Sunday Snippet: Numb

Whew. Ended up being a long week between work, home, and other projects. The biggest and best one is helping my daughter edit her final paper for her master's degree. I'm so proud of her!

I made a small dent in the great cleanout project. Didn't get a lot accomplished but made a bit of progress, which I'll take.

Finished up two work projects and continued on with two more. I have another two in flux and two new ones coming sometime this week. Excited to stay busy!

Pretty good week for viewing. I got through my full round of shows and finished up one from last week. I'm still working on one of the others.

Started with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and it was one of my favorite episodes. I love a good masquerade or costume party.

Caught another episode of Madame Blanc Mysteries and enjoyed Gloria and Nick working together. Hope to see more of that in future episodes.

Enjoyed an episode of Death in Paradise. The run-up to Neville leaving is turning out to be a lot of fun. And always good to see Dwayne back. Looking forward to the next episode.

Finished up the two-part Poirot and loved how the resolution came together. I like it when the infallible Poirot gets off on the wrong track for a bit.

Watched another episode of Elementary and quite enjoyed the mystery. Also enjoyed Joan handling her detractor and Sherlock acting as the support system afterward.

Enjoyed an episode of Batman Beyond. I remembered this one from my original watch. A lot of fun.

Caught an episode of Lower Decks and, again, ended up being equally charmed and annoyed. I think that's my standard for this show.

Finished up the Reacher episode from last week and wow. Gotta say I didn't see the ending coming, which is always a good thing. Hoping I can get a full episode in this week.

Almost finished an episode of Peak Practice. Things are getting very messy in the relationship departments for everyone, and Sam, whew, what a huge pile he's getting ready to step into.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Numb, a novella where a couple has to face a huge challenge without losing sight of each other.

Here's the miniblurb:

Cyan Fitch and Theron Dibney have a great relationship—hot sex, rock solid friendship, and mutual respect. When a mostly lethal virus tears through their community, the couple works side by side to help as many as possible, but it takes a toll. They can't quite get comfortably numb while they face the devastating losses and neither is willing to bend for fear they'll break.

And a preview snippet…

Cyan Fitch stood with a shoulder braced on the door jamb to her mother's lab. "Hey, Mom. You've been here for three days. You might want to take a break." Not that she would because their fae brethren were dropping like stars in the sky.

Ciara arched her brows then pointed to a book. "Get that, will you. And no, I'm not taking a break. I've got to figure this out." She grabbed two tomes and set them beside the one Cyan retrieved.

Cyan took a seat on the stool at the worktable. "No luck yet, I take it?" Her mom had the distracted look she always got when answers were just out of reach.

Ciara shook her head. "Not yet. I have a thread to pull and might be able to trace the origin of this damn virus."

A mostly lethal strain. One that didn't act like a normal virus that could be treated with spells or concoctions. The ratio of the dead to the survivors had widened each of the past six weeks.

Ciara paused after opening all three books. "I could use your help getting the afflicted to various hostels in a centralized location so they can maybe be treated and cured." Her lips thinned to a flat line. "Or die with dignity." She shook her head and turned to find another resource.

Cyan couldn't say no … not when her mom rarely asked for help. "I can do that. I'll start with Werther's and when that's filled, I'll move on to Shasta House." The two hostels had the most beds, and both owners were amiable and owed Ciara more than a few favors.

Ciara nodded. "Plan on finding at least two more." She bookmarked a section and moved to one of the other books. "Work with Theron. You shouldn't try to go it alone on this."

The suggestion didn't sting like it once might have. Cyan learned a while ago that being a solo act didn't always get things done, and she worked well with Theron Dibney.

Even when they often got caught up in pushing boundaries and crossing lines between work and personal lives.

Cyan lifted her chin. "All right. What do you plan to do?" If she needed Cyan to gather everyone together, Ciara had a reason.

Her mom gave Cyan a grim smile. "Consult the dark arts because nothing else has worked."

Theron entered at that moment. "You'll have a fight on your hands. The council will deal harshly with you if they find out." He nodded to Cyan and sat on the stool next to hers.

No doubt her mom sent for him. Probably before Cyan even agreed to work with him.

Ciara grunted. "They can do whatever they deem necessary … after I figure out how to stop this." She paused for a moment, took a deep breath, and exhaled slowly. "What I'm going to say goes no further." She met and held Theron's gaze then Cyan's.

Both silently agreed to her stipulation.

Ciara lowered her voice. "I'm solidly convinced the council is at the root of everything. I'm just not sure how yet."

