect to its pair, but no matter. 

Grinning, I pulled it out, dialing quickly. If nothing else, at least dear , sweet Luna’s voice would cheer me up. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“So, you’ll make all the arrangements?” Eun Woo watched Taehyung carefully, the Alpha wolf sat behind his desk flanked by two of his closest men, Kim Namjoon and Kim Seokjin. The betas were built like fucking walls , both of them narcs in the force. They stared at him, eyes narrowed in distrust and for the first time Eun Woo felt the first inklings of regret.

Taehyung for his part looked like he believed him.  A laptop stood open in front of him, and the wolf had a Bluetooth device in his ear, obviously watching something on the screen. Eun Woo wondered if he had even listened to anything he had said. 

“So that’s it? You offered them the resort and they said the deal’s going down.” He asked casually and Eun Woo nodded , realizing that Taehyung had been listening to him after all. . 

“On the seventeenth. Yoon Jae hyun’s going to be there.”

“And Mirae...?”

“Well, just as a guest...I did imply we were seeing each other so it would be less suspicious if she were also around.” Eun Woo willed himself to sound normal. 

Taehyung didn’t look suspicious but there was no telling with the beautiful alpha, who had mastered the art of keeping a straight face while destroying his enemies. And Eun Woo was well aware that if the alpha found out how he had used the girl, he would definitely be topping that list. 

“Very well. I’ll make the necessary arrangements. You can go now. I’ll contact you soon.” Taehyung said shortly , his gaze flitting back to the screen infront of him. 

Eun Woo nodded, before standing up on shaky legs, his heart pounding, instincts telling him he was in danger. But he pushed away the thought, grabbing his bag and leaving the office quickly. 

Taehyung watched him leave, claws out and digging straight through his desk to stop himself from launching across the room and tearing the wolf’s throat out. He could smell her on him. And his wolf wasn’t happy about it. 

“Fucker’s got balls, lying to your face like that.” Namjoon commented mildly, staring at the laptop, where for the past hour or so, Taehyung kept replaying the CCTV footage from the poolside camera on the yacht club. 

Taehyung stared at the screen, watching the sheer discomfort and disgust on Mi Rae’s face and he’d never been filled with so much bloodlust in his life. The urged to rip the wolves to shreds, to tear them limb from limb, it simmered in his blood. 

The potent rage in his veins stunned him because he’d never felt anything like it before. If he’d had any doubts about whether his wolf had made the right choice, choosing Yoon Mi Rae,  it was gone. The sight of those men, ogling what was  his  and his alone, it made him want to kill. 

They had to die. And he had to do it.  

Simple as that.

And he would. 

He would run them through with his claws and watch the life blood drain out of their frail, fragile bodies. 

it took him some effort to compose himself. 

“How long has he been running this little racket in his resort?” Taehyung asked casually, feeling inordinately foolish. It was unlike him to be so neglectful over something so incredibly important. How on earth had Cha Eun Woo managed to run something so illicit and horrendous right under his nose? 

He blamed himself.

 He’d trusted Cha Eun Woo, for one hot minute. Forgotten that the wolf's loyalty lay solely with himself.

Namjoon sighed, placing a file in front of Taehyung. Taehyung flipped through the pictures , stomach turning. Eun Woo had huge sprawling rooms , with beds in the center  fitted with restraints and handcuffs. Comfortable arm chairs and couches dotted the rest of the room, men lounging about as they watched the action unfold.  Women,  drugged and barely conscious,  lay on most of them and apparently, alpha wolves indulged themselves with the women.

It was the most disgusting thing he had ever encountered in his life. 

And the bastard had actually dared, actually had the fucking thought of dragging his  mate  into it. 

The mere thought of it made Taehyung laugh out loud. 

Cha Eun Woo was out of his damn mind. 

 There really was no other explanation for it. Or maybe he’d been so blinded by his own wealth and power that he’d forgotten that Taehyung was ten times as powerful as him. 

Well, whatever the reason, he clearly had a death wish. 

And Kim Taehyung was going to grant it to him. With Pleasure. 

“It’s new. or we would have caught wind of it before.” Seokjin said apologetically, “ Probably a few months at the most. He mostly uses the men to get tax exemptions or do get ordinances cleared for his resorts or you know, get out of adhering to construction regulation and stuff like that. In return for letting them watch alphas knot human women. ” Seokjin’s face was scrunched in disgust. 

“And when I let him meet Yoon Jae hyun and his cronies, he saw an opportunity to expand his clientele and he took it. “ Taehyung hummed thoughtfully. 

“Mi Rae’s with her father....” Namjoon said thoughtfully.

“Knowing that son of a bitch, he’ll probably force her to go through with it.” Seokjin shuddered.

“Well, let him bring her there. We’ll get her out. And arrest the whole lot of them.” Namjoon said with a shrug. 

Taehyung stared at them for a second. 

He had been determined to do this by the book, at first. But watching Cha Eun Woo molest his girl, while a bunch of impotent , old bastards ogled her....well, that really changed his mind about how he wanted to deal with these motherfucking idiots. 

“No.” Taehyung said casually.

Namjoon and Seokjin stilled.

“Tae?”

“We’re not arresting any of them.” He said casually. And then he gave Seokjin a slow, calculated smile. 

Namjoon’s eyes widened as realization set in. 

“Tae-” He began , looking worried but the Alpha merely stared at him.

“I’m going to trust that my two best men are going to make that happen for me?” he drawled, eyes flashing red in a way that said it wasn’t really a request.  

Seokjin groaned.

“Fine. But we’ll still have to get an arrest warrant and all that. Don’t want the guy to be hailed as a victim or a martyr after I kill him. that always pisses me off.” He said distastefully and Taehyung hummed.

“I’m going to leave that to your capable hands, gentlemen. “ 

“We’ll get things ready then. “ Namjoon said casually making to move away and Taehyung nodded, watching the two betas move to the door. 

“Good., oh and one more thing....” he called out , making them both turn. 

“What’s wrong?” Seokjin asked , confused.

“Cha Eun Woo... he’s mine. Bring him to me when you’re done with the others.” Taehyung whispered. 

Namjoon grimaced but Seokjin merely grinned. Ironically, although he looked soft and almost feminine in his beauty, Seokjin was the meaner one.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Taehyung came home to see his daughter giggling uncontrollably on the couch, her phone pressed to her ear and he was confused.

The only one who could call her on that phone was him and-

His eyes widened, realization hitting him hard as he all but pounced on the couch, wrestling the phone out of Luna’s hands before he could think his actions through.

“Rae...” He breathed in disbelief.

“Taehyung?” Her voice came out surprised and relieved and he felt like he was flying. It felt like liquid honey in his ears, the sweet cadence of her tone filling him with sweet blessed relief. He hadn’t even realized how badly he had wanted to hear her voice, to get some confirmation that she was alright. 

“Dada dada dada...gimme gimme ...I wanna talk to Rae Rae...!!!” Luna bounced next to him, tugging on his arm and he struggled to keep his balance. 

“ How did you call? I’ve been trying to reach you and-”

“Dada!!! Please...i haven’t spoken to her in ages...lemme talk to Rae Rae...!!” Luna’s voice was shrill and unrelenting. 

“My dad got my phone.... I’m supposed to be with Eun Woo” He could almost see her rolling her eyes as she said that and he felt fondness bloom inside him at the though.

“Dada!! Lemme talk!” Luna was beginning to climb him now and he flinched when her tiny little claws came out, easily piercing the silk of his shirt and digging into his arms. 

“Damn it! Luna will you let me talk to your mother for one damn second?!!!!!” Taehyung shouted, frustration spilling out of him before he could tamp it down.

Luna froze on his arm. 

It took him another ten seconds to realize what he just said.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My heart thudded straight up to my throat, my lungs constricting so hard that I almost choked. 

I gripped the phone hard, fingers shaking as i tried to process what I’d just heard. 

“Shit... Oh shit..” Taehyung swore and I startled. 

“Don’t swear in front of her...” I hissed automatically . “ Taehyung what the fuck-”

“You’re swearing now!!” He shouted.

“Can you blame me?” I shouted back, my heart pounding. “ I’m not...what the hell do you mean mother?!!”

“I’m sorry... I don’t know why I said that.. It just slipped out.. i... you’re my mate and ... I know you told me not to call you that but I’m sorry , that’s what you are and she’s my daughter so I guess I just.. “

“We’ll talk about this later. “ I snapped, too tired to deal with his twisted feelings. “You have to get me out of here! The last thing I want to do is spend another minute with Cha Eun Woo. ” 

“God, Rae... are you alright? ..”

“I’m fine but can you get me out of here? I wanna get out of here!” I whispered. 

“Are you in your dad’s apartment? Is he hurting you?”

I sighed in defeat, knowing exactly what was going to happen.

“Let me guess....you want me to stay with the pervert till you finish saving the world.” I groaned.

“We need him at that resort on seventeenth. This whole thing is beginning to infuriate me and I’m going to end it. For good.” Taehyung’s voice carried a hard edge to it that made me wince.

“Are you gonna be there?” I asked, worried. 

“I am.”

I bit my lips.

“Did Eun Woo tell you how he got those men to agree to come there?” I asked hesitantly. 

“He didn’t but I know. Don’t worry about, I’ll deal with that....”

“If he didn’t tell you how did you know?” I asked, confused. 

Silence.

“ i planted a bug on him. And I had spycams set up around the pool.” 

“I didn’t like what he did.” I whispered. “ I don’t... I know its for a reason but the way he touched me I... I didn’t like it...” 

Taehyung didn’t respond for a few seconds.

“ Mi Rae , what he did was so far out of line that I can’t even begin to tell you how angry it makes me. But, don’t worry, sweetheart. I’m going to take care of him too. ” He said finally.

I felt myself itch with the need to get away. To reach Taehyung. And Luna..God, listening to her voice after so long....listening to her happy , joyful delight.,..

“I want to see you.” I begged, dignity forgotten. “ I want to see you and Luna.. Taehyung get me out of here!! Please.!!!” 

Taehyung groaned. 

“Baby, listen to me... just leave with Eun Woo for now , he won’t touch you, I’ll make sure of that.....”

“No you can’t make sure of that!!” i snapped. “ You don’t know how it felt to have his hands on me.... I.... I can’t bear the thought of him near me... Please, please, get me out of here.” 

A steady beeping made me jump and I stared at the phone in my hand. A red light blinked steadily on the upper edge made my heart drop. The battery was running out. Of course it was . I hadn’t used this in days. 

Tears sprung before I could tamp down on my own misery,

"Tae...Can you hear me?” I choked out. “ Tae... I can’t explain it. I feel weird.... I feel miserable and scared and to be honest, I hate my own skin right now.... Ever since he touched me... I feel like ....”

Another series of beeps and the call ended. My fingers were shaking as i stared at the phone in misery. 

This whole thing was spiraling into something scary and unpredictable and for once, the fear refused to ebb. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Taehyung...we can’t...”

“Call him.... We’re moving this thing up to tonight. I’m not waiting a whole four days to rip these bastards to shreds.  ” Taehyung roared, clenched fist coming down on the mahogany surface of his table with enough force that Namjoon heard the tell tale sound of wood splintering.

He flinched. 

Taehyung was enraged and the beta wolves felt like they were walking on literal eggshells. 

Seokjin held a hand up, trying to calm the infuriated wolf. 

“Okay... Okay...listen , we can’t just go in guns blazing and just kill some of the most  prominent men in the country, Taehyung. That’s not how it works.  ” 

Taehyung tried to keep his temper in check but it was impossible. God, the way she had sounded on the phone. Cha Eun Woo was lucky he wasn’t in front of him right now... Taehyung was going to tear him limb from limb for this. 

“So what, I just hand her over to him for the next five days?” He snarled. That wasn’t going to happen. it would be one thing if she was comfortable with it, but there was no way he was letting Eun Woo within fifty feet of her, not when she sounded so upset. 

“This is what happens when you ignore your fucking biology and act like a whole entire idiot. “ Seokjin snaps. “ There’s a reason people spend days locked in after mating!! Your bond is fragile and sensitive. Just because you don’t want to fuck her into the wall anymore , it doesn’t mean your bond is settled. She’s probably feeling just as worse....and she likely has no clue why ...” 

Taehyung felt his head throb.

“She’s human...she won’t feel the bond...” He muttered.

Seokjin scoffed.

“Are you serious, Tae? The mating bite connects you to her. You know that right? Yes, its not going to be as potent as it is for us , but human mates can sense the bond. The reason she’s so desperate to see you right now is because you carted her off with another wolf, before the bond could even settle. A wolf who for all intents and purposes sexually assaulted her.” 

Taehyung’s breath caught in his throat.

He’d been avoiding that thought , tried to downplay what Eun Woo had done, just for the sake of his own sanity. But Seokjin was right. What Eun Woo had done was just that and Taehyung had literally given him the license to do it. 

“I need to see her .” He whispered softly. 

“I’ll go get her.” Namjoon replied gently.. Taehyung stared at him, frowning.

“How?” he asked, shortly. His mind felt so foggy, so unlike himself. He was usually the sharpest man in any room, solving problems before they even cropped up, ever missing anything. But right now, he couldn’t think beyond getting her back in his arms.

“With them... I’ll go with them and tell Eun Woo I’m going to bring Mirae here..... Will that be enough? We’re this close to ending this for good, Tae. Don’t ..let your instincts mess this for you...”

Seokjin scoffed.

“Shut the fuck up, the pair of you. Taehyung stop thinking with your dick for a second and consider what we’ve been doing..... This raid has been in the works for three whole years. We’re not going to do something stupid now. Namjoon and i will go see Eun Woo....Give him a taste of what will happen if he touches Rae.... and then we’ll be back here.” 

He smiled then, wide and beautiful and even Taehyung felt a cold shiver run up his spine.

Seokjin continued, 

“ Five days from now, we’re going in, collecting enough evidence to bring the bastards down and then, to satisfy Taehyung’s bloodthirsty soul, we’ll rip a few throats out too. How’s that sound?  ”

it sounded fucking fantastic especially the last bit. 

“What if you piss Eun Woo off and he calls off the whole thing...?” Namjoon protested and Seokjin rolled his eyes.

“The mutt’s playing in the big league now. He was the one who offered them the whole show, think they’ll take too kindly to him backing out all of a sudden? Probably won’t..... He’s gonna have to stick with it. If for no other reason than to cover his own ass. ” 

“You’re not leaving Rae with him. I want to come with you guys....” Taehyung said firmly. 

“Oh, God. No. Absolutely not. I’m not burying Cha Eun Woo’s decapitated body tonight. That’s just not going to happen.” Namjoon held his hands up.

Seokjin grinned.

“As loathe as I am to admit it, Namjoon is right. You don’t have to be there. Don’t worry, we’ll be thorough. Make sure he understands we aren’t playing around. And we’ll think of something with your girlfriend. We can’t bring her to you.... Jae hyung has eyes on you , you know that. We’ll make sure she’s somewhere safe.  ” 

“You know you can trust us , Tae. We’re going to make sure this fool gets what he deserves.”

Taehyung nodded, skin still thrumming with discomfort. He wasn’t going to feel better until he saw her, but it looked like he had to wait for a while. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I stared at the two wolves flanking Eun Woo, each one holding him up by one arm, his knees bent at an odd angle. He looked unconscious . 

“Sorry. He wasn’t supposed to pass out but the fucker’s just a huge ass coward. Didn’t even last five minutes.” 

“Five minutes of what?” I whispered, staring in mild horror at the blood dripping steadily from the man’s temple. 

“Five minutes of us demonstrating what happens to people who covet things that don’t belong to them.” Seokjin smiled brightly. 

“Jungkook’s on the way here.... You know him right? Taehyung told me he’s a friend of yours.  He’s going to let you crash with him for a couple of days  That okay? “ 

I stared between the two of them.

“Are you sure? My father....” 

“Oh your father won’t know, sweetheart, don’t worry about that.  You know the original plan was for us to just warn this fool and he would come to his senses . But he chose to be an idiot and mouthed off about fucking anyone he wants to fuck.... So, Joon and I are going to keep him away from you. We owe Taehyung that much.” The wolf had a breathtaking face, impossible to look away from. 

“Can’t I go to Taehyung?” I said stupidly and they exchanged looks.

“No wonder he’s whipped. She’s gorgeous.” Namjoon muttered under his breath. 

Seokjin elbowed him sharply.

“Uh.. no. That’s going to be difficult because ....well, for starters its going to be pretty suspicious if you randomly show up at the Official residence of a Minister.”

 I flushed.

“He’s not staying at his condo?” I asked hesitant.

Seokjin shook his head. 

“He’s taking office in a few days, Yoon Mi Rae, ssi. He’s under the limelight right now. Which is why we think it would be safer for you to stay elsewhere. Your father is probably watching him closely.” 

I closed my eyes, feeling jittery. I startled when arms wrapped around me, warm and firm. 

“hey..... you alright?” The taller, dimpled wolf gave me a concerned glance and i realized I’d swayed a little. 

“I’m sorry... I’m fine.. I’m just...”

“It’s the bond.” Seokjin said gently and I stared at him.

“Bond?” I muttered, confused. 

“He claimed you. It sounds archaic but you do belong to him. Your body recognizes that even if your heart or mind doesn’t. “ He sounded almost apologetic.

I groaned.

“So I’m going to feel this way...”

“Anytime someone else gets close to you, yes.” 

I remembered how averse I had been to Jungkook touching me in the tub, that morning after. 

“So this isn’t real? I want to be with him but it isn’t real...and I can’t be with anyone else either -”

“Hey...Hey...listen. That’s not what I’m saying. Just the fact that the bond formed is proof that you guys have something special. If you weren’t into each other his wolf would have rejected the bond at once. But I’m just saying, for a few days, maybe indulge your baser instincts and stick to him, yeah? Once the bond settles , you can make better decisions without being physically affected by them.” Seokjin said gently. 

I sighed peering over at Eun Woo.

“What are you going to do with him?”

Seokjin hesitated.

“Take him to our place probably. Can’t risk him running around wrecking havoc. Don’t worry about it. Five days max. This whole thing will blow over and you won’t have to see him again.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“You okay?” Jungkook placed a pair of towels at the foot of the bed, looking concerned as he stared at me. I sat on the bed, knees drawn up and arms folded over them staring at him. 

“I’m so screwed.” I whispered. 

Jungkook smiled.

“It always feels that way.... at first. Don’t worry, you guys will work this out.” 

“I’m scared. My father ...he... he’s always been a bastard but... I never saw him as someone dangerous. But I think he is. I’m scared he’s going to hurt Taehyung.” I said softly, finally voicing what I’d been worried about all along.

Jungkook gave me a sharp look.

“That’s not going to be easy. Hyung can take care of himself. I’m an alpha myself and you won’t see me going against him. Everyone knows he’s not someone you should underestimate. “

“But I’m still worried..... I... I don’t want him to get hurt.”

“I’m glad you don’t want me dead anymore.” 

Taehyung’s voice sent a jolt of electric current straight up my spine. I scrambled, turning around to the window in shock. 

The alpha sat perched on the window sill, looking entirely unbothered for someone dangling a good fifty feet off the ground. 

“Hyung , what? Get in here!!!” Jungkook hissed, reaching for him, but he was already throwing his legs over and dropping to the carpeted floor with ease. 

“Don’t trust you enough to leave her with you for the night, Jungkook-ah...” He said casually, but his eyes danced with mirth. 

Jungkook rolled his eyes.

“She smells like you now hyung.... I’m not going there ..”

Taehyung gave me a surprised look. 

“She does?” 

“The bond’s settling then.” Jungkook said. “ This is my cue to leave. Where’s your security detail hyung? Tell me I’m not going to get shot in my sleep for kidnapping the Minister for Supernatural affairs.” 

Taehyung chuckled.

“They know where I am... I’m only here for the night. I have stuff to do in the morning.” He turned to me holding his arms out, “ You okay?”

I threw myself at him without a second thought. 

It felt like gears slotting together perfectly, his arm around me calming the simmering discomfort under my skin so quickly that I went limp. 

I closed my eyes, gripping his tight, letting my eyes fall shut as I inhaled the musky , woody scent of him. I heard the door close softly behind Jungkook and Taehyung ran his palms up and down my back.

“I may possibly be the worst mate in history.” He commented mildly.

I snorted.

“There’s no competition there. You win, hands down.” I muttered. He pulled back to stare at me, hands coming up to gently cup my face.

“I’m going to kill him.” He said softly and I frowned.

“I thought he was only doing what you asked him to.” I said , frowning.

Taehyung gave me a sharp glance. His hands slipped to my wrists, tugging me to the bed. I settled on the mattress and he took his shoes off carefully. 

“God, no. Do you really think I’d do something like that?” He gave me a wounded look and i bit my lips.

“How would i know? All you told me was that you needed Cha Eun Woo to help you”

Taehyung hesitated.

“He’s been running a brothel in that resort. A brothel were old or impotent wolves can watch alphas knot human women..... Its been going on for a while. i never knew. He’s been hiding it really well.” 

I felt my jaw come unhinged. 

Suddenly, the way he had talked about how I would look, having sex with an alpha wolf, the way he had described it to those men, it made sense.

“He told them ... he made it seem like I was one of those women.” Bile rose up in my throat.

Taehyung reached out, fingers lightly gripping my waist and tugging me closer.

I hesitated, not sure what he wanted but he scooted back to lean on the headboard, long legs stretched out in front of him and he held his hand out again.

“Come here.” He whispered gently.  “ i can think better if you’re in front of me” 

Seokjin’s words echoed in my head ,   maybe indulge your baser instincts and stick to him, yeah? Once the bond settles , you can make better decisions. 

I crawled over on my knees. 

Taehyung reached out , gripped my waist with both hands and lifted me straight up into his lap like I weighed nothing. i yelped, knees hitting the mattress on either side of his waist as I tried to spread my thighs wide enough to accommodate him . 

He kept his hands on my waist, grabbing the hem of my blouse and tugging it out of my skirt. He slipped his fingers in till he grazed my bare skin, thumbs rubbing soothing circles against the heated flesh. 

“Feel good?” He whispered softly. 

I tilted my head, regarding him thoughtfully.

“When have you ever made me feel anything but good, Alpha Kim?” I smirked, my tone dripping with sarcasm. 

The fingers on my waist tightened, hard enough to bruise and I choked  , gripping his shoulders , feeling the hard jut of his shoulder blades beneath my fingers.

“Behave.” He warned softly, “ I’m trying to start this right.”

I sighed.

“Start what?”

“This.. You and I. Together. As more than just friends.” 

I straightened, surprised.

“Taehyung-”

“I came here tonight, not because I had to...not because I needed to... but because I  wanted to.  I want you to know that. I’m here not by obligation but because I wanted to see you. Because I care for you.” He stared right at me but i couldn’t help but be wary. 

I looked away. 

“That's not what you said the last time we met which was literally this morning...” i protested. 

“ Rae, I was so fucking scared. I’ve been living inside my own head for too damn long. I’ve always had these....fucking rules inside me. Rules that i couldn’t bring myself to break. I don’t break the law, I don’t get involved with humans, I don’t trust humans, I always do stuff by the book..... But today, just...seeing what happened at that pool...... I realized I’ve been so fucking blind. ”

I swallowed.

“That’s not your fault...”

“It is... “ He said shortly. “ I’ve been so caught up with keeping my own rules, with fighting humans that I forgot that not all wolves are saints either. I’ve been so focused on your father because he’s human that I didn’t even consider that the men actually funding and dueling this entire drug racket...they’re wolves like me. That it isn’t humans who exploit us but men in power. Men in power who twist the law and use it as leeway to do whatever shit they want. “

“You couldn’t have known.” I said weakly.

“I could have. If I’d wanted to.  Two months ago Cha Eun Woo built a beach side resort in Jeju Do, very close to some endangered coral reefs I remember reading about it and wondering how he could have possibly gotten a permit to do that shit. But then i never followed through with it. And I wonder if it was because I considered him a friend. A friend whose favor I would need in the future. And what does it say about me, if my moral values are so selective? I can’t act high and mighty about bringing your father down while I’ve been letting Cha Eun Woo run a fucking sex trade right under my nose.” 

I pressed a palm to his face, my heart breaking at the sheer exhaustion on his face. 

“You can’t fix the entire world, Taehyung. You’re not meant to single handedly solve every problem in the country...... “ I whispered.

He shuddered.

“But if i don’t , who will?” He stared at me. “ Someone has to make an effort right?” 

I nodded.

“Yes... You’re right. And you’ve done enough. You’ve done more than your fair share. And you can do so much more, if you let yourself relax. If you let yourself breathe when you’re drowning you can swim so much further.” 

He stared at me. 

“My daughter.” He choked out. “ She really thinks you’re her mother. “

I bit my lips in distress. 

“Tae, I’m so sorry-”

“ Her mother died when she was barely three....So she doesn’t remember her much. She only remembers her scent which was yours.... She... She really wants you with us, Rae.”

“You shouldn’t have said that on the phone. What were you thinking calling me her mother...” I whispered, shaking my head. 

“  I think I  saw you as Luna’s mother. the moment you held her that day, in the dock , in the rain. The way she relaxed in your arms...The way her face lights up at the thought of you... I... I want that for her. I want her to have that...forever.” 

I let myself look at him. 

“And what about you? What do you want? “ 

He held my gaze for a long time. I felt my heart begin to pound, anticipation clawing up my spine. 

“a bowl of patbingsu would feel great.” He said seriously. 

It took me a second to realize what he’d just said. I punched his shoulders, not in the mood for jokes at all.

“Sorry sorry...that was bad timing.” He grinned. 

“The worst. Are you asking me out or not?” I demanded.

"I am asking you to move in.” He said softly. “ As my mate.” 

I couldn’t bring myself to speak. 

“It may seems too much , especially for a human but I’m a were and I want you in my house. Want your scent there, mingling with mine and I want my daughter to see us together. I want you to be...the woman I love.” 

“Don’t throw the L word around like that . It scares me..” I muttered and he smiled.

“I’m not a teenager Rae. The L word as you call it, it doesn’t scare me. I have a daughter, I know love in its purest form. And I’m not afraid of saying it either.” 

“Well, I’m just not sure if you even mean it.” I said desperately. 

“I do mean it. I love you and I know that because I broke every rule I’ve been keeping for the past twenty years , just because of a five minute video clip of another guy touching you .” 

I shook my head.

I felt overwhelmed. 

Somewhere beneath that chaos, I was happy, of course I was. But for now, the exhaustion and weariness won out, and I edged closer, resting my head on his shoulders. 

He hugged me closer and i felt the gentle press of his lips against the top of my head. 

“Let’s sleep.” I whispered. “ I’m so tired.” 

He hummed.

“Would you like me to leave?”

I shook my head. 

“No. Stay.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I woke up sometime in the middle of the night, to find myself on my side his arms wrapped right around me, tight and firm. I wondered how numb his arm must be, and wriggled a bit, swallowing the dryness in my throat.

He grunted and gripped my waist, stopping me from moving.

“You need to stop grinding on my dick, darling.” He choked out. I froze, face flaming. 

“Sorry... I...”

“It’s alright. What’s wrong?” He whispered, fingers brushing my hair back. 

I stared at the wall in front of me, lightly stroking the arm wrapped around my waist. 

“I feel better when I’m with you.” I whispered. “ Even when i barely saw you, those months in your home in the preserve...I always felt better when you were around. It was irrational, how much I liked you and wanted to be with you, seeing as I didn’t know much about you at all... And It makes me wonder, if perhaps you and I, perhaps  we aren’t that different.” I said. 

He hummed.

“How so?”

“Maybe wolves aren’t the only ones who can sense their mates . Maybe humans can too....maybe we sense it but we’re just too scared to act on it.” 

“Why should you be scared...?”

“Because sometimes, even your mate rejects you and that stings.” I smiled. His grip tightened around me.

“I will spend the rest of my life atoning for what I put you through...” He kissed my neck and I trembled. 

“It wasn’t a sin.” I said laughing at how serious he sounded. “ It was you being true to yourself . i appreciate that.” 

“But I hurt you. I hurt my mate. As a wolf that is unforgivable.” 

“Well , then you’re lucky that I’m not a wolf, aren’t you? Because I’ve already forgiven you.”

He tugged me around gently till I was on my back, before climbing on top of me. 

“Can I kiss you?” He brushed the hair off my face.

“I don’t know. Can you?” I grinned at him. 

He growled. 

“brat.” 

He pressed his lips against mine, a soft and gentle touch that lasted for just a few seconds before he drew back. 

And then he leaned in again, this time , lips parting, soft and wet as it closed over mine, tongue sweeping across the seam of my lips, begging entrance. I relaxed into the pillows , letting him take the lead. 

Taehyung kissed like he did everything else, firm and hard but somehow careful and gentle.

 The soft press of his fingers on my chin as he tilted my face for better access, the way his tongue licked into my mouth in soft kittenish licks, the way his teeth nibbled on the plushness of my lip, only for his tongue to lick and sooth the sting right after....

His kisses tasted like scotch and honey, like spring water in the middle of summer , cool and refreshing nd reaching so far inside me that I ached for it. He was strong and warm against me, his hair felt like spun silk beneath my fingers . i traced the contours of his face , the sharp edge of his jawline, the softness of his perfect brows and the sharpness of his collarbones. 

My mind was reeling by the time he pulled away. 

“Can I fuck you ?” He asked softly and I jolted at the filthy words in that deep earnest tone.

“I don’t know Can yo-?”

He didn’t let me finish. Groaning as he sat up, gripping the hem of his t shirt and peeling it off. I watched as he shimmied out of jungkook’s sweatpants ,before straddling me again. 

“Take that t shirt off for me.” He smiled and I quickly shrugged it off. 

“Mmm.... beautiful. I love your breasts....such pretty pink nipples.” He said casually and i choked a bit when he reached down, thumbing at the hard nubs till they pebbled up under his touch. 

I threw my head back as he bent over, peppering kisses all over my jaw before moving down to lick my nipple, lips closing over the nub for one second before nipping at them with his teeth. I felt the hardness of his erection against the softness of my stomach as he grabbed my panties, tugging them off me.

“I like it rough.” I whispered into his ear and he growled, reaching forward and grabbed the hair at the back of my head, yanking me away from his face. 

“Then let me fuck your face.” He said casually, scooting forward and pressing his cock right up against my lips. I took the hard length of him into my mouth. He tasted tangy and familiar , from the texture of his skin like silk on steel , to the way slight saltiness of his precum on my tongue. I loved the way his fingers gripped my hair, just a little too tight for comfort and a little short of violent. 

I moaned in disappointment when he pulled out a little, but only to place himself properly , one hand gripping the head board for support. Bracing himself against the headboard, Taehyung threaded one hand through my hair, gripping carefully till heat seeped through my entire body at the sting of it, and then he began thrusting into my mouth gently, pushing past my teeth and deeper into my mouth. I inhaled each time he pulled out, trying to tamp down my gag reflex, as i took the entire hot, wet length of him inside my mouth. 

He picked up the pace, letting go of the head board in favor of gripping my hair in both hands, holding me in place as he fucked into my mouth till my eyes watered. 

I felt myself  dripping wet with arousal and I tapped his thighs. He pulled back to stare at me.

“You alright?” 

“Fuck me.” I choked out, throat fucked raw and voice breaking. “Need you inside me now-”

He didn’t wait for me to elaborate, grabbing my waist and turning me over at once.

“Hands and knees., grab the headboard.” He growled and I scampered to obey. 

“Good girl, Now just hold on let me make you feel good, yeah, baby?” 

I felt a soft, wet kiss right on my spine, before fingers gripped my hair again , tugging me back just as he slid right into me. 

The shock of it made me stop breathing, his cock so thick and hard it felt like I’d been split open. 

“How does that feel baby? ...” He whispered, bending over and kissing my neck. “ Am i making you feel good” I fought to get words out and then groaned when he slid back in , a little rougher and a little faster.

He stopped again, pulling out and hitting my thigh, the sharp sting making me yelp.

“Roll over, sweetheart.” He whispered and I blinked groggily, rolling over to stare at him. He grabbed a spare pillow, folding it in half before pushing it under my hips. 

i blinked in confusion as he loomed over me again, this time grabbing my leg and throwing it over his shoulder. before pushing back in. deeper this time, the tip of his cock hitting so deep that I felt a sting of pain that made me wince.

He caught the look on my face and smiled, apologetic.

“Sometimes, too big isn’t too good. You’re a little small for me, I’m hitting your cervix. Let me fix that.”  He fixed the pillow again and this time when he pushed in , it was pure pleasure, his cock brushing my g spot with ease and making me clench around him like a vice. He moved to his knees, still inside me and I groaned in protest when his weight lifted off me. 

“Wanna see you cum, angel..” He whispered, using his thumb to press and slide over my clit in smooth, little strokes . I could feel my wetness leaking all over the place and I felt my throat go dry when he scooped up the dampness, before tracing the slick wetness all over my nipples and bending low and licking it all off.

“Taste so sweet, my baby...” He whispered, “ Wanna try?”

I barely registered what he said, eyes fluttering shut and I yelped when he lightly flicked my lips.

“Open your mouth..you should taste how good you are...” He grinned wickedly. 

Before i could reply he was already slipping two fingers between my legs, collecting more of the heady slickness. I moaned as he slipped the fingers into my mouth, smearing it all over my tongue , the spicy sweetness foreign and yet arousing against my tongue.  I felt my eyes widen as the taste filled my tongue, making me clench harder around him. 

“Tell me you taste good...” He pulled back and rammed again inside me , is fingers moving back to my hair and gripping tight.

“I.. i taste good..” I stuttered.

He grinned in appreciation and held my hips, swiftly flipping us over till I was on top, his cock slipping out of me because of how wet and messy i was. I struggled to pace myself and yelped when he casually grabbed my hips, lifting me up and bringing me down till I took the entire hard length of him inside. 

“Wait...stop.” He said suddenly and I froze. And then he was sitting up and turning me around making me kneel, facing away from him and i finally noticed the large dresser mirror, right across from the bed. 

I met his gaze through the reflection, swallowing. 

“When I watched you put on make up today, the way you stared at me through the mirror and put me in my place.... I was thinking I should do this.... .stare at you through a mirror someday and put you in  your  place. Didn’t think it would be so soon, baby.” 

I panted as he moved behind me, using his hands to lightly part my thighs. And the he was pushing closer, sliding into me and I gasped, gripping him tighter as he used one hand to fondle my breast while the other wrapped tight around my hip, bracing me for his thrusts. 

It lasted less than two minutes. I came unraveled, my mind exploding in glorious white hot pleasure and his warmth washed inside me, filling me and dripping down my thighs till i fell back against him, boneless and spent .I fell forward on to mattress, my limb jelly and he groaned, draping himself over me. 

“Hope that was sufficiently rough and filthy for you, my dear.” He whispered. 

I could barely think, let alone string words together so i stayed quiet, letting him pull me closer and hold me tight. 

i shifted as he moved to settle his head on my breasts, his arms and legs draping over me while his breath fanned hot and cold against my sweat slicked skin. 

His phone buzzed right next my head and he frowned. 

And then he laughed, turning to show me the screen

 From Jeon Jungkook :

I’m in the next room hyung!! Fucking stop. !!!

 I grinned despite myself.

Good Lord. 

~~~~~~~~~

 Author’s note : 

Ummm...hi?

Guess this isn’t ending in ten chapters fml.

@veronawrites

@ladyartemesia

@bumb1e–bee

Some of you sent me an ask to be tagged but i couldn’t tag you guys...probably because you’ve made your profile private.... So I’m sorry about that.

[eyeofthedrgn]

#1 Simon's POV of Wrecked

Notes: Hi friends! Ever since writing Wrecked and then someone on ao3 mentioning that I could make this into a series, I've been listening to Imagine Dragons and brainstorming. After writing Wille's redemption arc, I decided to try and write Simon's side. It will also be in three parts and also, not very long. Let me know what you think!

#1 (Number One)

It wasn’t easy.

That was a severe understatement. It had been the hardest thing he had ever done in his life. But he had to. He couldn’t be a secret. He has feelings that needed, no, need to be acknowledged. Sure, he isn’t the Crown Prince of Sweden, but why should that make him any less important? Especially in Wilhelm's eyes. He can’t keep putting Wille above himself. Can’t keep letting Wille make him feel lesser. Simon has to take care of himself, has to be his own number one because obviously he isn’t the prince’s. He lied. Even after he said he wouldn’t. He lied and it hurt. Like a knife stabbed into his heart. It wasn’t like it was the first time Wilhelm had let him down either. Simon shouldn’t have been surprised. When he really thought about it, he realized that he wasn’t surprised at all. There had been this tugging in his gut that told him things wouldn’t end well. He knew the way the queen manipulated her son for the sake of the crown. For the sake of appearances. For the sake of her legacy.

And what of his appearance? He gets stared at daily. Everyone knows his face. The attention seeker, the gold digger. The boy in the video. The video of child porn that for some reason isn’t getting taken down. They’re minors for god's sake! Not to mention the journalists and reporters that come to his door and hound him and his family. It’s disgusting. Pathetic. And for what?

Two people who love, consented in an intimate moment should be allowed their privacy. It doesn’t matter if it was the Crown Prince or not. That video was nothing but violation. It tainted a precious memory that will now forever be filled with heartbreak.

He said they could still be together. In secret. He didn’t want that, had never really wanted that in the first place. How could he have asked that after everything? As soon as he saw the tear fall down the prince’s face, he had to leave. Had to get away. Simon left him standing there. Alone. Simon could not, would not put himself last anymore. The Crown Prince had to do it alone. Wilhelm had to do it alone.

It felt terrible. Felt terrible leaving Wille by himself, alone. He knew the prince had no one. Erik was dead, Wilhelm’s parents were useless, and now he took himself out of the picture. But he was done letting his love be leached from him with no real reciprocation, no understanding of how this affected him. This was now on his own terms. It’s been said and done. His heart is broken, but he has to be true, has to have some inkling of respect for himself. He has to be his number one.

That was why he didn’t say it back on the last day of the term. When the prince had hugged him, apologized and said those three words. Those three words that wouldn’t fix anything. Those three words that hung heavy in the air. Simon hadn’t wanted to let Wilhelm go, they had always fit so perfectly, but it wasn’t meant to be. He had a feeling it would never be. And that probably hurt the most. There was something special between him and Wille. Something deep and ancient that couldn’t be explained. It was almost guaranteed that Simon would never get over the prince that stole his heart. A tragic love story.

Linda and Sara kept an eye on him. Both of them knew this hit harder than he was letting on. They knew he was hurting, knew this was going to be a long road of recovery, but they would be there. His family would give him a safe space.

What’s done is done.

[salty-fang]

Twisted fate: Sugar edition

Chapter 2-

Marinette thought she was getting better. She really did. After all, she had adjusted to Gotham’s dark atmosphere and had only cried about losing Adrien twice. Per day. For a month. She was puzzled as to how she had ended up snarfing down Rocky road ice cream whilst bookmarking photos of Adrien. Upon noticing his toothy grin, captivating eyes and playful demeanour, a wan smile fixed itself on her face.

“No. Bad Marinette!” She remembered how quick he dropped her for Gabriel’s wishes and felt the cold, clammy hands of betrayal lace themselves around her throat.

‘Tight. Too. Tight.’ Her chest constricted as she let out a choked gasp. Her hands reached to shut her desktop down. Memories, terrible memories, flashed in her eyes. She had recognised those olive-green eyes. Those eyes clouded by greed, thirst and hunger. Hunger to trample the hopes of any opposition. Hunger to humiliate her. Hunger to seize every last important thing from her.

In a flurry, photos of her and Adrien came raining down. The mirth and adoration in her eyes evaporated, replaced by pain and bloodlust. Her bluebell eyes radiated a frigid coolness as her eyes fell upon the picture of Adrien and her third anniversary. Traitor. Her doe eyes narrowed and her mouth set in a thin line. Anger rolled off of her with each picture she ripped. She had read the attacks, the taunts and jabs at her for being a ‘whore, gold-digger’ and ‘attention seeker’. She had seen Adrien’s unresponsiveness to the situation, leaving her for the hounds to devour. Coward. She’d seen pictures of Adrien and that witch frolicking as she was left to pick up the broken pieces of her heart.

An unquenchable flame raged in her heart. With every memory, the flame burned brighter until the ache for love became unbearable. She hadn’t asked to be broken. She hadn’t asked to not be good enough. She hadn’t asked to lose control of her heart like she did but it still happened.

‘We could never be satisfied,’ she thought. The dull thrum of her heart rang in her ears as silence hung in the air. She knew she was anything special but, damn it, she thought she could be enough.

“Why wasn’t I enough?” Her shoulders shook with the effort of holding onto her sanity. A war waged in her mind as she searched blindly for anything, anything to ground her. She shouldn’t cry. He wasn’t worth it. She couldn’t cry. She wouldn’t give them the satisfaction of breaking her. She wouldn’t -. A sound that could only be described as pure grief ripped through her throat, slashing the air. She rocked herself hoping, wishing and praying for his return to her.

She fondly whispered “He’ll come back. He always has, the idiot.” A glint of resignation shone in her eyes before she slept, her back against the wall by the door.

•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

Damian loved Gina. He really did. He loved her composure in the face of danger and her frankly reckless attitude. But if one more person breathed her name, he would throttle them. So, when Todd teased Alfred for his fresh attire for Gina, he silently thanked the heavens for the opportunity to release some energy. He pounced, lunging for Todd’s throat wrapping his hands loosely. Nah, who was he kidding, his hands coiled tightly around his neck.

“Demon spawn, the hell?” Jason managed to choke out. Damian relished the pink hue that had crept up Jason’s face.

“Tim-no. Richard- ack, not you either,” Bruce started, voice hesitant. “Uh Duke?” he tried fumbling about for glasses and his coffee. “Ja-"

“Don’t even think about it old man, it’s Damian, you dolt,” Jason winced as he felt the nails dig into his neck.

"Ah yes, Damian, let go of him this instant. It is Damian, right? Right?" He heard the thud of someone's body hitting the floor.

Damian knew he hadn’t lost his touch. Assassin’s blood would forever run in his blood. His family were moronic buffoons, that he knew. But, if they thought he was turning ‘soft’ then they weren’t doing much to challenge the status quo and prove him wrong. They were simpletons through and through. And though he would never admit it, he loved them for it. As Jason warned him to watch his back, he couldn’t deny the thrill, the rush of adrenaline that ran through his body. Man, he loved this family.

•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•

Marinette felt weird. She knew something was wrong. The lingering feeling had teased her subconscious for a while, now. And if the urge to constantly pee, excessive vomiting and constant fatigue was anything to go on... she was pretty certain she had an inkling as to what was happening.

All it took was that test and she had her suspicions confirmed. The two lines that appeared filled her with dread and excitement. Choosing to focus on the latter for now, she squealed, shaking and shimmying the best that she could with her heavy feet. She was PREGNANT.

Crap, she was pregnant. They hadn’t talked about children. They hadn’t talked about raising a child. Their apartment wouldn’t have enough space for all of them. They didn’t have a name. They knew nothing about childbirth. They simply weren’t ready. Worst case scenarios ran through her head. What if she wasn’t a good mom? What if Adrien left her? What if he hated their baby? Or worse, what if she hated her baby?

'Wait... they used p-p-protection. So how?’ The notion cut off her train of thoughts, turning her into a blushing mess. She could feel the heat sear through her cheeks and she could see the contrast of her freckles against her flushed face.

‘Oh no. She couldn’t tell Adrien; she couldn’t burden him like that. Not when he already had so much on his plate. She wouldn’t tell him but maybe she could hint at it. Yes, that would be the ideal course of action.’

Adrien really was the most oblivious human alive. Marinette had forgotten about that factor. Two months later and Adrien still hadn’t gotten a clue. She refused to believe he was that blissfully ignorant. She stroked her developing stomach, contemplating whether she would just tell him or surprise him with a kid. She was opting for the second option as Adrien had looked more stressed than ever, running errands for Gabriel more frequently. God, she hated that man. He constantly critiqued her for ‘not being good enough for his son. After all, she was a Baker’s daughter.’

Marinette could still remember the times when Gabriel had tried to persuade her to leave Adrien without an explanation. He’d threaten her, try to win her over with money; anything to let his son be rid of her. Marinette knew the pain of being left in the lurch. She knew the pain of wondering if it was her fault. She knew the pain of wondering where it went wrong. She wouldn’t do it to him. Not like that.

And then, he’d broken up with her. She had regretted nothing. She’d left him whole. Maybe a little damaged but not scarred. And that was most important to her. She’d regret nothing. It was the least she could do to salvage what was left of her chipped heart.

Marinette had awoken to tender kisses placed on her forehead. Her Nonna looked like a mess. She looked frazzled yet she focused her energy into calming a frantic Marinette.

“Netta, my fairy, I’m,” Marinette whimpered. She could hear the shakiness in her Gigi’s voice. She was a bad luck charm. She always caused pain for everyone. Slowly, she peered up at Gina expecting disappointment to be etched on her face. Yet her face shone with love and her eyes were filled with pity, no, guilt. “I’m so sorry. I broke our pact. I’m no better than them.”

She curled in on herself, head bowed, breaths shallow.

“I’ve hurt you Marinette, I’m a failure.” A short sharp ‘enough’ cut her off. Leaving no room for deliberation, Marinette said

“Nonna, please, if anyone’s a failure, it’s me. I mean who would want a single, unemployed pregnant woman?” Gina sat with wild eyes, jaw slack as she processed what Marinette had just said.

“Hold up, you’re PREGNANT?”

“Have been for the last three months but you know.” She shrugged. She’d processed this already but Gina hadn’t. Gina had switched from pained to bubbly in the span of a few seconds. She screamed before peppering Marinette with questions. Marinette had answered most of her questions and told her killing Agreste- which one she had been referring to was a mystery- was off the table. She’d crush him and make him beg for mercy in her own time. She told her how ‘Adrien hadn’t known’ and by the time they’d finished, it was past midnight. Gina pulled her into a bone-crushing hug before tucking her into bed.

Marinette woke up with a sore back, throbbing headache and bloodshot eyes. She noticed Gina had crashed on the floor beside her sofa. The events of what had occurred last night replayed in her mind. She really fell asleep with his picture beside her for comfort. She’d called his girlfriend a witch. How was she supposed to look him in the eyes after that? She couldn’t even look herself in the eyes. She really wasn’t looking forward to their ‘date’ today. She rose, albeit reluctantly, and stretched. With a steady hand, she applied her mascara onto her lashes. Clad in a baby blue sundress and floppy hat, she set out in a bid to meet Adrien.

•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•

Marinette had arrived late but she had not expected this. Adrien and her had been enjoying their date and she had loved her triangle sandwiches. So, when Lila sashayed over, hips swinging , her mood soured and she groaned. Loudly. Apparently, that fuelled Lila's desire as she launched into an awkward kiss, teeth clashing against Adrien’s. Adrien remained motionless as she kissed him once. Twice. He felt her bite down hard on his bottom lip. He felt tears gather in the corner of his eyes. He tasted the metallic tang of blood in his mouth. He felt her tongue slip into his mouth, demanding satisfaction.

‘What’s wrong with me?’ he wondered. ‘I should be enjoying this. So, why does it feel so wrong?’

He responded on instinct, battling her tongue with his own, with an intensity he had saved for Marinette. When they pulled apart, saliva intertwined and breaths heavy, he noticed the hungry look in Lila's eyes. She seemed to forget Marinette’s presence as she moved to straddle his hips. An over exaggerated cough had Lila leaping from his lap, yelping before her eyes settled on the culprit. Marinette. Lila chose to sit beside Adrien, wrapping an arm around his tense shoulders.

“Still disgustingly fake as ever Lie-la,” she drawled. “No personality but I see you have paid for implants.”

“I’d say it’s a pleasure to see you again but I’d be lying. And I don’t lie,” she blinked innocently. “Now scram before things get a little steamy for your virgin eyes.” Her obnoxious voice grated on her nerves. She bit back a comeback as the urge to puke bubbled in her throat. She couldn’t stop herself as she vomited. Heavily. On Lila. At least Adrien had the sense to bound away before he got hit.

Lila was pissed. Marinette had wrecked her outfit with her sick. She couldn’t twist the situation maliciously as anyone with eyes could see Marinette was pregnant. So, in blind rage, she punched Marinette in the face.

“You deserve more, bitch.” Lila spat at Marinette. Lila had intended to punch her in the stomach when she felt a hand wrap around her fist. Marinette had growled at her and she actually felt scared. For the first time in her life, she backed down. She stalked away towards ‘her Adriboo’, who was having a hard time stifling his laughter. She pouted as she realised that her pride bruised.

“That will teach you to mess with me Lila.” Marinette levelled a glare at her before she bolted.

'Run.

Run! Don’t look back!

Just run!'

She didn’t stop until she was safely on her balcony and so, she missed Adrien intervening, Lila screaming and the stranger slinking in the shadows. She just felt so dizzy. Her insides swirled and she slumped against the balcony ledge. The hand she clamped over her mouth made the sensation worse. She threw up and from the sounds of it, she had hit someone.

‘I have to stop puking on people,’ she thought as she heard the cry of indignation from below. ‘Poor sap.’ Slowly, she retreated back into the hotel room to get some rest before she met the people who made her grandma so happy.

•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•

Damian was having a horrible day. First, Grayson had chosen him as the latest victim of his matchmaking attempts. Sitting in a cat themed coffee shop, he had listened to an attention seeking gold digger ramble on about herself for an hour and a half. Did she not get tired of her own voice? He knew he had, for certain. He was ready to curse Grayson’s awful choice in people again when something piqued his interest. A harlot was engaged in battle with an angel. And from the look of discomfort on the harpy’s face, the blue-eyed beauty was winning.

He knew he shouldn’t have followed her when she left but he felt a strong pull towards her. He knew she felt sick but he hadn’t expected her to puke on him. Granted, he was hiding and the balcony was pretty low... but still. He screeched in disgust as his suit and hair were covered in what looked like bird shit. It smelt like it too. So yeah, pretty horrible day. At the very least, he could look forward to Gina coming to the mansion later today. She’d cheer him up. He just knew it.

Damian was annoyed. Gina was late. Very late. And he’d been waiting for hours for her to arrive. When was she going to get here? A soft rap on the door sent him flying out of his seat as he scrambled to unlock the door. He’d expected Gina but on their doorstep was that angel from earlier.

•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

Go check out the salt version @loveswifi

Taglist: @lunathealphafemale @sassakitty @krispydefendorpolice @blackmagicforever @nach0ava @wannajointhecrabcult @thornalchemist23 @moonlightstar64 @iloveitwhen @little-angel1031 @screwthisshit111 @rebecarojas07 @animegirlweeb @mystery-5-5 @moonystars14 @gingerdaile @spyofthenightcourt

[fangsmyth]

heart asks for headcanons, bapeyyy || accepting

@dresstodevastate​ asked: 💟: what are three traits that my muse looks for in a partner?

god lanque is such a weird dude he’ll fuck and date anyone he says he has standards but they all amount to good hygiene and basic human decency hogh the bitch doesn’t know what he wants so he’ll just do whatever!!!

i guess if i had to say for whenever he’s Actively looking he really likes people that aren’t afraid to take risks via doing something stupid and dangerous? he’s a fuckin hedonist, bitch he craves enjoyment and amusement like the clown he is... and lanque is just horny for danger idk what to tell you!

for obvious reasons it’s super important for lanque that his partner is someone that isn’t judgmental. he’s kind of drawn to people that are pretty relaxed and go with the flow? but if people go too far in that direction he kind of gets annoyed with them and assume they can’t take a relationship all that seriously h

his search for this is a bit more passive than active but i do feel like lanque is probably a bit of a gold digger??? j. just a lil bit more drawn to people when he realizes they have a shit ton of money his ears perk up he’s a prince that deserves to be spoiled

@underteika​ asked: ♡: how does my muse act, consciously and/or subconsciously, around people they are romantically interested in?

uh, bad? ...oh you mean interested that’s easy. yeah again, lanque is really weird it’s very hard to tell when he’s into someone since he sort of acts like... that to pretty much everyone.

if there are really any distinct differences, it’s that lanque allows an inkling of vulnerability around people he’s interested in? it’s purposeful, since he wants to see if people can really handle how sensitive he can be along with not really judging him? but on the other hand, it’s low key a bit of a manipulation tactic? 

he wants people to feel bad for him and give him that extra bit of attention... yeah he kind of does that with everyone but with people he’s interested in it’s a bit more genuine if that makes sense? like with people he’s just not that into it’s simple shit like ‘i’m trash haha’ but with others there’s more depth and specifics to it. it’s also kind of a warning because he IS trash he’s RIGHT to be self-deprecating.

as for the more subconscious signs lanque is more insistent on them specifically. like he’ll go out of his way to get their attention in particular, crash at their house after a night that’s a little too crazy, honestly if he’s willing to share anything that isn’t booze or ecstasy that alone is a huge compliment he does not share things very well at all

@enradiant​ sent: 💜: how long might it take for my muse to say "i love you" for the first time?

...........it depends how drunk and/or high can you get him getting lanque to say it on anything is pretty much a done deal after dating someone for about ehhh 2-3 months i wanna say? he’s a closeted i love you slut that only emerges on the night of a full moon, but when he finally says it when he’s sober he will not hesitate to remind you Constantly

unless you count the sort of hidden ways some people say i love you, his probably being catching him up and just sort of... spacing out and gazing at you when you first wake up in the morning. he’ll snap tf out of it and say “i-i just... didn’t wanna wake you..... seeing you that calm is nice” or some gay shit like that help me im 22 and ive never even been on a date what the hell am i doing here

&& 💙: how would my muse handle seeing their object of affection falling in love with someone else?

ahaha not well! he will either guilt trip/manipulate them into staying with him or he’ll kill them both! be careful, lanque is..... he gets jealous really easily when it comes to love he’s very fragile and his heart is super easy to break no matter how much he refuses to show it

&& 💚: how does my muse feel about love? about falling in love? about being in love?

he fucking LOVES it lanque thinks love is the dopest shit in the world and that’s secretly what he REEEALLY wants he just also thinks it’s totally lame and cliched and domestic and... boring

lanque wants the sappy part of love, but he’s super afraid of losing the passion if that makes sense? if he could have someone that would help him keep shit spontaneous and unpredictable while still being unafraid to have those calm nights in that’s *chef’s kiss* the dream

&& 💛: does my muse believe in love-at-first-sight? in soulmates? in fate?

...........nah i wouldn’t think soJLDFGDFSHGDF

[gothicthundra]

Driving

Alright... I blame @midnightcaptions and @rosetyler42 for this little shinnanigan… I should have taken a nap before I started this... and should have been in bed now as I finished it... but here you go... 

Because of THIS post I was tagged in..

Drakken narrowed his eyes in the darkness as the rain beat down the Hover Car, he was sure glad he'd gotten the windshield working, especially since the secondary one was apparently down. He glanced at Shego who had for once been quite, it was unnerving to be honest. The only thing she'd said was over the phone, the Hover Car had broken down, and she needed a ride. He hadn't even thought about it as he'd told her to push the tracker button on and then gone to get her. He glanced at her, wondering if he should ask. She looked like she was in deep thought, he looked at her closer. She was dressed nicely, her hair was even pulled back in a pony tail. She wasn't wearing anything fancy, but it wasn't her normal suet. Drakken shrugged, worst she could do was yell or they'd both crash.

“So, want to talk about it?” asked Drakken, he had an inkling about what might have happened.

“Talk about what?” asked Shego, though she didn't really have any emotion to pick up on in the tone.

“Whatever,” said Drakken, he waited, and waited, and was about to continue when...

“This guy I was seeing dropped a bomb on me tonight,” said Shego with a glare out the window.

“Married?”

“No,” said Shego with a groan.

“Gay?” 

“... No,” said Shego, she smirked a little.

“Wants world peace?” asked Drakken, Shego snorted and shook her head.

“No,” her smile faded, “Apparently, according to him and his gaggle of friends. I am not, what did he call it... girlfriend material. That I am too much of a wild card for his little social group.”

“.... so when do we murder them all?” asked Drakken after a few seconds, Shego's expression shifted and she nudged him playfully.

“Thanks, I needed that,” chuckled Shego, Drakken's stomach flipped.

“It's his loss really,” said Drakken, he kept his eyes on the road, he bit his lip and contemplated his words before he spoke, “You're beautiful, intelligent, witty, anyone can see that, if his beach gorilla brain can't see that, then he's dumber than the sand he sunbaths on.”

“He wasn't a 'Beach Gorilla.' He's was a doctor,” said Shego, and Drakken felt his entire insides twist and his jaw tightened.

“Really?” asked Drakken, something about that upset him, “I'd hate to be his patient.”

“He's right,” said Shego and Drakken saw her look out the window, “You said it yourself, I'm sarcastic, jealous, aggressive, and on no more then a dozen occasions you've pointed out that I'm high maintenance.”

“I said gold digger,” said Drakken, he was hoping for a smirk, but he got a half-hearted eyeroll, he swallowed hard and then glared, “That's all part of your charm. Is it annoying sometimes? Yes. Would I like it any other way? God no. Tried that, was horrified.”

“Your just saying that to cheer me up,” smirked Shego, he glanced at her.

“Is it working?” asked Drakken, she gave him a slight smile, he was going to let it go, move on, but his mouth didn't, “Shego. I do mean it. To me... your the perfect.”

“... snark and all?” asked Shego after a solid minute, Drakken grinned.

“Snark, violence, evil, and all,” said Drakken, he looked back at the road, he heard her give a small chuckle.

“You know Dr. D.... if you weren't driving right now, I'd kiss you,” Drakken's stomach did a complete full 360 at her words.

He didn't know why or what compelled him to do so, but as his stomach knotted and his heart-rate quickened. He quickly landed the Hover Car on the side of a road where they were driving near. He looked at Shego, unsure if she had been joking, if she'd been serious... he didn't know. She was wide eyed as she looked at the road and then stared at him, he imagined a similar look on his own face. He could laugh and tell her he's just wanted to see her reaction, anything really. She'd buy it, buy it the hundred other times he'd hinted at any interest in his side-kick. He swallowed hard and planned to do so, but again, his mouth was not in sync with his brain.

“Well, I'm not driving now,” he said calmly, calmer then he felt either way.

Shego didn't move, didn't budge, just stared at him. Drakken wondered if he should say he was joking, pull a 'Got You!' on her... as he didn't, he wondered if running off into the rain was a good idea or would simply just later add to his embarrassment. He felt his hand clench the stirring wheel and he took a deep breath. She'd been only joking, just normal banter, trying to be polite.... he'd said the wrong thing after saying the right thing. Hell, she might just plasma blast him even. He didn't get to overthink much longer because she moved at ninja speed and he felt a searing moment of utter panic before it stopped. Shego's arms were around his neck as her lips softly kissed his, despite the ferocity of her prior movement. It took him a lot less longer then he thought it might to get over the shock. The flips in his stomach had halted for a whole different feeling. His arm slid around her waist, closing the hint of space between them. There was a hum of shock from her that vibrated his lips, her grip tightened and she deepened the kiss. There was an overwhelming smugness that wafted into Drakken's mind, the fact that he was kissing Shego and her original date had missed out on the heavenly scent he knew as hers, the taste of dark wine and chocolate on her lips. His hand drifted up her back and then suddenly she was in her seat again and fixing her hair and he was still leaning.

“That's enough of that,” said Shego, there was a tint to her face, “It's getting late, better get back to driving.”

“I... I... ohm,” Drakken's mind was a blank and suddenly the smugness gut punched him again and he felt embarrassed as he slid back to his seat and put the Hover Car in gear, it was a moment... the moment had passed, “Uh, yes, I suppose you're right.”

Drakken drove in silence all the way back to the lair. He was calming himself internally, telling himself, like normal, everything would go back to normal. Say something so it doesn't. Drakken cringed, perhaps just chalking it up to a moment wasn't a good idea. Yes, open your mouth some more, this was just her being vulnerable and you talking too much. He nodded, that's what it was, the only moment was a momentary lapse in judgment. As they reached the lair, Drakken got out quickly, but not as quick as Shego. The awkward silence continued as they walked side by side into the lair. Grab her hand. Drakken really wanted to smack his subconscious sometimes, because his hand almost had. 

“Well,” said Shego as they got to the entrance hall, “Thanks for coming to pick me up.”

“Of coarse,” said Drakken, like he ever didn't, “Never a problem... ohm, night.”

“Night?” asked Shego with a raised brow, suddenly she rolled her eyes and scoffed, “I knew you were overthinking when I stopped the kiss.”

“What?” asked Drakken, she scoffed and shoved his shoulder.

“I can't believe...,” said Shego, there was a lightness to her voice, “Did you think I wanted our night to continue in a clear domed Hover Car on the side of the road.”

“I'm lost, so that kiss... you weren't just...” Drakken didn't know how to word it, but he didn't bother finishing his thought as Shego grabbed his hand and began pulling him towards her room with a devious smirk, “Oh.”

“Well, unless you had other plans this evening,” said Shego, the smugness in her eyes betraying the innocent look she was giving.

“A few,” said Drakken with a shrug, he saw her eyes widen before he smirked, “Quite a few really wouldn't have gone over to well in the Hover Car.”

“Well, let's see if there along the same plans I had,” grinned Shego, her eyes held a glint in them.

“Well it does involve a Doctor,” smirked Drakken, he thought Shego might smack him for a second before she snorted.

“I'd rather have a evil dorky college drop out,” her smile was less devious, “Know where I might find one of those?”

“Funny enough....” Drakken was cut off by her lips briefly kissing his.

“Alright, Dorkken, enough banter... time to put those lips to better use,” replied Shego as she opened her door.

“I can think of a few ways,” grinned Drakken as he followed Shego into her room and closed the door.

~Fin~

[bbwoulfc]

Instincts Sucks Chapter Nine Sneak Peek: New Pack Members

Marinette jumped when the large crowd of reporters started shouting questions and camera’s snapping off as Adrien ran up to his girlfriend and dragged her back inside with Natalie following close behind trying to shield off as much from the cameras she could.  Slamming the door shut behind them, Adrien moved Marinette away from the windows, feeling the need to shield her from the chaos that was no doubt occurring outside now.  He held her close.  This wasn’t starting off well and he knew this was going to blow up further before the issue could get resolved.

He felt Marinette’s fingers curl in his shirt, clinging to him as he tightened his hold around her.

“Adrien,” he heard Marinette whisper, “what’s going on?”

Adrien leaned his head down, his nose falling into her damp hair, smelling the tropical scent.  The simple closeness and smells of her shampoo brought some of the anxiety nagging in the back of his head to relax.  He’ll figure out how to erase the nonsense of the media and show them the amazing person that is Marinette.

“Someone spilled to the media that you and I are mates and,” he paused.  The idea of telling her what people were saying about her brought hesitation, but he knew she needed to be aware of the situation. Plus he hated keeping anything from Marinette.  “People are thinking wrongly of you.  Speculations thinking you’re some gold digger, the whole fame, and fortune deal.  They’ve even been told I’ve been with you the entire week and beginning the think you’re pregnant.”

His thoughts are cut off when he hears Marinette giggling.  He looks down at her to see her head hiding in his chest trying to hide her laughing until she looked up to find Adrien staring back at her.  He was stunned to find her smiling.

“What is it with people lately always asking and wondering if I’m pregnant,” Marinette chuckled out.

Of course, leave it to Marinette to find a way to lighten the mood.

“I would have expected a different answer from you to honest.”

“If we’re being honest about the situation, Adrien, I’ve been expecting this to happen the day we’d become a couple.  No matter how much we try there will always be some people who’d start rumors and claim me a gold digger.  It was inevitable.”

“That’s the frustrating part, Mari.  There’s no reason for you to be a gold digger when your family has money.  Your family has a famous and popular bakery, your family in China is just as famous with your Uncle being a well-known Chef, and grandparents having their own franchise.  And don’t get me started on your father’s side.”

“But Paris doesn’t need to know about my entire family success on both sides. And I could care less that they do.  They don’t need to know how successful and wealthy my family has to be to show how worthy I am for you.  It’ll be okay, minou, we’ll figure this out, together.”

Adrien took a breath and exhaled.  He looked at her and smiled.  His lady was always brave and courageous and even in this ridiculous misfortune of rumors she still looked to the bright side of things.

“You’re such a strong woman, my lady.  However, it still upsets me hearing all the things being assumed about you.  I’m just worried about someone ruining you and your chances for your future.  Pere and Mama always warned me that there are people out there who would ruin any form of competition and I have an inkling of a feeling that someone is indeed attempting to do so.”

Marinette pats her hand against his chest above the area of his heart, “My handsome, protective kitten.  You’re such a knight it never ceases to amaze me.”

“Hey. A knight will always be protective of his lady,” Adrien stood proud, arms crossed over his chest.

Marinette playfully smacks him, “Dork. Back to what we were discussing.  Since you’re worried, surely you have a friend from industry experience as a model that’s gone through a similar situation. Not a model per se, but someone you know personally that’s gone through rumor scandals and whatnot.  They could have answers you’re seeking.  Maybe Chloe?”

Adrien shakes his head, “No, Chloe hasn’t gone through something like this.  Even when she was snobby back when we were fourteen she’s never had anything like this or any form of rumors go after her or her family.  And ever since she and Nathaneal had been dating it became more of a romantic love story than that typical money standings.”

His arms crossed, his left index finger tapping against his right arm when a person came to mind.  A smile stretched across his face, someone he knew well and was one of his closest friends from his extracurricular activities.

“I actually know someone that might be of help.” He looked down at his girlfriend and reached for her hand.  “Let’s head to my room.  We’ll give her a call and see if she can help us figure this out.”

“Who is she?” Marinette asked as she followed Adrien up to his bedroom.

Reaching his bedroom, Adrien closes the door and lead Marinette to his couch.  While he scanned through his contact list, he responded back, returning Marinette’s question.

“I’m not sure you’d know her personally but I’m positive you and others know of her from her successes in sporting competitions.  Her name’s Kagami Tsurugi.”

“The Kagami Tsurugi? One of the best fencing proteges out there?  You’re friends with her?”

Marinette couldn’t believe her boyfriend knew one of the top fencing competitors in the young adult divisions.  She knew Adrien was an incredible fencer himself but she’s seen Kagami fence on television and world competitions and even she couldn’t deny that Kagami is definitely one of the best.  There’s was a few times she remembered Adrien talking about a Kagami in his fencing academy being one of his strongest competitors.  She just never thought they actually became friends.

“Yep.  We got to talking with each other back when we were fifteen.  She didn’t have a lot of friends and we just clicked the more we began talking.  It’s been a bit over a year since I’ve spoken with her since she’s been traveling for titles in sporting events, but I recall a moment back when we were sixteen that she told me about.  Kagami told me that she found her destined which both surprised us.”

“She met her destined at sixteen?  How’s that possible?  No one knows until at the age of eighteen.”

“Exactly, but I guess it was her destined that found her by accident during a walk around the city. Kagami was unsure but she took a chance and got to know the guy.  I remember he said that he’s two years older and that he was calm and down to earth, her words.  She said they’re complete opposites and that she wouldn’t trade it for anything.  Said that he offers an out from all the expectations from the world with her career.”

“Have you ever met him?”

Adrien shakes his head, “no, she never got the chance to tell me.  Or she just didn’t want to share at the time.  But there was a moment two years ago I recall where people believed that her destined was a gold digger cause they weren’t of the same status.  Kagami would call me at times in frustration and to vent.  I can’t remember if they ever released the name of her destined but there is a chance that the Tsurugi’s paid or possibly threaten the media to not release his name.  Eventually, things got settled though Kagami wanted to chop the media for disrespecting her man as she would say.”

Both young adults broke in laughter at the image of Kagami chasing away the media with a dueling sword of some kind.  That would have been an image they would save and hang up and maybe get her to sign.

“Alright, let’s see if we can get ahold of her.”

Clicking Kagami’s contact, Adrien clicked the green call button and placed the phone on speaker.  A few rings went through when they heard a click indicating the call being answered.

“This is Kagami Tsurugi, her temporary secretary answering. How can I help you?”  The sound of a calm, collected young man’s voice was not what Adrien and Marinette were expecting to hear on the other line.  In the silence, the two teens heard notes of music being played amongst their confusion.

“Uh, hi.  I’m looking to speak with Kagami, is she there?”  Adrien wasn’t sure how to respond to this.  He wasn’t expecting someone else to answer her cell phone.

“Depends.  Who’s calling and what is the purpose of your call?” The young man asked.

Adrien was slowly becoming frustrated with this man.  “I’m not sure I feel obligated to tell you since I don’t know who you are?  So why don’t you just get Kagami for me, alright?”

The sound of strumming halted and the sound of an object was being set aside.  What Adrien and Marinette weren’t expecting for was the young man on the other line to respond back with a hardened tone.

“Listen here.  I don’t know who you are but I am not letting someone who refuses to offer their name and purpose speak with my girl.  I don’t take chances when it involves my Gami, so either you give me your purpose or I’m hanging up.”

So Kagami’s boyfriend was who Adrien and Marinette were speaking with.  Marinette gave the young man credit for being protective of his mate and thinking about Kagami’s status, she couldn’t blame the young man for being cautious.  

Marinette was about to break in and speak when she and Adrien heard the sound of a door through the phone open and close and who they expected to be Kagami once they heard her voice speak out.

“Babe, what are you doing?”

“Hello, my dragon. You have a fanboy on the line who refuses to tell me why he wants to speak to you.”

‘A FANBOY? I’m not a fanboy!’

“He’s lying Kagami!  I’m not a random fanboy.  I’m just calling in hopes to talk to you and seek for some help.”

Kagami’s response came back instantly with surprise.

“Adrien?!”

They heard his name repeated by Kagami’s boyfriend, only for her boyfriend to repeat with his full name.

“Adrien Agreste?”  The young man asked.

“Yea? Wait, how do you-”

“No way! Adrien, it’s Luka.”  Adrien could hear the smile from Luka through the phone.  Before he could respond in shock to hear one of his other friends, one he considered a brother, Marinette jumped in full of shock herself.

“Luka?!”

“Mari?!  Is that you? Oh, my gods, it’s been so long.  How are you guys doing?”

“Wait, you’re Kagami’s boyfriend?” Marinette asked in surprise.

“Fiance actually.”

“You're engaged?!” The couple shouted in shock.

“Damn it, Luka! It was supposed to be a surprise!” Kagami shouted in the background.

A/N: Just in case if anyone asks and wonders why Luka didn’t know it was Adrien, it was because Kagami doesn’t have Adrien Agreste as his contact name.  It starts with an R and ends with an L. ;3 Let’s see if you guys can figure that out. Should be easy lol. The full chapter should hopefully be available at the end of the month.

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Stay Near, Keep Close: Part 1

By Ms. Auggie

Pairing: Mel/Janice, Xena/Gabrielle

Rating: Mature

Synopsis: Something terrible happens on a dig in Turkey that has Mel and Janice running for their lives. Through separation, war, and death, they manage to find each other.  

CW: Attempted sexual assault (m/f)

CHAPTER 1

Janice sat back on her bottom and wiped her muddied hands on her khaki trousers. She was wet, tired and happy. She didn’t want to be happy, but she couldn’t help it. Working on a dig, even one that wasn’t her own, warmed her soul. It didn’t hurt that sitting beside her was a tall, dark, leggy southerner by the name of Melinda Pappas.

Janice and Mel had made their way to Turkey after leaving their Macedonian site. It was there that Mel walked into Janice’s life and together, with the help of a certain Warrior Princess, the women saved the world by entombing the mighty War God, Ares.

The women had formed an alliance. Janice knew Mel’s skill as a translator would be useful to her, and deep inside she knew the woman’s good-hearted nature would ease her tremendous loneliness, an emptiness she barely acknowledged.

Mel knew Janice was her ticket to living. The death of her father -- the one person who accepted and loved her quick mind, shy ways and warm heart -- had devastated the beautiful woman. She felt utterly alone in her large antebellum home, protected by servants who cared for her but didn’t understand her.

So when she came across Janice’s telegram to her father asking him for help, she knew she had to go, it was if she had been preparing for this mission her whole life. The trip was hard and she was continually overwhelmed by the consequences of her decision, but the moment she walked into that tent and spied the small, honey-blonde archaeologist waving a gun and sucking on a cigar, she felt her life click into place.

"How come I always get dirtier than you," asked Janice while sipping from her canteen.

"That’s because, Dr. Covington, you wallow while you work," said Mel, sitting on a old newspaper, clad in clean, crisp overalls. She smiled at the smaller woman and gladly took the offered canteen. Janice’s heart leapt, as it always did when Mel smiled at her.

‘God, what a smile,’ thought Janice as she wiped her own mouth with the back of her hand.

"I’ve watched you. You look like you’re making mud pies in a sandbox. It’s amazing you don’t break half the things you find." Mel delicately wiped her mouth with her index finger. She did watch Janice, all the time, hoping to see inside the smaller woman’s mind, her soul. She was everything Mel wasn’t – aggressive, strong, opinionated and worldly. She was what Mel longed to be, but knew she would never be.

"I do not! You don’t see the method to my madness Mel. I can feel when I’m going to find something. It’s like the dirt separates underneath my fingers and voila, there something is. Call it a sixth sense." Janice looked up into the sky. "It’s getting late, Robbins should be calling us back any time.

Dr. Martin Robbins was an English archaeologist and an old friend of Janice’s father, Dr. Harry Covington. Janice and Mel had come to Turkey to work on his site after they realized the Xena Scrolls had mistakenly ended up with that annoying Jack Kleinman.

They had tried to find Jack but he had disappeared, and although Janice was livid (Mel didn’t dare speak to her for two whole days just in case she went on a foul-mouthed rampage), she suspected she could find more scrolls in a location she hadn’t told anyone about. However, she needed cash, and so she asked Mel if she wouldn’t mind working for the money they’d need to finance another expedition.

Mel nearly died with joy when Janice asked her to come to Turkey. They hadn’t known each other very long and Mel wasn’t sure Janice liked her company all that much. She was nervous around the more experienced woman and had a tendency to ramble on and tell stories about her kin back home in Carolina. But Janice looked sincere, almost nervous when asking Mel to join her, and Mel could see the shy smile on her face when she said yes.

She also wasn’t sure if she should tell Janice that she could get the all the money they needed with one telegram to her banker back home. Mel was rich, very rich, but that was a problem. Janice was a proud woman, and the offer to pay for the expedition could backfire and end their tenuous relationship. On the other hand, it could tie them together as partners, meaning Mel could go along with Janice for as long as she wanted.

But that was cheating and Mel knew it. More than anything she wanted to earn Janice’s respect, and the only way to do that was to prove to her that she could keep up and contribute to their partnership with something more than money. Turkey would be her testing ground.

"Yes, it is getting late. We got a lot done today Janice, almost two feet."

Janice nodded her head. She was secretly thrilled that Mel was turning out to be such a good digger. She had no previous digging experience and Janice was worried the gentile woman would hate the tedious and dirty work. But no, she thrived. Her long fingers and sinewy hands were made for this work and although the woman had an annoying habit of keeping clean, she was a natural.

Janice kept wanting to tell Mel how proud she was, but every time she opened her mouth to praise her she couldn’t find her voice. She knew why. She was in love with Mel, plain and simple, and she feared the moment she began to tell Mel how proud she was of her, it would all come tumbling out. Her love, and her desire.

She couldn’t say exactly when it was she started loving Mel, but if she was being totally honest with herself she would have to say it was the second she saw the woman with the oceanic eyes. No one had made such an impact on her, standing there in her tight brown suit, black glasses and red, red lips. The woman was gorgeous, and now that Janice had spent a few months alone with Mel, she realized it wasn’t just a physical attraction, she saw into Mel’s gentle heart and felt her courageous spirit.

Janice had always known she preferred women to men. Her father knew it also and although he wasn’t happy about it he never stopped her from finding women to love. She had never had a relationship last longer than six months, but that didn’t bother her. She liked to keep her attachments convenient and very basic. Emotions were never Janice’s strong point.

She doubted Mel had any inkling. Mel was a little naïve, God, that was one of the things she loved about her, and she thought Mel would be disgusted if she ever found out. Janice couldn’t risk losing Mel by telling her, so she resigned herself to this silent form of love.

"Hey, Janice, you all right?" asked Mel, sliding closer to Janice. Mel saw Janice mentally slip away and wondered about this odd habit in a person who was usually so focused.

"Huh…yeah, I’m fine. I’m just tired, and bored. We’ve been here a month and a half and we haven’t found anything interesting. Robbins’ excitement over broken shards of Hittite pottery is a mystery to me."

