Sunday Snippet: Five by Five

I spent the past week wondering where half the year has gone quickly followed by feeling like it's been a decade since January. Anyone else have that experience? It's kind of insane how weird this year has been.

I did get a few shows watched while I worked on several projects. I had a week where I wanted some good background noise and got multiple episodes of Danger Man in. I truly enjoy this classic show.

I also started another episode of Blue Heelers. I'm almost through the second season of the show and I'm enjoying how things get changed up. I also love seeing how rural Australia is portrayed.

Have almost all of Riverdale's "Tangerine" in the watched column. Man, lots of reveals and good stuff in this episode. As much as I loathe and dislike Hiram, I kind of loved how Veronica sticks it to him. That said, I dread her storyline revolving around one-upping her dad all the time … if that's the direction the story goes in. Cheryl's situation with her mummy dearest ended up being a load of fun to watch. Archie's vigilantism biting him on the ass ended up being better than I thought it would be. Also loved Jughead finally getting to the bottom of the whole deal with his grandfather and the mystery books. And Betty … not quite sure how I feel about everything going on with her. I do have a theory about who's doing what to whom and I can't wait to see if I'm right.

Last but not least … I finally watched "Fadeout", the finale of Arrow. I have to say I couldn't have asked for a better end to the series. I'm so sad to see this chapter of the Arrowverse close but I'm also thrilled to have been a part of the experience from the very beginning. I got to watch the characters grow and change and become who and what they're meant to be. I think my favorite thing about this whole season are the callbacks to previous seasons and the cavalcade of familiar faces from the past—seriously, I don't think they missed anyone—and how they made Oliver's send-off worth its weight in green arrows. The fadeout with Oliver and Felicity in Moira's office ended up being pretty much a perfect endcap to the entire series. My glass is raised and my pile of tissues is testament to the emotional journey I took with the cast and crew of one of my very favorite shows ever.

Whew. I'm actually getting a kick in the feels all over again.

And that's a good note to wrap up television for this week. Tonight's post is from Five by Five, a sexy short that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Vasha Eick has everything she wants. Deke Vitali will be the cherry on top. An old rival shows up, shifting the dynamic and Vash has to stake a claim or get out of the way.

And a sneaky peek…

"I almost pulled it off." Vasha sprinted down the corridor, the thought still rolling around in her head.

Almost. But too-smart-for-his-own-damned-good Deke figured her sleight of hand out. Because of course he did.

Vasha made a quick turn, her side starting to ache from the crazy-mad run. She'd given escape her best shot, but Deke caught up just outside the head. Vasha ducked inside, breathless from the chase. Grabbing hold of the metal mesh of the lockers, she tried to catch her breath. Damn Deke and his wicked long legs.

He entered and stood with his arms folded over his chest. Between her and the exit. Well, hell. She hadn't thought a plan through at all. She straightened and slid her gaze toward the hatch. Wondered if she had enough time to get across the floor to duck back out before Deke could grab her and exact revenge.

Sensing her thoughts, he reached back and slid a wrench through the release, effectively locking them in. Shit. The man knew her too damned well.

She met his gaze and a triumphant smile edged over his features. She didn't think she quite liked his victorious grin. Deke could be scary creative when he had the upper hand. He slowly advanced toward her and she turned to face him fully. Not like she didn't deserve whatever he planned to dish out. She'd take it like the solider she'd trained to be.

Deke stopped, inches away from her.

She raised an eyebrow. "So, you caught me. Now what?"

He dropped his gaze and his eyes did a slow head-to-toe perusal. Sweaty, face flushed, she doubted her appearance looked very good. Tilting his head to the side, he studied her for several moments. Took everything she had not to squirm under the intense scrutiny.

His head straightened and he asked one simple question. "Why?"

Okay. Not what she expected. A blazing setdown for cheating, an angry blast for having to chase after her, she anticipated those.

Confused, she queried back. "Why what?"

He lifted a brow. "Naked briefing?"

A slow smirk crossed her face and she treated him to head-to-toe once-over. "You're kidding, right? If I have to explain that one to you, you're hopeless." Did the guy never look in a mirror?

He flushed, but acknowledged the backhanded compliment with a shrug. "Why cheat?"

He appeared more upset about the quick-change card thing than standing in front of a roomful of pilots without a stitch on? Wonders would never cease.

She chuckled, but dropped her gaze. "Hey, I'm just doing my bit for the female crew members." She tilted her head. "You do know they fight over who gets to shower at your usual times, don't you?"

His brows knit. He hadn't known. Of course, he wouldn't. Not in Deke's make-up to stay up to date about who lusted after him.

He shook his head. "They do? What the hell?"

Vasha's laugh came out sultrier than she intended. "Deke, you're hot. Of course they do."

He wondered aloud. "So the fact you're always in the shower at the same time?"

And again, Mr. Intelligence latched onto the one thing she'd rather he not. But whatever, she owed him an honest answer.

She admitted the truth. "I'm human. I like to look."

He grew thoughtful. "Interesting." His gaze pinned hers. "And good to know." He turned, yanked the wrench out, and released the hatch.

Leaving? Just when the conversation got good? And with zero retaliation?

She had to ask. "So … no payback?" Relief felt better than it should. He could still claim his win. "You're letting me off the hook?"

Deke shot her an unreadable look over his shoulder. "You're safe." He pushed the door open and walked through, but his voice carried back. "For now."

Vasha shuddered, a delicious shiver hitting all her hot spots. She ignored the implied threat and focused on the something different in his tone. A suggestive undercurrent, promising something more … but not what.

Or when.

Vasha had a feeling routine ship life might be a whole lot more fun in the near future.

I have so much fun writing Vash and Deke. This story started out as a little conflict-free romp but took a turn when the sages introduced the idea for a nemesis. I'm excited to see how it all comes together.

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye