#just a lot of steps involved that require me to step out of my comfort zone and stay out of it for a longer time as well. | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

aniron48 · 3 months

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24. just really needed a hug sort of hug for 00leiter would be amazing if inspiration strikes! 🥰

Alex, mi vida! Thank you for always inspiring and indulging my deep-seated need for 00leiter, and thank you for this prompt. 🥰 Your wish is my command, my friend! It's here, continuing below the cut, as well as on ao3:

sometimes it takes the night to fall

“My mother wanted me to go to law school,” Felix says. His tone is measured, and this, this, is something he’s going to include in his annual performance review at the Agency, which his supervisor signs every year without reading a word: Agent Leiter is calm and measured, even when he is soaking wet, covered in pink feathers, and holding a flash drive with the plans for a chemical weapon designed to take out half of Europe, circumstances which Agent Leiter would have avoided entirely had his MI6 counterpart not been a fucking asshole.

“‘You’ll make good money, son,’ she would tell me,” Felix says. He pulls his Glock out of his holster, pointing it toward the floor to let the water drain from the barrel. “‘You’ll wear nice suits.’ But no, I knew better. I didn’t want to take the motherfucking bar exam.”

“You wear nice suits now, Felix,” Bond drawls, looking him up and down, and Felix is either going to punch or kiss that look off his face, but he hasn’t decided which, yet.

“Normally, I would agree with you, James,” Felix says. Measuredly, again, because he’s a goddamn station chief for the CIA. “But right now, my nice suit looks like it survived simultaneous explosions at a poultry farm and a Pepto-Bismol factory.”

Felix had had plans for their mission in Prague, plans which involved a timeline, and coordinates on a map, and the judicious use of SIGINT. James Bond had had instincts, and even if those instincts had been accurate, as far as identifying the Belarusian middleman they were looking for went, his methods left a lot to be desired, seeing as they primarily involved a chase through a crowded craft fair in the center of town, followed by what could charitably be called hijacking a bachelorette cruise in order to chase said middleman down the Vltava River. And now here they were, on a deserted dock in a decidedly seedy part of town, mercifully free of bachelorettes, but with an unconscious henchman tied to an oil barrel behind them, waiting for the ride that would take them not to their warm, comfortable hotel room near Karluv Most, but to the U.S. Embassy, where Felix could hand off the hard drive and then spend the rest of the night filling out the ream of paperwork required after the sort of nuclear-grade shitshow James Bond tended to leave behind him on a good night.

“I think I know what you need, Felix,” Bond says, and the way his mouth turns up at the corner can’t mean anything good.

“What I need,” Felix says, “is not to be picking penis-shaped confetti out of my beard.”

“No,” Bond says, stepping closer, and if the British exfil team doesn’t get there soon, Felix is going to paddle to the Embassy on a goddamn inflatable canoe, “No, that’s not it.”

He brings a hand to the back of Felix’s head, drawing him in close. “Why don’t you start by putting your arm around my waist.”

They’re Felix’s own words from years ago, directed back at him with Bond’s characteristically lethal precision. Not long after the events in Bolivia, Felix had flown into London for the memorial service of another MI6 colleague who had died in the line of duty. Later, after everyone else had left, he’d joined Bond where he stood in the back of the church, stiff with grief and the bone-deep chill of the British winter.

“She drowned, you know,” Bond had said, his tone conversational. “004, I mean. She deserved better. It’s a terrible way to go.”

Bond and Felix had been lovers for mere weeks at that point, if that designation even applied to the handful of hours they’d stolen in South American hotel rooms and, on one memorable occasion, the lost luggage room of a train station in the middle of nowhere. But Felix wasn’t an idiot. He’d been in Venice when Vesper died. Even then, he’d known Bond well enough to know what wounds would be fatal to him, if left untreated.

“It is,” Felix had said. He hadn’t dared to say much of anything else. “I’m sorry for your loss, James.”

“It’s England’s loss,” Bond had said. He’d already begun to go distant around the edges, all of the lines of his body tensed for a fight. Felix had wanted nothing more than to demand Bond come back with him to his hotel room, to fuck him fast and merciless until all the tension bled from his body, until he was easy and louche again, unspooled against the Egyptian cotton sheets. But his first instinct with Bond wasn’t always the right one, back then, and he’d looked at Bond in silence for a long moment before making his decision.

“Come here,” he’d said. “I’m going to give you a hug.”

Bond had looked at Felix like he’d just suggested they piss in the baptismal font. “A what?”

“A hug, Bond. Jesus Christ. Come here.” He’d pulled Bond in by the lapel of his expensive wool coat. “You start by putting your arm around my waist, like that. Then you put your other arm around my shoulders. Like this, asshole. And then—” Felix had squeezed with all his might. “Then you hold on tight.”

They are here, now, tonight—and by “here” Felix means Prague, means the dock, means covered in dirty river water and the detritus of phallus-shaped souvenirs, but he also means so much more than that—in no small part because all those years ago, his own instincts had been right when he’d taken James Bond in his arms in an empty church, and so as angry as he is, he’s powerless to deny James this, now. He gives in to the inevitable and steps into the embrace, dropping his head against James’s neck.

“I hate you,” he says, but there’s no longer any heat in it. “This was the worst night of my career.”

“The ladies liked it,” Bond says.

“The ‘ladies’ thought we were strippers. One of them threw her drink on me when I refused to take my shirt off.”

“The night is still young,” Bond points out. Felix refuses to turn his head to look at him, on principle, but he can feel Bond’s smile against his cheek.

“Fuck you and your entire country,” Felix says. “I’m glad we threw your fucking tea in the harbor.” But his head is still on Bond’s shoulder, and his arms are around his waist, and he’ll stay that way until the sound of a distant motor signals that their ride is near, and the night moves on around them.

#prompt fills #one shot #my fic #sometimes it takes the night to fall #james bond #felix leiter #00leiter #fluff

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breelandwalker · 10 months

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not sure if anyone else has asked this recently but my internet is too slow to do a deep dive in the archives rn so - do you have any advice for avoiding/preventing/dealing with a lot of 'backsnap' from spells? i.e. the wave of exhaustion/general physical and emotional crumminess after doing some heavy work. it's entirely possible that this specific instance i'm experiencing could be allergies or an oncoming cold, but since it hit me right after i spent an evening doing the first serious amount of spell-casting i've expended effort on in months, i'm inclined to connect it at least a little bit. now i'm wondering how best to bounce back or prevent it from hitting so hard in the future (aside from obvious health-boosting things like rest, water, vitamin c, etc). is it just a matter of exercise makes the muscle stronger or should i really not be neglecting to ward up first in my impatience to get to the fun part?

Good question!

This is something I hear about frequently enough that I feel comfortable calling it a common occurrence. Doing heavy, involved, or prolonged spellwork is taxing in the same way that any other task requiring a lot of focus or mental or emotional energy might be. I don't know that there's a way of wholesale avoiding it, per se, but you can mitigate it in a few ways with a little bit of preparation. You've got the right idea here, so allow me to offer just a few additional tips.

Set up your workspace ahead of time and make sure you have all your materials ready to go and within easy reach. Try to eliminate distractions and as many potentials for interruption as you can. The less frustration, distractions, or derailment you have during a casting, the easier it is and the less exhausted you'll be afterward.

Make sure you're rested, hydrated, and not running on empty or heading for a caffeine crash or the tail end of a medication cycle if you take dailies. Take a few minutes to calm yourself and focus on the task at hand before you begin. If you have any preferred grounding and centering techniques, definitely employ those. I've found that just taking a moment to bring myself into the present and sort of zoom in on what I'm doing has helped more than casting extra wards just for the sake of one spell.

If you're feeling ill or overtired or like you're on your last spoon, maybe do your spell another day. I know magical timing is a thing some witches rely upon, but there's almost always a way to spin timing to your benefit, and spellcasting should NEVER take precedence over your health.

Keep in mind, all of this is to MITIGATE the post-casting crash, not prevent it. It's still a good idea to rest afterward, maybe have a snack and hydrate again. Just make sure you clean up anything that needs cleaning, extinguish all fire hazards, and put up any materials that you don't want kids or pets getting into or that might be a trip hazard. (You do NOT want to skip this step and end up cracking a toe on your cauldron the next morning, TRUST ME.)

It does get easier as you go on. There's a reason we call witchcraft a practice - it takes PRACTICE. Doing small-to-medium spells and periodic exercises may help things go more smoothly, since you don't have to think about it as much once you've got the hang of things. (I try to do a little something every day and I have easy charms built into my schedule for this purpose.) Large, involved castings will still wear you out, not much to be done about that.

I have some other tips for battling inspirational slumps and blockages and helpful hints for your spellwork here:

My Intuitive Spark Feels Low - How Do I Get It Back?

I’m In A Slump - How Do I Get Out Of It?

I’ve Reached A Stopping Point - What Do I Do Next?

How Do I Make A Magic Circle For Spellcasting?

What Happens If I Get Interrupted While Casting A Spell?

Do I Need To Maintain Positive Vibes For My Spells To Work?

Hope this helps! 😊

#july-19th-club #witch community #witchcraft #witchblr #battling the slump #baby witch #Advice for Beginner Witches #Bree answers your inquiries

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laprimera · 4 months

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2024 rules update! these will go across my blogs, but lemme drop the changed stuff here the rest has p much stayed the same.

thanks for following em btw or asking questions when needed, helps a lot!

. Selective, crossover/oc friendly, mutuals only etc etc. I only interact with mutuals and wait to be followed first before following back if I can see our characters and writing meshing well. This is just so I can have an active dashboard that I can freely interact with. please let me know if you have a side you'd want me to engage and follow if its not prominent somewhere.

. You do not need a verse to interact with my muse. If anything I prefer general crossover to see how they interact in their various worlds.

. While open to shipping and discussing possible connections with my muses I will not insta-ship and please dont assume they are even if we’ve talked about it a bit. It’ll have to be chemistry and interaction based with buildup and note the blog is not ship-focused. The blog’s central plot focuses solely on themselves and their themes unless heavily plotted otherwise.

. Note I don’t do mains or exclusives in any way. While I do have close mutuals I’ll interact with a lot because of comfort there are no central characters or plots otherwise besides my own. If a muse wants to get involved in some exclusive way please come by me to see if we can plot something out.

. I’m not interested in poly-shipping. Nothing wrong with it ofcourse but Im only really comfortable shipping with friends or mutuals I know and on the same space as I’m in. I’d ask for a single-verse for my muse or we can go through a platonic route if your muse is exclusively poly, but as with anything please come talk to me for anything.

