#so shiny.. badge r

[softobytwt]

i dont usually post stuff like this but i finished my first lps custom!

friemds:)

[rosachae]

second skin | daniela avanzini x reader

⁍ song: a little death- the neighbourhood ⁍ genre: venom AU! venom is a wingman ⁍ a/n: not my favorite thing i've ever posted, but oh well. i was due for a dani fic. ⁍ wc: 5.4k ⁍ warnings: mentions of injury, fighting. ⁍ synopsis:

daniela didn’t mean to bond with an alien symbiote. she definitely didn’t mean to fall for her friend either. but when a red symbiote attacks the lab and y/n's life is on the line, secrets unravel fast. daniela has to decide if love is worth the risk of being seen for what she really is.

the biosky labs tower loomed over the city like it knew it was important. sleek glass walls, endless silver panels, and sharp geometric angles that screamed “cutting edge science happens here, now please don’t touch anything.” it was the kind of place that had five different security checks just to use the bathroom.

daniela didn’t belong here. not really. she adjusted her press badge for the fourth time as she stepped into the front atrium, pretending not to feel the weight of a literal alien parasite stretching beneath her skin. her boots squeaked on the polished floor. she hated that. why was everything so shiny in science buildings?

she was here under the guise of journalism—technically true. her editor had sent her to get a word from one of biosky’s board members about their latest green tech initiative. something about biodegradable plastic that disintegrated in sunlight. it sounded great in theory. but daniela hadn’t even brought her recorder. or a pen. she wasn’t here for the story.

she was here for lara.

lara worked in r&d and was one of the very few people daniela trusted. she was also the only one—aside from a sleepy convenience store owner, megan, who definitely wasn’t paid enough to deal with parasite-related trauma—who knew about him.

venom.

the symbiote pulsed beneath her ribs, barely contained, like a cat stretching its claws.

“you are stalling,” venom said, voice curling in her head like smoke. “why are we standing in the lobby like a lost child? do you need a map? or a chaperone?”

“i’m blending in,” daniela muttered under her breath, eyes locked on a very intense sculpture made entirely of test tubes.

“you are loitering. you look suspicious. we should eat someone.”

“we’re not eating anyone in the lobby. i have clearance.”

“coward.”

she sighed and started toward the security desk, flashing her badge at a man who looked like he bench-pressed microscopes for fun. after a quick scan and a deadpan stare, she was waved through to the elevators. inside, the air smelled like sterile metal. scientists in white coats passed by, talking about protein strands and molecular something-or-others. one guy walked by holding a tablet and a cup of black coffee that smelled four weeks stale.

daniela kept her head down, following the path lara had texted her earlier. take the east wing, pass the nanotech lab, avoid eye contact with the cryogenics intern because he will talk about freezing mice for twenty minutes. she rounded a corner and slipped into a side hallway marked ‘authorized personnel only.’ a security camera blinked at her.

“friendly little guy,” she mumbled.

“we should wave.”

daniela rolled her eyes.

this part of the lab was quieter. less tour-friendly. the walls narrowed, and the overhead lights buzzed in a way that made her molars itch. it was here, just past a heavy fire door, that she found lara. half-buried in lab equipment and looking very done with the world.

lara glanced up, goggles on her forehead and a pipette in hand.

“you’re late,” she said.

“you’re lucky i came at all,” daniela replied, stepping into the room, the door clicking firmly shut behind her.

lara raised a brow. “did he say that or you?”

“that was me.”

“hm. he’s rubbing off on you. hello, venom.”

a black tendril mists up out of daniela’s back, waving shortly in faux greeting. despite his simple gesture, his voice slurs teasingly in daniela’s mind.

“she looks delicious today. are you certain i cannot eat her? i have been craving indian.”

daniela rolled her eyes again, possibly the hundredth time that week alone, staying silent as venoms tendril retreated back into her. she pulled a small container from the inside pocket of her jacket. it was sealed shut, but the faintest red glow pulsed from within.

lara’s expression shifted immediately, serious now. curious. “that’s from yesterday?”

daniela knew what she was talking about immediately. she could still feel the pang in her ribs when she inhaled, fresh off a beating the night before. she could still remember the sound of megan’s voice, shocked and concerned, when she dragged herself into the chinese girls convenience store with a black eye and a very annoyed (very moody) symbiote bitching about the world as he knew it. megan didn’t even need to ask what’d happened. she simply grabbed her first aid kit and helped daniela stitch up. nothing a good dab of makeup couldn’t hide. 

and of course, she could still feel the way her heart dropped in her chest when y/n’s name filtered across the cracked screen of her phone. she was late. again. they were supposed to meet up with some of their other friends, lara included, for a birthday party of someone whose name daniela didn’t care to remember. truth be told, the latina had only agreed to go for her. y/n, who made her heart race and her palms clammy. y/n, who looked at her in a way that made her feel human– at least more than she did whenever she was reminded of the symbiote coiling through her like a disease she couldn’t rid.

daniela had long since gotten used to everything unusual. her life was flipped upside down the very minute she met venom, as he called himself, and he attached himself to the core of her being. he said they were ‘compatible’. that it would be ‘better this way’. sometimes, she couldn’t help but feel resentful. especially when y/n looked at her with those eyes, unaware of the monster she hid within.

daniela sighed. she’d already debriefed lara on what happened when she called her throughout the night, demanding answers on where she was, telling her how sad y/n was that she seemed to be avoiding her lately. daniela truly had every intention of showing up– she really did. except she couldn’t, not when she was attacked by a red-skinned symbiote she didn’t recognize, despite the primal familiarity that pronged through her like a knife. venom’s doing.

“yeah. the one downtown. he wasn’t like venom. he—i don’t know. didn’t talk. just looked at me like he wanted to melt my bones. he dropped this when we fought. i didn’t want to keep it on me.”

lara took the container carefully, like it might explode. “you did the right thing. i’ll analyze it. lowkey. don’t worry.”

daniela nodded, trying to shake off the memory of blood-red tendrils and that terrible silence.

“he was ugly,” venom said helpfully, his voice echoing through the silence of her mind. “and rude.”

before she could respond, voices echoed from the hallway. footsteps.

lara froze. “shit,” she whispered. “someone’s coming. probably y/n, she said she was coming by to check the cultures—”

the door opened, and there she was.

y/n stepped into the lab like a punch to the lungs. lab coat, clipboard. a soft smile that could melt steel beams. daniela stiffened immediately, like someone had dumped a bucket of ice water down her spine.

“oh—hey,” y/n said, blinking. “daniela?”

daniela opened her mouth, but nothing came out. for a moment she simply stood, buffering as she stared at the girl who consumed her thoughts on the daily– much to venom’s displeasure.

“oh my god,” venom groaned. “not this again.”

 y/n tilted her head, eyes flicking between daniela and lara, then down to the mysterious container on the desk that was glowing faintly red. her brows lifted, but she didn’t say anything about it. not yet.

“i didn’t know you were stopping by,” she said, and god, her voice was soft. friendly. too casual, considering how daniela’s heart had decided to start jackhammering in her chest like it was trying to escape.

daniela cleared her throat, then immediately regretted it when it came out sounding like a dying engine.

“journalism,” she said, too quickly. “i’m here for journalism. official. press things.”

lara made a noise like she was choking on her own spit.

“right,” y/n said slowly, trying not to laugh. “because this is a very newsworthy hallway. here i was thinking you were going to apologize for ghosting me last night.”

despite the slight edge in y/n’s words, daniela could easily detect the light humor wedged between them. she wasn’t too upset, not really. not knowing what to say, the latina rubbed the nape of her neck.

“i’m sorry about that. some stuff came up…,” daniela mumbled, forcing a shrug. “besides, i’m here for work. some cutting edge stuff, you know? top secret. can’t print anything. very hush-hush.”

“you sound unhinged,” venom drawled. “get it over and done with, already. ask her to mate.”

daniela pointedly ignored venom when lara, mercifully, took over. “she was just dropping something off for me. we’re… collaborating.”

y/n looked at the container again. “on radioactive christmas ornaments?”

“biotech art,” daniela blurted.

lara turned away abruptly, coughing suspiciously into her sleeve.

y/n smiled, bright and blinding, and leaned against the edge of the table like she had no idea what she was doing to daniela’s already fragile composure.

“well, if you’re done with your… science drop-off, you should stick around for the tour. there’s a whole new wing they’re opening up today. i was just going to swing by and check it out.”

daniela blinked. did y/n just invite her to stay?

“she is inviting us,” venom confirmed, smug. “maybe we will stay. maybe we shall eat her?”

venom had lived inside of daniela long enough for her to know when he was joking, yet still she fought the urge of telling him to shut up. you’re not helping, she thought, knowing he would hear her loud and clear. 

“uh—i mean, yeah,” daniela said, hands shoved deep into her jacket pockets to hide the way they trembled. “i’ve got time.”

“great,” y/n said, already turning toward the door. “come on. i’ll show you the part of the lab where we keep the really dangerous stuff.”

“yes please,” venom purred. 

lara shot daniela a look as she passed. it said you’re welcome in all caps and underlined three times.

daniela scowled at her but followed y/n out anyway.

they walked in silence for a beat, the bright lights above humming softly. the lab stretched around them, clean and cold, but strangely alive. screens flickered quietly in the background, machines whirred in glass compartments, and somewhere nearby, someone shouted about “rat genomes” and “ethical boundaries.”

daniela stayed a step behind y/n, watching the way she gestured when she talked, the way her hair bounced with each step. it was unbearable.

“just tell her,” venom said. “tell her you want to kiss her and then take her out for greasy tacos. it’s not hard.”

“shut up,” daniela hissed under her breath.

