elisysh

[frogeyedape]

Holy fucking shit sending a wire to close on a property is intense

[pickledwombat]

Hello Gamers.

It has occurred to me five seconds ago that I should probably tell you all an interesting and riveting story that is currently happening to me. So here we go.

Trailer: This is health related. I will be fine dw lol :)

So on the 30th of March this year (a wednesday), I woke up to a blind spot in my left eye. It was like this little semicircle of despair right about the centre of my vision. I figured that it would probably just go away on its own, so I didn't worry about it too much and went to class that day. Fast forward to Friday and it was still there being an annoying little shit. It was at this moment that I was like "hey I should get this checked out probably." Lucky for me, I had a very convenient pre-scheduled optometry appointment the next day.

So I go to this appointment and am offered this optional test for $25 Canadian dollars and because that is the only cost for the appointment today (subtle brag) I go yes please. It's that fancy one where they take pictures of the back of your eye. How neat. That happens and I go into the actual exam bit with the optometrist, tell him about my eye, and then he sits down to look at my pictures.

They are funky.

So he tells me that I have two swollen optic nerves and additional swelling in the adjacent vasculature. There's also this weird other swelling stuff that's going on that he can't explain. It turns out that the fuzzy spot was caused by a pre-retinal hemorrhage, so basically there is blood in my eye and that is not poggers. He thinks I might have high blood pressure, but the additional and weird swelling confuses him, so he sends me to the emergency room of a hospital across town to have some tests run.

So much for the rest of my Saturday.

So I go to the hospital and get a CT scan and some more eye pictures and meet with some specialists and a bunch of other little tests (like a colourblind one for some reason), and they send me on my merry way. The CT scan didn't show anything, so that was pretty neat, but they kind of ruled out high blood pressure, which meant more tests. I would like to note that I paid no money for this (brag >:)

Sunday April 3rd - I go for blood tests at this other place, again free. They took 12 vials of blood. Had to piss in a cup. Was wack.

Monday April 4th - I have like a 7:30am appointment (ew so early gross) with an eye specialist. I repeat some of the tests that happened on saturday, and then they sit me down for this dye test where they inject me with a yellow dye so they can see how the blood is flowing in my eyes and then take a whole bunch of pictures. The first one failed which was a wee bit painful but on the upside my piss looked like a blended up minion for the next couple days. Very surreal.

After that test I finally got to meet with the specialist in this nice little corner office. He was really nice, told me that the hemorrhage would probably get reabsorbed so I didn't need to worry about that (it's gotten a lot better now actually which is nice, still a little bit there though). He then went through the blood flow pictures and couldn't find anything funky there.

And then he brought up my blood tests.

This is where things become a lot less cool.

Cringe, even.

Basically, he tells me that my white blood cell count is incredibly high. Like super duper high. He tells me that the regular count is supposed to be like 20 and mine is at nearly 500.

And this is a symptom that coincides with leukemia.

Shit.

Let me tell you, that day was not poggers.

Nothing is confirmed yet though, so I go home and proceed to have a very unexpected day. I message all my profs and was like "hey, might die, please give me extensions thanks :)" (and then I got them). I got a call from a hematologist later that day to go over the testing plan going forward. It included things that sounded not so fun.

The next day was my birthday.

:|

Turned 19 though that was neat.

Before I go on, I would like to mention that the very first thought I had when that eye specialist told me it could be leukemia was "I'm going to need so many bald jokes." Because you know. Chemotherapy.

Wednesday April 6th - I go back to the emergency room. This time I go to a different place, where I get my very own hospital bed (in the corner :D). The game plan is simple. In no particular order: 1) get an MRI 2) get a bone marrow biopsy 3) get more blood tests and 4) get a blood transfusion.

What actually happened: 1) super quick blood tests, less blood this time, neat. 2) bone marrow biopsy (fuck that shit was so weird it wasn't painful because of the freezing stuff but hguieanbcbneuia did not like, would not recommend) 3) MRI could take a few days to be scheduled and they don't want to keep me overnight 4) ultrasound to look at my spleen and liver 5) no blood transfusion because apparently my hemoglobin count went up since last blood tests so hell yeah 6) I went home

What I learned that day: 1) i hate bone marrow biopsies they suck donkey balls 2) my spleen was twice the size it should be (25cm instead of 12cm) 3) I now need to go for blood tests twice a week

I got to sleep the next day. Liked that part.

I don't remember when I got the next phone call from the hematologist (she's been fantastic btw I would definitely recommend her, very helpful and great with explaining things to stupid little me) but it was sub-pog.

Basically, I was officially diagnosed with CML (chronic myeloid leukemia). It's pretty rare in people my age, and makes up for about 15% of total leukemia patients iirc. It's caused by a freak mutation in your chromosomes, and has three stages: chronic, accelerated, and blast. I got caught in the chronic stage, which is the super treatable one and where most people are diagnosed.

I don't have to go for immediate chemotherapy, and if I'm lucky I shouldn't need it at all (rip bald jokes L). It's treated with these fancy little pills, and there are like five or six varieties for me to try which is neat. I should start those soon.

Right now I am on two other drugs, though. The first one is called hydroxyurea, and it's designed to bring down my white blood cell count. I think I peaked at 527 by whatever measurement they had, but it was down to like 505 on April 21st, so that's some neat little progress right there. I'll probably have my dose doubled soon to get that count to come down super fast, but for now I'm still too white for my own good.

The second drug is called Allopurinol, and it's designed to preserve my kidneys, because the first drug could make things toxic down there and I would like to keep those body parts thank you very much. Everything is going swimmingly so far though so that's good. I need to drink like 2 and a half litres of liquid daily though so my toilet is very busy rn.

I have to take these drugs at 9:30am every morning which sucks though I just want to sleep in :/

I think that's everything.

And that's the story of how got a new zodiac sign :) If you have any questions or good jokes please let me know I will respond to them :) Please don't pity me though you would not believe how much of that I have gotten in the last couple weeks it is frying my mind I just want to make fun of myself.

TL;DR got cancer, fucking L on my part, very treatable, taking many drugs :))))

[ikenbar]

Mr. Love: Ike’s Choice

Author’s note:

This story is one of my own OC for the game Mr. Love: A Queen’s Choice. Except for Ike and her family, all the characters belong to the creators of Mr. Love: A Queen’s Choice. This fan fiction will contain spoilers for the game so, if you haven’t played it yet or are not caught up to Chapter 18 in the game, this is your warning. (Though it will take me quite a while to get to any sort of spoiler and I will mark it as such when it comes to it so you have time :P) This is merely a fan fiction of the game containing my own character and her story. None of this is cannon. All that said, Mr. Love is such an amazing game. It’s so much more than just some Otome mobile game. Its story is intriguing, and the gameplay is addicting in the best possible way. The development team are so respondent and understanding and honestly just want you to enjoy their game. I have! And I will! And I plan to show how much I do through this Fan fiction! I’m honestly just here for a good time so let’s have fun! Right? I plan on posting on Wednesday/Thursdays so stay tuned!! I want to show you guys the world I have been making for so long and my love for this game. So, let's get started, shall we? :D

  Warnings: Talk of death (it’s just talk. There’s no real death. More like existential dread), Talk of abuse (this is just character development. It’s not an angst I swear), Grammar mistakes (I tried cleaning this the best I can but I may have missed somethings. I’m sorry ^^;), fluff, and cliffhangers. A lot of them. Prepare for one heck of a story

Chapter one:

Part one:

There is no such thing as a good way to die. Death is death. There is absolutely no way death could be justified. But that is the last thing you are thinking when it is your life that is at risk. The first thing of course being, “I hope he doesn’t miss me.”

 >>>

It was hard to believe that I had been working as a producer for Ike ’n Bar Production Company for nearly two years now. I founded this company alongside my foster father, Bartholomew Schmidt. Bart had an opportunity to create something. Something that would bring love and entertainment to children and adults alike. Something that would bless the world with its presence.... He couldn’t make it past week one, so he called me in.

I am not one that wavers from the facts. There is a place for everything in this world and I do my best to put everything in that place. I didn’t spend four years of my life studying the answers of the world to be creative. So, when Bart turned to me for help with his new show idea, I was more than reluctant to help.