Theron jerked his head back. "You think they unleashed the virus?" His tone incredulous, he stiffened.

Ciara gave a quick head shake. "Probably not … but I do think the responsibility will land at their feet." She flipped through several pages and frowned.

Cyan narrowed her eyes. "That means revenge, retaliation, or remonstration." Which had seriously nasty undertones.

Theron lifted one shoulder. "Not like they haven't made enemies … especially in the last decade." His stance relaxed with some relief.

Ciara turned and pulled down two more books. "They've had a chokehold on the population and aren't keen to change the status quo." She sent a hard look over her shoulder. "And resentment is strong out there."

Cyan slid off the stool. "So is stagnation. I can't wrap my head around someone or a group of someones having the power to unleash something on this level." Then again, change often came in the most unexpected ways.

Theron got to his feet. "What's the plan for us?" He shifted his gaze between Cyan and Ciara.

Cyan motioned for him to follow her. "I'll brief you on the way…"

So far, this story is going the way I hoped with a few small surprises. Can't wait to finish it up and see how it ends.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Numb

Nothing like starting April with snow flurries and chilly weather. Prom weekend for the high schoolers ended up being very brisk. Brrrr.

Had a very busy work week but I made a ton of progress on a difficult edit. It's something kind of new for me and I'm thoroughly enjoying the project. Had a couple of great calls for some possible new work also. All in all a productive week.

Had a decent week of viewing television also. I'm more or less back on my regular schedule, which makes me happy.

Caught two episodes of Silent Witness. I'm very much liking the new season. Clarissa is fast becoming a favorite and they're not shoving the new guy in my face all the time. All in all, I'm still loving this show.

Finished up season twenty-three of Classic Who and started season twenty-four. I'd forgotten the weird way they morphed from Six to Seven. I actually might not have seen that one. Almost finished with the original run and then I have to decide if I'm going to start a rewatch of New Who. I might wait a while.

Watched two more episodes of Aliens in Alaska. I have one more to watch then it's on to something new. I might dive into something more space-related again. I'm not sure yet.

Enjoyed two more episodes of Muppets Now. I should have this finished up this week then I'll have to decide what to watch next. I might dive into the Marvelverse. I've been wanting to watch Hawkeye.

Caught two episodes of Harrow. Man, this season is a roller coaster. I have no clue what the hell is going on with Maxine but I'm not liking it. I love, love, love the kind of new dynamic with Fairley and I like the new assistant. I also enjoy the whole Daniel and Grace being unable to find their footing. Good stuff.

Watched an episode of Peak Practice and enjoyed it. I'll have this season finished up this week and should be ready to start season eight.

I started a new MasterClass with Neil deGrasse Tyson. I'm enjoying the way he explains things. Should be a very interesting class.

Finished the first season of Young Wallander and started the second. I gotta say I shouldn't have been surprised with how the first season ended but I was. That said, I loved the opening episode of season two. Kurt is a magnet for strange cases.

Enjoyed two episodes of Classic Rugrats. One of my favorites with Grandpa moving out followed by the legend of Satchmo made me really happy. One of the best things about the original show is how much grown-ups could enjoy the episodes right along with the little ones.

Caught two episodes of Chicago Med and, sadly, Will is beginning to annoy the crap out of me. Ethan is probably my favorite doctor even if he's a bit rigid sometimes. Not sure I like where they're taking April, but I'll hold judgment on that front for now.

Watched an episode of Snoopy in Space: The Search for Life and I'm down to having one more left. I'll have to decide what to watch next once I finish this series.

I started a new mystery, Loch Ness, and enjoyed the first episode. This one could go either way so I'm hoping it keeps my attention.

Also enjoyed another episode of Blue Heelers and liked it. I do not enjoy Monica but this one seemed to set up some stuff for the future so that might be fun to watch.

Began the Ready Room episodes for the second season of Star Trek: Discovery. Rather enjoyed the first one and I'll look forward to watching more.

And that's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Numb, a novella where the characters are in crisis mode and kind of numb to everything going on.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Cyan Fitch and Theron Dibney have a great relationship—hot sex, rock solid friendship, and mutual respect. When a mostly lethal virus tears through their community, the couple works side by side to help as many as possible, but it takes a toll. They can't quite get comfortably numb while they face the devastating losses and neither is willing to bend for fear they'll break.

And a preview snippet…

Theron paced the length of the corridor outside Ciara's lab. The runes barred entrance and anger replaced the numbness he'd carried for months.

His hand slapped against the wall. "I can't and won't let Cyan go." The possibility of losing her wrecked him. "I've got one shot to make this happen."

