Shin couldn’t help a swell of pride as Angel praised him for the job well done, smirking as he took the glass in hand. He had never tasted champagne before, never really being able to afford the stuff himself, but he figured it’d be rude to turn it down. He took a sip, and suppressed a shrug at the taste. It wasn’t bad, but he still preferred whiskey. At the mention of a promotion, Shin’s interest peaked. He had to admit, the pay raise was enough to sell the deal by itself, but the idea of being in charge of a squadron at nineteen years of age? Now that was something not many people could brag about. He mentally patted himself on the back. Now he was getting places. “Y’have yourself a deal, ma’am.” Shin answered with a grin. “When do I start?”

She wasn’t too fond of champagne herself, but it only seemed fitting for the occasion. His first mission on his own had been quite successful, which was more than she could say for other Hyperion employees who’d been in their employ a lot longer. “Next week. Or sooner, if you’re eager. I can forward you a few files to see who you’d like to add to your squad, give them a test run of a sorts if you like. Of course, that means a lot more responsibility and accountability if something goes wrong. Are you ready for that kind of pressure?”

Shin had known the stakes of this mission if he messed up. He was confident that he could handle additional responsibility in more high-profile missions. After all, this was what he had been training for. “I’m ready as soon as y’need me.” Shin answered with a smile. “Sounds good to me. When can I expect to see the files, ma’am?” He showed her the due respect she commanded. After all, he knew if he didn’t, there would be hell to pay. She stood much higher in the Hyperion food chain than he did, and just as she had the power to give him such an impressive promotion, she had the power to take it - and more - away.

Has anyone done this yet? I really hope no one’s done this yet. I’m not even sorry.

okay but: when is angel appreciation month?

Now

Send me &*& and

I will generate a number from 1-175 for what my muse will say to yours. (Mix of angst, fluff, and random)

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It’s quiet for a moment before Zeke pulls himself up.

“I cannot make promises, just how you cannot promise a goat when you’re all alone in the desert with it.”

He walks over and takes his knife, putting it away before glancing at Shin

“Thank you… for the info.”

“Well, long as y’try to restrain yourself, I guess I can’t fault ya too much.” Shin allowed Zeke to take the knife. It was his, after all. Shin stepped aside to allow Zeke room to leave the alley. He nodded in response to the thanks. “Well, I figure those bandits ain’t got nobody that’ll miss ‘em. Folks here got lives, friends, families. Plus, I don’ think people ‘round here would be too pleased if a killer showed up.”

He scoffs

“Ironic.” He leaves without a word, figuring it best not to prolong their interaction anymore

Shin watches as the odd man leaves the alleyway. Just what was he? Hyperion experiment gone wrong? Shin shook his head, figuring he should head his separate way, as well. He headed towards Moxxi’s bar, needing a drink after that ordeal. “Sheesh. That was insane.” He muttered to himself.

Send me ☆ if you want my Skype.

shoutout to all the other ex-gifted & talented/honor student/straight a/senior editor/star student/99th percentile/once-creative burn-outs who have, since high school, realized they are truly miniscule fish in a giant, endless ocean, criticized themselves to the point of creative paralysis, and participated in so much self-sabotage they no longer see the point of doing anything at all because they’re just going to ruin it for themselves anyway

:)

this one’s for you

Zeke was trying to reach his knife when Shin pushes him again, throwing him off balance and onto his ass

Shin grinned with triumph as he knocked the spy off him, pulling his knife from his boot. He quickly scuttled onto his feet, pointing the knife at Zeke. “S-Stay back.” He warned, trying to keep his voice level, if only to hide the fear and adrenaline rushing through his veins. “L-Look, buddy. I dunno what the fuck’s wrong in your head, but…Y-Y’can’t just eat people, man! Like, I wouldn’t even taste good! C’mon!”

There’s a flicker in the man’s face and his eyes dilated back to human standards. He growls lowly and pinches the bridge of his nose

"God… damnit…." Zeke sighs and looks up at the kid, his teeth receding into his gum-line, looking human again.

"So are you going to finish me off, or are we going to go our separate ways and never speak of this to anyone.”

Shin knew if he let this…Whatever Zeke was get away, somebody else was going to get hurt. But Shin also knew that he likely couldn’t take this guy in a fight. He’d gotten lucky this round. Mismatched eyes narrow as he debates which solution would be the best. He knows the best solution: Kill the guy, keep the rest of Sanctuary safe. But it’s not the easy solution and there was no guarantee he wouldn’t die in the process. “Go.” Shin mutters, but keeps the knife in his hand. “I’m trustin’ ya not to hurt anybody here. If you’re that hungry, go find some bandits t’snack on. There’s a camp of ‘em not far out. Considerin’ how close y’came to kickin’ my sorry ass, I doubt they’d be much of a match for ya.”

It’s quiet for a moment before Zeke pulls himself up.

“I cannot make promises, just how you cannot promise a goat when you’re all alone in the desert with it.”

He walks over and takes his knife, putting it away before glancing at Shin

“Thank you… for the info.”

