fandom: original work (ocverse - warcrimes au)
rating: m
cw: various implied human experimentations
wc: 1000 (🤨)
prompt: #fff359 one more chance for @flashfictionfridayofficial
note: some very silly non-canon shenanigans featuring @couriers-mile 's Mickey B. also there's wip art here
---
Trying to wash down the taste of the terrible doughnut with equally terrible coffee, I let my eyes wander across the depressingly cheerfully furnished basement room of the community center. The meeting of 'One More Chance', the support group for victims of scientific research abuse - do these groups all have such lofty names? - is starting to fill up, it's almost twenty people by now. Who would have thought that this is such a common experience after all? And some of them do look a little experimented on - some limbs missing or replaced with strange tech here, some weird skin conditions there, and quite a few visible scars. One guy has what looks like a third eye on his forehead. At least at first glance, I seem to be one of the luckier ones, overall.
A guy around my age in a colorful Hawaiian shirt joins me with a nod, burying his hands in his pockets a little awkwardly. "Hey."
"Hey." I force a smile and glance at his name tag - 'Mickey' - wondering if this is his real name. I considered putting a fake one on mine for a moment, but then decided against it.
"First time?" Mickey asks.
"Yeah," I confirm with a grimace. "You?"
"Yeah."
We small-talk for a few minutes, then Clyde, the group leader, ushers us all to the chairs standing in a circle. He welcomes the new attendees, emphasizing how glad he is that we're here, and that every contribution is very much appreciated. Also, we are all "so brave" to be here.
I scoot around on the hard wooden chair to find a comfortable position while being regaled by one of the members' stories about getting autopsied by 'her' scientist. Most of the others listen intently, nodding along.
"Vivisection," I finally murmur under my breath.
Mickey leans over a little. "What?"
"Well, if she's not dead, it's not an autopsy," I explain, whispering. "It's a vivisection." I got schooled on the difference myself not too long ago, even though mine turned out to be 'just' a hypnosis-induced hallucination, and Helena didn't actually cut me open. Seemed pretty real in that moment, though.
Mickey chuckles, then we join in to half-heartedly applaud the vivisected woman and her account.
Next, group leader Clyde gives a boring, endless talk about our legal rights as scientific test subjects, then he pivots to how most of us are too emotionally entangled with our scientists, making the whole thing a lot more complicated.
"So the first step of getting out of a toxic relationship like this is," Clyde lectures, "you have to want to get out."
"This is bullshit," I whisper to myself with an eyeroll - judging by the way he now looks at me, apparently not quietly enough. Blushing, I scramble to apologize. "Sorry, I didn't mean… sorry."
"No, please." Clyde gives me a forced smile. "We're all about open communication here. Speak your mind."
"It's just…" I gnaw on my lip, trying to find the right words. "I don't see why the goal has to be to get away. I mean, I'm sure it's different for every one of us, but I don't want to leave. I love her. And she's really smart and doing important work, so it's nice to play a part, right? Help with scientific progress? And like, I don't even mind the experiments. Mostly. Well, the plant monster was maybe a little extreme, but…" I frown at the memory for a second, then kick my brain back into focusing on the present. "And I know she'd never actually let anything serious happen to me! But I just would like to get asked beforehand, y'know? Instead of suddenly waking up from getting drugged again, strapped to a table, her looming over me menacingly, eyeing my naked body, and…" I clear my throat, feeling myself blush. "Anyway. I don't think 'getting out' has to be the ultimate end goal. Instead, we could maybe focus on how to achieve a more equal relationship, right? How to approach a consent discussion and things like that?" Getting self-conscious about my spontaneous little speech, I make a face. "Sorry, didn't mean to butt in like that."
Clyde stares at me with a deep frown, but before he can say anything, Mickey suddenly starts applauding, and a few of the others hesitantly join in.
"Thank you," Clyde notes, squinting at my name tag, "…Fia. That is a very valid point for discussion." He gives me another forced smile and looks into the group. "Now, who's next?"
I sink into my chair, a little embarrassed, when the guy with the third eye talks about how his scientist is still trying to clone him, unsuccessfully so far, and how it's messing with his mind, because he thinks he's about to be replaced, and he has mixed feelings about that.