“Come on.” He begged wrapping his hands around each other, “They won’t let me pitch the idea until the plot holes are fixed. You’re the only person I know who will tell me exactly what is wrong without sparing my feelings!”

“Your TV show idea is a waste of my time.” I deadpanned.

“See?!” Bart stared at me with pleading eyes, “Just read the pitch... please?” After a couple minutes of awkward silence to finally cave. I read it over once. Then twice. Then a third time. I still had no idea what the show was about.

“So, let me get this straight.” I sighed, “It is a sitcom about a teenage girl, who happens to be an alien, living her life as a normal teenager.” Bart nodded excitedly. “But her family and friends have no idea what she is. And she has to keep the powers secret because… reasons.”

“See?!” Bart laughed, “You get it! For some reason the network thought it was confusing.”

“...I’m going to say this, and I want you to keep an open mind.” I handed the pitch back to Bart, “The show stinks. We are scrapping this idea and coming up with a new one.”

“Oh come-...we?”

“There is no way you are going to make it through this business alive without me. So, let’s talk about an idea that isn’t overused and unoriginal and actually has some taste.”

“.... Did you just hire yourself on my team?”

“Yes. Do you have a pen and paper on you? Someone should be taking notes.”

 The new show we had pitched to the network was a hit. A sitcom about a family of robbers evading the police. They are trying to have a normal life as they live on the lamb. We called it, Show Me the Honey. Sending our average amount of views over fifty thousand. We worked on that show as we pitched others and made a name for ourselves and the company. Since I wasn’t one for limelight, Bart took care of the field work as I worked as the co-head of Ike ’n Bar Productions from behind a screen and in my office.

Things were just the way they should be. With me out of the way. Maybe if things stayed that way, I wouldn’t be where I am now. I could be at that desk right now. Working on the next show. Calling on my assistant for a coffee. Telling off the latest intern for screwing up the order of the files. I could even hear my father’s voice again as he calls me with updates from the field. But sadly, all good things must come to an end. This end started with one name. Victor.

 “Victor?”

 I repeated to Bart over the phone, stalling my note taking on the pad next to me. I was at my office that Monday afternoon. The sun was shining through the window behind me and onto my large, glass, desk. The sunlight reflected off my screen and into my eyes, causing my already rotten mood to worsen.

“Yes!” He excitedly sang, “You have an interview with him today at three!”

“That’s in two hours.”

“Right!”

“...Bart. This man is the CEO of LFG.”

“Correct!”

“Loveland Financial Group.”

“Wow, Ike! You’ve sure got this down!”

“...OK hold on, you want me to go to the head of the largest leading investor in all of Loveland and ask him for funding on a TV show that hasn’t even been green lighted yet?! And you want me to prepare for it in under two hours.”

“Oh, come on. Saying it that way makes it sound bad.” Bart pouted. “Miracle Writer is going to be a hit! And we are a well-known company! It's not like we are asking too much from them! Just a little something to start us off. Besides I already told him that my amazing co-head, Ike, was going to be meeting him so there is no backing out now.”

“Bart, why aren’t you going? Aren’t interviews your thing?”

“They are but… I’ve heard some ghost stories about Victor.”

“Ghost stories?” I skeptically muttered as I held my throbbing head in my hands.

“I hear he tends to be… stubborn when it comes to funding companies.” Bart said this in a low voice as if Victor would appear behind him to overhear his words.

“Oh, and you’re informing me about this now instead of a few days prior so I could prepare for such an important interview with him. Makes sense.”

“Ike, I know it’s a little out of nowhere-”

“A little?!” I scoffed lifting my head back up and pulling my bushy brown hair out of my eyes as I arched my eyebrows uselessly to the receiver.

“But just hear me out, ok?” Bart pleaded helplessly. I stayed silent. Bart continued, “Victor is known to be brash. He rarely, if ever, smiles. In fact, his poker face is known to strike fear into even the strongest of soldiers. He yells more often then he praises. His stance towers over most people and it sends a level of power that is like none you have ever seen. But most importantly, he is extremely close minded when it comes to lending his money. So, it would need to take a strong headed and strong-minded person to get through to him. To make him see that they are worth every dollar of his-”

“And you want me to do the interview because he reminds you of me.”

“Man, I can’t get anything past you.”

Bart had a point. I have a tough time with my emotions. Let alone other people’s. I am known to be inscrutable in the office and outside of it. In my defense, my tactless rule over the office is why everything runs smoothly. No one second guesses my commands and, if they do, it would result in an outcome that could only ignite more fear towards me. Besides, showing no emotions trains the mind to adapt and overcome the words of others. Which helps suggesting the amount of words the office has to say about me narrows down to about four letters.

The main reason I don’t mind it all though is because Bart is loved in the office. His bright and fun-loving attitude is a refreshment for everyone there. They all welcome him in with open arms and follow his every word with preciseness. He is so soft with them and normally brings free lunches for the office when he visits. Of course, all that sweet talk makes him a doormat when it comes to asking for things from him, but no one would take advantage of that. And get away with it that is.

Bart can barely talk to me without cowering under my intensity when we are face to face. I can’t imagine what Victor would do to him. He’d probably chew him up and eat him alive.

“Fine.” I caved, “If I’m doing this, I need to start working now. So, I have to go.”

“Ikamara Bikira, you are a lifesaver!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!”

I groaned slightly as I hung up the phone. Interviews made me uncomfortable. How do you start it off? Do you need to make small talk? Would it be rude to just jump into the subject at hand? Should you address people by their first name or something a little more formal? Do I need to smile the whole time? Or should I be serious from beginning to end? I rubbed my temples to soothe my growing headache.

“That man is going to be the death of me.” I muttered under my breath. Though this isn’t the first time he has thrown me under the bus, I owed him my life. He and his wife, Maria, were the first foster family to take me in and want to keep me. I had been through five foster homes before theirs and I had the scars to prove it. I rubbed my arm as I recalled the memories. The first home sent me to a sort of bootcamp. The second home neglected me. Third home gave me too much of the wrong kind of attention. Fourth home made me lose parts of myself. Including feeling in my left arm and my voice. And the fifth home... Snapping back to reality, I smoothed out the sleeves to my shirt and saved the sad excuse of a report on my computer. I can’t let Bart down. It’s just an interview. I can do this. I reached into the cabinet next to my desk for papers on out new show “Miracle Writer” and a couple pods of Advil.

 Stuck in traffic, I impatiently tapped at the handles of my motorbike. Normally traffic at that time wasn’t too bad but for some reason, we were at a standstill. Unable to rub away my ever-increasing headache, I looked impatiently down the line of cars ahead of me. They were stalled at one stoplight. Even though the light was green on our side, the road was blocked by another line of cars ahead of them. Keeping the car in front of me in my peripherals, I unzipped my leather jacket and pulled my phone from inside my blazer. I opened my moments and checked trending. “Super Star, Kiro, Signs New Albums at The New Light Mall.” So that’s why traffic is so horrible. The line of cars blocking the road must be the line of fans heading to the New Light Mall. I looked enviously at the line. Though immensely irritating, I would kill to be a part of that line if it meant I got to meet Kiro.

Kiro was an inordinately talented superstar. The spunky blond-haired, teal eyed man was very popular among teens and adults alike. He was an idol among millions for his talents. Which varied from acting to singing to dancing to even fashion. It seems like this young boy was too good to be real. Many believed he had the superpower to woo people with one glance. I, of course, found this difficult to believe…. Though even I found it hard not to enjoy his presence.

In fact. I was a very big fan of his. He just so happened to be my idol. His music was the main thing that got me through so many things. Moving from foster parent to foster parent, when I had become selectively mute, moving to a new school, the events of the fifth foster house. Kiro meant more to me than most things in my life. But you’d never catch me screaming his name or crying at the sheer thought of him. I had self-control. I had to have it. If any mention of me being a fan of Kiro in the office and my tough manager cred would be flushed down the drain. I had to keep my obsession closeted at all costs.

The cars ahead of me started slowly moving again so I put away my phone and slowly followed. The cars stopped soon after. I moaned and checked the time on my watch. 2:30. Maybe walking to LFG would be faster than this.

