for hope.

meri d'lora; but here you say it like "maria donovan" !!!!! i hope you don't mind me staying for a little!!!!! dogs are so cool!!!!! cats are so cool!!!!! my friends too!!!!! exclamations!!!!!

[mysticalmeri]

i know places//meri&steve

[mistersteelyourgirl]

Meri finished what Steve could not, and their lips met, and for the first time it seemed as though Steve’s mind had stopped in it’s tracks; like he had forgotten how to breath while taking in the biggest breath of his life. He felt like the brink og feath was a memory long gone. Steve couldn’t recall anything feeling so blissful, and though his lips were dry and bruised they couldn’t have felt betetr against Meri’s.He couldn’t pull her in any closer but God he wanted to.

Their lips broke apart, his nose brushing against hers. Even after his hands stayed unmoving on her cheeks, in sharp contrast to the racing of his heart that He was sure she could feel against the palm of her hand. His brows were raised and his cheeks felt flushed at the unexpected alien words, and though a translation came quickly after, Steve had, somehow, had already known what it would be. He still found himself in a daze because everything had completely registered, and Steve’s cheeks would hurt for days because the smile he had was genuine and filled with love and adoration.

There was a silence, one much different from before, a comfortable warm silence that Steve could only break with more foolish words. "I…” he breathed out a laugh, “I’m…” the smile on her face nevr ceased to put him at ease “I’m so happy.” “I’m so happy we met, Meri.” and he already knew better than to try and talk past it at this point so he and he pulled himself towards her, or pulled her towards him he couldn’t really tell, just so he could rest his forehead on hers, to feel as much of her as he possibly could.

[mysticalmeri]

His laugh brought a smile to her face. She was happy they met as well. He’d given her a home and helped her look for assistance, and together they built a silly little sort of family, even if they were constantly in danger. They helped others--something Meri had always wanted to do, something that was close to her hearts. “Me too,” she whispered, nodding, taking a deep breath as she closed her eyes and just felt him there, before her.

Steve was a human, much different than she, but Meri loved him the same. The way he made her feel, the way her body reacted to him, her emotions, her everything--he was more than just a friend. So much more.

What he’d been through, she didn’t know. She only wished she had been able to be by his side--enough of a pillar for him to be able to gain strength from. Meri wanted to be trusted, wanted him to share everything with her--but this, right then? This was enough for now. Honesty. Honesty and love.

Thoughts whirled around in her head--memories of the two of them. Meeting, everything in between, his time gone. It’d been so long, and she’d done a rather good job with everyone who stayed behind with her. She hoped that Steve would be proud of her.

Her breath left her in a shudder and she pulled away softly, hand caressing his face. "Be careful,” her voice was gentle, “just... Be careful.” She warned him, glancing down to his wounds--bruises and opened ones alike. Meri kissed him again, shivering with the desire to be next to him, to protect and heal him. “You’re still hurt,” Meri whispered to him.

[oldwestcolor]

DISNEY PRINCESSES OF COLOR: Gina Rodriguez as Cinderella

[mysticalmeri]

long lost friends // tryk&meri

[tryksteroftime]

“This is good yes, you could say I’ve found a place to call home. A home away from home, as they say.” Patryk did not know where to start, it had been so long since she had seen anyone from her home system, and she had gotten used to Earthling life. 

“It is… different, as I’m sure you’ve noticed. The technology is different, if not primitive, yet complex in its own way, as if it diverged from the one we have back at…” she trailed off trying not to bring the topic fof their home planets into the conversation just yet. 

“The food is strange, very- I’m sure you’ve tried one of their earthling pizza? I have just had one, it still tastes as strange as it did before, but it is good.”  She placed her hands on Meri’s shoulders as she spoke, “I do not know how long you are staying here, but we must do some of their activities together you and I. I would very much like that.”

[mysticalmeri]

Meri loved hearing Patryk’s voice again. She wanted to spend days listening to her friend tell all about her new life and her new family, she wanted to forget all that had happened to the both of them and start anew, as normal beings leading lives that were blessed enough to have one another within it. Meri smiled widely as Patryk spoke about pizza, nodding vigorously--Meri herself didn’t absolutely love it, but the texture was enjoyable and she could easily put one of those discs away--even if her friends found it a little terrifying.

