Lost-ghost-thats-sleepy - (Sleepy Ass)

y'all know what time it is! it's monthly fic rec time!!!

i decided to move this to the first so i wouldn't miss any fics that might be posted on the last day of each month!!

& a small, kinda sad update:

usually this is where i'd link to my fic-recs blog, but i hit the character limit on my filter page where i have my recs organized and when i made a new page it saved over the first one.

all of my filters and recs on that page are now gone and have to be manually re-done. you can still find my recs by scrolling through the blog, but the filter page is going to be under construction until i can get everything fixed and re-added!!

Alex Keller

❀ click click boom - @writeforfandoms

i don't see a lot of alex fics, so this was already a fav as soon as i saw it, but then i read it and ???? hello???? this was so good??? the characterization of alex alone was amazing, and the rest was like the cherry on top!!

❀ convallaria majalis - @nightingale-ghost-writer

19.2k words of absolute perfection. a fic i have been looking forward to and now that it's out, i just can't get enough of it! did i have to take breaks while reading so i could twirl my hair and kick my feet? yes. was it worth every second? yes.

Arthur Morgan

❀ the fire in your eyes || part VII: horseshoe overlook iii | part VIII: horseshoe overlook iv | part IX: horseshoe overlook v - @cowboydisaster

if there's one character i love more than anything in the world, it's arthur morgan and this series has only made my love for him that much stronger. so beautifully written, i couldn't stop reading-the whole time with a smile on my face. the entire bar scene in part vii??? i was crying with laughter. this is def one of my fav series i've ever read and i am on the edge of my seat waiting for more!

Carlos Oliveira

❀ the way we let it stay - @uselsshuman

this is a fair warning right now that most of the resident evil fics on this list are going to be from em. she has single-handedly ignited my hyperfixation for RE and all of her fics are incredible. including this one!

❀ old wounds new loves - @uselsshuman

i love little cute domestic fics, and carlos is so real for not liking cereal. “Waking up and eating a bowl of cold soggy food? No, thank you.” i feel that on such a spiritual level. also protective!carlos is just the best!!

Javier Peña

❀ arepas - @mvtthewmurdvck

i know i already went feral over this fic, but i'm going to do it again because i love this fic so goddamn much!! this fic is incredible, the way everything feels so natural between javi and reader, the teasing, the friends to lovers trope, everything about this is just so beautiful!!

❀ a broken sight - @mvtthewmurdvck

i don't understand how you can write a character so perfectly. i will never not be amazed by the way you write javi. and the angst??? ugh "He’s here. Like you needed him to be." don't mind the noise that's just me sobbing in the corner.

❀ the dreams we made - @mvtthewmurdvck

there's nothing like a good ol' helping of jo angst. this hurt in all the right ways, completely ripped my heart out and shattered it only to put all the pieces back together again and fill the cracks in with gold.

❀ nowhere to run || file room + accusations | sunshine yellow | a new day - @mvtthewmurdvck

the series that got me into narcos, i actually started watching the show just so i could read the perfection that is this series!! am i potentially spoiling things for myself a little bit? yes, but it's absolutely worth it because this series has me by the throat.

Joel Miller

❀ want. - @mvtthewmurdvck

literal poetry best described by this gif:

John "Soap" MacTavish

❀ none lacking sins - @halcyone-of-the-sea

listen, i like soap. he's not my fav, but he's a really good character. this fic though? it's moved soap up to my top five favorite characters. this made me want to read nothing but soap. i must've read this a dozen times, i was immediately sent into a soap hyperfixation. every aspect of this fic is just amazing. stunning. perfect.

❀ the hanging tree - @writeforfandoms

had me on the edge of my damn seat trying to figure out what was going. the worry and the tension built up so wonderfully i was dying to know what was about to happen and omg i was not disappointed. and the way jen writes soap is just *chef's kiss*

❀ i will wait - @mvtthewmurdvck

this fic had me realize how much i crave soft!soap and just fluff with soap in general. the tender moments warm my heart up something fierce and make me all giddy. like waking up to the perfect sunrise.

John Price

❀ puppy love || one | two | three | four - @writeforfandoms

puppies and price? what more could someone ask for? these two are so cute together and with the added cuteness of the puppies (and gaz lol) it's just an overload of cuteness in the best possible way!