Finally, my bike slowly rolled up to the stoplight. Past this light, the traffic was much more free-flowing. I was the second vehicle in line. I could almost smell the freedom. My eyes lazily drifted to the sidewalk next to the stoplight pole. There stood a young man staring intently at his phone. He wore a black baseball hat, a red and white hooded t-shirt, and black jeans. He also wore accessories containing a pair of bulky headphones around his neck and a pair of sunglasses. I looked up at the sky. Dark clouds covered most of it. Why was he so heavily protected from the sun?

The APS from the other side of the street started beeping, signaling to a group of pedestrians that it was time for them to cross. The man started impulsively making his way to the street, not paying any attention to the fact that it was not his turn to walk. I watched as a yellow sports car started making its way down to the light and straight towards the man. I looked up at mine helplessly. Still red. I checked my watch. 2:45. I didn’t have time for this.

I cursed to myself and pulled my bike to the side of the road. I quickly pulled out my keys and dashed down the crosswalk and to the man. The car drove closer to the light. The car’s horn finally started blasting which finally pulled the man’s attention off his phone and to the road. He froze in place as the car came speeding towards him. I jumped off the ground and dove into the man, shoving him off the crosswalk and back onto the sidewalk. Safe from the sports car that now had zoomed past the light and down the highway. I lay on him protectively as I caught my breath. I pushed myself onto my hands and caught the last glimpse of the car before it sped out of sight.

 I cursed at it uselessly. I sighed and finally looked down at the man. “You O-” I held my breath. The fall had knocked the hat off the man, revealing wild, bright, blond hair. The sun shone onto his sunglasses just enough to show his teal eyes sparkling as he made eye contact with me. My eyes went wide. It couldn’t have been him. There was no way it was him.

“You- you saved my life!”

It was him. There was no way you could mistake that mesmerizing voice of his. Especially if you listened to him as often as I did. It was a higher-pitched voice but there was a sense of joy with every word he spoke. As if merely speaking was a gift to him. As hearing it was a gift to me.

“Thank you!” Kiro smiled at me.

(Next)

[ehstarwar]

under thy own life’s key (2/7)

Maybe the A/C wasn’t as useful down in the dungeon as the rest of the house. Maybe the flannel bed sheets were a little much. Maybe she was actually back in Jakku and the last eight years had all been a fever dream.

Or her best friend/bed buddy was a cuddler. A Big Time Cuddler.

-

Rey and Ben's sleeping arrangements lead to some interesting mornings. And even more interesting nights.

-

Rating: Explicit 

Word Count: 3.5K

Read on AO3

Notes: i wrote this while watching TRoS and as soon as started the ~fun~ part, Ben and Han had their moment and i felt like i was debauching him in front of his dad. i've probs done worse tho, so, enjoy!

Chapter 2: relieves the weary laborer and heals hurt minds

-

Chandrila is notoriously hot, or so the online articles Rey skimmed said it was. She felt confident that her upbringing in a desert would be sufficient preparation for the oncoming heat. Something that Coruscant blessedly didn’t endure too long of. Rey knew that suckers like Hux and Kaydel would have a hard time adjusting, but would eventually realize the benefits of said heat. (Well… Kaydel would.)

When booking the trip, Poe had assured the group that the cabin they would be staying had a well function air conditioning that his fiancé insisted upon. Rey may not have been the closest with Hux, but she knew enough of him to know he wouldn’t have spent money on a place without everything being up to his standards. 

So when Rey woke up Monday morning in, what felt like, a blistering inferno, she was a little shocked. Maybe the A/C wasn’t as useful down in the dungeon as the rest of the house. Maybe the flannel bed sheets were a little much. Maybe she was actually back in Jakku and the last eight years had all been a fever dream. 

Or her best friend/bed buddy was a cuddler. A Big Time Cuddler.

Ben’s arms were holding onto Rey, encasing her torso and clutching her to him. His tree-trunk legs were tangled with hers, one shoved between her legs making her core rest on his thigh. Ben’s face was resting against the back of her head so that she could feel his warm breath on the top of her neck. His chest rose and fell in time with his breath and Rey couldn’t help but marvel at the solidity against her, at how different it felt beneath her back than it had under her hands.

When she realizes the source of the heat, Rey suddenly doesn’t mind it so much. It becomes a comfort, like wrapping up in your favorite blanket when its fresh out of the dryer. She can’t help but think of the winter, when she’s cold and buried under blankets that still provide no heat, and how nice it would feel if Ben was there. Solid and warm and wonderful. How she could just turn around and nuzzle into his embrace and press her lips to-

And then Rey really wakes up. 

She slowly extracts herself from his embrace, moving gently so as not to disturb her sleeping giant. She ignores the painful stab in her gut, willing herself to not feel as if moving from his arms was like cutting off a limb. Trying not to think thoughts that are decidedly un-best friendly.

Rey makes it out of the bed and into the bathroom, checking behind her to make sure Ben is still sound asleep as she shuts the door. Part of her wants to take a cold shower, blame it on the July heat, but Ben would know. He always just knows. 

She resigns herself to splashing cold water on her face and brushing her teeth. The sound of footsteps above her tell her that her other friends are up and already starting with the festivities. 

That’s why she’s here. To celebrate her friends upcoming nuptials. Not to sleeping the same bed as Ben. Its just an (un)fortunate side effect.

Rey adjust her sleep shirt and shorts before creeping out the bathroom and up the stair, leaving Ben still sleeping in their bunk. When she reaches the top of the stairs, she’s greeted with a platinum-blonde blur quickly setting up what looks like a mimosa table. 

“Oh, Phasma. I didn’t know you were staying here,” Rey says, hoping to catch her attention. Phasma pays her no mind as she responds, not breaking for a moment.

“I’m not. I rented a cabin down the hill for myself.” How very Phasma of Phasma. “Armitage wouldn’t let me hear the end of it if I didn’t show, and this cabin is like one giant splinter waiting to stab itself into an unsuspecting guest. My place is a bit more… modern.”

While Rey and Phasma weren’t the best of friends, Rey found comfort in Phasma’s unyielding ability to be herself. She admired her really, and told her so at more than one social engagements. It’s always met with a slight huff and an excuse to go refill her drink, but Rey knows that it makes Phasma like here. Well, maybe not like, but just not hold her in complete contempt. 

“That’s… very wise of you,” Rey says. The little noise of acceptance and slight nod is as close as Phasma will ever get to smiling, so, Rey will take it. “Is that a mimosa bar?” Rey asks.

“And Bloody Mary bar. I wanted to give some options for the bachelors,” Phasma explained. 

“Any breakfast?” Rey asks, hopeful. Phasma sends her a sharp look.

“Yes; Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s.”

“Ah.” Rey tries not to look disappointed. She had hoped of waking up to a large stack of waffles drenched in locally sourced syrup, but that wasn’t really Phasma’s style.

To be fair, there were many things Rey expected to be different that what she actually woke up to, but that was neither here nor there. 

Rey hears the squeak of the door hinges behind her, and snaps her head around to see a disheveled Ben appearing from the stairwell. His hair was a perfectly tousled mess and she longed to run her hands through it. Maybe even kiss the sleepiness out of his lips. 

“Gwen,” Ben says to acknowledge Phasma. Her eyes flit over Ben and Rey, and if she notices that they came from the same place, she keeps it to herself. 

“Benjamin, why aren’t you wearing the pajamas I got you for your 30th birthday?” Phasma asks, not once breaking stride in setting up the table.

“I brought them. I just didn’t have the energy to change into a pantsuit last night.” Ben moves into the kitchen, brushing past Rey to get there. His hands gently bumps her arm, right where it was draped over, just a few minutes ago. “I’m assuming you want pancakes?” He shouts back and Rey knows its meant for her. She’s pretty sure Phasma doesn’t eat solid foods that don’t come from a restaurant Rey would have to save for a month to afford.

“Or waffles?” She asks, once again hopeful.

“No waffle maker.”

“Pancakes are fine.” She hopes she doesn’t sound ungrateful. She wants to point out that Ben hasn’t looked for a waffle maker so he can’t possibly know that there isn’t one, but Rey has learned not to bite the hand that feeds her.

Literally.

