OF SKYLARKS

At such times the universe gets a little closer to us. They are strange times, times of beginnings and endings. Dangerous and powerful. And we feel it even if we don't know what it is. These times are not necessarily good, and not necessarily bad. In fact, what they are depends on what WE are.

"Da," Alexei grinned, nodding enthusiastically. "Maybe an eagle or a hawk; a hunter!" A moment later, he simply shrugged. "Of course I know how to look after a bird. It's not that hard." Feed it, give it some water, some treats... it couldn't be much different than a dog.

"The  Red  Guardian  should  have  a  furry  side  kick."  A  pause  as  he  gave  it  a  thought.  "Like  a  well  trained  bird!"

open to anyone.

At such times the universe gets a little closer to us. They are strange times, times of beginnings and endings. Dangerous and powerful. And we feel it even if we don't know what it is. These times are not necessarily good, and not necessarily bad. In fact, what they are depends on what WE are.

How dare those blinds have such a simple solution. How dare solving the issue of the lights be as simple as requisitioning a dimmer switch. How dare-- The thing is, Howie remembers similar teething problems back in the Tower base. Florescent strip lights that had to be swapped for softer lighting because the brightness made him have to sit in the dark during his breaks. The breaks themselves, which Howie refused until the incident with the Silurians, because wasn't powering through the day just expected? No. It never was expected. Not by Nadine. Not then, and not now.

But fixing the lights is only one part of the issue, and while that part has been solved conceptually, it's still going to take a few days for that dimmer switch to be installed. And on top of that, there's still the hum, and with days like today when he's forgotten his headphones because he was in a rush this morning, he still has to deal with it, and-- why didn't he realise the stupid blinds had buttons?!

She does empathise with him. It's not sympathy, because he's not a child and she can actually do things that are able to help him achieve the best he can do. No, she empathises in the way that she has still not adjusted to the chill of London, even after having lived here all the years. Her return to France during the disbandment hadn't helped matters.

She remembers having very quickly moved him into the lab she was normally in after taking him on, because the others could be very annoying to the point of being easily overstimulating. It's why she worked separately from them most of the time regardless, needed to focus on the paperwork that came with quartermaster. She'd popped in once and had clearly caught them at the height of some shenanigans, and she'd taken one look at Howie and decided it. He needed to be kept an eye on anyway, but that had made it so much more clear.

this... isn't my bed.

i'll make us breakfast.

wait, how long have you been here?

did you stay the night?

you're so beautiful like this.

did i give you that hickey?

don't get up. stay right here.

kiss me again.

nice bedhead.

are you... wearing anything?

this was a bad idea.

i've wanted to do that forever.

did you enjoy it?

i did a number on your back. sorry about that.

is this your shirt?

maybe you should go.

i had a great time.

if you stay, i'll make us coffee.

i shouldn't have stayed over.

come back here. please?

i've never been like that with anyone before.

there's a bra on the ceiling fan.

did we... actually...?

we could do it again, if you want.

you made me feel... incredible.

was it... okay?

you look beautiful in my bed.

what do you remember?

was i too loud?

you can borrow my shirt.

i guess this makes us more than friends.

this can't be happening.

i could spend the day just like this, right here with you.

is that a hickey?

this was just for fun. it doesn't mean we're together.

this wasn't supposed to happen.

should we talk about it?

what time is it? i'm late for work.

how long have you been awake?

i remember... everything.

we should do that again sometime.

i think we cuddled.

that was the best night of my life.

what parts do you remember?

why don't you stay for breakfast?

was it good for you?

the sex was great.

how do you like your eggs?

are we still friends?

sorry, i've got morning breath.

i'd really like to keep seeing you.

i'm glad i invited you in.

finally... fucking finally.

please don't leave the bed.

don't make fun of me if i walk funny.

this doesn't mean anything.

my friends are never going to believe this.

i don't even know who i was last night.

no one's ever taken care of me like that.

let me help you clean up.

maybe we should forget this even happened.

i'm just going to... leave.

you said some wild things last night.

you're wearing my shirt.

maybe we could make this a regular thing.

am i blushing? i'm blushing, aren't i.

where did i put my glasses?

your clothes are in the living room.

i need a shower.

your hair's a mess.

you make a great pillow.

i thought we agreed this would ruin our relationship.

did i do something wrong?

we were pretty loud.

do you want me to leave?

i asked you to stay the night.

i bet your neighbors hate us.

stay like this.

well, that's one way to bounce back.