“Well, long as y’try to restrain yourself, I guess I can’t fault ya too much.” Shin allowed Zeke to take the knife. It was his, after all. Shin stepped aside to allow Zeke room to leave the alley. He nodded in response to the thanks. “Well, I figure those bandits ain’t got nobody that’ll miss ‘em. Folks here got lives, friends, families. Plus, I don’ think people ‘round here would be too pleased if a killer showed up.”

Shin had only been joking about the holding up of the mission. Lateness would be heavily frowned upon, and he’d be crazy to screw up such an important mission just because he wanted another five minutes or so of extra shut-eye. Surprisingly, he slept easily that night, chalking his exhaustion up to the packing of supplies he’d done. He was surprised to find that he was being given complimentary gear for the mission when he arrived at the shuttle that morning, but thankful at the same time. The clothes were certainly in better condition than what he’d brought himself. The mission went smoothly, and before Shin knew it he was headed back for the warm sands of Pandora, and happily so. He loathed the cold. Once he arrived back at Opportunity, Shin waited around to see if he’d be given any further orders. Job well done, he supposed. He couldn’t help wondering what kind of reward was in store for him.

She was there to greet him on his return, a proud smirk on her face as she welcomed him in. For such a plan to be pulled off so well, and without anyone at Maliwan finding out, it was a lot better than to be expected. “To success…” She held out a glass of champagne for him, sipping her own as she leaned against the table. “I’ll have you know the intel you gathered is going to move out profits up by 40% at least. And we have you to thank for it. So… how would you feel about being in charge of your own squadron of men? Top secret missions, taking out high-profile targets, a better pay raise… does that sound like something you’d be in for?”

Shin couldn’t help a swell of pride as Angel praised him for the job well done, smirking as he took the glass in hand. He had never tasted champagne before, never really being able to afford the stuff himself, but he figured it’d be rude to turn it down. He took a sip, and suppressed a shrug at the taste. It wasn’t bad, but he still preferred whiskey. At the mention of a promotion, Shin’s interest peaked. He had to admit, the pay raise was enough to sell the deal by itself, but the idea of being in charge of a squadron at nineteen years of age? Now that was something not many people could brag about. He mentally patted himself on the back. Now he was getting places. “Y’have yourself a deal, ma’am.” Shin answered with a grin. “When do I start?”

Escape from it all [Angst!Meme]

Shin was more than happy to take the coffee first, at least it would perk him up a bit. He just hoped the caffeine wouldn't mess with his anxious nature right now. He took a sip and let out a satisfied noise at the taste. Just enough sugar, the way he liked it. Shin had to resist downing the whole cup. He hadn't realized how parched he was, in addition to his hunger. His stomach growled again to remind him that, hey, he hadn't eaten actual food in whatever heavenly deity knows how long, so he set the coffee mug down and reached for the ramen. As he set the mug down he noticed what was written on it, and laughed before digging into his ramen.

He had to force himself to eat slowly, but as the first taste of salty sustenance hit his tongue, he found it increasingly hard to resist devouring the whole bowl. He didn't need to choke on noodles, though, so he did his best to take it slow. Even if he hadn't liked ramen, it wouldn't have showed thanks to how badly he’d needed to eat anything.

Max watched over Shin like an older brother would the younger. Making sure he ate slowly and keeping him company. He was glad he got the joke on the mug. He knew for sure they were going to be the best of friends when he had saved him from the poisonous mushrooms. 

“Well, Least I know ya feelin’ better.. Usually you ain’ touchin that stuff with a 10 foot clown pole” He said with a slight and soft jab to the boys arm. “Are ya sure ya Shin…” He came in closer to inspect his face playfully. 

Shin was grateful for the company. Max’s presence made him feel safe, protected. Something he hadn't felt for however long he’d been in the clutches of those sadistic bandits. Shin couldn’t help laughing as Max leaned in, returning the soft jab with one of his own. “I’m sure.” He answered between chuckles. The familiar grin was back on his face now that he knew he was protected. “Just, it tastes really good.” Then again, anything would have tasted good by this point. Shin finished the ramen quickly, his empty stomach sated and content. “I’m real lucky to have ya around, Max.” Shin smiled genuinely at his friend. “Hey...Mind if I stay here a while? I don’t really got anywhere else t’go, an’ I don’t...Feel too comfortable goin’ back out into the Dust with those psychos roamin’ around.”

Zeke was trying to reach his knife when Shin pushes him again, throwing him off balance and onto his ass

Shin grinned with triumph as he knocked the spy off him, pulling his knife from his boot. He quickly scuttled onto his feet, pointing the knife at Zeke. “S-Stay back.” He warned, trying to keep his voice level, if only to hide the fear and adrenaline rushing through his veins. “L-Look, buddy. I dunno what the fuck’s wrong in your head, but…Y-Y’can’t just eat people, man! Like, I wouldn’t even taste good! C’mon!”

