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hopelikethemoon · 4 years

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The Ranch (Javier x Reader) {MTMF}

Title: The Ranch Rating: PG-13 Length: 2700 Warnings: None Notes: You can find everything about Maybe Today, Maybe Forever here. Set November 1998 in Laredo. Summary: Reader and Javier tell Chucho a secret.

@grapemama @seawhisperer @huliabitch @pedropascalito @rogrsnbarnes@thewallpapergoesorido @twomoonstwosuns @gooddaykate @livasaurasrex @ham4arrow@plexflexico @readsalot73 @hdlynn @lokiaddicted @randomness501 @fioccodineveautunnale @roxypeanut @snivellusim @lukesrighthand @historynerd04 @mrsparknuts@synystersilenceinblacknwhite @behindmyeyes-insidemyhead @exrebelshocktrooper@awesomefandomsunited @ah-callie @swhiskeys @lady-tano @beskar-droids @space-floozy @cable-kenobi @cool-ultra-nerd @himbopoes @findhimfives @pedrosdoll @frietiemeloen@arrowswithwifi @random066 @uncomicalhumour @heather-lynn @domino-oh-damn @cyarikaaa @ahopelessromanticwritersworld @im-still-a-pieceofgarbage @ksgeekgirl @yabby-girl @xqueenofthecraziesx @punkass-potato @coredrive @pascalesque@theduchessofkirkcaldy @queenquazar @sabinemorans @buckstaposition @holkaskrosnou@yespolkadotkitty @fleetwoodmactshirt @seeking-a-great–perhaps @kochamcie @jaime1110

Chucho’s gaze flickered curiously between you and Javier before he turned his back to grab something from the kitchen cabinet, “You two have been acting awfully suspicious since you got here yesterday.”

“Really?” Javier leaned against the kitchen counter, looking towards you then. “Baby, you think we’ve been acting suspicious?”

You pressed your tongue to the inside of your cheek and chuckled, “Maybe.”

“Well, you were both awfully keen to get Josie and those girls off on a trail ride so you could ‘help me’ around the house.” Chucho chuckled, “If you’re planning on killing me, do it outside so there’s less of a mess.”

“We’re not fucking killing you, pops.” Javier snorted. “We have something to tell you. We just didn’t want everyone else around.”

Chucho turned to look at you, hands on his hips in a gesture that you recognized intimately from the younger Peña. “Well, out with it then.”

You touched the turquoise necklace that set against your chest, smiling fondly as you looked towards Javier then. “We got married.”

“Bullshit.” Chucho waved a hand. “What’s really going on?” He narrowed his eyes as he looked between the two of you again. Realization slowly passed over his features, “You’re telling the truth.”

“We got married in May.” You told him, biting down on your bottom lip as grinned.

“Six months ago?” Chucho swore under his breath. “You two are good at keeping secrets.”

Javier tucked his thumbs into his belt loops as he shrugged, “Can’t shake all those years of training.”

You stepped towards him and rested your cheek against his shoulder. “We didn’t want to make it into a thing.”

“I’m speechless,” Chucho admitted. “Never thought I’d live to see my son get married.”

“It took the right woman,” Javier admitted with a grin as he wrapped an arm around your waist. “We’re keeping this quiet. You’re the only person aside from our therapist that knows we tied the knot.”

“Guess I ought to be chuffed you decided I was worthy to be let in on the secret.” Chucho strolled around the kitchen island. “Why’s it a secret?”

Javier looked to you for the answer.

“You know I’m not the marrying type,” You had had long conversations with Chucho about that after the first time he prompted the topic. “But after everything that happened, we were on vacation and I realized… I wanted to marry him.”

“She proposed.” Javier pointed out, grinning at his father. “I did it pops, I got married.”

“I’m proud of you son,” Chucho said warmly, before he looked at you. “I always wanted a daughter. Figured I had the closest thing I’d get to one with you.” He shook his head, “And why aren’t you telling folks?”

“I just want it to be for us.” You admitted. “I don’t want anyone else involved in our relationship.”

Javier ran his hand down the length of your back reassuringly. “So consider yourself lucky, pops. You get to be privy to our little secret.”

“And no ring.” Chucho pointed out with an arched brow.

You laughed, taking the silver band you wore around your wrist off as Javier did the same with his ring. “We got the date engraved with the girl’s birthdays.”

Chucho adjusted his glasses as he examined the engravings, “Well, I’ll be damned.” He passed the ring back to Javier before he embraced his son. “Your mother would be proud of you, Javier. I’m proud of you.”

You smiled warmly as you watched Javier hug his old man back in return. “Javier was quite the blushing bride.” You teased, prompting Javier to flip you off.

“I never needed the two of you to get hitched,” Chucho said as he pulled back. “Anyone with eyes can see how much you two love each other, but I appreciate the principle of it. The tradition.”

Javier chuckled, “Now you can burn those old newspaper clippings from when you put my wedding announcement on page three.”

“Oh no,” He smirked. “I’m saving those for when you two have to clear this place out. I’ll be grinning down from heaven, laughing my ass off as you explain it all to your girls.”

“Now I want to see these wedding announcements.”

“It was 1970. No one wants to see that.”

“Oh God, I was nine.” You laughed, shaking your head. “What was so bad about it?”

“Javier had baby face and a long mane of hair back then.” Chucho gestured to a point just at his collarbone.

“You had long hair?” You covered your mouth as you snickered at that.

“And green plaid trousers,” Chucho told you, much to Javier’s ire.

“You’re not showing her those pictures,” Javier insisted, looping his arm around your waist as he steered you into his side.

“Like I said, you’ll find them one day.” Chucho winked at his son, before looking at you. “Congratulations. I’m glad you made an honest man out of him.”

You laughed, nudging Javier in the ribs. “I don’t know about that. Your son’s still my favorite jackass.”

He scratched at the back of his neck, “You’re not wrong about that.”

“Remind me that I have something for you,” Chucho told you. “Now that you’re officially part of the family.”

“Should I be worried?”

He shook his head, “Not at all.”

“Speaking of family,” You started, playing with the stone of your necklace. “Would you be willing to come for Christmas?”

“Doing something special?”

Javier cleared his throat, “Attempting to.”

Chucho’s brows rose upwards, “What are you two up to now?”

“I haven’t seen my brother since I was like nineteen,” You explained. “I’m thinking about inviting his family to our house for Christmas this year, but… it would mean a lot to me if everyone was there.”

“Monica and Nadia will be there,” Javier continued, curling his fingers around your hand. “We’re thinking about inviting the Murphys.”

Chucho nodded his head slowly as he stared at Javier with an unreadable expression. “You know, Javier… I always wanted the best for you, but I never could see where you’d go with your life. You’re as stubborn as a damn mule. I couldn’t guide you, outside of the occasional sage advice, but look at you now.”

You turned to look at Javier, squeezing his hand as you took in the sight of his flushed cheeks and misty eyes. He didn’t talk about it often, but you knew how much his father meant to him. He used to tell stories about Chucho when the three of you were on stakeouts or enjoying an evening out.

“Pops—“

“No, let me finish.” Chucho folded his arms across his chest and set Javier with a look, “I learned a long time ago, that I just had to let you do your own thing. It would all shake out in the end. Look at you now,” He shook his head. “Married with two girls — three if you take into account how much Monica looks up to the pair of you — and planning Christmas dinner with your extended family.l

You interlaced your fingers with his, rubbing your thumb over the back of Javier’s hand. You pressed your lips to his shoulder, tilting your head to watch the emotions play over his face.

“What? Did I render you speechless?” Chucho chuckled, grinning from ear-to-ear. “We ought to take advantage of this.”

Javier snorted, “Had to go and ruin the moment, didn’t you pops?” He released your hand and moved to give his father a second hug, holding him tight. “It means a lot that I’ve done something to earn your pride.”

“I’ve always been proud of you,” Chucho told him, sniffing a little. “You were a pain in my ass, but you were my pain in the ass.”

You rolled your eyes, “He certainly is a pain in the ass.”

“And you married him,” Chucho grinned at you, moving to pull you into a hug. “You did good, chica.”

“He’s the best person I know.” You whispered to his father as he hugged him back.

“He’s alright,” He chuckled as he pulled back.

The back door opened just then with Josie calling out they were back.

“After dinner, I’ll get you what I mentioned.” Chucho told you as he moved back to the opposite side of the kitchen, making himself look busy.

“How was the trail ride?” You questioned as Monica herded Josie into the kitchen, with Nadia behind her.

“We got about a mile out,” Monica explained as she shed her jacket and draped it over the back of a chair. “But someone had to come back.”

“I had to go potty,” Josie told you, before she darted down the hallway to the bathroom.

“I asked her twice if she’d gone to the bathroom before we left,” Nadia remarked as she moved to open the fridge and grab the pitcher of lemonade out of it. “She assured me she had.”

“She’s not great at that.” You admitted, “We’re working on it.”

“How many times did we stop on the way here?” Monica pointed out, before narrowing her eyes as she looked between you and Javier. “Why do you two look weird?”

“We don’t look weird,” You insisted, a little too quickly.

Javier, on the other hand, did not handle the most minuscule amount of pressure. “We were telling my pops that I finally smoked a joint.”

Chucho tried to mask his surprise with amusement.

You raised your brows as you turned to stare at Javier. And he’d made you promise to take that to the grave!

“You did what?” Nadia gave him a look. “You owe me ten bucks, babe.” She told Monica, snapping her fingers.

“You made a bet?” Javier scoffed, “Monica, how could you?”

“Sorry.” She flashed him a sympathetic smile. “But you’re such an old grouch, I didn’t think it would ever happen.”

He muttered under his breath, “An old grouch.”

“She’s not wrong.” You teased, ruffling his hair. “He did it for me.” You informed them with a warm smile. “After everything with my mother, we both needed to unwind.”

“After the girls are asleep—“ Chucho cleared his throat, “The ones under five.” Monica and Nadia both laughed. “We’ll have to crack into my stash. See if you’re telling the truth.”

“Glad he finally listened to our advice,” Nadia said as she poured two glasses of lemonade for her and Monica. “How was it on your joints?”

Javier shrugged, “I didn’t really notice any pain, but we also fell asleep.”

“Best six hours of sleep.” You laughed, giving his arm three short squeezes before you peered down the hallway, “You okay in there JoJo?”

“Yes!”

“Are you playing with the foaming soap instead of going to the bathroom?”

There was a beat of silence. “... no?”

“Josie.”

“I’m coming!” Josie emerged from the bathroom and came bounding down the hallway, reeking of strawberry soap. “I washed my hands!”

“And everything else, it seems like.” Javier said as he swept her up into his arms and spun her a little, before depositing her back on the ground. “How’d you like riding on the trail?”

She pursed her lips thoughtfully, “I’m asking Santa for a pony!”

“Oh Lord.” You rolled your eyes.

“We don’t have room for a pony.”

“Yes we do!” Josie beamed, “Abuelo, can I have a pony? Please.”

“You’re welcome to ride any of my horses, sweetheart.” Chucho answered with a chuckle. “But you should listen to your parents.”

“A small pony?” Josie questioned, setting her sights on Javier once she knew she wasn’t getting the answers from her abuelo. “Daddddddy.”

“Your mother said no.”

“It’s true.” You slapped him in the leg. “Your father also said no.”

Josie pouted dramatically, “But I want one.”

“How about lessons?” You crouched down to her height. “And then when you’re older, we can see.”

“I’m older now.”

“Josefína.”

She stomped her foot, pouting still. “Come on Stevie.” Josie said as she clapped her hands together to get the dog’s attention.

“Please don’t wake your sister up.” You warned her, standing back up.

“I won’t, mommy.”

“I give it five minutes.” Javier said with a shake of his head.

“So you really smoked a blunt,” Monica chuckled. “And to think, you acted like she had lost her mind for enjoying a hit now and then.”

Javier shrugged. “People change. Their opinions on things change.” He scratched at the back of his neck, sinking down into a chair at the table. “I’m not against trying it again,” He told his pops. “But discretion is key, alright?”

“Especially if I intend to start teaching too.” You remarked, moving to perch on Javier’s lap, leaning against him as he curled an arm around you.

“Are you really going to do it?” Monica questioned hopefully. “They’re going to love you.”

“Just one class,” You chewed on your bottom lip. “I’ve already met with the dean. They’re definitely interested in me. The article solidified it.”

“They wanted you before the article too, baby.” Javier kissed the back of your shoulder, “She’s gonna nail it.”

“What are you thinking about teaching?”

“An elective course geared around women going into government jobs. But I’d also encourage men to take the course to get a better understanding of what is happening around them. It’s easy to be complacent.”

You rested your hand over Javi’s at your waist, “It’s a boy’s club and I don’t see any chance of that changing in my lifetime. But at least I can equip the next generation with the tools to combat this shit.”

“The same thing is happening in the science field,” Nadia pointed out. “Look at the women who have worked at NASA and received little credit for their contributions.” She took a sip of lemonade. “And that’s a double-edged sword, because we all know why their names aren’t widely known.”

“It’s all institutionalized bullshit.” Javier remarked, “Best we can do is hope to usher in change.”

“Hey chica,” Chucho said, catching your attention. “I want to show you something.”

You slid off Javier’s lap and followed him down the hallway to where his bedroom was towards the back of the house.

“I never expected Javier to get married,” Chucho told you once you were out of earshot from everyone else. “And I knew Lorraine wasn’t the one for him, so I never bothered giving him this.”

You watched him as he opened his closet and proceeded to relocate several boxes, to get to what he was looking for.

“I’ll be honest, I never expected to get married.” You admitted with a shrug, “I didn’t need that to prove I loved him. But I knew he wanted to — even if he said otherwise.”

“I knew too,” Chucho said with a grin, before he resumed digging in his closet. “I tried to get him to take this when I brought that necklace for him. But he was adamant you’d leave him if he gave you a ring.”

“A ring?”

“Indeed.” Chucho turned around with a small red velvet box, faded and aged. “I won’t be offended if you choose to never wear it, but I’d like it passed down to the girls one day.” He opened the box, revealing a gold and platinum engagement ring with a diamond set in the center. “Worked my tail off making enough money to buy this for Sofía.” He shook his head slowly. “Didn’t get it to her until Javier was nearly a year old.”

“It’s beautiful.” You smiled at him. “I bet she loved it.”

“Wore it every day.” Chucho took your hand and placed the box in it. “She would’ve wanted you to have it.”

“Chucho—“

“You’re part of the family now, you’re going to have to learn to take my gifts.” He teased lightly.

You stared down at the ring, feeling a surge of emotions at the fact that Chucho was giving it to you. “It isn’t fair that you and Javi lost her.”

“No. But life isn’t fair. We’ve got to enjoy what we’re given. While we’ve got it.” He gave your cheek a pat, before he stepped past you. “Now tell me, is it true my son smoked pot?”

“He did!” You laughed, tucking the ring box into the pocket of your sweatshirt. “He was adorable.”

“Good for him.” Chucho chuckled. “Good for both of you.”

#javier pena #javier pena x reader #pedro pascal x reader

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sammansonn · 4 years

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Thoughts on the 100 7x06

loved seeing dioyza again as i was very concerned for her and am glad to see she is still That Bitch (also that sequence of her in the one room really frightened me)

okay so i don’t Prefer the sanctum plot but i do kinda dig the sheidheda thing ngl (it just kinda reminds me of season 3 which i actually liked i know a lot of people hated the flame stuff and i feel like yeah it went on a bit long but i just kinda like all the grounder culture and the flame was a big part of it so im kinda not learning more about sheidheda also i just kinda miss polis i liked that place it was neat)

tell me why i almost cried just hearing clarke day bellamys name

i almost Screeched at the fucking spider what the Hell that whole crawling in that tunnel thing Freaked me Out

murphy’s actually a sweetheart honestly he deserves to be happy one day my poor babie boi

ya know i also get where this convict girl be comin from her husband was a sweet man rip but also she’s fucking Crazy

the family reunion with diyoza really Got me and them all thinking bellamy is dead?? a Tragedy (would love to know where he actually is tho)

ooo that shot of the chess queen and fade into a shot of clarke??? Iconic

MY BABIE BOI LEVITT I LOVE THAT MANS SO MUCH v glad we got to see him and that face touch with him and octavia?? so tender and then that beautiful deck in the face really made it Iconic

love the idea of Madi having actual friends and also love that she and her mom are both artists

but seriously just let madi have friends and play soccer Please she Deserves it

like i get why indra needs madi and how she thinks its the only way to fix things but also i want madi to be Happy :( also lucky for indra that clarke is on another planet rn because she would Not stand for this

also Yes clarke “understands” being a child and having to lead an entire army and that’s Exactly why she Doesn’t want madi to have to carry that responsibility like she did

i feel like the cave chat with clarke and raven would’ve been a Gr8 time for raven to properly apologize to clarke but i still Loved that scene and raven admitting she was afraid while also just reminding us how fucking Strong clarke is but also how good of a person both clarke and raven are 10/10 emotional talk with my badass women

indra really fucked up for a bit and i’m So Glad madi finally said that she can’t do this because she Can’t this is an awful time for both clarke and gaia to be the gone i’m so glad jackson murphy and emori were like “hey, no, thats our niece and you can’t fuck her up like this” (especially murphy, watching him protecting children really makes my heart swell)

man emori really be in the episode for 5 minutes and just fully reminds me how much i Love her (and her and murphy together, they’re just so cute)

okay but indra Do Be powerful and as an actual Adult she should actually be leading the people instead of a fucking child

echo really be Losing it but i again do understand her action and agree that protecting levitt is Vital i wish O hadn’t said his name cuz i am sad for that poor lil old man just getting some flowers

also fuck you gabriel y’all should’ve gone you could’ve hung out there for a bit, maybe gotten a little sick idk, and then sneak back in once the panic died down a bit

i’d really love it if the gang would hold hands when walking into the bridge because i am V Scared of them getting separated through time

we still don’t know who knocked out gaia?? or if she’s okay???

also where is my boi Bellamy i Miss him Please i need to know where he is and if he’s okay also i need him to confess his love to clarke but ya know for now i’ll just take anything of him please

#the 100 #the 100 spoilers #clarke griffin #raven reyes #octavia blake #hope diyoza #dioyza #gabriel #echo #emori #john murphy #madi griffin #indra #bellamy blake #bellarke

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ecessive-dreamer · 5 years

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Title.

He sees her passing, bags of chanel in each hand, yet her head is still wrapped in a book as she walks, glancing up to the street every two minutes. He froze when he thought she saw him, walking straight toward him. Her head was still in the books, “Oh my, I’m so sorry” Luna says as she bumps with him head to head,her book landing flat on the ground.

Luna mutters,“Donovan?”

he takes a deep breath, she looks so beautiful, her skin as pale as winter snow, almond green eyes,and black luscious hair. Recounting every moment spent with her, tracing the outline of her lips, memorizing her face, and yet here she is standing in front of me and i'm still in awe of her.

“what are you doing here?” i ask her as nonchalant as possible while i pick up the bags that landed on the floor.

“Oh you know how i am on weekend sales..wow i haven't seen you in ages” she says as she eyes him, looking at his slightly crooked nose, ocean blue eyes and disheveled dirty blonde hair. Same old Donovan she thought.

“Well yeah of course how could i forget” I say as she turns away, blushing. Recounting just like him all the days they would walk hand in hand, at each and every single store and just like that the sharp pain returns, and the haunting memories come back. He destroyed her. It's been five years, but five years isn't enough. She manages to grab all her bags, as he hands her the book.

“Ah, you still read british literature huh? I guess some things don't change” I say. Her smile fades as fast as it appeared. I look at her with such intensity in my eyes

“My reason for life. Not living, but life. That was the touch. And she was his reason for life, and why he must survive” her breath catches

“ I’m sorry i have to go.”

“Luna, wait. It's from your book, atonement!” I yell as she crosses the street, away from him. He takes out the pack of cigarette that's been itching to be smoked all day. She brings that out of him, after all this time, seeing her face, smelling her scent, hearing her voice. He needed her again, and he was going to have her.

*Beep beep beep* i roll over my bed, it's 5:00a.m. i sit up “shit” as my feet hit the cold wooden floor. I forgot to turn on the heater last night. I put on my socks and roll on my hoodie as I walk to the thermostat and turn it from 50 to 70 in my small studio apartment. I walk to the kitchen and start my routine. I turn on my coffee while simultaneously brush my teeth. I hop in the shower as my coffee is getting ready. As soon as I stepped out of the shower I wipe away the fog on the mirror and look at myself. Ive lived here for years and still haven’t made any progress. Still the same apartment same job same remorse. Hell even the same coffee, as I realize the coffee is still on and rush to my kitchen. Pour a cup, black. I put my work clothes on and head out the door with my coffee.

It gets me everytime, everytime I walk out of the front door of my building that im actually living in new York city. I cant imagine anywhere else I want to be. Way better than my town back home. Yeah sure I miss my family and what not but being on my own is what ive always wanted. I walk my 6 blocks to work thinking about yesterday; I actually saw her. Its been months of almost nothing. The only time ive seen her was in pictures and memories that would be occasionally sparked by an object that reminded me of her.

I walked into the building of my job. I do journalism for a small time newspaper company. Same job for 7 months and still no raise. Its nothing to complain about I make enough for me to live comfortable but yet I still feel like my time is more valuable.

As I make it to the 4th floor, my floor my boss is always the first to greet me as his office is right by the elevator door. “morning don” he says, “morning murphy, hows it going this morning” I return. He replies with a big sigh, “ sales haven’t been so well so its causing us to do alittle remodling of who we have here.” “oh?’ I replied with a nervous voice hoping I wasn’t being given the talk about being let go. He laughs “don you have nothing to worry about, though im glad I keep you on your toes this early in the morning.” “I need you to show around the new intern, shes a possibility at a new columnist here and I want you to take close attention to her to see if she is going to be an asset to this company”, he asks. I reply with a uncertain tone,” I don’t know murphy I have this article ive been working on and I don’t know if I can afford the extra baggage.” He replied to me with a stern face,” it wasn’t a question” and as soon as I noticed his face I quickly replied with a smile on my face “no problem boss.” He looks back with a artificial smile on his face,” great shes in your office. Her name is tiffiany. You know like the diamond.”