-

An hour later, the rest of the house has woken up and wandered down to the kitchen. They’ve already gone through two bottles of champaign, (‘Chump change!’ Poe had shouted when he woke up and demanded another bottle be popped.) and questions of what to do were being tossed around. 

“I have a loosely structured agenda that we should all follow for this week,” Hux announces at the table, causing everyone to look at him in confusion.

“Loosely-structured?” Ben repeats.

“In an effort to be more… chill,” Hux abandons his glare at Ben to nod towards Poe, “I’ve decided to allow for a more clandestine trip. While I have ideas on how each minute should be spent, I’ve learned that doesn’t make for the most delightful of guest.”

“Sooooo, Armie has decided to let us collectively choose what we do for the day. Isn’t that so nice of him?” Poe pointedly looks at the rest of the table. Murmurs in agreement flutter around.

“Except for Wednesday,” Hux pipes up. “We’re scheduled to got to one of those tree-top jungle gym things. They have a zip line.” This earns some more enthusiastic hoots from the group. “For today I figured we could just enjoy the lake at the bottom of the hill. We have a private path to get down there.” 

The only time Rey could recall her friends moving as quickly as they did on hearing the word ‘lake’ is when Maz first announced her Three-Dollar-Margarita special. Within moments, Finn, Rose, Kaydel, Jannah had all vanished from the table, no doubt putting on their swim suits. Zorii sat beside Rey, giving a yawn that would rival a bears. 

“I’m gonna go sleep for a few hours. I’ll come down later.” She saunters up, heading back up the stairs. 

“Too old to be hanging out with the cool kids, Zor?” Poe calls after her. 

“Nah. Someones gotta stay sober long enough to make sure you fools don’t get eaten by Freddy Krueger.” The eyerolls are unanimous as she leaves the room. 

Ben and Rey leave the table to go change as well, ignoring the following gaze of Phasma as they go down the stairwell. Poe and Hux are too caught up in each other to say anything to them.

“So… last night was fine?” Rey says once they reached the room. Ben gives her a confused glance.

“You sound unsure.”

“It was fine, really. I don’t think we need to worry about disrupting the sleeping arrangements of everyone else. Since it was, ya know, fine. Unless you feel differently?” Rey is suddenly very aware that while she okay with their arrangement, Ben could potentially not be. Even if he doesn’t know how she woke up.

“No, no, no, it’s fine with me. Too. It’s fine.” Ben rushes out. Rey is sure her relief is present on her face, but Ben still looks a bit distraught.

“It’s okay to ask for things you want, Rey. No one will get mad if you say you want your own bed,” His voice is soft and something inside of Rey clenches. Ben is always the considerate one, even if his hard exterior begs to differ.

“Ben, truly, it’s fine. If I had a problem, I’d tell you. Trust me,” Rey assures. Ben doesn’t look quite convinced, but he lets it go.

-

A cool splash of water droplets on her face is what wakes Rey later that day. The pile of beach towels under her rub harshly against her skin as she turns over and comes to. Finn and Rose have jumped back in the lake, splashing around and looking every bit the love dazed couple they would both deny they were. 

Hux and Poe wandered off to the hot tub before Rey’s little cat-nap, and she’s sure they were both enjoying post-coital bliss right about now. Zorii, Kaydel, and Jannah were laid out on the dock, soaking up the sun, exactly where Rey assumed they’d be for the duration of this trip. Ben and Phasma were seated beside her, under a little alcove at the beginning of the dock, both reading books with titles that included words Rey had never heard. She was pretty sure Phasma’s was in Greek.

“Enjoy your nap?” Phasma asked, without looking up from her book. Rey just hummed in the affirmative and stretched her now tight limbs. Her bikini did little in the way of covering skin, so she was especially glad Ben brought the highest uvf-protection sunscreen sold. She was less than glad that she only went with one coat instead of three, like Ben warned.

“How long was I out?” She asked, voice groggy.

“About and hour and a half. You missed lunch,” Ben told her. Rey gasped in horror at herself. Her body was usually so good at telling her when it was meal time. To be fair, her body did think all times were meal times.

“Benjamin saved you a sandwich, though. So, not to worry,” Phasma’s voice was cool, but Rey could detect a hint of teasing. She decided not to press it and look for her sandwich instead.

-

“Just one more movie, you guys. Please! How can you watch Legally Blonde without also watching Legally Blonde 2. It’s… sacrilegious.” Rey’s protest fell onto deaf ears as the last remaining of her friends wandered off to bed. Jannah and Zorii mumbled their goodnights to her, Jannah even giving Rey’s head a good-natured pat, before leaving her alone in the living room. 

So she sat there, alone, black screen in front of her, looking out to the mountain side of the cabin, willing herself to be tired. Rey would’ve tried harder to stay awake earlier if she’d known that a little nap would cause her to feel this keyed up this late. 

Rey does have a surefire way of exhausting herself enough to knock out for a few good hours, but that way is usually done in a bed by herself. Not in a bed occupied by her best friend who she woke up tangled with.

Rey decides sitting up her by herself would probably cause her friends to question her, so she makes her way down the stairs and to her room. Well, their room. The TV that looks like it came straight from the set of I Love Lucy, is on, filling the room with some static noise. Ben is snoring lightly, body inclined like he was watching the static before passing out. Rey snaps a quick pic of the scene, only to immediately delete it. 

Rey shuts off the television, prompting Ben to wake with a start.

“Rey?” He asks, voice deep like he’s still asleep.

“I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“You didn’t. I was awake the whole time.”

“Sure, Ben.” She’s fairly certain he can’t see her eye roll in the darkness, but he can defiantly hear her snort. She sees the outline of him move over, giving her space to crawl into bed. 

It’s not awkward, Rey tells herself, You did this last night and it was absolutely fine. 

“What did you end up watching after I left?” He asks. She wonders why he’s making conversation even though he could very much just fall back asleep, but doesn’t question it. It’s nice in a very domestic sort of way that makes Rey shake her head.

“Only Legally Blonde.”

“Not the second one, too?”

“No, only because our friends are quitters who tap out too soon.”

Ben’s chuckle reverberates across the bed and it tickles her body.

Minutes pass and Rey tries to inconspicuously turn multiple times, trying to find a more comfortable position before Ben says anything.

“Rey.” It’s a warning, but with no venom.

Minutes later, after less inconspicuous tossing and turning: “Are you okay?”

“I’m not tired! I’m trying to be tired but my nap earlier fucked up my sleeping schedule and now I’m not tired.” Her voice is whiney, even to her own ears. 

“Just do whatever you normally do when you can’t sleep,” Ben suggest, making her scoff.

“I can’t.”

“Why?”

“Because I can’t.”

“What could you possibly do that so bad you can’t do it here, with-”

“I masturbate!”

The air around them goes deathly silent and Rey is pretty sure Ben is holding his breath.

“When I can’t sleep, I masturbate, and I’m fairly certain that you wouldn’t appreciate me doing that in a room the size of a phone booth. So if you’ll please-”

“I don’t mind.”

Rey holds her breath now and is tempted to ask him to repeat himself, even though she knows she heard him correctly the first time. 

“I wouldn’t mind if you masturbate, that is.” Ben repeats himself anyways. 

“I don’t-that is, um. I wouldn’t want- it would be inconsiderate of me, I think,” She says, searching for the right words and coming up empty. “For me, to do that, next to you would be… wrong.”

“I honestly don’t mind,” Ben says, with a forced casualness that makes her feel bad for even telling him. 

“I’d feel like I assaulted you, or something. Forcing you to be in the same bed as me while I get off.”

“You wouldn’t be forcing me to do anything.” Rey is tempted to just roll over and pretend to be asleep when he speaks again. “If it made you feel better… I could do it too. If you didn’t mind.”

It’s like all the air has been sucked out of her lungs. Her mouth is open, looking for literally any words to come to her. Literally anything. 

All that comes is ‘Bend and Snap!’ Not quite fitting for the situation.

“Just forget I even-”

“Okay.”

Rey is surprised by her own voice. If Ben could see her expression, he’d see utter shock at herself. 

“You sure?” His voice is so low she almost doesn’t hear it.

“I’m sure.”

Neither of them make the first move. Both deathly still, waiting for the other one to crack. I got us into this mess, Rey thinks, might as well move forward. 

She pushes the blanket down past her hips, giving her easy access to slip past her sleep short and elastic of her underwear. She moves her hand slowly, trying not to seem over eager. She feels the bed shift slightly as Ben pushes down his boxer shorts.

It takes every ounce of self control Rey has ever had, not to let her gaze linger over to him. She promises herself that she’ll only eat McDonalds for a week if she doesn’t. She’ll actually wash all of her sheets instead of just her fitted sheet and pillow cases. She fix the shelf above the sink. She’ll do it all as long as she doesn’t look over to see what is probably a gorgeous cock that would make her mouth water. 

Rey’s fingers go to circle her clit, trying to distract herself from what’s happening inches away from her. When she dips below, touching the folds of her pussy, she finds she drenched. She prays it’s from anticipation and not the wet glide of skin she’s starting to hear. 

She doesn’t mean to, but when she hears Ben’s pace pick up, she matches it. Her hips twitch slightly begging for more friction. She tries to subtly buck into her hands without the bed shaking too much. 

A deep, guttural groan escapes from Ben and the wet slapping of skin quickens even further. Rey can’t help the little sighs and moans that escape her lips. Her body can only handle so much and not being able to look at him is taking a lot of effort. Too much effort. 

She’s bucking helplessly into her hand, two fingers deep in her cunt and one rubbing her clit. Her head is tossed back, her feet try to find purchase on the bed, her back is arched to the point of pain. All of this does nothing to distract her from the glorious noises Ben is making. 

His huffs, his pants; it’s like a drug to her. She really can’t be blamed if she starts picturing Ben above her, instead of next to her. Ben’s fingers pushed tight into her fore instead of her own. Ben’s hand clutching at her nipples for dear life. 

Its that thought, the one of Ben between her legs, body pressed into hers, that tosses her over the edge. If Ben just so happens to come simultaneously, that’s truly just a coincidence. Truly.

Ben is fucking his hand, bucking up in time with Rey, until her whole body stills. He groans, helplessly, one last time, cursing as he meets his peak. Rey’s vision whites out as she feels ecstasy flow through her. A fresh gush of liquid coats her hand as her fingers still within her. 

When she hears Ben’s heavy breathing resume, she knows he’s coming down from the high too. She feels her resolve to not look at him there, crumble, so she shuts her eyes and focuses on catching her breath.

Pulling her hand out of her underwear makes her wince and Rey is overcome with the question as to what to do now.

“I’ll get a towel!” Her voice is too loud after such a silence, and she quickly leaves the bed for the bathroom. When she finds the light switch, some inescapable force makes her look over at Ben.

He’s bathed in the partial light of the bathroom, sitting up further. He was able to put himself back into his boxers, so the only remnants of what they’d done lie in the white fluid coating his hand. Rey gulps and disappears into the bathroom.

-

When she exits, after washing her hands twice and gulping down cold water, Ben is shrugging a new shirt on, and she catches the hard plains of his abdominal muscles. Her mouth goes dry again. 

“I got you a towel,” She says bluntly, extending him a washcloth she’d found beneath the sink. She doesn’t mention it’s what she used to clean herself, but she’d honestly not thought of it until the words were out of her mouth. 

“Ugh, that’s okay. I’ll just… wash my hands.” Ben brushes past her towards the bathroom and Rey goes to sit on her side of the bed. She focuses on breathing for a few minutes until she hears the door open. Even in just a silhouette, Ben looks beautiful. 

“Are you okay?” He asks. Rey nods a bit too eagerly.

“I’m good, yeah. Better. I’ll be able to sleep now.”

“Good, good.”

“You?”

“Yeah, I’m good. I’ll be able to sleep now, too.”

“You weren’t the one who couldn’t fall asleep.”

“I’ll sleep better now.”

Rey snorts her laughter, making him smile softly.

When they’re both settled on their respective sides, Rey speaks again. “Thank you, by the way. I know that could be… uncomfortable for others. So, thank you.”

“Of course, Rey. I’ll always help you, no matter what it is. You’re my best friend.”

It’s the only time he’s called her his best friend and her heart didn’t fill with joy. If anything, it stings.

“Yeah, you’re mine too, Ben.”

Minutes later, Rey falls into a dreamless sleep.

[canaryatlaw]

okay, well today was fine but I’m in a bit of a funk now about job related stuff that’s just kinda got me discouraged. I didn’t get till bed till fairly late last night and I was dead exhausted, so I just let myself sleep in for a while, lol, so I think it was like 3:14 when I actually got out of bed. Had some breakfast (”breakfast”), and the first order of business was contacting stubhub about the mess that unfolded with the tickets yesterday, so I got them on the chat function on their website and then tried to explain and they were like “well it shows here that we contacted you and you never responded so the order was cancelled” and I was like “actually I did respond and I have screenshots showing so, as well as a timestamped email that I already sent those screenshots to you” so I had to send them all my proof and ultimately prove that the issue was on the buyer’s end and I did everything I was supposed to do, which they eventually agreed with and reversed the decision not to give me the money from the sale, which honestly I was kinda surprised actually happened because I was pretty sure they were just gonna be like “tough luck” so I was pleased to see that was not in fact the case. After that I accomplished some random around the house stuff for a bit, listening to podcast episodes, including our latest episode of the batwoman podcast we recorded last week and got released today. I was dismayed to find out I talk too fast for me to be able to use my speed listening podcast app that I use on every other podcast I listen to 😂so I guess that’s a sign that I need to slow down (I’m from New York, we talk fast) before starting on dinner, which was a dorito chicken casserole, basically crushed doritos on the bottom and top of a mixture of chicken and cheese and like sour cream and cream of chicken soup, plus a few more other things lol. but the chicken of course had to be cooked before that is put together and the recipe called for 2 cups of chicken, so I consulted the internet about how much in ounces I should make and it said 8 ounces, and the internet lied to me and when I had the chicken cooked and shredded it only made one cup, so I had to quickly cook another 8 ounces (which is obnoxious because I was just going to make 16 oz to begin with) so I basically just threw it in the pot without defrosting it lol which took a little longer but ultimately was pretty quick, so I was able to get it in the oven by like 6:15. A little while after that Jess showed up and we soon had dinner and watched the new legends episode. To be perfectly honest I was a bit underwhelmed with the episode, I felt like we didn’t accomplish all that much storyline wise and being that next week is the season finale I feel like more should’ve happened by now. The actual episode was fine, I just feel like we’re not at the point where the season is ready to be over next week, I feel like there’s way too much for them to try to wrap up in one episode which probably means the finale’s going to be somewhat disappointing so I’m kinda annoyed about that, but I guess we’ll have to see. I still love Legends of course, but it’s been hard seeing this season not quite live up to how good season 3 was. And I mean I know this happens with pretty much every tv show, it’s just how it is sometimes, but it’s still disappointing, especially being that Legends had progressively been getting better from seasons 1 to 3, so this is the first time the quality has actually declined. Jess headed out after Legends because she was tired like a little bitch (I’m just dragging her for when she searches this post for her name) and I continued watching for the Arrow season finale. so.....this episode was definitely like, intended to be the finale of the actual series, and for Oliver to die in the crossover next year, so I’m kind of ???? about what next season is going to be?? I’ve heard that it’s supposedly going to be all of the next gen, but that doesn’t really explain how any of the crisis stuff is going to fit into it, so that’s all a bit unclear at the moment. The actual episode though I really enjoyed, I think it was the first time I really got into the future plot and was like, on the edge of my seat when they were flipping back and forth between Oliver and Mia saving the day in their respective time periods, which was a very well shot and directed scene, so kudos for the crew on that. Seeing them officially wrap Emily Bett and knowing she’s not coming back is sad, but it is what it is I guess. So that was a lot. After that was over I watched The Fix, which I also don’t know how they’re going to sum up by next week’s season finale, especially if they aren’t renewed for a second season (I have no clue if they are or not). Watched that into the news and then Jimmy Fallon because Jimmy Kimmel was a repeat I’d already seen, ended up watching pretty much all of his show before showering and getting ready for bed, and now I’m here, While I was watching the news and Fallon I started looking at job applications because I had meant to do that today but I slept most of the day instead, and I ended up just feeling really shitty and discouraged about all of this. The major trigger for this was seeing that OPG had listed that they were hiring for GAL positions on the job listserv from my school which was really just a punch in the gut, because I still want that so badly, and knowing they have openings but they already turned me down is just really discouraging. I sent a couple applications in for random jobs, nothing too interesting, but I kinda just felt shitty about the whole thing and am starting to really loathe the entire process. I’m just so tired of all of it, I just want to be done with it already. I can feel my depression creeping in during the time I’m alone, it’s fine generally when I’m hanging out with people and having fun, and it’s definitely not at the point where I’d be willing to mess with my meds (I do have a psych appointment on Wednesday but at this point I’m not taking the chance of fucking with my meds and making it worse given what happened last time). It’s just so frustrating knowing at this point that whatever job I end up in very likely isn’t going to be one I actually care about, and they’ll probably want me to be totally committed to it when it’s always just going to be nothing more than a job to me, not a life because it’s not where I want to be. I haven’t heard back from legal aid about that one application I thought I’d be really good for, I’ve thought about following up with them but at this point I’m not sure what good it’d actually do. Sigh. so I’m just feeling really shitty about all of that and I’m so tired of being trapped in my apartment all the time with nothing to do, I just want things to go back to normal, it’s been way too long. Sigh. I guess that’s it for now, it’s almost 2 am and I have to wake up to go to the allergist (not like, early, but earlier than I would’ve naturally woken up) before the chiropractor tomorrow so I should probably be getting to bed, so I think I will do that now. Goodnight dearies. Hope your Monday didn’t suck.