. You dont have to ask to reply to an ask. Please do! If anything I ask if possible to follow through on a meme or ask you’ve sent be turned into an interaction unless the point is moot or its a drabble. Not required of course, it just helps start and build interactions!

. Note the plot is centralized to my characters and canons put under the v. main tag. Dash events, rpc happenings and the whathavs unless I say so otherwise are not canon and often put under the crack tag or untagged. Please dont assume anything from my muse or expect them to engage either as sadly I have to step away from the dash often and cant catch up. I prefer to have control over my narrative and if you want something outside included please plot with me!

#ooc. ･ﾟ ✹#doing some spring cleaning before the spring LMAO #and fixing some broken links oops

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tmntkiseki · 3 months

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Diary of an Idiot Trying to Learn to Draw Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Part 1: Escaping the Comfort Zone)

Before we talk turtles and the early steps of my art journey with them, let's talk about me for a little bit.

Hello, most people know me by my online nickname, Star. I'm a perpetually tired gremlin in her late 20s from New England who still lives with her parents and two brothers. (I'm the middle child!) I love my two dogs to bits, I have a weird fascination with shipwrecks and maritime disasters, and I am a known art enjoyer to point of attempting to draw her own pictures. Sometimes it goes well, other times... ah, we'll get to that.

When I think about my history in terms of drawing, it all starts with anime. My first exposure anime was through a fairly obscure one called Sky Girls; I encountered it through Dance Dance Revolution: Super Nova 2 on the PS2, as the opening to the original OVA was one of the songs available in the game. I ended up watching most of the television series and I was quick to discover that, hey, there's an entire genre of animated television series that originate from Japan; subsequently, I ended up watching several anime that were popular during the late 2000s with Lucky Star, Haruhi Suzumiya, Clannad, and Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni all being shows that I watched during this period. It's difficult to say what entranced me so much about the art style quirks we so heavily associate with anime, but it's definitely had the biggest influences on my art; not just anime itself, but video games with anime art styles as well. If I had to name which pieces of Japanese media have affected me most in terms of art development, it would be Odin Sphere, KyoAni's works (especially Violet Evergarden), and Hidari (the character designer for three of the Atelier games and Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia.)

"Okay, but what about when you actually began to do your own art?" WELL, I can definitely say throughout elementary school I absolutely LOVED being in art class, but I didn't start seriously practicing until I was around 13; this was when my depression first reared its ugly head, but it was also about when I first got into fandom online. Now, the first fandom I actually made "content" for was Pokemon, but that wasn't drawing; that was fanfiction. The first fandom I actually drew for?

Call of Duty: Zombies. Yeah, I think we all have that one fandom we're embarrassed to mention that we were ever involved in. Regardless of the cringe factor, it was still important for me because that was when I first started interacting with other fanartists online and if I hadn't spent so much time drawing fanart of a bunch of WWII stereotypes while I was in high school, I wouldn't have laid the groundwork for what came afterwards.

In terms of overall skill, I'm definitely way better than I was back when I first started out, but there is still so much I have to learn; I do often look at other artists who are around my age or, hell, are even YOUNGER than me and think to myself "Why am I not that good?" and, ya know, art is an acquired skill that requires a lot of practice and due to my mental illness and lack of confidence/self-worth, there were periods where I would go for MONTHS without drawing anything, so the fact I'm not where I feel like I should be skill-wise is ultimately circumstantial (there are other personal shortcomings that have also been holding me back, but we'll get to those later). I have managed to learn to stop being so hard on myself and not be as perfectionistic, and I find myself drawing more and more for the fun of it and learning new techniques that'll result in better pieces rather than anything else. These are some of the Rune Factory 4 pieces I drew last year (all Arthur/Frey ship art, oops) and at this point I can look at them and think "Yeah, they're not perfect, but I also did a pretty good job."

All right, this is the part of the post where we finally get to talking about my experiences learning how to draw the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles--specifically, the 2003 versions. It's been about a month since I started studying the show's art and even if I'm not the best artist on the block, I still have a decent amount of experience under my belt that learning how to draw them shouldn't be too hard, right? Right? I mean how hard can it be to draw four humanoid turtles?

Oh boy, of all the fandoms I've drawn fanart for, TMNT 2003 probably has one of the steepest learning curves that I have EVER experienced.

All right, what are some of the advantages do I have going in? There is my existing experience drawing, but I'd argue the fact that my brain is so hardwired to draw anime is an advantage in some ways. When I first looked at the show's art style (more specifically that of seasons 1 - 5), I was thinking to myself "How the everliving FUCK am I supposed to draw this?!" However, when I actually sat down and studied the model sheets, I was delighted to discover that a lot of the basic fundamentals that I already learned drawing anime bodies can be applied to the turtles; one of the only major adjustments I had to make was exaggerating the muscles of the arms and legs. Not only that, but one of the less human aspects of the turtles IE the plastron is actually incredibly useful as a makeshift guideline for the torsos; it quite literally divides them into chest, abdomen, and pelvis areas and I absolutely love it!

Unfortunately, that's about where my happiness with drawing the turtles ends and where my actual struggles start.

("Nekomata Mikey" from January 7th, which is probably my best and favorite turtle attempt thus far)

So, I suffer from a little something called "not liking to leave my comfort zone." It's not something that I'm incapable of doing, but getting me to break out of a repetitive routine and try something new or challenging is insanely difficult--no idea if it's a result of my autism spectrum disorder or not, but it definitely explains why I've hesitated to experiment more with my art and try new things... which is important if you want to further develop your style and improve. Oooooooh boy.

Now, I'm not necessarily looking to accurately replicate TMNT 2003's style, but I am hoping to maintain certain aspects when I draw the turtles. Stuff that is definitely contradicting what I'm comfortable with when it comes to drawing; the thick lines you see in a lot of the official art, the fact this show really likes using sharp angles to define physical features, the dark color palette of the first five seasons, the fact those seasons break the rule of "don't shade with black" that I've been taught from the beginning--a lot of stuff that I'm just not used to. It's hard not to become frustrated because half the time you have no idea what you're doing and have no idea whether it's going to look good or not.

Beyond that, there is the matter of the less human aspects of the turtles that are giving me a run for my money. I can somewhat handle the chunky three fingered hands and large two toed feet, but when I get to the heads and shells, that's where I start tearing my hair out. Even with multiple reference screenshots from the show and sassatello's tutorial on the head structure handy, I still find myself fumbling and making heads that are too angular and chunky (especially in the cheek area) or heads that are too round to the point of almost looking babyish. The shells are another matter entirely; it's weird because they are basically a dome-shaped backpack, but something about those things keeps throwing me for the loop no matter what angle or pose I'm drawing a turtle from.

*LOUD SIGH*

For all the struggles and frustrations I have, I'm still very happy to be studying and practicing how to draw the turtles. It's been about a month since I started pouring over the model sheets, taking screencaps from individual episodes to examine and annotate, and just drawing, and I've already learned so much. Not only that, but this whole experience of trying to figure out how to draw the main characters from an (almost) 21 year old cartoon has pushed me to look up... A LOT of tutorials for art skills I've admittedly been neglecting. Basic shapes used in the structure of the body, color theory and shading, all that good stuff. It is also a fact that studying the art of TMNT 2003 is exactly what inspired me to start posting all the model sheets and concept arts I have saved on my laptop. When you have a ton of art resources at your disposal, why not share them? Someone else might need them as much as you do.

I'm hoping to make another post like this in a couple months or so just to see how much I've improved, where I'm still kicking and screaming, and what areas I ought to focus on. Until then, take care and have a good day!

#teenage mutant ninja turtles #tmnt #tmnt 2003 #tmnt 2k3 #tmnt art diary

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zeb-z · 5 months

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sw au Leo and Vegetta and Foolish OH MY

Leo! Foolish finds her as a toddler on Coruscant, the day the Jedi temple burns. He’s just an aide to his senator then, barely hired due to staff shortages caused by the war. She’s upset and alone and largely ignored by the rest of the people minding their own business on the lower levels. Foolish scoops her up, gets her some water and something to eat, and waits to see if anyone comes back for her. No one does. From then on, it’s him and Leo against the world.

She sits in on a lot of meetings she shouldn’t be in, is around for a lot of busy work involving information she probably shouldn’t be privy to. But that’s okay, because she’s hardly noticed half the time, and the other half it’s easily excusable - Foolish couldn’t find a sitter on such short notice since the last one quit, she’s hardly interrupting, it’s good lessons for her to learn if she’s going to step into power one day, or even just a raised eyebrow and a ‘are you really going to tell me how to raise my kid?’.

Rarely is Leo actually told to wait somewhere else with one of Foolish’s aides, even rarer is she forced to stay home. She never stays behind whenever her Pa has trips to other planets, especially to Coruscant, unless it’s an extremely extenuating circumstance that’ll last a few days, and Roier is able to watch her. When Foolish is elected Senator, and has far more responsibilities that require him to be present on Coruscant, and no longer can rely on Vegetta, he tries harder to find trusted caretakers that Leo could like - it takes half a year for him to give up entirely. As much as he doesn’t want his child around the nest of spiders that is the Imperial center, he’s not wrong in it being a learning opportunity. And his enemies know of her existence anyways - she’s much safer at his side. And that’s where she’d prefer to be. However, this does make it rather difficult to make friends her age - as if her role as a senators child wasn’t isolating enough.

Leo is adored and doted on, just absolutely spoiled, because Foolish has the connections and the money to do so, so why shouldn’t he? Especially because they didn’t start out that way, with credits to burn and a taste for finer things.

Vegetta is a sculptor, who’s branching out into architecture after gaining enough fame and wealth to be comfortable. Him and Foolish meet very early on, where everyone else always seems to meet - everyone of importance, anyway - at a high end party during Ascension Week. Young Leo bumps into Vegetta while looking for her dad, and he helps her find him, and they strike up a polite conversation. At the next party, one of the ones Leo is at home asleep for, because it’s a later in the night, champagne and under the table spice, kind of Ascension party, they bump into eachother again, bonding over something that isn’t just the usual greetings and well wishes, and the rest is history.

Early into Foolish’s role as governor for his planet, on a day like any other, Vegetta leaves on some sort of trip, purely business. This in and of itself isn’t unusual, neither is the lack of contact for a few days at least - as much as Foolish loves his boyfriend, he’s not the clingy type, he understands that they are both busy people, and he trusts him implicitly. He picks up their weekly hologram call without a fuss. “Don’t worry, mi amor, I’ll be home before you know it. Tell Leo I love her, and miss her very much.” Then he misses the next weeks call. And the next. And the next. A missing persons report and follow up don’t seem to go very far, despite the strings Foolish tries to pull - every sign points to the classic case of an upper class affair, where the guilty party can easily change their face and name to chase after someone else - according to Imperial Law Enforcement, at least. Foolish is introduced to Jaiden soon after, his first Ascension week without Vegetta in a long time. He’s certain this isn’t coincidence.