I walk to my office which is completely on the opposite side of the floor. As I walk into my office I knock on the door. She turns and looks at me with a grin. The first thing I notice was he hair. Golden not like a dumb blonde kind of look but almost a los angles kind of blonde where he hair is almost as bright as the sun. she was short but not to short maybe around 5’3 which is short for my abnormally tall figure. I reach my hand out to greet her as she does the same. “hi im tiffany. Ive heard allot about you.” As my hand meets her hand I realize how soft her skin is which causes me to gently squeeze her hand. “heeee” I reply. She looks back at me with a puzzled face. I have no idea why words wouldn’t come out of my mouth.“ hi im Donovan but you can call me don. Im sorry for coming across as an idiot I have no idea why my mouth wouldn’t work.” She laughed, “its okay I have that affect on people sometimes” she said with a joking tone. I grin” wow a since of humor that’s something your gonna lose working here” she laughed. Her laugh was cute. “so im gonna be working with you?” I asked her. “yeah I guess your stuck with me but its only a month so your gonna have to bare with me.” “a month? Oh no I don’t know if im going to be able to do it” I said. Her smile went away. “oh im sorry I just was joking” I said. She started to laugh, “ wow cute and sensitive, maybe ill have to stay longer than a month.” We both looked at eachother and smiled knowing that there would be no problem working together.

After a week of work I head home on a Saturday night. On my walk home I get a call from my buddy david I haven’t spoke to him in weeks hes been busy with his schooling. “hey man whats up?” saying answering the phone. “hey you still live on the upper east side right?” he asks. “yeah” I reply “well im in town and wondering if you wanted to get some drinks or something?” he asks. “hell yeah, where at?” I ask him. “meet me a napoleons bar? Ill order you a beer” he says. “alright man see you in a few” i say as I hang up the phone.

I walk into napoleons and see dave. He raises his beer up to get my attention. I walk over and we embrace eachother in a hug. “whats going on man” he asks. “same shit just a Saturday” I reply. He laughs, I ask him the same “ whats going on man”. “well for starters im a month away from graduation” he says. “congrats man im proud of you, next round is on me” I tell him in an exciting voice.

Weve been sitting catching up for hours and have had enough beer and bar food for me to be sick for months. He asks,” hey man I know it’s a touchy subject but what ever happened with you and luna?” I look and reply with the most honest answer I could think of,” things just didn’t work out. He looks at me and says,” he man that’s too bad I know you really liked the girl but shit happens, hell look at me im not even done with college and already divorced.” I look at him and he looks at me and we both laugh, “yeah but I started working with this new girl and I don’t know I shes kind of funny” I tell him. “oh yeah? Tell me about her” he asks. I tell him ”well shes kind of an asshole but she has a sence of humor, she has nice hair and big blue eyes. Hell she can even write too.” “you like her?” he asks. “ no man I just work with her” I say. He looks at me with a face that says “really?” he says “ come on man you wouldn’t have brought her up if you didn’t ask her out man” he does have a point but im not sure maybe I just need to focus on work plus I don’t think im quite sure for anything yet. The conversation dies down after a couple more beers and we both say our farewells and part ways.

Its Monday all over again. I wake up make the coffee take a shower but something is urging me. Im actually excited to go to work. Im putting on clothes that give me confidence. I leave out of my apartment and make it to work 15 min early. I walk past murphys office saying ,”morning boss.” He replies with “good morning” but I walk past him and am almost on a mission to my office. “hey don” she says, I reply “ good morning tiff.” She looked great this morning. I don’t know what it was about her. The way she smelled the way her hair was tied up in a bun or maybe it was just the way her hair shined back at me as the new York gloomy day approached. “hey tiff?” I ask. She replys with a speedly “yes?” “ would you want to go out with me sometime?” she looks at me with a puzzled face. I realize what I just asked and I say “ im sorry im not sure what came over me. I don’t know its just a new week and” she cuts me off in the middle of my rant, “what time would you like to pick me up?” I look in shock, surpisingly I got this far. “um after work maybe we could grab a bite to eat?” I ask“ id love that” she replies.

After the work day we both leave together and I take her to this little Italian place a couple blocks from work. All I can think to myself is how well it went. How well it was kept going. After dinner I called a cab for her and payed him to take her to her house. Before she got in the cab she kissed me. Just a peck, I was caught almost by surprise. She says “ thank you I loved tonight and hope it can happen again” I replied “ me too, and id love too. Was that you asking me out?” she laughs “ yes but you cant tell anybody” she gets into the cab and we both say goodnight.

I walk into my office. Its tiffs last day, but I have a pitt in my stomach cause im not quite sure where this leaves us. Her and I have been going out more frequently and it seems to get more serious. Im not sure what to think of all of it but I guess I might just have to find out. I get out of the elevator and walk to my office. Tiff turns around and sees me, “hey hun she runs up and hugs me, you know what today is right?” of course how could I forget” I reply as I walk past her and sit on my desk. “hey? You okay?” she asks. I respond shrugging my shoulders “ yeah im alright” she sees the worry in my eyes. “is this about us?” she asks me. I look at her as she looks at me. “yes it is” she says. “talk to me” she says. I look at her “ what are we going to do? Like tiff honestly I have feelings for you and im not quite sure how were going to go with you leaving” she looks at me and smiles “ hun just because im leaving this job doesn’t mean I plan on leaving anywhere out of your life” I look back at her and smile as she looks at me. She walks over and sits on my lap and says “ lets go out tonight and celebrate, a new chapter of things”. I smile “ I have to decline I have to finish this article for tomorrows paper but ill tell you what, tomorrow night sounds excellent. Only if your free?” she looks at me and says “of course im free, sounds like a plan”.

I get off of work late, its raining. I look at the time and its almost 1am. I start my walk home. On my walk home I cant think about how much im grateful for how things are turning out in my life. I mean hey just a couple months ago I felt like I had no direction in life but now I feel like I might be moving forward. I

I walk into my apartment with my soaking coat and hang it up on the hook. I turn my heater up and start to change into my sleep wear. Right as I hit my bed I hear a knock on my door. “ who could be here this late?” I think to myself. I walk to my door peep hole and peer through all I see is a women with her hood up. I open the door and as soon as I opened it I can feel me stomach in my shoes. “luna?” I say in a muttered voice. “hi Donny” she replies. “what are you doing here?” I ask. She looks at me “I was out and just happened to stop by I figured you would still be up. The late sleeper I remember you as” She says to me. “yeah I just got off work and was getting ready to hit the sack” I tell her “ oh im sorry I was just looking for someone to talk to I can go if youd like.” She responds. “ no come in ill make some coffee” I respond. She comes in and sits down I stand in the kitchen and start to make coffee. “Nothing has changed about this place huh?” she says over the coffee being brewed. “nope not much, I barely spend time in here anymore” I tell her. She looks in a surprised look,” oh out with your girlfriend all the time?” she said in a sarcastic but serious manner. “actually yes well I mean you could call it that, and work” I told her. “oh?” she says,”hows work going?” I knew she was beating around the bush but who was I to call it out. “ works great actually ive been moving up in the chain and really enjoying my work” I told her. “enjoying work who are you? Is this even Donovan?” she says in a joking way. I laugh as I hand her the coffe,”yeah you can say I guess im moving in some kind of direction but who knows if its right or wrong.” She laughs,” and there he is Same old downer Donny I remember.” She says laughing. “how about you, whats miss luna doing with her life?” I ask. “well ive finally become a published writer and im actually on my way to getting my doctorate in british literature.” She tells me in such detail but I start to unvoluntarely ignore as I start to get lost in her brown eyes. We continue catching up throughout coffee and end up staying up all night.

My alarm for 6 am goes off and I realize that I have work. As I go to turn it off I walk back into the room and lune is standing by the sink rinsing her cup. I cant help but remember every morning waking up and seeing her standing there making our coffee in on of my oversized shirts of mine. After all this was our first place. I look at her the way I used to look at her and she turns back and looks at me. I walk to her and she walks towards me and there seems to almost be a silence in the city of new York. All I can pay attention to is her. We walk so close to eachother that I can feel her breathe on my neck. We both move in slowly and interlock lips. We kiss, for the first time in almost a year of not talking and it feels like the first time I ever layed my lips on hers. It felt like nothing else mattered. Like everything was oblivious to this moment. We move to the bedroom and without a word being said our clothes seem to disappear and both move slowly into the bed that we picked out together. Everything became nothing and nothing became everything. The way she looked at me was the way I was staring at her. A year soon collapsed into nothing. Hours felt like minutes and the day soon fell to night.

The next day I woke up and she was laying on my arm. I had this overwhelming guilt. It clouded over me. I notice my phone on the table. I pick it up and have new messages. They are from tiff,” hey haven’t heard from you all day. Hope your okay? Lemme know about dinner.” I hit my hand to my face “shit I had dinner with her last night and I missed it” I thought to myself. Im sitting on my couch and feel a hand reach over my shoulder to my chest and kiss my neck. “goodmorning” luna said. I stand up and look at her breathing heavily. “ why?” I ask her. She looks at me with a questioned face. “why does everytime I feel like things are moving in a direction that I like I take 10 steps back with you” I tell her. She looks at me “Donny I miss you” she says. “you didn’t miss me. You didn’t miss me when I saw you in the street and ran away from me. You didn’t miss me when I woke up one morning and you were gone for reasons I still don’t know. Why did you have to come back?” I yell. She looks at me with a tear rolling down her face and says “im gonna go” I immediately realize what I say and regret every word that came out of my mouth. Its too late to take it back I know who luna is and she wont forget that ever. I stand back as I watch her leave for the last time. As she walks out of the door I fall to the ground in tears realizing that the only person ive truly loved I pushed away.

Tiffinay and I are moving all of my stuff from one apartment to our next. Its been 6 months since she left and tiff still doesn’t know she exsists. As im finishing cleaning out my bedroom I notice a book laying in my drawer in my room im never seen before. Theres a sticker on it that says “for you, love luna.” I look at the book and realize there is a writing on the inside that says “our story.” I turn back and take one final look at the apartment as I close the door to that chapter of my life.

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andymull · 5 years

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WWE Royal Rumble 2019 - Preview & Predictions

Brock Lesnar (c) vs Finn Balor – WWE Universal Championship Match

So, they really are going with Finn one on one then? I mean there’s still time for Vince to change his mind and add Braun to the bout too….

I’m really glad Balor’s getting the opportunity after missing out on it last year, but I wish they had more actual time to set the feud and build it properly rather than the rush job it received. After seeing them together it looked like Brock is happy to sell for him which will be vital, and Finn will be able to build a fun match around it.

I don’t think many are expecting a title change, and im not either, as most Rumble title matches are pretty throw away as its too close to Mania to always be switching the belts, don’t get me wrong some years they do but its more often they don’t. Brock to win and disappear until Mania, Finn to struggle to get into the Elimination Chamber match or just get put into a completely different feud away from it all – LESNAR

Daniel Bryan (c) vs AJ Styles – WWE Championship Match

No surprise this should be a great bout, but I really want a longer reign for Daniel and AJ needs some time away from the belt eventually as he’s been involved for a LONG time.

Im not sure what more to say for this, I like the promos Bryan has been presenting with the subtle changes from his face character but emphasizing the health aspects as heelish, clever. AJ having to punch Vince and then be in the ring with him with no problems this week was weird, ESPECIALLY as Braun lost his title shot after flipping Vince’s limo but Styles punched him in the face and he loved it!! – BRYAN

Men’s Royal Rumble Match

Not the best built Rumble match in terms of potential winners, and those that are the favourite’s aren’t really on a hot run ready to take the world title at Wrestlemania.

When looking at a final four im going with Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Samoa Joe and Rey Mysterio, I think the obvious winner is Rollins and hope they look to a surprise victor instead. Both Joe and Drew would be great, but of they really want to go big they should think about having an NXT guy enter and WIN. Think about the shock and press that would get if Matt Riddle or Ricochet enter and take it, Riddle needs to enter wearing his old ‘Retire Brock Lesnar’ shirt and you have a ready built Mania feud between two former MMA/UFC athletes. But lets not rule out a Braun entry late on as well….

Surprises, for me id be looking at Pete Dunne/Tyler Bate, Shayna Baszler, Ricochet and Jinny from the current rosters, then as a random lets go for Tatanka…..why not. Please don’t waste a space again on Hornswoggle.

Still not sure who to go for errrrrrrrrr – JOE

Women’s Royal Rumble Match

The build has soooooo annoying, remember everyone the women HAVE to be built as bitchy, shouty and screamy by these writers, hate it so much.

Usual faces will appear with afew NXT girls after last we had past faces returning, but I just cant get into the women’s Rumble as Charlotte seems locked on to take the W. Anyone else wont really be newsworthy if they succeed, but, if everyone watching knows that and Charlotte is in for awhile there’s a chance they may turn on her during the bout slightly with it being predictable – CHARLOTTE

Ronda Rousey (c) vs Sasha Banks – Raw Women’s Championship Match

A well built feud with a challenger that is more than capable of coming across as a serious threat for Ronda, great. I may feel Banks is alittle over-rated but still can appreciate what she brings to the table.

I really hope this finishes with Ronda beating her with the armbar but also grabbing her hair in the move and pulling her extensions out to really show her who’s boss – ROUSEY

Asuka (c) vs Becky Lynch – SD Live Women’s Championship Match

This really looks a one-sided outcome doesn’t it? And it pains me to say that as I love Asuka but she’s been handled awfully since last years Mania, the only way she wins here is if they have an interesting idea for Becky on entering the Rumble match later, this does feel like a show opener to me.

Becky should win, then we will enter a weird time in them figuring out what the plans are for Mania and how they will handle the out cry’s from people upset with it – LYNCH

The Bar (c) vs Shane McMahon & The Miz

I have zero interest in this and have no reason why anyone should, poor Shane having to take stupid bumps weekly to not look bad infront of the boys and make himself look vital. No way om taking that boot from Sheamus, especially with Cesaro holding my head still, nope – THE BAR

Buddy Murphy (c) vs Akira Tozawa vs Kalisto vs Hideo Itami – Cruiserweight Championship Fatal 4 Way Match – Kick-off Match

Try and get as many cruisers on the show why don’t you. Personally, I still don’t think there’s a solid enough guy to take the title from Buddy just yet, but they do usually like to have someone lose in a four 4 without taking the pin to help the feud run longer don’t they?

Im going to go with Buddy though as I really rate the guy and have since his NXT time and know he is out there to prove his-self every night he wrestles – MURPHY

Rusev (c) vs Shinsuke Nakamura – SD Live United States Championship Match – Kick-off Match

Man I feel for these guys, getting hardly any tv time then being put on the pre-show, you may as well just cancel this match and put the both in the Rumble (they probably will anyway). Just give the title a month off and promise to focus on them heavy the following month, otherwise these two could become unsettled again on the roster, not the best time with Nakamura’s contract running out soon.

No title change here, not worth it, expect a rematch on SD Live this week – RUSEV

The Rumble’s usually always a fun show and hasn’t been watered down too much adding the extra Rumble match, this shouldn’t be any different. I really hope they have a few surprise on the show that help everything be better.

I want two guys starting the Rumble and staying around till towards the end, enemies helping each other survive in a show of respect, Rey and Andrade anyone?

Bye for now

Andy

#WWE #raw #sd live #Royal Rumble #Brock Lesnar #finn balor #seth rollins #Braun Strowman #samoa joe #drew mcintyre #becky lynch #Asuka #charlotte

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comicteaparty · 6 years

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June 14th, 2018 CTP Archive

The archive for the Comic Tea Party chat that occurred on June 14th, 2018, from 5PM - 7PM PDT. The chat focused on Obelisk by Ashley McCammon.

Featured Comment:

Chat:

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

COMIC TEA PARTY START!

Good day everyone~! This week’s Comic Tea Party is now officially beginning~! Today we are discussing Obelisk by Ashley McCammon~! (http://www.obeliskcomic.com/) For those new or in need of a reminder, discussions about the comic are freeform, so please feel free to bring up whatever you wish. However, every 30 minutes I will be dropping in a discussion question to help those who would like a prompt. These questions are totally OPTIONAL to answer, and you can pay them no mind if you wish. If you miss out on any though, they’ll be pinned for the duration of the chat once they’re posted~! Remember, constructive criticism is allowed, but the primary focus here is to have fun and appreciate the amazing comics that the community makes~! As a bonus, each chat a top comment will be picked and featured in the archives and on an ad for CTP! All that being said, let’s get started and have a great discussion!

QUESTION 1. What is your favorite scene in the comic so far and why?

🌟Draco Plato🌟

The story has flowed so smoothly so far that it'd be hard for me to pick a certain scene as a favorite. I've really enjoyed the fluidity of the art, with it's beautiful backgrounds and very human seeming characters. Evie has been quite interesting to get to know so far and I'm looking forward to learning more about her as the story goes on.

Her hair has been particularly fascinating to me, I adore how it's drawn.

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

i appreciate how shes been drawn with a variety of hair styles and clothing. its one of those unnecessary details that can add a lot of life and make everything feel less like a video game.

but man the backgrounds. those are some heavily detailed backgrounds with a lot of love and care put into them and they really express the world so well

if i had to pick a favorite scene id pick when we meet margot. i really like the slight additions of red because something about the wispy way its drawn expressives a hint of...something sinister

🌟Draco Plato🌟

I really enjoyed that too, it also I think was the point where the real feel of the story came into play

and I think we really got a much better grasp on evie(edited)

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

yes though for eve's character i enjoyed the current page aftermath a bit more. if only cause i like that she kind of had a really human reaction to being told to butt out of things that weren't her business XD

🌟Draco Plato🌟

oh yeah, for sure!

I'm really looking forward to seeing where the current story arc is heading(edited)

zestwitch

I love the whole comic so far but I gotta say the way the party scene was drawn is so memorable for me, the panel variation is so creatively done and makes each page feel so energetic

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

I liked the scene where Eve was partly hung over and came into the kitchen and her brother regaled her with all the info off a casual remark. I think part of what made that stick too was realizing in the post-script how it was based on REAL history.

🌟Draco Plato🌟

the party scene was especially well done I thought too! Really captured the feeling of what being there would be like

zestwitch

The comic also has so many small details in the sidelines that make the world feel incredibly well rounded and rich like I can tell a ton of research was put into this and that makes me so much more excited about where it's going

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Speaking of how things are drawn, fascinating plan to really only have red be the outsider colour. Definitely makes certain things pop.

Yeah, I have no idea how much research was put into fashions and trends of the time period, but I have to imagine a ton.

🌟Draco Plato🌟

yeah i've researched that time quite a bit and you can really tell that the creator put a lot of work into accuracy

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Speaking as someone who has almost zero knowledge of the time period, I find I can still appreciate it.

In modern day, they'd be all over that concussion issue from falling off a stool.

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

i liked eve being hung over too just because how it was draw i think had subtle details other comics dont really capture when its depicted. like just the way her face is like "what is life i hate this damn sun why am i awake."

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Interesting how it led into the flashback memories too.

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Oh hey there

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

hey super~!

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Glad to be here!

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

yeah i thought it was interesting how the flashback memories were juxtaposed with that scene.

and how it transitioned to it

i also enjoy the hangover scene just cause i can relate to eve being partly aware of a thing but having no interest while the other person just rambles on passionately

and youre just like yeah okay

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

That may also be part of why I liked it. ^.-

I wonder if we'll meet this Alice.

🌟Draco Plato🌟

I really liked her hair and nightgown in the hang over scene

saetje

I agree the story flows so well it’s hard to pick a favorite scene- it’s also so early! But, if I’m honest? Margot’s introduction b/c dayyuuum

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

She did have a commanding presence.

saetje

my gay heart can’t handle her

I so appreciate all the research into costume and setting design as well! I simply adore period pieces so I appreciate the effort on that front

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Daww~

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

QUESTION 2. Throughout the comic we meet an interesting cast of side characters, from Eve’s friends to the seemingly criminal Peter Murphy to Agostino. Was there any side character that caught your eye, and if so why? When it comes to Peter and Agostino, do you think we will be seeing more of them? If so, in what way? Will Agostino’s interaction with Margot affect him in some dire way? What do you think will happen if Eve meets Peter? Why do you think Eve isn’t fond of her brother’s new fiancée? Are there any other character details you think the comic might explore?

saetje

I really liked Agostino’s reaction to Margot, it’s so foreboding. I most definitely feel we’ll be seeing all the characters that have introduced so far, again. I must say the story so far has so seamlessly and entertainingly set up many relationships, varied characters, and intrigue to delve into that it’s exciting waiting for what comes next!

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

I admit, I'm curious about seeing Eve and Alice... wondering what it is she's not fond of, whether it's something about personality or just the way she dresses and talks to her brother...

saetje

I just feel like they’ve set up a lot of questions we want answered all wrapped up in a varied and entertaining cast

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Agostino may be all hypnotized now.

saetje

yeah it’s possible- going a sort of Renfield on us?

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

yeah i do think weve got an interesting plate of characters going on here who are gonna have some future interesting and interactions with eve thatll take the story to unexpected places.

i really loved the way whatever happened to agostino was depicted

i can see why he freaked

though im really curious why only he was effected

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

I do want to add in this story looks like it could be fun as a live action flick, seems like it could work

especially for it's early 1900's setting

saetje

I could see it adapted fairly well!

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

I'm pretty sure he was affected because it was his blood left behind when he moved the crate into the place initially. They've already got a sample of him.

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Glad you agree, Saetje.

saetje

But the comic as the media for the story itself here is still done really well. I like how the author plays with visual narrative and panel flow

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Yea, it's done extremely well

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Interesting that the owners (possible vampires?) are into antiques. I'd figure it'd be something that they could collect more blood samples from.

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

especially all the markerwork

saetje

Oh yeah. That was my take too, they already have some blood from him. But time will tell

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Though I guess if you've got all those children's toys left over from 300 years ago... ^.^

...Then again, they came overseas with only the one box. So idk.