“I do not know either,” she said to her friend, looking down at her green hands and wringing her fingers. Their homes were a part of them, their planets and their culture was missing from their new accommodations, and that kind of shock could hurt after so long. Meri missed home, she missed her family, and she had come for help--yet she’d stayed because her happiness and her mind felt so good here.

Meri sighed, and put her hand over Patryk’s, giving her a weak smile. “We are having to be talking about what happened soon,” she told her, rubbing her thumb on the soft skin of her friend’s hand. “It is seeming that war spreads very easy, and before my people could help yours, we were falling as well.” She tried to speak clearly, but it was getting more and more difficult.

[mysticalmeri]

i know places//meri&steve

[mistersteelyourgirl]

Steve was about to poke fun at the fact that it was now Meri who was at a loss for words. She seemed… upset? No, Steve knew Meri enough to know it wasn’t that.  At the very least she looked as though she was distracted by something. Her eyes were tearing up and Steve quickly replayed the last few moments in his head. Was it something that he said? Surely there was nothing upsetting there. He cupped her cheeks, wiping away the tears before they fell with his thumbs. He spoke up softly “Hey,” he tried bringing her back, smile playing at his lips. He felt his chest get tight. He was so happy to be back and for now that’s what he focused his thoughts and energy on. “While I was away…"He felt warm and The feeling was all too familiar, that of truly wanting to convey his feelings, for Meri to know. "I thought about you, often to say the least,” And he would, because he would never want the opportunity to slip by. “And there was something I wanted to tell you the minute I got back,” He chuckled, “although that moment past I still want, need to tell you..,” He felt nervous. Not about her rejecting his feelings (well okay, that was worrisome too) but because this is something he’s known for a while now, and he never thought to tell her. That he loved her. He looked up at Meri, his lips twitching upwards before he spoke.  "Meri I… I love you.“He felt weightless, for a moment, like something had been lifted in his shoulders and there was a warm brightness in his heart. Only a moment had passed and he repeated his words with more affirmation "I love you, Meri.” His eyes flicked down for a brief moment before he leaned upwards  But he stopped just short just short of their lips met. 

[mysticalmeri]

Though she first thought of him as an odd, hairless oaf, everything had changed since the beginning. His thumbs were warm against her skin, and the color changed, flushing in reaction to the heat and intimate contact. She managed a small smile at his reassurance and care, but it did not mean much--her hearts were still saddened and heavy. He could always help her, he would always be able to support her and give her his love, she thought. No matter what happened, he would be able to bring her back from any sort of oblivion, even with just a smile.

He spoke, and she finally met his eyes. Steve began to speak, and she gave him a smirk at his words, one of his own--just to make fun of him, mainly as an Oh Did You Now? sort of expression. But--the longer he spoke, the more the cogs in here mind turned, the more she felt lost and confused and very stranded in the island of her mind. "What is..." Her voice shook a little because of the previous emotions and tears, but she cleared her throat and tried again with a better outcome--"What is it?" Meri asked him, all too wondering all too hopeful and all too terrified to truly know.

The moment was too long. They were silent for what felt like an eternity. Help, I am drowning, I cannot breathe, I cannot--he spoke. The words came out with not much finesse, but they were so beautiful that a laugh almost bubbled out of her throat, yet she stayed frozen in both fear and disbelief. The phrase was repeated, and he moved towards her, rising from the tub slightly--and she, on instinct did the same. Meri moved towards him, slowly, and when he stopped, she could not help it. 

Her lips touched his and the world shifted, she was sure. Her face was cupped within his hands and she wrapped her arms behind his neck, pulling herself closer to him the gentlest way she could. There were no words to speak, not when actions could depict things better. Meri's hands shook, she wanted to laugh, wanted to step back and ask him if he was playing with her but the words were too precious to do anything but finish what he started--the kiss. Meri echoed his words in her mother tongue quietly, privately, for this was a moment for just the two of them. Her hand touched where his heart would be, her palm resting on his chest. "I am loving you too, Steve Hayward," Meri finally said, teary smile and all. 

