Sunday Snippet: While We Still Can

May the Fourth be with anyone who celebrates! And, wow, a shiny new month that's off to a wild start so far. Our weather has been crazy intense with loads of rain. My daughter graduated with a master's in arts administration, and I unfortunately had to miss due to being under the weather. But I'm so proud of her!

Work projects kept me very busy. I'm getting to a finishing point on one that's been difficult to get through and I have a new one getting ready to start. The weather has been wreaking havoc on productivity because the possibility of losing power is a constant concern.

I did have a decent week of viewing and made a full run through my regular slate of shows. I started a movie but didn't have time to finish it.

I caught an episode of Dark Winds and I'm still intrigued by everything that's happening in this show. I love that the FBI agent's cover is blown by episode two and I can't wait to see what happens with the fallout from that.

Also watched another episode of Brokenwood Mysteries. This is truly one of my happy place shows. I'm rather curious about whether Gina is still rooming with Kristin or not and if not, what happened there.

Enjoyed another episode of Death in Paradise. Very curious where things might go with the Sophie and Neville thing and also where the whole last prepper standing thing will end up going since he's watching Neville.

Loved the season two finale of Beyond Paradise. Humphrey and Martha are so much fun, and the surrounding cast of characters is so good. I'm not always sure about Anne, but she's growing on me.

Caught another episode of Elementary and rather enjoyed Sherlock's attempt at taking care of Joan. And her solution to having her own space is genius.

Watched an episode of Batman Beyond with the beginning of season two. Ended up remembering most of this one. This is such a good follow up to the original series.

Enjoyed another episode of Classic Rugrats. I have some vague memories of both vignettes, which is so weird because most of the ninth season is new to me.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from While We Still Can, a sexy short that brings a couple together during a tense situation.

Here's the miniblurb:

Maura Sells and Cobb Kinkleman are fighting in a long and bloody war. During a rare moment of downtime, Cobb decides they need to get what they can, while they can and quickly convinces Maura with a heated kiss. They face a bleak future and stealing a night of hot passion may be their only reprieve.

And a sneaky peek…

Maura brought her bird in for rough landing. "At least she's still flying." Damage to the tailfin made getting back to the hangar deck a bit tricky.

But she made it back.

Holy shit. They made it back.

The trap caught her landing struts and locked on to start the smooth glide to the main hangar deck. Maura's head spun with the realization … she'd live to see another day. The entire slow trip down to the lower level one thought kept running through her mind—if she'd been with anyone else out there, the operation would've ended a lot differently.

Pulling off the impossible? Only with Cobb Kinkleman.

If she'd flown with anyone else, she'd be dead right now.

The hydraulic hiss of her canopy releasing then sliding back startled her and she quickly removed her helmet.

A deck hand grinned when Maura exited the craft and headed down the stairs. "Good to see you, sir. Nice flying out there." She took Maura's gloves and cover and headed for her workstation.

Maura stood at her bird for a suspended moment, the noise and commotion on the deck fading into the background. Her mind filled with Cobb, and she thought about a possible future for once. Because she loved him.

More than she feared losing him.

Movement from the other side of the hangar drew her attention and her gaze clashed with Cobb's. His eyes filled with everything he couldn't say earlier. But … he felt the same.

Slowly—with purpose—they walked across the hangar deck and met halfway. Cobb cupped her face and leaned in. Her lips met his and they kissed passionately for any and all to see.

After all, they'd beaten the odds. If anyone tried to take issue with their public display, they could go out in the black and do the impossible … then get back with Maura and Cobb on appropriate behavior.

When a round of applause started, Maura eased away from Cobb, glancing around at the happy faces of the deck crew. A round of cheers went up and Maura gave Cobb a sheepish smile before she grabbed his hand to lead him out of the hangar and down one deck to the alert pilot quarters. They had some celebrating to do.

Privately.

Really like how this one is coming together. Maura and Cobb have some facts to face in the near future.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: While We Still Can

What a week. We've been very lucky to this point and have avoided anyone coming down with Covid. That ended on Tuesday. Luckily, out of the four living at home, only one tested positive and the others are, so far, negative. I'm crossing my fingers that holds.