[ssimagines]

Reid’s Monster 4|| Spencer Reid

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Reader

Word Count: 1712

Summary: Spencer Reid AU where Reid creates a Monster and JJ meets her. JJ learns about who you really are.

Warnings: Halloween Oriented triggers, Frankenstein triggers, HALLOWEEN THEMES, scars, stitches

Long Note:  Just so you know I know halloween can be triggering, please don’t read if you have a problem with halloween or scars.

This is sorta based off an imagine series for Andy Biersack that I read two years ago and I would like to credit the author so thank you No-love-for-the-sick. This is a variation on your idea, but I am trying to put my own spin on it.

Will be a multi-parter all posted the days before Halloween in succession please enjoy and stay tuned.  I again didn’t write when I should have again, so this one was supposed to be posted yesterday and I am extending the story past Halloween if you couldn’t tell because it’s not done yet.

Only a few more I promise! Also I have a surprise ending planned for the last part

Part 1   Part 2   Part 3   Part 5     Part 6    Part 7    Epilogue

Masterlist

After that day with JJ, the next two months seemed to fly by. Spencer couldn’t believe that it had actually been that long. At the same time, he couldn’t believe it had only been that long. So much had changed that it felt like so much longer.

Spencer had taken two weeks off after you were made. When he returned to work he was worried that you would have problems living in his house by yourself when he was so far away. After the first week, he realized that he had no reason to be worried.

At the two-week mark, you were talking, understanding, reading, and functioning in the same ways as everyone else your age, which through discussion between Spencer, JJ, and you had decided to be 24. You still had some separation anxiety, but it was minimal. Your stitches had been removed and there were very few faint scars on your body. Other than that, you were just like any other person, but Spencer still worried.

The whole time he was gone, you wondered the house bored out of your mind. You had decided to go to the library, a place that Spencer had taken you several times now. Somehow, you had ended up with a volunteer job there. Spencer was shocked when you told him when he came home, but he was proud of you.

Now you and Spencer were going to Rossi’s for dinner with Spencer’s team. You hadn’t meet any of the other members beside JJ who you had grown very close to, but you had heard a lot about them and you were excited to finally meet them.

Spencer was really worried about the dinner. Even though you knew the made-up backstory like the back of your hand, he was really worried that something would happen that would bring up the truth. He was also just generally worried that his friends would embarrass him in front of you.

“Spencer, JJ said to wear the navy flowery dress tonight. Do you know where it is?” you called from the bedroom. You stood in front the master bedroom closet in just your underwear.

JJ had helped you buy clothes when your stitches were taken out, so she basically knew everything in your wardrobe. Earlier today, you had texted her with the cell phone Spencer had gotten you in a panic. You still weren’t very good in social situations and you were worried about what to wear. JJ had helped you, but now you couldn’t find the dress that she had suggested.

“Isn’t it in the closet?” Spencer called back from the bathroom.

He was currently in the shower. You had taken one this morning, so you hadn’t joined him not that that was something that you would do. You actually had become a bit insecure about your body since you got your stitches out. You knew that Spencer felt deeply for you scars or not, but the scars that remained embarrassed you. You didn’t want him to know that his perfect creation wasn’t as perfect as he thought it was.

“If it is, I can’t find it,” you called back. You never took your eyes off the section of the closet that was yours.

“I’ll be there in a second,” Spencer yelled. You just continued to search to no avail. Minutes passed as you just listened to the shower run and stared at your clothes.

“Princess, did you wear it already this week? Is it dirty?” You heard Spencer say as footsteps approached. You rested your hand on your chin as you stared at the clothes.

“I don’t think do,” you said thinking hard. “What are the days of the week again? What day is it?”

You heard Reid’s chuckle as he wrapped his arms around your waist. His clothed shirt was soft against your back. Spencer rested his head on your shoulder and his cold wet hair hit your neck sending shivers down your spine.

It took you a moment, but you realized that you didn’t have anything on and Spencer could see all your scars. Warm lips found their way on to your neck where you knew for sure was a scar that you usually covered with a chucky necklace was. You shied away from him and pulled yourself out of his grip and grabbed one of his robes off the back of the closet door.

“It’s Friday, babe,” Reid said taking a step back to lean against one of the shelves. “Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. Tomorrow is Saturday, and we do laundry on Saturday.”

You had heard these a thousand times, but you couldn’t for the life of you remember the days of the week. You repeated the days over and over again hoping that would help.

“How hard did you look?” Spencer said with a chuckled again. He walked over to the rack and pulled out the dress that you had been looking for.

You furrowed your eyebrows as you stared at it. You weren’t sure how you had missed that. You took the dress from him walking into the bathroom to put it on.  There was already your favorite white sweater on the counter. Once the dress was on you put the sweater over it. Carefully you started on the little makeup you knew applying only basic foundation and lipstick.

Spencer walked up now dressed in a button-up tie and sweater. He leaned against the wall that lead from the room to watch you as you worked.

“You don’t need that stuff,” Spencer said gesturing to the makeup. You smiled at his reflection in the mirror.

“I do because my perfect face has some wear from living in it,” you said joking. He laughed along with you as you touched up the thin red line on your neck. Luckily the stitches on your face didn’t leave a noticeable scar. There was one, but it was so thin you would have to be looking for it to see it.

You looked to Spencer to see he was flinching at your dabbing of makeup on your neck.

“I’m sorry,” he said softly. “I did my best, but I am not a medical doctor.”

You knew that he was talking about your neck. You felt bad that he felt bad. As you finished up, you put your makeup away and walked over to him. You wrapped your arms around his waist and buried your face in his chest.

“I love you,” you say into his chest. His hands go to your hair. He runs his fingers through it as you stood there with him.

“I love you too,” Spencer said. The two of you just stood there enjoying the other.

When you arrived at Rossi’s home, you were shocked by its size. You had taken up walking through your neighborhood or walking to the library and you had seen large houses, but this house was way more than just a large house. You didn’t bring it up to Spencer because you had learned by now that you weren’t supposed to talk about money.

You took a deep breath preparing to get out of the car.

“What if they don’t like me?” You said. Your fingers found the end of your dress as you sat there fidgeting with it.

Spencer sat in the driver’s seat. You could tell that he was angled toward you without even looking at him.

“I don’t think that’s possible,” Spencer said. “They’re going to love you just like I do.”

You turned to look at him with a gentle smile on your lips. Spencer shifted around in the dark car slightly. His hand came up to rest on the side of your face, his thumb running over your cheek. You leaned into the feeling of his colder hand and closed your eyes.