Do you think all the sites being investigated are owned by the same group?

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

lol

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

To tie it back in, maybe that Peter guy is their broker.

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

http://www.obeliskcomic.com/comic/chapter-1/p43/ OMG CUTE KID

Some quality family time. I hope everyone celebrating has a lovely holiday, and if not, I hope you have a lovely day anyway. I’ll see you all next week!

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

maybe it wasnt so much that it was a blood connection thing but in that the blood told margot hed been to the shop before and therefore wanted him to gtfo. since he helped with delivery.

on a different note i do want to say im in math's corner and super want to know why eve doesnt care for alice O_O

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

I'm pretty sure she was gtfo-ing him, but I still feel like it was through the blood somehow.

Related to what SJ posted, maybe it's because Eve helped to raise her brother, and doesn't like that the status quo is being messed with? Though Alice could also be real shallow, who knows.

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Perhaps

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Maybe Alice is also a vampire!

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

that could be. and again could just be personality. maybe alice just tried to get eve to do lots of thing eve wasnt comfortable with in an attempt to bond. or maybe alice aggressively tries to set eve up with ppl

the mystery increases!

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

The town is going to be completely taken over by vampires. Eve will be the only real woman left.

It's like that old tv show about the pod people.

draculing

(I will confirm or deny nothing but I love seeing everyone's thoughts and theories so far )

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Hey there!

Pleased to see ya!

saetje

Welcome! Thanks for the lovely comic

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

And thank you as well~

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Hihi draculing! I like tossing out crazy theories, don't worry about me.

draculing

Hi~ I'm in and out a bit but it's good to be here

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

also omg Marghot looks so handsome~

draculing

The comic is still so early on its cool to see that people are already guessing at stuff

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

thanks for being here draculing~!

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Eve will win Margot's heart by teaching her to ride a bicycle.

draculing

And yes Margot is the Most handsome

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

She is and I love her (edited)

Everything about her looks and personality(edited)

she's so(edited)

dandy

draculing

She's a lady ;D

saetje

Yeah Margot is actually I was under the impression Margot is female? Or they-them?

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Well that's not the first time I'vewgotten my genders confused

draculing

Margot is a butch woman, dw i definitely get that a lot

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

lmao

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Heh. Probably the pants, I don't think ladies wore them much, but I know little to nothing of the time period.

saetje

Ok well I love Margot as I’ve said throughout this chat UM I can’t wait for vampire intrigue romance adventures

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

heehee~

And I made it to the end of the story so far

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

I get the vibe that Eve is into the ladies. The way she blushes sometimes, and is upset about not being married herself yet.

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

It sure has come a long way since it first started~

saetje

I... completely read Eve as queer? She also hangs out with a cast of LGBT folks yes?

draculing

They wore pants (or bloomers like eve's bike pants) if they were doing sports or being tomboyish but it was still pretty rare and not looked on fondly

Actual men's clothing was not a thing for women yet except for in theater/music halls

saetje

Er- that being what her friend circle is/the party scene as about

draculing

Or yknow... gay circles

Yeah pretty much!

saetje

I appreciate all the research you’ve done into period clothing and setting!

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Oh really?

saetje

I really love horror/romance time periods and I love seeing all the different props and outfits

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Cool about the info. I'd ship Eve and Alice, just to be contrary, except we know they don't get along. Unless... that's just what they want others to think. (edited)

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

I was actually about to ask how much you researched 1900's/1910's society and such

draculing

I wanted to establish that Eve has a social circle of other queer people and they aren't miserable or self hating

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

ooohhhh

saetje

I really appreciated the party scene tbh

draculing

Cuz thats all we ever get from historical settings usually

With lgbt characters

saetje

Yes!

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

LGBT characters are always welcome

saetje

As a queer person it meant a lot to me

draculing

Yeah its really personal to me and I'm glad it resonates!

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

I'm pro-LGBT to the end.

saetje

Because I love time period pieces but so many gay romances or lgbt characters are so depressing in that setting. I enjoyed that Eve has a friend group that celebrated themselves and seemed happy

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

QUESTION 3. As Eve hunts down a lost property, she runs into the mysterious shop owner Margot who somehow bought one of her father’s properties. Who exactly is Margot do you think? Why do you think Margot has moved into the property now of all times, and why do you think Margot chose to run an antiques store? Why do you think Margot was so defensive about Eve’s questions (despite there being simpler, more polite answers as Eve points out)? Do you think Eve will continue to interrogate Margot for information, and do you think she will succeed? Do you think it’s even safe for Eve to interact with Margot given what happened to Agostino? Do you have any other theories about Margot?

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Margot is secretly a werewolf.

saetje

And I think it (the party scene) was a nice way to set up Eve as queer, it was, to me, obvious her preferences after the party scene without being voyeuristic or over the top of that makes sense? Just enough.

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Seriously though, she must be part of some syndicate or something. To get that shop set up in so little time.

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

I have a feeling it may have something to do with that ring.

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Or the djinn/genie inside it.

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

If it's not her well-sculpted legs

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Or those of the djinn/genie.

So, actually, it's probably a bloodstone or something. I wonder if Eve will research.

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Maybe.

I never thought "bloodstone"

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Actually.... is it possible that Margot or her syndicate killed Eve's father in the first place?

saetje

I get the feeling there’s going to be some romantic Margot/Eve back and forth and I look forward to that, but I think ultimately Margot will be dangerous- or at least as it’s set up now, every storytelling sign points foreboding when it comes to Margot(edited)

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

"Sign over this property. Good, excellent. Oh no, you fell down a flight of stairs."

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

i feel like if they were responsible theyd know he was dead and not have the reaction that was had over it.

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Yea

Thankfully he lived

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Well, we only know Margot's reaction.

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

i definitely forsee eve pestering margot more. cause im willing to bet shes either 1) going to run into a dead end making margot her only option for answers or 2) shes gonna find peter and peter is going to make her super duper suspicious by saying things like "you dont want to know nun ya business."

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

"I'm not a nun!"

Eve strikes me as the type who might lurk outside the place to see if other leads show up. That could make Margot decide to just tell her stuff to get rid of her, since "just go away" failed.

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

oh i hope eve comes back and is like "im here to buy something you cant kick me out."

but yeah. margot is....isnt doing a good job of making her go away. there were so many better answers then the shifty eye nun ya business XD

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

That would be a clever way of doing things too. "The customer is always right." To be fair, Margot was pretty nice up front too, remarking on how she should have heard someone come in... it's only the details of how they got the place that seems to have vexed her.

saetje

Maybe she WANTS Eve to come back I feel like Margot knows how to throw a line and reel em in with intrigue and mystery

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Also, did Margot arrive in the box? Or was she simply hired to deal with some other dude who now lives upstairs who is a vampire? Maybe SHE'S under control, thanks to the ring. And Eve frees her from the evil spell.

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Maybe

The personality seems to hit at it

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

"Only a kiss can save me from this vampire ring."

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

i assume margot was in the box. i think margot is too commanding of a presence to be someone elses mindslave.

and thats true

it could be margot wants eve to come back

alternatively maybe margot hires peter and peter tells eve its in her best interest to stay away or something might happen to her brothers fiancee O_O

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

There is that, or at least not be taken in quite as quickly as seems to have been the case.

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

and eve will be like "great good thing i dont like alice"

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

"You don't want to kiss me? Oh, I guess I'll simply have to get Alice to do it..." "You wouldn't dare."

Eve's brother walks in and is all, uhhhhhh....

saetje

I get the feeling it’s going to be Hattie/Eve

I felt like that was hinted at too in the party scene?

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

That's possible. I admit I'm bad for the names, as usual.

Also, I like going for the improbable ships.

saetje

Hattie is the blond friend who took her to the party and there was a panel where it was like their hands almost touched/had been holding and left etc. just feels like it’s possible we might have a romance starting with Eve and Hattie with Margot in there messing it up. But again- so early rn hard to make predictions!

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Yea.

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Makes sense... was she the one who opened the old wine?

saetje

Yes I think so!

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

'kk.

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

i would like to see more of hattie before i put my eggs in that basket. i feel of all the friends she was the one i feel most distant from sadly :"D even though i thought her design was snazzy

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Yeah, it could be a one way relationship there.

Maybe that's why Eve hasn't been hanging with them as much...? I think that was implied.

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

maybe although i assumed its cause shes still not quite over her father's death

grief does take time

QUESTION 4. As we learn from Eve, some documents on her father’s properties seem to be missing. Further, he seemed to know possible criminal Peter Murphy and mysterious Margot. Why and how do you think Eve’s father got involved with such people? Was it blackmail, some sort of under the table charity, or something else? Do you think his co-worker Alex knew about the dealings, or was it something private to Eve’s father? If it’s the latter, why do you believe he’d keep it a secret? Do you think Margot’s shop is the only missing property, or do you suspect Eve might find even more? Even if Eve finds the answers to all these questions, do you think she can or would do anything about the situation? Lastly, do these missing properties have anything to do with her father being dead?

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Right, that's a good point too. Though you'd think that you'd want others to help console you.

Her father was apparently really good with records and bookkeeping. Maybe he was doing some work on the side that turned out to be shadier than he thought... the flashback seemed to imply that they might have had money troubles. What with Dad not being able to pay the nanny enough wages to keep her on.

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

could be. it was implied in that scene that he was also a single father too at that point right?

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

It was, yes. Maybe the mother died in childbirth?

So Dad took on shady business deals to help make ends meet. Probably why he sold off properties and kept it all locked in that box.

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

that seems very plausible for how he got involved. albeit alternatively, maybe thats why they have money troubles

is that he was secret selling properties for a low cost and had to cover it up so it wouldnt be discovered

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

True, hard to say which came first. Oh, that's a good theory.

Maybe Peter knows him... just went into business for himself after the death...

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Maybe so.

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

peter and the dad were clearly best friends from primary O_O

im curious about his death cause i feel like it must have been unexpected? cause he certainly didnt clean up his affairs. in the sense that ya know he never said "eve by the way i sold some properties to vampires. surprise."

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Yeah, that's a good point. Things were left in something of a disarray at the business too.

Interesting how his daughter has been able to take over.

"She has a ... STAKE, in the business."

draculing

(Re: research question way earlier, I have a lot of 1900s fashion catalogue reprints and PDFs of 1890s-1900s sears catalogues!! I love.. clothing as personality.. so details are important to me)

Lmao niceee

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Oh wow, nifty. Is that part of why it's been set in the States, like that's where the catalogues are from?

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Oh nice!

That sounds like a good way to get research, all those old catalogues~

Make sure you keep em safe! I bet they'd be considered collectables in this day and age.

draculing

Nah I'm just from New Jersey ;; i grew up going into NYC and went to school there so I have a big attachment to the history and feel of it

Aw i dont have anything original sadly, it would be real cool if i did

saetje

I own a few Edwardian sears catalogues too and it’s such a treasure trove tbh. As I’ve said, I appreciate all the detail you’ve put into your costume and setting design. Every character’s clothing choices really does say something strong about them

draculing

Its also a good setting for like.. the immigration/othering themes often attached to vampire stories

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Aah

and yea that's understandable

saetje

Ohh that’s a cool take

draculing

It's not at the forefront of the narrative but each character's sort of.. class and life situation is involved in their design and that plays into it

Hopefully I'm not derailing the convo too much by jumping back to that!

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

That makes sense. Nope, just thinking theories over here.

Alice is secretly behind everything.

saetje

yeah we’re mostly just speculating based off what we have so far, it’s nice to get insight into the creation a bit!

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

nah your fine.

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Seconding saetje

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

I was also trying to think about when the New York World's Fair was, but it was like, 1939, so never mind. I don't know historical details.

draculing

I've had a lot of stuff where I've realized "wait this hasn't happened yet how weird"

Like... the titanic sinking

If my comic hits 1910 will it address that? We just don't know

*1912

saetje

is there anything like prop wise you’ve wanted to put in and then had to go “oh wait. Not invented yet”

draculing

Ohhh yeah for sure

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Sliced bread?

saetje

Because I imagine there’s so many little things we take for granted now that they didn’t have back then

draculing

Or like.. finding references for very specific things??

saetje

Haha the bread point was too powerful

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Napples likes the historical bread.

draculing

Like "what does a cereal box in 1908 look like"

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

I'm curious now too lol

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Gotta watch out for cereal killers.

draculing

Its little stuff that gets you

A lot of finding the closest approximation and then winging it like "hopefully some big history expert won't swoop in and yell at me"

The historical fiction police

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Heehee

Gotta keep all your facts 100% authentic

(and accurate)

draculing

It's a worry even though probably no one minds at all

saetje

Because vampires sure are real ha but I get it! You really want that authentic feel

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Yea All that matters is your readers have a good time and enjoy the story(edited)

saetje

But yeah unless someone is just being pedantic I don’t think you’re going to get mobbed for a small historical mistake

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Anyways seems like we're heading into the final minute of the CTP

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

tbf tho does happen. historical fiction police do tear things apart but theyre in the minority. i think you do a really great job and pay more attention to detail than a lot of other historical fiction ive seen.

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

I don't notice such things at least. I enjoyed it.

Including the hairstyle, just to circle us all the way back. Nice crazy hair.

draculing

it's very cool and encouraging to see all your ideas about what's going on

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Anyways, thanks for the comic, Drac~! It was a fun read and I hope it grows nice and strong.

saetje

Fair fair. I just think people who call out details like that on indie creators are lame

draculing

Thank you for reading it!

saetje

And yeah! It’s a gorgeous comic!

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

saetje

I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Me neither~(edited)

draculing

Can't believe we already spoiled that Margot is definitely a werewolf, the whole time

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

COMIC TEA PARTY END!

Unfortunately, the scheduled Comic Tea Party time is now up~! Thank you everyone so much for reading and joining this week’s chat~! We want to give a special thank you to Ashley McCammon, as well, for making Obelisk and volunteering it for our reading queue. If you liked the comic, please be sure to support Ashley McCammon’s efforts however you’re able to. All that being said, if you would like to continue discussing this week’s comic, we highly encourage you to do so~!

For next week, Comic Tea Party will focus on Fate by Anthea West. As always, please use the next several days to read as much of the comic as you would like. We hope to see you next Thursday on June 21st from 5PM to 7PM PDT for the chat~! Until then, happy reading~! Comic: http://www.fatecomic.com/

#ctparchive #comics #webcomics #indie comics #start faire #startfaire #comic tea party #ctp #comic chat #comic discussion #comic bookclub #webcomic bookclub #bookclub #ashley mccammon #obelisk

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littlelovelymemes · 7 years

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✰ * º ❛ more popular text posts starters. ❜

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totalfanfreak · 6 years

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One of Three - Chapter 16

One of Three

Chapter 16 – If you’re Lost You Can Look and You’ll find Me

[Why did this take me so long? I swear, the further into the movie plot I get the more I struggle but…I wanted to get something out before all the winter festivities came. But thanks again to my betas – bleedingrose0688 and canadianjelly! Thank you for what you do with this project and basically hearing me ramble. Thank you to everyone who has reviewed and for reading! Rainey Day Smiles I want to message you but the thing won’t let me but thank you!]

“Besides all the swelling, there’s nothing serious for you to worry about. You won’t be feeling too great alongside the minor bumps and bruises you received to your body, when the anesthetic wears off, your face is going to give you a moderate amount of pain. I can write out a prescription –“

“No, thank you.”

The three of them had been stuck at the hospital for hours, waiting, all Sera wanted to do was go somewhere and rest. Somewhere safe, and that in itself was going to be a task now, and narcotics tossed in wasn’t going to help.

She poked the brace on her nose, her whole face felt like it had been scraped through glass, but her nose got the worst of it. “If I’m clear I’d rather just go back to the lobby so I can make sure my guys are okay.”

The way the old doctor’s lip straightened in a hard line had her raising her chin.

“Yes, well, if I’m to recommend anything at all, young lady, it’d be for you to get away from whichever one did that to you.”

Her mouth gaped. “Doctor, you’re out –“

“I see it all the time, almost 24/7 here, and you may have thrown in a few good punches but they –“

“You’re wrong; whatever scenario you have thought up of us you’re wrong. It’s my fault they got hurt –“she gestured to her face – “but this, this had nothing to do with them.”

They stared hard at one another, the old man finally relenting with a sigh. “Just be careful, I really do see enough domestic violence in here that I don’t need you to add on to it.”

She pursed her lips. “Note taken, may I leave now?”

The doctor gave a curt nod, and she slipped out of the room before he could comment any further. She couldn’t say it was a five-star hospital, but it did have a lot of business. And as Murphy had said while they were driving away, they wouldn’t ask questions.

Just make bad assumptions, and stick their nose where it doesn’t belong.

She had wanted to stay and wait for Connor to be looked over, being taken back first with the most injury. But Murphy had pressed her to go on, that he’d make sure they both were taken care of. She was glad for it at this moment, wanting away from all the sick and hurt – nothing but misery in these halls.

Sera found both her boys in the main lobby; Connor laid back in a chair, exhausted, his wrists now bound in gauze. The leg that faced her quivered, she was surprised he hadn’t popped both his knees out of their sockets jumping from a damn roof. Murphy told her how he watched Connor jump while she had sobbed her apology, helping Murphy throw in the bag full of guns and wallets then Connor into her car. He had remained unconscious for the majority of the ride, barely coherent going in, but somehow here he was hurt – probably more so than he let on but alert and awake. Arms crossed with a small smile while he watched his brother sitting with a young boy on top of a gurney playing cards, while the boy gave pats to Shep between turns. She took note that both boys had bandages across their foreheads.

Her hand went for Connor’s shoulder, taking the seat beside him. “How are you doing, Conn?”

The smile stretched. “Doin’ fine, got da papers ta prove it.”

She nodded, her eyes drifting to the bloody robe. “Didn’t they think to give either of you some scrubs or something?”

He shrugged, not bothered by the stains. But she was – his blood, Murphy’s blood, the Russians’ blood. There was too much red mingling there. “I’m going to the nurses’ station.”

Connor tugged her back, and she was able to feel Murphy’s eyes on her.

“Don’t be doin’ that, aingeal.”

Her mouth had dried up, leaving it sticky and parched. “Do what?”

“Runnin’. We sure the hell ain’t.”

It was seeing them – like nothing was wrong. Yes, she would’ve been devastated if they were in a hospital bed, but this…the nonchalance of it as if it were no big deal that they had almost been killed. It made it that much more troubling.

“I’m not running. I just thought you two would want some clean clothes.”

“Rather have a smoke ta be honest.”

She snorted at Murphy. “We need to find somewhere safe for you guys to go.”

“Us.”

She fell back into the seat, hands going to her hair. “I want it to be that way, and we’ll keep it that way if that’s the way you want it. But this, the shit that just happened I can’t live in the daydream that the two of you will magically be okay through this. You nearly took a bullet to the head, Murphy,” she turned to Connor, “And you, you had to go and jump off a fucking roof.”

Connor sunk in his seat, his nose turned up: the scolded child. “Was protectin’ my brother.”

“I know. And you shouldn’t have had to. That’s the damn point I’m trying to make here.”

Murphy patted the boy’s shoulder before jumping off the gurney. “Too late fer that, told ye, yur stuck with us. Not leavin’ no matter what happens or shit ye say.”

She laid her head on the back of the chair. “I’m not saying anyone should leave. But you two need somewhere to recuperate for a while. And I need to figure what to do. We need somewhere safe to go.”

She was trying to be calm, to put her head on straight to know what to do and say. But she was floating, floundering if she were honest, because she had no idea what the hell to do. The only thing that was clear thudded in her ears like a heartbeat. They almost died. They could’ve died. They would’ve died. They’re going to die. All she could see was Connor on the asphalt, the gun pointed at Murphy while he scrambled with the toilet lid.

Holding back the tears, the pressure of them hurting her nose as she sniffled; sighing heavily, she felt an arm sling around her. Opening her eyes she turned to the owner.

“So what do we do, Murph?”

He gave a heartening smile, mole and cheek dimpling. She could feel the bandages that covered his fingers smoothing on her shoulder. It gave her the image of Murphy heaving the porcelain up, the rough cement inside digging into flesh each hit cutting him deeper. She gave the top of his hand a squeeze, head going to its place on his chest as he opened his mouth. Only to have Connor cut him off.

“Fuck ‘im, he don’t know what ta do.”

Eyes were narrowed with his brother’s brush off. “Fuck me? Fuck you and yer movie bullshit! Didn’t have no stunt double fer ye, did we? Better be rememberin’ who carried yer dumbass to da car. Ye ain’t like the girl; ye weigh as much as a walrus.”

“Oh, fuck ye, Murph!”

“Fuck ye, too!”

She shook her head, standing. “You both should be ashamed, cursing like that in front of a young child like that. I’ll be back.”

Connor reached for her. “Told ye, lass –“

“I’m not running, Connor. Not anymore. Even if you’re both okay with it, I…it’ll ease my mind if we get you into something else. I don’t like seeing –“she gestured at the scarlet stains. “That on you two.”

The boys nodded, solemn, making her reprimand herself for bringing them down. “How about you two come up with something, I may need to get Shep looked at. Stupid fuck kicked him.”

The boys grinned at her language. “Who should be ashamed, love?”

She snorted at them, walking away to the nurses’ station. Every light on the phone they had behind the desk flashing, each one jotting down something on a clipboard. Catching one she asked to be pointed in the direction where to get some scrubs, giving her name and how many so she wouldn’t bother them. She grabbed one of the shirt covers for herself, her top splattered from her nose as well as wiping Connor’s blood from her hands on it. She decided to toss her shirt in the trash when she changed out of it. She didn’t have a need to feel the sticky relic against her skin.

It was thin material, and she wished the boys had something to go over it. They were probably going to have to wear the robes out. She zipped up her own jacket, surprised when she turned the corner and saw Doc there. The elder man was hunched down patting Shep’s side. She smiled at him and the boy on that remained on the gurney before passing out the clothes.

Murphy grinned to her, gesturing to Doc. “’pparently da old man was holdin’ out on us.”

Connor chuckled. “Aye, came in and told him about da poor dog’s situation and says he used to be a vet back in Ireland.”

Her brows rose. “Really, Doc?”

He nodded, the movement more pronounced with the twitching in his face. “S’true sweetheart, came from a long line of farmers and the like; s-seemed ta fit that I take care of da animals t-t-there with them.”

“Then why did you decide to become a bartender here?”

Doc shrugged, Murphy lending a hand to help him stand. “T’was easier. Ye move to another country, they want ye ta s-s-spend extra money on their schoolin’. Didn’t have da money fer all of dat s-sh-s…Fuck! Decided ta just…t-ta…Ass! Easier ta play da part and open a bar. Used m-me savings and opened McGinty’s.”

She crossed her arms, nodding, her expression staid. That wasn’t fair, especially seeing how easy it was to see Doc fixing animals on a farm. Shep jumped on her side, scoping her to make sure she was alright. She smiled and scratched behind his ear. She heard Doc laugh.

“He’s fine, might be a tad sore, but nothin’ broken or need of care. May want ta give ‘im some c-c-c…baby as-as-Ass! Aspirin! Will help the pain just as well.”

She smiled at him. “Thank you so much, Doc. Who knows what Shep and me would have to do if you hadn’t shown up.”

Which begged the question…she turned to the boys. Murphy shrugged. “Ye wanted us ta come up with somethin’. We’ve been trying ta make one beforehand so we called Doc when you were gettin’ patched up.”

Her eyes went to Connor who was propped on the wall. “What are you thinking Doc can do?”

Murphy thrust the shopping bag up. “If it’s okay with him, hide this shit fer one. We’ll come after it when we’re done.”

Doc took the bag without question, making her eyes dart between the three. “When we’re done with what?”

“T-that’s what I was tellin’ these two, a man came to da bar today, gave me his card and wants ta speak ta all of ye.”

Connor held out the card letting her look it over. “So you want us to go to the police?”

“Was self-defense wasn’t it, aingeal?”

It wasn’t an actual question but she shrugged in answer. “From my experience the police aren’t much help in any of these matters. But if you guys think it’ll help…”

Doc took her shoulder, a fatherly gesture. “Dis man appeared ta know what he was doin’. Told dem here, he knew it was ye three defendin’ yerselves. He’s with da FBI might be worth takin’ a peek into, won’t hurtcha none besides.”

She patted his hand. “No, I suppose it wouldn’t. Thank you, Doc, for everything.”

“It’s no problem, lass. Can’t be losin’ me best customers now, c-c-c…Fuck! Ass! Can I?”

She smiled. “I’m sure you have better ones than them.”

“Hey!”

“Da fuck?”

She laughed at their expressions. Turning back to see Doc’s which had turned gentle.

“May be true, but at least it had a far better view since they started bringin’ ye in.”

She shook her head. “Oh, you Irishmen always turning on that charm. But get a few drinks in and all of you would confuse Roc with me.”

Connor balked. “One time, love, one time, and I was hammered beyond a fuckin’ nail.”

She grinned, turning to Doc and hugging him. “Be careful, those were the ones that came to the bar. But there could be more.” There’s always more. “I think I speak for all of us that we couldn’t stand it if something happened to you.”

“Don’t be worryin’ after me, lass. Might look decrepit, but I can pull a trigger as fast as anyone.”

“Good.”

“Ye t-t-three just better be headin’ ta da…ta da…Fuck…Ass! Ye three be on yer way.”

They had clamored out to the car, Connor fussing and Murphy laughing that the former got sent out in a wheelchair. Her car was another thing to add to the list, though sturdy, the station wagon wasn’t exactly inconspicuous for around here. She needed a smaller car, especially if any of the Russians had pinpointed it. But that was something for later.

Connor wanted to sit in the front with his brother, but she wasn’t having it. If she could when they got through at the station she wanted them both to get cleaned up and rest for a few days. She felt awful for both of them…But Connor right now, she was able to see his wounds the gash in his hairline, the bandages on his wrists, she wanted to help deal with him. Murphy…poor Murphy, his wounds would be internal, sure he had scrapes and his hands, but she knew he was processing that he had to take a man’s life today. Yes, it was in self-defense, he was protecting himself as well as his brother, but she knew it would haunt him somehow.

“Ye gonna sing me a song, aingeal?”

The only way Connor would lay in the back was if she was back here too. With his head in her lap she stroked his face. “I don’t think either of you would care for damaged ears.”

“Come on, love, fill the silence fer us.”

She could hear muffling and knew Murphy was speaking around his thumb. He was nervous, maybe scared, and it hurt. Situating Connor, she took off the seat belt to maneuver herself so she could fit an arm around the headrest letting her fingers run through Murphy’s scalp while simultaneously keeping a hand on Connor’s.

“סלאַמער אויף מיין טייַער אָנעס; שלאָפן אין שלום די גאנצע נאַכט דורך. טאַקעד אַוועק זיכער אין דיין בעדז. בשעת מלאכים וואַך אָוווערכעד, נאָענט ענג די אויגן פון בלוי. אַי עס ליו לי לו.” [Slumber on my precious ones; sleep in peace the whole night through. Tucked away safe in your beds. While angels watch overhead, close tight those eyes of blue. Ai li lu li lu.]

She smiled at the serene expression on Connor’s face, Murphy’s shoulders slumping in the seat like he had been soothed.

“See, knew it’d be a lovely thing ta hear.”

She moved her hand, cupping Murphy’s scratchy cheek in her palm, hearing Connor hum in agreement. “I think those doctors gave you both too many painkillers.”

“Ye know we wouldn’t lie to you. No point in dat. Sound better than our Ma, doesn’t she, Murph?”

“Aye.”

She bent down to kiss Connor’s forehead, the three remaining silent after that, giving him time to fall asleep. She knew they were almost there, but she needed that time with Murphy, to let him know that his trauma hadn’t gone unnoticed.

“Murph, you want to talk to me?”

“About what, love?”

His voice was too chipper, close to being forced. She tried to scoot closer, to hold him tighter. “I’m so sorry what you both had to go through. Seeing Connor the way he was, the way he is, I was terrified for him. I thought I lost him. But that doesn’t mean I’m not scared for you too. What you had to do…I know about that hurt. I just don’t want you to pull away, don’t feel it alone, okay?”

She could see his hands trembling on the steering wheel. “I’d never in a million years admit it ta anyone else. But I was fuckin’ scared.”

“It’s okay to be.”

“It wasn’t even about dyin’. I was afraid of not being there ta help Conn, to help you.”

“Oh, Murph.”

“Then ta see Conn’s stupid ass flyin’ down, I knew he was a fuckin’ goner. But he was breathin’ and so was that other fucker. I’d do it again, Seraphine, over and over if I had ta. The only regret is that ye had to fight that bastard by yerself. God forgive me fer it, but I’d be fine with killin’ all of ‘em.”

She wanted to tell him she had Shep, to tell him not to say things like that, to not want that. But he was in autopilot, survival mode, and she wouldn’t be able to tear those thoughts from him for a while. She could only be there to comfort him. So she clung to him from behind, feeling a hand come over her arm to squeeze back. They remained that way until they pulled up to the station’s steps.

“Yer gonna hafta help me ye dumbass!”

“Fuck ye, should leave yer ass here!”

There was no way Connor could walk up those stairs on his own, but his bedside manner was grating on his brother, especially with him throwing orders around. She rubbed Murphy’s back, trying to calm the tension out of the muscles.

“Afraid they’ll want to interview him too, Murph. Or I might be with you on that.”

“I can’t help that I can’t walk!”

“Well, I could go on about refraining from jumping from buildings. But, yeah, I know, Connor, we’ll help you. But you’re going to have to be less grouchy with your brother.”

“Grouchy? Ye talkin’ like I’m two.”

She shrugged. “Well –“

His reply was a glare. They were able to make it, Sera sweating rivers from trying to take the brunt of the weight. Even with Connor’s help he was so heavy, muscles, tendons, and bone taking him down.

“I swear to God, we’re finding you a bed after this Connor MacManus.”

There were two – “Lord’s name –“in reply.

“Don’t be swearin’ to da Lord for Connor’s stupid ass.”

“Aye, wouldn’t take much ta get me inta bed withcha again besides.”

She wanted to elbow that snarky grin from his face but entering the building she could hear men arguing back and forth.

“They’re scared like two little bunny rabbits. Anyone in a uniform or flashing blue lights is going to spook them. So the only thing to do is put a potato on a string and drag it through South Boston. Thanks for coming out.”

Her blood heated. “Oh, fuck your racist bullshit, asshole!”

The boys sniggered, Murphy piping in. “You’d have better luck with a beer.”

Connor grinned grasping their shoulders tighter. “Aye, they would.”

Many of the officers came to shake hands with the guys, letting her ease herself into the backdrop. She didn’t want to be here, what were they going to do anyways? Protect them? They had their chance with that, and failed. Maybe she was a scared rabbit now. The police were nothing more than an obstacle when it came to safety. And with the man she assumed was the head honcho approaching them after scrutinizing her from across the room, she felt tenser than ever.

“If we’re done with the tea party folks, I’d like to get them into interrogation.”

The men relented patting the boys on the back one last time before they were escorted to a private room.

“Can I get you three anything before we start? Coffee? Water? There’s a few boxes of doughnuts left from this morning if you’d like.”

The boys ambled at the chairs; three that were backed to the wall, Murphy pulled the one in the middle out for her. She was reluctant to take it, wanting to remain standing but she couldn’t say no to the humble gesture. They gave them own inspection of the man while they pulled out their own.

“Aye, coffee and doughnuts sound mighty good.”

“A cigarette too, if there’s one ta offer.”

She took note of the mindful way they were speaking. They remained kind, jovial, but were just as wary as her. The man came back in when they had taken their seats beside her, holding out a box and drink tray. There was no sugar, and she didn’t feel like asking, but the hot liquid was welcome since she had something to do with her hands. The same was solved when the man held out a silver case containing cigarettes; she shook her head when it came to her. They thanked him while lighting up, tossing the box between them, again she declined but was giving a powdered cake regardless.

“Gotta eat, love.”

Her stomach knotted at the thought, but picked at it for them.

“Now that we’re all situated, how about we introduce ourselves? If you haven’t guessed, I’m Paul Smecker. I left my card with your friend at the bar.”

Connor nodded. “Aye, ‘m Connor, this is me brother Murphy, and this is our girl Seraphine.”

She watched Smecker jot their names on his notepad, pausing to look back up at them. “Last names.”

“MacManus.”

“All three of you?”

He was staring at her, and she kept her gaze steady. “Shafir.”

He gave a small chuckle. “Doesn’t sound very Irish, sweetheart.”

She held back a glare. “It’s possible there’s some floating in my DNA somewhere. I’m mainly Polish, you know, lightbulbs, and how many people.”

“Just with your little outburst –“

“I’m not fond of stereotypical biases, Mr. Smecker. And, for the record, I’ve studied the Irish culture enough to say that making fun of a time, like the potato famine, when a million people died is kind of trashy, wouldn’t you say? But I don’t think you want me to turn this into a history lesson.”

The calculation that Smecker’s eyes held diminished, staying professional but more genial. “I enjoy history very much, but I’m more interested in the kind that’s relatively recent. If it’s alright, I’d like to begin. This conversation will be recorded; all I want is for you to answer to the best of your knowledge.”

Murphy held his hand out to pause him. “Excuse me, sir. Just give us a second before that.”

He peered at his brother first. “Quid enim ad eum de guns et pecunia?” [What do we tell him about the guns and money?]

She couldn’t tell what he said, but she knew it was a question. Connor, unfazed, shrugs him off. “Et nos iustus got reliquit. bum musta et surrexit ante vigilum advolvit ibi.” [We just got up and left. Bum musta rolled them before the police got there.]

Murphy gaze went to her then, switching to his native tongue. “Cad mar gheall ort, aingeal? Cé mhéad atá ag iarraidh a fhios aige?” [What about you, angel? How much are you wanting him to know?]

Her head lowered, flicking her eyes between them. “Ag brath. Cad a cheapann tú? Ar cheart dom a bheith i muinín air?” [Depends. What do you think? Should I trust him?]

Connor chimed in then. “Is fearr a thabhairt dó na freagraí a bhfuil sé ag iarraidh a dhéanamh dó, ansin téann muid as ann leis.” [Best to give him the answers he's wanting, then we go from there with it.]

They all nodded, Murphy turning back to Smecker. “Okay. We’re ready.”

“None of you are under oath here. But I’m going to assume you knew these guys.”

Connor nodded, putting another chunk of doughnut in his mouth. “Yeah, they introduced themselves the other night.”

“They had some…interesting bandages on, any of you know something about that?”

The boys turned to one another before giving their rendition of that night, nixing out the part about the picture and the exchange from it. Her brain went elsewhere, hearing and visualizing what happened to them, her throat burning with despair at hearing the fear hiding in Connor’s voice. So scared at how close he had been at losing his brother. The same fear pivoting to Murphy when his brother crash landed, it went to the point where she could relive it until Smecker tried to draw her attention back.

“What about you?”

She gave a pointed look. “What about me?”

“There were three men, from hearing this they took on two. That leaves one, and from the nail marks and bite wounds I can take a guess that the loner came at you. Correct?”

“Yes, and yes I was there. But I panicked when those fuckers started getting riled up. I have epilepsy, which is why I have my dog with me at all times, but the panic triggered enough anxiety that I had a small seizure causing me to collapse. I wasn’t too involved with that part of the mess.”

Wow, what a liar you are.

“But the after - ?”

She exhaled. “I was woken early by my dog needing to go out. I was walking him when I was ambushed. I wasn’t even able to croak half a scream before he threw me into an alley. But with the time and the place it wouldn’t have mattered if I hollered myself hoarse. No one was out there, and even if so, no one would’ve helped.”

Smecker’s mouth gaped in disbelief. “Why do you believe that? People seeing someone in distress have more compassion than you may realize.��

“I’m not saying they don’t care at all, sir. But in that neighborhood it’s better to mind your own business or yours and your family’s safety could be compromised. I don’t blame anyone for that, I’m just stating fact.”

Smecker waved for her to continue, but she shrugged. “Haven’t you guessed the rest? I fought back, there was a point where I could’ve gotten away but he attacked Shep for defending me –“

“Shep is?”

She pointed to the sheltie that lied under the table. “From someone else’s perspective it wasn’t a smart move, but he wasn’t going to kill my dog. I pounced on his back to get him to stop when he flipped me to the ground. I kicked him between the legs to give me some time, but he yanked me back causing,” she motioned to her face, “this to happen. I-I don’t know what he was about to do the way he had me in place, but my dog had come back, and, again, he protected me. This time I was able to get my switchblade out and defend myself when he came at me.”

Smecker leaned forward. “You stabbed him twice.”

“Yes.”

“From the coroner’s report the wound to his neck was fatal enough, so why stab him again?”

Her teeth clenched, the questions causing the acid in her stomach to bubble. “Because he was still standing, are you saying it was wrong to defend myself?”

He shook his head. “Not at all, Ms. Shafir, I know that the three of you had to use force to stay alive. But I was trained to see things not everyone can, and from that wound I could see a lot of anger put in there.”

“He attacked me, he attacked my dog, and I knew he had people attacking my boyfriends, am I not justified in that emotion?”

He nodded a small smile tugging. “You are. I just believe it’s more personal than you want me to believe.”

She smirked back. “I’m sure you hate to hear this but you’re wrong.”

He laughed then. “That could be a possibility, but I hardly ever am, Ms. Shafir.”

She nodded slowly. It wasn’t conceit, it was truthful. She could tell there were more questions he wanted to ask, an expectant gleam in his eyes, he might’ve gotten around to asking them if one of the policemen hadn’t charged in.

“Sorry to disturb you, sir, but we got a problem.”

Smecker flicked his cigarette, sighing in exasperation. “What is it?”

The officer pointed behind him. “The press is everywhere out there. They’re going nuts for these guys. What do we do?”

Smecker’s eyes went to her before sliding over to both of the boys. “None of you are being charged. You want to talk to them?”

Her answer was immediate. “No.”

Connor soon joined her. “Absolutely not.”

“No pictures either.”

Bless you, Murphy. They didn’t need that on them either.

“We could walk you three out with bags over your head.”

She made eye contact with Connor before he shook his head. “Our mother can see through bags.”

Murphy licked his lips and nodded, the apprehension in his face told her the realization of their mother had just come to him. “Aye, she can…There any way we can stay here?”

Sera coughed on an escaped laugh as the officer’s eyes brightened, excitement taking over his features. “Sure, there’s an empty holding cell here. You can…can they stay?”

He asked that like a child asking a parent to let their friend spend the night and she shook her head in amusement. The boys seemed to think it was funny as well, huddling closer to her to hold in their snickers.

“We’ll have to check with your mom, but it’s all right with me if your friends sleep over.”

That got them then, the two busting out in a cackle. The officer flushed in embarrassment, leaving the room while Smecker stood.

“If there’s anything else you’d like to add, I’ll be here for a while; plenty of paperwork to keep me for the week while we wrap this up.”

His gaze wasn’t pointed at any of them, but she knew it was directed at her. When no one answered he grabbed his coat. “Well, time to feed the dogs.”

Murphy had went to make a phone call to Roc asking him to bring them all some clothes, while she and Connor were guided to the cell. She didn’t know what the codes were, but the cell couldn’t have been up to them. Two flimsy cots with barely a tissue cloth mattress stood side by side, a constant draft and wetness as moisture gathered on the wall, there was even a crack going up it splintering wider as it went.

She grimaced. “We could find somehow to get out of here. Wait for everyone to disperse, a back entrance…something.”

Connor cleared his throat. “We weren’t expectin’ ye ta stay, aingeal.”

She turned to him, perplexed. “What do you mean? I already said I’m not running, Connor. I know I’ve been flighty, but it’s just that I want you two safe.”

He put his hand over hers, smiling. “We know that, we want ye safe too. Which is why we’re gettin’ you out and havin’ ye stay with Rocco for da night.”

“What? No. I’m not leaving you two here in this dingy cage –“

Connor started to talk over her. “You’ll be safe with him, and we’ll have time to come up with a solution –“

“We need to focus on it together, not just –“

“This way you’ll have a breather, and not be –“

“One at a time works better!”

They both turned to Murphy, Sera’s eyes narrowing in on him. “You’ve decided this along with him, right? You both stay here, and leave me on my own?”

Murphy chewed the inside of his cheek. “Ye won’t be on yer own, Roc will keep a lookout for ye. I mean…ye know it’s not because we don’t want ye here.” He scouted the room. “I mean we don’t want ye in this kind of place, but we’re doing this fer you. Seeing how they were out there, the press outside…if ye stayed –“

“What’re you talking about, Murph?”

“Besides Smecker, everyone else out there believes we’re the only ones involved with this. Or the most think you were there but weren’t the main one to stick up ta anything. Three men down while two standin’ they’re not puttin’ much thought to ye right now, and we want ta keep it that way.”

Her mouth gaped. She hadn’t thought that much into it, but the way the men at the precinct behaved, they had believed it was the boys to take the Russians down. That all these steps they were thinking of her. “I’m sorry, I should’ve known you had your reasons. But I still would feel bad leaving you both here… in this.”

Murphy stepped beside her, squeezing her shoulder. “Eh, our first place was way worse than this. Plus we’ll have the guys waiting on us while we’re here, be like room service. Don’t worry about us, love, it’s just til mornin’ and we’ll meet up have us some breakfast and make a plan.”

She coughed a laugh, going in to hug him. “You know it’s kind of sad this is the first time we’ve really been apart since I moved in with you two.”

Connor snorted. “And why’s that supposed ta be sad? Were ye raring ta get away from us?”

“You know that’s not it, I just never pictured myself as the clingy girlfriend.”

“Ain’t clingy, we’d tell ye if ye were. We like ta keep ye close with us.”

Connor kissed her forehead. “While we’re waiting fer Rocco, how bout we get a card game goin’? Get us a few cigarettes stocked for da night.”

They had won several hands and a few packs of cigarettes before Rocco arrived. Cheers erupting from the boys when they were given a much warmer bundle of clothing, grins unfolding when Roc revealed their rosaries from around his neck.

His eyes wandered to her, and he nearly jumped back. “Damn, honey, what the hell happened to you?”

Murphy scoffed. “What ye think happened?”

He shimmied up to her, hands in his pockets. “I kept yours in my car, I promised the guys not to look at any of your delicates so I just shoved a bunch of shit in a bag.”

She laughed. “That’s fine, Roc.”

She turned to the boys, already tossing off the thin tops for their faded t-shirts. “I guess we’ll see you in the morning.”

It came out as more of a question and they smiled at her. “Aye, ye will.”

“Yeah, Roc will take care of ye, and if he doesn’t we’ll kick his ass.”

Rocco took one of the loose cigarettes they had one from the table. “Yeah, yeah, if I had all the hot air you two have I’d be able to make it to China and back.”

Connor’s face grew stern. “Just keep her safe fer da night Roc, and don’t be tryin’ anything.”

“Aye, twist yer balls off if we hear ye did.”

Rocco flung his hands up. “I ain’t gonna try anything! Jesus!”

“Lord’s name.”

The three turned to her and she couldn’t hide the smirk that came. The boys laughed with her. And with one final kiss to each of them and another threat on Rocco’s balls she followed him out of the precinct. She wasn’t going to say anything but the neighborhood was as rough as Connor and Murphy’s only now it was Italian instead of Irish. She was afraid this may put her in a disadvantage since she didn’t know the language. Unlike the loft, this was an actual apartment complex, many people shimmying by them to get to or from their homes.

“Gotta say, it’s not the greatest place…or the cleanest it’s probably a step up than how those botchagaloops of yours lived before meeting you though. Just don’t be thinkin’ me or Donna keep it like –“

“It’s fine, Roc, I really appreciate you letting me stay the night.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’d do anything to help you guys out.”

Giving him a one-armed hug, she uttered her thanks while being ushered into the apartment. She didn’t know what he was worried about. It wasn’t dirty, only lived in. Several empty bottles on the dining table, couch cushions sunk in, a few dishes in the sink, and a –

“Is that a cat?”

On cue the cat meowed, causing her to glance at Shep, his ears folding back.

“Yeah, it’s kind of Donna’s, your dog won’t like…kill it, will he?”

“No, my sister had a cat, Shep’s more traumatized of them than anything else so he’ll avoid it.”

Rocco chuckled. “You don’t sound too fond of them either.”

She smiled in reply. “I guess not, I’ve always been parcel of dogs. I’m a loyalist at heart.”

He set her bag by the couch, motioning for her to follow through the dining room to the kitchen.

“We don’t have much, but you’re welcome to it.”

“Thanks, Roc, not too hungry right now though. Might need to go and pick something up for Shep, unless you packed his food in there.”

He looked over his shoulder from the cupboards, sheepish with tinged cheeks. “Uh, no, didn’t think of that. But listen, I didn’t tell the guys this cause I know they’d freak, I got something to take care of for my boss. Shouldn’t take an hour or two, I can get something for you both then.”

“That’s kind of you, but I could probably pop out and get us –“

“No!”

She jumped at the raised volume, the cat scurrying away under the table.

He ran his hand through his hair. “Sorry, I got an earful of what would happen if I let you out anywhere.”

“Oh, did you?”

“Uh, yeah?”

She felt a little bad, the way he sounded it was like he expected her to beat him with a rolled up newspaper.

She gave a half smile. “Any other rules I should know about?”

He smiled back. “Nah, most were aimed at me anyways…so will you be alright here? Donna shouldn’t be back tonight, hell she’s been out for a few days so who knows what she’s up in. But you can have the bed, take a shower or something, and lie down - put some ice on that honker of yours til I get back. I-I can leave ya a gun or something if it’d make you feel safer.”

He had said it all in an offhand way, and though he wanted to keep it in there Sera caught the concern he had about his girlfriend. “You don’t have to do that Rocco. I’m more worried about inconveniencing you than anything else –“

“You’re not, hell like I said it’s just been me and the cat. Maybe he can crawl up your ass while you’re here instead of following me around.”

“Yeah, well, I said my sister had a cat. Not me. I like all animals, but I’m not too in like with the feline kind. Does it have a name?”

Rocco snorted. “Thought all girls liked cats…but no, Donna’s usually too fucked up to call it anything and I just call it cat.”

“No, we don’t all automatically like cats, they scratch, hiss, and stare at you like they’ll murder you…like now look at IT!”

She huddled back behind Roc, the cat’s green eyes narrowed into slits, ears turned back in aggression. Shep’s front paws kept tapping as he got nervous.

Rocco laughed. “I’ll throw him out if you want but he ain’t gonna do shit to you. Probably hungry, I got him some stuff, so I’ll feed him before I take off. You want anything particular to eat?”

“Not really. Though Shep prefers beef to any other dog food. But if you’re willing you can pick a few more ingredients I can fix us breakfast in the morning, and whatever you want for supper as a thank you.”

“You don’t gotta be doin’ all that.”

“But I want to Roc.”

“I won’t argue with you then. Can tell by how fat those two fucks are gettin’ that’d I’d be stupid to pass it up. If you’re settled in I’ll take off. Like I said it’ll just be a few hours.”

“That’s fine. I’ll be here.”

He went in like he was going to hug her, then thought better of it and pulled back. Making her laugh and pull him back in.

“You’re a good friend Rocco.”

He blushed twisting his keys before heading to the door, waving on his way out. Alone she went and sat on the couch, Shep folded himself against it, remaining wary of the cat as he laid his head on her thigh. She wasn’t sure she liked this. She had gotten used to people again, the boys always making noise, talking, hitting, laughing. Now there was silence. Trying not to be intrusive Sera looked around the apartment. It was snug, cozy, in its own way, there was a tv in the bedroom, but she had decided she would take the couch. Besides not wanting to burden him, she didn’t really want to sleep where Rocco was getting laid in. He was right when there wasn’t anything in the cabinets a few odd cans of beets and green beans but nothing substantial. She never understood this, if men loved to eat so much how come they never had groceries stocked? It was bizarre to her.

She almost shrieked when the cat bumped her leg, rubbing its face on her ankle. Rocco had been in a hurry and forgot about the hungry creature, so she went about fiddling in the bottom shelfs until she found the bag Rocco was talking about and scooped it some food. Its basic desire sated she walked out of the kitchen with an eye on the cat. Sure, it was an irrational thing, but try being a kid giving a cat a bath. She stayed away from them after that. Finding a record playing to flipped through the options before settling on an old Frank Sinatra, hearing the scratching as the needle started to circle she continued to wander when Blue Eyes started the vocals.

‘It's very clear Our love is here to stay Not for a year But ever and a day.’

Patting her hand on her hip to the rhythm she watched the sun begin to disappear, clouds beginning to move in. It was going to rain, hard if the dark grey was any indication. She was nervous, a bumbling pile of nerves that needed to be worked out. Thinking of her mother and the way she passed the time, she found a bucket and threw in some soap and scalding water and set to work around the house. She wondered if the poor woman felt this way all the time, her mom had always been constantly moving, never satisfied doing nothing. Work was her meditation, and the house and her family were her yoga. Sera was surprised the woman hadn’t had a stroke. Adding a finishing touch she threw a crocheted afghan over the couch, the cat making her stumble backwards as it jumped on it. It kneaded the arm of the seat, starring at her with hooded eyes almost begging to be touched.

Len’s cat did the same, and though, with her sister’s forgetfulness, Sera would be the one to feed it, the thing would always lash at her – grabbing her hand in its paw with nails sunk in to bring it to its mouth, giving a small lick before chomping. Her sister had named it Hippo, it was gray with blue eyes and a very pink nose, it had been sweet as a kitten but as it grew bigger and wider it became more vicious to the hand that fed it. It was like each pound it gathered more meanness entered him. This cat was half Hippo’s size, she knew if needed Shep would be no help, the dog remembering enough about the claws to stay out of it. But against better judgement she stuck her hand out for it to sniff, rubbing its cheek along her hand when it got her scent. It stretched out, yawning, nails embedded in the fabric while it walked along having her hand touched its back and along its tail before coming back to repeat.

“You’re not so bad, are you?”

It blinked, continuing to purr. Thinking to quit while she was ahead she pulled away, sighing, it was reaching the hour mark. Perhaps she’d take Roc on his offer – when cleaning the bathroom she wanted to moan at the sight of the bathtub. After getting used to taking showers, nothing sounded better than a good soak.

“Are you going to stay with the cat, Shep?”

The answer was a hard no when he scampered off the floor, paws sliding back off the hardwood to go after her. Turning the water on to let it heat, Sera gathered some towels, and found some bubble bath in the cabinet. Putting in the stopper, she swooshed her hand in the water to get the bubbles going, the smell of something akin to lavender and jasmine hitting her she stripped down, Shep taking ownership of the discarded clothing as he made his bed from them.

Pinning her hair up, she got in, soaking up to her shoulders in the hot water. Sera moaned low, the heat working its way into her bones, the stiffness fading. She laid her head back on the rim, watching the water rippling each time she moved. The tenseness was still there, she felt awful that the boys were staying in a cell tonight; she felt terrible what they had to do to even end up there in the first place. She slid further in the water, the smell of flowers taking her elsewhere. There were too many things to dwell on, and she needed to push forward. They would have to be better armed, better prepared for when this happened again. Bringing her hands up to her face she was surprised by how wrinkled her fingers had become, sudsing her hands she washed herself being wary of her nose before rinsing and climbing out of the tub. It did make her feel better, sloughing off the day, her muscles less achy and bundled, her bones more lax.

She was becoming concerned about Rocco, the storm had blew in now, the pitter patter hard against the windows making it hard to see anything outside. Who was she to call for him? He left no number, Sera was sure he had a pager but she had no idea the number for that either. Plus he was a grown man, the timeframe given wasn’t set in stone, she didn’t have any reason to worry for him. Going through the fridge she found a lone egg and a piece of bologna that was getting rubbery around the edges. She fried it, making sure to clean the skillet, before splitting the egg with Shep. She divvied out the meat between him and the cat who looked pleased to be included in the meal. She decided on some hot water to drink down with her food to keep the warmth inside her, before settling down on the couch. Throwing the afghan over her legs, Shep bounded up to curl between her legs, nestling between the cushions she gasped when the cat jumped to lay on the back. Tentatively she reached out to stroke its cheek. Shep whined, his jealousy coming out she smiled and let her other hand scratch his neck.

“What do you think, Shep? Should we give him a name?”

Shep exhaled deeply, muzzle on her knee not giving a care either way.

“I don’t know much about you, but you’re kind enough – how about Gus? It seems to fit enough, like an old man that only looks grumpy but has a good heart.”

The cat only purred in answer, eyes closed and ready to sleep.

Her hands fell away, going back under the covers to be warm in a familiar cocoon.

“Fine, Gus it is then.”

Remember now, weak can mean many things – it can be someone who lacks physical strength, a low standard, not convincing, um…

A coward.

Yes! A coward.

But I wasn’t a coward was I?

“I wasn’t weak, was I, Sera?”

Her heart pounded, not just by the voice but by the question, and she struggled to keep her eyes closed. The voice continued to go on, as if not wanting an answer.

“Even when we were little it was like I had to try harder than you both to prove it. Like when you and Sapphire wanted to camp out in the tree fort Popop built for us. I didn’t want to, was terrified of what would happen to us in the dark, but I went with you. I kept telling myself that you’d both protect me, you and him always protected me. Looking back, it was rather silly to be afraid, but it’s in our nature to fear the unknown. But we made it, didn’t we? Only…” The voice was trying to stifle a giggle. “Only it ended with me losing step on the ladder and fumbling down on top of you. I broke my arm and you broke your ankle. Oh, you were so upset with me, Sera…”

The voice stopped, as if pondering. Sera wanted to open her eyes, but this…illusion, hallucination, whatever it was; she didn’t want it to stop.

“I couldn’t be like either of you, and when mom…after her, I didn’t want to be like them, do you see? You said it once yourself, we couldn’t turn into them. They liked the blood they had on their hands, but I didn’t want to dirty them at all. I couldn’t understand what made them so evil, they were like us once – they were children, they had a family, went to school, rode bikes, and had romances. What changed them? And did it change us? I think it changed you, Sera. Especially when I…we don’t have to go into that. But did it make me weak? To not want to kill them? To rather run, and stay away than face them? He’s made me see now that it won’t stop, not until he’s gone and been judged and put away from here. He’s telling your new, uh, friends about that. But He’s letting me talk to you. You used to call me crazy when I said He talked to me…not crazy, you and Sapphire both wouldn’t say anything but I knew you never believed me about it. When you said I was weak, that I was giving up…after everything that I told you. Don’t be afraid; don’t be afraid to let yourself feel something, to be happy just because we’re not there with you. Because we are, in a way, I think it’s because we were made that way, while being molded inside of mom, but I can feel you. Lately your joy, that giddy feeling of falling in love, I’m so happy about that, Sera, happy for you. It’s made me smile for days. But I feel your fear and your sadness too. That pulsing rage that hasn’t died since the bridge, yes, I saw it. I saw you there. I don’t mean to sound petty, but – weren’t you weak then? Didn’t you give up? Oh, heavens I do sound wretched…I just – it hurt so much when you said that, and I wanted to prove you wrong, the both of you wrong so that’s why I did it. Why I didn’t say anything. I wanted to be the one to save you for once. But He was right, yet I did do it. And what I did, knowing what would happen, I’m here to say it wasn’t a weakness, it was agape if it were anything, Seraphine.”

“You were never weak, Len.”

Her voice was strangled, and she noticed the talking had ceased, opening her eyes slightly, she saw her sister’s silhouette. “Hi.”

She saw that small smile only Selene could give. “Hi.”

She felt hot tears streaking her cheeks. “I’m so sorry.”

Selene shook her head. “Why? Weren’t you listening? It was my decision – I would do it over and over if I had to. I-I just wish you and Sapphire were still together.”

“Me too. I suppose he believes he’s protecting me. The same as I did to you. I pushed you away when you needed me. When you confided those dreams to me, hurt you thinking it would erase the possibility of it happening and, at the same time, make you stronger. But it doesn’t, does it? I know it shattered me when he left. I’m sorry if I made you feel like that, I’ve never stopped being sorry for it. Sorry for not seeing the sudden change in you, especially up to the moment on those steps, that look in your eyes…why couldn’t I see something was wrong? I wanted so bad for it to be over that I stopped seeing the signs of danger. I wish I would’ve done more…I regret so much, and I can’t do anything about it. I’m just sorry, I’m sorry Selene, it should’ve been me –“

She felt the cold ghost of her hand brush through her hair, knuckles pressed to her cheek. “I told you, it wasn’t for you. You’re meant for more here, Sapphire is meant for more here…me, I was meant for greater things elsewhere. And I like it there, I miss you, both of you, but you’re still with me as I am with you. Just know that I am happy, Sera, we all are, and let yourself be happy knowing that. It’s time you let the magic come back. You said you wanted to find it again; it doesn’t have to be snake oil anymore. God sent you in the arms of good men to prove that to you. Just let your mind have it, it’s not just stories, but a reality, a way of life that can bring us joy and safety. You’ll be safe again one day, and you’ll see.”

“I-I can’t.”

“Why not?”

“I can’t be the last one, Len. It’s selfish, but I can’t be alone. I’d rather rot in the ground than be stuck here by myself.”

Selene’s bottom lip pursed, smile intact. “But you wouldn’t be alone you –“

“I already have to this without you, but I can’t…not with Sapph gone too.”

Selene let out a knowing giggle, the sound making Sera’s spine tingle in the familiarity. “Oh, Sera, you know, I always thought it was our brother that was bad at making quick assumptions –“ Sera’s head tilted to look at her sister stooping down. Those gold flecks in such similar evergreen eyes glinting at her. She wanted to reach out, touch her, hug her, not let her get away, but she was too frozen, in shock and fear that the apparition would disappear. “I did say you’d be the last of us remaining, but I never did say when. You only assumed it meant now, during this, but who’s to say it’s not 30, 40, or 100 years down the road? You need to quit being so dismal in your thinking. The Lord knows what and how much we can handle. Let him guide you in that. Put the fear of loss aside, Sera, let it make you strong again.”

She felt Selene’s lips on her temple, warmth rushing to her entirety. “You were always the strong one, please know that, Len.”

“As long as you know that there is good and good people out there, know that you are one of them.”

Sera nodded, opening her eyes to a dark room.

“Len?”

Shep sat back to let her up, it was real, that had been real. She felt her sister here.

And you thought I was crazy.

She had, all those premonitions of Len’s were merely her imagination, but now…She went over to turn the lamp on, finding no trace of the interaction that had occurred.

“Oh, Shep.”

It hurt - the loss again, but it was also a good ache. It was hope.

Searching the bedroom she saw Rocco had not returned and though she was concerned she was also fueled. Peeking out the large windows she saw the storm had moved on. Another sign.

“Let’s go for a walk, Shep.”

Up for it, he barked, frantically speeding in circles for her to hurry and attach the leash. She still had the pocketknife Murphy had given her, under forensics the blood probably remained, but she had washed it with bleach after washing Roc’s dishes the steel now as shiny as the day it was purchased. Putting it in her pocket she wrapped her coat around her, flipping the hood in case it was drizzling. It was an aimless walk, letting Shep lead her until she felt she was at their destination. She kept her focus, around her, the slickness of the ground, a few cars honking at one another at the intersection, a group laughing outside one of the restaurants. After crossing the street several, zig-zagging across the city, she felt her legs tiring; Shep had begun to pant heavier as well.

“We need to rest, boy.”

He tugged her forward, her eye catching on a steeple, stained glass windows greeting her. It had to be past midnight, but it appeared the place was open.

Gripping her jacket tighter, she relented. “May as well.”

It was open, a few wary souls like her wandering here to pray. She let her legs buckle as she took a seat in one of the empty pews. The smell of wood and incense wafted up to her, relaxing her, and she let herself doze in peace. Her mind going over her own revelation, her sister – she admitted to herself that she felt so light, a heavy burden diminished. It wasn’t her fault, it wasn’t God’s fault. And though it would be easy to keep the blame on those that waved their guns, she held back, seeing them as Len had – as people. Bad people, but still human. Finally, she felt cleansed, she felt real again. Maybe the magic was coming back to her.

“I know you.”

She startled, jerking up to see a man staring at her. Well, not just a man, but a priest, and she had seen them before.

“Yes, you came to speak at my boyfriends’ church.”

The man smiled. “That’s right, Macklepenny, I think I can say that I’ve never seen many people bring in their dog with them to the services.”

“Uh, he’s a service dog, no pun intended there, sir. But I take him with me everywhere, if you need to see my card –“

The priest held up his hands. “Oh, no, no, I wasn’t trying to make any accusation. I’ve never seen it though, but I love dogs, he’s a beauty too.”

Shep stood prouder, as if he understood, making Sera smile and stroke him. “He is, and loyal.”

Macklepenny nodded briskly. “I hope I may be forward in saying I haven’t seen many men stand at the services either, from what you said you are taken with one of them then?”

She blushed, the technicality in her grammar must have made it singular, but she wasn’t going to correct it. “Yessir, I hope you don’t take offense of it, they’re both very devout to their faith and to the church. I was a bit stunned by it as well at first but no one there seems to mind.”

“No! I’m sorry, I keep putting this in a bad light…I was honestly quite surprised by it but when it was explained to me I understood. No just the three – or the four of you isn’t something that I see often. It’s a breath of fresh air to me.”

She laughed. “I’m glad then.”

“So how about you?”

“Um, how about me what?”

“You said the gentlemen were devout, but you never mentioned yourself.”

She petted Shep to calm her. “I’m getting better at it, I had a bit of an epiphany tonight which I guess was the guidance to bring me here. But I – I hope you don’t…well…I’m Jewish, but I attend with the guys because they’re Catholic. I’m becoming engulfed in both religions it seems.”

He seemed off put but quickly regained composure. “There’s nothing wrong with that, we’re all God’s children.”

Emboldened she pressed. “What does confession do?”

His brows rose. “Pardon?”

“Confession, I’ve been lightened in my mind, but I would like to absolve myself out loud.”

“Confession is to allow the Lord as well as the person to forgive their sins, simultaneously releasing themselves from the binds of it. As a daughter of Judaism you know you do not have to confess your sins of a daily basis –“

She tried to make light of it, and failed. “I know, sir, but Yom Kippur is a ways a way…I’ve sinned much worse than coveting or eating grapes from the market without paying.”

Macklepenny took the adjoining pew, facing her. “And what sins are you wishing to confess then, my child?”

Sera sat a little straighter. “Before we begin, Father, these things are…um, confidential, right?”

The poor man became more fidgety. “Of course, the Seal of Confession stays within the confines of this church as it is with you and I.”

She nodded, taking a breath. “Good, I just needed to be sure.”

With that she began to relay her story to him, every feeling, every action, and consequence that followed her to this point. Soon his eyes went to the floor nodding when the occasion called for it, his brow furrowed while he hummed in acknowledgement and when she was done his gaze slowly lifted back to hers.

“You have been through quite an ordeal.”

“Many of my loved ones have…I’m concerned that it will continue to be that way for them.”

“We must let God guide the way in these times, it may not be easy, or have the result we search for but it is His will. He knows what is best for us.”

“But how do we know which is His will?”

Macklepenny smiled. “You must give yourself time to obtain the answer; you’ll know when it comes.”

Sera huffed. “No offense, Father, but I’ve been out of touch with this for a while. And what I’ve told you, what choice am I supposed to make when another gun is shoved in my face or someone is attacking my loved ones?”

He cleared his throat in discomfort. “No matter how much time passes, once you’ve accepted the Lord, He stays within you for eternity. He’s guided you, Lucifer may have you thinking otherwise, but you’ve made your decisions based on the need of others not yourself those actions say who’s been aiding you in your answers. The things you’ve had to do, no one can imagine, each person is different in their trauma. But it isn’t bloodlust, you may have exacted revenge in an attempt to gain justice of your sister…but it was your grief that did that. It was an action of love in the end, and you telling me the guilt you feel for so much of it now speaks volumes. A sensible person would tell you to go to the police, but from what you told me…I can’t tell you what to do. All I can say is to stay on this path, allow the sheet of guilt and grief fall and embrace the possibilities you can have. Let that be what drives you.”

“Thank you, Father.”

She stood, Shep leaping up to go.

“I’m sorry I can’t give you all that you’re looking for.”

“No, Father, you’ve helped me more than ever…I know God isn’t a magic 8 ball. He can’t give a straightforward answer, but thank you, just for listening. That’s helped me more than anything to have an impartial to hear me.”

“It’s no problem. And please, child, just remember – the Lord doesn’t decide what he does to help his children, but to save them.”

Her face remained blank, but she nodded. Bundling herself back in for the brisk cold the night would have. Rocco had to be back by now, but she didn’t really want to head back there. It wasn’t home, it was flat – in addition, it was empty, and after the tumbling of events tonight she didn’t want to be alone. So instead she decided she would go back to the police station, the press had to be gone, and she could just sleep out in the lobby. But she needed to be close.

“I am the clingy girlfriend, aren’t I, Shep?”

Cold air billowed out of his snout, his head to the ground finding any scent of new friends. After several blocks her posture began to bristle, goosebumps rising to the surface. She was being followed she was sure. Again? This soon? She tried to act casual, adjusting her speed up slightly and inclining it after each block. She put her hand in her pocket, gliding her fingers to the button on her knife. IF the opportunity came she’d scramble, but she wouldn’t hesitate to defend herself. She saw the figure of a man, his outline covered by a huge hooded coat, the black fading with the night. She couldn’t kid herself she needed a taxi, the station was over ten miles and there was no way she’d be able to jog that far. But the block she was on was quiet besides a few stragglers being ushered out of a bar nearby. Stopping at the four-way she glanced in all directions to plot where to go, feeling a hand on her shoulder she lashed out getting the person’s hand who leapt back with a yelp. She turned to continue her attack when she was overpowered, the assailant going for her wrist, pinning her at the sidewalk post.

“You’ve lost your touch. Gotten soft, I like it.”

Her mouth gaped open, her body shaking and heart stammering at the voice.

“Sapph?”

#the boondock saints #the boondock saints fic #connor macmanus #murphy macmanus #connor and murphy macmanus #oc #chapter 16

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doinurmommy · 7 years

Text

Dad Jokes, Go For Broke. Pt.5

Rating:T

Warnings: Children? Vague description of the sex if you look closely.

Description: After the group is reunited 10k falls ill. On their mission to bring Lucy home they suffer several set backs.

It’s finally here the last part of this fanfic. There will be a sequel once season 4 rolls around. Until then I will be working on Z Country, a parody of Z Nation, as well as taking requests for oneshot fanfics. Sorry it took so long to get this out there, I’ve been working really hard on Z Country and I wanted to make sure this part was really good.

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5

With one common goal and the group back together, things were a lot like normal. Real normal. The group back together with one goal, no enemy to fight but the man.

I could tell 10k didn’t feel safe though. Every moment he got he held the baby close to his chest; sometimes he just stared at him like he wanted to burn the image of his son into his eye lids. I could hardly even get him to let go of Thomas long enough for me to feed him. 10k would wrap his arms around me when I held the baby at night. He was as alert as a guard dog. If anybody got within 3 feet of us he’d be there in an instant. Sometimes I’d wake up and he would just be looking over us. I often wondered when he slept.

“10k, the baby’s fine. Im fine. You’re fine. Go to bed dear,” I rolled over, running my hand through his hair.

“I don’t want anything to happen to you two,” he looked as though he hadn’t slept in 40 years.

“Tommy. I literally just survived 6 weeks on my own with Jr. Nothing will happen.”

He looked down between us, not speaking for awhile, I almost thought he might have fallen asleep. “I’m so lucky, that we have all survived. That nothing happened to you or the baby. I never thought I would get to be a dad,and I love every moment of it,” he looked up at me, his eyes getting shiny.

I put Jr. in his basket, turning around to look at 10k again. Displays of emotions were rare for 10k, which made every time he said I love you, every kiss, hug, every touch, that much more special.

In that moment I was really glad Thomas was 8 weeks old.

I ran my hand over 10k’s new scars, as he did the same to me. We hadn’t gotten a chance to be close since before he got shot. It felt like we were seeing each other as different, new people.

Over the time we took to get to the coordinates, 10k didn’t seem to be doing so well. He had a fever, everytime I touched him I could feel the heat radiating off him. When he passed out and started choking I pulled the whole group over. I thought he would die. When he started breathing normally, I knew we had to get him antibiotics. Everywhere we stopped I looked and looked; if we didn’t find them soon he would die. I could tell by the way Dr. Sun looked at him, brows knitted together, that we didn’t have much time to find him help.

“Grandpa? Grandpa. You in there buddy?” Doc knocked lightly on Grandpa’s forehead. “What do you think Addy? He’s been out for half an hour.”

“He’s still receiving. Look at his eye lids his eyes are moving,” Addy glanced in the rear-view mirror, seeing Doc blowing smoke in the direction of grandpa. “Getting him high isn’t helping either.”

I helped 10k along, staying far behind the rest of the group. I held my pistol close hearing the gun fire up ahead. If i could have I would have left Thomas in the car, but 10k needed help and somebody needed to get him to it. 10k saw Doc in the distance, groaning and gesturing, I took that as my que to pick up the pace. Hobbling quickly I saw Doc pointing at a zombie, his eyes widened when he saw 10k and I. “I can’t believe all of you guys made it. Well almost, what’s wrong with the kid?” I looked at Thomas, confused. “No not that kid. This one,” he said as he got under 10k’s other arm.

“He has an infection. It’s pretty bad he hasn’t been breathing properly. We need to get him inside,” I pushed 10k toward the opening in the rocks. “And as for this kid he just needs a nap,” I pointed at my chest where the baby was strapped.

We crept througout the base avoiding any busy areas. “Wish we had grandpa right about now,” Warren returned Doc’s glare. “Just sayin’ ” Doc shrugged, getting a better grip on 10k in the process. After securing the area I laid 10k down on the ground. I could see Dr. Sun was getting nervous. She’d have a plan surely. I really hoped so.

I clenched 10k’s hand, leaving bruises. I looked back and forth between Warren and Sun. Warren nodded and went to wrap the cloth around his neck. Thomas had been so quiet I nearly forgot about him. “Warren, wait,” I ran into the hallway to give Doc Thomas. “I don’t want him to see that.” Doc nodded and gave a hollow half smile. I glanced back one last time, Tommy sucking his thumb and laying on Doc. I took a deep breath. I’d have to face this someday, I’d have to be strong. I won't be alone even if this doesn’t work.

“Okay. We’re good to go,” I looked at 10k, his eyes shifted around the room in a panic. I held onto his hand a little bit harder as Warren began to strangle him. When the vaccince was finally administered I sat staring at him, looking for any sign he could still wake up.

5 minutes passed, then 10, before Warren and Sun finally made the call that he wouldn’t be coming back. I shook my head. I continued to grasp his hand, it was the only thing that felt real. I focused on that. I wouldn’t believe it. Tears started to fall freely, as I began to accept what was happening. Looked to the side, seeing Doc standing there with Thomas. I motioned him over, “Thank you,” I held my son extra close as i layed down beside 10k’s body.

Just when I had lost all hope 10k shot up, grabbing Murphy by the chest. He gasped, forcing out the phrase, “You are not my savior.” It took a minute before eveyone broke out into smiles, Dr. Sun had done it. She saved him.

As hugs were being given I whispered in 10k’s ear, “Is now a bad time to tell you I’m pregnant again?” His reaction was probably the best thing I ever saw, he smiled wider than ever before hugging me painfully tight. He grabbed Thomas kissing the top of his head.

“Alright we’ve had out moment now its time to go,” Warren was serious as always, but the smile on her face didn’t fade until we crept up the ladder to the roof.

After losing Lucy I scrambled to help Murphy and Warren. 10k was worried all the stress of it would make me lose the baby, but we had move quick, and he was in no position to help. All he could do was watching and try to calm Tommy down.

#z nation #10k x reader #10k z nation #fanfiction

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townnightwalk · 7 years

Text

REWRITTEN BEGINNING: INTRODUCTION OF NEW CHARACTER.

17/05/2017

- under the cut is the rewritten introduction to the story, and with the inclusion of a new character. This was a significant choice than ultimately changed the entire story and plan for the characters. It includes the main characters older sister who is increasingly hinted to be dead through the later dialogue, and this stems into the entire story arc and all character arcs.-

Index

- M = murphy, Prues sister

- P = prue, main character

- S = Sybil

- J = jones

- ? = unknown voice

- ITALIC: internal dialogue and narration

- Blue text: notes, not in actual piece

FIRST SCENE

- Starts with introductory prose

Sometimes, memories are hazy,

Like lines of heat on a distant horizon,

Wavy and uncertain, tricking you

Sometimes the haze is heavier

Like white noise and static on an old tv

When you turn the dial on your grandparents set

All you see and hear is a deafening mess of white and black

Sometimes, you can find places like this

Liminal spaces, wedged between real life

But very much real, although they feel like a dream

These spaces can confuse you, scare you

Consume you

Beware of those who live there

Scene shown is a warmly lit room, where the main character wakes up to calm music and her sister. They clean the room, talk, and then prue discovers shes actually still asleep and wakes up a second time to be in the car with her friends. In scene 1 prue thinks she has woken up, wakes up again to discover she was still dreaming, and then is knocked out by the car crash. This constant loss of consciousness is intentional, and it met to fit the tone of liminal spaces aka spaces between dreams, where you feel half awake and uncertain of what is real because of this.

? "hey sleepy head"

P "huh?"

? "are you going to help me with this or what?"

You turn to a familiar face, lit by the warm glow of the soft lights around her.

Shes tall, and grinning, and she looks like you.

Shaking yourself out of your dozy haze, you stand and start to help her collecting the plates from the dinner table.

M "about time doofus"

P "are you 10 years old"

M "I thought using doofus made me sound like 80, not 10" its not much to clean up, but you turn the tap on and let it fill the sink anyway. As you plunge the plates and your hands into the hot water, she turns and starts folding up the blanket on the couch. You're a messy sleeper, even when you nap, so she starts to readjust the cushions as well.

Dialogue decision

1 "how was work?"

2 "did I miss anything?"

1 M "pretty average, no one threw anything at me this time"

P "wait what"

M "remember? That old lady who thought I was hiding her size?"

M" she threw a fit, and also a heel"

P "damn, I totally forgot about that"

P "what a bitch"

M "eh, she's just an old weirdo with bad aim"

2 M "you missed dad, he was here for dinner"

P "good"

M "left an hour ago for stevens, I would be in your room when he gets home"

P "nah, lets go out"

M "ok, but lets finish this first"

M "hows life"

P "fine"

M "hows school"

P "fine" M "hows friends?"

Decision

1 "absolute shit"

2 "totally fine"

M "I guessed as much, you look like hell

P "well fuck thanks a lot"

M "whats going on"

P "just some drama, sybils been pissing me off a lot"

M "well, we'll be seeing her tonight"

P "you are not performing an 'intervention'"

M "we'll seeeeee"

M "you're a shit liar"

P "you're a shit listener"

M "what? I listen"

P "but you forget to keep to the listening part, you'll end up making me write her a letter or something"

M "psh, worked last time"

You finish off drying the dishes and put them in the drawer beside you, then you put some glad wrap over the leftovers and place them inside the fridge. The bench is clear, and the kitchen tidy. She smiles and playfully shoves your side.

M "thanks, wanna go get ready now?"

P "its not for another hour"

M "it's 8 dummy"

P "oh fucking hell"

M "want me to do your eyeliner wings or nah"

Decision

1 "only if you can do it while driving"

2 "do you think he'll be pissed if we borrow the car"

M "that’s why I have two hands"

P "that’s a disappointing amount of hands"

M "hey, im still developing here"

P "still developing at 24 years of age, and I thought it was sad enough youre living at home this old"

M "dunno, he probably wont notice, hes getting dropped home late"

P " I wanna stay late"

M "well… we can cross that bridge when we get to it"

P " I guess"

you hang up the teatowel and grab your phone off the bench, starting up the stairs to go and get ready. Before you reach the top, Murphy calls out again.

M "Hey Prue"

P "yeah?"

M "do me a favour"

P "what?"

NOTE- at this point prue is waking up from this dream, she can hear another voice that isn’t her sisters-

? "Prue?"

- Music stops

? "we have to go, wake up!"

NOTE- the scene changes to indicate that she has woken up, she is now in a car with her friends on the side of the road.

your vision blurs and so does she, before you can hear the request, its all gone in an instant.

you're confused for a moment, but it doesn't take long for you to remember where you are.

it's late, you wish you could return to the dream that's been stolen from you

but your friend shakes you again, and you look at her with a frown.

S "c'mon, we gotta leave."

P "hmm... what? Why, I'm tired... I'm really tired."

S "look. Jones saw someone over there,

I think we should park somewhere else."

The car dashboard is bright in the dark of the night,

so bright you have to squint.

You reach out to turn a dial and the music fades away

decision

1 "fine, we'll go.":

2 "who did he see?"

3 "jones is a jumpy wimp"

You turn on the engine and rub your eyes, letting out a comical yawn mostly for effect and turn on the indicator.

S "who the hell are you indicating for"

P "your mystery man, he could be anywhere"

J "har har. I really did see someone"

P "well now he knows to stand back while I pull into the street, safety first"

S "how the hell should I know"

J "it was just someone, I don’t know, does it matter?"

J "I don’t want to meet whoever is stumbling around at 3am in the dark"

P "fine, whatever"

J "call me what you want, I don’t want to deal with some creep in the middle of the night"

S "- and in the middle of nowhere"

P "I didn't say I didn't trust your wimpy attitude, im just saying"

Its obvious he's ticked off, but you're too grumpy and groggy to feel like apologising, so you wait in the short silence until he speaks up again.

J "lets get out of here, ok"

P "ok"

- If 2 or 3 jump to a copy of 1-

You turn on the engine and rub your eyes, letting out a comical yawn mostly for effect and turn on the indicator.

S "who the hell are you indicating for"

P "your mystery man, he could be anywhere"

J "har har. I really did see someone"

P "well now he knows to stand back while I pull into the street, safety first"

The street is deserted, matching the lifeless houses lining it. The only lights you see hang overhead and stand out as beacons to follow blindly.

S "where do you think we are?"

J "well, we drove a good 7 hours."

P "who cares, it doesn't matter as long as its far."

S "true, love feeling like a nomad, just following the road to nowhere. s "especially cause im in a car and don’t have to walk or be cold"

J "we should plan what to do next in the morning"

P "I have a plan"

Decision

1 "step one: sanctuary

2 "step one: steal

3 "step one: wreck shit <NOTE: BIG DIVIDE 3, RENEGADE

J "happy to hear we arent living in a car"

J "god sybil don't look like that. We are not living in a car."

S "we live in a car, we live in the getaway vehicle."

P "we live in a car, we learn to live with shady toilets in parks and fast food places"

S "damnit. You got me."

Jump to safe branch

P "I have to empty dads bank accounts before he realises I took his cards"

P "if he cancels them we're screwed"

S "fuck yes, holy shit let me cut the cards I've always wanted to do that"

S "off the grid, out of the system, cash only, no trace"

J "we should've done that sooner, he can trace the atm"

S "can you just

S "enjoy this"

J "you said no trace, I was just-"

Sybil reaches back to press her hand against Jones mouth before he can finish the thought. She does it hard enough that his lips are pulled back to expose his teeth, leaving him with a true grimace of frustrated acceptance.

S "please. No more"

Jump to safe branch

Sybils eyes widen, as does her threatening grin.

S "I love the new prue"

J "what would we be doing exactly"

P "Cutting all ties. Taking all the money on my dad's account, and ditching this car."

S "wait what"

P "the license plate and car model, the police will be looking for it at some point"

S "and?"

P "we're finding a replacement, and losing this one."

S "prue"

S "if you don’t tell me what you mean by 'losing it' I might lose my mind first"

DESCISION WITHIN DECISION

a burning it

b selling it

C driving it off a cliff

P "he gas lit me all my life, why not do it back"

P "In a way"

J "because its arson"

J "and if there is one place I don't want to sleep more than this car"

J "its in a cell."

P "I mean, it's not as clean cut, do sales people run plates after they buy a car?"

J "I have absolutely, no fucking clue."

J "I feel like we need paperwork or something"

P "guess we just need to find someone really seedy?"

S "boo, what a boring option"

S "still, money."

S "and disguises"

J "no disguises"

P "she can have one"

S "FUCK"

S "YES"

Jump to safe branch

J "you cannot be serious."

J "what cliff? Into where? The ocean?"

S "prue as soon as its legal"

S "I am marrying you"

P "I just want to destroy this thing"

J "you are serious"

J "god. Ok, lets sleep on it."

S "well… if we are intent on wrecking it…"

S "no point in keeping it pristine now."

You grin back at sybil, and jones stares in horror as you change gears and lurch everyone back by slamming on the accelerator.

NOTE: this scene leads to the crash

#writing #progression

0 notes

totalfanfreak · 7 years

Text

One of Three - Chapter 13

One of Three Chapter 13 – Why is Everything so Heavy?

[Guys! I got a beta finally – actually I got two that offered, bleedingrose0688 and canadianjelly, they have both been amazing in putting up with me and giving me ideas and just making me want to finish this. So thank you so much you two for that. Here's hoping it doesn't take so long in the future.]

“I’m telling you guys, there’s nothing.”

The boys were walking to McGinty’s with Rocco hoping after waiting for weeks to have something to go on to relay to Sera, only to come up empty, again.

Connor took a long puff of his cigarette before speaking. “There’s got ta be somethin’, Roc, doesn’t yer boss talk to the other crime leaders or somethin’?”

Rocco shrugged his shoulders, making his shaggy hair bounce in his face. “Yeah, they all keep on alert with each other. They’ll wage fuckin’ war if they breathe on another’s territory. Look, all I know is Papa Joe is hoping to get an alliance going with the Russian syndicate but as far as knowing what their hits or interests are I haven’t gotten anything. It’s not like I can probe too much or outright ask, you know? I learned early in this job you ask too many questions your answer’s going to be a bullet in the head.”

The image put a brick in Connor’s stomach, running his tongue over his teeth he was glad when his brother spoke.

“What about da note? Did ye recognize the handwriting? Think one of yer friends could’ve forged it?”

The letter Sera had gotten on Christmas had them both suspicious. Why wouldn’t her friend just call? There were payphones everywhere if the girl had been worried about being traced. So why a letter? It seemed too bizarre to be legit though their doubt had irked Sera a tad.

“We’ve written notes to each other since we were seven. I think I know my best friend’s handwriting.”

And she probably did, but someone who had trained themselves could copy anything. And it worried Connor as well as his brother that this was putting her guard down while putting theirs’ up – they had believed her long before this but now it was becoming real. So they were trying to keep her engaged, wanting to teach her how to fight better, moves where she could get out of someone’s grip if needed. The most fun was teaching her the Russian tongue, her mouth more than once unable to produce the right annunciation of the words. The slips making her curse, and stammer. Connor wished one of them knew the Fehnay better, only able to teach her a handful of phrases that people in the underworld would use.

“I’ve looked it over several times. It doesn’t look like anything one of the guys could do. It’s too feminine.”

“So it had to be a woman that wrote it?”

“That’s my guess.”

Connor looked at his twin, not fully convinced but knew they both could try and breathe easier. Coming up to the pub he stayed out with Rocco while Murphy went in.

“Man, I get it, you’re tryin’ to protect your girl. If I see or hear anything I’ll let you know. I’ll do what I can.”

Connor sighed, taking off his sunglasses. “We know, Roc. Murph and me have faith in ye with that. But workin’ with these people fer so long, what do ye think we should do?”

Rocco’s usual blithe features hardened, eyes unwavering. “I’ve heard things about the Russian scene, shit they’ve done up here’d make you sick, worse than what Papa Joe’s crew has done. I can’t say what to do for her brother – could be dead by now if they got him. But her, you want to keep her safe, you need to get her the fuck away from here.”

Connor swallowed, taking in the sage advice. The only place he could think to take Sera would be his home in Ireland. But there was no damn way she’d go without knowing about her brother. And he couldn’t place blame on her for that. But they would have to find some precautions they could take.

“Think a gun would help til we can figure shit out?”

“For starters, I know a guy that can set you up with what you need.”

He nodded, throwing the unfinished cigarette in the bucket Doc kept by the door before entering the bar. Sera was supposed to meet them here, and his heart pounded when it took a minute to find her. Shepherd helping her stand out from the increasing crowd, Murphy sat on the booth’s table beside her making weird faces and jiggling his rosary and Connor thought his brother had lost it until he saw the baby Sera was holding.

“Whatcha got there, lass?”

She turned and smiled at him jostling the baby up and down as she greeted him. It couldn’t have been a few months old, eyes wide as Murphy tried to keep its attention, tiny hands clutching on Sera’s sleeve.

“This is Julie’s son, Adam. Adam this is Connor.”

He grinned taking the little hand to shake, the baby’s reflexes making him grasp back.

“Who’s Julie?”

Sera’s lips parted in disbelief. “Geez, Rocco, she’s like the only waitress Doc’s been able to keep for more than a week. Red hair, pretty, you kiss her cheek whenever she hands you a beer.”

“Oh, yeah, I knew that.”

Connor smirked at his friend. “Course ye did. He’s got too many girls on him now ta remember them all.”

“It ain’t like that.”

Connor could tell he was embarrassed now, Rocco’s tell of stroking his beard showing up.

“So what’s it like then?”

Murph was joining in on the teasing now, hearing that small lilt of enjoyment enter his voice.

“I can’t help I’m a nice guy, girls like that and shit. Doesn’t mean I’m doin’ anything. Hell I already got to put up with Donna at home, I can’t handle more.”

Sera shook her head. “Don’t pay any mind to them, Roc, Claudette knows you two are just friends. She’s just glad to have someone to talk to about things that the two of you seem to get. She said you helped her out the other night too.”

Rocco lip curled in a sneer. “Yeah, that piece of shit ex of hers came running on her lawn screaming at her. Glad to knock him on his ass.”

Sera chuckled. “She was glad too.”

Rocco grinned clapping his hands together. “I think it’s time to get ole Fuck Ass to get me a beer. I’ll be back.”

Connor watched his friend go up to the bar before turning back to his girl. “Ye have one yet, lass?”

She shook her head. “Didn’t think it was a good idea, you know, with my hands full and everything. I will when Julie gets back, she went with her mom to do something real quick.”

“You’re good with ‘im.”

The baby was content in her arms, gumming on his hand, while he eyed everything.

“The look suits her, doesn’t it brother?”

Connor turned to his twin, seeing the playfulness there, but with the soft smile he knew Murph was with him that it wasn’t a bad daydream for later on.

“I’d say it does, ye thinkin’ about havin’ one of those, love?”

Connor grinned, watching Sera sputter, hand going to her throat. “I can’t say I ever really have. Would you like to hold him?”

Now it was his turn to be nervous. “I think I’ll pass, lad doesn’t want ta be smellin’ like meat.”

Her smile told him that it was fine, that she understood the same as he did with her sputtering. It was a fine thing to imagine but too soon and the wrong circumstances to consider. They all had time to learn and get over their nerves.

“I’ll take him.”

He wanted to smack Murph then, at ease with taking the small bundle and cradling him in his arms. But Connor laughed when he did, the baby’s face wrinkling up and ready to cry making Murphy look up in alarm.

“What’d I do? I couldn’t have hurt him, right?”

Sera went to him, adjusting the baby from his arms to let him lie on Murphy’s chest, the whimpering settling down.

“Julie says he’s about three months old, he’s still at the stage that he likes to hear a heartbeat and be snug up.”

Murphy looked proud of himself as he patted the wee one’s back, swaying back and forth.

Sera crossed her arms, a hint of color entering her cheeks. “I’d say that the look suits you as well, Murph,” she pivoted back to him, pinching his face softly. “I’m sure it’ll look good on you too, Conn.”

“Thanks, aingeal.”

“How about I take Adam back and you two join Rocco? I invited Janine and Claudette here. I haven’t really talked to them since Christmas so I’ll wait on them to join in. Besides you both look like you could use a drink.”

Connor tried to appear offended. “We look that much like shit?”

“No, but you seem tired…worried. Did something happen?”

He knew she wasn’t meaning work. That it was her asking if Roc found anything. “Nothing’s happened, grá aingeal. Roc’s working his way inta things and will keep tryin’ ta find something. We want ta be careful though.”

She nodded, solemn. “I know.”

“Thinkin’ we should show ye how ta use a gun.”

She snorted. “I know how to shoot, boys.”

Connor glanced at his brother who shrugged at him smiling, that was one thing they wouldn’t need to worry about then.

“That’s good, we were going ta look at some with Roc. Maybe start practicing.”

She chewed her lip. “If you want…he didn’t hear anything about…?”

His gaze softened, touching her cheek. “’Fraid not, Seraphine. But it’ll be all right. Sometimes no news is good news, aye?”

She nodded again, but he knew she wasn’t convinced. Letting his attention go back to his brother, paying mind to how Murph was reluctant to give up the baby.

“I got two hands, love, I won’t drop him or nothin’. ‘Sides he likes me.”

Connor was happy that a smile came back up to her face. The baby did give the impression of being happy enough in his twin’s hold.

“Fine, as long as you drop your beer before you drop him.”

“Ye have me word, lass. Come on, little lad, Uncle Murph will show ye the proper way ta poke some fun.”

Sera poked his side on the way to the bar. “You’re right, it is fun.”

“Watch it, love, have my hands free soon enough.”

Connor smiled at her giggle, lingering behind. “Having a girls’ night then?”

“I feel kind of bad for not keeping in touch with them lately, thought it’d be good way to take my mind off things too.”

“Ye should. Don’t help too much ta dwell on things, need ta keep your spirits up.”

“You do too. It’s been one of the things I’m afraid of with all this happening.”

He tilted his head, not able to figure out where she was hinting. “What do ye mean, love?”

Her smile was sad. “That you’ll change. That both of you will. You’re both light-hearted and happy, this…I want to shield you from the things that can happen. I don’t want either of you part of it.”

“Aingeal –“

“I don’t want you to resent me.”

He took her by the shoulders then, waiting until she made eye contact with him to speak.

“That ain’t ever gonna happen, Sera. It may take a while but this will be over, and we’ll still have each other, and the way we feel about one other. Nothing’s gonna change that.”

Her eyes flitted to the side. “Perhaps, but the way this is going. The things we may have to do. It could change you Conn. The things I’ve done, what Sapph’s had to do…we don’t see the world like we used to. I just want you both to be able to smile if you stay.”

“If you stay, that shouldn’t be a problem, lass. Ye see, Murph and me have big plans fer the three of us.”

Her body slackened, the stiff brooding gone. “Oh, yeah? Do I get to know what they are?”

Connor pulled her to him, kissing her forehead. “Ye will soon.”

He wished he could tell her how all this was going to end, how he wanted it to end, and with her pulling back to let her hazel eyes twinkle at him he nearly did. Perhaps due to luck baby Adam started to wail, drawing Sera’s attention away. Murphy had started bouncing him, hoping to quell the crying.

“I don’t know what happened, lass. We weren’t being loud or anythin’. He started movin’ around and then started ta cry.”

The sight before him put a wrench in the plans he had, watching Sera beside Murph as they tried to calm the little one down.

“How was he moving?”

On cue the baby’s head started moving, trying to find a place to suckle. Connor started laughing.

“He’s trying ta find a teat on ye! Must’ve known ye were too girly ta be a man. He’s a smart one.”

Murphy’s eyes flashed at him, Connor knowing he was riling him up. But the look Sera gave them made his next comment fizzle out.

“I think it has more to do with trust, Murph. He feels safe with you, so it’s only natural he’d think you’d feed him. Julie said he just ate, so maybe he wants a pacifier.”

Doc pulled a bag from behind his counter. “The l-l-lass left her t-things here, sure there’s something fer him in o-one of ‘em.”

There was one, thank the Lord above, fitting it in the boy’s mouth making the crying die out in an instant. Murphy was starting to cradle him again when Connor held his hands out.

“I’d like ta try and hold him.”

His brother snorted at him. “Thought ye said you smell too much like meat.”

“So do you, ye prick. I want…want ta see what the fuss is about, all right?”

The sharpness from Murphy’s eyes dulled, grasping what he was saying. Adam didn’t make up a fuss at being handed over, his eyes widening a bit as he was lifted away into Connor’s hands. Otherwise he was as content as he was before, now happy to be suckling his pacifier. It filled Connor with wonderment how something so small could be so powerful - not too long ago this child wasn’t in existence. But through a miraculous process here he was. Strong, yet fragile that the people around him were so careful not to hurt him. Helpless, but smart enough to cry to alert someone to his needs. It was an odd thing to see up close, even more bizarre that now, when it was time, he had the gift to make one as well. Taking his eyes off the child he glanced back to Sera while she clinked a glass against Murphy’s.

“L'Chayim.”

Connor smiled watching his brother try to mimic the word, and failing. She sat across from Murphy letting her mouth say it again in slow motion, making him snort when his brother decided to sneak a kiss instead.

“What does that mean, love?”

She smiled. “It’s basically Yiddish for cheers, it means ‘to life’ so cheers to life. How would you say cheers in Italian, Roc?”

“Hey, we know Italian too.”

“I know, but Rocco’s family is native there.”

Rocco grinned, pride welling up from mentioning his roots. “You’d raise your glass and say ‘alla salute.’ Or if we’re going with life here you can say ‘cento di questi giorni’ it means may you have a hundred of these days.”

Murphy clanked his glass with Roc’s before taking a swig. “I’ll say cheers ta that.”

“What about French? How would you say cheers then?”

It was directed at both of them but Sera was facing him. “Ye not gonna ask how ta say it in Irish?”

She shook her head. “I know how to say it in Irish.”

Murphy bumped her with his elbow then. “That so? How ye say it, I’ve forgotten, aingeal.”

She was trying to muffle her smile, though she indulged him. “Sláinte. It means ‘health.’ Now we’ve gotten to life of a hundred years with good health.”

She was about to take a sip when Murphy took her arm. “No, lass I need ye ta come back down and teach me da word again.”

She laughed bending back to stool level to try the word again, he let her say it, before moving in again. “Ye do good, love, but it sounds more like this –“

“Might cut ye off Murph, gettin’ too frisky with the girl.”

“Only had one drink, ‘sides, it’s all in good fun ain’t it, Sera?”

She nodded kissing his nose. “I’d say so. What about Russian, how would you say cheers then, Conn?”

“Ypa.”

“Ypa?”

He nodded, the word coming out of her mouth close to perfect.

“How come ye didn’t learn Russian, lass?”

“It was Sapph’s language, not mine.”

His brow creased. “How was it yer brother’s?”

“We all learned three of the same languages – Polish, Yiddish, and Spanish. Polish and Yiddish for our roots and Spanish because our mom thought we’d need it. But when we picked out which ones we wanted he picked Russian – he wanted all the languages that sounded tough, Selene wanted all the ones that sounded romantic, and they always dumped on me that I got the leftover ones.”

“But they weren’t.”

She shook her head, a coy smile coming upon her. “Nope.”

Murphy scoffed. “So what ye gonna keep us in suspense over it?”

The smile stayed on her. “It’s maybe a little bit of a downer is why, but I picked the languages I did because they were some to ally with the Jews during the Holocaust.”

“Oh.”

She chuckled. “That is exactly the sound my brother made when I told him. He liked to rub it in that him and Selene got the better languages then finding out when we were twelve he said – ‘Well, I feel like an ass.’ And I told him – ‘Yeah, you kind of are’. I had some idea of what my grandparents went through, though they never wanted to talk about it. And I didn’t blame them, from what mom would tell me. I just thought they were so strong, and the people that didn’t sit and do nothing were too. I wanted to be like them.”

She smiled at the memory before Rocco interjected. “So the Irish helped with that shit?”

“In 1937, the Irish government put in their constitution to specifically protect people of the Jewish faith, so I’d say it helped.”

“Italy helped too, you know.”

Sera hit Roc’s shoulder in a playful manner. “I know, but my sister got that one, romantic, remember?”

“You’re right on that, us Italians are more romantic than these leprechauns you got.”

He could see Murph aiming to hit Roc upside the head when Sera stopped him.

“I think the Irish are very romantic, to each their own, Roc.”

“Possa allora il tuo romanticismo essere eterno.”

Connor smirked. “Don’tcha worry on that Roc, it will be.”

“What’d he say?”

“May our romance be everlasting.”

“Awww, thank you, זאל איר געפֿינען די ליבע אַז איר פאַרדינען.”

“And what does that mean, honey?”

She hugged Rocco. “May you find the love you deserve.”

“Need all the help I can get with that.”

“What do we have here then? Never thought I’d see da day when a MacManus held a baby, let alone mine.”

Connor jumped, before realizing it was Julie returning, the petite redhead grinned at him putting a few bobby pins in her signature braids.

“Didn’t see the harm, fine boy ye got here, taken a liking to us. ‘Specially Murph, tried ta find a place to drink from and was disappointed to not find anythin’.”

“Shut it, Connor.”

Julie took her son, and he felt a bit disappointed at the empty spot in his arms.

“Sorry bout that, Murphy, means he likes ye I s’ppose.”

Murphy scratched his head, playing off his embarrassment. “He’s a good one, didn’t kick up too much of a fuss or anythin’.”

Julie grinned. “Thank you, and thank all of ye fer watchin’ him. I’m going to run him out ta my mother and I’ll be ready ta throw on my apron.”

“T-t-ake yer time, 1-1a – FUCK! ASS!”

Connor tried to show sympathy as the baby wailed from the yelled obscenities. Yet he couldn’t help but be amused by Doc’s timing. Saying goodbye to Adam, Connor got him a pint keeping his eye on Sera until her friends got there. He was being honest when he said she should keep her mind off things, she needed a distraction, and it was good for her to have it be something other than him and Murph. He hated to admit that, but knew it wasn’t healthy for her to have her attention all to themselves.

When the two women had gotten there, Janine, had leaned over the bar asking Doc for something, coming back with a few bottles and shot glasses. Watching as Sera gulped the liquid down with some hesitance. He smiled to himself, going back to drain his own glass.

“So what’re you two fucks planning on doing once you find her brother?”

Connor looked into his glass. “Don’t know fer sure, I mean, we both want to make an honorable woman outta her. Take her to our ma, set us up a home, but we’re tryin’ ta see what’s before us. We need ta find her brother ta see what our next move should be. If we truly should get out or if we should fight.”

“I hate to break it to the two of you, but there’s a snow cone’s chance in hell any of you are going to take out the Russian mob.”

Murphy piped in for him. “Don’t need ta take ‘em all out, just the fuckers who hurt Sera and her family.”

“You’re not even thinking of getting help either, are you? You seriously believe the two of you can do it by yourselves?”

Connor looked at his twin, his eyes holding him. The answer wasn’t that hard.

“If we get help then fine, but if we haveta, yeah, fer her we can do it.”

Rocco shook his head in disbelief. “Don’t want you two to get me wrong, she’s a great woman. But to put your lives on the line for one chick, hell thought it was crazy enough the two of you dating her.”

“Pretty obvious ye haven’t found the right girl, Roc. If Donna was the one you’d fight tooth and nail ta keep her safe.”

“Wouldn’t say I’d do that shit, not all of us can be knights in shining armor.”

Connor was brought back to the night at the restaurant, when Sera had said him and Murph were her white knights.

“I don’t know, Rocco, there’s a time when every person can be. Just takes a little motivation.”

“Whatever you say, Sir Galahad.”

Connor rubbed his lips together, hiding his grin, and was about to ask Doc for another beer when the doors were slammed open. He felt his posture straighten when his eyes focused on the men entering the pub. Three men built like the Leinster House came barging in to the bar, Connor kept his gaze steady watching as they rounded on Doc. The one that appeared to be in charge had begun removing his gloves slowly, before giving them a derisive smile.

“My name is Ivan Chekov, and I would like to speak to the man that owns this establishment.”

His appearance and accent told Connor he was Russian but it wasn’t until the clattering of glass from the direction at the girls’ table that he became alert.

“I-I own this place, now what’re ye people wantin’?”

Murphy already sensing the trouble brewing put his arms around Rocco. “Maybe they’re out lookin’ fer Spock for an away team.”

The men at the bar laughed, but Ivan and his companions stared coldly.

“Isn’t it amazing? A bunch of Irishmen drunk at a bar making complete asses of themselves. This is no time for jokes, mucker, this bar is closed until further notice.”

Someone in the crowd piped in. “Says who?”

A shared, “yeah,” went through the bar.

Ivan grinned, yellow teeth peeking past his lips. “My boss. We’re here for answers and we have all the time in the world to get them. But that might mean bad for your business, yes?”

Doc narrowed his eyes, magnified by his glasses. “And just w-what k-k-kind of answers ye want?”

Ivan reached into his overcoat, pulling out a picture. “We’re looking for this girl, and we know she’s been seen frequenting this bar. I need to know all you have in that drunkard head about her.”

Connor stood up from his seat beside the men, not needing to look at the photo to know it was Sera. Sliding his hand behind Roc’s neck like they were sharing a joke and he whispered to him.

“Ye get the girls and you slip the fuck outta here. Don’t make any noise or nothin’ go out the fire exit in da back and take them home. Murph and me will handle ‘em.”

Rocco looked like he was going to protest but the look on Connor’s face made him clam up, nodding as he tried to casually move out of his seat. Murphy got into the vacated seat beside him, bending over enough to stare at the picture before looking at the lumbering man.

“Aye, scorned love? Can tell ye me and him come in here every day, and we ain’t seen this one. Might do ye well ta let things go if she ain’t wantin’ ye. Kinda pathetic if ye ask me.”

“No one fucking asked you! You’re not part of this!” Ivan thrust his finger at Murphy’s chest. “So I want you, and all the rest of you Irish fucks out of here!”

Doc let out a strangled scoff. “Y-ye heard him, didn’t ye? None of us have s-seen the lass, now why don’t ye make like a tree and g-get the FUCK! ASS! out of here.”

“We know for a fact this girl was here, and we’re not leaving until you tell us what you know.”

“Oh, shit!”

Connor’s head swiveled behind him, his heart sinking at the sight of Sera on the floor her body jerking. She was having a fucking seizure. Turning back he saw the others with Ivan starting to look in that direction and tried to put it back on them before they could.

“I’m sure these fellas can be reasonable, not sure what a little thing like that could do ta strike yer interest but we can try ta sort it out fer ye. I can’t say I’ve seen her, perhaps she comes in early in da day when they open. Ye think, Doc?”

Doc pursed his lips, eyes softening at Connor before freezing back up. “I’m t-telling ye, boys, I’m here a-a-all day and haven’t seen her. Yer inform-m-mation must be wrong.”

“Girl’s a fucking murderer is what she is!”

Connor turned to the man behind Ivan, his pale face red from anger. Ivan turned to him.

“Вам нужно держать голову черт или я буду иметь свой язык.” (You need to keep your head or I’ll have your tongue.)

“Они вероятно друзей с сука, они не собираемся рассказать нам что-нибудь. Мы могли бы также осветить это место.” (They're probably friends with the bitch! They're not going to tell us anything. We might as well light this place up.)

Connor looked at Murphy, his expression mirroring his, them both turning on the Russians. “Давайте будем здесь гражданами, господа. Нет необходимости в насилии. Почему бы вам не встать на место и стакан, и мы можем попытаться устранить эту дилемму.” (Let's be civil here, gentlemen. There's no need for violence. Why don't you three take a seat and a glass and we can try and clear this dilemma.)

This crew obviously wasn’t expecting fluent Russian to come from any of the bar patrons, but as quick as astonishment came it left leaving Ivan snarling at him before nodding his head at the two behind him.

“I tell all of you to leave, you don’t, we make you leave.”

Going behind the bar the two men proceeded to bring down the shelves, leaving poor Doc stammering trying to clamor by and pull the men back only to be knocked aside causing him to fall to the floor.

Connor could feel his blood boiling. “Это было не чертовски приятно, не так ли?” (That wasn't fucking nice, now was it?)

He could feel his brother’s rage as he came beside him curling his hands into fist. “Не думайте, что мы должны отпустить это, брат?” (Don't think we should let that go, should we brother?)

The men turned to eye them as they clunk their shots together, slugging them back before proceeding to jump over the bar to attack them. All hell broke out then. Everybody who had been watching joined in, throwing punches or grabbing things to strike the Russians with. Before long the whole bar was demolished, but the three mobsters were taken down and unconscious. One Murph had taken with the wine bottles, another the patrons got a hold of knocking him out with a cue stick, and good ole Ivan was strapped down to the bar, starting to come out of his haze.

“The fuck?”

Connor bit down the filter of his cigarette, undoing the bottle of Hennessey. “Ah, good you’re awake there Ivan me boy. We didn’t want ye ta miss out. Ye see I think all here can say we have a soft spot fer Doc here, and coming in smashing the place, preying upon innocent girls, and Lord knows what else…well, we got ta take it upon ourselves ta teach ye a lesson now don’t we?”

Pouring the liquor over his ass and legs he stepped back to let Murphy in. “Care if I light him up, brother?”

Connor grinned. “Be a pleasure ta see.”

Murphy grinned taking a match, lighting his own cigarette before tossing it on the man. The moment it hit, Ivan threw his head back and yowled.

“Might consider a new profession, Ivan, you and yer crew seem to lack the finesse fer it.”

The bar laughed, Doc coming to the man’s aid and throwing a wet towel on him before smiling at them. “Don’t need ta be fuckin’ up the b-bar than it already i-is, fellas.”

Murphy smashed his cigarette on Ivan’s boot. “We’ll find a way ta fix everything, Doc, no worries. Fuckers needed ta be put in their places.”

Connor chuckled. “Sure they didn’t bet that it’d be some Irishmen ta do it.”

All the men helped to straighten up what they could, throwing the men out on their asses as they did. When all that could be repaired was done, the men set out. Connor and Murphy throwing on their coats, anxious to get home.

Connor nudged his brother. “Need ta find a long way ‘round. Make sure the stupid shits don’t follow us.”

Murphy nodded, steering them both around the corner taking the longer trail into town and back. When they were sure they were alone on the sidewalk they headed back.

“Ye think Roc got them home alright?”

Connor glanced at his brother, the streetlights flickering to life improving his vision.

“Yeah, believe he did. Hope he stuck around at the house though. Don’t know if ye saw or not but Sera went down at the bar. If my thinkin’ was right, she was havin’ a seizure on him.”

Murphy gaped at him, before his eyes narrowed. “And ye didn’t think ta mention that shit til now, did ye? Waitin’ fer us ta finish our stroll or somethin’? She could be fuckin’ dyin’ and yer yammering on –“

“Keep yer voice down, dammit. Ye know we had ta. Ye think those fuckers won’t be pissed when they come to? They’ll be up and taggin’ us by the end of the day tomorrow and that’s if we’re lucky.”

He saw Murphy stick his thumb between his teeth. “We need ta get those guns.”

Connor nodded in agreement. “Roc said he knew a guy, if he’s there then we’ll ask if we can go tonight.”

Murphy tapped his lips with his thumb, his face turning conflicted. “What about Sera? Can’t just leave her there by herself.”

Connor could tell his brother wanted their girl safe but he also wanted to go see the guns. It was like telling a kid he couldn’t go to the toy store. So he shrugged with a smile.

“Figured you could go with Rocco, rather stay behind anyways. Nurse my wounds and all that.”

Which was true his ribs were a bit bruised from the scuffle, his shoulders tense and sore from the strain of the fight; his brother probably earned some as well, but knowing Murph, his excitement outweighed the pain.

Murphy looked relieved. “Aye, a lot’s happened tonight.”

“And we have a long way ta go before dawn, so let’s get on home. Don’t know about ye, but I could use a fuckin’ beer.”

“I’ll agree ta that.”

It was a comfortable walk, trying to hurry back, but keeping themselves perked up by recanting the events that happened, both of them already exaggerating the details making them both chuckle. Getting in and climbing out of the lift, they were reassured when they saw Roc waiting by the banister puffing on a cigarette as he watched them get out.

“Any of you dumb fucks get arrested?”

Murphy scoffed, Connor snorting along with him. “Ye know no one’s gonna call da cops down there, Roc.”

He nodded to them, inhaling the smoke again. “Everything work out then?”

“As well as it could. Taught them a lesson, don’t know if they’ll come back on it yet…How about here, everything okay on yer end?”

Rocco sighed. “Took forever to get out of there, that crazy goth chick wanted to stay, you know, to see what happen. I got her and Claudette to move, then Sera froze up. Pulled on her arm to get her and she fell to the fucking floor, her nose started bleeding; then she started jerking. It scared the living hell out of me.”

“She was havin’ a seizure.”

“The girls told me she was epileptic when we got out, I thought she was fucking dying on me. But she quit when we got down the road, wanted to take her to the emergency room once we dropped the girls off but she wouldn’t have it. Brought her back here and we hung out until she passed out from the pills she took.”

Connor looked into their darkened home, the light filtering from outside through the windows letting him see her and Shep nestled next to each other on the bed. Rolling his eyes when he turned back to see Murph had stolen their friend’s lighter out of his pocket.

“Was she okay while she was up? Wasn’t too disoriented or anything?”

Roc took a minute to answer, realizing his lighter had been pilfered and trying to get it back from the dark haired twin who was holding it out of his reach. Connor kicked his brother in the shin before handing the item back to Rocco.

He whispered harshly. “Ye need ta quit fuckin’ around, too much shit’s happened.”

Murphy rubbed his leg, scowling. “I am serious, ye fuckin’ ass, nothin’ wrong with lightening up the moment.”

“As soon as we were alone in the car she wanted to go back for you two, figured you’d be pissed off if I did that.”