Roier! Son of Vegetta, pilot with a dream, you know his whole thing. He meets Foolish and Leo through Vegetta, and is adopted in very quickly. He stays around even after Vegetta disappears, still calls Foolish his father and Leo his sister. They try to make it to most of his races, somehow managing to blend in with the crowd without making a fuss of his status, even on the most backwater planets. Roier usually makes it to Ascension week parties at the minimum, enough to keep appearances, and to keep an extra eye on Leo. As much as everyone knows Leo as Foolish’s child, Roier is very often forgotten - which is a good thing. It means he can get away with the racing he does.

Leo meets Vegetta young enough to hardly remember much of a time before him, but she’s old enough to remember when he left. Per Foolish’s advice, she doesn’t read gossip rags, and doesn’t pay any mind to whatever she may hear along the grapevine from spending so much time around socialites and politicians. She’s learned enough to know that this is the game that is played, and that entertaining conversation doesn’t always mean honest conversation. Late nights back at home, when Roier is also over, they like to point at different stars and wonder if that’s where their father is at now. On one planet, he’s lost on a hike and is still wandering. On another, he’s finding inspiration for his next major construct in the zen of nature, and left his com (and ship key) behind. On this one he’s fighting dragons to get the greatest treasure to gift to his children. That one, he found a portal that took him back in time, and he has to fight as a knight of the Old Republic. Something fantastical that’s keeping him from coming home.

Roier teaches Leo to fly! After the first few lessons, Foolish lets Leo pilot if they’re just flying around their home world, and sometimes lets her handle part of take off when ascending out of the gravity well to reach hyperspace. Leo Taxi! :’)

#I’m still thinking on vegettas backstory get back to me on that. and on wherever he is now pfjdjsjf currently he’s just MIA #not around. canon typical yknow #anyways I keep trying to make these brief and just fail every time. I was gonna start with oh here’s what all the eggs are up to! but I can #hardly do that without giving more about their families and lifestyle. and well here we are #I still have more to say but I’ll talk more about some of the others first lmfjsjfjajf #mcyt #qsmp #sw #Star Wars #qsmp au #z speaks

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ladyfogg · 11 months

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May I? - 42/52

Fic Summary: Ensign Faith Diaz struggles to hide her mental illness from her fellow shipmates aboard the Enterprise until an intrigued Data goes out of his way to try to understand her behavior. At his insistence, Faith tries to figure out what she’s truly passionate about and eventually seeks the professional help she needs. Fic Masterpost.

Fic Rating: NC-17

Pairing: Data/Female OC

Warnings: tw: depression, tw: anxiety, fluff, friends to lovers, eventual smut

A/N: I have been waiting to write this chapter for the last three years. Enjoy ;)

---

As she watched Data and the others disappear off the transporter, Faith let out a slow exhale. There was nothing she could do but wait for their return. Beside her, Captain Picard squeezed her shoulder before he led her from the room.

“They’ll be back before you know it,” he assured her.

Not that long ago she may have found his tone on the patronizing side. However, now she was comforted by the gesture and appreciated the attempt to reassure her.

“I wanted to join the away team,” Faith admitted to him. “But Data begged me not to. Time is going to crawl by while I wait.”

Picard dropped his hand and they walked side by side towards the turbo-lifts. “I am pleased to hear you were willing to volunteer,” he said, pride evident in his voice. “That shows great initiative, Lieutenant. I’ll keep you in mind for the future.”

She wasn’t sure how she felt about that. On one hand, approval from an authority figure definitely released some serotonin, on the other, it also released anxiety over actually doing an away mission. Pushing it away, she refused to let it overtake her. She had to keep her mind sharp and focused.

“If you don’t need anything from me, Captain, I’ll be reporting to Engineering,” she said.

“Understood. Dismissed.”

He kept walking as she took the turbo-lift. Once alone, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath, held it for a few seconds, then slowly exhaled. She was in the middle of repeating the process when the lift stopped and Ensign Ro stepped on.

“Everything okay, Lieutenant?” she asked, before requesting the deck she required.

“Frustrated,” Faith told her. “The away team is dealing with the jerk who was responsible for my kidnapping and I have to just…”

“Stay behind?” Ro offered. When Faith nodded, she shook her head and made a noise of disgust. “I’d be wound up too if it were me.”

“I know as Starfleet officers we can’t take things personally but this is personal.”

“It doesn’t get more personal than holding you against your will based on who you’re involved with.”

Faith wasn’t surprised Ro had some knowledge of the situation considering her position on the Bridge. It made sense that she would have overheard and witnessed enough to get the gist of things. In all honesty, it felt nice to hear the perspective of someone who wasn’t a senior officer. There was a deeper sense of camaraderie there from someone who was in a similar position as she was: there but not necessarily on the inside.

“There was evidence that it was more than that, that I was the focal point as well,” Faith said.

Ro’s eyebrows shot up. “Seriously?” When Faith nodded, she asked, “What kind of evidence?”

By now the lift had reached Engineering and though Ro was headed to a different floor, she followed Faith to continue the conversation.

“Photos. Lots of photos of me and me and Data around the ship.”

Ro crossed her arms as if to hug herself. “That’s vile. God, now I wish I went on the away mission too to punch the guy myself.”

“Aww, Ro, you care.”

She rolled her eyes but Faith saw a slight flush in her cheeks. “I hate bullies,” she clarified. “And I hate those who prey on others. Yeah, there’s a risk that comes with being on a starship but we should be able to go about our business without being stalked but some unknown entity.”

“You would think, right?”

“I will say this, you’re handling it a lot better than I would be.”

“Oh, this is all a façade. Inside, I am running around in circles screaming.”

To her surprise, Ro snorted with laughter. “Fantastic mental image.”

Just outside of Engineering, they came to a stop. “This is my stop,” Faith said.

Ro nodded but as Faith made a move towards the door, she said, “Hey, if they’re not back by the end of your shift. Let’s get a drink. You shouldn’t have to be alone while you wait.”

Faith smiled graciously. “Yeah, okay, I’d like that.”

They parted ways and Faith took her place in Engineering. With all the staff back on hand, there was a fair amount of coordinating that needed to be done, including assignments for new crew members. She did the best she could to throw herself into the work. Yet, her mind kept drifting, wondering if they had encountered Konro yet and if the disguises had worked. Had the transmitters gotten the work done? Were they able to fool the escort enough to even get to the planet?

It wasn’t long before the questions became too overwhelming. Faith was at her desk when an idea struck that sent her to her feet. She marched through Engineering nearly running into Barclay.

“Lieutenant, everything okay?” he asked.

“Everything’s fine. Standby to reroute controls to the Bridge.”

“Yes, sir.”

Faith took the turbo-lift with determination. Just because she couldn’t go on the mission didn’t mean she couldn’t still help. When she stepped off the lift, Captain Picard turned to look at her, eyebrows drawn together in concern.

“Can I help you, Lieutenant Diaz?” he asked.

“Permission to assist in monitoring the away mission with you, sir,” she said, standing at attention. “My knowledge in this matter could be of assistance and having built the transmitters, I can step in to troubleshoot should there be any issues.”

It was silent enough to hear a pin drop. Worf stood at his tactical station and when she caught his eye, she couldn’t help but think she saw a glimmer of pride. The captain studied her for a moment and then, to her relief, he nodded.

“Permission granted. You may take this seat,” he ordered, motioning to the chair Deanna usually occupied.

Exhaling slowly, Faith’s legs felt like jelly as she crossed to the chair. As she sat, she saw Ro at the helm. The young woman nodded with approval and smirked as she turned back to her work.

Faith hit the com panel on her chair, “Diaz to Engineering, reroute controls to this console.”

“Understood, Lieutenant. Controls rerouted,” Barclay’s voice came through.

Faith turned to Picard. “Has the team made contact?”

“Yes, a few minutes ago. They are on their way to Obara now. We won’t follow until we’re out of sensor range of their escort.”

It was Faith’s turn to nod. She brought up the transmitter readouts so that she could monitor in real time. As terrifying as it was to be on the Bridge, she found it was a lot quieter than Engineering. Then again, it was also way more tense.

Worf’s terminal beeped. “Sir, the shuttle has landed outside of Konro’s compound.”

“Acknowledged,” Picard responded.

Faith reached into her pocket to touch Data’s com badge. She hated that she had to take it from him while the others could keep theirs, as they could hide them better and wouldn’t be searched as thoroughly. Touching the cool metal though gave her an idea.

“Captain, I can reconfigure the away team’s com badges from here to listen in on their conversation once we’re in range,” she suggested. “That way we can hear what is happening. It’ll take a couple of minutes but it’ll give us some idea of what’s going on.”

“Do it.”

Faith used her access to set up a subroutine that would remotely turn on the com badge's microphone. It wasn’t a difficult feat comparatively, however, the fact that she sat right next to the captain did lay on the pressure. She could feel the sweat dripping down the back of her neck and under her collar.

Come on, you can do this in your sleep, she told herself. Just focus.

“They are out of sensor range,” Worf announced.

“Ensign, take us in, warp three. Once we’re out, use impulse only to get us as close to the planet as possible without going into standard orbit.”

“Aye, sir,” Ro responded. “Warp three, engaged.”

Faith kept working and by the time they were in position, she managed her goal. A moment later, Riker’s voice came through to the Bridge.

“Come now, Dulcer, Enil. Let’s not leave our benefactor waiting.”

Faith couldn’t help the small triumphant grin on her face.

“And you’re sure the android will be safe there until Mr. Konro can examine him?” Deanna asked, doing an excellent imitation of Dulcer.

“Of course. Mr. Konro is diligent when it comes to security. Nothing comes in or out without his knowledge and he only hires the best.”

“He’ll be fine,” Riker assured them. “I have complete trust in our benefactor.”

The silence on the Bridge was tense as they listened to the group move throughout the compound to where Konro waited for them. Faith’s body was tight and her shoulders were nearly by her ears as the moments ticked by. There was the swish of a door and they heard Konro’s voice for the first time.

“Well, well, well. To what do I owe the honor of this visit?”

“Vorbos Konro, I presume? We are the delegates from Vangar and have delivered what Fajo failed to,” Riker said.

“So I’ve been told. And am I to presume you did this purely out of the goodness of your hearts?”