“sorry?” y/n looked over her shoulder.

daniela froze. “nothing. i was just, uh. admiring the… vent system.”

y/n raised an eyebrow. “you’re weird.”

daniela bit the inside of her cheek to keep from smiling. “you’re just now realizing this?”

y/n laughed. and it echoed in daniela’s ribs like a song she hadn’t heard in years.

they kept walking, deeper into the facility, the air getting colder as the ‘tour’ moved into zones not quite meant for casual visitors. these halls weren’t all glass and chrome like the rest of the building. instead, they were quieter, older. wires snaked along the ceilings like veins. doors hissed softly when they closed behind them. daniela had the distinct feeling they weren’t really supposed to be here. yet, she couldn’t find it within herself to ask. afterall, y/n didn’t seem concerned. she tapped her badge against a side door, waving daniela in like it was nothing. of course, she followed.

every second daniela spent with y/n felt intoxicating, in it’s own simple way. they were friends. had been for years, ever since lara introduced them over a board meeting and hushed laughter. daniela had been enamored ever since. enamored by the sound of y/n’s laugh, the way her smile lit up a room, the way she managed to turn even her darkest days into something worth holding onto. 

and of course, the way y/n looked at her when she admitted at last years new year party she had feelings for her. it lived rent free in her mind-- a record that played on repeat when she lied down at night alone. y/n had said she couldn’t enter the new year without telling her how she felt. daniela wanted so badly to kiss her then and there when the clock hit twelve. to tell y/n that she felt the same way, that she had ever since their eyes met. but, she didn’t.

for all the things daniela avanzini had grown to adore about y/n, through it all, she still couldn’t find it within herself to be honest.

she was dangerous, a fact that kept her up at night whenever she seldom allowed herself to think. 

it tore her apart.

“this is where we keep some of the experimental containment,” y/n said, voice low in a way that sounded conspiratorial. daniela tore herself from her thoughts, focusing entirely on the girl. when y/n knows she has her attention, she continues. “technically, i’m not allowed to bring visitors in here, but technically, you’re a member of the press. so that cancels out, right?”

“definitely how rules work,” daniela replied.

y/n turned, walking backwards now. “so. what’s your angle?”

daniela blinked. “angle?”

“for the article. i know you’re not just here for lara.” she said it with a grin, playful, but there was something beneath it. interest. curiosity. maybe hope.

daniela floundered.

“this is your moment,” venom whispered. “say: ‘i came here for you.’ dramatic pause. raise an eyebrow. smolder.”

daniela stared dumbly. 

.…smolder? she thought. 

“you’re ruining this.”

“i’m just…” she exhaled, rubbing the back of her neck. “it’s been a weird couple weeks. i guess i needed to see someone i didn’t hate.”

y/n’s grin softened. “is that a compliment?”

“i don’t know. depends. do you still microwave fish in the break room?”

“that happened once.” y/n turned back around, but her ears were red.

daniela smiled to herself, just a little.

they entered a side lab that looked like the inside of a very expensive fridge. metal counters, thick glass tubes filled with murky liquid, something humming in the corner that daniela was pretty sure was alive.

“here,” y/n said, stepping aside. “this is where we keep some of the more unstable samples. things that didn’t bond properly. or bonded… wrong.”

daniela’s eyes moved toward a large containment chamber near the back wall. inside, a black smear floated in a thick solution, tendrils curling slowly like seaweed. it didn’t look like venom. it didn’t feel like him either.

she shivered.

y/n noticed. “you okay?”

“yeah,” daniela lied. “just—got a weird vibe. i’ve been writing too many horror articles lately.”

“maybe you’re just getting a sixth sense for drama,” y/n said, still watching her. “you always seem to show up right before things get weird.”

“maybe weird things just follow me,” daniela said, quieter this time.

“she doesn’t know the half of it,” venom added with a snort.

y/n laughed again, stepping closer. “well, for what it’s worth… i’m glad you’re here. you’re not as scary as you act.”

daniela blinked. the words settled somewhere deep in her chest, warm and dangerous. she opened her mouth to say something—anything—but she stopped when the lights flickered. just once. but it was enough.

y/n turned her head. “that’s not supposed to happen.”

the overheads buzzed again, flickering like a warning. the humming in the corner changed pitch. it was no longer soft. it was angry. from down the hall, something slammed. not a door, but something heavier.

daniela’s body tensed when not even a second later, the alarms started with a howl, shrill and piercing, bouncing off the sterile walls like a fire drill from the underworld. lights flashed red overhead, casting the lab in stuttering bursts of color—red, white, red, white—like a heartbeat in panic.

y/n spun toward the door. “what the hell—”

another crash. closer this time.

y/n reached for the wall intercom closest to her. “i-i don’t know what’s going on. i have to talk to central—”

a voice crackled through the lab speakers before she could touch it. not the system voice. not human.

“you have something of mine.”

the voice was wrong. low and sharp, like broken glass dragged across metal. it slithered out of the vents, from the walls, behind their ribs. daniela froze.

“was that…?” y/n didn’t finish the question. her eyes were on daniela now. questioning. uncertain.

daniela moved without thinking, stepping in front of y/n on instinct. her hand went into her coat, where venom curled just beneath her skin, already twitching with anticipation.

“stay behind me,” she said.

y/n looked at her like she was seeing her for the first time. “daniela, what’s going on?”

“he’s here,” venom growled, low and pleased. “our red friend. i can smell him. sharp. rotten. something’s wrong with him.”

the fire door at the end of the hallway slammed open, metal denting from the inside out like someone had punched straight through it. heavy footfalls echoed down the corridor.

venom murmured inside her. “he followed us. he knows. he wants it back.”

“daniela,” y/n said, more quietly this time. “what’s going on?”

she didn’t answer. couldn’t. not without unraveling everything.

and then he appeared. taller than daniela remembered from the day before. red and twisted, like someone had fed barbed wire to a blender. not just red—glowing, pulsing at the edges, veins running hot like lava through a human shape. not quite a man. not quite anything. the symbiote had taken over completely. its eyes that weren’t quite eyes locked onto daniela like it had been hungering for her.

“there you are,” the red symbiote said, grinning. “you took something that doesn’t belong to you.”

daniela spared a quick glance in y/n’s direction, swallowing when she notices the pure shock and horror engraved across her face. the exact kind of horror she lied awake at night worrying about, in the hypothetical situation y/n ever found out the truth. the last thing she ever wanted was for y/n to look at her, scared. like she was a moneter. 

daniela shakes her head, forcing herself to sound composed. “wrong girl.”

the red one tilted his head, almost amused. “you reek of him. of venom.” his smile widened. “don’t play dumb. give it to me, or i take it from the corpse of your little scientist.”

daniela hesitated. just a beat.

“decide,” venom snarled in her skull. “you can’t keep pretending. you’ll lose her.”

daniela grit her teeth. she didn’t want y/n to know. not like this. not with blood and glass and monsters in the walls.

but it didn’t matter.

daniela felt venom rise immediately, slithering under her skin, begging to be let out. not just asking. demanding.

“we need to run,” y/n said, backing up.

“no,” daniela said. “we can’t let him near the rest of the building.”

“what are you talking about? you don’t have a—”

the red thing moved.

fast.

a blur of red tendrils and inhuman muscle, tearing through the hallway like a beast. it slammed a desk out of the way like it was made of cardboard.

y/n grabbed daniela’s arm. “we have to go, now!”

daniela hesitated, just for the briefest of seconds. and then she moved. 

“let me out.”

she didn’t answer. she didn’t have to.

black surged up her throat, over her face, coating her arms in glossy armor and claws. her vision sharpened, blood roaring in her ears. she was in limbo. not quite herself, but also not quite venom. 

y/n screamed. not in terror—more like complete shock.

venom turned and grabbed her gently, claws retracting just enough, and launched both of them through an adjacent wall, crashing through a side corridor just as the red thing smashed into the room behind them. the floor buckled. glass shattered. something exploded in the distance. daniela ran, half-carrying y/n, venom’s strength barely strained. y/n clung to her with both arms, eyes wide, her mouth opening and closing like she wanted to ask something but couldn’t find a single word. they reached the elevator lobby, huge and open and full of windows.

and of course, the worst possible place to be.

behind them, the red symbiote burst through the wall like a monster out of a nightmare.

“no elevators,” venom said. “he’ll crush us before the doors even close.”

“stairs,” daniela snapped, pivoting hard.

but they were too late.

the red thing was already there, tendrils slamming into the ceiling above them, knocking loose steel beams and cables. one snapped, and then another. the floor near the stairwell cracked, tiles tumbling into the yawning black of the empty elevator shaft. daniela shoved y/n toward the edge to dodge a swing just a little too hard. immediately, she regrets it when y/n’s heels hit the crumbling floor. it gave way.

“no—!”

she slipped, and she fell. y/n didn’t have enough time to gather her footing before her body was tripping back in to the empty elevator shaft, a height that would certainly kill her on impact. her eyes met daniela’s for the briefest of seconds. 

daniela didn’t think. she let venom take over. completely. black tendrils lashed out like lightning, diving into the shaft. it all happened in a breath.

one second, y/n was falling. the next, she was dangling midair, suspended by something alien, staring up at venom. eight feet tall. snarling. glistening. unmistakable.

the creature reeled her back in like a fish on a line, gently depositing her to the floor. claws curled around her shoulders to steady her.

“are you hurt?” it asked, voice thick and dual-toned, daniela layered beneath the monster.

y/n blinked up at it. “…daniela?”

venom’s eyes narrowed. then softened, just a little.

“surprise,” daniela said through venom’s mouth.

y/n stared up at her—at venom, at daniela—with something unreadable in her eyes. not fear. not exactly. more like the world had just cracked in half and she was still waiting to see how far it would split.

neither daniela nor venom had the chance to say more before the red symbiote came crashing down the elevator shaft. venom immediately sprung into action. tugging y/n into an empty floor, the air tuned impossibly colder. the red symbiotes' movements were cold and fluid when he followed after them, like he knew he had time. like he enjoyed the anticipation. his body shimmered, pulsing with some internal fire. red tendrils dragged across the walls like claws on chalk.

“i should’ve known,” he purred. “venom always did have a soft spot. he likes the pretty ones.”

venom growled, deep and primal, and it echoed from every surface.

the red symbiote didn’t wait. he launched forward, a snarl ripping out of him, arms splitting into barbed whips of glowing red. venom met him halfway, their bodies colliding with a sound like metal being torn in half. they crashed into a far wall. stone cracked, glass burst, a light fixture dropped from the ceiling. daniela twisted under venom’s skin, trying to keep control, trying to aim the fury. the red one lashed out, slicing across her ribs with a jagged blade-arm. venom howled.

venom surged upward, slamming a fist into the red one’s jaw, then ducked under a retaliating swing and drove both claws into his side. red shrieked—inhuman and sharp—and retaliated with a burst of flame-like tendrils that seared across the lab floor.

y/n ducked behind a desk, eyes wide, watching the monsters tear each other apart in the glow of flickering red lights. she wasn’t scared. not really. just stunned. processing.

but when she looked at venom, at daniela, something else bloomed in her chest. recognition. it was her. the way she moved. protected her. even the way she swore under her breath as the red one got in another hit.

still daniela.

venom got the upper hand for a moment, grabbing the red symbiote by the throat and slamming him into the concrete hard enough to make the walls rattle.