Had a decent week and a little more balance on my work projects. I'm trying to more even paced and mindful about my work-life time.

Ended up getting a good amount of television watched this week. I started a new show and picked out a new one to begin next week.

I caught the first of a two-part Blue Heelers and ended up enjoying it a lot. Kind of sad to see Chris and Adam part ways, but I'm interested to see how that plays out.

Ended up enjoying two MasterClass lessons with Neil deGrasse Tyson. The second one ended up being fairly lengthy so maybe my note from last week was premature.

Watched two more episodes of the Babysitters Club and I'm completely charmed by this show. I can see why everyone kind of fell in love with it. Good stuff.

Caught two episodes of Classic Rugrats. Both ended up taking me back to when my oldest was still a toddler and watched the show daily. Two of his favorite episodes were in the group I watched.

Got two episodes of Chicago Med in and, wow, season four kind of went in a few crazy directions. I'm on one of the last episodes of the season and I'm kind of wondering where they'll go with five.

Enjoyed another episode of The Snoopy Show. This is such a fun and lighthearted half hour. Highly recommend if you need something low-key to watch.

Watched another episode of Loch Ness. I'm close to the end and I'm pretty sure I've got a good idea of who the killer is. There have been a lot of red herrings and I'm on the fence between two theories. Can't wait to find out if I'm right.

Got another Classic Who episode in. I'm into an arc I haven't seen, which is good because that distracts me from the low-budget everything about this season of the show.

Caught another episode of Most Terrifying Places in America. Honestly, I kind of enjoy hearing about all the weird, haunted, scary places that abound in the US.

Started The Mandalorian and loved the low-key dry humor. Looking forward to watching more for sure.

Watched an episode of The Hardy Boys. Have to admit, I'm getting annoyed by Joe. He was a lot of quirky fun in the first season but not so much in the second. He's still got good snark, but he's lost a lot of his good nature. I hope that gets explained. We'll see.

Caught another episode of Peak Practice. This one ended up being really good with great plot lines. Nice to Alice back in her home and trying to deal with the scary flashbacks of the robbery. I actually hope they pick up with that and find the guy.

Last but not least, I caught another episode of the Ready Room. Doug Jones was the guest and it fun to get insight into his character and the Kelpian race.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from While We Still Can, a sexy short that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Maura Sells and Cobb Kinkleman are fighting in a long and bloody war. During a rare moment of downtime, Cobb decides they need to get what they can, while they can and quickly convinces Maura with a heated kiss. They face a bleak future and stealing a night of hot passion may be their only reprieve.

And a sneaky peek…

Maura's brain went into meltdown mode. Her lips clashed with Cobb's. Her tongue dueled with his. And … she never wanted to stop.

Urgency, desperation, and resolution to a long standing desire filled her. Finally, finally, nothing stood between them. Not at the moment.

She shoved her hands under his shirt, relishing the skin-to-skin contact. Losing pilots left and right to a stupid raider … any of them could be next. No regrets. No mercy. No quarter.

She wanted to have this one simple thing. A crazy intimate connection with Cobb. Why the hell not?

Because we're in the damn rec room and anyone could walk in.

Maura had that one moment of coherent thought and broke away. "Not here, Cobb. Too public." She grabbed his hand and led him out through the corridor and into the alert-pilot quarters.

Cobb arched a brow. "Supposed to be off limits unless it's nighttime." He didn't hesitate to push the hatch shut.

Maura hauled him close. "Too damned bad." She didn't speak the reason why she didn't give a shit about the regs.

Nothing bad would taint this encounter. She went to work on his zipper, pulling it all the way down then pushed his flight suit past his hips.

Cobb toed his shoes off and kicked free from the pants. He repeated her action on her suit. She wriggled out of the garment then yanked her shirt over her head. Cobb's breath hissed out between his teeth.

He reached for her with one hand and used the other to shove his boxers down. Hauling her close, he caught her lips and backed up toward the bunk. When he reached the edge, he sank down and pulled her forward to straddle his thighs.

Already anticipating his next move, she twisted to one side and tugged him on top of her. Her mouth found his shoulder and she trailed a line of kisses up to his jawline.

Cobb slid his fingers under the leg of her panties and eased them to one side then met her gaze while he hovered over her. "Gonna have to be fast and I'm sorry for that." He nudged forward, the tip of his shaft teasing her.

Fast didn't matter. Not right now. She needed this … him … more than anything.

She wrapped a leg around his hip. "Don't care. I want you. Now." Lifting her chin, she meshed her lips with his.

I have a lot of fun writing the sexy shorts. Maura and Cobb might not have a lot of time, but they'll make the most of it.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: While We Still Can

As usual, the weather in Ohio is crazy. Snow and cold to start and last most of the week and a semi-thaw today with a ton of rain and wind. It's supposed to get cold again by next weekend. Sigh.

Kind of a slow week for television. I had several work deadlines that needed a lot of my attention and focus. I did get some viewing in though.

Finished up the Killjoys season and, holy crap, I'm truly ready for next season already. Where they left things? Yeah, I need to know what happens.

Caught another episode of Painkiller Jane and it was another one I didn't remember for the original airing. A pretty good one, too.

I watched an episode of Underbelly: Razor and I gotta say I'm really mad at Kate. That's the whole point but the whole deal with Bruce just burns my chaps. Tillie and Nellie are ripe for a downfall and I'll be interested in seeing how that comes about.

Caught the third episode of Endeavour and really enjoyed the case and hints dropped about the robberies. I like that there's something of a through line into the next episode. At least I hope that's what will happen. The robbery guys are total doltheads, just saying.

Watched one of my favorite episodes of The Sarah Conner Chronicles and I’m almost at the end of the road for the series. I really forgot how terrific and ahead of its time the show is.

Caught the third episode of Roswell, New Mexico. I'm truly loving this show and have become quite a fan. Here's hoping it gets a second season.

I'm two episodes from the end of Birds of Prey. Watched "Reunion" this week and enjoyed how Barbara and Helena discovered some internal truths. Also caught the first episode of Pensacola Wings of Gold season two. Not sure about continuing but I did like how they transitioned from the previous season.

Started episode four of Strike Back. Got distracted by work so I'll have to finish it up in the near future. Hopefully the very near future.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from While We Still Can, a sexy short that started with a writing community prompt of take a scene from your favorite show and switch the roles of the main characters.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Maura Sells and Cobb Kinkleman are fighting in a long and bloody war. During a rare moment of downtime, Cobb decides they need to get what they can, while they can and quickly convinces Maura with a heated kiss. They face a bleak future and stealing a night of hot passion may be their only reprieve.

And a sneaky peek…

There she is… the Maura I know and love.

He tossed back the liquid in his glass. "Rolling with the punches is probably one of your greatest traits." Another refill.

Her eyes narrowed. "When did you decide that one?" Her fingers twirled the tumbler around.

He didn't hesitate. "First day of basic training, so… what? Almost ten years ago?" Kicking back on the hind legs of the chair, he nodded.

Maura's eyes went wide. "Seriously? I don't remember what I had for breakfast this morning and you remember the first day of basic?" She shook her head. "Has it really been ten years?" Her voice held a nostalgic tone.

Cobb straightened, putting the chair upright again. "Yeah, it has. And, yes, you do remember the first day. This is me you're talking to." She could brush off the topic and change the subject with anyone else.

But not him.

She rolled her eyes. "You always call me on my bullshit. From day one. That I remember." Her lips curved. "Man, I kind of miss those days."

Who the hell didn't? Before the weight of war seeped into every aspect of their life. Before friends started dying. Before—

Yeah, enough of the morose bullshit.

Cobb poured another round. "Fun times." He lifted his glass. "Here's to more of those." If they made it back.

Maura raised her tumbler and dipped her chin. "Would be nice to have some again." The last month had taken a heavy toll.

Cobb sipped the contents this time. "Hey… the bash we had for Windigo wasn't half bad." But, wow, how long ago had the birthday celebration been?