"Oh, I don’t know," mused Mel, "I think it’s exciting. Each piece is something someone once touched." She held up a small ceramic piece. "Some mother poured a cup of broth into what was once a bowl and gave it to a sick child, or a father doused water on himself after a day in the fields. Everything comes alive for me when I touch these fragments...What? Why are you staring at me?"

"It’s just that you remind me why I wanted to do this job in the first place. Thanks." Janice swallowed hard and turned her head slightly to hide her moist eyes.

Mel was about to speak when the bell rang signaling the end of another day.

CHAPTER 2

The women lay on their cots. They shared a tent a little off from the rest of the camp. Robbins made sure that as the only females on the dig they should be allowed some privacy. So far it had worked, but that was because Janice never left Mel’s side and made sure to wear her revolver on her hip for all the men to see. She was the only armed worker in camp, which Robbins allowed as he knew it was the best way to ensure the women’s safety.

"Janice, why don’t you go play poker with Dr. Robbins? He invites you every Saturday night and you always say no. Go on, I’ll be fine."

"No, I’m not interested. If I remember correctly, Robbins is a lousy poker player. In fact all Englishman are lousy poker players," said Janice with a smirk.

"Stop it. How can you say that?" laughed Mel.

"I just did." Janice turned onto her right side to face Mel, who slept a scant five feet across from her. Mel heard Janice shift and turned onto her left side to face Janice.

"Seriously Janice. I feel bad. It’s like you’re baby-sitting me. I can take care of myself. I’ve got a lot of reading to do. I haven’t even started the book of political systems of ancient Greece that you lent me. Go on, win some money." Mel smiled one of her half-way, lopsided smiles. Janice loved those even more than the brilliant ones because they captured Mel’s playful side, which she shared only with Janice.

"Are you sure Mel?" Janice wanted to play but couldn’t face leaving Mel unguarded. Mel had no idea how the men leered at her when her back was turned, how they pointed lewdly when she walked by.

"Look, come back and check on me every few hands if you must, but I want you gone. My goodness, I can’t believe you’ve stood my company for this long," said Mel.

Janice sighed inside.‘If you only knew how I’ve cherished it,’ she thought.

"All right. But don’t go anywhere." Janice got up and went to the back of the tent where she had sewn a secret compartment into the thick flap of the canvas. It was there that Mel and Janice kept their earnings.

"You should talk. I’m letting you walk out of here with our money," chuckled Mel.

"Don’t worry honey, we’re about to strike it rich." Janice picked up her lighter and a few cigars from the crate that served as their mutual night stand and marched out of the tent.

The game was lively and Janice was on a roll. She had already checked on Mel once and saw that she was drinking a large mug of mint tea and reading. Janice went back to the game and had almost doubled their money with a few more hands. The usually polite Robbins was muttering and cursing himself for inviting Janice to play. He should have known better, her father was a damn good player and, as they say, the apple never falls far from the tree.

Meanwhile, Mel was enjoying her time alone until her foot got a cramp and she shifted quickly in bed, causing her to spill tea all over herself.

"Oh, damn!" She rarely cursed, but she was mad, she had ruined her favorite tan blouse. ‘Maybe not,’ she thought. ‘If I rinse it out right away the tea won’t set.’

She got up and found the laundry bar and another shirt and headed to the wash tent. It was dark and the camp was empty. It was Saturday night and most of the men had gone to the nearest village to throw their money at women and drink too much wine. They would show up hung over and satisfied sometime Sunday night. The only sound came from Dr. Robbins tent where the game was in full swing.

Mel stepped into the wash tent and reached for the lamp that hung against the wall. But there was no lamp and as she moved her hand about she felt someone grab it.

Mel was pulled into a hard embrace. She could feel a large man’s body behind her and she heard footsteps. Suddenly a lamp came to life and Mel could see three men staring at her and her tea-stained blouse. The large man behind her held his forearm around her neck and one hand over her mouth, making it hard for her to breathe, let alone scream. They spoke quickly in Turkish. These were men she had worked side by side with for over a month and yet they were getting ready to rape her.

The terrified Mel had no experience with sex but knew this was going to be painful and she suspected she might not survive the attack. The man on her right stepped up to her and ripped open her blouse and then took out a knife to split open her bra. They all stared at her breasts. The man who held her said something and moved Mel to a pole in the center of the tent. He held her as one of the other men tied her to the pole and gagged her.

"Read ‘em and weep boys. Jacks are better, and three kings are best." Janice scooped up the large pot and put it into her hat. "Robbins, my dear man, you should never try and bluff a Covington, or didn’t my father ever tell you that?"

The bespectacled Robbins growled something.

"Deal me out this hand, but I’ll be right back." Janice walked out of the tent and felt a cold chill run up her spine. Something was wrong, she could feel something was wrong. She began to jog, then run to her tent, and when she opened the flap she saw Mel wasn’t there. "Mel! Mel!"

The large man who stood in front of Mel fondling her breasts stopped when he heard Janice call Mel’s name. Mel had frozen up like a statue, but her head snapped towards the door when she heard Janice’s shouts. ‘Oh God Janice, help me,’ her thoughts screamed. The man turned and spoke to the other men lurking in the shadows. Mel realized she had only a moment and managed to lift her boot and stomp on the large man’s sandal-clad foot. He yelped out in pain.

Janice heard the noise coming from the wash tent and broke out into a run. She drew her gun as she approached the tent and as she came barreling through the door she tucked and rolled, avoiding a large piece of wood that would have split open her head. She came up on her feet and turned, and what she saw ripped her heart into shreds. Mel was tied to a post with her blouse tattered at her waist. Her eyes were wide and terrified, like some animal’s when caught in a trap, and they pleaded with Janice to save her.

Janice screamed, a scream that came from the very bottom of her soul. "No!" She turned and fired at the man at the door who was about to lunge at her with the wood. She shot him in the groin. She turned quickly and pointed the gun at the other men who fell onto their knees begging for their lives. Janice moved to one of them and put the gun to his head. "You son-of-a-bitch. I’m going to blow your head to kingdom come." She pulled back the hammer, but caught Mel moving in front of her. Her eyes were less crazy and now they pleaded for her to stop. Janice stared at her. "No Mel. They tried to…" Her voice was weak. "They have to pay! Do you understand. They have to pay. " Her voice grew stronger as she spoke.

Robbins and the rest of the players stormed through the tent. They had heard the shot and knew there was trouble.

"Janice! Put the gun down," pleaded Robbins. He had a gentle, lilting voice that had a calming affect on people. "Please, Janice, don’t do it. You don’t want to become a murderer. Please." He walked forward and put out his hand. Janice looked into Mel’s beautiful blue eyes and she nodded. Janice threw the gun at Robbins feet and rushed to Mel. She picked up the knife and cut off the ropes. She caught Mel as she fell into her arms.

CHAPTER 3

Janice squeezed behind Mel. Army cots were narrow, but Janice managed to get behind Mel. Janice had half-carried Mel back to their tent and found a large sweater for her to put on. The woman was shaking and hadn’t said a word and Janice was worried she was going into shock.

"Mel, it’s all right. I’m here. Nothing’s going to happen. No one will hurt you. Ever. Let’s go lie down." Mel moved like she was on auto pilot. She lay on her side and stared into space. That’s when Janice got behind her. She very slowly wrapped her arm around Mel’s stomach, she so much wanted to comfort the woman. Mel jerked at the direct contact and almost knocked Janice back into the wall.

"Mel, I’m sorry...I just wanted to...I sorry I won’t do it…."

"Janice?" came the small-voiced interruption.

"Yes."

"It’s okay. You can hold me."

Tears streamed down Janice’s face and she was glad Mel couldn’t see them. She hadn’t cried like this since she was a small child. She cleared her throat. "Thank you." She slowly wrapped her arms around the taller woman and snuggled behind her. She rested her forehead on Mel’s wide shoulders and tried to get control over her emotions.

Mel could feel Janice crying behind her. It acted as her release. She started to sob and she quickly turned and pressed herself into Janice. The women held each other tight and cried for a very long time.

Mel awoke and stared at Janice’s sleeping face. It was tear-streaked and dirty, but it was the most beautiful face she had ever seen. It was the face of the woman who saved her life. Janice had such small features – a small nose, round little mouth -- and yet she was a towering presence, doing things most women never dreamed possible. And last night she had been a gentle and loving person.

Mel hadn’t be held very often in her life, but this felt right. Janice’s strong arms gave her the security she needed to face what had happened. She had cried herself to sleep but now she had to face it – she was almost raped and could have been killed. She screwed her eyes shut and fought to stay in control.

"It’s okay, let it out if you have to."

Mel opened her eyes to see Janice looking at her. Janice tightened her grip on Mel.

"How are you?"

Mel wanted to look away, but knew she couldn’t.

"I’m not sure…thank you…"

"I wanted to kill them Mel."

"I know. So did I, but then I saw your face and I knew it would be a horrible mistake. You would regret it and they weren’t worth it."

"God, you’re brave. Did they…"

Mel squirmed in Janice’s arms, but Janice once again tightened her hold, making sure Mel felt safe. Mel relaxed slightly.

"They got as far as touching my...breasts. Then you came along, saving the day." For the first time Mel returned Janice’s hug, sending shivers down Janice’s spine. The smaller woman was all right if Mel didn’t force the contact between them, but any movement from Mel, and Janice was in big trouble.

"I’d die for you Mel." She had no idea why she said it, but it was true. She would give up her life to save Mel.

Mel felt a shock run through her. "I would never let you Janice." Janice smiled at that and Mel closed her eyes and tried to relax. Janice saw the taller woman was still exhausted and she moved her head to rest on Mel’s sweater-covered chest. Both women feel back asleep.

CHAPTER 4

There was a knock at the their tent door. Both women jumped, but Janice was first out of bed.

Martin Robbins slipped into the tent.

"Start packing." He looked very worried.

"What’s going on Martin?" asked Janice.

"The man you shot, Hasan, he’s dead. He bled to death, the village doctor couldn’t save him."

"Oh my God." Mel swung off the cot.

"It was self-defense Martin."

"I believe you, I saw the lumber in his hand. I’m going to tell the authorities that, but I’m more concerned about Hasan’s family. He was a well-respected man around here."

"That piece of human trash," spat Janice. She couldn’t hide her contempt and she felt Mel’s eyes boring into her back.

"Yes, and that piece of trash has five brothers that will come looking for you. Luckily we have a little time, most of the men are passed out at the brothel. I’ve left the old truck by the dig site. It’s full of gas and there’s an extra can of petrol in the cab. Here," he passed Janice an envelope.

"What’s this?"

"It’s your poker winnings and a little something extra."

Janice was shell shocked and felt Mel move up beside her. "Martin, I don’t know what…"

"Don’t say anything Janice. Look, get out of Turkey. I don’t think Hasan’s family will bother chasing you across the country, but it’s better you leave. Turkey is still a neutral country, but there’s no telling how long before it chooses a side in this war and I think it would be safer if both you and Mel got out. Make your way to Istanbul and find a man by the name of Ismail, he runs a smoke shop in the Royal Hotel. He’s a friend and he’ll help get you on a ship."

"Thank you Martin," said Janice shakily. "You’ve always been very fair with me, and I know for a fact my father considered you a true friend."

"Your father was a good man Janice, don’t ever forget that. He was just too ambitious for his own good, but he loved you. Now go!" He lightly shoved Janice back, smiled and walked out of the tent.

Janice was overcome. She hadn’t been there when her father died, and never had the chance to say good-bye. She was angry with him at the time, convinced his selfish search for the Xena Scrolls would ruin him and destroy her reputation as an up-and-coming archaeologist. She got news of the cave-in days after it happened and arrived only to claim his body and pack his meager belongings. Grief sent her on a path to redeem her father’s reputation and she threw her chance at a respectable career in the gutter when she went looking for the Scrolls.

Mel wrapped her arm around Janice’s shoulders and stood silently beside her. She knew Janice was moved and she couldn’t help but think of her own father, but she knew they had to leave, immediately. "Janice, we have to pack. We have to go."

Janice nodded her head and took Mel’s hand off her shoulder and held it. "Let’s get the hell out of here."

CHAPTER 5

The old truck pulled to a halt behind the Royal Hotel. Janice laid her forehead on the steering wheel. She was exhausted, as was Mel, who slept beside her, her head leaning against the passenger side window.

They had been on the road for 16 hours, and had only stopped to refuel and allow Janice a few hours of shut eye. They had gotten away from the dig site without a problem but Janice didn’t want to take the chance they were being followed by Hasan’s family or the authorities.

The drive had been quiet, both women lost in their private thoughts. Janice’s mind moved between images of the man she had killed and her father. As she grew increasingly tired, the images of the bleeding Hasan and her crushed father merged, melding into a single dying man calling out to her.

Mel relived her attack, the feeling of dirty hands on her breasts. But the longer they drove the more her mind returned to the image of Janice’s face, not as she saved her, but as she slept in her arms. Mel felt a warmth spread through her as she remembered Janice’s body pressed against hers. She felt safe and…a little excited. She knew women fell in love with each other…that way…but she hadn’t ever considered she was one of those women.

Could she be? She had never found any man particularly interesting but she thought that was because she never met anyone who shared her interests. She always thought she would fall in love with someone like her father. He was her beacon. Her mind wandered between thoughts of Janice and her father until she grew tired and fell asleep.

"Mel, wake up." Janice leaned over and spoke quietly into Mel’s ear. She was afraid to touch her unexpectedly, she didn’t want to rekindle memories of last night.

Mel heard Janice’s voice in her left ear and she turned her head to face her, leaving only a few inches between them. She opened her eyes and stared into Janice’s concerned eyes.

Janice released a pent-up breath. "We’re here." She reluctantly moved back to her side of the truck. "You sleep all right?"

Mel stretched her back and neck. "I slept. How about you?"

"I stopped for a few hours. Look, I just wanted to say I’m sorry." Janice’s face showed the strain of the last day.

"What are you talking about Janice Covington?" Mel was suddenly angry. "You saved my life and you had to take a life to do it. I can’t imagine how that must feel. You are suffering, and I don’t want you to think I blame you for

anything. We are going to get through this together. All right?"

"All right." Janice pressed her lips together in a grateful smile. Mel wanted to give her a hug, but thought Janice couldn’t handle so much forgiveness all at once.

"So this is Istanbul." Mel peered through the windows and around the back alley. It was shabby and they were obviously in one of the city’s old quarters.

"Yeah, but you should know the Royal Hotel isn’t exactly The Ritz. We’re near the waterfront and the hotel, which is a generous description, is used mostly by seamen and down and out tourists."

"How do you know so much about it?" asked Mel.

"I’ve spent a few down and out nights here myself." She shook her head ruefully, a signal to Mel that she didn’t want her to ask any more questions.

The hotel’s small lobby was run down, with a few overstuffed chairs and threadbare rugs covering the worn floor. Janice walked in front of Mel and up to the desk.

"Two rooms please."

The desk man leaned over the counter and perused the women. ‘They look clean enough,’ he thought. ‘The tall one looks well-off, but it seems like she’s had some trouble. I bet this scruffy one is taking care of her.’

"Yes," he spoke aloud with a heavy accent. "that is $3 night. How many night?"

"Make it a week will ya. " Janice signed the register under a different name, as did Mel. The desk man handed over their keys. "I’m sorry, bell boy sick today, so I think you must carry own bag. My name is Omar." He suddenly grinned.

"Omar, no bell boy has ever walked across this lobby. Don’t even bother pretending. Here," she gave him a $5 tip. "There’s a truck parked in the back alley. I’d like it to stay there, in one piece. Understand? "

Omar grinned. "Yes. Truck safe… for tonight."

"Don’t get greedy Omar, I might decide to move it somewhere where there’s free parking." Janice and Mel walked towards the stairs and both spotted the small smoke shop against the left wall. It was closed, but they were both relieved to know it was there.

Mel lay on her lumpy bed looking up at the revolving ceiling fan. She was agitated. Janice had obviously had a sordid affair in this hotel and thought Mel was too innocent to hear about it. It was probably some sailor on shore leave. She felt jealous. It was totally illogical, but she was jealous at the idea of some salty, smelly man touching her hair, kissing her lips. She was even more upset that Janice wanted to protect her from the truth.

They hadn’t talked about their love lives very much. Both women didn’t feel like invading the other’s privacy, but that was going to change. If they were to be partners and friends they needed to share information, and even though Mel had very little to share, she was willing to expose herself to the smaller woman. She decided to question Janice over dinner that night.

Janice lay in bed smoking a cigar and reliving Marie’s caresses. She had met the French archaeologist when she was visiting her father. He was doing research at the Istanbul museum and Janice had arranged to spend three weeks with him while on break from graduate school.

Marie Bernier was 15 years older than Janice, and Janice remembered the first time she saw her at the museum she thought she wasn’t very attractive. Small like Janice, she had short, mousy brown hair and nicotine-stained fingers. But, it didn’t take long for her to revise her opinion. Marie had seduced her and Janice was mesmerized by her passionate, liberated nature. The woman did what she pleased and never worried about what anyone else thought.

It was a torrid affair, with the women spending every night together, mostly in Marie’s more expensive hotel room. But they had sometimes ended up back here, and those were the most passionate of all their nights, as the grimy surroundings seemed to bring out their lusty desires. Janice was getting hot just thinking about it.

It ended as most affairs do, when one person had to return to real life. Janice was going back to school and Marie would eventually return to her work in Paris. It was tearful good-bye, one befitting a whirlwind romance. Janice never heard from the woman again.

‘God, of all the hotels in this city, we end up here,’ thought Janice. She already fantasized about making love to Mel, and to be here with her was really too much. That’s why they needed two rooms, although Janice realized that this would be the first time since the women had met they wouldn’t be sleeping in the same room. Odd that.

Over dinner in a nearby cafe the women chatted about Turkish history and architecture. Janice knew the city fairly well and could tell Mel almost everything she wanted to know. Over Turkish coffee there came a lull in the conversation. Mel screwed up her courage.

"Janice, I believe you had an affair at our hotel," said Mel in a low, suggestive tone.

Janice spit up her coffee. "What are you talking about Mel?" She dabbed her chin with her napkin.

"I said, you had an affair in our hotel and you’re afraid to tell me about it. Why? Was it with some uncouth sailor and you’re too embarrassed to admit it?"

"Well, actually…" Janice was desperately deciding how much to tell Mel. ‘She deserves the truth,’ she thought, ‘but can I be sure I won’t lose her. Right, a compromise.’

"It was with an archaeologist, a French archaeologist, and you’re right I was embarrassed, we haven’t talked much about that sort of thing Mel."

"You’re right," agreed Mel. She felt flush thinking the mystery man was somewhat more respectable, someone more like herself. "We haven’t, partly because I don’t have much to share when it comes to men."

"Really?" Janice was suddenly very interested.

"Yes, I’ve never found anyone who I wanted to be with. I’ve gone out with men on occasion, and there have been some gentlemen callers, but no one struck my fancy."

"I find it hard to believe that some…one didn’t work hard enough at winning you over. After all you’re so beautiful, smart and you’ve got a good heart…" Janice stopped talking, suddenly aware where the conversation was going. She looked into her tiny coffee cup.

Mel was blushing. "Thank you Janice." The words were like hot coals raking over her body. "Aaah, tell me about the archaeologist."

Janice looked up and into Mel’s eyes "That person was special. It was a short affair, it only lasted three weeks. I was here visiting my father during my grad school break. There isn’t much more to say except I learned a lot about who I was, and should be, from…them."

Mel nodded her head. She was wrong to be so flippant. It might have been a fling but it meant something to Janice. She dropped the subject. "Will you show me around the city tonight. I’m not tired, I‘ve slept an awfully lot lately."

"Sure," Janice smiled widely relieved the subject was closed. "Let’s walk to the water. But I do want us both to get a good night’s sleep, tomorrow we meet Ismail.

CHAPTER 6

Mel took a deep breath and knocked on Janice’s door.

"Who is it?"

"It’s me Mel."

The door opened, Janice smiled and then hopped back to her bed. She was wearing one boot and one sock. She sat down, crossed her legs and continued to tie her boot. Mel leaned against the door and thought it was funny that someone who liked quick getaways favored knee highs boots that took forever to lace up.

"Janice, how much money was in the envelope?"

Janice put on her other boot. "$10,000 Turkish lira."

"That’s a lot more than we had."

"Yeah, well, I made out like a bandit," chuckled Janice. "And Martin added a few thousand more."

"It’s more, but we both know it’s not going to be enough."

"What are you getting at Mel?"

"I have something to tell you."

Janice glared at Mel and then her expression softened. "I know, you’re loaded. Richer than God."

Mel’s jaw fell open. "How…"

"Give me some credit Mel," said Janice "I am a scholar, I do my research. Before I sent your father that telegram I did some digging," she smiled at her own pun. "Your father had millions, your mother had millions and together they made more millions. You’re their only child, so now you’ve got those millions."

Mel was embarrassed. "Why didn’t you say something?"

"Aah, well, that’s easy. I’ve been waiting to see if you used your money as an easy way out of tough situations. I have to say I was very proud of you when you accepted my offer to go to Turkey. If you had told me we could mount the new expedition at the drop of a hat I would have dumped you as my partner. I hate the easy way out, and the whole point, essence, of archaeology is patience, working towards a goal. When you sweat, put your whole life on the line looking for something and you find it, well it’s like the heavens opening before you."

Mel could feel Janice’s fervor from where she was standing. "Is that the only reason you asked me to go?"

"No." Janice eyes lowered a little. "I wanted to see how you’d do in the field, see if you have what it takes."

"And?"

"You’re a natural sweetheart."

Mel blushed.

"And," continued Janice, "I’d gotten used to having you around Miss Pappas. Turkey would be lonely without you there."

Mel was touched. "Well, I’m certainly no woman of mystery. Now you know all my secrets."

"Hopefully not all of them."

"So," Mel cleared her throat, "the reason I brought up the subject is because I think I should wire my bank and get more cash. I know, I know it’s cheating, but Janice," Mel strode quickly to Janice’s bed and sat down beside her, "it’s not. We almost have enough. This is just to make up the difference, and we’ll need money when we arrive, wherever it is we’re going. Please." She took Janice’s smaller hand and squeezed.

Janice looked at their joined hands. "Actually, I was getting ready to ask you for more money. I’m no martyr Mel. You’re right, we still have a long way to go."

"Fine, let’s go see Ismail and then we’ll know how much more we’ll need."

The small, stuffy smoke shop was full of tobacco, cigars and water pipes. It reeked of molasses and tobacco, an odor Janice loved. Mel pulled her fingers up to pinch her nose, but decided she had better not offend Janice. Janice rang the bell on the counter.

"Excuse me, is anyone back there?" Janice peered behind the counter into a dark curtain. She heard movement and then a loud thud. She looked over at Mel who shrugged her shoulders. Suddenly, the curtain parted and out stepped a little man who looked remarkably like Charlie Chaplin. He had greased black hair parted in the middle and a thick, caterpillar-like mustache. He looked at the two women.

"May I help you." His English was rather good.

"A mutual friend of ours, Dr. Martin Robbins, told us Ismail might be able to find us some…export tobacco.”

His face remained passive. "Ah, export tobacco. Please tell me how you know Dr. Robbins."

Mel jumped in. "We were working on his dig site outside Afyon. He sends his regards." She flashed him a dazzling smile.

Ismail studied the women for a moment and then decided they weren’t dangerous, but there had to be reason they wanted to leave Turkey quietly. He went to the door and locked it and then signaled to the women to follow him.

Behind the curtain were stairs that led down to a door. He unlocked the door with a large key. The women followed him. They entered a cavernous cellar, full of merchandise - antiquities, clothing, furniture and even spare car parts. Ismail signaled them to sit on two crates.

"So, you want to leave Turkey?"

Janice nodded. "Right. What’s the boat situation like."

"Excellent. There’s a boat leaving tonight for Algeria, and two nights from now another goes to Lisbon. I think you’d prefer the Lisbon departure as Portugal is still a neutral country. From there you can go anywhere."

"Are we talking stowaway, or do you actually find us a spot on board." Janice looked very nervous.

"For a little extra, we’ll find you both a nice, dry spot."

"How much are we talking Mr. Ismail?" Mel decided to take over.

"Miss…"

"I’d prefer not to tell you my name." Mel didn’t trust the man.

"But, you know mine."

"Yes, and it’s a very nice name."

"You must have done something quite bad to be talking here with me." He looked directly at Janice. She didn’t turn away.

"Again, how much?" Mel was impatient to end this and get Janice out of there.

"Since you know Dr. Robbins, my old university friend, I’ll get you to Lisbon for 10,000 lira, each.

"You’ve got to be joking!" sputtered Mel.

"I’m not."

"Mr. Ismail, we are prepared to give you ₺10,000 total."

"Come, come Miss, I operate a business, not a charity."

"₺10,000, and you can have the use of Dr. Robbins truck parked behind the hotel. In fact, you can return it to him, since you are such a good friend."

He stared at Mel. She was tougher than she looked.

"Very well. ₺10,000, the truck and I take you out to dinner."

"₺10,000, the truck and you leave us alone."

Janice was a little awestruck. She watched Mel toy with the man like he was a fish on a line.

"We’ll give you ₺5,000 now and when we arrive at the ship we’ll have the rest of the money and the truck will be waiting for you."

"With a full gas tank?"

Mel conceded. "With a full gas tank." Mel raised her eyebrows towards Janice, "The money?"

"Oh, right." Janice took out the envelope and handed Ismail ₺5,000 lira. He saw there was more and looked over a Mel.

"Mad money, you know how us girls like to shop. Let’s go." Mel took Janice’s arm.

"I’ll be in contact." Ismail counted the money again.

The women left the shop and Mel steered Janice to a coffee shop on the street.

"Are you all right Janice?"

"Fine. Did I ever tell you I don’t travel well on boats?"

"No."

"I get a little seasick is all. I got a flashback talking to him. Don’t worry. You were amazing Mel. You strung him along beautifully."

"Thanks."

"Where did you learn to do that? I thought you rich folks didn’t pay attention to small details, like money."

"Darlin’, all rich folks pay attention to money. We just don’t like to show you poor folks how much we care." Mel laughed out loud, a long hard laugh and Janice grinned. God she loved this woman.

CHAPTER 7

They parked the truck behind a crumbling church near the waterfront. It was midnight and they waited for Ismail.

They had spent the last two days receiving and spending Mel’s money. Janice didn’t ask exactly how much she asked for, but knew it must have been a fair amount since Mel insisted they buy new clothes, boots and the best cigars in Istanbul. Janice had tried to decline, but Mel wouldn’t listen. She was generous, but never ostentatious.

Mel loved spoiling Janice - as much as Janice would allow - but she made sure never to offend the smaller woman. Mel thought of Janice as an orphan of sorts, having suffered through he mother deserting her at a young age and her father dying. She just wanted to give her things she wouldn’t ever buy for herself.

During this respite the women kept sneaking looks at one another when the other wasn’t paying attention. They allowed their looks to linger just a second too long, they brushed fingers a little too often, they found excuses to hold off saying goodnight, and when they finally did go to bed, they dreamed of one another. They each felt they were the victim of unrequited love and couldn’t see what was so obvious to anyone who bothered to look. They were soul mates.

"He’s late," remarked Janice.

"Don’t worry, he’ll be here." said Mel.

Suddenly the little man popped up by Mel’s window causing her to scream.

"Shhh, Miss. Do you want the Turkish police to hear you."

Mel and Janice retrieved their bags and got out of the truck.

"Dock 3. The sailor holding the rope will take you onboard. It should take you 6 days to reach Lisbon. Everything is arranged. Now, the money and the keys to the truck."

Janice handed him both. "Funny, you don’t look like a killer." Janice shot him a deadly glare. "Now, you look like a killer. Don’t be surprised Dr. Covington, I have my sources. That man you killed, Hasan, his family mourned him terribly, he had three children you know."

"He was pig."

"Well it’s appropriate you’re leaving since the police have come looking for you. Women don’t go around shooting men in the groin in this country, it’s something that doesn’t go unpunished, no matter if it was self-defense. I wouldn’t set foot in Turkey ever again if I were you Dr. Covington. Nice doing business with you, and I’ll make sure to tell Dr. Robbins you got off safely."

He bowed and turned away.

Mel tugged on Janice’s arm. "Let’s go."

The women had a berth at the bottom of the boat. They were lucky, it looked like quite a few families were squashed into the hold. These were immigrants without passports, people who had sold everything they owned so they could follow their dreams in a new land.

The ship was carrying timber, and the captain was forced to move some of the lumber on deck to make room for the extra passengers. The captain and his crew made a handsome profit off their human cargo.

Janice and Mel’s room was a small supply closet that had its goods moved to one side in order to make space for a mattress and a dirty blanket. They stacked their bags against the outer wall and made a show of looking around the room.

‘This space is way too small for both of us,’ thought Janice. ‘God, how am I going to get through the next five nights with her practically sleeping on top of me?’

Mel stared at her shoes. "It’s very warm in here, isn’t it?"

The boat lurched out to sea, and the women had no choice but to sit on the mattress with Mel facing the wall, and Janice facing the door. They finally lay down and pulled the blanket over themselves. They were both hanging off the edges of the mattress making sure there wouldn’t be any errant contact between them.

"Goodnight Mel," whispered Janice.

"Goodnight Janice," whispered Mel.

A few hours later Mel awoke to Janice’s moans. She rolled over, it was pitch dark and she couldn’t see the other woman. "Janice, what’s wrong?"

"It’s nothing, I’m just feeling a little woozy. I’ll be fine. Go back to sleep."

"Can I get you anything?"

"No, really, I’ll be fine, I just need to fall asleep."

Mel heard Janice shift back on her side, and although she tried to stay awake in case her friend needed her, Mel fell back asleep.

The next morning Janice was feeling much better. Food and water were delivered to them, but Janice ate very little, saying her stomach was still a little shaky.

Mel decided to move around the bottom part of the boat, since the captain didn’t want her or Janice seen above board. She entered the hold and was struck at what she saw. There were at least 10 families crammed side by side. There was no privacy except for a few blankets strung up as curtains. There was a common toilet and few small, charcoal-burning stoves. Mel went over to a mother and child and sat down.

Janice was worried, Mel had been gone for over a hour. She decided she better look for her and within a few moments discovered the hold and, like Mel, was shocked by what she saw. But in the middle of the chaos stood Mel, cradling a baby. The mother was smiling at her and Janice could see she was holding American dollars. Janice looked around and it seemed most of the people were talking and holding money. Janice grinned widely. Mel must have handed out hundreds of dollars to these people like it was confetti.

"Ahem."

Mel turned and smiled one of her brilliant smiles, and Janice’s knees almost gave out.

"C’mere and look at this cutie-pie. Her name is Aram. Isn’t she just adorable?"

"Yes, she is," said Janice looking at Mel. "She’s just gorgeous."

Mel gave Janice an odd look and handed the child back to her mother. She joined Janice by the door. "Look at these families Janice. They’re risking their lives, cooped up like caged animals so they can make better lives for themselves. I pray that wherever they end up people will treat them with the respect they deserve."

Janice couldn’t stop herself. She took hold of Mel’s hand. "You are a good person Mel Pappas."

Mel looked down at her. "So are you Janice Covington." They turned and went back to their berth.

The Mediterranean can be an unforgiving and harsh sea, and that night a storm blew in that tossed the cargo ship like it was a cork in a child’s bathtub.

Janice had begun to feel sick earlier in the day but had hid it from Mel, not wanting to worry the woman. After dinner, the ship begun to roll and lurch and Mel went to check on the families. When she returned she found Janice leaning over a bucket and throwing up.

"Janice, my God, you’re sick."

"What gave you that idea," she muttered right before spewing again. Mel rushed over to her and moved her hair from her face. Janice stopped heaving, but a second later started again. Mel rubbed her back and neck.

"It’s not usually this bad Mel, but the boat is really rolling. I think there’s a big storm coming."

"Janice, how can you have traveled half-way around the world with this kind of ailment?"

"Ever heard of flying Mel. I don’t do boats. Look, I live and breathe deserts and caves. I never spent any time on water, all right?"

"Sorry, I didn’t mean to criticize."

"Oh, and I suppose you’re an expert swimmer."

"Well, actually I am. Daddy had two boats, a yacht and a sailboat, and every summer we’d travel the marsh islands. I pretty much grew up in salt water."

"Great. Make me look like an idiot. It’s bad enough you’re so good-looking, do you have to be…" she stopped and threw up, but it was a dry heave. There was nothing left in her stomach. Mel was getting very worried.

"Don’t move Janice." Janice tried to laugh at the remark but couldn’t. Mel got up and dug out a face cloth and wet it with water. She knelt beside Janice and wiped her face and brow.

"That feels good," murmured Janice.

"Janice, do you think if we moved the bucket by the mattress you could lie down."

"I think so."

Mel put her arms around Janice and lifted her up.

"Hey, Mel. Put me down!"

The room was so small Mel had to only twist her torso and lay Janice on the mattress. She moved the bucket beside the bed, then scampered over Janice and slid up behind her. She supported the smaller woman’s weight against her chest.

"There. Is that comfortable Janice?"

"Ah ha." At any other time Janice would be in seventh heaven being held by Mel, but she was too ill to feel anything but nausea. Mel wrapped her long arms around Janice’s stomach. Janice jerked up and dry heaved again.

"Mel, could you move your arms off my stomach, it’s a little tender."

"Oh, my God, I’m sorry." Mel moved her arms so they were pressed up under Janice’s breasts.

"Is that better?"

"Yes." Janice’s voice was getting weaker. She leaned further back into Mel, turning her head sideways so her cheek lay across Mel’s left breast. Mel felt a shiver run down her spine and Janice thought, ‘God, this feels so right. We fit together so well.’ Mel lay her cheek against the top of Janice’s head.

"I like this Mel," whispered Janice.

"So do I. Now try and rest."

The storm picked up force and Mel held onto Janice, who was like a Raggedy Ann doll in her arms. The woman had no strength and it was up to Mel to stop her from flailing about. Mel could only imagine how bad it must be in the hold with all those families crammed together. Janice strayed in and out of consciousness, and Mel prayed she remain unconscious and avoid the discomfort.

Mel knew this was a bad storm, but it didn’t feel like it could destroy the boat. They would just have to ride it out. Mel finally feel asleep sometime before dawn, just as the storm abated.

Janice awoke with her cheek still on Mel’s breast. The boat still rocked, but she could feel the storm had passed. She knew she was feeling better when she felt a ticklish ache move from her stomach to her groin. She was curled in Mel’s arm, her lips half an inch from Mel’s covered nipple. She let the feeling grow stronger, and shifted her head up to Mel’s neck.

Mel felt Janice shift. She didn’t want to fully wake up because then she wouldn’t have any reason to keep holding the smaller woman. She sighed at Janice’s movement, never letting go. Janice let her lips brush against Mel’s neck. Then she stopped

‘God, what am doing! I’m about to ravage her. This has got to stop. She has to know everything.’

Mel tensed when Janice’s lips brushed her neck, but felt disappointed when Janice stopped. Mel knew this was no friendly gesture between pals.

"Mel, I have something to tell you." Janice was relieved Mel couldn’t see her face.

"Yes," Mel’s voice was soft and expectant.

"The archaeologist I had the affair with, he wasn’t a man. She was a woman." Janice waited for Mel’s arms to release her.

"I see," Mel’s mind raced with possibilities, joy and hope.

"Do you really? Mel, I’ve never been attracted to men, it’s always been women, and you have to know. I’ve been dishonest with you and I can’t hope you’ll understand or forgive me…"

"Janice, it’s all right. I…understand more than you know," her voice was barely audible.

"What? What did you say Mel?"

Mel’s arms gave Janice a squeeze. "I know, and so should you," she said more for herself than Janice. She gently pushed Janice off her and moved her left hand under Janice’s chin. She lifted Janice’s head and looked into Janice’s eyes. "I feel the same way."

Janice was stunned and felt a rush of heat hit her face. ‘She feels the same way. She said she feels the same way.’

Both women were still looking into each other’s eyes, trying to process the information when the torpedo hit. 

CHAPTER 8

The boat shook and Janice was tossed out of Mel’s arms. She rolled and hit the door with a sickening thud. Mel was able to brace herself against the wall and stop herself from following Janice’s path.

"Janice!" Mel crawled over to the dazed Janice, who was bleeding from a gash in her scalp above her left eye.

"You’re bleeding."

"Mel," Janice’s voice was shaky. "Go see what happened."

"But I have to stop the bleeding."

"No, go see! I don’t know much about boats but I think we’re sinking." Janice pulled the blanket off the floor and put it up to her cut.

"I’ll apply pressure until you get back."

Mel knew Janice was right. The boat was listing heavily to the port side. "Don’t move." She squeezed through the door and made her way above board.

When she emerged from below she could see black smoke coming from the left side of the boat. Sailors were running around with water buckets and screaming orders to one another in Turkish. Behind Mel came the men and women from the hold. They were screaming also.

Mel was pushed out of the way and she could hear a sailor yelling at the immigrants, and the only word she could understand was "U-boat." A German U-boat had torpedoed them. Mel grabbed at passing sailors, but they shrugged her off.

She went looking for the captain. She felt the boat lean into the water some more. They needed to get the lifeboats launched. She made her way through the chaos and into the ship’s control room. The captain was frantically talking to his first officer and the radio operator was yelling into the microphone.

"Where are the lifeboats? The lifeboats!"

The captain stopped talking and stared at Mel. In broken English he said, "We only have three, the rest are gone so we make room for wood."

Mel’s eyes widened. The greedy man had left most of the lifeboats at the dock so he could make room for the immigrants. The lumber from the hold was sitting where the lifeboats should be.

"You fool! You damn fool!" Mel wanted to strike him, but remembered Janice. She had to get Janice onto one of those boats. She sneered at the captain. "You’re going to hell for this."

She made her way past hysterical people, but she stopped to search for lifejackets. She spotted a musty pile on the starboard side of the ship and grabbed two. She made her way down to the berth, pushing the door open. Janice had crawled onto the mattress, still holding the bloodied blanket to her head.

"What’s going on?" asked Janice.

"It’s bad Janice. A U-boat got us, we’re sinking fast and there aren’t enough lifeboats for the families and the crew."

"Jesus."

"Don’t you worry. I’ll get you on one of them." Mel rummaged through her bag and found bandages. The bleeding had stopped and Mel saw the cut wasn’t that deep. She wrapped the bandage around her head.

"What do you mean me? What about you?"

"I’m not going, there are families who need to stay together. I can survive in the water if I have to…at least until help arrives."

"Then I’m staying too."

Mel tied off the bandage. She didn’t look at Janice. "No you aren’t," she said quietly.

Janice took Mel’s hand and Mel looked at her. "We didn’t get a chance to finish what were talking about Mel, and I know this isn’t the time, but you have to know that I won’t leave you. Ever."

Mel smiled and brought her other hand up to Janice’s cheek. "Janice. You’re hurt, you’ve been sick as a dog for the last 24 hours and I’m not sure you even know how to swim."

"I do."

"But you aren’t strong enough, even with a lifejacket, to tread water until help arrives. And it’s going to arrive. I saw the radio operator sending an SOS. Please, listen to me…"

The boat listed again to port. Janice fell into Mel’s embrace.

"How can I leave you when I just found you? I mean really found you," said Janice

"Trust me. You’ll find me again. Now let’s put this on." Mel help Janice tie up the lifejacket and she helped her to her feet. She was wobbly, and Mel was amazed that Janice ever thought she could survive in the water.

She helped her on deck. The captain was organizing the small boats. It was under control, but things could erupt. There just wasn’t enough room for all the families and the sailors.

Mel had her arm around Janice’s shoulder, and she used her other arm to push her way to the second boat. She signaled to the sailor manning the boat.

"She’s hurt, she has to get on the boat." Mel tried to keep the panic out of her voice for Janice’s sake. The man didn’t understand English but he could see Janice was injured and sick. He nodded his head yes.

Mel helped her into the boat that was already full of women and children. Janice wouldn’t let go of Mel. She gathered her strength, trying to move back up past Mel.

"Mel, let me off. I want to stay with you."

Mel cradled Janice’s face in her hands. "No. I need to know you’re safe. I… I… love you Janice."

Janice smiled. "So, you were the first one to say it." Janice put her hands behind Mel’s neck and gently pulled her head down. She looked into Mel’s eyes to see if she was scared, but there was no fear, only love. She gently pressed her lips to Mel’s. It was a sweet, tender kiss. For the first time in her life Mel knew what it was like to love and be loved. She pressed back, and felt an ache building in her stomach. Janice stroked Mel’s cheek and gently pushed her tongue into Mel’s mouth. Mel was shocked for a moment and then moaned, feeling Janice move around inside her mouth. Mel was running out of breath and pulled out of the kiss.

Janice smiled and looked up at Mel’s awestruck face. "I love you too, Melinda." Janice’s eyes began to moisten. "Whatever happens, get to Lisbon. There’s a small hotel behind the national museum. We’ll meet there."

The boat was being lowered. Tears streamed downed Mel’s cheeks. She was too overcome to speak. She could only nod her head and give Janice a pain-filled smile.

CHAPTER 9

Mel watched Janice descend out of her life. She continued to look at the woman until the lifeboat hit the water and the sailors began to row away. It wasn’t a clear vision, her tears made it hard to focus. Janice held her gaze, still smiling that cocky smile. Mel realized it was for her benefit, since she was the one crying.

As the boat moved out to sea, Mel suddenly turned away. She could bear it no longer and she slumped against the railing. She wiped her face with the palm of her hand. ‘C’mon Melinda Pappas. She loves you and you’ve got to make it out of this!’ But before she could get herself together she repeated the thought once again. ‘She loves you!’ and her fingers moved to her lips and she relived the kiss that changed her life.

Mel came to her senses and looked around. Husbands fought with sailors to get into the third and last lifeboat. The captain was trying to keep order. Mel knew it was just a matter of time before violence would break out. She had to get ready to leave the ship.

She ran back down to their room. She went to her bags and grabbed an expensive waterproof jacket she had bought especially for the voyage and tore off a sleeve. She took her money, glasses, passport and the only photo she had of her and Janice and placed them on the material.