“you’re not taking it,” venom snarled.

the red one laughed through cracked teeth. “you think i care about the girl? or you? i want what you stole. the fragment. give it to me.”

daniela faltered for a beat. the artifact. the glowing red sample. lara still had it—hopefully locked away somewhere deeper in the lab. this whole attack… it was never about her. not really. 

venom hesitated. just a second. the red one used it to his advantage. a tendril speared forward, aimed not at venom, but at y/n. daniela didn’t think. she threw herself in front of it. the impact sent her crashing into a column, plaster and sparks exploding around her.venom roared in pain.

“dani!”

daniela hit the ground hard, venom glitching and rippling around her like a damaged projection. her vision swam, but she doesn’t miss the way y/n raced over. she dropped to her knees beside her. 

“what the hell is this? how long have you—”

“not now,” daniela groaned, blood in her mouth.

the red one stalked forward. venom twitched, trying to stand, but the hit had been brutal.

y/n looked up at the monster barreling toward them. with a newfound sense of confidence, she did the only thing she could. she grabbed a fallen metal pipe and hurled it at the red symbiote’s face.

it bounced off with a sad little clang.

he paused, a look of mild offense striking his grotesque face. 

“seriously?” he muttered.

but it was enough.

the red one surged forward again, limbs splintering into hooked blades and writhing spears. he was a storm of red fury, blind and grinning, hammering toward them with all the heat of something barely held together by rage.

but daniela had already risen.

venom rippled over her like liquid shadow, scars mending mid-motion, claws curling longer, sharper. black tendrils writhed along her spine, ready, hungry. there was no hesitation now. no hiding. no pretending.

only her.

“you want it?” she rasped, voice layered and low, venom’s timbre wrapping around hers like thunder. “come and get it.”

she launched.

they collided midair, red and black blurring together in a screech of tearing metal and flesh. daniela let go of restraint. venom knew how to twist, how to hurt, and daniela guided it with fury like a blade.

the red symbiote struck hard, hammering her into a beam. daniela rebounded, claws dragging sparks off the wall as she swung low, raking open his side.

“you’re wasting your breath,” he snarled. “the fragment’s mine.”

venom lunged, wrapping both arms around the red one’s torso, and bit down.

the scream that tore out of the red symbiote was inhuman, rattling the air and shaking the glass.

his form flickered—unstable now, wounded, tendrils flailing. daniela twisted, slamming him through a row of reinforced lab tables. the metal bent like foil.

“dani!” y/n’s voice came from the side, urgent. “his core—bottom left! it’s destabilizing!”

daniela saw it then—a pulsing red glow beneath the symbiote’s chest. flickering, uneven.

she didn’t ask how y/n knew. she just moved.

venom surged up her arms, curling into a blade. she dropped, twisted beneath the red one’s next swing, and drove the blade up into the core.

there was silence, then a sound like pressure releasing—a deep whoomph, followed by a stuttering crackle of light. the red one staggered, glitching, body tearing apart from the inside out.

“no—no—NO—”

he clawed toward her, toward y/n, toward anything. but venom dragged him back. black tendrils crushed inward. one final twist. one last roar.

the red symbiote collapsed with a shriek and a shudder, its body dissolving into steaming sludge that hissed across the tile.

it was over.

daniela stood, swaying slightly. her breathing was ragged, skin streaked with ash and blood. the last of venom curled back beneath her skin, black retreating like ink down a drain.

and then she collapsed to her knees.

“daniela!” y/n was already moving, sliding across broken glass and debris to catch her. “hey—hey, stay with me—”

but her eyes were closed. still breathing. still there. just… barely. the room went quiet.

until something moved.

a ripple across daniela’s shoulder. black. liquid. alive. venom reemerged—not the full monstrous form, but a slick tendril that uncoiled upward, shifting until it formed a rounded head, eyeless and wet with that reflective sheen. small. almost calm.

y/n froze.

the tendril tilted, then spoke.

“she will be fine,” venom said, voice low and rattling. “we have taken worse hits.”

y/n swallowed. “you… you can talk without her?”

“we prefer her,” venom said, almost wistfully. “she is… fun. angry. but warm.”

y/n stared. “she never told me. about you.”

venom shifted, curling gently around daniela’s shoulder like a shawl. protective. oddly tender.

“she didn’t want you to run.”

y/n blinked. “what?”

“you are the reason she holds back. why she is scared. she believes she is a monster.”

the silence between them stretched long and deep.

“but you’re not,” y/n whispered.

venom moved again, this time toward her. not threatening. just… curious. his voice dropped lower.

“you smell like her heart.”

y/n let out a breath. “that’s either very sweet or very creepy.”

a pause. then, unexpectedly, a snort.

“she would say the same.”

y/n almost smiled.

“will she be okay?”

venom retracted a little, folding back down.

“she is waking.”

and just like that, the black melted away again. daniela stirred, a long groan tearing from her. her eyes fluttered open and the first thing she saw was y/n, sitting right in front of her, hair a mess, lab coat scorched, one scraped knee, and… smiling.

“hey,” y/n said softly. “nice of you to rejoin us.”

daniela winced. “you’re not screaming.”

“not yet.”

a beat.

“venom said i smell like your heart,” y/n added casually.

daniela’s eyes widened.

“oh my god—”

“don’t worry. he’s kind of sweet. in a nightmare slug kind of way.”

the lab was still screaming. alarms howled overhead in stuttering bursts. red lights strobed across shattered glass and scorched tile. from the stairwell, heavy footsteps echoed—boots slamming up the metal steps, guards or scientists or maybe cleanup crews, all just a breath too late.

but in the center of it all, daniela only saw y/n.

her lip was split. her side throbbed. something was probably fractured.and yet, she couldn’t help but frown. 

“are you... are you scared of me?” she asked, voice low, almost too quiet to hear beneath the sirens.

y/n looked at her like that was the dumbest thing she’d ever heard.

“you caught me out of mid-air before i became elevator paste and then took down a rage-possessed lava monster,” she said. “so no. i’m not scared.”

daniela blinked.

y/n leaned closer. “maybe a little mad you didn’t tell me.”

“i didn’t want you to look at me like—like this.”

“well, tough luck.” her voice softened. “because this is how i look at you.”

daniela’s breath hitched when y/n reached out slowly, still cautious, even now. her fingers brushing against daniela’s jaw, hesitant like a question. and then she kissed her. 

it wasn’t soft. it was tired, and cracked, and tasted like smoke and adrenaline and blood—but it was real. daniela’s hands came up into y/n’s hair, pulling her closer like she didn’t care who saw, like she didn’t care if the building collapsed around them. y/n’s fingers curled against her waist, grounding her in the middle of the wreckage.

the footsteps were getting louder. someone was shouting orders. probably close. daniela pulled back just enough to breathe.

y/n’s forehead pressed to hers. “what now?”

behind her eyes, venom stirred. “they will have questions. annoying ones.”

daniela glanced at the ruined elevator, then back to y/n. “lara’s gonna kill me for not waiting.”

“she can wait.” venom’s voice was smug. “take the girl.”

black tendrils curled from beneath daniela’s feet. the world blurred. she grabbed y/n’s hand. didn’t ask.

“hold on,” she whispered.

and then they were gone—swept away through the broken ceiling like smoke, like a shadow vanishing into the night. alarms still blared behind them, questions still screamed in the stairwell. but none of that mattered now. for now, all that mattered was y/n.

and maybe—just maybe—it was time to give honesty a try.

venom purred somewhere beneath her skin.

“finally.”

[dollfacefantasy]

Meant to be Broken ♡

pairing: corrupt cop!naoya zenin x fem!reader

summary: on your way home from work, you accidentally hit naoya zenin with your car. you believe you're in huge trouble when you find out he's a police officer. luckily (or unluckily) for you, he has a few ways you can make it up to him in mind.

cw: nsfw (18+), smut, dub-con, p in v, oral sex (m receiving), degradation, car sex, misogyny (it's naoya lol)

word count: 3k

a/n + tags: comm for the bestie @nexysworld @gor3-hound picture of naoya by @/sso_s__ on twt

Your fingers thrum against the steering wheel as your car glides along the road. You match the beat of the music playing in the background. It's a good distraction for you. It was a nice enough day out, but your mind wasn't as sunny and serene.

You'd had a shitty day at work. You woke up late and got shit from your boss for it. Your computer wouldn't log in, so you had to work at the outdated one towards the back of the office under a drafty vent. On top of that, you had a killer headache. You really just wanted to get home.

The sun was setting over the horizon in the distance, the sky a pretty hue of pink. You take it in while making the turn into your neighborhood. Only a few hundred yards till you could pull into your garage and walk into the comfort of your home. You just have to get down one more street.

You're making the final turn on your route. You can nearly feel the soft fabric of your sweatpants and oversized t-shirt when there's a blur in front of your windshield and a sound thud against the hood of your car. You slam on the brakes as fast as humanly possible, jerking yourself hard against the seat. Whipping the car into park, you sit there for a moment. There was no fucking way you just hit someone. If asked, you would swear on everything that no one had been crossing.

After a couple moments, you unbuckle your seatbelt and get out. Your movements are a little slow, simply for the fact that you're still questioning if this is some kind of joke.

You round the front of your car and gasp at the sight before you. You'd actually hit someone. A man lies crumpled up near the bumper, writhing in pain.

"Oh- Oh my God. Are you ok?" you ask him. You rush over and crouch behind him.

He turns to face you, and your heart drops. His face is stained with scarlet, blood oozing from a cut on his forehead. He's got a nasty scowl aimed at you too.

"What do you think?" he snaps. You're pretty sure you hear him grumble something about how of course it was a woman that hit him, but you can't be sure. Your pulse is pounding in your ears too loud to focus on mumbling.

"Jesus, I'm so so sorry," you say.

"Instead of wasting your time with apologies, you could try helping me up," he says.

"You're right. My bad. Here," you say, offering your hand. He takes it but doesn't stop glowering at you for a second.

You help him to his feet again. Once he's stable, he lets go of your palm and wipes it on his pants. A bit rude, but you supposed you deserved it.

"Are you hurt? Could I take you to a hospital or anything?" you ask. 

You try to sound as sweet as possible. He could be as pissy as he wanted, you were just praying to any higher power you could think of that he wouldn't sue you.