He astral-projected into the council chambers … unannounced.

The head elder sputtered out an objection. "What do you think you're doing? You can't just barge in here. There are protocols you need to follow."

Theron waved a hand. "I don't have time. Cyan's life hangs in the balance and the answer to the cure is in her mother's lab." He met the elder's gaze. "Remove the runes."

The elder shook his head. "That's not possible. For all we know, Ciara's lab is ground zero. No one gets access." He folded his hands in front of him.

The other sages remained silent, bowing to the elder's decision.

Theron snorted. "Bullshit. Her lab isn't ground zero. This chamber is. And each of you bears the responsibility for the decimation of our people." He paced again, throwing decorum out the window. "The twelve of you are the reason the bio-curse got unleashed." He hoped like hell Ciara's message didn't prove to be wrong.

A collective gasp came from the semicircle, answering that question. They knew. Every damn one of them.

Theron snarled a curse. "It's time to pull your heads out of your asses and face this challenge. Let me get what we need to save lives." Especially Cyan's.

The elder shook his head. "Ciara went rogue and called on the dark arts. We can't risk having the cure tainted with black magick." He cast a glance to his counterparts and they agreed with murmurs of assent.

Theron made a low growl. "No, what you mean is you can't risk the truth coming out. Pretty damn convenient to use Ciara as the excuse to block progress, especially when she turned to unconventional sources to find a cure and they revealed the ugly certainty of your culpability." He got a kick of satisfaction when half the semicircle blanched at his knowledge of their guilt.

A lone female sage slowly rose. "You're using guesswork to fill in blanks. You don't have the whole truth."

The elder snapped. "That's enough, Larkin. You don't have consent to say more."

Theron pushed his advantage. "She doesn't have to. The whole truth doesn't matter when lives are being lost." He moved forward and met the gaze of each council member. "And know this … If you continue to sit back and do nothing, I'll lead the charge to revolt and remove every last one of you from the sanctuary of this chamber. You're not out there trying to save people and helping them bury their dead. I am. Cyan was. And if she dies, nothing will keep the survivors from turning on you." He paused a moment. "Choose wisely and make it fast." The clock continued to tick against Cyan.

After several long moments of telepathic communication, the elder finally inclined his chin. "Access to Ciara's lab is granted. We'll discuss your grandstanding threats once a cure has been found."

Theron gave a nod. "You're damn right we will. I'll look forward to having that conversation." He faded back out and entered Ciara's lab.

There would be a reckoning, all right. And the council would be on the receiving end.

But first, he needed to make sure Cyan lived to help fight that battle.

I love this story and I'm excited about finishing it up. There's something about going through the motions because nothing else can be done until a wake-up call hits hard that appeals to me.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Numb

Where on earth did the month of May go? I realize I noted it was almost over last week, but, honestly, I feel like I blinked and the week flew by.

Another so-so week of television viewing. I had a lot on my calendar and needed to do some serious focusing while working. I did get some quality viewing in.

I started and finished the third episode of Blue Heelers. I like it. The cast is pretty stellar and the storylines are fun for me.

Caught Arrow's emerald archer episode and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm going to miss this show so much when it's over next season. I'm really hoping some of the cast stays available to do the crossover episodes in the Arrowverse.

Watched another episode of The Murders. This show… I'm very into it. It's not really a shipping kind of show but I'd be totally down with Nolan and Kate hooking up. It would add an interesting layer to their partnership.

Watched what I think is the penultimate episode of Painkiller Jane. One episode left then it's on to a new show on The Roku Channel.

Caught another episode of Durham County. Man, this show is dark. Which I like, don't get me wrong. I spend most of the episode wanting something terrible to happen to Ray Prager. The guy is just… creepy. I'm really hoping to find out why he hates his own kid so much.

Watched another episode of Midsomer Murders. The first episode of series fifteen ended up being terrific. James Callis played twins, one an arrogant jerk and one a rather affable guy… until the murderer is revealed. Great episode.

Caught two more episodes of Peter Gunn. I'd seen both already but they were pretty good so I didn't mind watching again at all.

Watched two more episodes of Doctor Who and finished out The Ark storyline. Looking forward to starting a new group of shows.

Into the Dark's third episode was… pretty good. There are times when the awkward mess Murphy makes of her life is hard to watch but I think that's part of the reason I like the show so much. She's so prickly and obnoxious but she's also got a softer side that she has no idea what to do with.