A few accounts later, we reach the last program point - Clyde leading a guided meditation to strengthen our root chakra, so we can better endure whatever is to come.
I'd rather get locked in with the plant monster again, if I'm being honest.
Mickey elbows me. "Wanna get out of here?" he whispers, and I nod promptly. The hell is a root chakra anyway?
Outside, Mickey lights a cigarette. "Well, that sure was… something," he states with a chuckle.
Peeling off my name tag, I laugh. "Sure was."
"You wanna get a coffee together?"
I probably should decline, it's pretty late in the evening, and I don't even know the guy - but maybe this experience has forged a strange bond between us already. "Yeah sure, why not."
While we're walking toward the coffee shop across the street, Mickey glances at me. "Okay, but I just have to ask - this is a sex thing for you, right?"
Stumped, I blink at him. "What, no?! It's not- it's not a sex thing!" I stammer at this sudden intrusive question, feeling myself blush. "…well, not exclusively a sex thing…"
---
further recommended reading, very explicit: the vivisection, the plant monster
lizardwriting pinglist [ask/comment/dm to get on it]: @voidthing @ark-inkweaving @aalinaaaaaa
fandom: original work (ocverse - warcrimes au)
rating: m
wc: 505
prompt: #fff352 scrapped ideas for @flashfictionfridayofficial
---
"Hey." I drop the big, slightly dusty box on Helena's desk. "I've been cleaning out the storage of the old B lab like you asked, and I've found these… Just wanted to double-check with you before throwing them away."
Helena pulls one of the folders out. These things must be ancient, nobody uses handwritten paper files anymore. Even Helena, who can be quite old-fashioned sometimes, takes all her notes digitally.
She skims the page with a frown, then she chuckles. "Oh, dear. Another box of fringe files. I thought I had collected them all by now."
"Fringe files?"
"You see, my dear old mentor was of the opinion that the pursuit of knowledge is never a waste of time, no matter how ridiculous an idea might seem on the surface. So, occasionally, he indulged in some rather far-out endeavors. 'Fringe science'. Pseudoscience, if you want to be less generous."
Curious, I look at her. "Like what?"
"Oh, things like telepathy, mind control, parallel universes…" Helena shrugs.
"Seriously?"
She holds up the folder in her hands. "Necromancy…"
"Excuse me?"
"I'm sorry, I mean 'late-stage resuscitation'," she reads out loud with a chuckle and leafs through the pages. "Seems like he was trying to find out how far you can push the time frame of reviving a human body. Looks a bit questionable." She shakes her head, seemingly amused by the whole thing.
"I thought he was some kind of genius, and not that… weird."
Of course I heard the stories about Nathaniel Westmoreland, one of the greatest minds of his generation, the pinnacle of rationality. I also know how ruthless and cruel he could be in the name of science, so to picture him being involved in this random hocus-pocus feels very strange.
"Well, sometimes genius and insanity are a lot closer together than one might like to admit," Helena says. "Fortunately, he usually dropped these ideas rather quickly when they turned out to be unfeasible. He kept all his notes, though, boxes and boxes full of them. And occasionally, he even found some inspiration in them later." She smiles at the folder in her hand, a smile I'd almost call fondly. A rare sight.
"So, I assume I shouldn't throw them away?"
"No. Leave them here, I'll put them with the rest." Helena drops the file back into the box. "You'll never know when you need some… unorthodox ideas."
"I can digitize them for you, so they're not so unwieldy," I offer.
"No need, I'll keep them like this. But thank you."
I can't help but tease her a little. "You're not turning all mad scientist on me now, are you?"
She raises an eyebrow, the corners of her mouth twitching. "If you get sassy, I'll see what I can find in these to make you behave. Maybe I'll repurpose one of the mind control experiments."
"Yes, Sir. I'll keep that in mind," I reply with a grin, before leaving her alone with a box full of weirdness. Hopefully, it doesn't inspire her too much.