He simply rolls his eyes at your question. Your cheeks burn, and you awkwardly avert your eyes. You notice he'd dropped his wallet on the asphalt, so you reach down to retrieve it for him. Once you pick it up, your blood runs cold. Inside the wallet is a shiny silver star. A police badge.

Panic runs through you. The last thing you needed was a ticket, let alone a criminal charge. Your eyes dart up to him. He's wearing the smuggest grin you'd ever seen.

"Officer. Sir, I am so so sorry. Again, please let me know if there's anything I can do to help you. It was my stupid mistake. I swear, I'm normally a super safe driver," you say.

He chuckles and shakes his head. "It's cute how you little girls try to get out of trouble once you see how helpless you really are," he taunts.

You're speechless. If he was going to be like this, you were truly fucked.

"Don't tell me that's all you have for an apology. I've heard better from a mute," he says.

"I really didn't mean to hit you. Please, I'm just having a really bad day," you start timidly, but he cuts you off.

"Stand up. You look like a bitch begging for scraps down on your knees like that," he says, flicking two fingers to beckon you up.

You rise quickly at the command. You hated obeying a total asshole like him, but he held so much in his hands right now. There was nothing to do but follow along.

"There we go," he says and brings his hand to your face. It runs down your jawline to your chin. He tilts your face around, getting a look at you from all angles. "You're cute. No wonder you hit me."

Confusion flickers through your eyes. "What's that mean?" you ask as non-confrontational as you can manage.

"Well you know what they say: a pretty face or a brain, women don't get both," he mocks.

Now it's your turn to scowl. You can't even help it. The expression shows itself before you have the chance to hide it. Your previous mindset shatters in a matter of seconds.

"I didn't hit you cause I'm a woman. I hit you cause you darted into the street," you say.

His eyes brows raise with amusement, and the urge to bicker with him dwindles inside you.

"Really?" he asks, "Are you high then? Drunk maybe? Those are the only other reasons why you'd make such an egregious error."

Internally your blood pressure rises, but externally you keep it cool. "I promise it's neither. It was an accident. I just didn't see you," you explain.

"An accident? I don't know if I believe that," he tuts, "Before you said mistake. That could imply some intention."

"Accident and mistake mean the same thing," you dispute with a little desperation.

"I don't know... changing your story, cause to suspect intoxication, arguing with an officer. Things aren't looking good for you. I have reason to write you up at the very least," he chides.

"Please don't," you practically beg, "I'm sorry for arguing, but I swear on everything that I'm not on anything and it was absolutely not my intention to hit you with my car. Please there has to be something I can do."

That grin from earlier spreads across his face again. "I suppose there's a few things you could do. Don't think we should talk about them in the middle of the street though."

"Oh um, did you want me to pull my car to the side of the road?" you ask.

"Sounds like a good start, don't you think?" he asks.

You nod and quickly turn around to hop back in the car. Alone in the interior, you let out a shaky breath. You had a feeling as to what was coming. It wasn't ideal, but you guessed it was better than hundreds of dollars for a ticket or thousands on bail. Maybe he didn't get laid often with an attitude like that, and you could make him cum quick.

You drive a little way down the street before putting the car in park again. It crossed your mind to speed off and drive away, but you'd bet your life he had your license plate by now. You let out a final deep sigh before the backdoor opens, and he slides into the car.

"Get in the back with me," he says.

You obey again, opening your door and transferring to the rear seats of your vehicle. You look over at him with a mix of apprehension and annoyance. It entertains him all the more.

"You look like you know what I want," he says.

"I have a pretty good guess," you say, your voice quiet compared to his.

He leans in closer to you, nuzzling the side of your head and taking in your scent.

"You get yourself in this kind of situation often?" he asks before nipping at your earlobe sharply.

You wince and pull away slightly. His hand comes up and keeps your head close before you can move too far away though.

"No," you scoff.

"Good," he chuckles.

Despite his pretty face, everything about this moment is absolutely vile. He teases your ear and down your neck with a mixture of his lips and teeth. Simultaneously, his hands slide up your body to fondle your breasts. He gropes the mounds haphazardly, digging his fingers into them a bit too hard.

"You got nice tits, I'll give you that. Think I should've frisked you first," he whispers, "Maybe taken you back to the station for a strip search. Though then some of the other guys would've wanted a turn, and I don't like sharing my toys."

You scowl and look in the other direction. He was repulsive, but at the same time, some heat was beginning to pool in your belly from the combined touches of his mouth and hands. Though just as you're coming to enjoy the sensations, he takes them away. He pulls back from you, his hand going to the hardening bulge in his pants instead.

"I wanna try out that cute mouth first. I know there's a better use for it than talking," he says.

He's quick to undo his fly and whip his cock out. He gives it a few lazy strokes. It's pretty like everything else on him, the head already starting to glisten with pearly white precum.

He smirks at you taking in the sight. "What're you waiting for? I don't have all night."

Reluctantly, you get on your knees on the bench and lean forward. Your fingers wrap around the lower half while your mouth engulfs the top portion. The salty liquid spreads over your tongue, and your eyes flutter shut.

You hear him grunt from above you. One of his hands comes to rest on the back of your head and pushes you down a little more. You suck him deeper, laving your tongue against the underside of his cock.

"There you go. Take it," he moans quietly.

You tune him out and begin to bob your head. Soft slurping noises come from your mouth. Your hand lazily strokes the base. He was long enough to give you a little challenge but not thick enough to present a real struggle. You pick up a little speed, still wanting this to be over as quickly as possible.

He hums with satisfaction and relaxes against the smooth leather seats. His head tilts back and a low, whiny purr leaves his lips. You give his dick a gentle squeeze and suckle on the tip, letting some of your drool dribble down to his balls.

His hips buck up at the onslaught of sensations, and you gag a little. The noise isn't too loud, but he hears it. His eyes glow with desire at the thought of making you do it again.

His hands find their place on either side of your head. He acts as if he's guiding you at first, but he doesn't have the patience to truly ease you into having your face fucked. Before you can really register it, his hips start to thrust upward. His tip rams against the back of your throat, his shaft sliding between your lips over and over.

You give him what he wants and gag again. Spit seeps from between your lips onto his length. Your eyes water as he forces his cock as deep as physically possible.

"Think your throat was made for this. With lips like yours, it has to be," he mutters.

He keeps going, using your mouth as his fleshlight for the next minute or so. Your nose is nestled against his pelvis before he finally yanks your head off and sits you up again.

You're a bit dizzy when you're upright again. It's a relief to get a full breath of oxygen without the obstruction of him in your throat. He laughs quietly at the dazed look on your face, your teary eyes, and your saliva-coated lips.

"You liked that, hm? Think you needed it more than I did," he mocks.

You don't give him any indication either way. You're occupied with your vision coming back into complete focus.

"Now, face down ass up for me," he commands.

You go to move, but then pause and stare at him.

"In the car?" you ask uncertainly.

"Yes, in the car," he says, "It's cute how you ask that as if you have a choice."

"But- but why? I could make you cum if you lemme use my mouth a little more," you offer, but he shoots you down.

"I don't want your mouth. I pulled you off for a reason. I want a taste of that pussy before I cum. If you know how to give a blowjob like that, you must have something worthwhile between your legs," he says.

It's hard to fight off the heat creeping to your cheeks after hearing that. But you still don't move just yet.

"But someone could see... that's more obvious," you try to reason.

"Yeah? And what's anyone gonna do about it besides live with the knowledge that you're a slut?" he asks.

Just like that, you're really reminded of what this situation is. You flip over and pull down the clothing on your lower half to expose your cunt to him.

A whistle comes from behind you. You feel his hand come up to cup one of your ass cheeks. He drags his thumb up and down your folds, feeling the small amount of arousal that had collected there from giving him a blowjob. He dips the digit inside for a moment before pulling it out again. He just wanted to hear the sweet little noise you'd make. He wasn't disappointed by the whine he received.

"Are you on the pill?" he asks.

"Mhm," you hum.

"Clean?"

"Yes," you scoff.

Your attitude amuses him. It doesn't discourage him from rising to his knees behind you in the slightest. He balances himself on the seats before nudging his tip at your entrance and sliding in. The both of you moan and groan at the feeling.

Your nails claw at the seams of your seats as he sinks all the way in. He grabs your hips and makes sure you can't squirm away. He goes in until he bottoms out, completely wrapped in the warm wetness of your tight heat.

He doesn't give you time to adjust before he begins thrusting. He starts rocking right away, chasing his own pleasure like it's running from him. Your cheek rubs against the leather as he bumps you back and forth. You can tell the car is shaking from his movements, you just hope it's not too obvious to anyone who passes by. Though it wouldn't really matter. Even if they didn't see the car's motion, they'd surely spot the silhouette of the man in the backseat.

"Fuck," he whines, "You're tight. Think this might feel better than that mouth of yours."

You simply mewl in response. His cock was sliding deep, reaching all the little spots that didn't get as much attention as they needed. Your breathing turns to panting which only makes Naoya thrust harder.

"There you go, puppy. I knew you'd like it. This is what you're good for," he says as he continues pistoning himself inside you.

You try to hold in your shameful moan, but it slips out anyways. Your toes curl and your eyes flutter shut, rolling back behind the lids. From above, Naoya continues speaking. You're pretty sure he gets off to the sound of his own voice.

"I could've fucked you right in the middle of the street and made you thank me for it," he grunts, "You would've done it too, you little whore. Knew from the moment I saw you that you'd let me do anything I wanted."

You whimper because in a way, that was partially true. You gasp as you start to get closer. He smacks your ass hard while he continues rutting into you.

"Dumb slut. Not so concerned with people seeing now that you're about to cum, huh?" he taunts.

Shaking your head in agreement, you press your cheek further against the seat. You'd have preferred if you could at least maintain the story that he didn't make you cum, but it didn't seem like that was going to be the case. And honestly at this point, you felt too good to care.

He knows that he's getting close too. He can feel how his dick is pulsing with the need to empty his balls, fuck you full of his load.

He goes faster, gripping your hips strong enough to bruise. He's going so fast that it's like a blur. That's what pushes you over the edge. You clamp up on his cock which in turn causes ecstasy to spike through him and drag him to the finish line.

The two of you cum in tandem, you gushing on his cock and him stuffing you with his release. Even with your disdain for him, being fucked full of cum gives you the warm feeling of satisfaction. By the time he's finished, you're practically a puddle in your backseat.

He pulls out quickly, not caring to let you adjust to the emptiness as you would have preferred. He doesn't rub your back after or tell you that you did good. Doesn't let you curl up to his side or stroke your head. He simply pulls his pants up again and wipes the sweat from his brow.

He glances at your fucked out state. It brings him nearly as much satisfaction as his actual orgasm had, seeing how totally ruined you were.

Patting your ass, he scoots to the door and steps out.

"Have a good night, miss. Make sure you watch out for any pedestrians on your way home," he says, imitating a professional tone.

And with that, he’s gone, leaving you to scrape yourself back together.

[shinygolden-antlers]

welcome to my silly hyperfixation crossover extravaganza of epic:the musical and alan becker’s stick figures.

currently scripting the entire list of 40 epic songs into an ava/m animatic. so pls be patient, it’s a lot of work. scroll down to my other posts to see the character designs and stuff.. i’m a bit of a perfectionist so some of them might be redrawn in the future but ANIMATIC first!!

here’s some random facts about me because i’m bored:

> i draw with a 8 year old wacom tablet. this badass baby is my goddamn pride and joy. been thru some tough shit fr.

> you may call me gold, no relation to king orange’s son. i actually like the colour green. but shiny green antlers don’t really sound great. i mostly thought of golden antlers because of that one glass animals song that i love. also they’re majestic. deer i mean.

> my fav character is purple, the stick figure. he’s awesome, totally relatable because ha. my dad went to get milk and i now have daddy issues and people pleasing tendencies. but if you asked me on a deeper level, it’ll be phi (φ) because animation vs geometry is my favourite ep out of everything.

> i’m a self taught artist.. kinda? i did go to art school and got thru two years of it only to flunk the last one because i hated sitting in an office and doing 3D animation. i ended up eating Subway a lot and playing mobile games. then i went to another art school and didn’t even make it thru the first year because of my ex. lol. so now im drifting thru life and trying to find a meaning of it. if you guys meet up with Life, pls slap them for me.

> i listen to a lot of different music genres. but, rn it’s just me listening to epic’s soundtrack on loop because im animating in my head. but when im not doing that im listening to electro swing, phonk, rock (im a sucker for twenty one pilots), hardstyle and euphoric music. just don’t give me r&b.. not my jam. i love avenza tho. BIG AVENZA FAN.

> i actually got into alan’s animations way back when avm was first released so IM AN OG. *confetti* but! i didn’t catch up till last year so nahhh.. am i gonna lose that OG badge? this hyperfixation has gotten so bad, i’m torturing myself with this animatic. but hey i’ll do it for you guys.

anyway, if you have any questions about epic or alan becker or even just randomness, just ask. i’m kinda doing my own thing. see yall around.

[periwinkla]

Finally, I'm taking the time to comment on this lovely comic of yours "Falling a p a r t Falling together" 💕

The way you color in black and white with those splashes of watercolor give the setting a magical feeling.

Miles always selling himself short, he did a lot for Phoenix during AA3-5 *sniff*

I love the callback to Edgeworth reminding Wright they're only humans.

Page 08 is so powerful omg, the broken / burnt badges, how Phoenix lived Miles' disappearance after his letter. And Phoenix really needed to hear those words from Edgeworth. The parallel with how they both lived for a moment a world without each other, that's so well done omg. My poor heart ｡･ﾟﾟ･(>д<)･ﾟﾟ･｡ 

And maybe it's silly, but I love the way you did the shading for their shoes on page 06, it's so shiny, I can't stop looking 👀 And I love the way you draw Miles hair, they look fluffy 🥹

AND THE CUDDLES: CHERRY ON THE CAKE

I loved every bit of this story Peri, there's so much I could say but just know I LOVE IT ��(´▽｀)ノ 💖

Lili!!!! Thank you so much for these lovely lovely words ;-; Waaaah sobbing!!!! I'm so happy you enjoyed it so much!! (づ> v <)づ♡ (づ> v <)づ♡ (づ> v <)づ♡ !!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you thank you thank you!!!!!!!!!!! (and hehe I do love drawing cuddles :3c)

[wdcsuae]

Checklist for Hiring AI Developers in UAE: Skills, Experience, and More

Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn't just a cool talking point anymore-it's steering the latest breakthroughs in almost every field. Whether a business uses AI to tidy up customer chats, guess future sales, or serve products that feel hand-tailored, the smart tech now sits at the heart of its game plan. Right here in the UAE, companies are scrambling to find AI developers who can keep that momentum going. Yet the very hunger for talent makes it tough to spot and land the perfect candidate.

If your firm wants to Hire AI Developers in the UAE, a no-nonsense hiring checklist can save time and headaches. The step-by-step guide below shows you how to search for, assess, and smoothly onboard skilled AI pros so they stick around and push your goals forward.

Why Hiring the Right AI Developer Matters in the UAE Context?

The UAE is fast becoming the Middle East's tech capital, fueled by bold plans like the UAE 2031 AI Strategy and huge spending on smart cities, fintech, logistics, and next-gen healthcare. All that progress has sparked a turf war for AI brains, and only companies with a sharp hiring process will grab the talent they need.

Bringing a poor developer on board can mean late projects, weak AI results, and money down the drain. In contrast, the right person adds solid tech skills, real-world know-how, and the know-how to grow your AI solution with your market.

The Ultimate Checklist for Hiring AI Developers in UAE:

Here is a no-nonsense list of traits and skills to seek when bringing AI developers into your UAE team.

1. Foundational Technical Skills

Before you look at years worked or shiny badges, confirm that any candidate masters the basics of AI and machine learning. Key skills include:

Programming Languages: Python rules the field; know-how in R, Java, or C++ is a plus.

Data Structures & Algorithms: These keep the code clean and fast.

Math & Statistics: Solid grasp of linear algebra, calculus, and probability fuels good models.

Libraries & Frameworks: Experience with TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Scikit-learn must match your project.

Cloud Services: Comfort with AWS (SageMaker), Google Cloud AI, or Azure Machine Learning is vital.

A sturdy foundation lets developers craft reliable models today and pivot to tomorrows tools with ease.

2. Real-World Project Work

Talent you spot on a resume don't always deliver results. If you plan to hire AI developers in the UAE, put genuine project work at the top of your checklist. Ask them for:

A clean portfolio or up-to-date GitHub page

Samples of apps that run on AI tech

Brief case studies that detail how their system solved a problem

Work with live data streams and APIs

Positions where they led AI roll-outs in retail, healthcare, logistics or fintech

Extra credit goes to anyone who tackled UAE challenges-arabic NLP, e-commerce trends in the region, or smart-city links.

3. Solid Know-How of UAE Rules and Data Law

AI doesn't run in a legal vacuum. Your developers need clear know-how of UAE data laws and compliance hot spots, including:

Health data (think DHA and MOH rules)

Finance work (see Central Bank cyber standards)

Cross-border transfers and GDPR ties when overseas clients appear

Bringing on team members who get the local rules cuts risk and keeps your AI tools ethical and by the book.

4. Soft Skills and Communication

Building AI systems is nearly never a one-person show. Coders team up with data pros, product leads, and now and then the end-users themselves. Because of that, soft skills matter just as much as coding chops:

Writing and talking about tech in everyday language

Hopping smoothly between different team roles

Seeing problems as puzzles to solve, not roadblocks

Keeping cool when project plans change overnight

In the hectic, mix-of-cultures UAE market, good people skills can set a project on fire-or keep it from burning down.

5. Domain Knowledge

When AI builders know the business inside and out, ideas turn into value much faster. Think of the shortcuts they can take:

In retail: customer tags, better product suggestions

In healthcare: clearer scans, smarter diagnosis tips

In real estate: sharper price models, hot lead scoring

In logistics: quicker routes, spot-on demand forecasts

So, whether your office sits in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah, looking for developers with real-world know-how keeps your AI work on-target and ready to make money.

6. Experience with Edge Technologies and Integrations

AI usually works best when teamed up with other smart tools. Developers who grasp these pairings stand out:

IoT plus Edge AI for next-gen smart city sensors.

NLP that runs in many languages on customer service chatbots.

Computer vision for spotting theft or tracking store traffic.

RPA that zips through internal tasks without human clicks.

In the UAEs fast-growing innovation hubs, cross-trained devs are already ticketed for top projects.

7. Understanding of AI Ethics and Bias Mitigation

Poorly managed AI can echo old biases and cause real harm. Great developers stay alert to:

Fairness, openness, and clear lines of responsibility.

Skewed data that trains models to make one-sided calls.

How automated choices affect different cultures and communities.

Bringing on teammates who place ethics first is vital in the UAEs diverse landscape.

Cultural Fit and Work Ethic

Hiring on-paper skill alone won't keep an AI team productive. Look for engineers who:

Share your company mission

Respect deadlines

Crave new knowledge and tools

Can keep pace with the UAE's rapid tech scene

Whether you're a Dubai Internet City startup or an Abu Dhabi agency, the right fit keeps your AI unit healthy.

References and Client Testimonials

Always ask past bosses or clients for stories. These checks show:

Projects were finished on time

The developers communication clicked

Problems were untangled independently

They acted with integrity and professionalism

If you can, call firms that tackled similar UAE projects so you know what to expect.

Willingness to Sign NDAs and IP Agreements

AI work often touches secret data and unique code. Confirm that the developer will sign:

Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)

Intellectual property (IP) transfer terms

Work-for-hire documents

Guarding your intellectual assets is crucial in crowded fields like fintech or e-commerce, where AI can set you apart.

Where to Find and Hire Top AI Developers in the UAE?

Now that you know what to look for, where can you actually hire AI developers in the UAE?

Here are a few trusted routes:

Specialized AI shops like WDCS Technology that provide pre-screened talent ready to start.

Innovation hubs and incubators such as Dubai Future Foundation or Abu Dhabi's Hub71.

Freelance boards like Upwork, Toptal, or LinkedIn-be sure to check for local experience.

Engineering schools including Khalifa University and Heriot-Watt, both churning out AI grads.

Working with local devs or UAE-based teams usually means smoother talk, faster contracts, and a team that gets the local market.

Red Flags to Avoid While Hiring

Even with a good checklist, bad hires still sneak in. Stay alert if a candidate:

Has no live portfolio, GitHub, or public code example to show.

Won't take a short coding test or demo session.

Struggles to explain what they actually did on past projects.

Dodges questions about ethics, data privacy, or bias.

Leans too much on ChatGPT or no-code tools instead of real logic.

Remember, you are hiring a problem-tackler, not just a keyboard-thumping coder.