❀ scratches in the surface - @halcyone-of-the-sea

was not expecting a part two to one of my favorite price fics, but damn if this wasn't a fantastic surprise. the angst is top-tier here and as much as it hurt, i couldn't stop reading and will probably read it again a million more times.

❀ neon medusa || part 1: static in the airways | part 2: warning signs - @yeyinde

CYBERPUNK!AU????? WITH PRICE????? WRITTEN BY YEYINDE???? SIGN ME TF UP!!! i am feral, consumed by how excited i am for this series and how utterly fantastic it's been so far. i will never get tired of lev's fics, and how gorgeous her writing is.

❀ untitled - @lunarvicar

okay this was adorable. the way price drops everything to get to her apartment, immediately ready to protect her is just sooo perfect. and her being freaked out by ghost adventures?? asdasljlsjd relatable.

❀ untitled - @yeyinde

i live for domestic bliss, and this fic just scratched that itch so well. there's something so comforting and homey about this fic, just the quiet intimacy between price and reader, the cute back and forth, this line: “Gaz said I looked like an Edwardian lord—” an absolute comfort fic if i've ever read one.

❀ comforts of home - @halcyone-of-the-sea

this fic had me weak, literally struggling to read cause i was too busy looking like this at my phone

❀ barking dog - @yeyinde

jealous!price is not something i see often, but damn if i don't want to see more of it after reading this. i am obsessed with the way lev writes price, how real and natural and captivating he is in her fics.

❀ wicked pyre - @yeyinde

you can't just give me dragon!price and expect me not to love it. i am so feral for monster!au's and this is saldkjaslda i can't be normal after reading this, i am feral, so enraptured by this fic and the entire concept of dragon!price.

❀ origami boats - @halcyone-of-the-sea

a sequel to the best price fic of all time???? say less. this fic was in my top three before i even started reading, i just knew it was going to be good. well, it wasn't just good, it was great. stunning. heart-breaking in a way that gives you the best kind of hurt.

Kyle "Gaz" Garrick

❀ high hopes - @writeforfandoms

gaz my sweet mans. as one of my favorite characters, i tend to be picky with my gaz fics, but this fic right here? loved it. adored it. read it six times with a bigger smile on my face each time.

❀ cult of vagabonds || prologue | landless gull | snail & thrush - @halcyone-of-the-sea

not only is this a gaz series, but it's one written by halcyone who can never write a bad fic. this is immaculate. i can't even describe how much i love this series so far and how much i can't wait to see where it goes!

❀ boom - @sleepiexx

ok but like this was so good?? the tension, the desperation, the way gaz was so ready to die with her. i'm shook. and that ending???? i’m giggling, i’m blushing, i’m re-reading this fic a million more times.

Leon Kennedy

❀ leon kennedy masterlist - @uselsshuman

i'm gonna be real here for a second, this entire section was 99% made up of em's leon fics. i couldn't choose which ones to add, which ones were my favorite, because i loved them all. so i'm just putting a link to her leon masterlist, because every single one of those fics deserves to be seen and read and given all of the love that they deserve.

❀ enough || one | two | three | final - @uhlunaro

i have one word for this series: wow. just wow. i have never been more thankful to find a series after it was already done because i would've gone crazy waiting to see what happened next! which part was my favorite? all of them. every single one. the hurt, the dialogue, just the way leon is written. i'm speechless.

Simon "Ghost" Riley

❀ exit row || exit row, part iii | exit row, part iv- @lunarvicar

the phrase "post-dick flashback" will live rent free in my head until the day i die, i was wheezing. i'm convinced there isn't a character nat can't make me love, because her portrayal of ghost here?? 🔥🔥🔥

❀ happiness || diamond ring | fearless | - @lethalchiralium

more of my favorite family man!simon series!!!!!! yesssss!!!!! i swear with every new addition, i just love this series more and more. i am so stressed reading it, but i love every second of it.

❀ the effect you have - @mvtthewmurdvck

screaming, crying, throwing up. how do you do it, jo? how do manage to make me hurt and heal my heart so beautifully in every single fic? how dare you, but also thank you so much.

❀ the captain || part 6 | part 7 | thunder - @as-is-above-so-below

omg i can't. y'all can't just keep giving a+ quality family man!ghost fics and expect me to be normal. you can't just give me cute shit like:

“Gaz frug.”

and not expect me to be like:

also, i am absolutely in love with freyja. the way her relationship is written with ghost and the kids is so lovely and has me kicking my feet and twirling my hair.