Started episode two of my Banshee rewatch and I'll have more to discuss next week.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Numb, a novella that started with a writing community prompt of setting the mood, the characters aren't happy or sad, they just don't feel much anymore.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Cyan Fitch and Theron Dibney have a great relationship—hot sex, rock solid friendship, and mutual respect. When a mostly lethal virus tears through their community, the couple works side by side to help as many as possible, but it takes a toll. They can't quite get comfortably numb while they face the devastating losses and neither is willing to bend for fear they'll break.

And a preview snippet…

Cyan entered the small cottage she shared with her mother. A wave of grief hit hard, but Cyan pushed it back. She didn't have time to mourn.

Theron shut the door behind him and reached forward, grasping her shoulders. "We can go to my place… if it's too hard here." His hands ghosted down her arms.

She turned and shook her head. "No, I'm okay. I really want you and me… here… together." Ciara's presence rarely graced the small house when she'd been alive—except for when the woman needed sleep—and Cyan didn't want to spend her first night alone.

The specter of her mom would haunt the lab chambers—the one true place the woman called home.

Theron wrapped his arms around Cyan. "Then here's where we'll stay." He held her close, using his palm in soothing circles along her back.

Cyan could stand like this all night, soaking in Theron's strength. Yet… she also needed the recharge only he could give her with his body and full night of sexual healing. Easing back, she gazed up into dark eyes. Exhaustion lurked in the inky depths but hunger and anticipation swirled also.

She cupped the back of his head and dragged his mouth to hers. "No clothes for at least the next twelve hours." Her lips clashed with his and her fingers shoved his jacket off his shoulders.

Theron smiled against her cheek. "I like the sound of that." He undid the belt of her shirt and slid the garment off her.

She let it land at her feet and worked the buttons of his shirt loose. Neither had dressed formally for her mother's burial. Who the hell had time anymore? A button down and a pair of khaki cargo pants fit the bill for Theron. Cyan wore black dungarees and a knit wrap shirt. Her only concession to formality? A pair of low-heeled boots in soft leather, which she toed off while Theron kicked his to the side.

He shrugged out of his shirt and untied the bow at her side before reaching out to gather her close for another lip-lock. Somehow, they made it to her room, free of clothing, and landed on her bed. A glance outside the doorway showed the trail of clothes leading from the middle of the living area to their current location.

Theron's mouth works spellbinding magic. She had no recollection of stripping off while he kept her busy with deep, drugging kisses.

Cyan turned toward Theron and palmed his erection. "Is it stupid to say I can't wait to go slow and take our time?" An oxymoron to be sure.

Theron's mouth closed over the tip of her breast. "Not at all. We've earned this and I'm going to relearn every single bit of you… one inch at a time." He switched sides and flicked his tongue over the other nipple.

Cyan shuddered, relishing the slow burn of desire thrumming in her veins.

I'm hoping to create something of a theme where the physical aspect and the ability to feel on that level is what keep Cyan and Theron going. The emotional shut down and the numbing of their senses also makes it possible for them to do the work they need to and I want to show the contrast between the two.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Numb

Wish I had commentary about The Last Ship. Looking forward to the new episode tonight. Where's Rachel when we need her to figure out the science? I'm actually wondering if her former flame has something to do with the green mist stuff. Can't wait to find out who's behind that.

Killjoys continues to intrigue me. I'm so excited to see where this season ends up. I love how the various factions all seem to have pieces to a puzzle but no one knows what the puzzle looks like yet.

Dark Matter had a terrific episode. Great to see Five get some screen time to remind us of her mad skills. Three and Four make a fun team. I'm interested in finding out what else is going on behind the scenes.

Babylon 5 has two episodes left in season two… I think. Can't remember if they did a standard twenty-two episode season or not. I'd forgotten how much of an impact Talia's betrayal had, even if she had no idea what happened.

No Strike Back this week. Had way too much other drama going on to be able to watch. *sigh* Maybe I'll get to it this week.

That's the TV update for this week. Tonight's post is from Numb, a novella that started with a detailed prompt. Characters are apathetic. They're not happy, not sad, they just don't… feel much anymore. The sparkle of life has gone and they're going through the motions.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Cyan Fitch and Theron Dibney have a great relationship—hot sex, rock solid friendship, and mutual respect. When a mostly lethal virus tears through their community, the couple works side by side to help as many as possible, but it takes a toll. They can't quite get comfortably numb while they face the devastating losses and neither is willing to bend for fear they'll break.

And a preview snippet…

Theron stood beside the grave, trying to feel something over the exhaustion weighting him down. Cyan swayed but caught the action and straightened, squaring her shoulders. He'd lost count of the death toll, but the number hovered in the triple digits. The service ended and people, less than the day before, made their way to the walking path leading out of the cemetery.