The two both grumbled in agreement on that.

“So she opted in trying to stay awake and wait for you. She kept looking over at the clock and getting worried, so I got her talking. Seemed to help her, got her to eat something, and she asked if she could draw me when the pills started kicking in and she started nodding. She asked me to keep talking to her, and I did til she dropped off not too long ago.”

Connor pursed his lips. “Thanks fer doin’ that, Roc. Know she had ta be scared, good ta know ye were there ta ease her mind.”

Murphy nodded. “Aye…so she drew yer ugly ass?”

Rocco grinned. “Yeah, she did, was doing a good fucking job too, but she was getting too tired to finish it. She said I could have it if I wanted it, going to, might have it framed. Didn’t even know she could draw.”

Murphy gave an exasperated sigh. “She was an art teacher, the fuck ye think she did?”

Rocco shrugged. “You can be a teacher and not have any specialty in the field. But she’s talented, she told me she got it from her aunt and grandmother…I’m going to go back out and try to find some leads for her before I head home. I have a few people I can call up, see what they know about her brother.”

Connor simpered on that. “Did yer slumber party get ta ye, Roc?”

“Maybe it did, if you fellas are done I’ll be heading out.”

Murphy stopped him. “Whoa, a second there, we do have a favor ta ask of ye.”

“Of course you do. You know you both would be fucked without me.”

“Yeah, yeah, ye think the man that has those weapons would meet us tonight?”

“Probably. I can call him while I’m out, you gotta have cash though.”

Connor waved him off, going quietly inside to grab their rainy day cash from behind the refrigerator before coming back out. “We got it covered, just take Murph with you, and help find something fer us and da lass. She says she knows how ta shoot so there’s no need ta worry on that.”

Rocco thumbed through the envelope and nodded. “He’ll set you up. Kick his ass otherwise.”

“Ye both just be careful and hurry back.”

Murphy nudged him. “Ye think we should get a knife?”

“The fuck fer?”

“In case we need ta be stealthy ‘bout shit.”

“Just get da guns fer now, Christ’s sake.”

Murphy startled at the tone, mumbling while he went to the lift. “Lord’s name.”

Connor crossed himself, nodding his goodbye to them. Locking eyes with Murphy he smirked before shaking his head and going inside. He loved his brother, but sometimes the shit he thought of was stupid as hell. He got his beer and headed for the couch, letting Sera and Shep have the bed while he got lost in his thoughts.

He wondered how much the trauma had changed her, if it could change them, then thinking of all the times him and Murphy went to Mass and heard of another poor soul reaped before their time for someone else’s gain – it seemed right to be defensive. If the life of an evil person had to be taken to preserve someone that was good, shouldn’t it be right to do so? It was the exact definition of self-defense wasn’t it? He couldn’t help but watch her in the glow of the night, she had told them she knew how their mother had to feel when watching them sleep, looking so innocent but knowing better. It was easy for him to understand right now, her face devoid of any worry as she slept, at peace within herself. Shep lying next to her near nose to nose, it was a fine picture.

It made him think of what her life could have been like before this, before them. She had admitted to sharing a room with her sister, moving back home from their dorm after college. Was one messy, one clean? Had they worn each other’s clothes? Stayed awake until the other was home from a night out? Would the all of them have stayed together? Connor knew they were close, all three of them, just as he was with Murph. But there were tells about her that made him know their lives were different from each other. He knew that her family was well to do. Not very much by possessions, but in the way she talked, the way she held herself. It wasn’t just pride, hell the MacManus’ had plenty of that, it had been something taught to her. They might not have had a vast of wealth, but they had lived in comfort. Both parents going to school and working their way up in good careers to give their children what they needed.

His own mother hadn’t been able to do that. Of course she gave him and Murphy what she could, but she hadn’t had the money or the time to go to college. Barely out of high school when she fell for their father, getting her pregnant with them and leaving when they were just out of diapers. They hadn’t had grandparents to help already passed on before they had been born. Sure, Ma’s sister had helped all she could but she had a brood of her own to deal with. But that left the bulk to neighborhood friends and Uncle Sibeal to take some of the stress off their Ma. He was a God send to her, giving them the male influence they needed and small insight of what their father must’ve been like. He’d take them to the Anvil and let them loose in the bar throwing more peanut shells on the floor than they were eating. Both him and Ma were the ones to educate them to the Bible, with Ma giving them the paddle and their uncle being a priest it was hard to be out of line, though the two always found a way.

Connor chuckled, raising his eyes back to Sera as she burrowed deeper into the pillows. Would her parents have accepted them? Their relationship wasn’t conventional, and being different faiths and poor as hell to boot he didn’t know. She had said they would’ve, her mother and sister being the ones to embrace them first making them promise to let her keep her beliefs. After that it’d take some coaxing with her dad and brother, but they would come around. It was the way things were, fathers and daughters – mothers and sons. She said that’s why she was terrified meeting their Ma. It was the point of being seen as taking them away, and not wanting to give back. But if they were happy, that would be enough, right?

Again, he didn’t know. Love didn’t keep everything afloat, the perfect example being their poor Ma. What if down the line Sera finally saw they couldn’t give her what she needed? Him and his brother were used to living a certain way and didn’t need fancy outings or things to make them happy. But would she? He mentally slapped himself for thinking that, but, then again, didn’t all women want nice things? Could the two of them be enough? He lay out on the couch, staring at the ceiling wishing he had gone instead of Murphy. He didn’t like being stuck here with these fucking doubts. He sunk into the cushions, gritting his teeth while his muscles finally caught up to the events of the day and gave out. They loved each other and that’s all they needed, after all the shit had been dealt with they’d figure out things down the road. Letting his eyes shut he soon fell asleep.

He didn’t know why he was here. But no one paid mind to him while he made his way down the corridor, walking past people in their stiff suits to go down to the uproar on the floor below. Peering around he took in the metal detectors, policemen guarding the entrances while people from the outside held cameras and microphones out to the men at the bottom of the steps, all of them crowding together like sardines in a can. Connor decided to take a different turn not ready to hear the commotion, ambling in the hallways he saw people through the glass walls working at their desks. One of them getting up and coming out at him.

“Sir! Mr. Hamilton!”

The man that came out spun around, smiling at who called his name; turning himself, Connor’s eyes grew recognizing the girl from all the pictures he and his brother had flipped through. The girl with light brown copper hair, her frame smaller but close to identical to their Seraphine.

“Miss Morgenstern, I thought you’d be out there greeting your fans.”

Morgenstern?

Little Selene much meeker than Sera had described, face turning downwards with a shy smile while she picked at the sleeve of her dress.

“No, sir, I think I need help. I need my brother, have you seen him?”

Hamilton’s forehead wrinkled. “I’m afraid not, I think he’s down feeding the circus. Is there something I can help you with?”

Her mouth gaped, trying to find the words. “Something’s going to happen, I heard it. I just – please I think we need police to comb the area. The man had a gun and –“

The man raised his hands in an appeasing manner. “Let’s calm down for a second, what man?”

Selene huffed, starting to back away. “I don’t know what man, I don’t know him. But I think he’s a sniper.”

Hamilton’s brows went up. “A sniper? Jesus, I’m going to alert someone now, okay? Maybe you can sit in my office until –“

“No! I need to find my brother and sister.”

“I’m sure your brother is speaking to the press and your sister went out with one of the agents not too long ago.”

“Sera? When did she go out? With who?”

“It was one of the newer agents on your case, Bloom I think…Mis Morgenstern?”

Selene was trekking backwards ready to bolt. “Just call them please. I have to find my family.”

Sprinting as fast as she could Connor followed behind her downstairs and past the news crews to the front steps. Swiveling about until she found who she was searching for.

“Sera!”

Looking in that direction he saw her too, talking to a red headed woman, facing them when she heard her name. Sera’s face lit up, saying something to the woman before waving, and heading up to her sister. Selene was trying to keep composure, as she rushed to her sister. Sera embracing her when she approached, pushing aside her nerves Selene hugged back. Connor seeing Sera whispering to her went closer to hear.

“We’re free, מיין שוועסטער ליבע.”

He didn’t know what it meant but could tell from the loving smile it was an endearment. Selene started shaking her head in Sera’s neck, and he was able to tell she was crying.

He heard her sniffle before replying. “We are, נשמה זיך. We will be.”

Pulling away, Selene glanced around her before looking at her watch as she choked out a laugh. She began to pivot them around the steps.

“He was right, I told He was. He’s always right.”

Sera smiled, her face riddled in confusion. “Who’s right?”

With that a bang and a ringing sounded, having everything follow at a fast pace. He watched Sera fall apart, seeing the life drain from her sister’s body refusing to leave her side, repeating the same thing over and over.

“וועקן אַרויף, ביטע וועקן אַרויף!”

Connor didn’t have to understand the language to know what she was uttering. The way Sera rocked her sister’s body back and forth, every now and again stopping to shake her. He realized she was trying to get her to wake up. She stayed like that until the other part of the photo came, the person Sera had been seeking, her brother having to grasp her tightly to pull her from their sister. The scream that emitted broke him, ambulances arriving and having to sedate her. Sapph sat her on the back of one of them while wrapping her in a blanket to talk to one of the officers. Soon applause came as a man in handcuffs being hauled into one of the police cruisers. But Sera didn’t flinch, not even when her brother came back handing off a purse to Sera. Her hands came out to clasp the leather bag.

“She left it in the agent’s car.”

Sera’s body began to tremble. “Is it true?”

Her brother was startled. “What?”

“They catch him, but they’re going to have to let him go.”

“Who the fuck said that?”

A shaking hand pointed out to a cluster of police and reporters. “Diplomatic immunity.”

“Bullshit! That’s bullshit, Sera! He’ll pay, he – he…what he did, he’ll be punished for it.”

“Mr. Morgenstern?”

Sapph’s eyes flared. “What?”

It was the agent that Sera had talked to. “We need a statement. We’ll make it quick, and you and your sister can go to the hospital together.”

He clutched Sera’s hand. “I’ll be right back, okay?”

Connor could tell she didn’t want him to, but let go. After several minutes she held the purse closer to her, sniffling before opening the bag. Her smile was wistful, full of sorrow as she went through the contents. Then paused. Her eyes cleared. Pushing her hair back she looked around her before hopping out of the ambulance. Putting the bag on her uninjured shoulder she was nervous, trying to play it down, holding her head up. She weaved her way past, no one paying mind to her as all the reporters were being occupied with the police and witnesses. Heading to the front of the courthouse she stood beside one of the cruiser, putting her hand in the bag before wrenching the door open. He saw her hold her breath, bag falling to the ground he could hear people shouting at her when she pulled out a small pistol. Hers eyes welled, finger pulling the trigger.

His eyes snapped and he began flailing when something wet went on his face, stopping when he felt soft hands on him.

“Sssh, you’re okay. Everything’s fine.”

He leaned his head up, the room remaining dark. “Fuck. What happened?”

It was a rag, he realized, Sera wiping the cool cloth over his brow. “You were having a nightmare. You started to scream and I wanted to calm you. Might’ve made it worse, huh?”

Hearing the voice that had been so broken moments before left him wounded, turning himself into her.

“Can we turn the light on lass? I need ta see you.”

She didn’t ask questions, shifting around to switch the light on. He gazed at her, hair rumpled from sleep, only in some shorts and one of their shirts they had thrown around. He sighed, tautness leaving him as the nightmare faded. She continued to stroke his hair, and he let himself lean into it. Wrapping his arms around her middle while he pushed his nose to her stomach, inhaling her scent combined with theirs. He didn’t like being coddled, more accurate, he didn’t like others to think he liked it. He always hassled Murphy about it, constantly wanting to be babied by Sera just as he had with their Ma, but now the shoe was on him and he couldn’t pull back. He needed this. He didn’t know what that was; it was as if he got to live the worst day of Sera’s life. Every sense, every thought one of the girls had, he saw it. Seeing a sister give up her life for another, said sister taking a life in retribution.

His breath was returning to normal, closing his eyes as he nestled closer, hearing Sera hum as she kissed his hair. She understood, hell she did in every possible way, but she had her nightmares and knew he didn’t want to talk about it. He thanked her for that, especially since he had no idea how the hell he’d explain it to her. He began pulling her shirt up, reveling in the Triquetra that she now kept around her neck before kissing each mark on her. The knife wounds, the gunshot from the first break in, the one he hadn’t pressed about – pulling the shirt over her head without a word he looked at her, small smile on her face as he went down and tenderly kissed the mark he had witnessed. Going back to kiss behind her ear, and then her lips. Caressing her face he inhaled.

“Will ye tell me somethin’?”

She leaned into his touch. “Anything I can.”

“Is Shafir your real last name, love?”

She froze for a second before answering. “Well, no, does that…is that bad?”

He shook his head, fast. “No, no, I’m curious.”

She let out a slight laugh. “I’ve used it all these months. I kind of forgot it wasn’t.”

“What was it? Yer real one?”

“Oh, um, Morgenstern.”

“Morgenstern.” Like his dream.

“I know what you’re thinking. ‘I didn’t think she couldn’t get any more Jewish til this moment’, right?”

He looked back to her, and was able to chuckle. “Ye might be, aingeal. What made ye choose the name Shafir then?”

She kept touching him, thumbs going in soft circles on his neck. “It’s Hebrew for Sapphire. I – he wasn’t with me in person, so I thought it was a way to keep him with me.”

He nodded, going back to settle his head on her chest.

“May I ask what brought the question on?”

He wasn’t going to lie about it. “It was in the nightmare I had.”

“Oh. Does it bother you? I wasn’t trying to keep it from you I just –“

He pulled her wrist to him, kissing it. “No, love, want ta know everything I can about ye. And with what went on, seemed like the appropriate thing ta do. ”

“It made me feel safe in a way. Maybe I should go back since it doesn’t matter anymore.”

“Ye could, or ye could try MacManus on fer size.”

He smiled at her stunned expression. “What, not Jewish enough fer ye?”

She blushed, smiling. “It’s not that…I just can’t believe you said that.”

He grinned. “Can’t take it back. Just needin’ yer answer.”

He could feel so much in the kiss she gave him, the hairs on his arms standing up as she pulled away.

“How about you say it again when this is over, that way I know you’re serious and not caught up in the heat of the action. Because I’m hoping for less excitement in the future.”

He stood up on his knees. “I am serious, love. Won’t be changin’ me mind. Neither of us are. Gonna make sure yer never sad, never hurt ever again.”

Her eyes misted. “Connor, what did you –“

“Not tanight, grá aingeal. Ask me anythin’ else.”

She looked down at herself, he knew she was becoming self-conscious by lack of dress. He had drawn attention her her scars her nudity to that making her feel raw and vulnerable. The way she must have felt that day. He pulled her to him, moving so she was lying on him. Wanting to take both their minds away from the darkness he decided to distract her with his own scars.

He traced his finger over the raised edge of his left eyebrow. “Ye want ta know how I got this?”

Her finger followed his over the old abrasion. “I have been curious about it.”

“Ye can be blaming yer other punk boyfriend fer it.”

She laughed. “Why would Murphy do that?��

He snuggled her closer, glad to be going somewhere else. “We were kids, raking leaves in da yard. We finish up and wanted ta jump in ‘em before we had ta bag it all up. Murph gets da idea we should get on da shed ta do it. I couldn’t let him do it without me, he’d be holdin’ it over me head fer years if I did. So I go up there with him, but seein’ how high it was I was goin’ ta climb down. Except Murphy decides he’s going ta push my ass off the damn roof himself.”

“No.”

Connor was getting into the story now, body gesturing in each part. “He did! My own fuckin’ brother pushes me off a roof, and what we didn’t know was under the damn pile was a fuckin’ rock and my face ends up hittin’ it. I come up with a headache and a gash on me that’s bleeding like crazy.” He started laughing. “Murphy starts panickin’, thinking he’s killed me, screaming his lungs out til Ma comes hollering out of the house. She patches me up and takes a switch to Murph’s backside fer doing it. I start ta feel bad so I end up tellin’ her it was my idea. I ended up with a headache, a scar, and a sore ass all in one day because of me dear old brother.”

He smiled when she brought his face down to kiss the scar. “Poor Connor. I’m sure he didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“Maybe not ta break open me head, but he sure as hell meant ta push me off da roof. I beat his ass fer it a few days later.”

“Regardless, you’re both good brothers. Hearing things like that, I think you’re especially protective.”

“Course I am, I’m the oldest.”

“Like shit ye are.”

They both faced the doorway, Murphy holding a few paper bags in his arms. Connor could see and smell that his brother must’ve gotten shitfaced with their friend. Making him wonder what the hell they’ve been doing this whole time.

“What ye actually believe in that head of yers that ye could be da oldest?”

“I fuckin’ know I am, ye dick!”

“Yeah, that’s right, me dick! Lass will tell ye it’s bigger meaning I’m da oldest.”

Sera started coughing, face red as she went to reach for the discarded shirt.

“See she knows ye ain’t. Tell him love, he’s gotta tiny pecker.”

She scooped the shirt over her, shaking her head when it popped through. “I’m not saying that at all.”

“See!”

“No, she’s being nice to yer little cock!”

“You both stop!”

She was laughing, waving them off. Murphy went to her, grabbing her up before she could lay back down with Shep.

“I don’t think ye want me to, aingeal. Roc and me got ye a surprise.”

“You did?”

“Yeah, all ye gotta say is I’m bigger and I’ll hand it over.”

“No! You’re both the same okay.”

“Ain’t no way in that.”

“Well…tell me I’m fat.”

Murphy brow shot up. “What?”

“Yep, tell me I’m fat and I’ll say who’s bigger.”

Connor grinned. “Yer fat, love.”

She pointed at him, grin growing. “You’re lying. What does it matter, I like both of them equally.”

Murphy started tickling her. “Like?”

“Love! I mean I love them! Dammit, how’d we go from talking about you two as boys and talking about your junk?”

“Cause Murph’s the same size today as he was then, keep up, Sera.”

“Fuck off!”

Connor laughed settling on the couch. “What surprise ye got the lass?”

Murphy’s eyes brightened then starting to dig through his coat pockets with one hand, setting Sera on the bed with the other. Falling on it beside her he continued stuffing his hands but this time inside his jeans.

“Fuck sake, Murph what did hell ye go after?”

“Shut it, Conn, bring da phone over here.”

Being too tired to argue he did as asked, throwing the large cordless on the bed. He was about to lie back on the couch when Sera’s hand stopped him. She didn’t say anything at first, taking the time to interlace their hands together.

“You okay?”

“I’m fine, aingeal.”

She nodded, but he could tell by the look she held that she didn’t believe him.

Murphy barked a laugh when he pulled a scrap of paper out of his pocket. “Here we go, lass. Give these people a ring, when they answer ask fer someone named Sunburn.”

Sera flipped the paper over, studying, looking over at Murphy uncertain. “Why?”

“Trust me, love. Just give ‘em a call.”

She scooted closer to Murphy, and Connor could tell she was nervous of what this could bring at such a late hour but she dialed the number given, holding the receiver up to her ear in anticipation.

“Hello?”

Her eyes kept darting between the two of them, saying the name she was given and waiting. Neither him nor her knowing what it was leading to. A few minutes and she let loose the lip she had been biting, her mouth falling open and her eyes becoming much more awake as they locked on his. The green-brown eyes welling up with tears, letting her hand cover her mouth.

“Hi.” Her voice croaked it out, her body in shock.

She started to cry Murphy beating him in putting an arm around her.

“I was so scared. I-I thought something happened to you. Are you okay?”

Connor’s eyes flicked to his brother, Murphy smirking in triumph. They had done it, Rocco finding her brother somehow. Her breathing was becoming spastic and he went to rub her back, hoping it was the tears and not another seizure happening so soon. They went back and forth for a while, a smile coming through the tears. When her eyes started to dry the smile slowly fell, a quiet ‘yes’ coming from her.

“I don’t see why that matters –“

“You should be able to tell that from them helping me find you –“

“I shouldn’t have to explain –“

“Yes. Yes! They know everything. I’m not going to lie or cover it up Sapph. It doesn’t matter anymore! If you must know I’m with them both and it doesn’t –“

Connor felt himself growing angry, her tears of happiness now coming back bitter. Out of all the things her brother could say he was asking about them, his sister’s fucking love life. Watching Sera about to break at her brother’s words he snatched the phone out of her hand before she could react.

“Who the hell ye think you are, boy? Yer sister’s been fuckin’ worried sick about ye, doin’ all she could ta find out where ye are and when she finally finds yer ass you berate her? The fuck’s wrong with ye?”

A low hiss was on the other end. “You need to watch your mouth and tone, I don’t have to explain anything to anyone. Let alone one of the guys taking advantage of my sister.”

Connor scowled. “I don’t know where da fuck ye got yer information, but no one’s takin’ advantage of anyone. Me and my brother care fer yer sister a great deal, and fer some reason she puts up with us. And we’re gonna keep on with the arrangement until she’s sick of us. Now why don’t we all make nice and get yer ass down here fer us ta figure this shit out.”

He could hear a huff of annoyance on the line. “I don’t know what all my sister’s told you, but I think you should have the common sense to know that it’s more complicated than that.”

“Not really. The scuffle may end messy but gettin’ together is the easy part of this. Yer sister’s fuckin’ hurtin’, has been since ye left her. And she doesn’t need ta be on her own through this, she needs family.”

“She’s alive, isn’t she? That’s the end goal of all of this, nothing else matters.”

“Alive in the fact that she’s still breathin’. But there’s more to it than that, and ye know it. What she needs right now isn’t somethin’ me and my brother can give, though the Lord knows we’ll keep tryin’. She needs you. And you need her. Ye need ta come here, Sapphire.”

There was a long pause on the other end. “Tell my sister I’ll contact her within the week, and that I love her.”

With that the line went dead, Connor feeling guilty when the dial tone came on.

Taggers!

@some-daniela

@derpypenguin

@shinydixon

#one of three #chapter 13 #boondock saints #boondock saints fic #fanfiction #connor and murphy macmanus #connor macmanus x oc #murphy macmanus x oc #macmanus brothers

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