---
now where might these come in handy one day...
lizardwriting pinglist [ask/comment/dm to get on it]: @voidthing @ark-inkweaving
fandom: original work (ocverse - sugarmommy au)
rating: m
cw: jealousy & a fight resulting from that, self-worth issues
wc: 1,017
prompt: #fff363 on thin ice for @flashfictionfridayofficial
note: the sugarmommy au continues, last seen at #fff360
---
Amir: Right, thanks. Whose terrible idea was that ungodly hour?
Fia: Yours, actually. Sorry 😉
Amir: 😩
"Who are you texting?"
I chuckle and look up from the couch, putting my phone aside. Addie leans in the door, arms crossed in front of her chest. "Amir. Just wanted to remind him of a very early appointment he has tomorrow," I answer. He's not much of a morning person.
She raises an eyebrow. "What, he has you working off the clock now?"
"Nah, it's no big deal."
Addie studies me for a moment. "You two get along well."
"Yeah," I shrug. "Definitely the best boss I ever had." Which isn't exactly a high bar, but still. I really like him as a person; we're on the same wavelength. I wouldn't call us friends, because he is my boss after all - but the lines are getting blurry, considering I'm dating his ex-wife, and they are still friends. So I guess work and private life are blending together a little by now.
She looks at me silently for another long moment, then she calmly asks, "Are you sleeping with him?"
I blink at her. "What?" That came so out of nowhere, she might as well have asked me if I can fly. That would be an equally random, ridiculous question.
"Are you?"
I stare at her, open-mouthed, still processing her words. "Am I sleeping with Amir?"
"Yes."
I'm attempting to make sense of what is happening here, and try to read her face. She doesn't look mad or anything; Addie never gets mad. It's a completely neutral facial expression - but there's this tiny line between her eyebrows she always gets when she's displeased.
I can feel the panic rise inside me, overwhelmed by this sudden mood shift. We were supposed to have a relaxed evening on the couch.
"Addie, what the hell?"
"Are you?" she repeats.
"No?! Of course not?! That's- how-," I stutter, at a loss for words. "What makes you even think that?"
She shrugs nonchalantly. "Well, you're apparently quite close, if you're texting after hours. And he is very handsome, so I can totally understand if you're attracted to him." She says this so casually, as if it wouldn't be a big deal if it were the case - which it isn't - but there's this subtle coldness swinging along in her voice that I've never heard from her before. It scares the hell out of me, and I swallow the lump in my throat. This is bad. I feel like I'm on thin ice, about to break, with no idea how to get off.
I take a deep breath, because I know freaking out will not help. "There's nothing going on between us."
"Are you sure?"
"Very."
"Because you're definitely his type, too," she continues, and by now, she sounds accusatory. "And maybe he fits better into your overall life plan. He'd be a great catch if you wanted to start a family."
Addie turns around, walking off toward the kitchen, and I scramble off the couch to follow. "Addie, what are you talking about, I don't-"
"And he's great in bed, too," she interrupts me. "Which you probably already know."
"I'm not sleeping with him!" I feel like I'm about to cry. This is so completely out of nowhere. I didn't even know she could be so jealous.
She rolls her eyes. "Oh, please."
"I'm not! Never have, never will!"
"Why not?" Addie snorts.
"Because I love you!" I blurt out, louder than I intended. We stare at each other in shock for a second, then I repeat, almost whispering, "I love you."
I didn't plan to say it, and certainly not like this. I never told her that before - I said how much I adore her, and how I'm falling for her, and how crazy I am about her. But not those words, because it seemed too early for it.
I mean it, though.
At least I managed to stop Addie's weird outburst with that, because she looks at me, equally baffled. Before I can stop myself, I quietly, desperately babble away. "I love you. I am already so madly, deeply, head-over-heels for you, and you're on my mind literally all the time, and I keep thinking how obvious and pathetic it must be, and that surely, you're going to get sick of this - of me - soon, because I basically sit there like a lovesick little puppy wagging my tail whenever I see you, and-" I take a deep breath and run a hand through my hair, trying not to cry. "I love you."
We look at each other silently for a long moment, then Addie takes a step toward me. "Fia…" Her voice is so much gentler all of a sudden.