“I wouldn’t go that far. There is much to discuss.”

“I agree. Please, have a seat. Doran, go gather refreshments.”

His aid didn’t speak as he left but the swish of the doors signaled his exit. There was a beat of silence where Faith imagined Konro taking the other three in.

“I have to say, I was surprised to get your message,” he said.

“I’m sure,” Riker responded. “To be honest, we’ve always found Fajo to be rather short-sighted. More concerned for his collection rather than the bigger picture.”

“Oh? And what do you think the bigger picture is?”

“Let’s not beat around the bush,” Geordi spoke up. “We have something that you want and something you need, just as you have something we want and need.”

“Direct. I heard that about you, Enil.”

“And we heard you have a lot of pull in this region.”

“You could say that.”

“I’m sure you’re aware of the Vangar’s seclusion,” Deanna said. “We choose our friends very carefully.”

“Are you saying we’re friends?”

“We could be,” Riker said. “For the right price.”

“I’m intrigued. Although, one android is hardly a reason for us to become friends.”

“It’s not just the android we bring. As your aid can confirm, we also have a cloaking device. Not Romulan or Klingon. Something entirely different, another gift from Fajo.”

“Who knew it would be so generous after his death?”

“Imagine that.”

Faith fidgeted in her seat, incredibly uncomfortable with the entire exchange. it didn’t sit right with her, not that anything that was happening did. She realized she had drawn the captain’s attention with her movements and leaned closer to him so she could quietly ask, “Do you find it strange he hasn’t said a thing about Data? Hasn’t asked about him at all?”

Picard’s face echoed her concern. “I was thinking the same thing,” he responded.

The unease she felt earlier only increased. It took everything to stop fidgeting. Instead, she busied herself with the terminal, quietly checking on Konro’s defenses. They were strong, yet not as strong as she would have expected. She was able to pick up the signal from their coms and their sensors could pick up the life forms surrounding them, but that was it for now.

“Can you get a lock on them, Mr. Worf?” Picard asked.

“Not yet,” Worf answered. “But we can track them for now.”

“Captain, I can try to see if I can break into Konro’s systems from here,” Faith said. “But I’m unsure of his fail-safes. Considering what happened to the Enterprise when Data tried to decrypt the files…”

“Hold off,” Picard ordered. “We’ll wait for Mr. Data to try on his end.”

“I will admit, I’m intrigued,” Konro told them. “But, first things first, how did you know Fajo was working for me? It wasn’t exactly public knowledge.”

“You know how Fajo is. Once he’s proud of something you’ll never stop hearing about it,” Riker said. “We were introduced to the android during a dinner. Fajo hinted he had help and after that, it didn’t take much to get him to reveal more.”

“And his death? What do you know of that?”

“A testament to the android’s strength. I wouldn’t advise making him angry.”

“He has feelings? It was my understanding that wasn’t the case.”

“We were told that as well, and yet, he beat Fajo within an inch of his life. One doesn’t do that unless it’s personal.”

“Curious. Very curious.”

There was nothing in Konro’s tone or words that he had the obsession with Data as the information had led them to believe. His words seemed cold and unattached, almost like he was speaking from a script.

“Something’s not right,” Faith said out loud. “This doesn’t feel right.”

“I’m inclined to agree,” Picard said. “I get the distinct impression that he’s putting on a show.”

“Are we sure this is actually Konro?”

“We can’t be sure of anything at this point, Lieutenant.”

Through the coms came the sudden sounding of an alarm which sent Faith’s blood pressure through the roof.

Konro’s aid came into the room a second later. “Sir, there’s a security breach! The android is loose!” he exclaimed.

“So, this is your idea of friendship?” Konro snapped at the others.

“Hey, we deactivated him long ago and stored him where your aid told us to,” Riker snapped back. “Your place is supposed to be secure. If he escaped, that’s on you.”

“Seal off the exits and start sweeping each floor and turbo-lift! I want the android caught! As for you three—”

Interference cut the connection without warning and Faith tried desperately to get it back. There was static and then nothing, only the erratic beeping of the com pad she quickly tapped on.

“What’s happening?” Picard demanded.

“I don’t know, some kind of interference. I’m trying to compensate.”

“Have we got a lock on them yet?”

“Aye, sir,” Worf assured him. “However, I am picking up many other signatures throughout the compound.”

“What about Commander Data’s?”

“It’s going to take some time to narrow it down.”

Faith was able to reestablish the connection just as Riker’s voice said, “Riker to Enterprise.”

“We’re here, Number One,” Picard responded. “What’s happening down there?”

“Konro has locked us in a room and then he went off to find out what’s happening.”

Just then, Faith saw the Vangar ship downloading information and she realized that Data had gotten to a console. “Sir, Data’s made the connection!” she announced. “We’re downloading Konro’s computer contents now.”

“Monitor it and make sure the transfer goes through!” Picard ordered. “Number One, you need to find Data so we can beam you all out of there. We haven’t got a lock on his signature.”

“Geordi is trying to get us out now, but—”

“I got you,” Faith interrupted, using the connection to access Konro’s entire system. “Just give me a second to find the right room and…”

“The door’s open, we’re out!”

Picard glanced over at Faith with a smile. “Thank you, Lieutenant. Start going through those files.”

“Yes, sir.”

Faith needed a bigger console so she transferred the access to Engineering Station One and immediately sat down at it. She got to work strengthening the connection with the hope of downloading things faster. Once that was established, she went through some of the information.

It was a plethora of criminal activity. Trade agreements with the Ferengi to dark dealings with some Romulans. She saw a couple of files regarding the Federation but it was going to take time to thoroughly go through them all. Either way, it was a start to what they had been looking for.

"It looks like we got more than enough," she reported. "It's going to take time to sort through it all but from what I see, Konro has a lot to answer for. I've found several of the correspondences that match Fajo's. He's definitely the one that sent Fajo after Data."

"Good! Mr. Worf, I want them out of there the second they find Data."

There was a moment when it looked like someone was trying to shut down the connection but Faith had ample warning thanks to the way she boosted the link. In the back of her mind, she was concerned that the shutdown could mean Data was found out. However, she couldn’t let that stand in her way. She bypassed their orders yet made it appear the shutdown had worked, which could only fool them for so long. Hopefully, it would be long enough.

“Number One, what’s going on down there?” Picard asked, the tenseness in his voice echoing the tension blanketed throughout the Bridge.

“Heavy resistance,” Riker responded, sounding out of breath over the sound of phaser fire.

“Sir, someone tried to shut down the connection so we should assume Data is incapacitated,” Faith told the captain.

“Did you hear that, Commander?”

“Yeah, I heard. We’re on it."

Faith stood at the console, every muscle tight as they waited, and waited, and waited. She busied herself with the progress bar, watching the percentage climb higher until it flashed one word: complete.

A second later, Geordi’s voice sounded through the com. “We got him,” he said. “Looks like they deactivated him and took him to some sort of lab. Transporter, lock on to our signals. Four to beam up.”

Faith slowly exhaled and shared a look of relief with Worf. A second later, he nodded to the captain, “They’re on board.”

“Ensign Ro, take us to the nearest Federation starbase, maximum warp!” barked Picard.

Faith watched the view screen warp and the planet faded into blackness. Only then did she let out a slow exhale. Turning to the captain she asked, “Permission to leave, Captain?”

Picard nodded. “Granted. I’ll come with you. Mr. Worf, you have the Bridge.”

Together he and Faith rode the turbo-lift to transporter room two. It felt like it took forever, like the lift was taking its sweet time getting them to where they wanted to go. Finally, the doors opened, and they were met with Riker, Deanna, Geordi, and Data coming down the hall. They must have reactivated Data as soon as they found him.

As much as she wanted to throw herself into his arms, she restrained herself. “I’m so glad you’re okay,” she told him when they finally met in the hall.

He smiled. “As am I.” Turning to Picard, he said, “I was able to establish a link with Konro’s computer to our systems before I was deactivated. I am unsure if the link was severed afterward.”

“No, it wasn’t, thanks to Lieutenant Diaz,” Picard told him. “We received all the information and preliminary searches found plenty of incriminating evidence. What went wrong?”

“Once it was discovered I was missing, security sounded an alarm,” Data explained. “I avoided them as much as possible but it was difficult once I accessed the main computer. Someone came up behind me and deactivated me. I did not see who it was.”

“That place was crawling with security,” Riker explained. “We barely got out of there in time.”

“Another minute and we would have been overrun,” Deanna said.

Picard nodded in understanding. “Well done, all of you. We’ll reconvene in the morning and you can give me your full report. By then, we should have more information on Konro’s files. Get some rest, you’ve earned it.”

“I need to get these damn prosthetics off, I’m going crazy,” Geordi said, pulling at the fake facial unit.

“Agreed,” Riker and Deanna said at the same time.

They headed in the direction of Sickbay as Picard returned to the Bridge, leaving Data and Faith alone. The moment they were, she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tight. His arms came around her waist, gently returning the hug.

“I was so worried about you,” she whispered.

“There is no need to worry. I am fine.”

She had gotten so used to his new emotional state that it surprised her to find him so subdued. She gathered he was as exhausted as the others and probably hungry too. Not to mention, they were standing in the middle of the hallway where anyone could happen upon them.

“Let’s go to our quarters,” she suggested, pulling away and taking his hand. “You can tell me all about what happened.”

“I would like that very much.”

Smiling, she pulled him in the right direction, eternally grateful that the nightmare was finally over. They didn’t have to worry about Konro anymore. He was finally going to be in custody and she and Data would be able to breathe.

As soon as they were inside, Faith turned to Data, cupped his chin, and pulled him into a kiss. It took a second for him to respond, but once he did he all but knocked her back from the force. It hurt more than anything else and Faith jerked away in response. His arm came around her waist to hold her in place when she pushed on his chest.

“Ow, watch it,” she said. “There’s a difference between pleasure and pain, babe.”

“My apologies. I did not intend to hurt you, only show my appreciation.”

“It’s okay."

She ran her hands up his arms to rest on his shoulder, pushing herself up on tiptoes to kiss him again. His response was much gentler yet, still felt off. Almost like he didn’t quite know what to do with his mouth at first. His teeth roughly nipped her bottom lip and she drew back with a frown.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes, I am fine. Why do you ask?"

"I don't know, you seem…" She shook the thought away, not wanting to spoil the mood. "Sorry, ignore me. We’ve both been on edge about this whole thing. I’m just relieved you’re back.”

There was something about how he studied her that made her uneasy. His gaze was intense in a way she couldn’t describe, not quite what it used to be before Q’s intervention and definitely not what it’s been like in the last few days.