Maura drained her glass. "No, it wasn't. But seven memorials since then kind of sucks the joy out of everything, you know?" She reached for the bottle this time and tilted it for a refill.

Cobb didn't comment. What could he say? Especially when two more might be on deck. His. And hers.

He stared at the liquid sloshing out from the bottle then raised his gaze to study Maura. He couldn't have a better pilot flying the upcoming operation with him. He'd trust her with his life. Hell, he'd done so on numerous occasions. If he believed in fated destinies, he'd bet his entwined with hers.

But he didn't give credence to fate. What a joke. Yet, their paths crossed often over the last decade, zigzagging in and out of each other's orbit. How many times had they come this close to… something? Only to have common sense kick in with a healthy dose of reality.

War meant death and possibly losing the person flying one's wing.

Maura snapped her fingers. "Hey, you got quiet. What're you thinking about?"

He shrugged. "Everything. Past, present, future." Or lack thereof.

Maura snorted. "What future? The damned war isn't going to leave us with one." Bitterness tinged her tone along with something else… regret, maybe.

Which lit a spark in his mind. What if. What if they didn't make it back? What if their story ended with the upcoming mission? What if—

Maura cut into his thoughts. "Talk to me, Cobb. It's no fun to drink in silence." She shot him a quirky smile, one he'd become familiar with over the years.

A sudden truth smacked him hard. He didn't want to leave this plane of existence without putting everything on the line. When would he have another opportunity?

Sitting up, he rested his forearms on the table. "Why didn't we ever get together?" He phrased it as a question… maybe she didn't feel the same way about him.

Maura opened her mouth but closed it again.

After swallowing, she answered. "Um, I don't know. We're fighting a war…" Her voice trailed off and she glanced away. "Who has time?" She shifted in her chair, fidgeting with the glass again.

Cobb pushed back. "Maybe people should make time." A thread of challenge entered his tone.

Maura met his gaze again. "For what?" Her eyebrow rose with the question.

Cobb pressed his case. "Holding on to something. Making a connection." Digging deeper on an emotional level.

Maura studied him a few moments. "Hmm. Never thought about it. Mainly because we're taught to give up the dream for a happy future." Her lips twisted into a frown.

He nodded. "Yeah, take what we can because bright, shiny moments don't last." Screw that… bright and shiny were overrated, but something real and true… he wanted both.

He picked up his glass and finished off the alcohol. Liquid courage for what came next.

Setting the tumbler down, he met and held her gaze. "So why don't we?"

Maura quirked a brow. "Why don't we what?"

He leaned across the table, cupped her face in his hands, and slanted his mouth over hers.

Contact. Connection. Communication.

I'm having a great time with this one. I love switching the roles of the main characters and adding my spin on them.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: While We Still Can

Okay, lots of TV stuff to talk about. Gotham is truly upping the stakes and I love the way they're doing it. Gordon is so focused on the crazy sibling duo he's completely missing the trouble brewing with Cobblepot and Nygma. I can't wait to see what happens next. Sleepy Hollow had a decent fall finale. I've missed a bunch of important stuff and need to get caught up.

The Flash is coming along nicely. I'm excited to see where things go, leading up to the Legends of Tomorrow premiere. The same goes for Arrow. This season, between the two shows, there's been a great combo of moving the standard story arcs along with laying great groundwork for the spinoff getting ready to debut. Way to go shows!

Agents of SHIELD keeps throwing interesting twists and turns into the story and I love it. I'm excited to see where things go.

Haven is winding down and I'll be sad to see the show end. I've thoroughly enjoyed watching the adventures of Nathan, Audrey, and Duke. I'm also hoping Syfy fills the void with something good, but I won't hold my breath.

I'm looking forward to The Walking Dead's newest episode. Again, I'm so thrilled with the way this season is unfolding. The balance of total batshit insanity, intense encapsulation, and little seeds being planted is a thing of beauty.

A quick rundown of some other shows. I'm loving the new season of The Librarians. This show makes me happy. I'm also totally in for Agent X. TNT is bringing some great stuff to the screen. Murdoch Mysteries is also coming up with great storylines, which after almost ten years, is so awesome.