The photo was taken when the women first arrived at Dr. Robbins’ dig site. They stood close together and both had childish grins on their faces as Robbins had made some silly joke about them discovering another Rosetta stone. She caressed Janice’s face with her thumb and then wrapped the things in the sleeve and put it in between her shoulder and her left bra strap.

She tied on her lifejacket and took one final look around the room. She made her way to the kitchen and grabbed a mesh bag. She heard a gunshot from above, then another. ‘So, the violence has started,’ she thought.

She filled the bag with two 12 oz. cans of meat, a large, sheathed knife and then poured some water into an empty beer bottle. She capped it with a used wine cork. That was all the weight she could afford to carry.

The boat lurched once again, and this time it shifted to an 45 degree angle. Mel tumbled to her left and rolled into the wall. Water flooded the room. She sloshed her way up the ladder and on deck.

She fought against the steep angle to make it to the ship’s railing. The third boat had already cast off, and the remaining men had jumped into the water far below. The boat was ready to go under and Mel contemplated the long jump and said a silent prayer that she’d survive the impact.

Janice watched Mel watch her. She kept a wretched smile on her face because Mel looked as if she was about to fall apart. As they rowed away, Mel suddenly turned and disappeared from view. Janice collapsed against the side of the boat. She put her face into her hands and began to sob. They were tears of joy and tears of sorrow, mixing into an intense emotional stew. Mel loved her! But would Janice ever see her again? All she could do was move her fingers to her lips and relive their first kiss and hope there would be many more.

One of the Turkish women moved up beside her. Janice stopped crying. The woman, who Janice recognized as the mother of the baby Mel held in the cargo hold, looked at Janice and smiled. She handed her a handkerchief. Janice was overwhelmed. It was such a tender act of kindness and understanding from a stranger. She took the handkerchief and wiped away her tears. She would not shed any more. She would survive and find Mel once again.

The sailors had been rowing for a short time when suddenly one of them shouted something in Turkish. Janice looked up and saw the ship go down. She closed her eyes and prayed for the first time in a very, very long while.

Hours passed and night fell. The women comforted their crying babies and one another. Some of the women had food and water, and they shared it amongst themselves and the sailors. Janice declined, but the women insisted. She signaled to them to eat only a small amount and save what they had. They nodded their understanding. Soon they began to fall asleep, everyone except Janice. She stared out into the darkness hoping against all hope she would see her.

Mel came up out of the water gasping for air. She had survived the jump with her bag still tied to her wrist. She started to swim away from the ship. She didn’t want to expend too much energy, but she knew sinking ships pulled nearby survivors down with them and she needed to be clear of it. She was about 100 yards from the ship when she felt something akin to an undertow and she looked over her shoulder. The ship was going down.

She kept swimming. She was surprised to realize she was a stronger swimmer than most of the men and had distanced herself from the other survivors in the water. She suddenly realized she needed to get back to them, as a combined group of people in the water had a better chance of being rescued.

She turned around and gently stroked back in their direction, but didn’t see anyone else. She called out but there was no answer. She must have swam farther than she thought.

She made a difficult decision. She was suddenly very tired, the events of the last 24 hours and the hard swimming had taken its toll. She decided to float for a while a not go searching for the other men. She felt she needed to conserve her strength. It was a decision she would later regret.

Morning greeted the lifeboat survivors. Janice hadn’t thought she’d be able to sleep, but awoke long past dawn. She was groggy and for a brief moment of bliss forgot where she was. In her dream she was in a meadow and her head lay on Mel’s thigh. It only took a second to realize she was on the sea and her head rested on the edge of a small lifeboat. She lifted her neck and rolled her head, loosening her sore muscles.

The other women stretched. In order to relieve themselves the women had to sit over the edge of the boat while the other women held onto their legs. Janice was glad to see the women realized they had to forgo all modesty if they were to survive together.

The morning passed into afternoon. The women ate a little more food, but not much, as there wasn’t more than a day’s worth left between them. The water was almost completely gone, and mothers began to worry for their children. There were only 4 children on the boat, but they made a lot of noise, which was beginning to fray Janice’s nerves. She thought of Mel and how she must be feeling having been in the water for almost a day now. She tried not to let her thoughts turn too dark, but it was hard, especially surrounded by crying children.

Around twilight, the sailor at the rudder shouted something and all the women came to attention. He grabbed the flare gun and shot a red flare into the sky. Then the women heard the muffled sound of a horn. A ship had seen them, they would be rescued.

It was getting dark when the dozing Mel awoke. She had managed to nap away the afternoon floating in the cold water. She splashed around a bit to get her circulation moving, but realized she had nowhere to swim. She saw none of the other survivors, but called out anyway. There was no answer.

She decided she wouldn’t eat until the next day, but she wrestled with the mesh bag to get at the beer bottle full of water. She uncapped the bottle, took a small sip, and then another. She re-capped it and then returned it to the bag. She listened for the arrival of a rescue ship.

She awoke at dawn. She had fought sleep, but had finally succumbed late into the night. She was afraid to sleep, she had a childish fear she would never wake up, so as a means of staying awake she replayed every conversation she ever had with Janice, beginning with their gun-blazing introduction in Janice’s tent in Macedonia. She could actually do it, remember everything they had said to each other. She had an uncanny sense of recollection when it came to the woman she loved.

For breakfast Mel reached into her bag and took out the sharp knife and one of the tins of meat. It was some kind of fowl in a can, something not found in the States. She very carefully punctured a series of small holes in the tin and was then able to pry the can open. She dug out a few mouthfuls of the horrible tasting meat. She swallowed, and followed the breakfast with two small swigs of water. For the first time it occurred to Mel that could be in the water for a very long time.

CHAPTER 10

A pair of strong arms lifted Janice over the railing of the aircraft carrier USS Pinsett.

"Thanks."

"We’ve got an American here," yelled the round-faced sailor over his shoulder.

"Have you picked up anyone else? Anyone from the water?"

"No ma’am."

"You’re going to keep looking right?"

"I wouldn’t know ma’am."

"I need to see the captain."

"I’m sure he wants to see you, but I’m taking you to see the Doc right now."

Janice remembered the bandage around her head. "It can wait…"

"No, I better take you to see the Doc."

The gray-haired doctor looked up and motioned the sailor to sit Janice down on a nearby bench. He finished checking on a Turkish woman and moved towards Janice. Just then the captain walked in. He was a broad-shouldered man who had a certain Clark Gable aura about him.

"Hello, I’m Captain Henderson. You’re the American," he said with a slight Texas drawl.

"Dr. Janice Covington."

"Doctor?"

"Archaeologist."

"Mmm."

The doctor worked silently removing Janice’s bandage and cleaning her wound.

"Tell me exactly what happened?"

"Are you still searching?"

"Yes we are, we received the SOS with your location and we're enacting our standard search pattern. You were on a Turkish cargo ship?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

Janice hadn’t prepared for this. It never occurred to her she’d need to explain herself to anyone and wasn’t sure how much to reveal. Should she tell them she had killed a man? Her mind was rattled, she kept picturing Mel in the water as she waited for Janice to come find here.

"Look, my friend is still in the water. You need to find her…"

"I’ve told you we’re looking. Her?…"

"Melinda Pappas. We’re both archaeologists and we were on our way to Lisbon to do research when a U-boat torpedoed us. There weren’t enough lifeboats, so Mel stayed onboard. She’s in the water right now, probably not very far away…"

"Melinda Pappas is also an American?" the captain interrupted.

"Yes. What does it matter, you’ve got to find her." Janice was agitated.

"Now listen to me," the captain’s voice was stern. "We are looking, but I need some answers. Why were you and Miss Pappas on that boat?"

"We were robbed in Istanbul. We lost everything, our money, passport, everything. A friend did us a favor and got us on that ship so we could get to Lisbon"

"Why didn’t you just go to the American embassy and get replacement papers and a loan?"

"There wasn’t time. We had to leave immediately."

"Who was the friend that helped you?"

"I’d rather not say." Janice was sinking fast. She was being evasive and the captain was suspicious.

"Why the rush to get to Lisbon?"

"Some artifacts from the national museum are being held for our examination, but only for a few weeks."

"I see." The captain looked over at the doctor who had finished cleaning up Janice.

"She’ll be fine, but she’s exhausted. She needs food, water and a lot of rest."

"No. I want to help you search." Janice stood up, but wobbled slightly. The doctor grabbed her arm.

"You’re going to rest. Doctor’s orders."

The captain looked her up and down. She was a small woman, but even in her run-down state she pulsed with confidence and power. "Try and rest. We’ll tell you the minute we find her." Janice was led to a cot in the back of the infirmary. The doctor stepped up to the captain.

"What are you thinking Doug?"

The captain let out a gush of air. "She’s hiding something. I’ll wire the base in Malta and get them to run a check on her and Melinda Pappas, but I think we might have rescued a spy."

Mel had lost track of time. She tried to remember…had she been in the water 3 days, 4 days? No, my God it had been 5 days. No, that couldn’t be right. She looked at her mesh bag. The cans were gone, and there was only a trickle of water left in the beer bottle.

She was having trouble focusing on anything for longer than a few seconds. She tried to discipline her thoughts, and for the first few days in the water she was successful, playing word games with herself, singing songs and calling out the names of everyone she knew. But within the last two days she lost the will, and her thoughts scattered like birds from a tree. Even thoughts of Janice left quickly, although they were replaced, but then again lost.

When she could think clearly she realized she wouldn’t be rescued. She would die in the water far from home and far from Janice. She wished she’d been able to say goodbye, give her sweet kiss goodnight, but it wasn’t to be. She smiled, life could be so wonderful and so cruel, teasing her with bliss and then snatching it away from her. She had stopped crying days ago. She simply waited to die.

Then she thought she heard a sound, like a motor, but she knew her mind was playing tricks on her. She looked up and thought she saw a ship, but again, she knew she was hallucinating. She grinned a lopsided grin. She lifted a weary arm out of the water and waved it anyway. Why not. "Hey," she whispered, "over here." She actually laughed at her stupidity.

A tall, thin man with blonde hair smoked a cigarette on the deck of a ship. He looked out onto the water. It was his first cigarette of the day, and he enjoyed having it alone on deck with the rising sun. He was glad to be on his way home to Denmark, it had been a long stint in Turkey. He took the last drag and flicked it into the water. He turned to go, but did a double take. He thought he saw something move in the water. Was it a dolphin? He looked again. No, it was a person, not more than 25 yards in front of the ship. He shouted for the boat to turn while he ran to the control room.

[ducktracy]

98. i haven’t got a hat (1935)

release date: march 2nd, 1935

series: merrie melodies

director: friz freleng

starring: joe dougherty (porky), billy bletcher (beans, ex), bernice hansen (kitty, ham), martha wentworth (miss cud)

the fated day at last, the day the world was shook to its core... kind of. i haven’t got a hat marks the introduction of our favorite porky pig, along with a few others: beans, ham and ex, little kitty, and oliver owl. buddy’s lack of success was obvious. he couldn’t adequately fill the gap that bosko had left. thus, this cartoon serves as a “free for all”, introducing a number of new characters to see who would work out the best. beans was looking to be the star of the new franchise, but his stuttering sidekick was much more endearing to audiences. to put it this way, beans starred in 11 cartoons. porky starred in 153. buddy would continue to have a few cartoons afterwards, bidding his last “that’s all, folks” with buddy the gee-man. 1936 would see a rise in porky cartoons, thanks to jack king, tex avery, and frank tashlin. 1937 is when stuff gets REALLY good. but for now, we’ll focus on this cartoon. various school children put on a musical and recital, but trouble arises when beans’ jealousy causes the show to run amuck.

right off the bat, we’re introduced to our selection of characters. miss cud, “school teacher”—a clarabelle cow facsimile who rings her school bell cheekily. beans, a mischievous cat introduced by eating jam by the fistfuls. an offscreen voice yells “HEY!”, to which beans responds by sticking out his tongue after wiping the offending jam off his face. very amusing to note how different in personality he is here, a rambunctious, mischievous kid. i haven’t seen too many beans cartoons, only gold diggers of ‘49, alpine antics, and westward whoa, and in those he seems to be following the good natured, likable yet flat personality that buddy (and bosko) had exuded. this whole introduction scene is great—forcing some personality out of these characters. porky and oliver owl are next, porky giving a happy salute and oliver owl pretentiously tipping his hat. ham and ex, two troublemaking twins, spot the camera and eagerly whisper to each other. they’d be featured in a few beans cartoons, usually causing trouble that beans has to remedy.

an underscore of “i haven’t got a hat” plays jauntily as we’re introduced to the scenario: a flyer posted on the side of the schoolhouse reading “MUSICAL and RECITAL — sponsored by the children of this school for the benefit of teachers and parents — ALL CHILDREN ARE ELIGIBLE!” sure enough, happy parents stream inside with their kids. a mother cat and her child, a mother dog and her two pups, a mother pig and her three little pigs, and a mother hen with her long line of chicks that zigzag inside, a straggler catching up.

once all the parents and children are settled, miss cud rings her cowbell to introduce the show, stating “we will now open our exercises with a recitation by our little friend, porky pig.” porky misses the cue, too engrossed with the book “custer’s last stand”. beans glares at porky, tapping on his book and signaling for him to go up.

porky meanders his way to the front of the schoolhouse and recites “the midnight ride of paul revere”. as always, his stuttering gets in the way of his presentation.

here’s the thing about joe dougherty—i’ve really come to appreciate him. there certainly is that “poor guy” feeling when you listen to him characterize porky because of his actual uncontrollable stutter, but i don’t think it’s THAT painful to listen to. maybe because i’ve seen all of the dougherty porkys. honestly, i think his most “painful” performance is here and in gold diggers of ‘49, which were his first two cartoons. it’s not even the stuttering, but then figuring out how to perfect his character. his voice is especially high, aluminum sounding in this one, and in gold diggers it isn’t sped up at all, and sounds rather jarring to hear joe dougherty’s natural voice, which is VERY deep. joe dougherty would use his regular speaking voice for porky’s father, in cartoons such as porky the rain maker and milk and money. i think the stuttering is the most “out of control” here—i really don’t find his performances that bad at all. i think it really fits him, especially when he was so chubby. it’s really odd to hear mel do porky in his chubby design in porky’s double trouble.

(my) blabbering aside, porky recites the poem, exerting so much effort that he begins to sweat—wonderful animation done by bob mckimson. once he finishes the first stanza, he imitates a horse, complete with slapping his butt like a whip. he gives another stanza, whipping out an american flag and marching to “the girl i left behind me”. he recites some more, (even confusing poems and reciting a snippet of “the charge of the light brigade”), declaring “cannon to the right of them!” i love the little inkling of personality as he deliberately points to the left (which actually WOULD be his right), recognizing his mistake and pointing the other direction. a turtle drums on its stomach with some mallets.

“cannon to the left of them!” another wrong direction: this scene is especially amusing because of his determined expression, so confident in his delivery. what a ham. a dog tilts a basket of lightbulbs, breaking them one by one to imitate the sound of gunshots.

porky struggles to finish his poem, and the entire classmates whistle at him to get it over with—a reoccurring gag in the dougherty era. the whistle plays out like a dog whistle, an army of dogs playfully licking and hopping on porky, who walks backwards out of the scene as the children applaud. quite an introduction!

miss cud introduces “little kitty”, who’d serve as beans’ love interest in the beans cartoons. she’s obviously reluctant to go on, panicking and struggling against her parent’s arms. the parent gives her a final push as she stumbles on stage. she pauses before reciting “mary had a little... a little... uh...” she seeks miss cud for help, who mouths “lamb!” and provides a picture. kitty beams and continues “lamb! it’s fleece was white as... white as...”

once more, miss cud displays thinly veiled frustration as she tosses cornflakes above her head to imitate snow. bernice hansen’s delivery is great as kitty says “cornflakes!” with such utter confidence. she corrects herself bashfully, and what continues is a very nervous, possibly the most annoying yet entertaining recitation of mary had a little lamb. it’s amusing to watch her pace around and grimace, wringing her dress. her voice gets pitched up higher and higher, speeding up so her open is borderline incomprehensible. it’s certainly annoying and technology rather primitive, but amusing because of that. the best part is when she runs out of the school building and heads for home, her voice fading away as she’s still frantically reciting it.

next is ham and ex, who sing the criminally catchy “i haven’t got a hat”. bernice hansen’s squeaky voice singing the lyrics matched with billy bletcher’s deep bass voice of “bom bom bom bom” makes the perfect contrast, especially as ex sings the bass line and squats with each “bom”.

elsewhere, bob clampett animated a scene of beans and oliver, who are both bored by the performance—beans especially. oliver snacks on some candy canes, to which beans eagerly extends his arms towards. oliver tricks him into giving him a piece, stuffing it in his mouth and sticking his tongue out at the last minute. man, what a jerk! i’d be pissed too! especially amusing to watch beans silently mutter obscenities are oliver as the song continues on.

once the song ends, miss cud introduces oliver. if the introduction where he haughtily tips his hat or when he denies beans food isn’t enough of an indicator for his snobby personality, miss cud introduces him as “master oliver owl” as a very confident musician. a great scene as oliver grins at beans, but remembers his rivalry. he stalks off with his nose (beak?) in the air, his peppermint ripe for the picking. beans reaches over for it eagerly... until oliver runs back into the scene and snatches it away, scowling.

oliver plays a standard “school kid playing piano for the class” tune. beans isn’t impressed... until an idea hatches. he sneaks out of the classroom, where he spots a sleeping cat on a ladder right outside the window. perfect! he opens the lid of the piano and drops the cat in, his sabotage unfolding as he spots a dog and drops it inside, too. what a little bastard! i wish they kept him that way.

at once, the keys start playing for themselves, a thunderous rendition of “poet and peasant overture”. oliver ogles in astonishment as the keys (great animation) wiggle on their own, the piano jumping up and down as the dog and cat duke it out inside. friz’s musical timing is excellent, and oliver’s reactions are priceless as he doesn’t even know what to do with himself. everyone claps thunderously as he stares at the audience in astonishment.

not one to question his unseen methods, oliver recognizes he is receiving glory and eats it up. unfortunately, he stops in his tracks once the piano continues to play. the dog and the cat leap out of the piano and chase each other around, oliver’s head spinning as he attempts to keep track of the chase. he grins nervously and sweats, his performance exposed.

all the kids boo and hiss, except for beans, who’s laughing outside the window. oliver spots him and squirts green ink on him in retaliation. beans falls off the ladder and lands on a bench, which throws both beans AND a can of red paint into the window. the paint can lands right on oliver’s head, beans toppling next to him. they exchange bewildered looks, and their rivalry is transformed into camaraderie as they shake hands. iris out.

obviously, i’m pretty biased since porky is one of my favorite characters, just barely shy of daffy. however, i truly think this is a really good cartoon, and probably one of the best we’ve seen. the attempt to really get some personality out of these characters is absolutely there. facial acting, body language, acting in GENERAL, it’s all there. the characters are all endearing, even oliver. some beautiful animation, especially the porky scenes by bob mckimson and the piano scene with the dog and cat. nothing feels too drawn out—of course, porky’s recitation is VERY long, but that’s also the point. it’ll be interesting to see how joe dougherty improves—maybe i just feel bad for the guy, but i think he needs some more credit. anyway, VERY good cartoon. the song is dreadfully catchy! if anything, it’s certainly worth watching for its historical significance. even then, it’s just an entertaining, light-hearted, fun cartoon.

link!

[naberiie]

“Even at it’s blindest, when diggers of the mid-twentieth century were dutifully recording facts of no known use just because they were there, the new method of trying hard to preserve all objects and information has proved its worth magnificently. In 1961 Emmett Bennett [great name] was able to reconstruct the filing system of the Mycenean scribes, hence a great deal about their economic practices and even the geography of the kingdom, because the excavators of the Pylos archives decades before had meticulously recorded the exact three-dimensional findspot of every as-yet-undeciphered tablet scattered through the fill.”

[Footnote 1:] “As it happened, the baskets of clay tablets, filed by subject, had fallen off their wooden shelves one by one as the palace, and the shelves, burned. Each basketful was thus scattered in a characteristic fan across the accruing rubble as the destruction progressed, back on that terrible day around 1200 B.C.

The excavation took place in 1939 and the early 1950s, mostly before the decipherment of Linear B, which was worked out largely between 1952 and 1956. Until the tablets were readable, and until Bennett realized that different scribes could by recognized by their handwriting and that each scribe typically handled only one or a few types of accounts, no one had any inkling how useful the exact findspots would turn out to be. Recording them all was just ‘good excavation method.’ What greater triumph can one ask of it?

- From Women’s Work: The First 20,000 Years: Women, Cloth, and Society in Early Times by Elizabeth Wayland Barber, pg 289.

[looselucy]

Fifty Seven - Baby I’m Yours

Louis and Eleanor were the last two to leave, the atmosphere seeming incredibly tense as soon as Harry’s dad arrived. It wasn’t long before excuses were made, and everyone exited the property. Harry was speaking with his dad in the garden, their voices blocked as they spoke between one another. As far as the eyes could see, the conversation didn’t look too positive, in fact it looked quite the opposite. I could tell mainly from his father’s over-sized hand gestures, and Harry’s solemn face. “Good luck.” Louis placed a kiss on my cheek before stepping out of the door. “Do I need it?” I asked worriedly.

Eleanor moved to Louis’ little red car, giving me a sympathetic wave goodbye as she clambered inside, leaving me and Louis to continue our farewell in private. I knew I wasn’t going to like what I was about to hear. Louis let out a deep breath, not really fond of the idea that he was going to have to be the one to break this news to me, but he did have the decency, of course he did! Louis was one the most decent human beings I had ever met. “He’s just… not easy to please.” He spoke. “Okay...” “He’s ridiculously protective of Harry. Seems to think all of Harry’s friends are fake. Only there cause of the money.” “So he’ll think I’m what? A gold-digger?” The idea was laughable. “I’m not saying that outright.” Louis told me. “But if I know Des at all, that’s probably somewhere in his train of thought.” The thing that ran through my head in that moment was, how do I prove him wrong? Thanks to our indoor relationship over the past year or so, Harry had never really gone all out for me, our relationship was the furthest thing from being based around money, because we practically never had the opportunities to do so. There were small gifts from time to time, but other than that, I couldn’t think of anything. Also, thanks to the videos I was earning more than enough money all by myself. But I didn’t think that was the point. I think his dad feared about it future wise, that I might just be stringing him along and pretending I wasn’t there for money, when I could have been eventually, given time. It obviously wasn’t the case, of course not, but how do you prove that to a protective father who doesn’t see his son as often as he’d like? “Why would he think that of all his friends? Harry’s such a nice guy. How can he accuse all his friends of being like that?” I questioned. “Because at one point, they were.” Louis simply said. “What?” I hated the story before he even began. The idea of people using Harry sent me into overdrive and my blood boil, anger and vexation pumping my body rather than its usual feel. How shallow people could be. “It wasn’t long before he met you. Bunch of… really awful people, who me and the boys hated from the get go. Harry was just... blind to it. Too nice to realise they were just using him. Some shit happened, and… I dunno. His guard went up even more after that.” I didn’t even question why he hadn’t told me about it, and I didn’t want to delve into the matter further than that. That was enough information for me. I hated what that may have done to him, his view of people and life skewered because selfish wankers felt as though they could take him for a ride. I hated it, and I hated the thought that his dad might think that I was out to do the same, that those were my intentions. It couldn’t have been further from the truth, the mere idea of it knocked me sick. I could see Louis studying me, kind of waiting for a reaction to reveal what I was thinking, waiting for me to maybe speak and ask him about it, but I wasn’t going to, it depressed me enough without fine-detail. “You okay?” He asked me. “I don’t know.” I sighed. “You’ll be fine. Honestly. It’s clear you love Harry.” “Maybe to you.” Louis couldn’t find anything to say to that, he just gave me a sorry hug, then went on his way, he and Eleanor both shooting me looks of sorrow and sympathy through the car window as it backed out of Harry’s drive, making me feel even worse about my upcoming meeting with Harry’s father. I wearily closed the door, and began questioning what I should even do with myself. Avoid them? Go into the garden and introduce myself, pretending I wasn’t aware of the serious discussion they were in the middle of? I had no idea, so for a few moments, I just stood there and concentrated on my breathing. Heavy puffs. In. Out. In. Out. I tried not to think about anything, I tried to clear my mind of every single matter and feelings that overwhelmed it and just stand there empty for a few moments, but I only began to question who I was. I was so scared of being judged by him, scared of what his thoughts would be of me. Because even if he realised I wasn’t there for the money, would he like me? There was a possibility of him disliking me anyway. That’s why I was questioning who I was. That’s why I was questioning everything, really. I decided to just suck it up, and approach him, knowing it would happen at some point no matter how much I was dreading it. I moved through the house and didn’t even concentrate on my footsteps, soon in the garden with the two of them, causing their conversation to come to an abrupt halt. Harry just stared at me, an unreadable expression on his face. I literally cannot put an emotion to it, not even the slightest hint or inkling to his inner feelings read on his features, it was just an empty gaze. Des gave me an awkward smile, like he didn’t really know what to do or say. I think at that point I became a little irritated, frustrated with the fact he could be thinking so lowly of me. I think another thing was, myself and Harry had finally found ourselves in the scenario where we had nothing to worry about, nothing to hide. We could just be ourselves. I wasn’t willing to let someone take that from us so soon after we had gained it, even if it was his father. I wasn’t willing to just fall down and accept that. And the thought of that happening, unfortunately, did make me angry. I took my gaze to Harry before speaking. “Do you mind if we have a minute in private?” I asked him. His face dropped, obviously not quite expecting me to want a private conversation with his father, but I was ready to stand my ground and prove my point. “Wh-what?” Harry stuttered. My eyes flicked to his dad just for a second, and I could see a similar look of shock create the image of his current face. All I had to do was nod to Harry, firm and steady and he knew I meant what I had said. He slowly stood himself up, leaning in and whispering softly to my ear before he took himself inside. “I’m sorry. Don’t pay him attention, okay? We know what this is.” I occupied myself in the seat Harry had previously been sat in, silently preparing myself for the fast-coming conversation, looking Des straight in the eyes, still confident, still stern, ready to fight my own ground. He sat there in silence, I think he was still slightly bewildered by my forthgoing attitude towards him. To be honest, I would be lying if I was to say I wasn’t pretty surprised by it too, but me and Harry had fought vicious battles in attempts to be together. This, for me, was just another battle. “I’m just gunna come right out and say it,” I exhaled, calming myself. “Do you think I’m here for the money?” I saw it right away, a sense of shame within himself, questioning that of me when this was literally the only thing I had ever said to him. It meant I’d been warned, and he knew that, and he didn’t like it. It spoke through his heavy sigh, like he was silently saying, shit, maybe I shouldn’t be jumping to such intense conclusions so quickly. But still, he had to make sure, for himself. I understood that, in some ways. “I can’t help but question it.” He simply said. “Do you realise that’s a little offensive?” I bit back quickly. “I don’t mean to offend you but-” “No, not offensive to me.” I cut him short. “Offensive to Harry!” From the new expression on his face I could tell he had no idea what I was talking about, not a clue what I meant by that statement, he couldn’t even muster any words to reply to it. So I explained myself. “Your son, is one the most kind, genuine, funny, incredible people I have ever met in my life. He is incredible, and you must know that more than anyone!” I pointed out, and he slowly exhaled. “If you make him feel like all his friends are after one thing, he’s going to doubt himself, and he doesn’t deserve that! He’s such an amazing person. And you know he is. It’s offensive to say no one is there for him and what he’s like, when he’s a fucking incredible person.” I had tried my very best not to swear but I couldn’t help it, the word just flew from my mouth so naturally it was unavoidable. It always was with me. Once more, I had rendered him speechless, which to be honest I was quite glad of. He had no idea what to say to that, obviously never having viewed his actions in that way. I couldn’t help but think of what his words may have done to Harry. If this was a conversation he’d had with his son before, I knew full well that would have affected Harry. He would have felt so low, questioning if he was nice enough to deserve the friends he did have or if they were just there for one reason, and Harry kept his distance from people enough as it was without someone breathing down his neck that they could be there for the wrong reasons. Also, since Louis had told me it had actually happened previously, I was sure Harry questioned it enough all by himself, without his own father making him feel badly about it. Sometimes, I would learn new things about Harry and it would put into perspective just how difficult so many parts of his life were. “Do you see what I mean?” I asked after the silence dragged on too long. “I... I suppose.” He spoke quietly. “I’m in love with your son. There isn’t an ounce of me that doesn’t love him. And that’s all there is. I couldn’t give a fuck about his money.” Did I just swear again? For fuck sake. “I can tell he loves you.” Des couldn’t look me in the eye as he spoke. “And it just worries me. You have to understand why I’m paranoid about my son.” “Of course I understand. I’m sorry, I don’t mean to shun that. But... you didn’t even say hello to me.” More shame, reddening his skin now, making him run a hand through his hair as he tried to look me in the eye, only managing for a split second before they dropped back to the floor. “I’m sorry.” He spoke. “I just... He’s my boy. I don’t see him. I don’t know how to deal with it, sometimes.” I was glad I hadn’t shouted, or been rude to him, despite my anger, because I realised then that the man ahead of me genuinely just missed his son. He didn’t see him as much as he’d like, and I imagined that was the case already when he divorced Anne, never mind when Harry took on the world at the tender age of sixteen. I had to feel sorry for him in a way, though his intentions were true, they weren’t best executed. Maybe, I had even helped him a little. “Well I think I see him enough for the both of us.” I joked. That earnt me a shy little smile, sniffed through his nose with a slight shake to his head. Maybe I was already in his good books, more so than I thought I was. “I’m sorry if I was a bit... hostile.” I said. “I’m pretty protective of our relationship. I hope you don’t think I’m rude...” “No. Not at all.” He smiled. “I kind of like that you put me in my place. At least you’re not a push-over.” Oh shit. He has warmed to me. Shit. “So... you don’t think I’m...” “Not from what I can see right now. You hold yourself pretty well. I like to think I’d be able to tell if you were after his money. You don’t seem that way.” Well. Looks like I’ve warmed to him, too. I put my hand to him, seeing him glance at my straightened fingers as I waited for him to shake my hand, giving him a cheeky smile as I did. “Let’s do this properly.” I grinned. “I’m Anna.” His grin was wide and real. He leant forward, rolling his shoulders as though rolling away the previous feel of our conversation and welcoming this new one, welcoming this new interaction. “Des.” He shook my hand. “And according to my son, I’m your future father-in-law.” “Did he really say that to you? That’s… a little scary.” I faked a grimaced, with a hint of real grimace. “You’re telling me.” He chuckled. “He keeps talking about bloody marriage! He’s… such a romantic.” That weight that had landed firm on my shoulders the very second we opened the door to him, had been lifted so quickly it almost left me with a bit of a headache, my head almost feeling as though it was compressing but it was such a good thing, such an amazing feeling. I had no idea when things became so incredibly easy for myself and Harry. Everything changed so quickly, and we went from feeling as though we were fighting tooth and nail to everything just feeling so weightless, like we were drifting together in calm waters, past the tides and deadly waterfalls. Just drifting. Simple. Clean. That’s how it felt. “So,” I spoke again. “How much do you reckon we can freak Harry out?” “What do you mean?” He smirked, already amused. “I think we go in there all guns blazing, pretending that we’re in the middle of a giant argument. Just to freak him out. That could be fun.” A belly laugh hollowed his body, making his neck snap backwards and his hand slam to the bottom of his stomach, more than amused by my mischievous plan. Still mid chuckle, he extended his hand out to me once more, waiting until I grabbed hold of it in a firm shake before he spoke. “Welcome to the family, Anna.” - March 29th The sight that only a year ago had been so uncomfortable for me was now something I found myself warming to. Looking out to the bare fields, darkness shrouding them with only slight twinkles of light radiating in the distance like dotted stars was something I found myself warming to. Only a year ago, the emptiness made me feel incredibly uncomfortable, and I begged to get back into the city. I couldn’t even believe how different I felt now. I felt it was spurred by all the changes in my life over the past year. Solitude now felt like safety, which truly was something I craved. It was nice to be in places that felt so far from London. The car moved slowly as we neared the building where the private events were held, the cars beginning to line as we slowly neared the incredible building. Harry sat on the other side of the car to me in the back, our fingers linked in the centre of the seats. “Strange isn’t it?” He grabbed my attention. “How much things can change in a year?” I smiled shyly to him, my eyelashes fluttering down as I cast my mind to how incredibly eventful our year had been. We had been together, then apart, then together, then apart, and on the spiral. We were finally happy. Even the thought of the event last year was astonishing. We weren’t even speaking, too scared of the feelings we had developed for one another, Harry didn’t even glance to me once, though I knew he had seen me. I remembered him being angry, hating how sexual me and Alex were in the ‘I Wanna Be Yours’ video. It had been a year since he fucked me to that song. I began blushing at the memory. It was so surreal, thinking of him dragging me to his car, so worked up, so angry and frustrated and threatened by the way he felt. I guess it had officially been a year now, since we decided to really make a go of things, after that night everything seemed to fall into place. Harry squeezed my hand, seemingly thinking of the same things I was as he smiled out of the window, the beautiful building glowing under lights that beamed up to it. “I love you.” Harry mumbled. I knew I didn’t even need to return the words, he knew. I just smiled to him, admiring him dressed as he was. His black jeans were incredibly tight, but thanks to the deep red shirt and the black blazer he still looked incredibly formal, and incredibly beautiful. I was wearing a tight dress, relatively short, up to my neck at the front but backless, long floating sleeves that seemed to make even the slightest hand gesture dramatic. And of course, killer heels. It felt nice being there with Harry, meeting everyone else there but it was nice arriving with him, still gripping his hand as we finally pulled up outside the building, my mind continuing to flash back to the previous year and the emotions I felt at that time. Harry turned and looked at me, giving me an encouraging smile, which he somehow knew I needed before I was even aware of it. “Ready, Honey?” “Yeah. Good luck.” I wished. “Thank you.” Harry and the boys were up for an award that marked growth in artists, which apparently at that very event, had once been won by The Beatles. My fingers were firmly crossed. I was thankful, yet again, for exactly how private those awards were. I needn’t worry of pictures or articles or anything of the sort. I was fine to just be myself and breathe a heavy sigh of comfort. I was more at ease this year than the previous, I just felt like there was less to be nervous about. No video previews. I didn’t need to fear bumping into Harry. There was nothing like that. It was a nice relief. We wandered inside, still hand in hand, and my eyes once more fell to incredible chandelier that glimmered heavy above our heads, and much to my joy, I found Harry doing the same thing, just as mesmerized by it as I was. When we walked past it and neared the stairs, Harry lazily leaned down to my ear, brushing his lips tenderly to my lobe. “You look incredible tonight, Honey.” ----- The evening was going well, as expected, the event full of class and just an incredible atmosphere to it. It wasn’t often I found myself in places like that, dressed that way, feeling that way, so I was making the very most of it whilst it lasted. It was the interval part stage to the night, giving the opportunity for drinks to flow a little more freely and for conversations to flow freely. I stood away from the table slightly, talking to Alex one on one for the first time in what felt like forever. “I missed having you silently encourage me before we won.” He said. “Oh really?” I giggled. “Yeah. It was nice having you on our table last year. Feels a bit empty without you there. Damn Styles practically stole you off me.” He joked. I gave him a playful tap on the arm, giggling at him as he smirked to himself. With every memory and every interaction, it seemed to prove to me more and more exactly how much things had changed. “Well I hope Rachel is good company.” I smiled. “Of course she is.” He almost blushed. “She always is.” I loved their relationship so much I just prayed every day that it would last. They weren’t even very similar, but they just worked, for some reason they fit, they suited each other and brought out the best in one another, which is always admirable. “Anna?” “Yeah?” “Will you be in the videos? For the next album? When it’s done?” I appreciated him asking me, in fact I think I was flattered, the fact they still wanted me around, still wanted me to be a part of their incredible band in some way. I loved that. But still. “I think... maybe I need to make my own career. Something that will last.” I spoke quite sadly. “Do you have any ideas?” He quizzed. “Nope.” I laughed at myself. “I have no idea.” “Until then, be in the videos. Please, Anna. It probably won’t happen for another few years, so… just see how you feel at the time. If you’re… quiet, you can be AM Girl again. If you want.” I moved and hugged him tight, his body easing to mine in seconds, which never used to happen with Alex but he had softened so much over a year. He seemed more real, and I liked him plenty before that. Now, somehow, he was even better. “I’m so glad I bumped into you in Leeds that night!” I breathed. “Me too, Love.” The conversation came to an end and we moved back to our own tables. I really loved that boy. I sat down next to Harry, just smiling to myself, feeling so overwhelmingly happy. I could see him grinning at me from the chair beside me, his mind having left the conversation he was part way through with the rest of the lads I just smiled to the floor, seeing him stare from the very corner of my eye. He moved closer, his lips hot against my ear, his chest practically pushing against my shoulder. “Are you happy?” His deep voice vibrated my chest. I turned so that my lips were close to his, smiling still, feeling the heat radiate from him. I nodded. “Are you?” I questioned. “Of course. I’m here with you.” He pressed a momentary kiss to my lips, before pulling from me, leaving my skin a brand new shade of pink. Which was just about to increase even further. He turned and continued to become a part of the conversation with the boys, his hand giving the top of my thigh a slight squeeze under the table and then resting there, casually speaking to the boys as his palm and long fingers on my bare thigh made me boil over, loving whenever his skin met mine. His hand lay there still for a short while, before he almost started to kneed his palm into me, like he was massaging my skin, his fingers digging into me with almost a harsh force. I couldn’t help myself as I cleared my throat and pulled my chair a little further under the table, relaxing under his touches. He liked my reaction. And he wanted to spur me further. Slowly, with hot skin on skin, he began trailing his hand a little higher, edging up and up my thigh, everyone at the table blissfully unaware of what was going on as we both tried to remain as casual as possible, trying to keep our appearances nonchalant. Upwards he moved, speaking a few uninteresting words to Louis but I could barely even make out what anyone was saying at this point as I widened my legs just slightly, giving him access to me, if he wanted. Which, apparently, he did. He moved that final distance, and found me, already wet and wanting. He bit his lip and inhaled heavily, faltering slightly before he leaned and whispered to me, his voice low and grunted. “No knickers? Such a dirty girl.” He moved away from me once more, leaving me even more speechless than I already was as two fingers tickled at my entrance, playing with the wet area a little, lifting some of the juices and rubbing them across my clit. I was trying my very best, and nobody seemed to have noticed a thing, but it came so incredibly difficult as Harry began rubbing sweet circles to me, making me quiver in appreciation. I closed my eyes for a second, almost letting out a moan until I remembered where we were, what situation we were in. Harry had a smirk in the corner of his lips, so pleased with himself. I imagined he was hard under the table to, just waiting for me to reach out and touch him. You’re not the only person who can tease, Styles. So I didn’t reach for him, that could be his own punishment. He kept pushing, taking me close, so close, desperately close as my breathing became so stupidly hot and uneven, it was becoming increasingly difficult to hide the encounter. Harry moved down, slotting two fingers into me, making me squeal and flinch a little, but thankfully no one seemed to notice. Other than Harry of course. He curved his fingers inside me, chuckling deeply to himself, leaning back to my ear. I turned my head slightly, his breath hitting my neck before his words stimulated my skin. “You’re going to make a mess of that chair, Honey.” Without any more warning than that, he took himself from my insides, leaving me feeling completely bare now that he wasn’t touched to me, now there was zero contact between us. I literally hated it. My instinct was to shut my legs, feeling my orgasm could still possibly take me. So I gripped my legs shut and bit my lip, trying to calm myself. I glanced Harry’s way and he was looking back to me. He took the two fingers that had just left me, and slid them into his mouth, licking off everything I had left there. I think my mouth may have dropped a little, just watching him do that, wondering if I tasted good to him, wondering how much he wanted me. He smirked, impressed with our private playtime that had gone completely unrecognized by the group, who continued talking to each other and laughing around. Harry moved and placed an innocent kiss to my lips, giving my thigh a tight squeeze one last time. “I’ll finish you later, Gorgeous.”