The two of you sat like that for a minute or two before he sighed deeply. He removed his hand from you face shaking you from your daze. You opened your eyes to see him looking to the house again.

“We need to gone in,” Spencer said. “We were supposed to be here ten minutes ago.”

You just nodded and reached for the handle of the car door. Spencer did the same without pulling his eyes off the house.

“Will you get the wine?” Spencer asked as he opened the door.

“Yeah, I got it,” you called to him. You stepped out of the car and closed your door. You opened the back door and grabbed the wine. Closing the door after you, Spencer locked the car. He waited for you to be by his side before walking toward the house.

You followed behind Spencer as he walked up to the front door and knocked. You laced your fingers with his as you stood slightly behind him. A shadow approached the door. You heard the knob turn as the shadow pulled the door open.

“Hey kid,” The man at the door said. He opened the door wide enough for the two of you to come in.

“Hey Rossi,” Spencer said greeting the man. Spencer let go of your hand to extended his to shake Rossi’s. Once the two men let go Spencer’s hand found yours again. Spencer lead you inside, and Rossi closed the door behind the two of you.

“You must be Y/N,” Rossi said extending his hand to you. You cautiously took his hand and mirrored his strength. It was firm, but not painful which you appreciated.

“That’s me,” you said. “I take it you’re David Rossi. Spencer has told me much about you. This is for you.”

You handed the bottle of wine to Rossi who took it gladly as a chuckle came from the Rossi’s stomach and flowed out filling the whole hall with his laughter. From beside you, Reid’s cheeks tinted a red hue.

“Well, trust me,” Rossi started. “No matter how much Reid has told you about me, I can guarantee that he has told me ten times more about you.”

You laughed at that. You knew that your boyfriend talked about you a lot, but it was still funny to hear about.

“Follow me,” Rossi said turning to walk down the hall. “I’ll introduce you to the rest of the team.”

[chillyjackal]

The Green Star Loop

-Monday-

"hey U up?"

"Yeah dude. Rough night."

"U goin to the party friday?"

Sam grinned as he typed out the text on his cellphone, he'd been excited about going to the party with his friends for a while now, and the thought that it was only a few more days away only added to his excitement.

"Dunno. I might. You know I hate social shit dude."

His grin shrunk just a bit, but he decided to keep going. If anyone could convince April to go to a party it was him.

"plz? i can be ur wingman lol. might be cute guys there for both of us."

He bit his lip a bit when he had to turn away from the phone to check himself in the mirror, a coyote in serious need of a shower looked back at him and jumped slightly as the sound of a message being recieved echoed from his phone.

"Fine. I'll get someone to drive me. You need a ride too?"

His grin returned to full strength as he typed out his reply.

"prolly. ex took the car w/ him."

"That's why I asked genius. Gonna be busy most of the week so I won't see you much. TTYL."

With that the messages stopped and Sam laid back down to stare at the ceiling for a few more minutes, his eyes wandering to his hand, covered in a bandage from a fight he'd decided to keep secret from April and Cass. He winced a bit as he pulled it off, only to see the wound mostly healed already.

Oh dude this is just getting weird..."

-Tuesday-

"Samuel."

"Oh Jesus Brittany just call me Sam please we went over this..."

The feathered manager took a moment to peek over her clipboard as Sam struggled to push some boxes back into place. It was inventory day at the shop and Sam was the lucky member of the staff that got to help her sort through the new stock.

"Alright alright, SAM, corperate has been sending me some very disturbing emails lately."

"What, they going to replace us with robots now?"

"No Sam, they noticed that the amount of stock we're getting is much higher than what's being sold. Do you understand what this means Sam?"

"Uh. We're not selling enough?"

"No Sam. We're selling more than enough, but some of our stock is going missing."

The crane narrowed her eyes at Sam as she spoke. He could feel the accusations building up behind them as she tried to scan him for any sort of weakness, anything that would tell her she was on the right track.

"You saying someone's shoplifting or something?"

"I'm saying you're shoplifting Sam. I'm not going to bullshit with you here, I've seen some things on the tapes, I know it's you."

This was bad. He was sure he'd been careful to avoid cameras, he must've forgotten where some of the newer ones had been placed.

"Sam, are you going through some sort of financial trouble? Are we just not paying you enough? What's going on?"

"Does anyone else know?"

"Not yet. Look, I know you've had some...issues with your family lately, but this sort of rebellious behavior is not suitable for a work environment and you know that!"

He felt his teeth grit just a bit, he couldn't believe this was happening.

"Samuel, I mean, Sam, why?"

"Parents are making me pay rent more, can't afford stuff as much, I think it's because they don't agree with my...life choices."

"Life choices? You mean um..."

"Yeah, the queer thing."

Brittany's eyes widened a bit as she closed her beak tightly and looked around, the air in the room growing the distinct smell of "awkward" as she cleared her throat and tried to regan her composure.

"W-Well, regardless Sam, you can't just steal from the store. If you're dealing with personal or family issues you should talk to me about maybe getting a raise. Your work is...enough, to at least try to convince someone higher up to approve of a higher pay."

Sam cringed very slightly, he knew that even if he didn't mean to he put Brittany in a very bad spot by bringing up his more personal problems.

"Don't worry about it Brittany, I'll stop stealing, I promise."

"Well, I'll give you one last chance, only because you've been here longer than any of the other kids we've had to hire recently."

"Thanks."

"The stuff you stole is going to come out of some of your pay though, so if you get a raise you'll be making about the same until that's paid off okay? Let's just move on."

Sam just nodded, glad to finally end this conversation before things got any more uncomfortable for either of them. Sam looked down at the spot where he'd managed to cut himself while moving the boxes, the cut already healed back up.

"You alright? Hurt your hand moving the stock?"

"Just a lil' sprained Brittany. I can deal with it."

-Wednesday-

"You did WHAT!? Sam what the actual hell!?"

Cass's face was bright red with anger as she tapped her foot on the sidewalk outside of the college, her friend scratching at his neck nervously as he confessed what happened at work to her.

"For God's sake Sam you said you'd stop this stuff! You promised me! No more of this deliquent crap remember?"

"Listen Cass I-"

"No, I listened last time after you almost died and you promised you'd stop."

Sam let out a pained sigh and held his head now, today was going just perfectly.

"Cass please, it was only some shoplifting okay? Nothing big, Britt let me off easy."

"She's docking your pay Sam! You're lucky she's more worried about social media crucifying her over firing you than what a bunch of old men in corperate think!"

"Okay no, I made it real clear I didn't care about that shit and you know that Cass, that's just a low blow."

"I'm sorry Mr. Shoplifter thinks I'm going for low blows. Did you forget how you almost bled out on my couch while I was screaming and calling the ambulance Sam? I sure as hell didn't! I still have a stain on that cushion! A stain made with your goddamn blood Sam!"

The coyote stared down at the pavement in a mix of embarrassment and shame, he'd never seen his friend this upset before, over anything, and he had no idea how to react.

"I'm sorry. I'm dealing with a lot of shit right now okay?"

"What? What could possibly be going on that means you can slip back into this garbage Sam?"

"Parents are kicking me out. Job isn't gonna be able to afford the new rent they're pushing on me and I don't think I can afford a new place. I just, slipped back into old habits. I thought maybe I could get a new place if I sold enough stolen crap."

"Fuck's sake Sam, why didn't you just come to me or April for help!? We would have helped you! Why do you always do this? We're your closest friends ever and you never tell us anything! Why?"

Sam stared down at his other hand again, he's been clenching it into a tight fist the entire time and was sure he drew blood with one of his claws, it already healed back up like nothing happened.

"I just... some things can't be helped Cass. I need to do some shit on my own sometimes okay?"

With that, the two parted ways. Sam checked back on his hand and cleared his throat a bit nervously.

"Something's definitely wrong."

-Thursday-

"why won't you answer my messages? sam. answer me. you stole again didn't you? sam answer please."

He stared down at his phone again as he leaned against the alley wall, the time had come for him to try to sell some of the merchandise he'd stolen from his own work and he couldn't get himself to tell Cass again, he didn't need a repeat of yesterday and she didn't need to know he'd figured out where the cameras were and how to avoid them since the incident Tuesday. He shut off his phone and peeked around the corner at the man stepping out from across the street and signalling for him.