Last but not least, I can safely say the most recent episode of Doctor Who hit a home run, even though I'm still not a big fan of Ishieldr / Me. I'm seriously hoping we won't see her as a companion, but I won't hold my breath. *sigh*

And that's it for this week's television roundup.

Tonight's post is from While We Still Can, a sexy short where being in the middle of a war can't stop romance.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Maura Sells and Cobb Kinkleman are fighting in a long and bloody war. During a rare moment of downtime, Cobb decides they need to get what they can, while they can and quickly convinces Maura a heated kiss. They face a bleak future and stealing a night of hot passion may be their only reprieve.

And a sneaky peek…

Maura Sells sat in the back row of the briefing room, listening to her worst nightmare. Her fellow pilot, Cobb Kinkleman—in the front row, as usual—tapped his pen on the armrest of his chair. She couldn't see the action, but the rapid staccato of sound echoed in the nearly empty space.

The CAG finished up the mission report. "As of now, you're on standby. I'll issue final orders as soon as I get the go." He paused and glanced from Cobb to Maura. "Questions?"

Maura barely held back a rude snort when she shook her head back and forth. What kind of question could she possibly have for a hail Mary op? One that would probably lead to her death? The CAG gave a terse nod and exited the room.

Cobb angled his head around and met her gaze. The knowledge rested in eyes—a good chance they wouldn't make it back. Her heart thumped hard in her chest. Lost chances, wasted opportunities, and crappy odds kept them at arms' length. Neither willing to gamble on losing the other.

A bet they had a good chance of winning today. Together.

Cobb slowly rose and made his way to the back of the briefing room. Stopping beside her seat, he nodded toward the hatch. Maura got up, a low hum of adrenaline thrumming through her veins. The keyed up feeling wouldn't go away until they got the call for the mission.

Cobb fell into step beside her. "Rec room to chill or gym to work out some aggression?" He paused at the end of the causeway.

Maura made a right. "Rec room. I want some quiet time to focus." She unzipped her flight suit, shrugged the sleeves down and off, then wrapped them around her waist.

Cobb ducked into the rec room and made a beeline for a table in the corner, one close to the comm unit on the wall. Maura slowed her pace, watching him settle into a chair and kick his feet up on another one. She sank down across from him and propped her legs up on a seat perpendicular to the rest. Cobb drummed his fingers on the smooth surface of the table.

She slapped her palm on his digits. "Stop it. We could have a long wait and I don't want to wrap your fingertips in tape when they start bleeding from your nervous habit."

Cobb smirked but slid his hands from the table. An awkward silence stretched between them and Maura searched for a topic to discuss, something they rarely needed help with.

She opened her mouth, but Cobb held up a finger. "Hold up. I have something that'll help us out." He tilted the chair back and tapped on the panel under the comm unit.

The cover popped off and Cobb reached inside to retrieve a bottle of whiskey with two tumblers stacked on top.

Maura quirked an eyebrow. "Did you have inside information that we'd draw the op?"

Cobb shrugged. "Nope. I've had this stashed for ages." He flipped the glasses over and unscrewed the lid from the bottle. "We've lost so many people lately we can't really keep up with memorializing them." He met her gaze while pouring the amber liquid into the tumblers. "This is as good a time as any to lift a glass to those who've gone before." He pushed a cup toward her.

Raise a glass to those who've gone before. Possibly before their own demise. The irony hit her square in the gut.

She hesitated for a moment then joined him in the toast. "I like the sentiment." Downing the liquid she placed the tumbler on the table and Cobb refilled it. Giving him a level look, she tilted her head to one side. "I get we're on standby, but seriously? Is your plan to get us drunk?"

Cobb lifted a shoulder. "The way I figure it… we might stand a better chance of surviving if we're totally inebriated out there."

Maura choked down the alcohol and barked out a laugh. "You might just be right."

I enjoy taking a tense situation and putting my characters on the edge of an emotional cliff. So much fun to write.

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

ML Skye