"I'm not sleeping with him," I state. How can she even think that?
She pulls me into a soft kiss, and we lean our foreheads together, eyes closed. "I'm sorry," she whispers. "I don't know what has gotten into me." Another gentle kiss. "I'm sorry."
The tension inside me dissolves, and I doubt I've ever felt so relieved in my life. This sudden, out-of-nowhere fight really spooked me. I nuzzle my face into hers, inhaling her familiar scent for a second to ground myself.
"I love you too, by the way," Addie adds, stroking my cheek.
Stumped, I blink at her. "What?"
"Why do you think I'm so scared of you leaving me?"
I get lost in her eyes for a moment, trying to process her words, because it feels so unreal. It's ridiculous. She's this beautiful, charming, smart, funny, successful, amazing woman, and I am… me. Painfully average, never amounting to much, always drifting along. A failure.
She deserves the world. She deserves someone by her side who is just as marvelous and breathtaking and exceptional.
I have no idea how I could ever be enough for her, not even remotely. How I could ever truly be worthy of that affection she gives me.
But I sure as hell intend to try. If it kills me.
---
lizardwriting pinglist [ask/comment/dm to get on it]: @voidthing @ark-inkweaving @aalinaaaaaa @tales-from-nocturnaliss
fandom: original work (ocverse - warcrimes au au? 😬)
rating: m
wc: 965
prompt: #fff357 it's so obvious for @flashfictionfridayofficial
note: so yesterday, i blabbed a little about how Fia & Addie would also make an interesting couple. and unfortunately the way my brain works, i couldn't let this go lmao. so, this is completely non-canon, AU-of-the-AU, tumblr exclusive because i'm not putting this on ao3 (for now), entirely for self indulgence. and i'm not going to jinx myself by saying i'll never talk about this again (because then i'll end up with a """quick little oneshot""" of 100k again lol) but uhhh yea. we'll see.
---
"Hi. Addie Rhodes. I have an appointment with Amir."
"Hi." My view falls on the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, standing in front of my desk, and my heart stops for an endless second.
Wow.
When I finally manage to forcefully kick my brain back into working mode, I babble away. "He's still on a call, but he should be done very soon, so if you would just make yourself comfortable over there for a minute, he'll be right with you."
"Sure." She gives me an incredibly captivating smile, and I have to remind myself not to stare at her open-mouthed.
"Can I get you a coffee while you wait?"
"That would be lovely. Little milk, no sugar, please."
"Coming right up, Ms. Rhodes."
"Just 'Addie', please," she chuckles. "If you don't mind." Oh, I certainly don't.
She settles into one of the plush chairs outside of my boss's office, somehow making it look like she's lounging on a throne, and I hand her a coffee a few minutes later.
"Thank you, darling."
There's this amazing smile again, and I'm pretty sure I am actually blushing a little. Guess I'm not immune to a very charming woman twice my age calling me sweet pet names. "You're welcome."
"You're new here, aren't you?" Addie is apparently a regular enough guest to know that, and I wonder what her relationship with Amir is. He put that appointment on his calendar himself, with only her first name and no further info, so I'm not even sure if this is a professional date. Not that it's any of my business.
"Uhm, yes. Started a few weeks ago," I reply, clearing my throat. Why the hell am I so nervous all of a sudden? I small talk with random people all day, it's no big deal - but right now, I am acutely aware of the way I am standing, and my sweaty palms, and how my voice sounds, as if I have to consciously control how to be a human being.
She's intimidatingly beautiful, it's unreal. And her perfume smells really nice.
We chat for a few minutes about my job here, and if I like working for Amir - which I do, because he seems like a good boss so far, we get along pretty well - and I manage to not make a complete ass of myself. Almost a miracle.
Then Amir emerges from his office, and I can't quite decide if I'm glad he's saving me from further embarrassment, or sad that she'll leave now.
"Addie, hey. Sorry for the wait." They greet each other with a kiss on the cheek, seemingly very familiar with each other.
"Don't worry, darling," she assures him. "I had lovely company." She smiles at me, squeezing my arm, and once again I am blushing, which is so silly. I am not easily flustered, usually. But this woman has me wrapped around her finger after a five-minute conversation. Fuck. It must be so obvious.