❀ ghost at the beginning of your relationship - @angelltheninth

cute. adorable. sweet. i love me some good fluff and even more so soft!ghost and this was the perfect combination of both of them! and simon having "guard dog energy" is so funny and so correct.

❀ ménage || refuge | resolution - @lilywastaken

my new go-to for simon fics. the relationship between simon and reader and between simon and the 141 are both so great. and oh my god that wild ride of emotions i went during part five had me stressed tf out i couldn't stop reading! such a great and fun series.

❀ making progress - @constantcrisis19

"dragged into the CoD fandom kicking and screaming" and still delivering an absolutely amazing fic. the teasing, the small talk, the faint smile?? incredible. the entire conversation about powerful music?? fantastic.

Ghost is training you on interrogation techniques and thinks you’re a lost case. He’s wrong.

———————————————————————

He unfolds a case of what looks like surgical equipment on the wooden table.

“Are you going to check my teeth for cavities, Lt.?” You joke, but he doesn’t laugh. He never does.

He picks up something that looks like a wrench and shows it to you.

“What’s this for?” He asks, to which you reply, with the utmost confidence that it looks like that tool your grandfather used when you were a kid to break the bathroom door because you locked yourself in there.

He shuts his eyes and holds his breath.

“See, I didn’t want to eat my vegetables, and-”

“Enough.”

“That’s what I told them; no more veg-”

“Stop with the focken veggies.”

“You don’t like them either, huh?”

He lets out a long exhale and pinches the bridge of his nose.

“I don’t think you’re fit for this.” He finally says.

But you are. There's a reason why you are here, and it’s because you’re damn good at your job. Sure, you never learned how to conduct an interrogation the way Ghost understands—in a physical and rather brutal manner—but, you had your ways.

“I beg to differ, Lt.” You oppose him.

“You can beg as much as you want, soldier,” he replies, “but you’ll never be able to make someone beg for mercy.”

You look at the interrogation tools on the table and point at them. “These are unethical, by the way.”

“These,” he says, “serve a purpose for the job and are perfectly legal.”

“So is farting in an elevator,” you reply. “Totally legal to do, yet sorta sucks for everybody else.”

“You should have gone to law school if you’re so passionate about ethical matters,” he says, “but you’re definitely not fit to be here.”

“The captain thinks otherwise.”

“The captain is wrong.” He mumbles under his breath.

“What’s that?” You ask, cupping your palm over your ear, “Are you defying the captain now, Lieutenant Riley?”

“No, I’m jus-”

“That’s against the Army Leadership Code,” you state and shuffle through your bag to get the rulebook. You open it up and clear your throat. He looks at you with that tool in his hand, eager to start plucking your fingernails one by one. Instead, he chooses words.

“I know what the guide says-”

“PAGE 45, PARAGRAPH SIX,” you shout like you’re reporting for duty, “IF AN OFFICER DISOBEYS THE-”

“Stop this instance!” He cries, but you hear none of it. You carry on undisturbed by his roaring voice. You’ll recite the entire book if that’s what’s needed. He leaves the tool on the table and approaches you, posing as an authority figure and yelling in your face. You stop for a minute and turn to look at him, explaining that what he’s doing right now is also against the code, and continue reading out loud.

“FAILURE TO OBEY A MILITARY ORDER BY A HIGHER UP-”

He throws his head up, closes his eyes, and raises his hands up to his temples.

“For the love of god and all that is holy, soldier,” he cries, “please stop talking.”

You close the booklet and throw it on the table. There’s dead silence. You approach him with a smug face and lower your gaze—but not your head—to the ground.

“Well, guess what, Lt.” You ask, and he opens his eyes to look at you.

“You just begged,” you whisper, “and I didn’t have to use any of your,” you gesture with a sneer at the tools on the table, “cheap cutlery.”

He keeps looking at you, confused. You pick a scalpel from the case.

“I thought you didn’t like my tools, soldier.” He says.

“I don’t,” you reply and pull an apple out of your bag, “but I need to cut my fruit.”

He throws his hands to his sides and looks at you, defeated, as you peel the apple.

You stop midway.

“Is the scalpel sterilised?” You ask.