Final Thoughts

The United Arab Emirates is steering ahead with digital change, and artificial intelligence is riding shotgun. Even so, any AI project will only thrive when talented, curious people are the ones building it. Work through the checklist above, and you can hire UAE AI developers who fit both the code and the company culture.

Whether you plan to launch a smart app, streamline tasks, or turn raw data into clear choices,C bringing in the right minds isthecrucialfirstmove.

Ready to Hire the Right AI Talent in the UAE?

If you're set to speed up your AI plan, work with a name you can trust in the UAE. WDCS Technology links you to top-tier AI engineers, clear action plans, and deep local insight. Well craft systems that are fast, dependable, and built on solid ethical ground.

Contact us today and start hiring developers who turn ideas into real results.

[ghostgymleaderhz]

ABCs of Pokemon Trainers

A. Adventure (Tell your favorite story from adventuring with your Pokemon)

B. Ball (Do you decorate your Pokeballs, what type do you use, do you have a theme or not, and so on)

C. Controversial Pokemon Opinion

D. Dining (Favorite foods of both you and your pokemon. Or if you've been to other regions, which region has the best food to you?)

E. Evolution (Are your pokemon fully evolved or not?)

F. Favorites (Pokemon, Typing, Route, etc)

G. Gym (Show off your badges, or if you're a gym leader tell us about your gym)

H. Home Region

I. Image (Show us a cute picture of your Pokemon)

J. Jem (Do you give your pokemon held items?)

K. Knowledge (Give your fellow trainers a helpful tip)

L. Legendary (Have you ever encountered a legendary or mythical pokemon?)

M. Moves (What moves do you teach your pokemon?)

N. No (Biggest pet peeve about Pokemon Training)

O. Ominous (Scariest moment during adventuring)

P. Pokedex (How far are you on completing your Pokedex?)

Q. Question (Do you have a question for other trainers?)

R. Ride (What do you use to travel? Bikes? Ride Pokemon? TMs?)

S. Shiny (Encountered shiny stories, shiny pokemon you own, etc)

T. Team (Tell us about your Mons)

U. Unique (What sets you apart from the other trainers?)

V. Version (Do you own regional variants of Pokemon?)

W. Wild Encounter (What pokemon do you dread encountering the most?)

X. Xed Out (If you could permanently get rid of one type of pokemon, what would it be and why?)

Y. Youth (How have you grown as a trainer? Who was your first Pokemon?)

Z. ZZZ (Where do you sleep while adventuring? Do you let your Mons sleep with you?)

[24-0z]

Completely out of context , my mind has not been able to form a single though aside of a Police x Criminal Andreil Au inspired on the song "The villain I appear to be" in which Andrew is the chief of police that never seems to catch the worldwide known jewelry thieve Neil Josten.

And they just have type of relationship in which Neil will get out of getting caught by flirting with Andrew in the middle of a famous museum literally with a picasso under his arm or about to jump of a window in the top floor of a skyscraper with parachute on his back and 5 million dollars worth of jewelry in a duffle bag. Sometimes he uses his actual skills, but mainly he is just filtring with Andrew as he escapes.

The thing, is that Neil is so interesting to Andrew that everytime he sees those cold blue eyes and that sliver of red hair above a mask, he can't do anything but feel something warm uncurl in his stomach and stare as the other gives him a two finger salute and leaves once again, unable to move or do anything competent. This happens everytime they see each other and Andrew is pissed about it, but when they see each other again on another museum surrounded by at least fifty officers with their guns out and Neil just looks for Andrew and smiles under his mask when they make eye contact, Andrew damns the day he crossed paths with this man when he hears an amused "Officer Andrew Minyard, I was wondering when you would get here, I was starting to miss you" and Andrew knows he is a goner.

Andrew knows this whole thing is stupid and that he could lose his job because of it but he can't help but feel interested everytime Neil manages to get out of his grasp even when he will never admit that he looks forward to see the thieve again.

Obviously something has to go wrong at some point and it just so happens that when Neil thinks he will be able to get away of his newest hit, he steps out of the floor to ceiling security safe and hears something click around his wrist sounding alarmingly like handcuffs . He turns sharply and manages to see none other than Officer Andrew Minyard with the other end of the handcuff on his wrist. Neil hasn't activated any of the alarms, he is sure of this and it looks like Andrew is alone most likely with reinforcement on the way so when Andrew just returns the stare with blank boredom he can't help but smile .

"You finally caught me Andrew so I guess the best congratulations are in order " he says teasingly. Andrew just scoffs, but Neil can see the smallest lift of his mouth, he smirks at that " Anyhow , I should leaving if I don't want to catch traffic you know how it is, but hey we should totally meet again , this time maybe you should invite me to dinner or something instead of the handcuffs"

Andrew looks at him with something dark in his eyes that is the farthest thing from anger. " Would you actually go to dinner with me? " Andrew asks taking a step forward into Neil's space , he usually never responds to Neil's flirting so he is surprised, but he still doesn't move an inch so that he and Andrew are practically touching.

Neil looks down at his duffle bag with about 9.000.000 dollars in antique diamond rings and looks up at Andrew's shiny police badge, he slowly stretches an arm to grab the badge and when Andrew doesn't stop him he just takes it and puts it in Andrew's pocket.

"I would, but I think anything other than this horrendous uniform would fit you better " He says looking Andrew up and down

"As if you can tell me anything with the things you wear." Andrew says looking at his worn out black hoodie and his beat up sneakers . Just as Neil is going to respond he continues " How can I trust that your going to be there? "

"How can I trust you're not going to arrive with the entire police department on your tail? " Neil counters, and sees something change in Andrew's demeanour, he hesitates as he slowly goes for the handcuff that was bounding them together and opens it with a little key.

Neil could start running towards the door any minute now and he should start running but there's something in the hazel eyes in front of him that makes him shiver. " How can I trust you? " Andrew asks again and Neil knows what to do, it's a stupid thing to do but fuck it, he is a stupid guy . So he reaches for his mask and gets it off like a band aid , suddenly realizing it's the first time Neil and Andrew face each other, really face each other.

Andrew has somehow gotten close enough that they're sharing a breath, hazel eyes blending with blue ones as he quietly says " I want to kiss you, yes or no? "

The yes is out of Neil's mouth before he can register it and as soon he says it Andrew's mouth is on his and Neil is pushed into the wide metal door of the safe .

The world stops and Neil feels dizzy with the strong contact of Andrew's lips on his. Andrew is fierce and kisses him like his world starts and ends on Neil's mouth, but the hands that grab his face are anything if not gentle and the way he guides Neil's hands to his own hair are nothing but trusting. Neil knows his hands are trembling as Andrew slides his tongue into his mouth and he knows Andrew is smirking because of it , so he takes a leap and moves his mouth down to Andrew's jaw and down again to Andrew's neck to leave kisses there and smiles when he hears Andrew's breath hitch.

Andrew grabs him by the back of his neck to reach for his mouth once more ,grabbing Neil's waist in the process with enough force to hold him but making a point that Neil could leave if he wanted to. He doesn't. So instead Neil gets even closer to Andrew and kisses him again with the same need and desperation as before.

Suddenly the alarms go off and the world blends again into focus so they can also hear the police sirens out of the building. They must have set off the alarm by pushing the wrong code into the safe door accidentally when Andrew pushed him into said door.

They stare at each other for a second freezed in the spot before separating from each other quickly. Neil puts his mask on again and looks at Andrew . He sees a blanck face and red ears that give away Andrew's surprise at the alarm and Neil feels relieved that he wasn't the only only one completely caught up in the kiss. Neil looks down to his bag and up again at Andrew, he knows this could get him killed but regardless of anything close to self preservation he says " You should go to Palmetto state and look for The Foxhole bar, ask for Allison and tell her you are looking for Neil Josten ." He says and grabs the strap of his duffle shyly "I think dinner would be nice "

Andrew looks at him with shining eyes and asks "Does this Friday at eight sound good for you or do you have another antique jewelry to steal "

"Oh Andrew don't worry, you know I'll make time in my busy criminal life just for you "

" Lucky me " Andrew says as he puts his badge back on " You should leave now before they get here" he muses.

But Neil is already running towards a window, he turns to give Andrew a final look and says " I'm looking forward to Friday Officer Andrew Minyard " and jumps.

[raplinesmoon]

Autumn Leaves (JHS x F! Reader) - Part 2.

Pairing: Jung Hoseok x Female Reader

Genres: ANGST, some minor moments of fluff, romance

AUs: historical/period!AU, aristocrat!AU (OC comes from a rich family)

Word count: 6.2k for this final part

Tags/trigger warnings: the reader is sick with tuberculosis (no graphic details of sickness, just coughing and wheezing), mentions of injections, mentions of blood, physical fight scenes (running away, punching, pushing, pulling, etc)., mentions of guns and gunshot wounds, mentions of stealing and crime, betrayal, deceit, minor character deaths, MAJOR CHARACTER DEATH (pls don’t read if this makes you uncomfortable, your well-being is valued and important).

Ratings: R

Summary: An unfortunate meeting leads young archaeologist Jin Han-Jae to fall in love with the daughter of a wealthy noble. Unbeknownst to her, he harbours a secret that could drive the both of them apart.

A/N: Ugh, why do I write things that make me cry? This piece is based on the Bollywood film Lootera, which is one of my favourite movies ever. I loved this movie so much, and I wanted to see Hoseok in this role so bad, that I made a whole mood board for it before I ever even considered sitting down to write this story. I hope you enjoy the ending, I’m sorry it’s so sad, but I also wanted to convey hope amongst the sadness. PS. Thank you to Val @kookdiaries for the beautiful banner!! PSPSPS: In this fic, Hoseok goes by an alter ego known as Jin Han-Jae (it’ll make sense when you read). The characters who don’t know he’s Hoseok refer to him as Han-Jae only when addressing him and thinking of him → hopefully that clears up any confusion! Lots of love, Isi 💜

Disclaimer: this is highly unedited, I’m so sorry but I just sort of sat down and wrote the whole thing at once. I’ll maybe go back and edit sometime soon though!

Crossposted to AO3 here.

One year later

The musicality of the birds chirping outside your window grates on your nerves as you sit down at your desk, pen in hand. The pollen from the air is irritating your already fragile lungs, but you suppress the urge to cough in fear of another attack. Rustling amongst the crumpled up papers that surround you, a deep groan escapes your throat. Rubbing at your temples, you look out the window to see that the once beautiful blue skies have darkened considerably, branches whipping in the wind.