Cyan remained, dry-eyed and solemn. Theron moved forward and finally put an arm around her, offering whatever small comfort he could. This one hit hard.

Cyan spoke with a broken whisper. "I can't believe she's gone." Her eyes filled and she blinked the tears away.

His heart broke for her. "She fought hard, Cy. And she helped so many." Ciara Fitch gave everything she had.

Cyan turned and buried her face in his shoulder. "I thought she'd pull through. That she'd be the one to find the cure. Answers." A shudder wracked her.

Theron wrapped his arms around her and let Cyan mourn. Losing her mom wrecked not only Cyan, but lowered the chances they'd beat the bio-curses. No one knew the biology better then Ciara, and she hadn't been afraid to use the dark arts to find a counteraction to the hexed virus taking so many lives.

Cyan eased away from him, tilting her head back. "Take me home, Theron. We've earned a brief reprieve." Glancing toward the grave, she nodded to the crew.

They began lowering the casket into the ground.

Theron slid his hand into hers and gave it a squeeze. "We'll take a full twenty-four hours, Cy." Sadly, they couldn't have more. "Then we'll get back to work." Ceaseless, unending, and soul-sucking.

Cyan laced their fingers together and lifted her chin. "I'm going to meet with the council. I'm done being reactive. It's time to get proactive and find the assholes who unleashed this damned virus on us." Stepping away from her mother's grave, she started for the path.

Theron didn't argue. She'd have a tough time convincing the council to let her go on the hunt but, in the end, the group of twelve would allow the pursuit.

Theron would make certain, no matter the price.

I loved this prompt and had several ideas fall into place almost immediately. Can't wait to finish this one.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Numb

Wow, survived something of a long week. Just now catching up on Orphan Black and again, this show eats my brain. I'm about halfway through this week's episode and I'm sitting on the edge of my seat as I type this. LOL

Tonight's post is from Numb, a novella where my hero and heroine sort of go through the motions because outside forces are wearing them down.

Here's the tagline:

Cyan Fitch and Theron Dibney have a great relationship—hot sex, rock solid friendship, and mutual respect. When a mostly lethal virus tears through their community, the couple works side by side to help as many as possible, but it takes a toll. They can't quite get comfortably numb while they face the devastating losses and neither is willing to bend for fear they'll break.

And a preview snippet…

Cyan grabbed hold of Theron and nudged him back against the wall. Her mouth met his in  a quick, hard kiss, enough of an indicator of what she needed. Too damn tired to speak, she worked the buttons of his shirt loose, spreading the material apart and lowering her head to nip along his collarbone.

Theron grasped her chin, making her glance upward. "That hurts, Cy." He grabbed the hem of her shirt and yanked it up and over her head. "Cut it out."

She rolled her eyes and unfastened his pants, sliding her hand under the material to grasp his erection. "Doesn't seem to matter. You're nice and hard."

Theron shoved his jeans down past his ass and let gravity take care of the rest. He reached for Cyan and hauled her close, one hand cupped her butt and the other bunched up the front of her skirt before dipping down under her panties. She sucked in a harsh breath when his fingers found her clit, the slippery wetness letting them glide over the bundle of nerves with ease.

His lips curved. "And you're wet and ready." He drew the cotton to one side and nudged her forward, dipping his hips and bracing his back against the wall.

She straddled his thighs and lifted up, guiding him into her, letting out a guttural moan when he thrust hard, going deep—exactly where she wanted him.

She rocked her hips, fisting her hands in his shirt. Theron flexed his hips and she arched her back, seeking the steady friction that would send each to the brink of release. They'd done fast and dirty so often lately he automatically grabbed her ass, holding her firmly in place. A few more bumps and one long grind pushed her over the edge. She straightened, burying her head between his neck and shoulder, the orgasm rocking through her body.

Theron pumped his hips hard and came, wrapping his arms around her waist before sinking to the floor. He threaded his fingers in her hair, dragging her head back to meet her mouth in thorough kiss.

When he came up for air, he whispered against her lips. "I miss taking my time, but I needed this." He rested his forehead against hers.

Cyan nodded. "Hard to go slow when we only have stolen moments." She snuggled closer. "We've only covered half the sanctum and time is so important."

Theron brushed his lips over her. "And the dead need to be buried and mourned." He sighed. "We've lost too many, Cy. They have to find a cure."

My poor duo can't quite connect, but at least they realize they're drifting apart. I'm so looking forward to bringing them close together again.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye