#home made usb led

[ivyues]

Chasing Yesterday | 2 | ⋅ Bang Chan

Bang Chan x lost connection trainee friend

Years after splitting paths, Bang Chan didn't expect a simple text to bring an old friend – and old feelings – back into his life.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5

The days after your café reunion with Chris passed in a haze of texts and shared nostalgia. When you suggested he come over to your place one evening to catch up more, he hesitated for only a moment before agreeing.

On the night he arrived, Chris stood outside your door, his hand hovering over the buzzer. He wasn’t sure why his heart was pounding. Maybe it was the years of distance or the intimacy of stepping into your personal space. He shook his head and pressed the button.

When you opened the door, your wide smile put him at ease. “Hey! Come in.”

Chris stepped inside. While removing his shoes, he glanced around. Your home was cozy, the kind of space that reflected its owner. A stack of books rested on a coffee table, a throw blanket was draped over the couch, and a few polaroid photos adorned the walls. One, in particular, caught his eye — a candid shot of you laughing with someone. His chest tightened briefly. Did you have a boyfriend? Wait, that's possible.

“Come on, I want to show you something.”

You grabbed his hand without thinking and led him to your desk. The tiny producing setup was modest but well-loved: a small MIDI keyboard, a monitor, and a tangle of cables. “This is where I spend most of my free time,” you said with a grin. “But here—this is what I wanted to show you.”

You held up a USB stick, your eyes gleaming with mischief. “I found this while unpacking. It has some old files on it… something we worked on together back then.”

Chris’ eyes widened. “No way! I thought that got lost.”

“Apparently not,” you replied, plugging the USB into your laptop. After a moment of scrolling, you played the file. A rough, unfinished song filled the room, and Chris’ cheeks flushed. “Oh my god,” he couldn’t help but exclaim. It was clunky and amateurish, but there was something endearing about it. It reflected the rough beginnings of his own musical career, a thought that made him laugh.

“I mean, the melody… could’ve been worse,” he said with a sheepish laugh, scratching the back of his neck.

You smirked. “That's what I thought! It has potential–If you ignore the rest. We could try to work with it!”

The two of you dove into the project, tweaking the melody and layering new elements. It was pure fun, the kind that came from creating with someone who shared your passion. As the track slowly evolved, so did the atmosphere between you two. Little touches – a brush of his hand against yours when reaching for the keyboard, the way his laugh made your heart skip – blurred the lines between friendship and something more.

As you scrolled through the files on the USB, another discovery made you pause. “Oh my gosh,” you said, clicking on an image file. It was an old selfie of the two of you as trainees. 

The photo showed you taking the selfie with a big grin, your cheeks pressed against Chris’, his arm slung casually around your shoulder. His smile was wide and carefree, his dimples on full display. You both looked so much younger – teenagers with softer, rounder faces, and an innocence that only came before the pressures of adulthood. 

“Oh, come on. You still have that?” Chris groaned, covering his face with his hands. “Man, that must have been like… 10 years ago?”

“Yeah, look at you! You were so cute,” you said, grinning. 

Chris’ ears turned pink as he peeked through his fingers. “Stop. "Seriously." 

Then, after a beat, he asked, “Can you send it to me?”

You laughed lightly. “Sure, if you want.”

As you moved to send him the picture, Chris’ curiosity grew. “Do you have more of those?”

You glanced at him mischievously. “Maybee,” you teased, your grin widening.

His eyes narrowed playfully. “Maybe?”

“Maybe,” you repeated, leaving him to wonder.

Chris’ gaze flickered between the photo on his phone and you. The years had changed you, but your essence – the spark that made his heart beat differently back then – was the same. He couldn’t stop himself from murmuring under his breath, “Your boyfriend is going to be one lucky guy.”

You didn’t hear him, but you caught the way his gaze softened. “What?” you asked, still smiling.

He shook his head quickly. “Nothing. Just… thinking how much has changed. And how much hasn’t.”

Chris let out a small sigh, his mind drifted back to the last time you had spoken before you disappeared from his life.

The memory hit him hard.

You had just received the news that you weren’t debuting in the upcoming group, and he – without thinking – had reacted with relief. Not because he wanted to see you fail, never that, but because it meant you weren’t leaving. He had lost so many friends to debut teams, especially that year, watching them move forward while he stayed behind. But you, especially you, would still be here. With him.

He hadn't realized how cruel that must have sounded to you at the time. How his own feelings had blinded him to the heartbreak in your eyes.

And you had been shattered. Furious. At yourself, at the system, at everything. And at him. His reaction had only deepened the wound, and before either of you knew it, the frustration had exploded into an argument, both of you screaming at each other, saying things that cut the deepest coming from someone you hold close.

After that, silence stretched for weeks. Then, one day, you were just gone. No explanation. No goodbye.

He exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. "I, uh… I wanted to say this back when we first met again at the café, but I wasn’t sure if it was the right time."

You looked up from the screen, curiosity flickering across your face. "Say what?"

Chris hesitated, then placed his phone down, facing you fully. "I wanted to apologize. For… back then. For what I said the last time we spoke." His voice was soft, regretful. "I was selfish. I wasn’t thinking about how much it hurt you. I just— I was scared of losing another friend. But that’s not an excuse."

Your expression shifted, surprise flickering across your features before you let out a small sigh. "Chris… I was seriously hurt back then. I felt like my world was falling apart, and hearing you say—it just made it worse."

"But," you continued, your voice softer, "we were kids. We didn’t know how to handle all of that pressure, all of those emotions. And I was angry at myself more than anything. I think… I just needed someone to blame."

Chris swallowed, his chest tightening. "Still. I should’ve been better."

"We both should have." You looked at him for a moment, your gaze softening. “I kind of disappeared on everyone after that, didn’t I?” You murmured, a little embarrassed.

You sighed, your voice a little thick with emotion. "And that for sure didn't make your remaining time as a trainee any easier. I didn’t hear anything from you for so long. I thought you had also given up.” A small smile tugged at your lips. “That’s why I was so happy when I heard you debuted. I thought... finally, you made it."

Chris met your gaze, his expression softening even further. “It wasn’t easy. But if past-me would have known you were still rooting for me... that means more than I can say.”

Your smile grew, a bittersweet feeling tugging at you. "Hey, I was always rooting for you. I never stopped."

You were still for a few seconds, your gaze lingering on Chris as something unspoken passed between you. Then, a slow, teasing smile spread across your lips.

His brows furrowed. “What?”

You bit your lip, clearly holding back a laugh. “Nothing.”

His eyes narrowed, suspicion creeping in. “No, seriously. What?”

You exhaled dramatically before finally giving in. “I just… didn’t think you were the type to show off that much,” you said while vaguely gesturing towards his body, a small grin tugging at the corner of your lips.

Chris blinked. “Huh?”

“C’mon, don’t play innocent now.” You raised an eyebrow playfully.

Chris let out an embarrassed chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck – a move that only served to flex his biceps. “Yah, I’m not—” He stopped mid-sentence when he caught the way your eyes flickered to the movement, your smirk deepening.

Realizing his mistake, he quickly dropped his arm and folded them across his chest, which, unfortunately for him, only emphasized the definition of his forearms. You stifled a laugh, tilting your head. “Uh-huh. Totally not showing off.”

“I’m not!” he groaned, covering his face. “Unbelievable.”

You simply laughed, the warmth between you both growing more comfortable.

As the night and your operation on the song continued, you excused yourself to replace an empty bottle of water. Left alone, Chris’ curiosity got the better of him. Turning around in his chair, his eyes wandered again, landing on an electric guitar propped against the wall. He walked over and gently ran his fingers along the neck.

When you returned, drinks in hand, you found him staring at the guitar. “You really got one?” he asked, glancing over his shoulder. “You always talked about how you wanted to learn it back then.”

“Of course,” you said, setting the food down. “I still do, but…” You shrugged. “Life gets busy.”

Chris smiled softly. “You should make time for it. It’s never too late.”

Hours later, when it was finally time for Chris to leave, you walked him to the door. As you hugged goodbye, his arms lingered just a moment longer than necessary.

“Thanks for tonight,” he said, his voice warm. “It was… really nice.”

“Yeah, it was,” you agreed. “We should do it again sometime.”

“Definitely,” he said, stepping back. “Goodnight, Y/N.”

“Goodnight, Chris. Get home safely.”

As the door closed behind him, you leaned against it, your heart fluttering. A smile spread across your face, unbidden and unstoppable. Somewhere out there, Chris was walking away with the same feeling, his thoughts already drifting back to you.

-----

The next day, Chris arrived at dance practice with an energy that didn’t go unnoticed by the members. Han, ever curious, sidled up to him during a break. “So,” he began, waggling his eyebrows, “how’d your reunion go?”

Chris froze mid-sip of his water, nearly choking. “What reunion?”

Han rolled his eyes. “Don’t play dumb. You mentioned catching up with an old friend. What was her name? Y/N?”

At the sound of your name, Chris’ ears turned pink. He waved a hand dismissively. “It was fine. We just talked and caught up. Nothing big.”

But Han wasn’t buying it. “Oh, come on, hyung. You can’t drop a name like that and not spill. What’s she like? What’d you talk about?”

The other members, overhearing the exchange, quickly gathered around. Felix plopped down next to Chris with a grin. “Wait, who’s Y/N? Someone you knew before Stray Kids?”

Chris sighed, realizing there was no escaping their curiosity. “She was a trainee with me back in the days. We were close, but she left before debut.”

“That’s so cool you got to reconnect,” Seungmin said, leaning against the wall. “Did you bring her here? It’d be fun to meet her.”

“No,” Chris said quickly, his tone firmer than intended. “I don’t think it’d be a good idea. I don’t want to bring up bad memories for her. The trainee days weren’t exactly easy.”

Hyunjin tilted his head. “That’s fair. But… is she pretty?”

Chris huffed out a laugh, shaking his head. “What kind of question is that?”

The members exchanged amused glances. “That’s not a no,” Changbin teased.

Rolling his eyes, Chris stood and grabbed his phone, needing a way to shut them up. “I don’t have any recent pictures, okay? But… here.” He pulled up the old selfie you’d sent him the night before and showed them.

The reaction was immediate as his phone was snatched out of his hand.

“Whoa, you two look so close!” I.N exclaimed, leaning in for a better look.

“This is from back then?” Hyunjin asked, his eyes flicking between the photo and Chris. “You both look so young.”

“Look at how he’s smiling,” Felix teased. “Channie hyung, you were totally whipped back then.”

“I was not,” Chris said defensively, grabbing his phone and shoving it back into his pocket. “Can we drop this now?”

The members weren’t about to let it go that easily. 

“Hyung,” Lee Know started, grinning like a Cheshire cat. “You’re blushing so much right now. Are you sure nothing happened during your little reunion?”

Chris groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. “I swear, nothing happened. We just talked, alright? Caught up on life.”

“But you wanted something to happen, didn’t you?” Hyunjin smirked, his chin resting in his hand. “Is she single?”

“No!—What? Why would I know that.” Chris shot back, but his face betrayed him as his ears turned an even brighter shade of red. “She’s just… she’s really nice. And talented. That’s all.”

Seungmin, ever the observant one, raised an eyebrow. “If that’s true, why are you getting so defensive?”

Chris sighed, feeling cornered. “Because you guys are making a big deal out of nothing,” he muttered, glancing away. 

But just as he was about to end the conversation for good, he mumbled the same thing he thought all those years ago – under his breath, barely audible, “She’s way out of my league anyway…”

pt.3 | pt.4 | pt.5 | masterlist

[tokoyamisstuff]

Fragments Pt. 2/3

Homelander / GN! Reader

Ch. 2: Lab Rat

Summary: Unfortunately Homelander's powers reawake earlier than his memory of how to control them.

Warnings: Angst, mentions of HL's past, PTSD, DID, cussing, blood, unhealthy relationship dynamics, death of animals

A/N: as a little treat for you guys, this chapter got extra long (: tbh I still haven't watched the show, let me live

The following weeks passed by rather quick and uneventful - albeit it wouldn't calm down your nerves at all.

You had been on high alert for a while, fearing the worst case scenario: That whoever did this to John would come and finish the job. It did not happen in the end, so the enemy either believes him to be dead already, or was certain the lethal environment would do the rest.

What worried you right now however was the fact that nobody seemed to be searching for your acquaintance.

Locals would come to deliver supplies occasionally, and at some point you handed them a USB with a photo and the little data you knew about John. Hopefully the old - and only - shared computer in the townshall had a good enough internet connection to spread the missing person report for as many people as possible to see.

John had been joking a lot recently, about how he might've been a terrible person and people would be glad that he disappeared - but you knew deep down, he feared there might actually be some truth in his words.

One thing was sure: He could be irritating to a point where one wants to punch his pretty face in - and he's not even aware of that fact.

Over time, you noticed a lot of subtle hints to his former personality: Like his almost neurotic need for praise and attention. It seemed like he didn't even know how to simply exist by himself - for example, sometimes you came home from an expedition, and he just sat at the same spot you've left him, awaiting you almost a little too excited.

To his defense, it was hard to avoid each other in a single-room apartment. And since you had brought only the most essential things for your survival, there wasn't really that much to do either way.

Most of the day he'd follow you around, insisting that he wanted to be useful despite his condition. He was touchy - not in an indecent way, but rather starved for closeness. Always accidentally brushing his hand against yours, leaning his chin atop of your head or hugging you if he was feeling particulary happy about something.

And while hesistant at the beginning, the more you tolerated it the more he dared.

Also, his almost nonexistent empathy and lack of emotional maturity in general was infuriating. You really felt like talking to a giant toddler sometimes -but as odd as it sounds, he reacted to your scolding and listened to instructions surprisingly well.

And oh, he sure loves the sound of his own voice. His opinions unnerved you to no end, yet the way he was talking about certain topics sounded awfully like he was just repeating things someone else had drilled him to believe, without ever understanding or even caring enough to verify.

You really wondered what kind of life John had led before all of this.

Curiosity kills the cat, or so they say.

A doctor had already arrived at your remote location two days after the initial snowstorm had settled. He had complimented you for properly caring for the wounds despite your limited knowledge and ressources, and John gladly joined him in enskying you.

Since then, there wasn't much more to do than continuing treatment until his wounds would heal - which they did surprisingly fast, much to your mutual relief.

The drug John inhaled had eliminated a great portion of the Compound V in his system, but not completely. And as you could now observe first hand, the residue was able to multiply again.

That could only mean the rest of his powers would slowly but steadily return as well, right?

"NO! It burns, it burns please STOP!"

John's desolate scream made you bolt up from your sleep, instantly rushing to his side. He was experiencing nightmares very frequently, and after the past couple of tries to wake him up, you knew better than to touch him.

"John..." you whisper to not startle him, hesistantly approaching the man cowering on his bed. "It's not real. You're dreaming, you're safe. Nothing can hurt you! Follow my voice. Please, wake up..."

He was sobbing frantically, heartbrakingly even. A perfect image of misery, hugging himself in a desperate attempt to erase that awfully vivid sensation of being burned alive.

Whatever had happened to him, the suffering was imprinted so deep inside of his soul that he was forced to relive it even after alledgedly losing all memories.

You repeat the affirmating words like a mantra, tears involuntarily creeping to the rim of your eyes as well. Eventually his breaths would even out and he was able to come down to reality again, recognizing you through wettened lashes.

Shame washed over him, now feeling as if he'd drown rather than burning. He was pathetic, even without this creepy psycho shit already - a nuisance to you who had given him nothing but kindness.

"I'm sorry." His eyes darted around the room - anywhere but your face - but he was certain that you were shooting him that damn pitying look again "Didn't mean to wake you..."

John's voice was hoarse from screaming, his coughing prompting you to hand him the water on the nightstand. "No problem, really. Don't worry about it."

"You're being too naive" he mumbled, his hand lingering on yours for a bit longer than necessary as you handed him the glass. "Nursing a stranger to health...I mean, I could as well be lying about my anmnesia."

"And there I was thinking you had a way with words" you snorted, defendingly crossing your arms in front of your chest. "No offense, but you don't seem like the bright type. Besides: If you wanted to do something awful to me, you had all the time in the world and no witnesses, so..."

Eager to prove your trust, out of a whim you hopped next to him, the springs of the mattress creaking under the additional weight. Until now, despite his protest, you chose to sleep on a very uncomfortable sofa, offering him the bed since he was still not fully restored.

"You're incorrigible..." he sighed, a little taken aback by the sudden invasion of personal space, mentally adding "...but an amazing person."

"I'm not even sure if I want to remember" he tells himself rather than you, mumbling into the pillow. Whenever he tried there was a mental block, some kind of tug in his heart that felt like regaining it would cost him greatly. "Those dreams...I'm terrified to find out what they truly mean."

"Your past only defines you if you let it." Wow, that sounded way less corny in your head. "Whatever happens, you won't get rid of me that easily, I promise."

"Sounds more like a threat" he smirks, daring to shuffle a little closer.

After a while of comfortable silence between the two of you, John was the first one to look away from the ceiling, staring at you instead. He was still shaking, unable to decipher whether the lump in his throat was caused by his night terror or something else.

"...I mean you could stay here." John's voice was barely audible, as if to test your reaction first. "Better than that goddamn brick of a sofa."

You glared at him, eyes shooting daggers. "Next time we're in the field, you get a snowball right into that handsome face." He snickered at your attempt to be strict, his smugness returning already. "Oh, so you think I'm handsome, huh?"

Gosh, that man was obnoxious - and yet, even though you'd rather die than to admit, he made you jittery beyond belief. "That doesn't give you the right to do or say whatever you want, you know?"

"Didn't deny it" he winked, yet raised his hands in defense. "C'mon, I'm not trying something shady. It's just- forget it."

"...talking about incorrigible" you uttered, after looking at him dumbfounded until you finally understood. "If you feel more comfortable this way, then sure."

John nodded mutely, cracking an embarrassed smile that you couldn't help but mirror. You slid under the covers with him, the dimmed lights only worsening this awkward situation.

"Y/N?" You hqd almost dozed off already when you heard his voice again, yet it was too dark to decipher his features. "Mhh?"

"...thank you. For everything, really."

Asides from his healing factor, his heightened senses were the next thing that had returned - and they made him notice things you probably weren't even aware of yourself.

Just like right now.

That mixture of pheromones in your scent, together with an increased heartrate whenever you were close...it was unlike anything he had ever perceived, even without knowing his history he was sure of that fact.

Was this chemical reaction equal to what people called love?

And yet you never acted on those desires, for it would be terribly wrong in every way. The man next to you was in a vulnerable state no one should take advantage of. Not to mention that you didn't really know this person. He could as well be having a partner or family somewhere, and you had no intention to become a homewrecker.

So you continued reminding yourself about his negative aspects, tried to convince yourself that anyone would be feeling like this after being isolated together for so long.

Shit, can't he just hurry up and remember?

Much to your shock, you wake up entangled in both the blanket and John's embrace the next morning. He had an arm and leg wrapped around you, effectively trapping you in his hold.

Instead of freaking out or kicking him off the bed, you decide to simply close your eyes again and enjoy this blissful state. His breathing was warm against your skin, and he also seemed very peaceful in his sleep in huge contrast to usually.

After a few more minutes, his soft snores disappeared. John was confused, never having felt this well-rested in forever.

"Ah shi- I'm sorry-" before he could retract his arm, you held onto it and snuggled even closer against his chest. "Who said you could stop?"

"Oh...oh." he grinned cheekily, jawning as his head nuzzled against your neck. "Well, good morning then."

"You sure this is a good idea?" Turning to look at him, you get some messy strands of hair out of his face. "Coming with me today, I mean."

Up until now, you had avoided taking him to your laboratory, even though the two buildings were connected via a tunnel. Usually he only helped you carry stuff, do the household horribly wrong or assist you collect specimen in the wild.

But for someone who was having nightmares about a strange laboratory to come with you..."just stay here, watch a movie or something. I won't take long."

"Ugh, you don't even have any supe movies that could help me remember" he grimaced, "just some boring woke stuff."

There's no telling what this man thinks sometimes. "You just don't have any taste. Supe movies are brainless cash-cows."

"Nerd" he purrs, leading your hand to his head again, looking at you pleadint to continue massaging his scalp. Ugh, how can someone this unnerving be so great at making you do whatever he wants? "It might not be the best idea, but maybe confrontation will help me make sense out of it."

What's the worse that could happen? You've seen him having a mental breakdown several times now, and you handle it well. "...okay. Just don't complain if I make you work overtime."

"Sure thing, boss."

A quick breakfast and several discussions later, you unlock the door that led to your laboratory. Observing his reaction, you saw how his mannerism had shifted unnaturally even for his standards.

"Why are they caged in here?" You stiffened at his question, at the accusation in his tone. "What, don't tell me Mr. Conversative suddenly became an animal's rights advocate?"

No answer, instead he stared you down even more sombre. "It's not like they're locked in here forever. Climate change makes it harder for them to find food, so I take their measurements for comparison. Some I feed a while longer, and when they're strong enough they're released. I swear!"

"S-Sorry, I- fuck..." He couldn't even put his finger on why this enraged him so much, trying to tear the trapped polar fox away from his field of view.

"Hey..." you wanted to put a hand on his shoulder, but he flinched away from you. "Maybe you should go back, alright?"

Fuck it, you were right, that was a stupid idea - he'll never hear the end of it. John's head was spinning and he felt sick, thinking that maybe he should sit down...

...but when he opened his squinted eyes again, a sheer coincidence would turn out fatal: The heavy steel door, an emergency exit, it was red - looking awfully alike.

"You tricked me" he gritted, logical thinking overshadowed by flashbacks. "Huh?"

"You put me in The Bad Room again!" John's eyes were wild, furious even as he violently shook your smaller frame. "How could you?!"

He then pushed you away, sending you flying and proceeding to run in circles like a coyote in a trap.

"John..." The impact made you dizzy, any yet you tried to stay conscious with all might. "The door's open, you can leave anytime." You made the grave mistake of grabbing his wrist, wanting him to stop in his tracks or at least distract him...

...but he slammed his fist right next to your head, making a huge dent in the wall. "Don't fucking touch me, or I'll fucking kill you!"

It all happened so fast, you couldn't even tell why it went downhill from there - but when you saw his eyes gleaming red, you made a run for it.

Having listened to your gut and fleeing outside, the next thing you knew you were standing in front of a completely destroyed building.

John fell to his knees in between the rubble, covered it blood and viscera of the animals you had formerly kept inside. You inhaled sharply as his eyes found you, fighting against the urge to screech - and yet, he could hear your heart practically hammering against your chest, made out the scent of adrenaline even through the dust and smoke.

John knew that scene all too well, vivid images flashing in front of his inner eye: People running away from him, terrified...and his hands covered in blood, just like right now.

You were afraid of him - and you had every right to be. He was a dangerous freak! No wonder they've kept him locked away somewhere before.

"John!"

Your voice made him snap out of it, screaming your lungs out calling for him. Without second thought you ran straight at him, wrapping your arms around his neck despite your instinct to stay away. "Shit, John, I was worried! Are you hurt?!"

"W-what kind of question is that?!" he sobbed, tears streaming down his face that froze as soon as they dropped to the ground. "Are you dull or just insane, coming back after what you just saw?!"

"But you're the victim here!" He looked at you like a kicked puppy - if the situation wasn't so severe it would certainly be adorable. "I-I'm just glad you're alright."

You sank to the ground too, simply cradling his head against your chest. "I'm sorry, Y/N. I'm sorry, I'm so, so sorry..."

"Hey, plea- can't breathe-" The fleeting image of his past, the lifeless body of a woman dropping to his feet flashes before his inner eye, making him finally release you from his suffocating hug.

"Come" you beckon, trying to pull him from the ground but he was too exhausted - mentally at least. He might not be affected by temperature anymore, but it was minus 50 degrees out here. "Let's go home."

Gladly your flat didn't get caught in the impact of John's breakdown, and you managed to seal the broken airlock that had connected the two buildings.

Damn, this laboratory had eaten up all of your savings - and now the whole progress was simply gone. So it was only naturally that after the first shock subsided, it was you who started crying your eyes out. Not in front of him, though - as understandable as your frustration was, he was going through something way worse right now.

The bottom line was: Both your lives were now in ruins, and he was responsible.

This whole day, John wouldn't utter a single word. Instead he shunned himself from you, staying god knows where. As you were looking out of the window before sunset, you saw him just standing there, staring at the horizon. He might not be harmed by the cold, but you were sure he was still able to freeze.

Did all of this at least make him remember something? Maybe that was exactly the problem.

"You can't ignore us forever."

John clenched his fists, looking over to the house and spotting you in the window. You shouldn't be worried for him of all people - hell, you shouldn't be near him at all!

"Heya champ, talk to me."

The voices he was hearing all evening were clearly imaginary. He was probably losing his mind...or he was insane all along, who knows?

All he knew was that he didn't want the answer.

"Oh c'mon, you're even worse than the usual guy!" His reflection on the lake was talking to him in his own voice, finally snapping. "Another sniveling pussy, obsessed with affection. Fucking pathetic."

"What the fuck do you want from me?!" he spat back at himself, or rather a part of him. "Don't you get it? I am you, but stronger - better! I've got us through The Bad Room back then, and I can help you again. You're still fighting to remember...just stop resisting and you can finally become who you're truly meant to be."

There were other, more different versions of his voice, all mixing up in his mind. Some were cussing you out, others mocking himself or drowning in self-pitying...

...and worse ones made him even more afraid of what his twisted mind would be capable of...

"Really?! You care for that bitch? God, what a fucking disappointment. Believe me, she's not the first one that'll abandon you. Eventually, you'll always ruin everything. Just like back then, when you-"

"Silence! Leave me alone!" John was slamming against his own head when you rushed outside, initially wanting to drape a blanket over his shoulders. It took you forever pleading with him to at least talk things through...

...but when he reluctantly aggreed to come inside, the voices made it clear that this wouldn't be the last he had heard of them.

"I will leave" he informed you of his decision, clutching the mug of coffee you had just handed him. Those words made your heart clench, but you always knew it was inevitable. "Why so sudden? And how?"

"Apparently I can fly. Fast." Shit, what powers doesn't he have? That's unusual, even for a supe. "So you got your memories back?"

"Nope" he pops his lips matter-of-factly, looking anywhere but your eyes. "But I think we got enough proof that I'm unstable and should be, I don't know, in an institution or something." You purse your mouth, anxiety raising in the pit of your stomach. "John..."

"Oh don't 'John' me, Y/N! I'm a fucking monster!" That was the first time he had ever raised his voice at you, slamming on the table which he instantly regretted as he saw your doe eyes widen. "S-Sorry, but...I feel like I've been lonely all my life, and for a good reason. What if I use my powers unintentionally, the next time I got a nightmare? What if I hurt you? Shit, Y/N, I could never forgive myself if that happened..."

You choked on a sob, bottom lip trembling as you simultaneously tried to find the right words without crying. "Stop talking about yourself like that. I refuse to belive you'd be able to hurt me."

"But you don't know me! Not really. Hell, I don't even know myself-"

"Oh yes I do!" you cut him off harshly, cupping both sides of his cheeks, forcing him to look at you. "You're many things, but you are not a monster. You are a kind and funny and wonderful man, and you brightened every single one of my days here ever since you stumbled into my life!"

"Y/N-" he wanted to object, but you wouldn't let him. "No matter what happened that you turned out this way, you didn't deserve any of it. If you leave, you need to promise me to never give up on yourself. You deserve to be happy, okay?"

John leaned into your touch, tears long since broken free. "Why do you care so much about someone that caused you nothing but trouble?"

"Because I'm in love with you, damn it!" you blurted out without thinking first. "Does this finally go through your thick skull, or do I need to be even more obvious?!"

That sentence alone was enough for the dam to break.

John kissed you with an urgency that was frightening, as if he needed it more than air. He had pulled you onto his lap, hands demandingly roaming your body, unwilling to ever let go. "Again" he breathed out when your lips parted, "Say it again."

"I think I'm in love with you, John." Oh, he already knew he was addicted. Another kiss, quicker and more playfull this time, smiling against your lips. "One more time."

"I love you, you blockhead!" you declared proudly, feeling like a huge weight had been lifted off your chest. And you were not the only one relieved to finally be able to act upon all those pent up emotions.

"Gosh, you have no idea how long I wanted to do this" John admitted almost a little bashful, covering your face in pecks. "I never thought you'd feel the same."

You tasted his tears on your lips, and he wiped yours away with his thumb, looking at you with so much adoration in his eyes, it made you wax in his hands. "I may have planned confess after your memories return, but now..." you pause, rubbing the back of your head as remorse hit you like a train. "I guess we'll have to figure it out as we go."

Yeah, there's truly no going back now. May as well enjoy it while it's lasting.

Another handful of weeks passed since your relationship blossomed, and you secretly hoped his past would never catch up on him again.

Since you had no way of finishing your research without the trashed equipment, it was about time to temporarily give up on this dream.

The two of you already made plans for the futue, had prepared to leave all this behind move back to build a life somewhere. He on the other hand was determined to do whatever it takes to repay and give you the chance to continue your studies...

...that was until shortly before your departure, when you had another unexpected visitor.

John stayed in bed as it was still early morning, admiring you from afar. He did not understand a single word you were exchanging with one of the locals in their native tongue, just hoping no matter what it was about, you would quickly come back into his arms.

A wide, infatuated smile stretched across his face as you briefly locked eyes, staring at him in awe. "What's the matter?" he inquired, noticing how dramatically you slammed the door shut.

"They've- hey!" you couldn't help but laugh as the carefree man pulled you back under the covers with him. "Continue, sweetheart."

"They've brought news from the village." Turning to face him, you indulged in one last kiss, selfishly fearing this would be the last tender moment you shared - way too soon. "People who claim to know who you are."

"Really?!" John softly clutched the sides of your shoulders, shivering ever so slightly. "Wha- who?!"

"A company, I think. Weird. What was the name...Vought?"

Unable to look at him due to your fear of losing him to his former life, you didn't notice his obvious distress, the way his eyes darkened at that cursed name. "They say you're some kind of superhero, just as I thought."

"No wonder with your kind of power, honestly" you continued at his lack of reaction, distracting yourself with a thoughtless banter. "So what, should I call you 'Homelander' from now on?"

Suddenly you felt a sharp pain in your back, way before the sound of something clashing could reach your ears. You couldn't even fathom what had happened until you grasped the situation: John had you slammed against the wall, his hand firmly wrapped around your throat.

"You fucking normie bitch..." He applied some pressure to your trachea, enough to be uncomfortable but not cutting off your air supply...yet. "Shit! How much time did I waste here?!"

You helplessly kicked with your legs, clawed at his relentless grip on your trachea, but to no avail. "Wha- John-" you stammered but his tone was callous, a manic smile stretching across his face. "Just said it yourself - that's Homelander for you."

A cracking sound filled the room as he moved his head from left to right, taking in your plain appearance for the first time after the fog in his brain had dissolved.

"I should crush you like the insect you are to me!" His stare was so unlike you had ever seen him before - the usually composed man full of spite and disgust. Regaining all of those terrible memories sure was agonizing, so right now he felt nothing but pure rage.

You were completely at his mercy, yet you were still so trusting, confused at max - and sympathetic. "Do you think I need your damn pity? I am the peak of evolution, a god, and you are...nothing."

Of course he could do it easily, snap your neck like a toothpick. You were aware, and it honestly felt like he was doing it already, the lack of oxygen making you see stars...

...and yet you stopped resisting, your palm instead wandering up to his cheek, using up the last ounce of strenght to say his name.

"Jo-ohn, plea...se..."

Even though his grip would not falter, his face fell at the genuine affection dripping from your voice. He seemed bewildered, desperate even, a multitude of emotions playing on his face - before his lips ultimatively crashed over yours.

In spite of all logic you reciprocated the kiss, wrapping your arms around him like you had done so many times before. But it didn't feel as familiar, as safe and right as before.

There was nothing either of you could say or do now that the illusion you both had created was scattered.

Homelander shook his head, trying to ground himself. He was done playing pretend, he decided internally, letting you down exceptionally gentle. As he headed for the exit, he turned to look at you one last time.

"You're not even worth killing."

[mandana-the-service-pup]

Mandana just prevented a house fire and saved her own life.

I was packing up the car to take Taravali on a decompression walk. I was going to be gone for about an hour and the last thing I do is put the dog that’s staying home in their kennel. Mandana’s kennel room is on the top floor. I told her to go to her kennel but she wouldn’t go and as I grabbed her collar to lead her she growled at me and started pulling towards the kitchen. It was so out of character for her that after I got her to go to her kennel I went back to check the kitchen.

I could smell something was off but couldn’t pinpoint it. It didn’t smell like smoke. I had just turned on the air conditioner and since we are new to the house and haven’t used the AC much I thought it could be the source of the smell. I probably would have left it at that but Mandana’s behavior made me hesitate and make sure before I left.

I could faintly hear a clicking noise and that’s what led me to the USB cord that is plugged in on the kitchen counter. Nothing was on the charger but the end of the cord was resting on the counter near the sink. There wasn’t any visible water but the cord had melted and started to catch fire and after I unplugged it I felt the counter which was slightly damp. The fire had just started when I found it but it was inches from a roll of paper towels and right under some low cabinets. Had I left when I did and been gone for as long as I had planned I think I would have come home to a house fire and a dead dog. Instead, I was able to deal with the situation quickly. I called Hubbins to let him know (he’s an electrician and will be replacing them with GFCI outlets ASAP) and then I loaded both pups up to go get smoothies and to hang out at the park until I felt better.

The layout of this new house has made me paranoid about fires from day one and the difficulty me & the dogs would have if a fire started on the lower levels where most of the risk is located. We had just bought some extra fire extinguishers and a couple fire proof blankets incase I had to wrap the dogs up & push them down the stairs to get out but it wouldn’t have done any good if I was gone. The camera in the dog room is set up to alert me if a fire alarm goes off but I’m not sure I would have been able to get back in time to save Mandana had that happened.

I’m so glad I have such an amazing dog. She’s super pattern cognizant and an amazing communicator. She has done natural alerts for medical issues, our car being vandalized in an apartment parking lot, when she has ticks on her that she needs help with and now has saved us from an electrical fire. She’s amazing and deserves all the love 💕

[crsssie]

in sickness, in health - tim drake x reader (pretty bird countdown #10)

"You know, Damian, calling me out into the middle of Gotham U is sketchy asf." You hold your phone to your ear, raising a brow at the series of arrows on the ground. "Is this your way of getting Tim to propose to me?"

"I have no idea what nonsense you're sprouting."

"Watch." You turn around, Tim falling right into your arms, and you suddenly get the vibe that you're in some sort of Kdrama. "Caught ya."

Tim stares up at you, eyes wide as he laughs. "You caught me, pretty bird."

"See? Now, what is the nonsense you were telling me about? If you guys are planning a wedding in the middle of our university, I highly advise you to do it in the Wayne backyard or summer home instead."

You blink as Damian hangs up.

"We're flying out. They just wanted us to host a small wedding where they get to watch us exchange vows. Remember the letters you used to write to your future husband? Your mom mailed them all to me." Tim hums, fingers brushing over your wedding ring.

"WHAT THE FUCK???" Your eye twitches, horror written all over your face as you wince. "How did she even find them??"

"Apparently she dug them out when you told her that you got married."

"Mm." You grimace. "Do I have to read them in front of your family?"

"No. Just the two of us. I asked them for private vows. It's the least they can do for us"

"And it's a gala?"

"The party after is at the gala. No worries, Bruce didn't tell anyone why there's a fourth gala this year."

"Are you sure?" You raise a brow.

"I promise. We can stay in my old room the entire time if you want it that bad."

"Can we play Hades?"

"You and your fifty seven hours on a game because you want to fuck the main character." Tim rolls his eyes.

"Okay?? And?? Listen, my husband is hot, but fictional characters are still fine as fuck." You huff. "Besides, my vows are to you, no? I hope you them since I didn't get to tell you at the courthouse."

"Hey, how about reading them to me after the wedding so I can pick it apart?"

"What is this? Literary analysis?"

"Yes." Tim laughs. "To show my love for you."

"Then shall I frame your vows?"

"No need. You can keep the original draft on a USB."

"Yeah?"

Tim laughs. "Yes. That way, each time you wonder if I still love you, you have proof that the choice I made was to love you until I return to the dust of the earth."

"That's absolutely insane to say to me."

"Oh, hey. There's the helicopter." Tim looks up, leading you back as it lands in the quad.

"Is this... legal?"

"Nothing a little money can't handle."

"Great day to be marrying rich, I guess?" You raise a brow. "Where are we even having vows?"

"In private." He holds out his hand for you, helping you onto the helicopter.

"Did you plan this?"

"Just the vows part." Tim hands you the headphones as you pop them on. "We'll land at home."

"And then?"

"And then, we'll read our vows as we help each other get dressed for the gala."

"My wedding dress is nowhere near appropriate for the gala after all that sand got on it."

"I have another white one that we ordered. It's more casual." Tim grins, taking your hands again. "Everything I have is for you."

"You sound so sappy it hurts."

"Love you too." Tim snickers.

You find it strange. Tim finds it strange. You wonder just what kind of a life you led in your past life that had led you to end up with him. He is flawed, but you find that it's fine or whatnot. The world could stop spinning for him, and you would still stay by his side — until the earring rusts and your ring finger is worn down by the on and off before and after bed, he would be engrained into a part of your soul, hums gentle against your skin as the rain splatters against the window. There would be a fixing, until the two of you are withered and frail with age, until you can no longer fix each other and return to dust as one.

"Ehem." You make the dramatics of dropping the rest of the paper as Tim helps you lace your back, laughing. "To my dearest, sweetest, loveliest, future husband. At the time I am first starting this page, I am twelve and have a thrashing obsession with Robin. As with all of my hyperfixations, I expect this to last no longer than two months. Even if it continues, I hope this is whatever the hell my classmates won't shut up about... the invisible string theory? I wonder if that means I'm gonna marry Robin's girlfriend or something. Oh, maybe even another hardcore fan of his—"

Tim holds back a laugh, back shaking as he finishes with the bow. "My girlfriend?"

"You weren't bi at that point in time. At least not to us." You snort, continuing. "Regardless of whoever I end up with, I'm fine if I never end up married too. I keep hearing all of this nonsense about how women are having less kids and shit and I think it's a good time to never have to deal with it. Hopefully you don't want kids either. Or, maybe you're down bad like those men in all of that fanfiction I've been reading. Regardless, if I end up marrying a man who can't respect my boundaries, I want a divorce. Fuck this, man."

You move down the paper, and Tim runs his hand through your hair.

"You're doing my hair this time?" You raise a brow. "What's next, my makeup?"

"I will be attempting to do your makeup today." Tim purses his lips. "If you'll let me?"

"Sure." You hum, moving your head to make sure he gets all of your hair. "Dear future husband, here's a few things you need to know if you want to be my one and only all my life."

Tim holds back a laugh, but you feel him shaking behind you anyway.

"I have a Robin addiction. I know he technically assaulted me or whatever on the rooftop the other day, but oh my god he's got such a feminine-shaped face that I think I am never going to reach that level of pretty. Even if I do, somehow, I don't think I could ever have a figure that nice. Do I look better now? Maybe I do. I don't know. Hopefully I'm the prettiest girl in the world to you even when I'm old and wrinkly. I got scolded by mom because of... nearly losing my camera but.. boo. I hope you're Robin. I really hope I end up marrying that guy because my friends may not be able to marry Jungkook but I at least have a chance of marrying him. Are you Robin? The one that has pants? It sounds so romantic... please take me out on midnight swings." You pause, blinking at your next words.

"I bet it's something about how you'd let me fuck you six ways from sunday." Tim reaches for a brush.

"Wow, you're like, psychic." You snort. "I also hope whenever I look at you like I'd let you hit fourteen different ways, you catch the cue. Or, maybe the idea of sex grosses me out now. I don't know. I wouldn't know. I can only keep hoping and praying that you're Robin. Oh, also, please let me grate cheese on your abs if you have— I CAN'T."

"No, keep going." Tim stops, hair still in his hand as you shake from laughter. "KEEP GOING."

"Please let me grate cheese on your abs if you have abs. Oh, also, is it possible to cut my finger on your jawline? Maybe you'll let me bite into your collarbone until I draw blood. Okay, that was oddly kinky and weird. I am sorry if future me has to read this to you. I might be insane or something. I wouldn't know." You close your eyes for the next part. "Regardless, I want a big fancy wedding that costs a billion dollars where you'll fly all of my friends in and we'll party until sunrise. That was sarcasm, by the way. I want a small wedding where it's just family and friends. Maybe a second one to host more people if you're a socialite or something. I hope my future in laws love me more than they love you. Mom's been teaching me how to cook lately, and I might have a talent for it. I hope you enjoy every single Chinese dish on the planet, because I can not live with white people food for extended periods of time. Kisses! Xoxo."

"Yeah, I think that last part is apparent." Tim finishes with your hair, reaching for accessories. "The ironic part is that you DID manage to marry that Robin."

"Yeah, I bet she'd be having a crazy ass moment." You hum. "Ehem, dear future husband. my parents are divorced now. I'm in high school at this point in time. Robin seems rather chummy with me now, but I still don't think he sees me as a potential romantic partner. I think he only recognizes me if I have my all black clothes on. Regardless, I think he's a funny guy. Also, I caught him kissing Spoiler a couple days ago so I don't think I have a chance."

"Makes me nostalgic, almost." Tim hums, looking through your jewelry. "What colors for accent?"

"Red." You hum. "For good luck for the bride and groom."

Tim laughs.

"You know, maybe you're one of the other Robins. Maybe you're the second one.. that like. died. or something. I heard there's a new vigilante running around. Red Hood? I think he's more of a crime lord, but his build... I MEAN. I MEAN IM NOT LIKE UNFAITHFUL OR ANYTHING. I JUST THINK HE'S HOT. Yeah. Anyways. I still run a twitter for Robin, but I think he's rebranded as Red Robin. His fit is kinda fire. Don't tell him I said that, though. I don't think people pay me enough for this nonsense, honestly. My current friends are alright. I don't think I find them particularly entertaining, but it's not like I'll see any of them when I move away for college. Is it wrong to dislike your friends? Probably. They drain too much energy whenever I hang out with them. How are your friends? I hope you have a great relationship with your family, or else I am royally fucked."

"Tilt." Tim hums, and you raise your ear, letting Tim pop your studs off for the rubies. "I should get you a new pair."

"Maybe." You laugh. "I have two more pages. The two of them are addressed to you."

"Both?"

"Dearest Tim Drake." You hum, straightening your back as Tim helps you put on your necklace. "I really fucking hope you're the guy I marry, cuz I will burn this letter if not."

"I'm so glad this lived to see the light of day." Tim mumbles, starting with your makeup. "Is this alright?"

"Yes, birdie." You hum. "I remember most of it."

"Good." He grins. "Because I have a letter for you too."

You beam at him, eye closed as he pats your foundation on. "I genuinely can not believe you had sex with me. I do not radiate sex appeal, have an addiction to a Japanese green tea brand, and probably do not study half as much as I should. I have a crippling addition to Red Robin, nearly kissed him at a Halloween party, and once on the rooftop of my dorm. I do not understand why you brought me to a place that I felt I did not belong in, and I wonder if you had just picked me because I seemed like an easy target."

Tim frowns at the words.

"Regardless, I think you're the one. I think it's becoming more apparent just through the assignments I've been writing. Do you love me? Do I love you? Is this called love? I don't know. I haven't loved someone in a long time. I think my best friend calls it a delusionship. A one sided, delusionship. Hopefully they'll be there at our wedding or whatever. Will you buy me an apartment building for our wedding gift? A reverse dowry of twenty billion dollars? I don't even know how much money you have, tch. I just want a nice apartment to live in. The bar is actually in hell. Yet, I find myself catching up with interviews and news about you, desperate to learn more about you and understand just what about you draws me in. You know, I really wonder if you genuinely loved me when you said good morning to me. Maybe you did. Maybe you don't anymore. Human emotions are fickle, after all."

"Lips." He hums.

You open your mouth, jutting out your lip as he helps you apply lipstick.

"Any more?"

"Human emotions are fickle, yet I find myself clawing at my heart when I think of you. Maybe I do love you. Maybe I am nothing in myself, and I need someone to love me. Maybe you showed me love. Maybe, just maybe, you are the one. Yet, I dare not promise it. So, I go back to where I began in this letter, wondering if you would receive it. No kisses this time. May you be the one to send me those instead."

"I think I'm done." Tim takes a step back, lips curled upwards.

You turn to look in the mirror, grinning. "Yeah, birdie?"

"Yeah." Tim hums. "I'll read you my vows next, I promise."

"This one's my vows." You hum, folding the paper back up and cutting open an envelope. "Ready?"

"You wanna sit on the couch before the car gets here?"

"Not gonna say no to that." You stand up, Tim leading you as you get used to walking in the dress. "Wow, I keep forgetting how annoying it is to walk in these dresses."

"You're the star of the show tonight." Tim hums. "Depending on whether or not you want to give the paparazzi a show, I can carry you for the whole night too."

"I'll be fine in the heels, I promise." You sit down as Tim lets go of your hand. "Ready for my vows?"

"Of course."

"To beloved birdie, Timothy Jackson Drake Wayne." You hum, smoothing out the paper. "We did not get to have proper wedding vows at the courthouse, so I am writing mine down knowing that you will definitely host something at the complaint of your family. I vow to love you until the sun rises from the west and the moon is eradicated — until the moon becomes the sun and the sun becomes the moon, I vow to cherish you even unto death. I vow that when you are sick and dying, when you are struck with illnesses I have never heard of, I will be by your side. I vow that even if the paparazzi decide to tear their claws into my skin to ruin my life, I will stay. I vow that when you are struck by pollen and in need of release, I will be there for you. Until the world collapses and you are no longer red but old, and even when one of us leave, I promise I will be by your side and follow you until there is nothing left in this world but us. I vow that even on the days where we can not stand the presence of each other, we will find each other again. In this universe, the next, and in every universe out there, I vow that I will find you. I vow that even in the worlds that we are not together, I am nearby. I vow that in sickness and health, in richer or poorer, for better or worse, to love and cherish you even unto death. Love you lots, your pretty bird."

Tim holds a napkin to the corner of his eye, blinking to get the tears out of his eyes and onto the napkin, careful to not ruin his makeup.

"Birdie?"

"I can't read my vows without crying right now. Give me a second."

"I'll touch up your makeup if you do." You laugh. "I vow to be by your side through every gala we attend, your makeup forever next to mine, my heart forever yours to hold."

"You're awful." Tim sniffs, laughing as he manages to calm down, unfolding his own letter to you. "To the prettiest bird in every universe. To my beloved wife, I, Timothy Jackson Drake Wayne vow to protect you until crime is no longer in existence, to hold you until we both return to the dust of the earth, to love you even after death. I vow to hold only you when I am in need of help, and to seek you out first amongst a crowd of people I have known all my life. I vow that my love for you will not fade, and that I will be infatuated with you for all the days of my life and death, and that on both good and bad days, I will be the person by your side. I vow that even when we are old and wrinkly, I will bring you items that remind me of you, flowers that bring a smile to your face, my whole self for you alone. When you ask of something, I vow to do my best to grant it, and when the end of the world comes, I will shield your body with my own, and in every other universe that I accidentally end up in during missions, to every other version of myself that is not me, I will stand as proof of love to them. May we be tangled in each others' lives throughout all our days."

"I don't know, birdie." A smirk makes its way onto your face. "I'm starting to think I was a lot more dedicated than you were."

"Psh." He rolls his eyes. "I'll read you my letter from the morning after we started going out eventually. "

"WHAT."

"Come on. The ride is here." He holds his hand out for you, and you raise a brow.

"And when will I be reading that letter?"

"One day." He laughs.

You click your tongue as he kneels down to help you put the heels on.

"And that day is?"

"I promise, pretty bird," he hums, sliding your shoe on with a kiss to your hand. "You will read it."

"If you say so." You mumble, yelping as he carries you.

"Ready to scare Gotham shitless?"

"Oh, I've been ready."

[alyxmakesthings]

"Over The City"

Chapter 1 is ready baby!

The first chapter of my Reader X Raph is live! I am excited to share this with y'all and I will be posting every 2-3 weeks.

Chapters: 1/? Fandom: Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Cartoon 2018), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - All Media Types Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Raphael (TMNT)/Reader, Raphael (TMNT)/Original Female Character(s) Characters: Reader, Original Characters, Raphael (TMNT), Leonardo (TMNT), Donatello (TMNT), Michelangelo (TMNT) Additional Tags: Other Additional Tags to Be Added, Reader-Insert, Fem OC Reader, Post-Movie: Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2022), Aged-Up Character(s), Canon-Typical Violence, Human/Turtle Relationships (TMNT), Neurodivergent Reader, Slow Burn, Named Reader, no beta we die like gram-gram

Summary: Your abysmal luck in finding a partner that isn't a criminal has once again endured leaving you in a tight spot. Thankfully with the help of your local crime fighting Ninja Mutants, maybe you can tell your ex to stick it. Maybe even more of them.

Link to an info post for 'Over The City' here, https://www.tumblr.com/alyxmakesthings/778469011769982976/over-the-city-info-post?source=share , so if you want some light background info on the story before reading. Here ya go!

All the toys and the tools in the box.

You knew exactly how you got into this mess but that simple fact didn't mean it left you any less baffled. The room you found yourself in was spacious, the wood furniture giving it a distinct smell. A nice home office with leather chairs and a coffee table for sitting just beyond the desk you found yourself at. But the lack of windows and the darkness past the glowing monitor made the space feel like it was trying to crush you. Jamming the keys on the keyboard trying to get your flash drive to sync up you hear a shuffling outside the office door that brings your fingers to a grinding halt.

‘Fuck.’

You think back to the group of men that had arrived shortly before you had excused yourself to the bathroom. It had to be one of them. The weight behind these footsteps is far too heavy to be made by Roman’s more lithe frame.

Turning back to the screen as the sound faded you checked the shockingly slow progress the faded lavender USB drive was making. Your ex was a fantastic hacker but she could've forgotten a better drive for you to use. This one sucked! Looking back to the door you see the sliver of light from the hall is still flowing in from under the door, uninterrupted.

‘Listen.’

You tilt an ear more in the doors direction to almost tune into the universe to hear past your own limits in a sense for the return of foreign feet. Checking the progress bar it seems to have made quit the jump and the time of you getting to leave draws ever closer. The nauseated feeling that had come over you as soon as you made it to the office hadn't abated. You had finally been able to get invited up to Roman's suite in Midtown in order to find more dirt on him, which you were happy about since the plan was working. But being here now really didn’t settle the nerves one bit.

It really sucked that you had such bad luck with partners. The first time you had met Roman was when you were trying a new coffee place actually not far from here.

—

It was a nice day and you had decided to break out an old camera of yours to take photos around Manhattan, choosing to leave your sketchbook behind. You could sense a tension between your parents that kept you from making coffee or food at home so you were left to skip straight out the door.

‘I’m not even really hungry anyway.’

However as the tall as hell door person spoke to another resident, the one you knew to have a pet she wasn’t supposed to; about the very topic of breakfast. Your stomach did a small twist.

‘I'll stop and get something soon.’

That ‘soon’ became a ‘much later’ which led to you dragging your feet into said coffee shop for at least some Joe to level yourself off. The girl at the counter was pleasant, but the warmth didn’t really meet her eyes, and took your order quickly as with it being new, it was kinda busy. With the place fully staffed and bustling name being called left and right, you try to think back to if she had asked for yours. With the speed of the employees it didn't take long for her to call out a, “small caramel macchiato”.

Differing from the names you had heard earlier but being what you had ordered you make your way to the counter. Only for your hand and someone else's to land on the same cup. Now you were hungry and had honestly waited too long to get anything so unfortunately despite not liking to rock the boat you were ready to bite this guy's head off. However his gaze met yours and the ire in your soul kinda died pretty quick.

He wasn’t looking at you with an angry expression like the one you were clearly sporting moments before, but an apologetic one found its home on his clean shaven cheeks. Off in the background you could hear the shift lead telling the girl who had taken your orders to remember names. In the moment you were happy for her mistake. Roman was so sweet that day you ran into him at the coffee shop, and it had become the spot the two of you would meet just to talk.

It had been some time since you thought about trying to find a special person, especially with how your dad could be. But you felt so connected to Roman that it started to feel like fate that he entered your life.

So imagine the ‘fun’ reveal that he is the head of a criminal organization. He had always insisted on public dates and actually took your relationship rather slowly. Which was sweet of him.

That all changed the night he took you to a fancy place for an early dinner. He had gotten a few calls on the way there and finally at one point during the dinner Roman checked his phone, only this time he left you in order to take the call. Some time had passed and you had gotten a little worried so you requested more water and regretted it soon. You would have to sneak away from the table.

‘They wouldn’t think we left without paying, would they?’

In order to avoid an incident you leave your purse on the far edge of the wide booth’s round table in plain view of any passing staff.

‘That should make sure they know we haven’t left.’

You break for the bathroom and find it down a dim hall near a ‘staff only’ door. Needless to say after washing your hands and leaving the last thing you expected to hear was the brief raising of voices beyond the ‘staff’ door.

Turns out Roman’s work call was being handled in the back of the restaurant and that was something you shouldn’t have overheard. The men with him looked rough and one had blood on his knuckles as he hit a person who seemed to be tied up. Roman’s back blocked you from seeing any more and they were being scolded by the owner for making a scene before they took it outside.

Roman broke from the pack and you scrambled to retreat back into the main part of the restaurant and slide, almost, casually into your seat. He greeted you kindly but with an edge, but apologized that he was just annoyed that he had to be on a call for so long. Like you hadn’t seen him ordering the beating of some random person.

The shock kept you from doing anything at first but that night after while you were sitting in your room the decision had been made. You were tired of accidentally dating shitty people and never doing anything to stop them once you found out. So the plan had been made! You would gather as much info as you could while you spent time with him, if you were able to, and try to get invited to his place to steal any data you could get your grubby little hands on with this shitty drive.

Your anxiety spikes once more as the footsteps outside return with a few more joining them. You now stare again to the crack under the office door hoping the few shadows that pass don’t return. They all leave but time is running out and you have to get out now. If he didn't suspect you were missing already, Roman most likely would soon. A ding from the computer showed that the drive had pulled the files so you could leave.

‘Fucking finally!’

Pulling the drive out you stuff it as deep into your small black cross-body bag as you can. Stepping as lightly as your shoes would allow since they wanted to squeak for some gods forsaken reason on Romans floors. You make your way over to place an ear to the door and try to listen for any movement outside. Despite you wanting it to be quiet the stillness unnerves you.

Giving it a few moments your hand finds the door handle, heart pounding and you can almost feel the sweat as it seeps from you, the light jacket on your shoulders wicking some away. One good breath later you turn your wrist twisting the door handle to reveal an empty hallway. The all white interior was really starting to give you snow blindness as it was only broken up by the dark sky through the window in what was most likely Roman's bedroom.

Determining this to be the best time to sneak back you head towards where you had left Roman. Fate seemed to have other plans however, as you see Roman rounding the corner only to lock eyes with you. Your hand goes to your stomach grasping the cloth of your undershirt to steady yourself.

“Sera?” Oh great. The confusion in his voice hopefully meant he didn't realize you had in fact not gone to the bathroom but his computer room. The gaze he holds flickers around your body and down the hallway you were coming down. “That's not the right hallway dear.” His eyes now fall to your face and with how twisted your stomach has been this whole time you know you look awful.

His eyes have lost some of the charm you had once found in them. Being invaded by the same deep chill they had the night you saw him ‘handling’ his business interests.

The PT in your building never let you work out alone, or very much, most likely keeping your dad informed of every time you went, and most likely what you did. This was true with every single one you'd ever had in the building’s gym so when you needed to get stronger to maybe defend yourself. You couldn’t.

They would always curb you in order to not tax yourself too much, after all you like walking around the city. So now you found yourself doing what you could to workout in your room using the internet to look up equipment-less exercises and stretches to do, you tried to memorize them all but your execution at times left much to be desired.

The self defense videos you watched have given you some knowledge on how to execute the basic moves. Spending late nights recreating the motions, poorly at times, you saw on the screen to try and make it second nature. However the gap between learning in your bedroom at home, completely alone, and using it on a person to keep yourself safe was a whole different issue.

Even with your hair tied back baby strands had fallen forward and stuck to your face which had a sheen from sweat. The pits of your tank tops are also noticeably wet since the cool air has started to give you a chill, the loose jacket not helping much.

“Oh, I-I was trying to find you.” A brow on his face lifts. “I think I ate something bad earlier so I should probably go home.” You kept your voice as steady as you could when addressing Roman. His eyes sharpened and honed in on you even further.

The scrutiny he used wasn't something you'd never seen from him, but it usually didn't point in your direction. It was like he was appraising a menu at one of the fancy places he had taken you to a few times now.

But Roman didn’t seem to like what this ‘place’ had on offer, what you were offering him. He begins to move forward honed in on where you stand, keeping a steady hand over your fluttering stomach you hear it.

‘Prey.’

It's the word that seems to echo in your head. You felt like it too.

As if the Fates themselves stepped in to save you, the sudden shattering of glass in the main room catches both of your attentions. Halting Roman’s advance and causing him to growl in annoyance, before clicking his tongue and leaving you for the sounds of fisticuffs. You would remember to thank whatever Deity sent that distraction later

‘Holy shit.’

With Roman deeming the ongoing fray in his living room a bigger priority than your sneaking around. You decide not to look a gift horse in the mouth and make for the exit. So you RUN, not walk, to the elevator the sounds of fighting grow louder and then softer as you pass by the large open ‘door’ that leads to the main room. Slamming the down arrow you look up to see the screen flash the 3rd floor at you.

‘Great.’

The noise in the other room was starting to attract your attention and to be honest you were wondering what could be happening. You take the chance and move closer to the opening in the wall, peaking around. Only to see a guy get thrown across the room and out the door into the hall right past you moving back in time to avoid a collision. He, however, hits the opposing wall leaving a deep human shaped indentation in the empty wall.

It was one of the guys from earlier but he now sported a black eye and had some blood leaking from a crooked nose. The groan he let out allows you to know that he wasn't dead, just beat to shit and feeling it Mr. Krabs. Naturally the elevator in this place is taking forever so you sneak your head back around to get a view of the person, or rather as you now see, the blue clad turtle that threw him.

“No fucking way.” You can't help but comment on the absurdity happening in front of you. Right here in the middle of Roman’s stark open concept apartment, in the middle of Midtown. Were the Mutant Turtles that had saved NYC years ago when you had first moved here.

They looked pretty similar to how they’d been when you had seen all the online ‘rumors’ that grew to be too big of a thing for the E.P.F. to contain. The videos of the fleshy goop were everywhere and even you had dealt with it in your building at the time, which led to your family moving within the island due to the damage.

You hadn’t been anywhere near the fighting that happened and at the time you had been a little upset you didn’t get to see them then. Content to just surf through whatever videos people had posted. The streaks of red, blue, purple, and orange flash across the sky in many of them. A few videos even show what seemed to be a building being thrown whilst wrapped in orange chains.

The flashing colors from the Mutants weapons were fascinating and looked just how they did in what you had seen online. They seemed to just be enjoying themselves. Like this was nothing. Just a normal Tuesday even. There was a serious but carefree attitude with how the Turtles seemed to be moving. Almost as if they were playing with their food.

The Mutant Turtles were here. Thrashing the thugs employed by your soon to be ex-boyfriend.

‘There is time and place to process such a thing and it isn’t now, and it definitely isn't here!’

The internal you is far more logical than the hind-brain that currently had a stranglehold on your legs keeping you still as the largest of the Mutants locked eyes with you for a moment. A flash of panic goes across his red bandana but before either of you could do anything the shout of, “COWABUNGA!”, broke your concentration as you saw orange chains wip around the room.

The ding of the elevator arriving had you finally moving as a voice called out, “Mikey wait!”, whoever the warning was for got it too late. The wall behind you exploded as you jumped into the elevator, dust stinging your eyes as you slammed the close button.

‘That's enough life endangering for one day!’

Coughing and waving the wall dust from your face you struggle to see the button at first for the lobby before the orange glow of the ‘L’ finds you. Not needing to be told twice the button is hit before your brain can even react to make the decision. You keep your eyes closed until the ding alerts you that the doors have opened and you exit to a room clear of drywall particles.

Taking a deep breath and coughing some more you make for the large glass doors that lead to the streets of New York. There seems to be a police barricade down the street on the other side of the building with more coming.

‘It's time to get the fuck home!’

[writeforfandoms]

Waking Lions 6

Find the series masterlist

Not much Price in this chapter, sorry. But! This is an important set up chapter that will get us to more John. Also it’s plot relevant. I swear this story is going somewhere, and I even know where it’s going! 

Warnings: Swearing, spy shit, canon-typical villains

Word count: 1.2k

Jacob Keyes had a nice house in Montana on some property with a wife and two kids. Disgustingly American, really. 

Jacob Keyes also had information on the whereabouts of General Shepherd. Financial records showed deposits and transfers that didn’t link up with his normal pay. 

So you just had to decide how to get to him. Which was not your strong suit. You liked other people doing the legwork and you just… compiled it all. 

But sometimes, needs must.

So you flew out to Montana. You weren’t planning anything nefarious, or even really illegal. You just pretended to be someone’s cousin visiting from out of state, and sat in the local diner long enough to hear all the gossip. Most of it you filtered out, uncaring about who had been caught in someone else’s bed, and who hadn’t made it to church last Sunday, and did you hear about that child? Shameful, really. All of that, you filtered out, ignored, shoved down.

The gold was in the tidbits of information about the Keyes family. How they’d suddenly had more money, were able to make repairs to the house that had gone ignored for years. How the husband had a fancier car, but spent stretches of time away from home. And did you hear about that houseguest? He’d only stayed a few days, but really, the manners on him! Proper gentleman, he was. (This had been accompanied by no small amount of tittering, which you found irritating and useless.) 

But further digging into his finances (after you greased some wheels) was… confusing. 

There were two sets of deposits. 

This was beginning to feel above your paygrade. 

One of the two sets of deposits was traceable back to an associate of Shepherd, rather than the general himself. Which didn’t surprise you. But it was good evidence for Laswell, and you dutifully compiled it with the rest. 

But the other. The other was confusing. 

That trail led you on a bit of a goose chase. The initial transfer was from a dummy corporation, but that was a front for an off-shore account that was linked back to another dummy company that linked back to a Russian company. 

Because you were capable of running two investigations at once, you continued to track Keyes and investigate the Russian company. 

Keyes was boring. That was your ultimate decision on him. Boring, but also potentially valuable for Laswell. You dropped by her house to leave her the USB with the information you’d gathered (and a bouquet of flowers) before you continued on over to France. 

Why France? Why not France? The countryside was beautiful, the food was good, and as long as you avoided Paris it didn’t smell bad. 

Plus you got to buy some pretty things for Sergio’s girls. You had a feeling you’d be calling him up for information. 

The Russian company bled into another Russian operation, although this one was military-oriented. And scary. You backed off from them quickly, but kept track of what information you already had.

Including a name. Normally you wouldn’t do this, but… You had a feeling that this was going to be important. 

A call to Sergio got you a dinner appointment in a few days, as he promised to look into some things on his side. You were prepared for him to try to hold the information over your head, try to use it to get you to stay with him again.

You were not expecting him to show up twenty minutes late to dinner, grim-faced. 

“You should not be looking into this,” he said as he sat down, so unlike his normal self that you just blinked dumbly at him. 

“I’m sorry?”

“This company. You should ignore it.” Sergio set his jaw stubbornly. “Forget you ever saw it.”

You blinked rapidly, and then attempted a smile. “Surely it can’t be that bad…?” 

His lip curled in a little sneer. “It is worse,” he answered, flat and short. “I will not help you with this.”

“Well.” You leaned back in your chair slowly, mind racing. “If it’s that bad, I won’t look into it any further.” 

His shoulders relaxed a little. “Good. I like you alive.” A hint of his normal humor showed through.

But you were a little distracted the rest of dinner, playing your part but begging off going home with him, simply passing your gifts along for the girls. 

Because if Sergio wasn’t going to give you the information, you needed someone else to do it. And for him to be that scared, that harsh about refusing you? It was bad, whatever it was. 

Which meant you needed to know. Immediately. 

After you got back to your hotel room, you called up a couple of your darker contacts. The ones you tended not to use unless you were looking to burn a bridge and pay for it. 

One of them got back to you twelve hours later, giving you a name and a warning and nothing else. 

Ultranationalist. Stay the fuck away. 

You paid them well for their information, and removed them from your list. Bridge burned, but… you had your information. 

You did not stay the fuck away.

Instead you started very carefully sniffing around, because this? This was the kind of thing that could potentially blow the world to hell in a handbasket.  

Honestly, you were debating just shoving whatever information you had at Laswell and letting her handle it. 

But nobody had started shooting at you yet. So. 

Further down the rabbit hole you went. 

It took you a long time to track down people to help. Some of your normal contacts would help, but not many of them. A few in munitions and weapons, two in shipping and warehousing. That was it. The rest stayed well away from terrorist groups. (Which you probably should have done too, but, well. You were a bit stubborn.) 

But you were making progress, the little spiral notebook you were keeping notes in slowly filling up. No names, still, at least not if it could be helped. But locations. Movements. Purchases. 

You finally found out why Sergio had advised you to run when you discovered the link between the Russians and Al-Qatala.

This was absolutely now above your level of expertise. You should just dump this all on Laswell and walk away. You should. You needed to.

…After you got one last piece of information for her. You’d found someone who knew someone who knew someone in the group, and you wanted to pick his brain. He was willing, and had already named a price. The both of you had agreed on a meeting spot via independent intermediary. 

You had a flight to Ireland in a few hours, but you couldn’t settle. There was an itching under your skin that you couldn’t shake, some long-instilled paranoia reminding you how unprotected you were. 

So you got to the airport early, taking your time finding your gate and getting a coffee to soothe your nerves. 

If Laswell knew you were doing this, she’d probably tell you to stop, to back off. She had people to handle this stuff, the more dangerous stuff. 

Fortunately she wasn’t the boss of you, and you hadn’t been dependent on her in a long time. 

Your boarding group was called over the intercom, and you picked up your carry on. Time to go.

[imagines--galore]

||Mind Over Matter|| Part Fifteen

Summary: Evelyn is Penelope Garcia’s protégé. She is a tech wiz, and knows her way around any kind of security and just like her mentor knows  how to dig deep and get into the past of anyone and has a knack for   anything with a chip in it. Including potato chips. The one thing she fails at is figuring out is the mind and how it works.

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Evelyn Richardson(OC)

Rating || Genres || Warnings: T+ Romance. Adventure. Family. Some language, blood and violence in later installments.

Previously - Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, Part Five, Part Six, Part Seven, Part Eight, Part Nine, Part Ten, Part Eleven, Part Twelve, Part Thirteen, Part Fourteen

A/N: A brief intro to someone from Evelyn’s past!

"Evelyn? Mind handing me that box of files?"

Silence greeted the young Doctor's request. A few seconds passed before he glanced up from the file he had been thumbing through, only to frown slightly at the sight of his friend staring blankly at the screen of her phone.

"Evelyn?" He spoke again, this time a little more loudly. No response.

Leaning forward he placed a hand on her shoulder. "Eve?" Despite his voice being gentle and low, the red head jumped, startled. Quickly putting her phone away, she sniffed before turning to Reid.

"Sorry Spence, I was thinking about something. What did you say you need?" She asked, eyes blinking rapidly behind her glasses. Spencer frowned. "That box." He pointed to the one right beside her. Nodding, the woman quickly slid the box over to him before turning her attention to the laptop screen she had opened in front of her. Though he had begun to rummage in the box for whatever file he needed, Spencer did not miss the way Evelyn brushed at her cheek where a tear had escaped. Not wanting to pry at the moment, he made a note to ask what was troubling her later.

                                              ————————–

"That was quite the lucky break Ginger." Morgan commented, smiling slightly at the petite red head, who merely shrugged in response. "It was really chance on my part. I mean its unbelievable how narcissistic the man was that he wanted to watch as we went over the crime scenes. He really didn't think he'd get caught." She muttered incredulously under her breath as she packed up her laptop in her bag.

Her mind was still reeling from what had happened in the past couple of days. The Unsub picked up the three victims and one would be victim at rather upscale and luxurious locations before charming them and courting them for exactly two weeks. Flowers, dinners, dancing, nighttime walks. The works.

And then at the end of the second week, he would insist on coming to their home for the first time. He would sleep with them and afterwards, insisting that since they had had the best two weeks of their lives what more could they have asked for before killing them. Of course, he wouldn't kill them immediately. The Unsub, later named Julian Black, would give them some form of anesthesia that would have them feeling numb around the area where he would then stab them so they would not feel any pain. Afterwards, he would watch them lay there, helpless and vulnerable, as the bled to death.

He had been in the process of courting his fourth victim when Evelyn, wanting to see if there was perhaps a hidden USB the last victim had been using to keep her more personal files safe, had stumbled upon the tiny camera while on the hunt. The Unsub had not been monitoring his feed at the time, and the red head had been quick when it came to tracking where the signal for the camera pinged. Within half an hour the FBI had apprehended Julian Black and led him away in cuffs.

Job done and killer behind bars, the BAU were now packing up. Though since it was nearly midnight Hotch had given the order for everyone to rest up for the night. They would be heading back to Quantico in the morning.

Emily smiled at the younger Agent. "Still, it was rather quick work on your part. I'm sure Penelope will be proud of you." Evelyn blushed at the praise, smiling brightly as she shouldered her bag. "Are you saying she isn't proud of me on a normal basis Emily?" She questioned, the teasing lilt in her tone evident as she raised an eyebrow at her friend.

The dark haired woman rolled her eyes. "Don't go fishing for compliments Richardson, you need to earn 'em." She called over her shoulder as she exited the room. Whatever retort Evelyn was about the give died on her lips the very moment her bright blue eyes focused on the person who had just entered the room they had been using to conduct all their research. The smile dropped from her lips, the light in her eyes dimmed, her shoulders slumped, and she appeared to make herself smaller. Smaller then she already was.

"D-Diana."

She whispered softly, prompting Morgan and Spencer, both of whom had been helping put away everything for later evidence, to stop what they were doing and turn their attention to the newcomer.

She was gorgeous, there was no denying that. Beautiful long blonde locks, bright blue eyes, a perfect heart shaped face and small nose with a set of full lips. Tall, with curves in all the right places, and dressed head to toe in designer attire. There was the telltale sign of a baby bump showcasing that she was not that far along, and that only seemed to add to her aesthetic. Of course, all that beauty was for naught given that her lips were pulled into a vicious smile and her eyes full of hatred and anger.

"Were you really about to go without even saying hello to your older sister? Aww Evelyn. I'm hurt." She spoke in a voice dripping with sarcasm, walking forward, towering over the red head.

Evelyn shook her head. "N-no. I-I was just b-busy with the c-case." She managed to stammer, eyes darting to her friends. Suddenly she flinched seeing Diana lift her hand. Only to relax when she simply placed a finger under her own lips as she assessed her sister. The flinch wasn't missed by the two profilers. Obviously Diana had hit Evelyn in the past given how the latter had reacted. Though the two men were still trying to wrap their head around the fact that they were looking at Evelyn's sister. They had known she had an older sibling, but one living in New York, so closely connected to their case? That was new information.

Diana nodded. "I'm sure you were. Though if you had gotten here sooner I wouldn't have lost my best friend." Evelyn flinched at the mention of the third victim. Morgan, bless his soul, jumped in to save her. "We were only informed of the case after Hailey's body was found. And it was your sister's quick thinking that we were able to catch the killer." Sharp blue eyes glanced carelessly in his direction before they were back on Evelyn. "I'm surprised she didn't manage to screw it up like she does everything." The words cut deep, prompting the red head to inhale sharply to try and steady her rapidly beating heart.

"Diana…I-" She was cut off when her sister cast her a hard look. "Did I say you could speak?" The other two Agents were absolutely stunned with the way Diana was speaking to their friend. Before Morgan could say anything, Reid had already stepped forward and placed his hand on Evelyn's shoulder, pulling her away from the taller blonde and stepping in her place. His face was unreadable as he fixed his gaze on Diana. 

"If you're only going to speak to her like that I suggest you leave." He spoke coldly. The woman growled under her breath before sparing Evelyn one last glare, where she was staring at her sister from over Reid's shoulder. "I see you're still letting someone else fight your battles for you." The blonde turned on her heel and stalked out of the room. She paused at the door, glancing back at her cowering sister. "Even as an FBI Agent you're just as pathetic as you were when we were kids."

And then she was gone.

Stunned silence followed her exit. Morgan and Reid both turned their attention towards Evelyn. Her eyes swam with unshed tears, and her body was trembling. Her knuckles were white from where she had been gripping the strap of her bag.

"Evelyn? What was-"

"I have to go." Without even giving Morgan a chance to finish his question, Evelyn darted out from behind Reid and out of the room, leaving two stunned men in her wake.

                                              ————————–

An hour later found Morgan exhausted and saddened as he stepped out of Evelyn's room at the hotel. He very nearly ran into Reid who had been standing just outside. Morgan had offered to check in on Evelyn first, while Reid had made a quick detour to his room to change out of the clothes he had been wearing the entire day. He had opted for a plain t-shirt and plaid pajama pants, with a hastily tied dressing gown over it. The older Agent pursed his lips before sighing. "You can go in, but I don't think she has the strength to talk about it again." Reid glanced at the door over Morgan's shoulder, before shaking his head.

"I just want to make sure she's alright."

Nodding Morgan patted him on the shoulder before disappearing down the hall towards his own room. Neither of them had spoken to anyone else on the Team about what had occurred. Both of them had decided that it would be Evelyn's decision at that front. Hesitating for just a moment, Spencer inhaled deeply through his nose before gently knocking against the maroon colored door. "Evelyn? Its me. Can I come in?"

There was no response. Spencer was just about to turn away, thinking that perhaps she wanted to be alone, when the handle turned, allowing the door to stand slightly ajar. Taking it as his invitation, Spencer stepped into the room, closing the door behind him. The room was spacious and was one with a balcony. Evelyn had left the sliding doors open to allow the midnight breeze to cool her room. The girl in question had walked back to her spot on the bed. Laying down on the soft mattress, dressed in an oversized shirt and faded pajama pants, she lay there with her gaze trained towards the ceiling.

Spencer was so used to seeing them shimmer with a range of different emotions. From laughter and anger, to confusion and distaste. But right then they were dull and lifeless. And sad. And alone. She gently patted the spot beside her. Walking over to her, he settled down next to her staring up at the ceiling as well. The bed was just big enough for the two of them, leaving barely any space between them.

"You talk to Morgan?" A meek nod followed his question.

Silence.

"Are you alright?" A slight shake of the head was his response.

Silence.

"I'm not the best when it comes to these things but if you want to talk some more, I'm here."

Silence. And this one stretched on for a good few minutes before her lips parted and she spoke. "Even after so many years, she still hates me." Spencer turned his head to focus his gaze on her. "I don't know what I did, but ever since I can remember she has always hated me." A sigh followed her words. "And she refuses to tell me what it is that I did. Now I think she hates me because she has hated me her entire life and just can't associate any other emotion when it comes to me."

He stayed quiet. "I'm sure that whatever you did, if you even did anything, you didn't mean any harm." Spencer had his doubts that Evelyn had done something wrong. She was the kindest most caring person he had ever met so far in his life and he doubted she had ever done any person any harm intentionally. Her gaze turned to him, and he realized that she wasn't wearing her glasses. Without the wide frame of her glasses, her features appeared delicate and soft.

"I was always envious of her. Still am. When we were kids she was always the one with all the friends. And even back then she was so beautiful. People refused to believe that we were even sisters since we look nothing alike and given how plain I am." He hummed once she finished speaking. "Typically the older child is the object of envy for the younger child, since they have more expectations to live up to."

The red head nodded, unconsciously leaning her head against his shoulder, scooting just a little closer to him. "I know. It's the natural order of things." For his part Spencer turned on his side and wrapped his arm around her waist. The change in his position had her head shifting to rest on his chest instead, right above his heart. Another few minutes of silence, before a sniffle was heard.

"I just sometimes wish she would see me as her sister. I even made a birthday wish about that once." A tearful laugh escaped her lips as she recalled her childhood memory. His other hand lifted to gently run his fingers through her brilliant red locks. Evelyn's hands rested against his chest, her fingers gripping the fabric of his shirt, as if she were afraid he would suddenly leave. "I know that it doesn't make up for it but you can always adopt Garcia as your older sister."

A chuckle sounded from her, prompting him to smile as well at her words. "I think mother-hen is a better fit for her." He laughed softly, his gaze soft as he looked at her. "You're probably right. JJ then and I suppose in time Emily as well." Evelyn nodded against his chest, tilting her head back to look at him. "Then I suppose Morgan is my older brother. Given how protective he is." Spencer hummed in agreement, feeling his eyelids start to grow heavy. "And Hotch and Gideon your father figures." The red head made a small noise of agreement as she yawned. Her lips were pulled into a smile though as she thought about the family she had made over the years.

Snuggling closer to Spencer, she inhaled deeply, taking in his unique scent. "What about you?"

The man blinked. "What about me?"

Her blue eyes found his hazel gaze. "What title do you hold in my make-shift family?" The Genius thought for a few seconds before shrugging. "I don't know. What title do you think fits me as someone in your life?"

Pursing her lips slightly, Evelyn allowed her eyes to slide close mind pondering on the question. The answer though came not from her brain, but from her heart and the words rose to her lips unbidden, unfiltered and with no hesitation.

"My best friend." Came her sleepy reply, which was followed by a sleepy kiss to his cheek on her part.

Spencer lay there stunned. He took in her half-asleep state. The gentle smile on her lips and her heavily lidded eyes, her breath beginning to even out as she fell asleep. Her eyelids fluttered as she fought to stay awake. A warmth spread through him at her words. One that finally came to settle in his chest. Pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead he whispered against her soft skin. "And you are mine." Humming sleepily Evelyn snuggled even closer to Spencer, greedily seeking his body heat as she slowly succumbed to sleep.

"And Evelyn?"

"Hmm?"

"I don't know how anyone wouldn't think you're pretty…"

"That's because I'm not…"

"You're beautiful."

"Thanks Spence. You're beautiful too."

"You're welcome Evie."

The words slurred as they both drifted off to sleep. Evelyn with her head resting near Spencer's chest, one hand resting against his chest, the other resting atop him, just under his shoulder. And Spencer, for his part, slept with one arm under her waist and the other lifted at a slightly odd angle so that his fingers could tangle in her red hair.

Neither stirred the entire night. Not by the cold breeze. Or nightmares.

                                             ————————–

Tag List - molethemollie @cillsnostalgia @aceofspades190  @kathaaaaaaa @lovelyygirl8 

[beardedmrbean]

MAPLEWOOD, Minn. — A Twin Cities school worker faces 10 counts of child pornography possession after investigators say they found hundreds of digital files containing child sexual abuse material.

William Michael Haslach, 30, was charged in Ramsey County on Tuesday after being arrested following an investigation by Maplewood police and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension's Internet Crimes Against Children Unit.

Police announced on Wednesday that Haslach, of Maplewood, is a recess and traffic monitor at North St. Paul's Cowern Elementary, Richardson Elementary and North Senior High schools. Police say they're still "working to determine if any students are involved."

According to the criminal complaint, Haslach allegedly uploaded the files to a Dropbox account in November 2024, with the internet crimes unit alerting police on Jan. 2.

The IP address connected to the account's email led them to Haslach, who was arrested at his home on Friday. Investigators found "multiple USB drives, and devices containing 'child sexual abuse material,'" which are still being examined by a forensic team.

Haslach admitted to investigators he collected the abuse material via connections made on social media platforms including BlueSky, Telegram and Teleguard, the complaint states.

About 800 files have been recovered by investigators, but the criminal complaint zeroes in on 10 videos featuring children as young as 3 years old suffering immense abuse.

Christine Tucci Osorio, superintendent of the North St. Paul-Maplewood–Oakdale School District, confirmed in a statement sent to families that Haslach has been a district employee since September 2021 and is now on administrative leave.

"The district did not receive any complaints or allegations regarding Mr. Haslach's conduct toward students," Tucci Osorio said.

She says district leaders are fully operating with law enforcement in the investigation.

"We understand the gravity of these charges and remain committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for our students," she said.

Child pornography possession carries a minimum 10-year prison sentence. Haslach made his first court appearance on Wednesday morning, and his next hearing has yet to be scheduled.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact the BCA's victim relations coordinator for the Predatory Crimes Section by phone at 651-793-2465, or via email at vfc.coordinator@state.mn.us.   

If you know of a child who may have been a victim of exploitation, call the National Center for Missing or Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678 or visit the website.

[shaulsarker]

Electric Salt and pepper Grinder Set, Rechargeable with light, Automatic Adjustable Courseness, Kitchen Gadgets, Housewarming Gifts for New Home, Stainless Steel.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

About this item

【Easy to Use】Elevate your cooking experience with the touch of a button using the automatic pepper and salt grinder. Simply press and hold with one hand for a smooth and effortless grind. The LED light illuminates your culinary creations, allowing you to easily see and control the amount of spice you desire

【Rechargeable Grinder with LED Indicator】The rechargeable salt and pepper grinder set, featuring USB charging ports and 2 charging cables, no more battery you need to prepare, no worries about replacing batteries. With its charging indicator light, you'll always know when the shaker ready to grind. Enjoy this hassle-free, efficient, and battery-free grinding, all in one modern design

【Versatile Coarseness Options】Easily grind spices to perfection with our pepper grinder's customizable 6-level coarseness settings, catering to every culinary preference. Simply rotate the bottom knob clockwise for finer grinds and counterclockwise for coarser grinds. The ceramic grinder's hardness ensures precision consistency in every use, achieving delicious and flavorful results, meal after meal

【Stainless Steel】Elevate your dining experience with our stainless steel electric salt and pepper grinder set. Made with high-quality stainless steel, this set is not only durable but also adds a touch of sophistication to your kitchen and dining table

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READ MORE........

[tinystarryeyes]

Legal Affairs - Chapter 8

Synopsis: You watch footage, including some footage you didn’t want to see. Wonho likes your legs

Word count: 2.2k

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You seemed agitated by Yoona, and hadn’t said much the whole drive to the dorms. “I still can’t believe you told her to get home safe after threatening to sue her,” Hoseok said.

“I was being serious. I can’t have someone disparage my client like that,” you replied as you parked the car. 

“Y/n, you’re off work, you know you can relax, right?” Hoseok said. 

You glanced at the clock in your car. “You say that, but I’m absolutely just going to continue watching footage the rest of the night.” 

“But weren’t we going to watch the footage together? It’s not even 8pm yet.” 

You raised an eyebrow at Hoseok. “Are you saying you want to watch footage with me after whatever exhausting day you had?"

“It wasn’t that exhausting. Plus I promised you extra sets of eyes, so how about,” Hoseok paused, taking a shaky breath, “you come inside, I’ll call in some of the members, and we share the work?"

“Sounds good to me,” you said with no hesitation, surprising Hoseok. He led you up to the dorms, pretending he didn’t feel giddy about the possibilities for the rest of the night. 

You entered Hoseok’s dorm to find all of the members waiting. Kihyun was preparing tea in the kitchen; Changkyun and Hyungwon were watching TV while seated on the floor; Jooheon and Hyunwoo were lounging on the couch; Minhyuk came out of the bathroom with a facemask.

“Hello everyone,” you said politely. 

“Did you enjoy dinner tonight? Where did Hoseok take you?” Kihyun asked. 

“We just had some pizza.” You replied as Kihyun walked over to you from the kitchen and handed you a cup of tea. You smiled and thanked him before the returned to the kitchen. 

“Hoseok said you wanted to use our TV for something?” Changkyun said to you.

“Uh yeah, the footage. You’ll be able to identify far more people than me,” you explained. 

“Alright, turn the movie off, help y/n connect her devices to the TV,” Hyunwoo instructed, nudging Changkyun and Hyungwon who dutifully helped you. You inserted the first USB of footage and the CCTV watch party had begun.

You sat in the middle of the couch, holding a little notebook. The members filled the spaces around you and the floor, with Hoseok sitting beside you. The footage played, and you occasionally scribbled notes down. The members occasionally made comments.

“Oh hyung that’s you!”

“Did my outfit really look like that?”

“Oh who’s Karina’s date?”

 So far, you hadn’t seen the mystery woman.

At some point, your back began to hurt from the way you were sitting. You shifted in your seat trying to find a better position, but you were wedged between Hoseok and Jooheon.

“Are you okay?” Hoseok asked when he saw you fidgeting. His face was so close to you that it filled your whole view, and his voice was quiet so that only you would hear.

“Yeah, just trying to sit better,” you muttered as you continued wriggling in your seat.

“Put your legs up,” Hoseok said as if reading your mind. “We don’t mind.” He gestured toward the members.

You nodded but said, “Don’t worry, there’s no space.”

“You can stretch them out over my lap,” Hoseok said in such an unbothered voice that you wondered if you heard him right. You stared at him for a few moments and decided why the hell not? If you’d already slept (and just slept) with the man, swinging your legs over his lap was nothing. 

Once you swung your legs over, Hoseok’s hands rested over your thigh and knees. You silently thanked yourself for choosing to wear long pants today. 

Hoseok had to remind himself to breathe and keep his hands still. He wanted nothing more than to massage your calves and run his fingers along your thigh, toying with you. It didn’t help that any time he did move, he could feel your legs tensing under his hands.

Minhyuk’s voice crashed through Hoseok’s thoughts. “Y/n, who are you talking to?”

When you turned to face Minhyuk, your knees bent and your legs almost clutched Hoseok’s body. Hoseok gritted his jaw to not make any sounds. 

“That was Kihyun,” you answered Minhyuk. 

“No but afterwards, the man with the hat. He looks like one of our members,” Minhyuk said. 

“No, it can’t be. He would’ve recognised me otherwise. He’s just someone random that approached me,” you replied.

Hoseok looked up at the footage playing, giving it the most attention he had since your legs landed in his lap. The man you were talking to was him, in his rabbit onesie. But the stupid hat. Hoseok had borrowed it off Minhyuk one day, and decided to wear it because he was cold. The hat had a neck warmer attached and covered all of his hair too. In the dark of the party, he hadn’t recognised you in your mask, and you hadn’t recognised him in his face concealing hat.

You truly didn’t know that the man you had sex with was your client. 

 “I didn’t know you were the type of person to leave with a man you’d just met,” Changkyun said, and Hoseok’s jaw clenched. 

Still, you seemed unbothered. “You’d be surprised how little options law school gives you. Dating is hard, you take what you can.”

“But you’re a lawyer, at a good company. Surely you’ll meet someone soon?” Hyunwoo said.

“I meet more clients than dates, guys,” you said laughing. 

Everybody was quiet for a minute. Then Hoseok spoke. “Would you ever date a client?”

He and the members watched as you considered your response. “I don’t know,” you finally said. “When we handle contracts, the client is usually a business represented by their lawyers. There haven’t been many meetings where I’ve seen someone and thought I’d like to date them.”

“So then, what happened when you did meet someone you wanted to date?” Jooheon asked.

“The last time, I got tired of working with him. Like if we can’t collaborate professionally, then a relationship seems even less likely,” you replied. The CCTV footage had finished by the time you finished speaking.

You began to lift your legs to get the next USB, but Hoseok stopped you. He slid your legs off him to get up from the couch and grabbed the USBs from your bag. He held them out in front of you, and when you picked one, he gave it to Hyungwon to plug into your computer. Then to your surprise, when Hoseok sat down, he reached down to grab you ankles and place your legs back over his lap.

“Oh you don’t have to…” you began but Hoseok cut you off.

“No, I want to. I like it,” he said and squeezed your thigh slightly. Then said quietly, “if you’re okay with it.”

You were more than okay with it. You were clutching your notebook and hyper focused on the footage so that you wouldn’t tell your client to squeeze your thigh harder. 

But that was about to become even harder when you realised the USB you chose had the footage from the hallway outside the green rooms. And the footage had reached the point where it showed you and your mystery man. You sat up stick straight, and scrambled off the couch (and Hoseok’s lap).  

“Oh my god skip this!” You cried out, and Jooheon flinched in surprise. 

“Wait what… oh… OH!” Hyungwon realised what he was seeing and went to your computer. Despite your body being mostly covered by your dress and the man holding you up, but it was still unmistakably you in the footage.

“He must be really strong, whoever he is,” Changkyun said under his breath. 

“Well there’s only a few idols who are that muscular…” Hyunwoo replied deep in thought. 

“And two of them are in this group,” Minhyuk added, a little louder than Hyunwoo.

“Quiet!” Kihyun said sharply, looking around the room. “We saw nothing, okay everyone? Hyungwon, hurry up and fix it.”

Hyungwon pulled out the USB and handed it to you. “I’ll watch that one alone,” you announced to no one in particular. You sat back down on the couch, but kept your legs away from Hoseok’s lap. He’d just seen you being carried and undressed by another man, so it was probably going to be awkward. 

The next pieces of footage were of different sections in the stairwell, and proved very useful.

“Hey, pause it!” Hoseok cried out beside you. 

Hyungwon dutifully paused the frame and everyone looked at the screen which showed a clear shot of Ms Flashlight’s face: small pointy nose, round face, long brown hair. You noted the timestamp and Hyungwon continued the footage. 

The person Ms Flashlight met with stood in the doorway exiting the stairwell to whatever floor was the last in the building. The other member of the mystery meeting had a blue cap pulled down low over their face. When the person turned around, you saw a long ponytail of blonde hair, so possibly this was a woman.

A blond woman who wanted news… you tried not to jump to conclusions, but knew it was your duty to ask. 

“Hey so uh, do any of you know blonde women?”

Kihyun answered. “There are a couple members in girl groups that went blonde for their comebacks this month.”

“But what are the chances they’re meeting Ms Flashlight and talking about some under the table deal?” You pressed. 

Everyone was quiet for a minute until Changkyun spoke. “It’s possible, but we don’t want to cloud your judgement.” 

“Why don’t you get some printouts of your second suspect too and study them?” Hoseok suggested. You agreed, and noted down the timestamps. Hyungwon let the footage run, though there wasn’t much else to watch, so you stopped paying attention and finished up your notes.

The footage moved on to show you running up and down the stairs. Hoseok could sense the fear and desperation you must have felt being stuck alone inside the stairwell. He watched as you pulled out your phone and called multiple numbers. He knew one of them was his, and he knew you tried it multiple times. The fact he never picked up made guilt rise in his chest. He momentarily felt better when someone did pick up your call, but then you crumpled on to the stairs sobbing. 

Hoseok turned to you. You weren’t paying attention to the screen. Despite the concentration etched on your features, Hoseok’s thoughts kept returning to how frightened you must have been all alone in the stairwell. 

You looked up at him and smiled. “What?” You asked when he kept staring. 

“I’m sorry I left you alone,” Hoseok said quietly, not meeting your gaze. 

You put your notebook down and turned to fully face him. “But you eventually found me. You even took me home afterwards.”

“You’re too good of a lawyer for me. I don’t help you enough.” Hoseok still wouldn’t meet your gaze.

You scooted a little closer, enough that your thigh firmly pressed against his. “Hoseok, look at me.”

He briefly looked up at you through his lashes, but his face remained facing down.

You placed a hand under his chin to get him to look at you. “Hoseok, it’s my job to take care of my clients, to the best of my ability. You and the members helping me today was more than what I deserve.”

Hoseok’s eyes looked glassy. “I’m sorry I didn’t come sooner. I’m sorry I made you cry like that.” 

You gave him a tender smile. “It’s not your fault.” A tear fell from Hoseok’s eye and you swiped a finger over it. “I’ll get some tissues, yeah?”

You found a tissue box on the dining table. You came back and leaned over Hoseok to wipe some of his tears. You braced an arm beside his head, and his gaze bored into your eyes the whole time. By now the footage had finished, and the members had all left the living room.

“Miss y/n?” 

“Hm?” You asked as you scrunched up the tissue. You pushed yourself off the couch and stood upright again.

“Are you going home tonight?” Hoseok asked. 

“I guess so? Why do you ask? Was there something you needed?“ you asked back.

Hoseok reached over to grab the tissue ball in your hands and used the opportunity to take your much smaller hand in his. “No, just wondering.”

When Hoseok didn’t elaborate, you spoke to fill the silence. “I need to prepare some things for a lunch meeting tomorrow, so I’ll still be awake if you need to ask me something.” 

“But can’t you do that here?” Hoseok asked, gently tugging on your hand. The pull made you take a step closer so you were standing almost between his legs.

“Don’t you want to sleep? I’d probably end up being in everyone’s way,” you replied. 

“I could always ask them to leave,” Hoseok said with a small smirk.

You shook your head amused. “No… what if they hate me?”

Hoseok took the tissue ball from your hand and tossed it behind the couch somewhere. “Trust me y/n, that’s impossible.”

You couldn’t hide the smile forming on your face. “Do you really want me to stay at your dorm that badly?”

“As a matter of fact, I do.”

[orangameelectronics]

Fast Charging Portable Fashion Design External Battery Power Bank 10000mAh

When it comes to staying connected on the go, having a reliable power bank is essential. With the Fast Charging Portable Fashion Design External Battery Power Bank 10000mAh, you can rest assured that your devices will never run out of juice when you need them the most. This power bank is not only stylish and compact but also packs a punch with its 10000mAh Li-Polymer cell type, ensuring that you can keep your mobile phone, tablet, camera, and other devices powered up throughout the day.

## Support Display, No LED Lightning

While this power bank supports display, it does not come with LED lightning. This means that you can easily check the battery level and other important information on the display screen, without the need for any additional lighting. The lack of LED lightning also makes this power bank more sleek and minimalist in design, perfect for those who prefer a more understated look.

## Type-c/Micro-USB Input/Output

With both Type-c and Micro-USB input/output options, this power bank offers versatility and convenience. Whether you have a device that uses a Type-c or Micro-USB port, you can easily charge it with this power bank without any hassle. The 5V/2.1A output ensures fast charging speeds, so you can quickly power up your devices and get back to what you were doing.

## Protection Features

When it comes to keeping your devices safe and secure, this power bank has got you covered. With over-discharging and short circuit protection, you can rest easy knowing that your devices are protected from any potential damage. This added layer of protection ensures that you can charge your devices with peace of mind, without having to worry about any unwanted mishaps.

## Durable Material and Wide Compatibility

Made from durable ABS material, this power bank is built to last. The sturdy construction ensures that it can withstand everyday wear and tear, making it the perfect companion for your adventures. Additionally, this power bank is compatible with a wide range of devices, including mobile phones, tablets, cameras, and more. Whether you're at home, at work, or on the go, this power bank has got you covered.

With its fast charging capabilities, sleek design, and reliable performance, the Fast Charging Portable Fashion Design External Battery Power Bank 10000mAh is the perfect solution for all your charging needs. Stay connected, stay powered up, and stay stylish with this must-have accessory.

[rahilatach]

Raspberry Pi Board: Revolutionizing Computing and Education

The Raspberry Pi board is a series of small, affordable single-board computers developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, a UK-based charity focused on promoting computer science education and digital literacy. Since its launch in 2012, the Raspberry Pi has transformed from a niche educational tool into a versatile platform used in a wide range of applications, from DIY electronics projects to industrial automation.

A Brief History

The first Raspberry Pi, the Model B, was released in February 2012. Designed to promote basic computer science in schools and developing countries, it featured a 700 MHz ARM11 processor, 256 MB of RAM, and basic connectivity options. The success of the Model B led to a rapid expansion of the Raspberry Pi lineup, with various models offering improved performance, more memory, and enhanced connectivity.

Key Features and Models

Raspberry Pi 1 Model B (2012):

Processor: 700 MHz ARM11

Memory: 256 MB RAM

Ports: 2 USB 2.0 ports, HDMI, Composite video, 3.5mm audio jack, Ethernet

Storage: SD card slot

Raspberry Pi 2 Model B (2015):

Processor: 900 MHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A7

Memory: 1 GB RAM

Ports: 4 USB 2.0 ports, HDMI, Composite video, 3.5mm audio jack, Ethernet

Storage: MicroSD card slot

Raspberry Pi 3 Model B (2016):

Processor: 1.2 GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A53

Memory: 1 GB RAM

Ports: 4 USB 2.0 ports, HDMI, Composite video, 3.5mm audio jack, Ethernet

Wireless: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Raspberry Pi 4 Model B (2019):

Processor: 1.5 GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A72

Memory: Options of 2 GB, 4 GB, and 8 GB RAM

Ports: 2 USB 3.0 ports, 2 USB 2.0 ports, 2 Micro HDMI ports, Ethernet, USB-C for power

Wireless: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Raspberry Pi Zero (2015) and Zero W (2017):

Processor: 1 GHz single-core ARM11

Memory: 512 MB RAM

Ports: Mini HDMI, Micro USB OTG, Micro USB for power, GPIO pins

Wireless (Zero W): Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Applications and Uses

The versatility of the Raspberry Pi has led to its adoption in numerous fields:

Education:

Coding and Programming: Used in schools and educational programs to teach students programming languages such as Python, Scratch, and Java.

Computer Science Concepts: Introduces concepts like hardware, software, and networking.

DIY Projects and Maker Community:

Home Automation: Controls smart home devices, including lights, thermostats, and security systems.

Media Centers: Powers home media centers using software like Kodi.

Retro Gaming: Emulates classic gaming consoles using software like RetroPie.

Industrial and Commercial Applications:

IoT Devices: Serves as a hub for Internet of Things (IoT) devices, enabling data collection and remote control.

Automation and Control Systems: Used in factories and labs for monitoring and controlling equipment.

Research and Development:

Prototyping: Facilitates rapid prototyping of electronic devices and systems.

Data Collection: Gathers data from various sensors in environmental and scientific research.

Community and Ecosystem

The Raspberry Pi has cultivated a vibrant global community of developers, hobbyists, educators, and students. Online forums, tutorials, and community projects provide extensive support and resources for users at all skill levels. The Raspberry Pi Foundation also offers official accessories, including cases, cameras, and expansion boards, further enhancing the functionality of the Raspberry Pi.

Conclusion

The Raspberry Pi board has revolutionized the way people learn about and interact with technology. Its affordability, versatility, and extensive support network have made it an indispensable tool in education, DIY projects, and professional applications. As technology continues to evolve, the Raspberry Pi Foundation remains committed to expanding the capabilities and accessibility of this remarkable platform, ensuring that computing remains within reach for everyone.

[dotslashchloe]

I remember running a terrible Zoostorm laptop when I was 12 and It had 1GB of RAM in a time when machines came with at least 2 as a standard option, and some people believed that you'd never need more than 4GB for anything.

Image source

My parents bought me this thing because I had caused a little bit of an issue in our house, and that was my constant need for floppy disks post year 2000. We ran an Amiga 1200 in the dining room of our home as it was what my parents both used to code on in the mid 90's. We had tons of software for that thing but the coolest by far was a programming environment called AMOS. It used a proprietary (read: now unsupported) programming language called AMOS BASIC and the only resources we had for the language was whatever my dad remembered and the official language guide which, if i remember correctly, was thick enough to beat a goat to death with.

Image credit

The guide was sometimes really good at explaining language features and best use cases for mid 90's game development methodologies.

You can actually still download AMOS and run it on a Windows machine, or OSX and GNU/Linux if you have the tools to run applications meant for windows.

I moved from an Amiga sporting 2MB of chip RAM and 8MB of fast RAM to a Windows 7 laptop with a whopping, for the time, Gigabyte of Random Access Memory.

I couldn't wait to see the types of software that I could make with 32 bit technology and how I could use new... Oh, it crashed.

Image credit

Windows 7, at least on my machine, was a garbage fire. Somewhere along the way when we transitioned from floppy disks to hard drives and hard drives to solid state, programmers suddenly forgot how to make good decisions. The amount of driver errors, lag spikes, and crashes I experienced on that platform made me hate Windows, and even to this day, I really don't trust it.

I once turned my laptop on to find Windows using 90% of my available RAM, and it wasn't even running anything.

This frustration led me to look further afield. I knew that I liked the UNIX like systems from helping my dad run a FreeBSD server, and because of that, I very nearly bought a mac. Nearly. I still like to have a usable computer and do things that Apple don't want me to do, like change my settings in a way that matters.

Image credits

I finally found out enough to flash Arch to my USB drive and install it using a guide i found on a reddit thread. after editing all of my settings, i pressed enter, sat back... And bricked the fucking thing. Archinstall was a blessing from the gods, but we didn't have that yet.

2nd choice was Debian. Not only was it pre-configured out of the box, it had a package manager that made sense and came with development tools already built in. I played around with a few other distributions over the years until i discovered that they're all either Debian or Arch with a different package manager and desktop environment.

GNU/Linux blew my mind. The fact that all of this software was just out there for free fort anybody to use and change astounded me, and it still does to this day. You need to run a piece of hardware that nobody has made a driver for in about 20 years? Debian probably has it built in. You want to make video games? Debian can do that flawlessly. You want to play video games? Steam installs natively and comes with Proton!

By the time I was ready to go to College at 16, I was using Linux full time, and Archinstall had been added to the installation ISO (thank god). I used arch for all of my studies there, and all of my studies at University. I passed my degree because my software was free. I even had a C# compiling and running for my Programming 101 classes.

I do occasionally run Windows at some point from time to time, but i always make sure that WSL is installed. I do not see the need to download a piece of software to do something when Debian has the command built-in.

If it were not for the FOSS community, and GNU/Linux as a whole, I probably would not be the programmer that I am today, and I wouldn't have been able to learn many of the complex topics I needed for the field I have worked in due to the closed, corporate nature of the vast majority of software out there.

Sorry for yapping.

[metalrebelkey]

Behind the Build: What Makes a Seat Truly "Luxury"

In a world where comfort and design intertwine, the idea of a "luxury" seat goes beyond plush materials and sleek finishes. It's about the thoughtfulness behind every layer, the craftsmanship involved in every stitch, and the unmatched experience it provides. Whether in movie theatre recliners or home theatre seating, true luxury lies in the details most people never see but always feel. So, what sets a luxurious seat apart from the rest? Let us take a closer look.

Craftsmanship is the foundation of luxury

A seat does not become luxurious solely by its appearance. It starts with expert craftsmanship. From hand-stitched seams to precision-cut frames, each piece is a product of skilled artisans. Frames made of kiln-dried hardwood or powder-coated steel offer lasting support and resistance to wear. This is particularly essential for movie theatre recliners, which must endure frequent use while maintaining their premium feel.

Superior materials enhance comfort and durability

High-end seats utilize top-tier materials for both aesthetic appeal and optimal performance. Think full-grain leather, memory foam cushions, and breathable fabrics. These elements not only feel better, but they also last longer. In home theatre seating, for example, high-resilience foam keeps its shape for years, while genuine leather develops a rich patina over time. Quality materials also contribute to better temperature regulation and ergonomic support, both key factors in long-duration seating.

Design that supports the body

Ergonomics plays a significant role in luxury seating. A well-designed chair aligns with the body's natural posture, reducing fatigue and enhancing relaxation. Adjustable headrests, lumbar support, and reclining mechanisms allow users to tailor their position for optimal comfort. For home theatre seating, zero-gravity recline and power-adjustable features are becoming standard in top-tier designs. This ensures that luxury is not just felt at first glance but remains consistent throughout use.

Technology integration elevates the experience

Luxury seating is not just about comfort—it's about enhancing one's lifestyle. Many movie theatre recliners now include built-in USB charging ports, LED lighting, cup warmers, and integrated speakers. These innovations make the seating not only a place to sit but an immersive part of the entertainment experience. The seamless blend of comfort and technology is a hallmark of true luxury.

Customization brings personal luxury to life

The option to customize a seat enhances its comfort and functionality significantly. From selecting upholstery colors to adding motorized features, luxury seating offers options to match individual preferences and space aesthetics, whether it's a sleek leather recliner for a contemporary home or a fabric-upholstered lounger for a classic setup, home theatre seating can now be tailored down to the smallest detail.

Conclusion: Luxury is built, not claimed

What makes a seat truly luxurious is not a single feature, but the sum of many—meticulous craftsmanship, premium materials, thoughtful ergonomics, and cutting-edge technology. When all these elements come together, the result is a seat that looks stunning and feels even better. Whether you are outfitting a commercial cinema with movie theatre recliners or upgrading your personal space with home theatre seating, investing in true luxury means investing in quality that lasts.

[vishnutech]

The Pulse of Modern Music: Why the Electric Guitar Still Matters

The Timeless Magnetism of the Electric Guitar

Few instruments carry the same legendary status as the electric guitar. Since its inception, it has been a cornerstone of modern music, defining eras, genres, and iconic performances. From gritty garage rock to polished pop anthems, the electric guitar has a presence that is impossible to ignore. Its capacity to convey both aggression and tenderness makes it one of the most emotionally resonant tools in a musician’s arsenal. In today’s rapidly evolving music world, where software and digital instruments dominate, the electric guitar continues to hold its ground, proving that the raw energy of a plucked string still resonates.

Innovation at Your Fingertips

Modern electric guitars are marvels of innovation. Manufacturers are constantly refining their designs—experimenting with different woods, re-engineering pickups, and streamlining hardware to ensure better tuning stability and tonal clarity. Players now enjoy instruments that are lighter, more ergonomic, and packed with technology. Some electric guitars feature built-in effects, USB connectivity, and programmable settings that blend analog beauty with digital convenience. This fusion of traditional craftsmanship and futuristic capability has led to a resurgence in the instrument’s popularity, not only among experienced musicians but also among young, tech-savvy creators.

The Heart of the Home Studio

With the explosion of home-based recording setups, electric guitars have found a renewed purpose. Paired with amp simulators, virtual rigs, and recording software, guitarists can now produce studio-quality tracks from their bedrooms. Whether it’s laying down rhythm sections for a pop track or creating ambient textures for a cinematic project, the electric guitar brings a human touch that loops and samples often lack.

Moreover, its dynamic range—from clean, bell-like tones to distorted, screaming solos—means that one instrument can serve multiple functions in a track. It’s this versatility that continues to make it a must-have in any serious music producer’s toolkit.

A Cultural Connector

The electric guitar has always been more than an instrument; it's a cultural statement. It embodies freedom, creativity, and rebellion. Over the years, it has been a visual and auditory symbol for movements that have changed the world. From protest songs of the 60s to underground punk scenes and the alternative revival of the 90s, the electric guitar has played a central role in giving voice to social and emotional unrest.

Even in regions where traditional instruments dominate, the electric guitar is finding its place. Musicians are combining it with regional styles, integrating it into genres where it once had no presence. This cross-cultural experimentation is not only enriching the global music scene but also reshaping how we view genre boundaries.

Building a Personal Legacy Through Sound

For many, the electric guitar is not just a piece of equipment—it’s a companion. It reflects the player’s identity, musical taste, and journey. Whether it's a custom-finished body, hand-wound pickups, or a well-worn fretboard, every guitar tells a story. Aspiring musicians often develop a unique bond with their first guitar, and that relationship grows with time and experience.

Today, artists have more opportunities than ever to showcase their sound. Social platforms, online streaming, and virtual collaborations have made it possible for even bedroom musicians to build a following. And at the center of this digital stage stands the electric guitar—familiar, expressive, and always ready to roar.

Final Thought

In a landscape where music is increasingly shaped by automation and digital loops, the electric guitar remains a powerful reminder of the human element in sound. It is a tool of expression, experimentation, and emotional storytelling. For those looking to tap into their creative potential and explore the boundless possibilities of modern music, investing in an electric guitar in Qatar is a step toward something truly timeless.

[vyame]

Monster Resin Night Light (Atomic Breath Diorama)

Monster Resin Night Light (Atomic Breath Diorama) Illuminate your space with the Monster Resin Night Light (Atomic Breath Diorama) from Vyame! This captivating Night Light captures the iconic Monster in a stunning Atomic Breath Diorama, blending epic monster lore with functional decor. Perfect for Monster fans, sci-fi enthusiasts, and collectors, this Epoxy Lamp adds a thrilling glow to bedrooms, gaming setups, or display shelves. Handcrafted with premium epoxy resin, the Monster Resin Night Light showcases intricate details of the Monster unleashing its atomic breath in a dynamic 3D scene. The soft LED glow creates a dramatic yet soothing ambiance, making this Night Light ideal for nighttime use or as a bold statement piece. It’s a unique addition for fans of kaiju culture. 🎯 PERFECT FOR: - Handmade lovers: Those who appreciate unique resin art and craftsmanship. - Home decor enthusiasts: Seeking a mystical, modern accent for bedrooms or workspaces. - Unique home/office decor enthusiasts - Birthday, Valentine’s Day, or Christmas gifts for men

Product Information:

🔍 Inside a Work of Art: Sung Jinwoo & Beru Epoxy Resin Lamp – Handmade Solo Leveling Night Light, Custom Anime Home Decor

The Sung Jinwoo & Beru epoxy resin lamp – Solo Leveling Night Light is an artwork that ignites powerful emotions. Its vibrant LED glow brings Jinwoo and Beru to life, evoking a sense of epic grandeur and mystery. More than a light, it sparks pride and passion for Solo Leveling fans.

🧪 More Than Just Resin: The Materials Behind the Magic

This is no ordinary resin block. Each lamp is a carefully crafted blend of: Premium Epoxy Resin – Crystal-clear, UV-resistant, and yellowing-proof over time, creating depth and visual purity. Custom Fantasy Figurine – Sculpted from polymer clay or solid resin and painted by hand with stunning detail. Low-Energy LED System – Soft lighting with an average lifespan of 30,000–50,000 continuous hours. Color Pigments & Effects – Mica powders, glow pigments, and shimmering flakes enhance the magical atmosphere and 3D depth.

🛠️ The Crafting Process: No Two Lamps Are Ever Alike

Each lamp is 100% handmade, following a meticulous step-by-step process: Character Design: The figure is custom-sculpted and hand-painted to evoke emotion and presence. Base Pour: A base layer of epoxy is poured, often with snow, fog, or water-like effects. Model Placement: Once semi-cured, the figure is carefully positioned to be perfectly centered in the block. Layering: Additional epoxy layers are poured to encase the figure, adding dimensional depth — like capturing a miniature world. Lighting Setup: An LED system is integrated into the base, powered by USB or rechargeable batteries, depending on the model. Polishing & Finish: After curing for 48–72 hours, the entire block is polished to a glass-like finish.

💡 Lighting Features & Daily Use

Soft RGB LED Illumination – Gentle on the eyes, perfect for use as a night light, ambient gaming lamp, or decorative piece. Low Power Consumption – Runs under 5W, with USB charging for convenience. Battery Life: Rechargeable versions offer up to 8–10 hours of illumination on a full charge.

🎁 Package includes:

- Hand made Night Light - USB cable for the light stand and remote to change light color: + Led: 10 colors, 5W + Power supply: 5V + Charging port: USB (can use phone charger or USB port of laptop or PC)

🎁 Why This Makes the Perfect Gift / We can make any custom color if you want.

Collectible Artistry – More than just a lamp, it's a conversation piece and a miniature world in your room. One-of-a-Kind – Each lamp is unique. No mass production, no duplicates. Versatile Gifting: Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, Valentine's Day, or any occasion for gamers, fantasy lovers, or fans of unique décor.

💥 Now available exclusively at Vyame.com – where handmade meets imagination. We made it from nature wood burl of Vietnam and High quality Epoxy. Every lamp that you receive will a little bit different such as the texture, the color...

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