“Of course, it’s sterilised!” he shouts, “we always sterilise our tools as per the rulebook!”

———————————————————————

Sorted from Newest (top) to Oldest (bottom)

(Reader is f! unless otherwise indicated)

Fluff Content marked with 💘

NSFW Content marked with 🌶️

Drabbles

Gonna Hurt a Little🌶️

Can't Believe You Remembered💘(gn!Reader)

Do As I Say 💘 (gn!Reader)

Jake of All Trades 💘 (gn!Reader)

Let's Eat Out Tonight 🌶️

More Beautiful than Hathor 💘 (gn!Reader)

Bad With Feelings 💘(gn!Reader)

Safe With You 💘 (gn!Reader)

Dark Demeanor 🌶️

Paint it Red 🌶️

The Messier the Merrier 🌶️(vamp!Jake)

Back to Moon Knight Masterlist

Back to Main Masterlist

Hi can you do COD with TS141+König or anyone else you’d like with reader who likes to put her/their (whichever one you’re more comfortable writing) jewelry inside one of their pockets on their vests for safe keeping? Usually reader is BTS on the missions but on times reader goes out with them, reader has a ton of jewelry on and just puts it in their pocket without them looking if that makes sense? Thanks! And take care!

König

Confused at first when he found your jewelry in his vest. Wondering if he picked it up when you two first met.

When visiting the Border and Transportation Security building again he watch as you set your jewelry in side pocket of your vest while thought no one was looking. He admired you from afar, wanting to know more about you.

Sometimes each day after visiting your working field he would hope you put jewelry in his vest or pocket. Started his own little collection of your things.

Soon he started to see how you stopped randomly and slightly whines about it to one of his colleagues.

“She just stop.. it’s been three weeks and nothing!” König whines while looking at Horangi. “Why.. did she just not want to care anymor—“

“Maybe she ran out of jewelry?” Horangi suggests with a sigh. “I mean it would get tiring to keep buying jewelry.”

With that thought he immediately left the room and rushed to you. Finding all the jewelry he went to your office and set it all down in front of you. It was awkward as you thought you lost of it forever.

“Don’t stop.” König says in a raspy tone. “Please..”

With that, you never did. You place jewelry in hard places to find in his vest, making it a small little game. König sometimes kept the jewelry close to his heart when in tense situations in the field . Reminding himself that there is someone who will be devastated if he was to die and end the game like that.

John “Captain” Price

Like König he was confused on how your jewelry ended in his vest. Thinking he might of picked it up by accident he started at it trying to remember if ge did.

When visiting you again he brought it to you and apologize. You smiled at him and thank him for bringing it back. That you were “searching for it endlessly.” Even though you weren’t.. Price hearts began to race as saw your smile, it wasn’t any smile you gave to anyone. It was a clearly loving one that took over his heart.

Once again when Price came by you placed the jewelry in his pockets. Tricking him into coming back each time he found it to talk to you. Of course Price caught on quickly and just came by randomly, surprising you at times with coffee. Yet the day you stopped his heart stopped as he thought he dropped it somewhere in the base.

“Shit.. shit!” Price whispers yells while scanning the hall. “Where is it.. where is it..”

“What are you looking for Cap?” Gaz asks approaching Price. “Cap?”

“I lost it..” Price says defeated now. “Damn it!”

“Lost what..?” Gaz asks now worried for mood change in Price.

“The necklace..” Price sighs with sadness. “Bloody hell..”

“Maybe she didn’t put anything in your vest today.” Gaz says with a shrug.

Before the conversation could continue Price is literally running to your work space. He opened the door and took a deep breath as he saw you hold the necklace.

“..why.. did you stop..?” Price asks grabbing the necklace. “..Please don’t stop this..it’s the only way I can bring myself to.. see you..”

After that you never stopped. Price at times did get too busy to see you, but always held the necklace close to his heart during meetings and paperwork.

Kyle “Gaz” Garrick

Gaz was surprised to find your jewelry in his vest. Especially when he knew you loved that necklace. He would stare at it then put it on without care.

When seeing you again he showed off the necklace hopping you wouldn’t say anything. You laugh and looked at him before he gave it back. Gaz loved the smile and laughter he would often even steal the necklaces to see you again and say “you put it in my vest again.” Pretty much gaslighting you but in a good way?

Yet the moment you stopped brining jewelry Gaz quickly pointed it out. It was the only way Price would let him see you, Gaz annoyed would sneak away from his station to see you. Immediately questioning you about everything and even come to whine to you about this issue.

“Why did you stop..?” Gaz asks in squeaky tone. “Do you.. not like it when I take it?”

“Gaz no it’s ju—“ you try to say before Gaz grabbing your face. “Gaz?”

“Please.. please tell me why you stopped..” Gaz whimpered slightly. “Did I get too annoying, I can stop just don’t.. stop our thing..”

“Gaz easy now, I just left it my car I keep forgetting to get it.” You say with a chuckle making him embarrassed. “I’ll bring it after my lunch..”

Gaz embarrassed he would still see you but made sure you always had your jewelry. You got happy with his visits and even bought a matching bracelet for him. Gaz was really excited when you gave it to him.

On though missions when it seemed like he wouldn’t be able to escape, he would kiss the bracelet and remember your waiting on him.

John “Soap” Mactavish

Sopa was no fool when the moment he found the jewelry, he could clearly tell how you felt but would act coy to see how long the game will last.

Soap would bring the jewelry back to you, but while you were busy and had to much stuff going on to even notice him. He found it funny to see you all a reck, all over the place like a bouncy ball bouncing off the walls. Soap did help you at times, but not much since that’s not his work field.

This is man is no secret holder, he would brag to Ghost about the situation. Then, when you stopped he would run to Ghost slightly accusing him of telling you about the bragging.

“You told her.” Soap says now upset. “You did..didn’t you!”

“What are you on about..” Ghost husky voice picks up. “Tell who what?”

“You know!” Soap says slightly unamused. “You know how much I like her!”

“Johnny the fuck are you talking about?” Ghost asks now concerned. “Johnny you talking about the jewelry girl?”

“Yeah!” Soap says angry now think Ghost did do something. “You did do something!”

“Johnny.. she’s right behind you.” Ghost says shaking his head. “Bloody hell..”

When ghost leaves you start laughing and cover your face. Soap embarrassed looks away and face palms. You hand Soap your necklace and ring. Soap immediately holds it close and sighs.

“Don’t.. scare me like that.. I thought I wouldn’t see you again without a reason..” Soap hums now looking at you. “..I like you..”

“Oh soap..” You say with a teary smile. “I like you too!”

After that you always made sure that Soap had something of yours. Making sure he can never forget you when his in missions. That he knows you will always be waiting for him when he comes back.

Simon “Ghost” Riley

Let’s be honest here, nothing can get pass this man. So the moment you tried to sneak some of your jewelry in his vest he grabbed your hand and gave you a cold stare. He was never distracted for you to have the opportunity to set something in his vest. He did question you immediately on what your plan is.

When coming back around your work area he does stare at the jewelry you “hide” from your co-works and boss. He then acts like his not paying attention to give you a chance. Ghost doesn’t even know why he is doing it. When you do put the jewelry in his vest you think you’re the best and finally complete a super risky mission. Yet ghost watches you from the corner of his eyes and smiles a bit seeing you happy. He immediately leaves seeing that he smiled at you. Ghost doesn’t like that part of himself and decides to isolate himself form you.

He does soon return the jewelry after a few weeks. Ghost doesn’t even say anything he just sets it down and walks away. His too confused on his feelings to understand he loves you.

When Ghost sees you avoid him too and stop bringing jewelry he immediately confronts you and the most calmest way ever.

“Why did you stop” Ghost says in a calm icy tone.

“Stop what?” You say clearly confused. “Lieutenant..?”

“You stopped trying and bringing.” Ghost says now with more emotion. “You got bored of me didn’t you?”

“..I’m sorry but what are you.. going about?” You say now confused. “Are you fee—“

“The jewelry!” Ghost says slamming his hand on the table. “Why did you stop it!”

“Because I didn’t want anger you!” You yell back with some anger. “Yet it seems it did the opposite!”

“Well it seems like it!” Ghost says shaking his head. “Wai—“

You both stare at each other and laugh. A real laugh from ghost was a rare thing, after a while Ghost let his guard down around you letting you put the jewelry in his vest.

During missions he would wear the necklace or ring. If questioned by his team, he ignores them and continues on to see you.