“Are you sure you're alright?” she asked. “You seem…off.”

“Do I?”

Faith nodded, detaching herself from his embrace. “Did something happen while you were down there?”

“Nothing out of the ordinary. It was a successful mission and I am glad we were able to receive the information we required. I believe I am still processing that this ordeal is finally over.”

Brushing the feelings off again as her annoying anxiety, she suggested, “Let’s get some dinner and unwind.”

When she took a step towards the replicator, Data took her hand. “Faith, before we continue, I feel as though we should have a discussion.”

A stab of fear sparked through her nervous system like an electrical current and she suddenly found her mouth dry. “Okay,” she said in a soft voice. It wasn’t just the words that made her worried but the way he said them, the carefulness of his tone.

He led her to the couch where they sat, side by side. His expression was one of sympathy which didn’t help her rattled nerves. “I have come to a decision that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later,” he said, taking both her hands in his. "I believe we should end our relationship."

Faith blinked. For a second she thought she imagined what he said but when he continued to stare at her with that blank expression, she realized she hadn't.

"Are…are you serious?"

Data nodded solemnly. "Yes. I believe it is the right course of action."

"What are you talking about? Where is this coming from?"

"I have given it a fair amount of thought and after everything I have put you through, I cannot continue to put your life in danger."

"Data, you haven't put me through anything. None of this is your fault." She reached out to cradle his face. "You know I love you. I don't blame you for this."

He gently took her hands away. "It is not only this situation. We both know I will never be human and cannot give you everything you want, especially the love you feel for me. It would be unwise for me to continue this relationship knowing, in the end, you will be hurt."

Faith was dumbfounded. She was beyond shocked. The words were coming out of Data's mouth and yet they didn't sound like him at all. What the hell was he talking about? Hadn’t they just discovered that he did indeed love her and that what he was feeling had been genuine? This wasn't how this was supposed to go. Why would he break up with her now, when they finally figure out who had been stalking them for months?

Did he see something when he was down there that changed his mind? Was Konro not the culprit and Data was still trying to protect her?

"Data, I don't understand why you're saying this," she told him, getting to her feet. She needed to move, needed to pace as she sorted out her feelings. "I thought we had talked things out before you left. What you're saying to me now doesn't make any sense!"

“I’m sorry to have caused you pain, please know this decision was quite difficult.”

She froze in her tracks, her ears instantly registering what her nerves had been trying to convey since the second the turbo-lift doors opened. Ever so slowly, she turned to look back at him.

“What did you say?”

“I said, I am sorry to have caused you pain—”

She cut him off. “No, you didn’t. You said ‘I’m’ not ‘I am’.”

There was a beat of silence and though his expression never changed, the air around him did. It was suddenly thick, almost enough to choke on.

“I believe in your agitated state you must have misheard,” Data insisted as he stood up. “Perhaps I should escort you to Counselor Troi.”

When he reached for her, she slapped his hands away and backed up. “Don’t fucking touch me!” she barked. “Who are you?”

Data cocked his head, only this time she didn’t find it the least bit endearing. “I am Data.”

Faith shook her head so hard, her hair started to loosen from its braid. “No, no you’re not. Data wouldn’t break up with me, not that way.”

“I understand that it might be difficult for you to accept my decision but my calculations have determined it is the right one for both of us.”

“Oh, really, your calculations told you that?”

Though he continued to take steps in her direction, she kept her distance, putting as much space between them as possible. She was one-hundred percent certain whoever she was looking at was not the man she loved. Setting aside the fact that he couldn’t do his calculations at the moment, he hadn’t shown an ounce of emotion the entire time he’d been back.

There was one final test.

“What do you call me?” she demanded.

“Faith, you are starting to sound hysterical. I am sure Dr. Crusher or Counselor Troi can help.”

“Answer the fucking question! What do you call me?”

“I call you Faith.”

“And what else? What term of endearment?”

There was a pause, which was all she needed.

“I do not feel it is appropriate to use such a name given the termination of our relationship,” “Data” said. “I really think you should go see the doctor.”

“And I think you should stop fucking lying to me! Data would fucking know the nickname he gave me and he wouldn’t gaslight me!”

She was almost to the door. If she backed up a little bit more she would be there. Unfortunately, whoever it was that stood before her noticed that fact as well. In the blink of an eye, he charged and she immediately reached for her com badge as she bolted from him.

“Securi—!”

Seized from behind, a hand slammed over her mouth leaving her in the grips of android strength that was familiar, yet clearly didn’t belong to Data. The badge was ripped from her chest and tossed across the room, disappearing into the closet.

“Well, well, well,” said a voice filled with amused malice. “You’re a lot smarter than I gave you credit for. My brother sure knows how to pick ‘em.”

Cold realization crashed over Faith like a tidal wave and she felt the bile rise in her throat. Every instinct told her to fight but she heard Worf’s voice in her head.

He knows you’re going to struggle so don’t give him what he wants.

So she didn’t fight back, because she knew it was pointless. Even with the basics of training, she was no match for his strength. Instead, she jerked her head and tugged his hand away from her mouth.

“Lore I presume?” she asked.

Lore gave her a dark chuckle and pressed his cheek to hers. “Aww, so he has mentioned me. How sweet. I bet you two have shared many intimate moments and conversations over the last few months,” he said gleefully. “I gotta say, when I first started keeping tabs on my brother, I never imagined I’d find him shacking up with someone. That was a pretty big surprise.”

Faith found herself spun around, giving her a chance to look her attacker in the eye. Seeing such a dark expression on Data’s face was disturbing enough, yet there was something more. The way he gazed at her chilled her right down to her bones.

“It made me very curious about you,” he continued. He reached up to push her bangs back from her face, caressing her cheek as his hand drifted away. Once more, she jerked her head, gritting her teeth at the unwanted touch. “Who is this person who decided an emotionless android was the ideal life partner? She must really love to torture herself or really hates herself. Probably both.”

“Where’s Data?” she demanded.

Lore pouted. “‘Where’s Data?’” he mocked. In a blink, he bared his teeth and tightened his hold on her. “What is it about him that makes everyone flock to him? He can’t feel anything! He can’t return the love that everyone throws at his feet! I get disassembled and shot into space while he gets accolades and…”

He suddenly paused and spasmed as if jolted by an invisible force. With a gasp he shut his eyes, seemingly relishing in whatever he was feeling. When he looked at her again, he was smiling.

“But we’ll talk more about that later,” he said, securing her to his side with only one arm as he freed the other. “You and I, we have a ship to catch. We’re going on a little trip, someplace where we can get to know each other better.”

“I’m not fucking going anywhere with you!”

“Mmm, feisty. I think I kind of like that.” He reached out to bend his nail back, exposing flashing lights and a small button. “Sorry, sweetheart, you don’t have a choice.”

Faith knew she had only seconds to act while Lore’s hands were busy. Using his weight against him, she suddenly threw herself backward, sending them both crashing through the coffee table. Lore was taken off guard just enough for her to slip out of his grasp.

Scrambling for the door, she yelled, “Computer, intruder alert!”

An alarm sounded and a second later, Lore dive-tackled her to the ground. Faith did her best to fight him off, desperately reaching for something, anything to hit him with.

A loud hiss and a ball of fur darted out from under the bed, latching onto Lore’s face. It was the chance Faith needed to free herself. Stumbling, she made it to the doors which automatically opened. For the briefest moment, she thought she was going to make it.

A yelp from Spot was followed by a growl from Lore which tore that hope away. They slammed into the wall as he grabbed her again. Faith’s temple struck a console and stars exploded before her eyes. Through them, she barely had a second to notice Lieutenant Worf before she felt the pull of a transporter. She reached for him as he dove for her, but it was too late.

The halls of the Enterprise faded into swirling lights as she was pulled into the unknown.

#Lt. Commander Data #commander data #lt commander data #data tng #data soong #may i?#faith diaz #star trek next generation #star trek tng

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butleroftoast · 4 months

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Festively depressing headcanon, for no good reason.

Wild rats live somewhere between one and two years. Even allowing for Morris's care, guidance, and protection, not to mention fantasy healing magic, Fishstinky isn't going to make it past five years, tops, no matter how much Morris tries to find a way of extending his life. He probably loses his alpha rat status a little earlier than that, being frailer than he was. Morris doesn't interfere, that's how things go for rats, and he works hard to maintain his unusual status with the new alpha, but he remains particularly fond of Fishstinky.

One day, the group is on a quest to retrieve something -- let's say Skullduggan's sword. After a lot of failed attempts and narrow misses, they've finally got an opportunity to steal it back. One key step of the plan involves Morris's druidic magic. He has the energy for one more wildshape, having used the other for recon earlier in the day. Their monk companion goes into Morris's tent near the rat nest, to tell him it's now or never, and discovers that he isn't there.

What happened is this: Fishstinky had been ailing for several days and it was clear he didn't have much time left. Morris didn't bother mentioning this to anyone, partly because he didn't think it was any of their business, partly because he knew they wouldn't understand or care, and partly because it shouldn't have mattered, even the rats wouldn't be that concerned. Shortly before he was required for the plan, however, he knew.

He knelt beside Fishstinky: I'm here, I'll be with you. I'm always with you. Fishstinky asked: let me see you.

I'm here.

I want to see you.

Morris realised Fishstinky meant he wanted to be with Morris in ratshape, something he understood better than humans. Using that last wildshape just to comfort a dying rat would ruin the plan completely, and Morris decided that he didn't care (it wouldn't matter if it was a life or death situation for the rest of the party, honestly). He dropped into ratshape and curled up beside Fishstinky, who died shortly afterwards.

The monk only sees two rats on a cushion, not an abnormal sight in Morris's tent, and starts panicking about how he's disappeared until her cleric partner arrives. They decide to fetch Skullduggan, since it's their sword, and besides, they know Morris best.

Skullduggan catches on much more quickly. They work out the approximate time, wait alone until the hour of wildshape is up, and right on cue one of the rats abruptly turns back into Morris, still hunched over Fishstinky's body refusing to move. He won't turn round but is evidently distressed, denying anything is wrong yet shuttered in. He keeps insisting: it doesn't matter, he's just a rat, lots of them have died before. All the time he's fighting back angry, miserable sobs.

What makes it harder is of course the colony turns up to investigate and scuffles are already breaking out over who gets to take Fishstinky's place. Morris is forced to be firm and commanding with them if he wants to keep his own role, exactly what he doesn't feel able to do right now. On top of that he needs, or feels he needs, to take a piece of Fishstinky for his totem, and the last thing anyone should have to do after watching their best friend die is cut off their head with a pocketknife. And then, when the other rats are done sniffing the body, the natural way of things is for them to eat it.