There’s a flicker in the man’s face and his eyes dilated back to human standards. He growls lowly and pinches the bridge of his nose

"God… damnit…." Zeke sighs and looks up at the kid, his teeth receding into his gum-line, looking human again.

"So are you going to finish me off, or are we going to go our separate ways and never speak of this to anyone.”

Shin knew if he let this...Whatever Zeke was get away, somebody else was going to get hurt. But Shin also knew that he likely couldn’t take this guy in a fight. He’d gotten lucky this round. Mismatched eyes narrow as he debates which solution would be the best. He knows the best solution: Kill the guy, keep the rest of Sanctuary safe. But it’s not the easy solution and there was no guarantee he wouldn’t die in the process. “Go.” Shin mutters, but keeps the knife in his hand. “I’m trustin’ ya not to hurt anybody here. If you’re that hungry, go find some bandits t’snack on. There’s a camp of ‘em not far out. Considerin’ how close y’came to kickin’ my sorry ass, I doubt they’d be much of a match for ya.”

He drew back as she flicked his nose, rubbing the tip of his nose with a slight frown. What was it with people treating him like he was a kid? “Heh. I think our ideas of sport might be a little bit different. But, I’m not gonna turn down the offer.” Shin grabbed a duffel bag with his ammo from the floor, turning to face Angel again. “Tomorrow morning? Alright then. I’ll try not to hold y’up.”

"You better. That shuttle leaves with or without you." At least the kid was being agreeable enough, despite the unwariness she felt at his eye colours. Completely random, she hoped… The next morning went off without a hitch, the shuttle bearing him toward the ice-covered planet dropping him off some distance away in order to remain under their radar. Hyperion had done the courtesy of providing him with warm clothes at least and thermal optics to see through the cold. Otherwise, the rest of the mission details were left up to him.

Shin had only been joking about the holding up of the mission. Lateness would be heavily frowned upon, and he'd be crazy to screw up such an important mission just because he wanted another five minutes or so of extra shut-eye. Surprisingly, he slept easily that night, chalking his exhaustion up to the packing of supplies he'd done. He was surprised to find that he was being given complimentary gear for the mission when he arrived at the shuttle that morning, but thankful at the same time. The clothes were certainly in better condition than what he'd brought himself. The mission went smoothly, and before Shin knew it he was headed back for the warm sands of Pandora, and happily so. He loathed the cold. Once he arrived back at Opportunity, Shin waited around to see if he'd be given any further orders. Job well done, he supposed. He couldn't help wondering what kind of reward was in store for him.

Escape from it all [Angst!Meme]

He heard the lads voice float into the kitchen from the lounge and into the brown goop he scooped several teaspoons of the white grains and swirled the spoon a couple of times before tapping it against the lip of the red mug that read ‘Rouges do it from behind’. After a little while longer he poured the remaining hot water over the noodles and stirred in the sachet of artificial flavouring. The one thing that provided nutrients to he and his sister on a regular basis. It was probably the only thing keeping the two alive. 

When he heard the thanks he came back into the room brandishing the meal. “Huh? Oh, S’no… problem” his words were disjointed as he tried to focus on not tripping over his own feet or anything that might have been strewn across the floor due to his poor eyesight. He was still in denial about wanting to get the replacements and augments so he would be able to see once again. He was hard headed but had a heart of gold. 

Finally making it to the table he slowly placed it on the coffee table on the top of a pile of Engineering monthly magazines. “S’no problem, Really” He said with a wink. “Can’t let ya fall prey ta th’ bandits, Ya too cute fer tha” with that he flopped down into the couch next to Shin and put his arm along the back of the chair. “Ahhh, S’good t’be back home ‘gain, tho” 

Shin was more than happy to take the coffee first, at least it would perk him up a bit. He just hoped the caffeine wouldn't mess with his anxious nature right now. He took a sip and let out a satisfied noise at the taste. Just enough sugar, the way he liked it. Shin had to resist downing the whole cup. He hadn't realized how parched he was, in addition to his hunger. His stomach growled again to remind him that, hey, he hadn't eaten actual food in whatever heavenly deity knows how long, so he set the coffee mug down and reached for the ramen. As he set the mug down he noticed what was written on it, and laughed before digging into his ramen. He had to force himself to eat slowly, but as the first taste of salty sustenance hit his tongue, he found it increasingly hard to resist devouring the whole bowl. He didn't need to choke on noodles, though, so he did his best to take it slow. Even if he hadn't liked ramen, it wouldn't have showed thanks to how badly he'd needed to eat anything.

Zeke was trying to reach his knife when Shin pushes him again, throwing him off balance and onto his ass

Shin grinned with triumph as he knocked the spy off him, pulling his knife from his boot. He quickly scuttled onto his feet, pointing the knife at Zeke. "S-Stay back." He warned, trying to keep his voice level, if only to hide the fear and adrenaline rushing through his veins. "L-Look, buddy. I dunno what the fuck's wrong in your head, but...Y-Y'can't just eat people, man! Like, I wouldn't even taste good! C'mon!"