"Mr.Samuel. I heard you got your hands on some special merhandise?"

"Yeah dude, brand new. Got it on the back of my bike man, come in and I'll show you."

The tall bird followed him back into the dimly lit alleyway as he pulled the cover off the back of his bike to reveal a toaster and some other smaller electronics.

"All new dude. Just like I promised. You bring the money YOU promised?"

"Of course Mr. Samuel. I'm a professional, I always keep my end of the bargain."

The bird undid his suitcase and handed it to Sam, who smiled when he opened it up to see small stacks of bills inside.

"Perfect. Am I even going to need to count all this to make sure it's all here?"

"Oh. That will not be necessary Mr. Samuel. Your well deserved reward is all there, and I am a man of my word. No professional would consider scamming a business partner."

He tilted his head slightly at this comment but laughed it off and nodded.

"Ha ha yeah, you business types are pretty on the up and up. Didn't think you did stuff like this."

"Oh Mr. Samuel, this is far from strange in my line of work."

"Huh?"

"The business circuit is... killer."

"Oh. Ha, thought you meant something else for a second. Sorry, been having a bad week."

The bird grunted and checked his watch, since he'd arrived Sam noticed that he checked it over and over again as if he was worried about being late for something besides the late-night trade-off.

"Oh yes Mr. Samuel. I am well aware that your week has been a bit... uncomfortable. But, as they say, it could always be worse."

"Yeah. Got that right. This could've turned out to be a set-up by some cops or something ha ha ha."

"Ho ho ho. Well, I am no officer. However... "

Sam felt his blood run cold as the suitcase in his hands seemed to shift slightly.

"This is in fact, very much a set-up."

With little warning a blade launched from under the bills, sending Sam flying back as it pierced his shoulder.

"AAAAGH WHAT THE FUCK!?"

"Excellent, you were the person I was looking for. I was worried I'd targeted the wrong individual and would have to do clean up tonight. Right then, let's get you prepared."

"P-Prepared!? The fuck are you talking about! Back off!"

Sam hissed out as he managed to grab the black diamond-like shrapnel in his shoulder and yank it out, tossing it to the ground and crying out again when it exploded, sending him soaring into a pile of garbage next. The bird rolled his eyes and took slow steps towards the pile as he continued to stare at his watch.

"Please stop resisting Samuel. This is a serious waste of both of our time. You will not be able to escape me. My ability far overpowers your own and if I must bring you back with me as a pile of regenerating ashes I will."

"Fucking shit... wh-what the fuck are you and what did you do to me...!?"

A frustrated sigh from the bird followed by a long spear forming from his hand told Sam he probably wasn't going to answer him, at least not without some serious stalling.

"Look I, I don't know what's going on just fucking tell me!"

"We still have another three minutes before this fight ends, so I will explain it as simply as possible before then. You have gained the ability to heal damage over time, and it is growing stronger with each day as you've noticed. This ability means you are part of a greater plan that is in motion and it is my job to ensure you are in place for that plan. That is all you get, you'll learn more in about three... two... one."

A dirty hand burst from the trash behind Sam and forced a rag over his face, his entire body going into overdrive as he tried to kick and fight the grunting figure wrestling his wobbling form to the ground.

"Shhh, shhh, jus' let it happen there son. S'all over now, just go ta sleep... "

As he gagged on the rag pushing into his mouth, Sam suddenly felt a deep regret over all of his choices up until this point.

-Friday, Night of the Party-

Sam coughed and groaned out as he woke up on a cold stone surface, a chill over his body alerting him to the fact that he'd been stripped of his clothing and heavily bound, a group of figures standing around him and muttering to eachother as he started to panic.

"Wh-what the actual fuck...!? What is this, this some kind of fucking stupid joke!? Fucking untie me you asshats!"

"Oh I'm gonna like fucking this guy up. He's already pissing me off."

A rough voice growled. A much more composed voice followed.

"Everyone, the time has come to bring fourth the Green Star."

Sam squirmed and started doing something he knew he was good at, mouthing off.

"Green Star!? I've got a star you can kiss but it sure as hell ain't green!"

A giggle from one of the hooded figures was quickly silenced by another who growled at them.

"Listen you shit we're not here to have fuckin' fun, we're here to carve up this fruit for God or whatever the fuck."

"Stark please shut up."

A female voice, the source of the giggling hissed.

"It's bad enough we need to do this to the poor dear, we don't need your disgusting attitude too."

The angry voice replied once again.

"I'll give you my disgusting attitude if you keep fucking pushing me bitch. You know I'll fucking do it."

Sam started freaking out when he heard the name Stark, flashbacks to the night he nearly died on Cass's couch flooding his mind as he struggled.

"Fucking, Stark!? Eli Stark!? You sick fuck this was your fucking idea!?"

"How in the FUCK does this faggot know my name?"

"You fucking SHOT ME you inbred fuckhead!"

There was a loud snarl from Stark as he tried to pull himself onto the table only for the other two robed figures to wrestle him back down.

"LITTLE PIECE OF SHIT I SHOULD'VE MADE SURE I SHOT YOU IN THE GODDAMN HEAD LET ME GO SO I CAN FUCKING KILL HIM."

A loud yell from behind Sam broke up the fight.

"ENOUGH. WE'RE WASTING TIME. STARK SETTLE DOWN AT ONCE, THIS IS AN ORDER!"

The booming voice caused a sudden silence among the cultists, who looked up behind Sam's bound body at the tall hooded figure glaring down on them, causing all three of them to back down and cough nervously.

"Fucking little bitch had it coming..."

The new figure huffed out and shook his head.

"Stark, we have no time for your outbursts. Our other sacrifice will be brought to us soon, so we must act in haste."

"Y-You're doing this to OTHER people too!? What the fuck are you all doing here!?"

As Stark rummaged around for something on the other side of the room the figure behind Sam started whispering something to him.

"Mr. Samuel, please forgive us for what we are about to do, but we assure you this is for a good cause."

"Wh-what do you mean forgive y-"

A loud crack rang through the room as something smashed down onto Sam's legs, causing them to shatter as he stared at the ceiling before screaming in absolute agony. Stark licked his teeth and laughed as he lifted the large hammer back up over his shoulder before slamming it down on Sam's side, grunting and laughing wildly as blood flew up and onto his body as he heard ribs breaking.

"Hahahahaha shit that had to hurt!"

Sam wheezed and started vomiting blood all over himself, feeling an even greater pain as his body attempted to heal itself of its injuries. Stark spoke up again.

"I need to keep doing this until the other one gets here or should we get right to the point? Either way is fine but I'm having fun doing this."

"We're short on time. They got the girl and are on their way. We'll need to end this part of the ceremony."

He growled as he slammed the hammer down at different points of Sam's body a few more times to ensure he wouldn't heal while he was being sacrificed and panted as he lifted the tattered and ripped body over his shoulder, carring the screaming and sobbing Sam over to a large container with an acrid smelling liquid inside.

"Have fun in eternal agony fruitcake."

Stark laughed as he threw Sam's screeching form into the pool of chemicals and slammed the door shut, cursing when some of it splashed and burnt away a bit of his robes.

"Oh COCK SUCKER HE WRECKED THE STUPID SUIT!"

"It doesn't matter, we won't need these outfits much longer. The time has come to complete our mission my children. Let us move to the sacred chamber and begin..."

Sam's entire body was screaming. It was like every single inch, every cell, ever molecule of his body had a mouth and it was screaming in pain as what he could only assume was some sort of battery acid kept eating away at his flesh, eating and tearing only for it to grow back, only to melt away and rot before dissolving into nothing in front of him. The screaming pain became louder and louder, and a green glow seemed to consume him with the rest of the chemicals as his agony reached a new level.

-

The sound of his phone alarm going off on his dresser made Sam wake up with a start. With a lazy stretch he reached over and checked his texts.

"From: J. Doe, please meet me this Thursday with the items we discussed last week. The list will be attached to this message. Do not be late."

Sam sighed sadly and saved the list. He had a really rough week ahead of him, but he did have something to look forward to as well. He switched to his chat with April and started typing:

"hey U up?"

"Yeah dude. Rough night."

"U goin to the party friday?"