[mysticalmeri]

i know places//meri&steve

[mistersteelyourgirl]

If. Right, Meri’s stay here, on Earth was always temporary, and sooner or later she’d have to go back to her home planet. Steve hoped it would be later, for his own sake, but until then he would enjoy every moment spent with Meri.  Their eventual parting will be the best one he’s had.  “If you want to be mad at me for missing it that’s completely understandable. It is within your rights, don’t worry I checked with the president myself. They said it’s okay.”

Not important? He almost sat up again but caught himself. Something told him that this third time wouldn’t be the charm. He settled with shaking his head. “Of course it’s important, it’s very important. Now whose being silly?? Hint: it’s you.” Steve gave her his I-caught-you-red-handed-look, punctuating with a smirk before dissolving into a sincere smile “It’s very important. It’s important to me, because you’re important to me and I am sorry but I missed it and I’m going to make it up to you.”

He sat up straighter, leaning closer to her. “No.” he returned her smile. “Not at all.” He took one of her hands into his, hands pruney from the time spent in the water. “If I could have made it back before hand…” If I had never had the go int he first place, if the whole thing had just never happened in any universe.  “I didn’t know how long I’d be gone but I wanted to make it back ass soon as possible.” He started tracing circles in her skin, feeling himself starting to ramble (though he had already rambled a bit already) and stopped himself. He grimaced, “I hope I never gave the impression I didn’t care. Because I do.”

[mysticalmeri]

How could she actually be angry at him for missing a day like that? There was a part of her that felt humbled to think that he cared so much. Why would he? Meri was many things--some of them good. But at that moment, all she was thinking was how much of a failure and a coward she was. She had still not returned, she had hidden away and run from her troubles like a child. Meri let out a shuddering sigh and shook her head. He didn't have to make anything up for her. She was just Meri. That's it.

But--that had to be enough. To herself, she was only Steve, and that meant the world to her. It meant several worlds. He was human, his life would be short but it would be more than enough time--perfect time--to spend with him. Time well spent. "I--" she loved him. How could she say that to him when she knew in all her hearts that he did not feel the same. They were different in too many ways. Her entire species once looked down on his. His culture was different, from language to jobs to every other little thing. How would they even survive together?

Meri sighed and let out a bit of a pathetic laugh, her eyes beginning to water. "I only--" want to say that I love you. No matter what. But she couldn't get it out. Her lips couldn't form to make the words, she had no idea how to string together the ideas, how to make them understandable in this language that was not her own. Was human love different? With her there was a completion that came with it. A wholesome, full feeling that made her feel like she could do anything at all. But what if he did not feel that way?

[mysticalmeri]

i know places//meri&steve

[mistersteelyourgirl]

Might probably should have been replaced with will, but Steve bared it all the same. “Mmm, alright.” This would be relaxing, he was back in his home proper, in his tub with Meri there, what more could he ask for.

He closed his eyes, trying to think of of enjoyable thoughts/ He sat and thought of how comfortable his bed would be, he saw blood. Maybe catch up on his favorite show, blood on his hands. He wasn’t really one for nature, but a walk in the park might do him some-the blood was hers.

He jerked up, opening his eyes and splashing water everywhere. His thoughts caught up to him and he quickly caught his breath. “Sorry, I- I didn’t mean to startle you.”He held his face with his hand focusing on regaining his breath. “I just…” he trailed off, letting his point become moot. “Yeah.” He glanced behind him, giving Meri an apologetic smile before quickly turning back.

Okay perhaps a more stimulating distraction. “So, anything new happen?” He asked her, unsuccessful masking the anxiousness in his voice “I want to hear about you- and what you’ve been up to I should probably start catching up on everything, yeah?” it was a good idea at least, come back on current events to ease back into this universe. 

“You guys do anything fun? I’m sure you did. “ he was basically grasping at straws at this point, but he just needed something, someone to listen to until he was sure he was calm “Halloween? Your outfits-Oh man did you take pictures? Tell me you did. You know what- just don’t tell me you didn’t.”