This is all quite a lot to process and he really doesn't want to be around people. Skullduggan, however, is more than a little angry that Morris just lost them the chance to have their sword back: you know how you feel about your rats? That's how I feel about my bloody sword! Morris casts hold person on them to prevent them from launching at him. Feeling Skullduggan's fury even while paralysed, he prepares to drop it, but only with a warning that if Skullduggan tries anything else he will stop him. Drops it, Skullduggan charges forwards, Skullduggan is immediately shoved backwards by thunderwave.

Since it's clear that Morris is prepared to burn through all of his spellslots just to ensure himself some privacy while he grieves, and since they don't have their sword to smash his head in with, Skullduggan gives up. They'll have to find another way to get their sword back. It's a very awkward night in camp.

#death trigger warning #house skullduggan #druid pol morris

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xerxeswitch · 13 days

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Hi! Hope you're doing well.

This is regarding ur recent reply to someone. I live in a heavily religious family and my views are different from them, I'm more interested in witchcraft and spirit work even demonology and everything occult. Witchcraft is the greatest sin in my religion and tbh it scares me to take this step.

Idk why I'm telling you this but I really need some sort of confirmation lol, would it be okay if I go ahead and leave my old beliefs behind?

And if it's okay, mind sharing ur experience if any?:)

Hello hello anon! I am doing pretty well thank you, and I hope you are too! -- Hey look, sometimes people are going to diverge into a different direction to find themselves which is what some of the occult and witchcraft are there for. There's a lot of self discovery dwelling in these practices. Of course...exercise caution and don't go summoning stuff left and right if you don't know what you're doing. (At least not without research obviously) If you aren't ready to embark and separate from your heavy religious upbringing yet, you don't have to do it so fast. It's not easy. You can gradually do it, or you can interpret it in your own way and still hold some values that helped you. Don't subject yourself to anything you're not comfortable with just because you want to quickly rush to get out of something. BUT, that's just me -- I'm slow-moving and thorough in my stances at times personally. -- My family are heavy Catholics but they are thankfully not the hardcore "You go to hell" people ironically. They just tell me, "As long as you don't do anything stupid, you're good." -- which I can acknowledge my case is pretty rare. If you want, you can look into Padre Pio -- he's a Catholic saint but he's been known to be a mystic and did some forms of magic despite that it's seen as "sin" -- yet he was accepted as an official saint. ... Take this as you will, but I am an omnist. That means the belief in truths found in all religion or most religion. I still uphold values I learned from Catholicism, but I don't take it all in absolutes. No matter what, my base religion will always be Catholicism but I don't have to abide by everything I'm told -- but the lessons it teaches primarily involving to "love thy neighbors" and the teachings of Jesus. I'm on the same boat as you as not wanting to embark too far away from my religious upbringing and there are many who are also trying to find or create their own pillar. You'll be okay. I think the only requirement is just to be respectful. I would just remember to tell myself that there's no such thing as a perfect religion. If anything, if you want, research other religions/practices when it comes to beliefs such as Shintoism, Buddha, etc. A lot of these helped me in my discovery in what I feel pulled to. Research what you naturally are pulled into! I'm no expert but this is what I got but I hope it helps bring some help.

#witchcraft #witchblr #ask the witch #occultism #occult #spirit work #witchcraft advice #religion #omnist

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auraspheres · 2 months

Text

an INDIE. SELECTIVE. CANON DIV. AURA GUARDIAN RILEY from POKEMON D/P/PT + ancestor verse ft. Sir Aaron written by leche! Multiverse, crossover, and oc friendly. please read rules under cut before following!

「 ✧ 」 ABOUT. PROMO. MEME TAG. HEADCANONS.

rules!

✧ Very canon divergent. A lot of history, headcanons, and even in-game events are explored differently here. While in some realm canon complimenting this iteration greatly diverges from the norm.

✧Triggering content containing NSFW both sexual and intensive themes. I do write smut but all of the above is put under a read more and tagged accordingly. Please be 18+ to interact.

✧ Selective, crossover/oc friendly, mutuals only etc etc. I only interact with mutuals and wait to be followed first before following back if I can see our characters and writing meshing well. This is just so I can have an active dashboard that I can freely interact with.

✧ You do not need a verse to interact with my muse. If anything I prefer general crossover to see how they interact in their various worlds.

✧ While open to shipping and discussing possible connections with my muses I will not insta-ship. It’ll have to be chemistry and interaction based with buildup and note the blog is not ship-focused.

✧ Please like any ask or starter I answered for you! Tumblr as always has its faults in its notifications. It’ll save me a lot of anxiety if you do! Thanks a bunch!

✧ I don’t do mains or exclusives in any way. While I do have close mutuals I’ll interact with a lot because of comfort there are no central characters or plots otherwise besides my own. If a muse wants to get involved in some exclusive way please come by me to see if we can plot something out.

✧ I’m not interested in poly-shipping. Nothing wrong with it ofcourse but Im only really comfortable shipping with friends or mutuals I know and on the same space as I’m in. I’d ask for a single-verse for my muse or we can go through a platonic route if your muse is exclusively poly, but as with anything please come talk to me for anything.

✧ You dont have to ask to reply to an ask. Please do! If anything I ask if possible to follow through on a meme or ask you’ve sent be turned into an interaction unless the point is moot or its a drabble. Not required of course, it just helps start and build interactions!

✧ Note the plot is centralized to my characters and canons put under the v. main tag. Dash events, rpc happenings and the whathavs unless I say so otherwise are not canon and often put under the crack tag or untagged. Please dont assume anything from my muse or expect them to engage either as sadly I have to step away from the dash often and cant catch up. I prefer to have control over my narrative and if you want something outside included please plot with me!

✧ Think I missed you when ya followed? Just like my pinned post and Ill check you out but please dont harass me or ask to be mutuals following that. Sometimes there’s just no clear way for our writing, content or characters to interact and asking me to be mutuals puts me in an uncomfortable spot.

✧ The rules above are the most prominent but THE REST FALL UNDER GENERAL RP ETIQUETTE. Anything not listed but known should be adhered. But if you have any questions please feel free to send me an ask for clarification!

credits:

templates: header ,

PSD: spun sugar

icons: x

And hello! Im Leche, 30, Mexican Latinx, and first generation American. Im tired, gay, transmac but can’t stop rp'ing as a fun hobby

#pinned post .

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safetycar-restart · 1 year

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I'm so glad to be the Mick anon!!!! I love him so much, thank you!!! Your last post killed me!

Thinking about poor baby's face the moment his old Dom orders him to get out of his house. With Mick, you can see the moment his heart breaks through his eyes because they're always so expressive. His eyes start to water and his voice breaks when he says a little "okay" (just like in Abu Dhabi when they asked him to stop doing donuts - he's a good boy, even when they mistreat him he still wants to obey). Right now I picture him outside desperate and trying not to cry after his Dom shuts the door in his face.

He's so nervous when you become his Dom because he's not sure he could deal with a similar situation. You're the exact opposite because you love, respect, and care for him more than he ever expected.

Mick loves everything when it comes to you! Planning a scene together, the scene itself and the aftercare. You metaphorically (and kinda literally) hold his hand during every step.

Aftercare with Mick is a long process sometimes, but it's one of the best parts! The praise never stops, and you stay with him as long as necessary - even if he needs many hours, you'll give your good boy what he needs!

-🌻

Alright you heard it here first folks, 🌻 anon is officially the Mick anon!!! I'm so glad you liked my added thoughts and all of your thoughts here are so fucking good and I need to expand on all of them because obviously.

Mick truly would be absolutely heartbroken when his old dom orders him to leave. He was so excited to see his dom's reaction to all his hard work, and then he just get criticised and kicked out.

It completely ruins service submission for him, which is awful because that used to be one of his favourite things in the world. He used to use service submission as a way to calm down before the Haas dom ruined it.

And so when he meets you, he's so scared? He wants so badly to have that type of warm happiness he felt when he was servicing his dominant. He just wants that back, but he no longer believes it's possible to have a dom like that in F1.

He actually doesnt even bring it up to you at first? Because he's truly traumatised from that night when the door was slammed in his face after he had worked so hard. So he just doesnt tell you, because he has been criticised for so long and he just couldn't take it anymore.

But then you praise him for everything else? Look after him and hold him and make it clear that you're so proud of him and always respect him and he begins to realise that maybe... maybe he can tell you about his service sub desires. Maybe you wont ruin it for him.

And it goes so well!!!

You stay in the house the entire time he does the chores, checking up on him all the time and giving him kisses and hugs and thanking him the entire time. He loves it so much. And then when he's finished and he shows you everything, he gets even more praise! And then you take him to the bathroom and run him a bath because he's worked so hard and he gets a soapy hand job and all the cuddles his little heart desires.

He starts sobbing at the end of the night from pure relief and joy over the fact that he can finally be a service sub again.

And yes he loves everything about scening with you! He's never been able to be this involved in planning scenes and he adores it so fucking much? Being able to hear your thoughts and contribute his own and know exactly how he can be a good boy before the scene even happens just comforts him in a way he didnt even know was possible.

Of course aftercare is long! Mick deserves ALL the cuddles!!!

He does indeed require a lot of aftercare, because he's just the sweetest little sub and he's been hurt far too much and he just really needs some TLC.

I also think you get Lewis involved in his aftercare? George is welcome to come too, but Mick adores when Lewis joins because then he gets to kneel for you and get his hair played with while he listens to you telling Lewis all about how good he was.

#d/s au #sub!mick #ms #soft soft vibes #gn!reader #lh #🌻

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softsky-daily · 7 months

Text

9/25/2023

There were so many layers of clouds today.

Positive thing: I made it through prac, and I got a boba today.

I'm doing this entry earlier than usual just because I'm feeling more introspective today. I had a very sensitive incident come up with one of my clients in prac, the kind that required my supervisors to step in and reports to be made, but it ended up alright and everyone involved was safe and I know I did everything I was supposed to. Still, I was pretty rattled by the whole thing - but now I'm in this odd sense of calm? I guess processing it after the fact helped a lot. It's hard to tell if I'm dissociating it or genuinely at peace but I do feel alright right now.

I think what struck me the most wasn't even needing intervention from my supervisor or being told I had to report an incident. It was the look in [redacted]'s eyes as she told me just how much hardship they were going through. She cried a lot - it was only natural. I did my best to comfort her and through her tears she kept thanking me, saying I had been so helpful and so understanding. It was far from the first time I'd comforted someone crying like that, and I was surprised by my own calmness throughout the whole thing, but it really hits different coming from an actual client.

I kept remembering the little mistakes I'd made, tripping up on my own words in sessions, accidentally locking myself out of the session rooms more than once, laughing awkwardly at my own clumsiness in front of them. And even still, with all my silly human mistakes, here she was telling me I had made this huge positive change in their life.

Anyway, bottom line is, I'm really proud of myself! I'm really glad I had supervisors there to guide me through the really hard parts but ultimately it was me who got thanked and it feels nice. It feels like I maybe kinda sorta can do this career. But I still need a lot of rest after that so I'm going back to playing viddy games for tonight.

#thoughtposting #skyposting

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chronicbeans · 11 months

Text

Takuto Maruki Helping a Reader with Trypanophobia

Because I need self-indulgent Maruki content. Plus, he's located near the nurses office so in my brain this kinda makes sense...? Platonic btw ofc.

TW: Needles/Trypanophobia, Anxiety/Fear, Medications

💉 I can see him having to deal with something like this relatively often. He's stationed right outside of the nurse's office and there has to be SOME student who needs medication during the school hours, especially if it is something like insulin shots needed before or after meals to regulate blood sugar levels. A lot of the time, students will go to the school nurse for support while taking these injections.

💉 So, due to him and the nurse sharing a space, they have created a little system. When Maruki goes on break, the nurse shows up to set up their things while Maruki packs his snacks and leaves. Then, when he returns, the nurse packs their things to leave as Maruki sets up his snacks and such, moving their smaller equipment to a different room. That way, patient confidentiality is kept safe while nurse care can still be provided adequately. Theoretically, the nurse could just move to another room, but there is so much equipment needed that would be difficult to set up somewhere else, like beds and such, so this system is the best they got. If an emergency happens that requires bigger equipment like beds while Maruki is present in the nurse's office, Maruki will move to a smaller room to continue work.

💉 So, during the small amount of time where both Maruki and the nurse are in the office together is the most likely time where he would learn about you and your problem with needles. Due to your problem being a mixture of physical (needing the medication provided by the medication) and psychological (the immense fear of needles and, by extension, injections), the nurse may end up asking Maruki if he would help with your situation. Of course, they'd probably ask you if you were comfortable allowing Maruki to help, too. The first step that the three of you decide will help is allowing Maruki to watch you having medication administered.

💉 That starts your journey with Maruki. They set up a time for Maruki to observe your reactions to getting an injection. Walking in, he most likely expects the "usual" reactions from someone with needle anxiety. "Usual" meaning simply jerking away and whimpering. That's the most common thing he's seen and heard of, after all. He's only really heard of passing out and other more extreme reactions happening during blood draws, which well... involve blood, a different fear on it's own.

💉 Needless to say, when you walk in looking calm, he's still expecting a more relaxed reaction. He asks you a few questions about how you feel before the injection, with you giving short responses like "anxious", "scared", or "I hate this".

💉 Then you end up sitting on the bed in the nurse's office, and EVERYTHING changes. The nurse simply walks over to you, and now you're muttering things like "I'm going to die of my god someone HELP..." Only for it to get worse once the injection is being set up, then it being ready. Now you're flailing and screaming in pure panic.

💉 The nurse isn't any help, either, as they say simple phrases like "Just think about how it's going to help you!" In response to you screaming out things like "I FEEL LIKE I CAN'T BREATHE! Like I can but I CAN'T!" Overall, it's an absolute horror show that Maruki was NOT prepared for. He might even end up screaming in pure shock from you screaming. He just didn't expect anything close to this.

💉 He end up breaking out of his shock for a moment, which is enough for him to go to your side and hold his hand out for you to hold onto. You latch onto it harder that he expected. He starts talking, trying to distract you, which ends up in the most awkward conversation ever.

💉 "Are you okay, (L/N)?" "OH GOD I'M GOING TO DIE! SOMEONE SAVE ME!" "O-oh... I'm here for you! Just focus on our conversation!" "OKAY THANK YOU!!!" "Stay still while we talk, alright?" "PLEASE SAVE ME!!!" "I'm right here, okay? Just focus on me-!"

💉 Then you end up letting out the most bloodcurdling scream as the nurse seizes the opportunity to inject you. You then grow silent, like a deer in headlights. He's completely shocked into silence from that quick switch from loud screaming and flailing, to a completely still and silent demeanor.

💉 Once it is said and done, he watches as you sit up, look around, then say "Oh... that wasn't so bad!" Only for the nurse to laugh and say "You say that everytime! To be fair, this round went better than usual!" That... that whole reaction... this time was BETTER than usual? What are you like every other time?!

💉 As you walk away, Maruki ends up stopping you quickly, asking you if you want to have a counseling session with him to talk about your experiences with your needle... anxiety? Fear? Absolute horror? He just wants to help! Seeing that whole situation was absolutely painful, so being in it must be so much worse.

💉 Depending on the type of person you are, you may answer yes or no. If it's no, then he won't push you, instead just saying that the offer is always open and reminding you that he will only be at the school for a short time.

💉 If you do say yes, however, he will work with you to find a good time for an appointment with him depending on your schedule. During your appointments, it may start off with random topics to make sure you are comfortable, then slowly go into the main reason you are there: your fear of needles.

💉 He'll start with the obvious questions. What about needles scare you? Do you have any trauma surrounding needles? Do you have anything that you know of that helps you cope with this fear? Then, he'll discuss things he believes might help. Something interesting is how he uses his experience watching your reactions to the injection in his discussion. One main thing he seems to believe is that, for you, you need a very individualized solution. The basic strategies do not seem to be working for you.

💉 As more and more sessions occur, the questions start becoming a bit more odd. If you could, would you rather not need the medication? If you would rather keep needing the medication, why? What would you want to help you? You are unsure of what his questions have to do with your treatment exactly, but you answer them as well as you can.

💉 Overall, he is determined to help you, much like he is with everybody else. He isn't going to give up, no matter what.

#persona 5 royal #p5r #p5r maruki #takuto maruki #I love this man omg #completely self indulgent #Lol

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gumnut-logic · 2 years

Photo

Gordon wasn’t ashamed of the fact he had deployed Virgil on this. It had required the big guns, after all. Of course, having Penelope in his pocket had been a major tactical plus as well.

Amber liquid sloshed in the glass in his hand, ice cubes clinking. Walking across the sitting room - yes, he had a sitting room, not that he used it very often, but Penelope said it was his room to do want he wanted with it, so he did - he stepped out onto the balcony.

The air was chill, but it always felt chill to Gordon, even in the depths of the English summer. He had become far too acclimated to the tropics of Tracy Island. But tonight it was no matter. He had stolen one of Virgil’s flannel shirts and it was doing its job of keeping his body heat in after shedding the glamour of his tux the moment he got home.

While Gordon was never above strutting his stuff in the finest wear possible, honestly, he preferred lazywear and dumped the glamour as soon as possible.

Of course, the knock at his door was likely to involve fancy dress because there was no way his eldest brother could possibly have changed having just arrived at the manor moments before.

“Come in, Scott.”

The door opened and closed quietly, but Gordon didn’t look back into the room. He took a drink of the whisky in his hand and screwed up his face. How the hell did his brother drink this stuff on a regular basis?

“Gordon?”

“I’m out here.”

Sure enough, Scott was still dressed to the nines. His tuxedo glimmered in the moonlight as he walked out onto the balcony. “Hey.”

Gordon smiled at him over his glass. “Looking good there, Scooter.”

Scott eyed Gordon’s flannel shirt. “Interesting choice yourself.”

He dismissed it with the wave of a hand. “Bah, Virgil would have me wearing it anyway. Cold weather drives him around the bend and into a smother henning snit.”

“He worries.”

Gordon snorted. “Pot, kettle, old man.”

The blue glare hit him between the eyeballs and Gordon couldn’t help but grin. “Sit down, Scooter. Have a drink.”

That earned him an arched eyebrow, but his big brother did as asked, ice clinking into a tumbler despite the chill temperature, and few fingers of expensive alcohol followed. Scott held up the bottle, frowning at the label. “Good choice.”

“If you say so.” Gordon ran his tongue across his teeth.

The padded chair on the balcony was a comfortable one. Gordon threw himself into it with a sigh as Scott sat down beside him.

“I want to thank you, Gordon.”

Rolling his eyes, he held up a hand. “Stop right there, Scooter. You only got what you deserved. Virg and I only made sure it was acknowledged for once.”

His brother took a sip and savoured the liquor for a moment before turning to Gordon again. “Virgil said it was all you.”

“Virgil says a lot of things.”

“A lot of right things.”

A snort. “I’ll remind you of that the next time he tells you to go to bed.”

Scott sighed. “‘Right’ doesn’t mean I can’t disagree with him.”

“Typical.”

“I can’t see you doing exactly as he says.” It was almost whiney in a brotherly sense and the sip of alcohol Gordon was in the process of swallowing detoured into his windpipe.

The coughing fit became laughter at some point as Scott thwapped him on his back. “Oh god, you idiot. Always above the pecking order, eldest brother.” He emphasised those last two words. “Have you forgotten, that like you, he is my elder brother? Listening isn’t optional.”

An arched eyebrow. “You only listen when you want to listen.”

“That you know of.”

Scott stared at him.

So, okay, perhaps Gordon was revealing a little too much on the brother versus brother field, but tonight had meant a lot and had been a long time coming, so it was possible he was feeling a little on the soft side. He could give his brother that much. “Allie and I have always listened.”

The staring continued.

Gordon took another drink. He needed it this time. “You deserved every accolade tonight and more.”

“Gordon-“

He held up a hand again. “I wish we could give you more. Because you are everything to us, Scott.”

His brother blinked, eyes just a little wider than they should be.

Gordon’s lips pressed together and he pinned his brother with his eyes. “Everything.”

-o-o-o-

#thunderbirds are go #thunderbirds fanfiction #thunderbirds #Gordon Tracy #Scott Tracy #military!bros #nuttyfic reblog #i think #not archived #just a scene after an awards ceremony #for scotty #:D #found on my hard drive

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ive-tumbled-down-a-rabbit-hole · 2 years

Text

Terror Twins

Meet Cute Monday 39

Masterlist

MCM Masterlist

..................................

Kon trailed behind Lex confused. Mercy hadn’t made the situation any clearer when he had asked earlier and now Lex was exuding the same vibes he did when he was entering business meetings. He really didn’t know what to make of it.

“Dad... in English, can you explain why I’m here again?”

“Because, my son, I would like you to start networking. It is important to know others in the field, both currently in charge as well as their mentee’s who in time will be in control as the time requires it. Having their ear is important for you to succeed if Superman turns or leaves or follow in my own footsteps.”

“And were meeting the bunch of bad guys...?”

“Visionaries sweetheart, contemporary visionaries. We all want to the world to be a better place, we just have... different ideologies and approaches of what that could be than the Justice League. They see the world in such black and white, where it’s full of greys.”

“And I’m here to network.”

“Yes. As its the summer, a lot of those who I’m meeting will be bringing their apprentices with them. You just need to keep on the nicer side of them.”

His dad turned and paused to look at Kon with his sharp eyes. As Lex tilted his head, Kon wish he could get a better read of him and know what he saw, what he really was asking for.

“Just be yourself and don’t ruffle any feathers. If you don’t agree with what they are saying, for today, don’t comment and store it for information to use at a later date sweetheart.”

In response Kon just nodded cautiously like he understood but he was still mystified by it all. Lex smiled softly at him, like he was precious, innocent that needed to be protected from the world and leant in and ruffled his hair.

Kon let out a squark pushing his dad’s hands away growling at the man for mucking up his perfectly styled hair. He could see his dad smirking as he turned back and gesturing to follow him down the corridor. Kon huffed and rolled his eyes. He knew that Lex had done that on purpose to make him relax, and frustratingly as it meant he’d keep doing it, it had worked.

.....

Standing near Mercy in a large dome like room, Kon watched as Slade glared with contempt at his dad. His dad just rolled his eyes at the mercenary’s dramatic behaviour and straightened out his suit brushing imaginary dust from the sleeves.

“Is there a problem Wilson.”

“It’s the school holidays.”

“And?”

“I’ve had to bring Janie’s brat with me. This will give him more dangerous idea’s than he already has. He doesn’t need this kinda influence.”

Kon watched with wide eyes as Lex suppressed a shuddered. His dad never looked uncomfortable, and now it was unsettling as the scarred man seemed to cause that affect. He took a slight step closer to Mercy, who rested her hand on his shoulder, for comfort.

“You’re looking after Janets child?”

“Janie has decided to stop CPS getting involved due to a ‘concerned teacher’ that *I* need to play doting uncle to the menace during the holidays.”

Lex looked tense as Kon observed from the distance. His dad looked around the room before stopping at a pair of two dark haired children chattering animatedly with weapons in hand and blanched.

“Shiva’s brought her niece too Luthor. There’s a reason we all agreed not to have these meetings in holiday’s unless there is an emergency. So,” the mercenary growled, “what’s the emergency.”

“I hadn’t realised that the terror twins would be here...”

“Figured.”

“I have information that presently doesn’t result in an emergency, but unfortunately unless addressed could cause us all issues in the future. Mercy, please take Kon and supervise the youngsters while I discuss matters with my business partners.”

Mercy nodded and started to lead Kon away from his dad towards, who he suspected were the ‘terror twins’. Glancing back at his dad, Lex just nodded to him in what he guessed was meant to be a reassuring gesture but looked more like a wince with how Slade’s rough voice danger as he spoke at the same time.

“This better be worth it Luthor.”

.....

The terror twins were not what Kon expected them to be. They weren’t in fact twins at all despite their similar appearance according to Mercy. The boy appeared to be almost painfully shy, hiding behind the girl who appeared to be rainbow and sunshine as Kon approached. He was whispering in her ear glancing repeatedly at Kon with enormous steel blue eyes compared to the warm bluebell ones of the girl.

In heavily accented English the girl beamed at Kon, putting her hand out to shake his hand.

“Hi, I’m Marinette. This is Tim. Why do you look like Superman??”

Kon blinked at her, his eyes darting between the two and up at Mercy hoping that he’s father's assistant would be of help as he reached out to receive an enthusiastic handshake. Unfortunately, Mercy just smiled with amusement at him and left him to fend for himself against these ‘friendly wolves’ as she made her way towards where the refreshments were.

“Err...”

“Mars! You can’t just ask him that!”

Tim seemed horrified by his blunt friend, nervously twitching as if he would be getting into trouble.

“Why? You said he did, and it didn’t make sense cos superman doesn’t have a child his age.”

Kon winced, knowing his other biological doner wasn’t completely aware of him and had his own child, much to his dad’s disgust. It hurt that the girl, Marinette was so forward with her reasoning.

“Because Mars, its rude! People don’t like being interrogated.”

“Pfft! You stalk people, interrogations just the next step Timmy.”

“Not really, Uncle Slade says you can use that info to blackmail is the next step... or to eliminate them.”

“Well, Auntie Sandra says the best thing is to just eliminate if they don’t give you the information you need.”

“Err...”

Two sets of almost glowing blue eyes rounded on Kon, their attention now shifted to him. A slow blush started to make is way up his cheeks. He wasn’t used to being so intensely looked at. Especially by two cute fellow tweens. Between the pair of them it felt like they were seeing into his soul, there was something about them together that was slightly unsettling with the intensity of their gaze.

Marinette nudged Tim, who now Kon was there and Marinette taking the attention off him was opening up, shoved her back causing them to burst into cackles.

“Sorry, Mars is a handful.” Tim got between giggles. “You do look a lot like Supes though, you know?”

“Umm... yeah, we share some similar DNA I guess...”

“Ooooo! Like family?” Marinette managed to get out, her laughter slowly becoming manageable.

“I guess you could say that.”

“Timmy? Does Supes have other family members? I can’t see much of Mr Luther in him.”

“Mars!”

“Timmy’s a superhero expert. He knows all about them and everything. His ridiculously smart.”

Tim looked down almost shy at how his ‘twin’ was selling his skillset. Kon grinned at the pair, nodding along as they seemed to bicker and ‘bigging up’. They really weren’t what he was expecting from skilled fighters' younger family members.

“Why are you guys here with your uncle and aunt?”

The pair looked at each other and seemed to converse with just facial expressions alone. Kon felt out the loop and unsure before Marinette spoke up blandly.

“Parents.”

Kon just blinked at Marinette, her monotonous tone and robotic response was apparently meant to explain everything. He looked to Tim for more information as Kon was just confused by the answer.

“They run businesses. School keeps us out their hair during term time. In the summer... they’re busy people with important roles. Apparently leaving kids unsupervised isn’t allowed so *family time*.”

Tim waved jazz hands at *family time* as Kon looked surprised and tried to seek Mercy or his dad to work out what the pair were implying. He knew his dad was a busy man running multiple things, but he (or Mercy) always made time for him. Why didn’t theirs?

“That doesn’t sound... fun.”

“Tim’s parents' suck!”

“Hey! Yours aren’t much better.”

“Least I live with them most of the year and they do spend time with me when not working.”

Sensing an impending argument about to break out with the heat in the twins' eyes and that it was potentially a regular disagreement, Kon tried to distract them. He was here to network and so far, he’d only met these two, who seemed not the future visionaries his dad had warned him against.

“Are we the only ones our age here?”

The dazzling smile that Marinette sent Kon, felt like it warmed his soul. Tim slipped a hesitant hand into his, causing Kon’s stomach to flutter.

“Nah, the rest are in the den. Mars and I were being nosy as to who was coming. We’ll take you there.”

“Tim’s cousins are there too. They look scary but aren’t really.”

“Too you, maybe.”

The pair nattered playfully, telling Kon all the ins and outs, what to look out for, who to avoid, of the next generation of ‘visionaries’ as they lead him to the den. During the journey to the den, they somehow invited him in on a dare/prank they were planning on later. Listening to their plan helped Kon understand why they got their terror twin name causing him to smile as he enthusiastically agreed to help.

......

Kon looked sheepishly up at his dad who’d just re-entered the main cabin of the plane with a towel around his next and in a fresh suit. He hadn’t expected the pranks to cause so much mess and for his dad to be one of the many victims.

“I’m sorry, Dad. I didn’t realise that it would be so... so...”

He couldn’t find the word to describe the carnage that Tim and Marinette had manage to produce with so little.

“It’s ok sweetheart. You met the terror twins. It’s reminded me why we rarely meet in the holidays.”

“Are they always like that?”

“That pair... yes... Wilson and Shiva teamed up once to work around having to babysit their sibling's demonic offspring. They’ve sworn never to do it again.”

“They look cute working together.”

They really had looked cute. They bounced ideas off each other, giving passionate speeches about the plans, and the back up plans, and the alternatives to that one, and contingency plans. Watching them seemed to give the other young adults headaches but Kon found it amazing how in tune two non-family members could be. They seemed more in sync than some of the best hero teams he’d seen from a distance. The way their eyes shimmered. Their checks flushed with excitement. The way Marinette stuck her tongue out when she concentrated, the way Tim seemed to pace as he thought. Kon loved being part of it.

“They’re menaces! Any time those two get wind of what we are planning, even a minute whisper, all luck turns against us.”

“Really? But, they’re my age. They’re civilians.”

“Those two are not civilians Kon. Mark my words. The universe holds some strange regard for them. They will NEVER just be civilian's sweetheart.”

“So, is it a good thing that they’ve decided that they want me as a friend?”

His dad stopped and slowly put his drink down and looked at Kon. Really looked at Kon like he was trying to read his soul, but after meeting Marinette and Tim, it kind of fell flat for some reason. His dad sighed and just looked tired as he leant back into his chair as he gazed at Kon.

Kon gulped but sat up straighter, waiting for his dad’s judgement.

“Do you want to be their friend?”

Kon paused and thought about it. He definitely wanted to be in the action with them earlier. Their energy was contagious. Being a friend was something more though, not just joining in. It meant being there for them, like they were for each other. Kon thought of his relationships he had at school, around CADMUS, around Lex Corp. They all felt superficial in comparison to what they had. He wanted that too. To be a part of... something.

“I- yeah, I do dad.”

Lex paled but nodded. A gentle fond smile graced his dad face as he sighed and started to tap away on his phone.

“I’ll talk to their current guardians to see if they are willing to let you meet up with them. Separately. I refuse to embrace the chaos they’ll bring together yet. They may not be the next Deathstroke or Lady Shiva, but I do approve of your building connections, sweetheart. They could nicely be a bridge into a new grey area for the moment.”

Kon relaxed into his seat and slowly closed his eyes embracing the exhaustion that flooded his body that he hadn’t realised he had from the anxiety the day had brought.

He listened to the rumble of the engines as Mercy flew them back to Metropolis. His dad was sorting things out and dealing with work. Kon bathed in the comforting knowledge that he will get to meet the terror twins again as he fell into a sleep.

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