what about round two?

don't let go of me.

why don't you join me in the shower?

we can't keep doing this.

we're fucked, aren't we.

how long have i been asleep?

how's your head?

we're in this until the end.

i've never looked at anyone the way i look at you.

hey! can you hear me? i'll be right there!

i know you better than you think.

stay safe, okay?

let me take a look at your injury.

you're special to me.

why are you limping?

problem solved!

you didn't deserve that.

i brought you some food.

i wish you would just listen to me.

i'm right behind you.

why are you covered in blood?

you can lay your head on my shoulder if you want.

sleep. it's all right. i'll keep watch.

please come in. you're not intruding.

i've got you. hold on.

i let you sleep.

you need to rest. you're not ready.

wrap your arms around me.

this never should have happened.

i'll take care of everything.

call me if there's an emergency.

i went and got your mail.

i have you on speed dial.

five more steps. you can do it.

when's the last time you slept?

i have your coffee order memorized.

here, take this. this should help.

don't forget your jacket.

you're running a fever.

i know exactly what you're thinking.

over my dead body.

do you need help in the shower?

you don't have to lift a finger.

let me tidy up the place for you.

need a ride?

can i get you anything? food? water?

let me get you something to drink.

take my hand!

shut your eyes for a while. it's okay.

you can use my bed.

i'll carry you if you want.

need a backrub?

i got your message. are you all right?

i'll take care of it.

no matter what happens, i will always love you.

where did you get that bruise?

let me draw a bath for you.

wait right here. don't move.

i've been looking all over for you.

i made this for you.

this should help with the swelling.

you deserve better than this.

you can have my umbrella.

come inside. i'll take care of you.

where does it hurt?

i'll pick you up tomorrow morning.

you were supposed to go home an hour ago.

this was the only place i could think of.

you're the only person i can turn to.

you've always been on my mind.

i'll lay right here. i won't go anywhere.

squeeze my hand.

it's just that i love you so much...

if something happens, call me.

don't move. i'll be there in ten minutes.

you mean the world to me.

i don't know what i'd do if something happened to you.

go! i'll cover you!

let me massage your shoulders.

when's the last time you ate something?

here, take my jacket.

how long have you been here?

you sit. i'll find it.

i started the shower for you.

i cleaned while you were asleep.

don't you see? you matter to me.

if you fall asleep on me, it's all right.

a life without you is no life worth living at all.

i've never loved anyone like i love you.

⋆｡‧˚ʚ💋ɞ˚‧｡⋆ 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘀

send 'reverse' for the reversal of the prompt, nsfw implied

[ dizzy ] sender kisses receiver until they’re both breathless and laughing

[ hush ] sender kisses receiver to keep them quiet in a tense moment

[ linger ] sender pulls back slowly from a kiss, savoring every second

[ mid-laugh ] sender kisses receiver right in the middle of their laughter

[ cover ] sender cups receiver’s face as they kiss, fingers gentle on their skin

[ spin ] sender grabs receiver mid-twirl and kisses them dramatically

[ sleepy ] sender places soft kisses over receiver’s closed eyelids

[ twitch ] sender kisses the corner of receiver’s mouth when they smile

[ secret ] sender kisses receiver where no one can see, hiding their feelings

[ collarbone ] sender kisses receiver's collarbone in a moment of stillness

[ silent ] without a word, sender pulls receiver in and kisses them slowly

[ saved ] after thinking receiver was gone, sender kisses them in relief

[ chilled ] sender kisses the cold tip of receiver’s nose to warm them up

[ jealous ] sender kisses receiver hard after seeing someone else flirt with them

[ hallway ] pinned against the wall, sender kisses receiver between hurried breaths

[ promise ] sender kisses receiver and mumbles a quiet vow against their lips

[ nap ] sender kisses receiver gently while they nap, not wanting to wake them

[ ache ] sender kisses receiver like they’ve been waiting forever

[ clumsy ] sender bumps noses with receiver, then laughs and kisses them anyway

[ blanket ] sender and receiver are wrapped in a blanket when they start kissing

[ forbidden ] sender kisses receiver even though they know they shouldn't

[ backseat ] sender and receiver sneak kisses in the backseat of a car

[ apology ] sender kisses receiver to make up after a fight

[ lipgloss ] sender kisses receiver and leaves a shiny smear behind

[ achey ] sender kisses every part of receiver that hurts

[ tease ] sender pulls back just before their lips meet, over and over

[ sinking ] sender kisses receiver while pulling them into their lap

[ sway ] sender kisses receiver slowly as they dance with no music

[ stars ] under the stars, sender cups receiver’s face and kisses them like a wish

[ balcony ] sender and receiver sneak out to the balcony for a stolen kiss

[ temple ] sender kisses the side of receiver’s head without saying a word

[ sunlit ] sender kisses receiver in the soft light of morning

[ please ] sender murmurs a soft 'please' between every kiss

[ familiar ] sender kisses receiver like it’s second nature

[ ache ] sender kisses receiver like they’re trying not to fall apart

[ thumb ] sender wipes a tear from receiver’s cheek before kissing them

[ flutter ] sender gives receiver a light, barely-there kiss that leaves them wanting more

[ crashing ] sender and receiver kiss like the world is ending

[ tremble ] sender kisses receiver’s trembling hands, calming them

[ chill ] sender pulls receiver into their coat before kissing them

[ tug ] sender tugs receiver closer by their collar and kisses them firmly

[ wrist ] sender presses a soft kiss to the inside of receiver’s wrist

❝ what's your favorite color and why? ❞

❝ can i come with you? ❞

❝ you have a nice smile, has anyone ever told you that before? ❞

❝ how do you take your coffee? ❞

❝ sorry, what was your name again? ❞

❝ it just occurred to me i never asked you what your last name is. ❞

❝ actually we've met before. ❞

❝ i've heard a few things about you. ❞

❝ care to join me? ❞

❝ i'm not really sure why i trust you. ❞

❝ i don't usually talk this much, it just feels easy to say stuff when you're listening. ❞

❝ i know we don't know each other that well but if you wanna talk about it... ❞

❝ could you help me with something? ❞

❝ do you like it here? ❞

❝ are you new around here? ❞

❝ you can ask me anything you want. i promise i'll answer truthfully except the things i feel like lying about. ❞

❝ i don't mean to be too forward, you just seem like you could use a friend right now. ❞

❝ you can come with me. i mean if you don't have anyone waiting for you. ❞

❝ we're friends now. you can ask me for help. ❞

❝ do you like this music? i can change it. ❞

❝ what are your favorite snacks? ❞

❝ really? i wouldn't have guessed that about you. ❞

❝ do you mind if i ask about it? ❞

ACTIONS:

VISIT: for sender to go to receiver's home for the first time

VISITED: for receiver to go to sender's home for the first time

CRYING: for sender to see receiver cry for the first time

CRIED: for receiver to see sender cry for the first time

BEGIN: sender and receiver are on their first date together

TRIP: our muses go on a group trip but end up stuck together, away from the rest of their friends.

SITUATION: our muses are acquainted because one of them is their friend's roommate. muse a shows up when their friend isn't there and ends up hanging out with muse b one on one.

GO: our muses go to a zoo or theme park together and get lost.

INVITE: sender cooks for receiver for the first time

INVITED: receiver cooks for sender for the first time

TOGETHER: our muses spend the night for the first time

TRY: our muses hooked up and are hanging out the next day

COMFORT: sender is going through a break up and receiver offers to cheer them up

COMFORTED: receiver is going through a break up and sender offers to cheer them up

OFFER: sender gives receiver a ride to the airport/picks them up

OFERED: receiver gives sender a ride to the airport/picks them up

AID: sender helps receiver redecorate

And to think that Laurencia was hell bent on going home just a few days ago. it was a choice that Mr Casey had shot down immediately. Being alone - even with a flatmate that was in and out all of the time - would just be asking for trouble. With how long Laurencia had been trapped, isolated from any other humans, it would do her good to be with people, and while staying here doesn't necessarily mean constant contact, it means that there is at least that presence of another person, whether it be her mum or Xandra. And then there are the cats. Cats know when you need them, Cheesecake more than most. Just knowing that they're all there when she might need them is enough to make her cry in relief.

It was always out of the question. Part of Xandra doesn't want to let Lauri out of their sight ever again. That in and of itself, they know, is a foolish thing. They can't wrap her up in bubblewrap, keep her from the world. It would be wrong for both Lauri and the world. The world deserves to have Lauri in it and she deserves to see all the beauty in it. But right now, they know that Lauri needs as much love as the world can give her, and there's no better place than right here. Here where all her friends are, where her mum can stay comfortably and where she can have the distraction of cats. Xandra's flat is a sanctuary. They're almost certain Lauri will feel at home here in no time, no matter how long she stays.