What else could he bring up- what other holidays were there that hadn’t passed? It wasn’t close to New years yet and he hadn’t missed Christmas, thank goodness (he wasn’t fond but Meri was) What other holidays were- oh. Oh. Shit. Shit, shit. God. Damn. He had forgotten, the date hadn’t passed too long ago, but it was long enough. Truly the worst. Second worst thing he’s done. 

He furrowed his brow “Your birthday.” He spoke in a tone, as if he didn’t quite grasp what he was saying. “I MISSED it.” He said in a louder more startled tone. “No- that won’t do, I cant.” He abruptly brought his hand up, splashing more water again “MaLACHI, wait.” he was saying nonsense at this point. M.A.L.A.C.H.I. wasn’t responsive in his bathroom, that would be fucking ridiculous. “We- no you guys probably already did. I need to- damn it.”

[mysticalmeri]

He winced slightly, but Meri tried to ignore it and keep on helping him clean his body. As Steve nodded off, Meri eased up, becoming more gentle (if such a thing was even possible,) and careful. Meri lovingly washed at his face and jaw, moving over every curve and edge slowly. Her expression became serene, and she let out a soft sigh, happy that she was home--er, that he was home. Her thoughts were getting away from here yet again--

Meri started and flinched and let out a bit of a squeal, “Don’t do that,” she wanted to hit him, but stopped herself, opting out for instead making a very serious face at him, complete with narrowed eyes. But she did not keep this expression for long, as he apologizes and seemed tired--”This is alright, Steve,” she said softly, helping him lie back once more.

She shook her head at the question, paused, and then nodded. There’d been fights with Bad Guys and attacks put to an end, but there was no way to summarize things so easily. “Yes... and No... I am not wanting to talk about that--oh yes! Holidays!” Meri took back the washcloth and clapped a little, giving him a very large and bright smile. “We did, ah, the... I am not... What is the name of this... Adam Friends! No-no... Addams... Family? Yes!” She giggled, “We had a thing, outfit is word, for you. You were much missed, but we took many, many...” 

The words trailed off, as Steve visibly began to become upset. “Oh--what--” Her brows knit together and she tilted her head to the side and oh how confused she was. “Hey!” She was wet, now, laughing a little because Steve was becoming way too upset about something he missed. “Steve!--” She called, “Be calm, are you... Oh.” She had figured it out, her mind finally catching up. “Yes, that was missed. But this is okay. If I am here for longer time... Another day will come, yes?” She sighed and washed at his neck, scooting closer. “You will be hurting yourself if you are doing that again, Steve.”

Meri moved and sat herself on the ledge of the massive bathtub, looking down into her lap. “I will not be lying,” she started again, “I was thinking you would be here for that day! I know that--it is not very important, it is very silly...” She began playing with her hair a little, twirling it around a finger as she tried to look anywhere but at Steve. “But it was day I was meeting you! And you are family, too now.” Finally, she did glance at Steve, smiling a little at him. “I am sorry, this is me being very--ah... Annoying, yes?” Where had her confidence gone?

[mysticalmeri]

i know places//meri&steve

[mistersteelyourgirl]

“What, can you blame me?” he batted his eyelashes playfully, as if to feign innocence. He would steady her hand as she scrubbed if only to take a break from the discomfort the injuries brought him. “Would you believe I fell down some stairs?”, though it came out drier than he intended and Steve, being himself, decided to follow up in a more spirited tone  “Sharp, indestructible stairs. But worry not, we got them good.”

Steve looked down at the at the water, it had gone from a crystal clear to a tainted brown, with specs if dried blood rising to the top. He hadn’t realize how lived in he was, it had been days since he last slept, let alone took a proper shower. Meri could take all the time she wanted and Steve would never complain. He tilted his head up, his nose slightly brushing against hers. “I missed you too Meri.” There was silence between the too, either a moment or an eternity, Steve didn’t know. 

He had missed Meri, this Meri, his Meri, a thought that made him feel guilty, somehow. He reached a hand up to her cheek, lightly caressing it, the patch of skin changing to a brighter shade once it made contact with the water, making her freckles more noticeable than before.“I… missed you ” ever so eloquent, he chuckled at his apparent loss for words. “I’m glad to be back,” he smiled,the sound of the water being fully drained seemed to remind him of his rather vulnerable state, and he moved to refill it. “Here, I can do that much I’m sure.”

[mysticalmeri]

Meri sometimes hated how easily Steve made her laugh. She let out a little bit of a giggle and shook her head. Stairs, of course it was stairs. She wished that the statement could be true--that really he’d just fallen down stairs. But after being gone for so long, there was something bigger that happened--but she wouldn’t ask. Not yet. This time could be better spent in silence, close together, helping him with this--even if it wasn’t that big of a deal.

His hand brushed against her cheek and Meri felt that it was rougher than it used to be--their hands never truly shared a space, they’d only ever touched each other accidentally--when cooking, when cleaning--but they were different now. She smiled when he spoke again. So, Steve had missed her as well. That made her happy. Maybe Meri was important to him, just as he was to her. “You...” She joked with him, playing at how he had no words to speak. “Oh,” Meri finished, as he repeated himself again. “I am glad that you are back, too,” there was something else to be added to the sentence, but she didn’t know what.

“No, no,” she said to him with a soft voice. “I can do it.” Gently, she pushed him back into his place--Meri’s worries were getting the best of her, and though she was normally very optimistic, it was hard to keep being so cheery when Steve was so hurt--even if he wasn’t in absolute danger. “Stay,” she said to him, turning on the water once again and filling the tub.

Meri moved from the far side of the tub and picked up what she’d dropped prior. She took up a new washcloth and dampened it, putting soap on it and letting it lather up, “Alright--this might sting,” Meri said as she returned to Steve’s side--well, as close as she could get with the tub being in the way. “Be trying to think of other thing?” She suggested, moving her hand to begin washing at his shoulder.

[mysticalmeri]

i know places//meri&steve

[mistersteelyourgirl]

It hurt when she grabbed him, but not enough to warrant any whining. He had to remember to take at least one ton of pain killers later on. A sigh of relief escape him, he wasn’t in the mood to talk about past events. 

He dripped his hand in the water, the feeling of the hot liquid distracting. It reminded him of how tired he was. When was the last time he slept? Maybe he could take a nap in the bath, he was used to doing that. It took him a moment before he realized Meri was still in the bathroom, he thought she had left him to his own devices. “Meri?-” the clatter of things hitting the floor was enough to make him realize he had a headache on top of it all. 

“Mmm,” the touch of her hand was irresistibly soothing, but Steve was sure he was trying to say something. He placed his hands on her shoulder, as she reached for his blouse “Meri, it’s fine, you really don’t have to, all my years have prepared me for this, washing myself” he winced in pain as he tried to move his own arm, averting the look he knew Meri was giving him and letting her continue.

He didn’t want to worry her, truly, but a small part of him was simply enjoying the time he had with her, right now at that moment. Okay, a large part of him was happy, but that wasn’t the point.

Steve chuckled, holding his chest as he did so as to keep it from moving “I’ll leave that as a surprise, hows that?” he shot a grin at her, somehow still managing to do so. Causing him to quickly turning away from her and regaining the breath he hadn’t noticed he’d lost.  He brought his hand up, wiping the sweat of his brow.

The pants came off, and soon enough the previously mentioned underwear, Steve couldn’t help but gaze at Meri’s reaction before getting inside the tub,  he wasn’t usually embarrassed when naked in front of others, not that the situation would even allow for that, but he couldn’t help but feel different before Meri. He wondered for a moment, how their body parts different but quickly decided to leave that thought for another time. 

She helped him in but he still splashed inside, pain shooting up through his spine as he fully submerged “Ahhhi’m having a wonderful time.” The pain left as quickly as it came, the water being more of a relief than he previously thought he would be. He closed his eyes, god he wanted to pass out. “Thanks, really.”  He opened his eyes again, seeing Meri eager to actually get him washed instead of letting him soak  “You know, that’d be easier if you joined me.” He grinned crookedly at her before looking down at the water, the tub was certainly big enough for the two of them, but Steve was getting ahead of himself. “Ah, maybe not, “ he pursed his lips

[mysticalmeri]

Her cheeks blushed fiercely and she looked away as the pants were slipped off, one leg at a time. She had been flustered before, but when it came to it, she moved automatically, helping easily like she were in a hospital helping someone who desperately needed it. She thought of the intimacy as something akin to a caregiver and a child--something that was pure and couldn’t be broken. With a serene expression, finally having calmed herself, (though, her cheeks were still burning,) she helped him slowly emerge himself in the water.

Meri sat herself on the edge of the tub, looking at him for a little bit. Had he aged? There were lines and scars she hadn’t seen before, hidden moments prior due to dried blood and caked on dirt and dust. Floating over in interest, she touched at the raised skin softly, gently caressing the scabs and fresh wounds with a tender touch. “You are hurt all over,” she whispered, looking up to his face and back to the rest of his body. What had happened?

“No, you are--you are welcome,” this was the very least for her. He had given her a home. It had been many Earth years, and still he let her live. She’d seen the reaction many humans had towards anything deviating from the norm. It was terrifying. “Are you--” she shook her head and laughed a little, moving herself to the floor and reaching for a washcloth. “You are flirting right now, Steve?” She soaked the cloth and carefully wet the skin that wasn’t under the water. “I am not thinking that this is a good time for you to be doing of that,” she smiled.

Steve was always so silly. Meri moved him so that he leant forward, wanting to reach his back and be able to rinse it. Her face was near his and she held her breath. When she was done, the water was murky, and she rested her forehead against Steve’s. 

“Another moments,” she asked, “I was just missing you before, I will finish in...” Meri’s voice was soft, and a portion of her did not like this. “I will change the water,” she murmured, but made no movement more than that, keeping their foreheads pressed together. Meri let out a shakey sigh. Before, she was a princess, she knew much and accepted the flaws of her people and her family and herself, she learned how to handle herself in battle--she was no child. But Steve’s absence made her feel wrong. She didn’t exactly know how to describe it. She just missed him.

[jbaggles]

[cooltrees]

me: all our teeth fall out as children and then they all grow back stronger

alien: okay, i mean…that definitely sounds fake, but….okay.

[mysticalmeri]

i know places//meri&steve

[mistersteelyourgirl]

He had wondered how long he’d been gone the minute the portal behind him and Ryder closed. A quick time check was all he needed to let him know how much time had past in his original universe. It wasn’t long before he and Ryder had parted ways, deciding that any discussion on the matter might be best kept for later.

As Steve flew off, he felt his limbs ache and his ribs on fire. They had offered to patch him up but Steve quickly declined, they had more important people to tend to, and Steve was sure he would be able to make it back without too much trouble.He was surprised at how much of the armors capabilities were functioning, such as the autopilot. Good, he didn’t think he had enough energy to do any lifting himself. 

He nearly crash landed inside his home, thankful the window was even able to open in time. He made his way  further into the house, the armor falling off of him and he stumbled into the room. He placed a hand on the door frame for support. He heard Meri, seemingly talking to herself and looked up “Meri, “ he voice was barely audible and he tried to take a step forward but winced instead.

His hand gave out and his body crashed into the wall, a cough into his hand. Ah blood. Maybe he was in a worse state than he thought. That seemed to gain her attention, and Steve couldn’t help but break into a smile once he saw her face; for a brief moment all his pain and worries had left him. “Meri, hey.” 

He moved his hands from under him, trying to receive a hug that never came. He leaned into her hands before placing a hand over he own “So, did you miss me.” He was trying to poke fun, but the evident pain he was feeling made it hard for Steve to keep a lighthearted tone. “So I am- but I should be fi-” he tried to wave her off, and Meri, was adamant about his well being. Something he’d never miss. “Okay, okay, maybe that’s a good idea.”

[mysticalmeri]

A stifled laugh left her and she shook her head violently. "This is not the time for the jokes,” Meri told him sternly. “I am right and this you know,” she said, tapping his nose extra lightly as she helped him up and supported his weight. “Tell me if this is to be hurting you,” Meri told him. She was careful of where she grabbed, careful of the pressure she put and how fast she moved. “What--” she began to ask, but thought better of it. There would be time for questions later. She would make sure of it.

In time, they made it to Steve’s massive bathroom. She’d taken showers there long ago, when she had first arrived, but since then she had been given her own room and bathroom. Everything was pristine and clean, untouched for Meri couldn’t even recall how long--things changed once she helped Steve sit on the edge of the tub. “Give me moments,” she said, floating over to the small closet that held towels and wash clothes and extra soaps. In the minute they’d been in the room, there was blood and things had already looked turned over.

Everything felt a little more familiar at that point, and Meri let herself smile for a second--but returned to her work in the next beat.

Arms full, she turned and dropped everything next to Steve’s feet. “The washing now,” she told him, wanting to keep him alert and awake and talking to her. He’d been gone for so long that she didn’t want him disappearing for a moment longer. With a grim smile, she hovered above him and stroked his face. “I will be taking care of you, this is good,” she nodded with a smile, even though her eyes were watering.

Her feet touched the ground and she leant over to begin filling the tub. As the water warmed up, she helped Steve undress himself, but not without shaking hands.

Meri swallowed thickly and tried to stay focussed. She took a deep breath and went button by button, pulling the shirt from his skin slowly and carefully and murmuring apologies whenever Steve winced or made a face. Part one done, she thought, trying to be cheerful. “Oh M'zali,” she murmured, be getting hold of you! Her fingers moved quickly, and she tried not to think about it--though, she felt that it was time for her to make some sort of joke: “You are having the underwear on under the pants, yes?”

[soundsarchive]

Visit Original Link

all i knew this morning when i woke is i know something now, know something now i didn’t before.

[mysticalmeri]

i know places//meri&steve

For some reason, Steve had left. Ryder, too, and Meri cared about that--but there was something about Steve leaving that made her feel like there was a hole in one of her hearts and the insides were falling out. Which was ridiculous, really. That didn’t happen. Right?

Meri took a breath. She wrapped her arms around herself and stared out of the wall of windows in the living room. Everyone else in Division was doing their own sort of thing--the house was large enough that everyone had enough space. Meri thought of them as her family, but she missed Steve. He was the first one she’d met when she arrived--it only made sense.

She sighed and rested her head on the glass, looking down to the water of the ocean lapping on the shore. “Where did you go?” She asked the empty room. Everything had been a secret--and Meri though that she and Steve were close enough where secrets weren’t allowed.

Distracted, she hadn’t heard the noise behind her of someone stepping into the room. But the wet cough that they let out alerted her. She turned her head quickly and saw Steve. “You’re back!” Meri’s face broke out into a smile and she flew over to him, about to hug him, before she saw his injuries. “Are--” She looked up and down and around him and reached for his face, seeing that nothing there was too hurt. “You’re hurt,” Meri murmured. “Let’s wash you up and fix you.” 

[mysticalmeri]

long lost friends // tryk&meri

[tryksteroftime]

She was looking for her- desperately it seemed, at Patryk dreaded knowing the reason why. “How long have you been on earth? If I had known…” she trailed off, not knowing exactly what to say, surely she would have looked at her just as fiercely if she had known? Surely Patryk wouldn’t have been caught up in her own feelings as to avoid such a dear friend of hers.

“Yes, come. I have a place for us,” she spoke in a language not of earth, hoping it would give Meri some comfort. She started floating, leading Mari away by her hands to a more secluded space a top a hill nearby, where the only thing that would hear them would be the flora surrounding the place. 

“I hope your stay on earth has not been bad, “ she smiled weakly at her, “Truly, I am happy to see you, but I fear the news you have to share is much to dire for us to rejoice at this reunion.” 

[mysticalmeri]

Meri followed wordlessly, not really looking to her friend until they were finally settled and a question had been asked of her. Meri shook her head in response, letting out a little bit of a hollow laugh. “I am happy too see you too,” she said softly, “but you are right.” Meri breathed in, but her body shook slightly at recalling everything that had happened.

She jumped to the first question, instead of going backwards. “It has not been bad, no,” Meri’s voice was soft, and a small smile crept over her lips in spite of the reason of her visit. “I have met of people... They are kind... They are good,” all of her new friends, her new family, rather filled up the hole as best they could, but there was just no forgetting. Even with--Meri sighed. “I do love them.” But even so, she shook her head.

“Are you--is everything well over this place here?” Her voice broke towards the end of the question, and she fiercely wiped at her eyes. “Please be telling me of the times you are having here? It will be giving me more moments to prepare.” Meri smiled at her friend, and gave her hand a squeeze to reassure that she was alright.

[mysticalmeri]

long lost friends // tryk&meri

[tryksteroftime]

Patryk had only just gotten use to earthling life, it was odd, different, a bit simplistic and quaint, but nonetheless she grew to like it, and it distracted her from whatever was going on outside the planet. This was good, she thought. No one would try to find and kill her here. 

She was on her way back to what she called home and felt as if something was a miss the whole trip back. As she was about to go in she sensed something, someone coming at her with speed that could only be out of this world. She turned just as they hit her, a panic running through her, before her mind soon realized there was nothing to panic about. Not actively at least.

She felt tears, and recognizing the hair and complexion immediately, “Meri? What are you…” It almost seemed like a dream, what she doing here? Why was she- then it hit her, with a sudden realization Patryk almost became frantic “What are you!- Is everything-, What have…” She wrapped her arms around her, laying her cheek atop her head, “It’s good, yes good to see you Meri”

[mysticalmeri]

She said nothing for the first few seconds, even though they felt like hours to her. Meri merely held Patryk close and breathed her in, happy to be in the arms of her best friend and safe once more. There was something about being in such an embrace, with a loved one as important as Patryk. They had been friends for a long time, and had known one another for even longer. Sisters, would’ve been a better word.

Meri finally stepped away and looked up to Patryk, a shy and very happy smile on her face. “Hello,” she said in her native tongue, one Patryk knew and understood. “Hello,” Meri repeated again, that time in Patryk’s language, her heart bursting with joy--and also wilting with despair. “And--hello,” she said in English, giving Patryk another hug, tight and sure and desperate.

“I was doing the looking for you for so much time,” she murmured. Meri was afraid if she stepped away too long from Patryk, the same fate would befall her. She would be torn away from Meri’s hands without a moment to say a proper goodbye, and once more, she would be devoid of any sort of family again. “Please,” she spoke softly, her hands dropping from being around Patryk’s waists to grasping her hands. “May we do--may we be speaking alone?” Her tone sounded so sad, she spoke another sentence, just to sound a little more hopeful: “We just have so many of things to be catching up with.”

[mysticalmeri]

long lost friends // tryk&meri

Too much time later, and Meri still hadn’t found her reason for coming to Earth. She’d come for a certain person, a friend--best friend even, and she’d gotten distracted, gotten lost, wasted time--she’d felt terrible many nights, and always resolved to continue the search the next day.

But sometimes, she just forgot. 

And other times, she felt if she did find her friend, then everything would be real. Her planet, her world was really taken from her. Meri’s family then would finally be gone, it would be true, because Patryk would know.

Steve helped her a lot, and it was very kind of him to do so. Using M.A.L.A.C.H.I., and his wide expanse of computers and little devices, each time they worked on this they got closer and closer to finding what they were looking for. Of course, Meri sometimes accidentally set them back by breaking equipment, but that was neither here nor there.

The moment a location popped up, she packed a few things, took a cloaking device (as per Aiden’s suggestion,) and flew over faster than she’d ever done before. She’d landed outside of the city and tearfully made her way to the address they’d given her friend--and the moment Meri laid eyes on her she sped towards Patryk and tackled her with an embrace, crying into her neck.

[janeviirgin]

Gina Rodriguez is on the cover of “Latina”