Task Force 141 reactions + König to you putting stickers on them.

Fluff/ slight gn!reader x everyone.

König

At first he doesn’t notice, his too focus on something else. His mind wondering off to a comfortable space.

When he does notice it’s because you stand up and move closer to his face. He panics slightly thinking your going to hurt him. (Trauma)

When he notices the pad of stickers he stares at you. There is a thick silence that follows along that makes you quickly stop and give him a very nervous smile.

“..You have a unicorn?” König asks in a sort of whimper. “..think it would look nice..on me..?”

You smile to his words and show him your collection of stickers you brought this trip. He happily helps you put some on his uniform. Slightly chuckles to the fact how excited you are.

When often alone with you he would hand you random sticker packets he bought for you. Then sit down and wait for you to start your “artwork”. He also puts stickers on you if you’re comfortable enough to let him. He respects your personal space as you do his.

John “Captain” Price

His busy doing some report about an accident Soap caused with explosives again. You bored take out your secret supply of stickers and slowly open it.

Price heard the wrapper and stare at you. A long lingering stare before he sigh and placed his pen down. He pats his lap, you smile and rush over to him with your stickers at hand.

“You want a rainbow or a storm cloud?” You ask pointing at the stickers. “What do you think?”

“Whatever looks best on me doll.” Price says with a chuckle. “And whatever distracts you the most.”

With that you immediately start putting stickers on him. His arms, face, beard and even his hat. Price is one to not care what type of stickers you use on him. Just as long your distracted he is okay with it.

Price lets you put stickers on him very often. Even in front of the group or in meeting to get your mind distracted. He knows that you should be focusing at the task at hand, but he can’t bring himself to do so.

Kyle “Gaz” Garrick

Kyle was in his own head, playing on his phone. Unaware of your intensions to ruin him with stickers as you did with Price. He was aware of your behavior with Price and didn’t mind it as long no one else was harm.

When you suddenly appear next to him confusion took over. Kyle didn’t know why you would be near him if you two barely spoke a word to each other. Yet when he saw the stickers at hand he pulled another chair to him and extended his arm.

“Try to not get something too dark on me.” Kyle says with a warm smile. “Got it?”

You nodded and began to work. He seemed a little uneasy by your cold hands, but soon got used to it. Once done he would take a picture and smile at you. After that, putting stickers on him became a habit, Price of course secretly got jealous but found it okay later seeing that’s what got you and Kyle to talk more.

John “Soap” Mactavish

He was watching TV with Ghost. You were on your phone, messing with a game you found interesting. Ghost got up and left to smoke a cigar leaving you to Soap. You looked at soap and smiled.

When Soap saw you smile at him, he got worried. Soon you randomly pulled out stickers under a pillow and rushed at him. Soap soon also pulled stickers out the couch he was been wanting to use.

“Looks like we both have a secret hobby.” Soap says with a cheeky smile. “I bet I have twice as much as you.”

“No you don’t!” You say smiling wider as you unwrap the stickers.

You later found out Soap collects stickers and has been waiting for this moment with you. After hearing what you did to Kyle, excitement filled his body knowing he was going to be next for sure. He would hide stickers around the base so you two can decorate each other. Sometimes going overboard.

When alone you two make sure to cover each of your arms with stickers. It annoys Price and the others, but they get over it knowing it makes the two of you bond better. Soap buys you stickers from all over the world to make sure you never run out of them.

Simon “Ghost” Riley

Ghost was always alert so you didn’t even try to sneak a sticker on him. Fear silent swept you as he looked at you from the corner of his eyes and watched your every move. Yet somehow you finally managed to have some bravery.

Ghost was reading a book on the couch. You were next him, stickers at hand and you stare at him, a long stare that finally got him to nod.

“Fine…Just not the mask.” Ghost says in a harsh tone. “Understand?”

You nod quickly and watch at Ghost puts his hand on your lap. You excitedly turn to open your bright stickers. Ghost sets his book down and watches you decide carefully what stickers to use on him. He even points out ones he wants.

You find out later if he never takes the stickers off. He just sets his glove over them and returns to you when they finally fall off or he washed them off. Ghost is one to soon buy you some stickers that fit more his theme and everyone’s theme.

Ghost does visit you late at night for stickers. Even if you’re tired he wouldn’t care much, he wants those stickers back on him one way or another.