"Glad to hear," Amir chuckles. "Now, come on in."
He leads her into his office, closing the door behind them, and I exhale. Was I holding my breath since Addie stepped in here? Probably not, even though it feels like it. When did I turn into such a pathetic mess?
It's not easy with her perfume still lingering in the room, but I manage to turn my focus back to my actual work, more or less. Of course, that focus is immediately shattered again when they re-emerge half an hour later, and I try so hard not to stare. Did she get even more beautiful, somehow?
After they said their goodbyes, she turns to me on the way out. "It was very nice to meet you, darling." God, she needs to stop calling me that, or I'll never stop blushing.
"Likewise," I murmur, very flustered, trying to commit every single detail of her face to memory.
"Until next time." Addie gives us a little wave and another breathtaking smile, then she takes her leave while I stare after her like a lovesick little puppy.
I get pulled back into reality when I vaguely register Amir calling my name.
"I'm sorry, what?" I blink up at him, standing next to my desk with his hands buried in his pockets, giving me an amused look.
"Fia, you still with me?"
"Yes! Yes, I am. Sorry." I really need to get it together. "So… who is she?" I blurt out before I can stop myself.
"Addie? My ex-wife," he shrugs.
"Wait, seriously?" Wouldn't have been my first guess, even though they did seem very comfortable with each other. But she's a good ten years older than him, by my estimate, and most of his fellow successful businessmen buddies seem to go for young trophy wives instead. Perhaps it's not surprising, considering the effect she had on me, too.
"Should I take it personally that you sound so shocked about that?" Amir chuckles.
"No, it's just… she's so beautiful, and-" I bite my tongue, horrified about having actually said that out loud. What the hell is wrong with me? "-and maybe now I should stop talking."
He laughs, taking it in stride, and doesn't seem too offended. "Maybe you should."
Holy shit, this is so embarrassing. I have a massive crush on my boss's ex-wife, twentysomething years older than me, and it must be so, so very obvious. Perhaps I should find a new job - if I don't die of humiliation first.
Amir has mercy and doesn't rub it in, instead switches back to his business tone. "Can you get me the finance guy from this morning back on the phone, please?"
I grimace. "Sure. On it, boss."
God, I hope he never ever brings this up again.
spontaneous continuation: [here]
---
lizardwriting pinglist [ask/comment/dm to get on it]: @voidthing @ark-inkweaving @aalinaaaaaa
fandom: original work (ocverse - warcrimes au)
rating: m
cw: casual patricidal thoughts?
wc: 938
prompt: #fff361 watch your step for @flashfictionfridayofficial
---
"Adelaide. Welcome." Her mother descends the stairs, a dignified smile on her lips.
"Mother," Addie beams at her and kisses both her cheeks. "You look wonderful today."
"Likewise, dear. So good to see you. It's so nice of you to make time in your busy schedule for your old parents."
"Mother, I always make time for you," Addie replies with a chuckle.
"Your father is taking his afternoon tea in the gazebo - why don't we join him?"
"That sounds lovely, Mother."
"Oh, but do watch your step, dear. You know how uneven those paths are," her mother states, glancing down at Addie's shoes. "I don't want you to hurt yourself." She smiles, and for a brief moment the corners of her mouth curl in a way that makes it seem very pained. Your mask is slipping, old hag. Usually, you can keep that up for longer.
"Don't worry, I'm sure I'll manage." She can run in those damn heels if necessary, some craggy garden paths won't stop her. "But thank you. What would I do without you looking out for me, Mother?" Addie beams at her adoringly, almost missing her mother's tiny eye twitch. Oh, she's in terrible shape today if that is already getting to her - how many 'Mother' was this? Three, four? Laughable.
Her mother composes herself and gestures toward the backyard. "Well then, dear."
Addie links arms with her, and they make their way outside, following the winding paths through the expansive garden, chatting and laughing about meaningless drivel. I can do this all day, dearest Mother.
They find her father in the gazebo, sitting in his big, comfortable chair, scrolling through a data pad with a deep frown on his face. The way you have to walk up to him, climb the few stairs - of course the effect is intentional. An aging monarch, presiding over his estate, waiting to be paid tribute to.
His expression softens when he sees them. It's the closest thing to a smile he can offer.
"Adelaide," he greets her, getting up from his throne.
"Father," Addie smiles, pressing a quick kiss on his cheek, and she actually manages not to flinch when he puts his hands on her hips to hold her close for a second. When he lets go of her, she takes a step back. He straightens his back, puffing himself up a little, and she is very pleased to see that she is taller than him in these heels. "You look well," she states fondly.
"Please, sit," he gestures at the other chairs. "Have some tea with me."
"Are you hungry, dear?" her mother suddenly pipes up, looking at Addie. "I can have the cook whip something up for you. I'm sure you've been eating terribly." She's so concerned. It almost sounds sincere.
"Thank you, Mother, but don't trouble yourself," Addie smiles. "I manage just fine." Yes, she still hasn't learned to cook since moving out a couple of months ago, but it's not like she's starving. There are a lot of great restaurants close to her house, and she has a few excellent cooks among her friends.
Her father crosses his arms in front of his chest, mustering her. "So - how's work?"
"Oh, just splendid, Father," she assures him enthusiastically. "I am having a wonderful time."
He frowns. "I still don't understand why you even bother. It's not like you need the money - not that this government job pays much anyway." He makes it sound like a slur.
"But I meet so many interesting new people through it, so many new connections," Addie beams at him. He always goes on about how 'connections' are the most important thing, so he can't argue against that. "Besides, why did I get all that education if not to use it, right?"
He rolls his eyes. "If you insist on wasting your time that way… Fortunately, this will have an end in a few years anyway." When she has finally found a suitable husband.
"Exactly!" she agrees with a smile. "Until then, it's simply a fun little hobby."
"Well, you always were a bit unconventional," her father chuckles. "I guess there's no harm in it."
Then he launches into his all too familiar speech about how a woman's only job is to be a wife and mother, while Addie listens attentively, smiling and nodding, giving exactly the right responses at the right moments in this carefully rehearsed little play, as she has done a million times before. She still doesn't understand how someone in this day and age can manage to hold on to those views - they're not even old-fashioned, they're downright antique. Pre-Empire. It's almost impressive, if it weren't so pathetic.
Addie knows their lines so well, she doesn't need to pay full attention, it's basically automatic at this point. So while she's smiling and nodding and giving the correct responses, she fantasizes about all the ways she could hurt him. Helena told her about this fascinating, barbarous pre-Empire procedure this morning - it involves an ice pick right through the eye socket. People sure were imaginative back in the day.
Her father's speech comes to an end, finally. "…but of course, you would never disappoint me, Adelaide."
She squeezes his hand, despite the mental effort it takes to touch him, and says her prescribed line. "Of course not, Father."
I am going to kill you one day, old man. It will be agonizing and so well-deserved, and you will not see it coming for even a second.
Addie gives him her most earnest smile. "You know how much I love you."
---
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tagging uhhhhh @couriers-mile @ark-inkweaving @aalinaaaaaa @phoenix-is-still-here @crownedinmarigolds and whoever else sees this
someone's being a little brat. yes, next Practice makes perfect chapter already incoming soon, and what of it.... you know how it is with those quick little oneshots lmao
The next one, I aim a little higher, and it bounces off his forehead. "Oops." I give him an innocent grin.
Amir chuckles and raises an eyebrow, throwing me a look from behind his magazine. Without commenting on it, he picks the gummy off his chest where it landed, and continues reading.
Another one hits his head. "Will you stop that," he demands, turning the page.
"Or what? You'll complain to your wife?" I counter, sticking out my tongue.
"Or I'll kick your ass," he replies. "I'm serious," he adds when I snort, and I'm not particularly impressed by his threat.
The smart thing would be to stop. I had my fun bothering him a little, and now we can go back to relaxing. Unfortunately, my self-control is seriously lacking. A few moments later, I throw another gummy at him with a big grin. "Bring it, old man."