“Madam ___? Dinner is ready,” your maid Joo-hyun implores you to venture out of your room and join her in the kitchen. Her faint footsteps echo behind you as she reaches down to pick up the mass of paper that litters the floor.

“Do you need anything else before I head home for the night, Madam ___?” she inquires.

“No Joo-hyun, thank you. You may go home,” you address her, but your eyes stare straight ahead, peering out into the distance. You hear the door click behind you, but pay it no mind as your eyes focus on the storm brewing in the background. Letting out another sigh, your finger trail over the switch of your lamp, flicking it once and bathing the room in darkness. You flick it again.

On. Flick. Off. Flick. On. Off. On-off, on-off, on-off.

A year later, and you muse that moving to your mountain estate has done nothing for your peace of mind. While the air may be fresh and the winds calm, the sound of them whistling through the trees serves to remind you of the fact that you are completely and utterly alone.

✯¸.•´*¨`*•✿ ✿•*`¨*`•.¸✯

Emerging from the forest after your daily walk around the estate, you notice a figure waiting for you at the end of the path.

“My name is Inspector Kim Taehyung,” he reaches out a hand for you to shake, flashing his badge. “May I come inside, ma’am?”

His black shiny boots soon take up residence in the drawing-room while Joo-hyun prepares a cup of tea for you both. You’re embarrassed to have him sit there, knowing it’s gathering dust from your disuse and disregard for the state of the place.

“Madam ___,” Taehyung begins, “You know very well why I’m here. You knew Han-Jae better than anyone. The more information we get from you, the closer we are to catching them. And if we don’t catch them, they’ll rob again. And again. And more innocent victims like your father will die at their hands.”

“My father didn’t die because he got robbed,” a look of annoyance crosses your face at his insinuation. “He died because he was heartbroken. He trusted Han-Jae with his whole life.”

“I did too,” you whisper, looking down at the floor.

Taehyung lays an arm on your shoulder. “Your father would want Han-Jae to pay, right? For what he did to the family.”

“I don’t want revenge against Han-Jae, Inspector Kim,” you remark, eyes becoming listless and glazed over from having this conversation one too many times. “I just want to forget him.”

Taehyung stands to take his leave, shaking the dust from his coat and rattling the doorknob.

“If you ever feel like talking, Madam ___, or you ever need anything from me, you know where to find me.”

✯¸.•´*¨`*•✿ ✿•*`¨*`•.¸✯

“What are you writing?” Han-jae’s voice echoes in your head, memories flooding your senses from the night you confessed your love. “Is it a story?”

“Mmm-hmm,” you mumble, bent over his writing desk.

“What story is it?” He asks, eyes melting as he takes in your tired figure.

“Just a story,” you try to quell his suspicions, not wanting him to know what lies in your heart.

“Is there a boy in the story?”

“Yes.”

“And a girl?”

“Yup.”

“Do they love each other?” Han-Jae’s voice cracks as he asks the question, his lies spreading venom all over his tongue as his heart sinks in his chest.

“No,” your response is resolute, and his breath hitches.

“Are they about to fall in love?” he probes, inching himself closer to you.

You roll your eyes at his antics. “I don’t know.”

Wrapping a hand around your waist, he kneels beside your sitting figure. “The boy wants to know what the girl is thinking, but she’s not answering him. Is she angry?”

“Yes,” you croak, thinking of how he may have to leave one day.

“Because he has to go?” he asks, his thoughts melding with your own.

“No, because he’s asking too many questions,” you playfully flick his shoulder, not wanting to cause him worry.

His arm reaches for your, lifting you up from the chair and wrapping around you as you both tumble onto the bed, face-to-face and bodies intertwined.

“Has the boy told the girl that she’s the most beautiful person he’s ever seen? And has the girl told the boy she loves him more than anything in the world?”

“Not yet,” you whisper, eyes flickering towards his lips as you both lean in.

“When will they tell each other? When?” Han-Jae breathes the last word before his lips close over yours.

✯¸.•´*¨`*•✿ ✿•*`¨*`•.¸✯

Rage overcomes you as you’re blinded by the memory. You throw your pen on the floor, followed by a book, followed by a glass photo frame that shatters as you stomp towards the living room, eyes focused on the telephone that sits in the corner.

Hastily dialing the number for the local police station, you ask to be put through to Inspector Kim Taehyung.

“Inspector Kim speaking,” his deep voice thunders over the phone.

“Han-Jae told me once when we were talking that-, that one day, he’d like to run away and live in the mountains outside of Busan. Maybe one day, his target will be here, in this very town, or even somewhere nearby.”

“Thank you,” Taehyung answers, voice filled with gratitude. He knows how tough the decision must have been for you.

Choosing not to respond, you cut the line dead. Tip-toeing back to your room, guilt washes over you when you peer at the photo that’s slipped out of the broken frame, your father’s face smiling back at you.

Not even days later, the sign goes up outside your front gate, as you look on through the window, under the shadow of the large tree that looms in your backyard.

“Guesthouse for rent.”

✯¸.•´*¨`*•✿ ✿•*`¨*`•.¸✯

“Famous artifacts to be moved to a museum outside Busan,” the headline reads. Hoseok stares at it, and then stares again at the photo he’d taken out of his breast pocket. It’s the one of you two from that day you’d begged him to try out the new camera together. He stares at the way the two of you sit on opposite sides of the sofa, keeping a respectable distance from one another even though he knows now the distance between you two is anything but.

✯¸.•´*¨`*•✿ ✿•*`¨*`•.¸✯

Lungs wheezing as coughs wrack your frame, you remark at how even the fresh air can no longer keep your sickness at bay. The palm of your hand glistens with fresh, ruby-red blood.

Tuberculosis, the doctor had said. He’d suggested moving somewhere else, somewhere warmer, in the hopes of living a longer and healthier life. You didn’t have the heart to tell him that you’d given up on living long ago.

With the leaves falling around you, you’re reminded of your father’s story - the one he’d told long ago, about the king who stored his life in a parrot. Glancing at the tree above, you close your eyes and will your spirit to imbue itself within the colorful leaves, their falling a metaphor for your dwindling life force.

Joo-hyun shakes you out of your reverie, a grim look on her face.

“There’s two men at the gate. For the guesthouse. What should I do?”

“Show it to them,” you tell her, not daring to look over your shoulder at the visitors. You know he’s arrived.

✯¸.•´*¨`*•✿ ✿•*`¨*`•.¸✯

Hoseok and Jimin follow the maid down the slope towards the guesthouse. Her name was Joo-hyun, or something like that. Hoseok can’t be bothered to remember. He’s much more interested in the mysterious inhabitant of the main house on the property.

“Who lives up there?” Hoseok asks, craning his neck towards the large house.

“The lady of the house,” Joo-hyun replies stiffly. “She hasn’t been well these days, she mostly keeps to herself.”

…

It’s a done deal, Hoseok thinks. This is the perfect place for them to stay. Giving the main house a last look before he and Jimin return to the hotel, he sees a shadow through the window. Could it be?

No, it couldn’t, he thinks to himself. He’d lost the right to be in your life a long time ago.

Peering at him through the windowpanes, your breathing becomes shallow as you fumble for the ringing phone.

“Inspector Kim speaking. Madam ___, we’ve arrested the gang’s leader, Han-jae’s uncle. He confessed to us that Han-jae and Jimin are in the town as we speak. I’ve gotten a call from the local museum curator that he met with them today, and they were masquerading as docents for the National Museum. We’ve blocked off all the potential places they could stay in the town, meaning that they’ll find their way to you somehow. I hope you’re ready.”

✯¸.•´*¨`*•✿ ✿•*`¨*`•.¸✯

“That’s funny, I thought Uncle would at least answer the phone,” Jimin remarks as he and Hoseok make their way from the phone booth through the winding town streets.

“It’s not like him,” Hoseok quips, grating his teeth together. This whole town put him on edge. It felt wildly unsafe here. He notices that someone has begun to walk behind them.

“Listen,” he says to Jimin. “Pass me a cigarette, will you?”

Stopping, he glances at the man behind them. “We’re being followed. You go left, I’ll go right. I’ll meet you back here in fifteen minutes.”

“Alright,” Jimin responds. The two of them trust each other with their lives, even now when they’re on the line.

Breaking out into a run, the two of them split along the path, disappearing from sight as the policemen hidden in the shadows make themselves known and follow swiftly.

Hoseok’s lungs threaten to burst out of his chest, sprinting as fast as his legs can take him. Out of nowhere, he’s tackled to the ground by a man in uniform, crumpling as the man snakes a hand around his neck. Giving a swift kick to the man’s chest, he topples over and Hoseok makes his escape, stumbling as he gasps for air.

Hoseok swoops down stairwells and scampers down slopes, twisting and turning, his agile legs no match for the older men that chase after. That is, until he hears the gunshots. Slipping into an abandoned house, he takes a moment to catch his breath, finally free of the pursuit.

Until he hears breathing coming from outside. His eyes dart to the window, seeing the imposing figure of a tall man shuffle past, the “Inspector Kim” of his badge glinting along with the pistol he carries in his hands. Hoseok swallows as the door to the house creaks open, and he springs into action.

Taehyung is tackled before he even knows it, gun slipping from his grasp, as the two men exchange blows back and forth. Taehyung is strong, Hoseok knows, but he lacks speed and agility. Years of being a thief have taught Hoseok to slip out from anyone’s grasp. He lands a blow to Taehyung’s stomach, incapacitating him as the Inspector is knocked over, heaving as he watches Hoseok take his pistol and escape.

Taehyung’s men come from behind him, shooting at the intruder, but missing until he slips from their sight.

….

Groaning, Hoseok blinks up at the light escaping from the one window illuminating the abandoned basement he now seeks refuge in. He knows that he’s been hurt somehow, but the adrenaline coursing through his veins is keeping his mind from fixating on the pain. Climbing up on his arms and slipping his head out the window, the coast is now clear.

Hoseok makes his way down the alleyway, completely devoid of another human soul as the fog closes in on him. Peeking around the corner, he lets out a silent groan as he catches eyes with one of the police’s men, staring straight back towards him with a rifle aimed at his head.

Standing his ground, Hoseok engages the man in a stare off, his own pistol pointed straight for the heart. Suddenly, the man backs away, claiming defeat. Hoseok lets his arm down for a split second, but sees the rifle glint out of the corner of his eye.

He doesn’t even hesitate before the man is on the ground, bleeding out. Out of the corner of his eye, Hoseok spots another intruder making his way through the fog. Yet another shot rings out and Hoseok finds himself alone, surrounded by bodies on either side.

The mid-afternoon sunlight begins to peek through the fog, and Hoseok gets a good look at the other intruder. His face blanches. Jimin. He sees the younger lying in a pool of blood on the ground, clutching his chest before coming to a still.

Frantic, Hoseok runs towards his friend, tears spilling out of his eyes, stopping in front of his lifeless body. Jimin’s eyes are open, turned towards the sky, the sunlight now spilling into the alley and illuminating his golden hair.

A shot rings out in the distance, and Hoseok sees the police approaching from above. Hurt, and unable to grieve, he wipes the last of his tears and does what he does best. He leaves.

✯¸.•´*¨`*•✿ ✿•*`¨*`•.¸✯

Choking back sobs as he ducks into another corner, Hoseok untucks his shirt, now stained with red, as the tell-tale sign of a bullet mark makes itself known in his chest. Struggling to breathe, he closes his eyes and begins to hyperventilate. Soon, his senses are awoken by the light touch of something cold against his face. Snowflakes.

Reaching into his chest, he bites back a scream as his fingers close in on the bullet and yank it out. More tears spill out, pain mixed with relief.

He knows come morning, the police will have posters of him everywhere, calling him what he is: a thief and a murderer. And yet, he’s not ready to be turned in, to die. So he’ll keep running, even if nowhere here is safe for him now.

Nowhere here is safe for him now. The streets of the town flash in his mind, and then, one place outside of it.

The snowflakes cling to his hair as he limps towards the guesthouse with the mysterious owner.

✯¸.•´*¨`*•✿ ✿•*`¨*`•.¸✯

Hands shaking, you reach for the medicine stocked in your drawer as another coughing fit hits you. The air is cold and a draft has found its way into the house with the onset of the snowstorm.

You’re distracted by the faint glow of a lantern outside your door. The glow makes it's way closer and closer, almost as if someone is making their way down the path towards you. Coughing, you brace your arms around yourself and prepare for your impending doom as the door is rammed open.

A wild Han-Jae appears before you, hair disheveled and eyes red with anger and grief. Making his way towards you, he grabs you in his arms, caging you in as you desperately try to break free from his grasp.

“It was you, wasn’t it? I knew it had to be you, ___. My eyes weren’t deceiving me. You told them, didn’t you? You told the police where I was,” he roars, shaking you back and forth.

Unable to fight him any longer, you clutch at your throat, eyes fluttering as everything around you fades to black.

✯¸.•´*¨`*•✿ ✿•*`¨*`•.¸✯

Waking with a start, you gasp and frantically look around your room, searching for any signs that your nightmare had not come true last night. Wrapping your shawl around yourself, you gingerly make your way out of bed, gently stepping towards the kitchen to heat up the kettle.

Your suspicions are proven correct when you spot the lone figure of Han-Jae bent over the countertop, head sunken low as if in mourning. Taking him, you marvel at how so much has changed, but his beauty remains the same. His hair may be a bit longer, and his figure a bit more lean, but there’s no mistaking the sharp cut of his jaw and the curve of his lips. You feel your breath catch in your throat at the sight of him after so long.

“My friend died because of you,” he whispers, so low that you almost can’t hear him over the wind blowing outside. “He died because of you. You think I’d let you go that easily?”

“I didn’t know you had a shred of emotion left in you,” you sneer.

“There’s a lot you still don’t know about me, ____. I need a place to hide,” Han-Jae rolls up his sleeves, stepping around you and making his way to the cupboards.

“You won’t find it here,” you decree defiantly. “Now please leave or I’ll call the police.

He looks towards you, the ghost of a heart-shaped smile making its way onto his lips.

“You won’t call them.”

Face scrunched up in anger, you brush past him as your legs charge towards the telephone in the other room. His hand stops yours before you can grab it, painfully twisting your arm behind your head as you struggle against him. The door clicks, and the two of you look towards the threshold to see Joo-hyun standing there, hands held up to her ears.

“Close the door,” Han-Jae commands, turning his head towards Joo-Hyun. “Fucking close it!”

Joo-Hyun jumps, arms trembling as she locks the bolt into place. Han-jae reaches into his pocket and pulls out his pistol, pointing it at Joo-hyun threateningly.

“What have you heard from outside? What are they saying?” he seethes. “And don’t even think about lying to me.”

“Your photos are up everywhere,” Joo-Hyun gulps. “You’re accused of killing a police constable.”

She looks towards you before continuing: “They also say you killed your own friend. There are shoot-on-sight orders for you.”

“You killed Jimin?” you sob, turning away. You’re unable to believe what you’re hearing.

“Wh-who are you?” Joo-hyun stutters, her voice taking a protective tone once she recognizes you seem familiar with each other.

“Who isn’t he?” you scream. “Mr. Jin Han-jae, actor extraordinaire! Man of a thousand faces, all of them used to lie and cheat and trick the hearts of the innocent!”

Hoseok barges towards you, jaw clenched as he grabs your arm.

“I didn’t kill Jimin on purpose, or that police constable. I fired back out of self-defense!”

“I don’t believe you!” you sob. “How can I believe you?”

“It’s the truth!” he bellows.

“The truth!” you screech back. “If only you had told the truth back then, huh? Maybe then we wouldn’t be in this mess?”

“I couldn’t abandon Jimin and my uncle! They were like family to me, do you even understand that? How could I have just betrayed them and left?”

Breathing heavily, your next words are a whisper.

“But you could betray me, right? You could betray my trust, betray my love?”

Hoseok lets out a deep sigh, pointing an accusing finger in your direction.

“You’ll never understand,” he says, turning on his heel. “ You haven’t seen the world, you’ve lived in the lap of luxury your whole life.”

He’s met with Joo-hyun holding a pistol to his chest. Her hands shake, flinching as he snatches it from her hands and pulls back on the trigger, demonstrating that’s it’s empty, nothing but a threatening decoy.

Making his way past her, he slams the door shut with a close, his groan audible from outside as you see him clutch his chest.

“Sh-should I calll the police?” Joo-hyun asks, putting a comforting hand on your shoulder.

You don’t respond to her, staring off into space against her desperate pleas asking why you’re so interested in saving him.

The door opens, Han-jae dragging the cold in with him as he fumbles with the telephone, dialing a number.

“H-hello? RM? It’s me, J-Hope. I’ll be on my way tomorrow morning.”

He hangs up, looking towards you again. “I’ll have to spend the night here. If you decide at any point between now and tomorrow you want to call the police, I won’t stop you.”

Glancing over your writing desk, his eyes stop on a photo frame with the glass inside missing.

“Your father, is he-”

“He’s dead.”

“How?”

“You killed him. Just like you killed Jimin. It wasn’t your fault. But they’re dead all the same.”

✯¸.•´*¨`*•✿ ✿•*`¨*`•.¸✯

Hoseok sits on the porch, watching snow fall as your sobs echo from the house behind him.

Joo-hyun makes her way outside, bidding him good-bye.

“I’m going home. For Madam ___’s sake, I won’t tell the police anything.”

…

I came here to run away from my past,

To forget everything,

Why did you come back to my life?

Why did I let you back in?

Why don’t I just kill you?

It must give you so much joy to see me like this,

You see that tree?

I stare at it, day and night,

As if it’s a parrot with my life inside it.

I stare at its leaves that fall.

The day that the last leaf falls,

Is the day I will breathe my last.

This is what you have brought me to.

I hope you’re ashamed of living like this.

But I know you don’t care at all.

All you do is hide.

The pen scratches along the paper as you force yourself to write word upon word, falling asleep at the desk as the wick of your candle burns through the night.

Hoseok’s fingers brush over the parchment, taking in every word as he gazes fondly at your sleeping figure. The words he had to say to you would never make it past his lips, let alone onto the page. He couldn’t hurt you any more than he already had.

Shrugging his jacket on, he slings his pack over his shoulders and retreats from the room, stepping out once again into the cold unknown. Looking up at the tree you wrote about, he sees it nearly stripped bare, the last few colorful leaves hanging from the branches.

Clutching his side, he makes his way down the snowy path as the house becomes smaller and smaller in the distance. He can see Namjoon’s figure waiting at the end of the road, and he lets out a deep breath, ready to leave this all behind.

As he takes in Namjoon’s waving arms, his heart freezes in his chest as he thinks of you. Dying, and all alone in that house. All because of him. Tears sting his eyes, throat tightening as he sobs at how lucky he was to find you again, and how easily he was about to let you go one more time.

Turning away, he makes his way back down the path, Namjoon’s yells echoing in the distance, wondering what could have caused the man to change his mind.

Stirring from your sleep, you awaken to find Han-jae stomping his boots free of snow at the front door. You shoot him a questioning glance.

“It’s still not safe outside,” he explains, a solemn look on his face.

✯¸.•´*¨`*•✿ ✿•*`¨*`•.¸✯

Carrying the steaming mug in his hands, Hoseok sets it beside you, seeing you staring out the window at the tree again.

“I made tea,” he says softly, turning to head back towards the kitchen.

The sound of the mug flying and shattering into a thousand pieces stops him in his tracks.

“I don’t want your tea,” you snarl.

Saying nothing, Hoseok quietly kneels and begins to pick up the shards, taking care not to cut himself.

“What are you even trying to prove?” you beg him.

“Nothing. When I should have stayed, I ran away. I know.” Hoseok responds, his eyes remaining on the floor, too afraid to look up into your own.

“Once wasn’t enough for you, was it? You just had to come back and break my heart a second time,” you cry, tears clouding your vision.

Hoseok’s face stiffens as he shoots upward, meeting your gaze.

“___…” he begins.

“Don’t say my name like that! Like you still care!” the last word ends on a cough, another fit overcoming you.

Hoseok clucks his tongue, fretting over you as he reaches for the medicine you keep in the drawer.

Fury overcomes you at the thought that he’s still here, acting like nothing has changed, that he can worm his way back into your heart so easily. As he reaches for your arm, you pull it away from him, pushing him away with the other and running towards the living room.

His long legs catch up with you in no time, cornering your lashing figure as he attempts to inject the medicine. Your teeth sink down on his shoulder as he lets out a howl, your struggle interrupted by the ringing of the telephone.

Hoseok’s pupils dilate as he sees you start towards the phone. He pins you against the wall, rolling up your sleeve and injecting the syringe until your wheezing calms, the air filled with endless rings and the sound of your labored breathing. Disgusted, you push him away, watching as he lands with a thump on his back against the cold hardwood floor. Wincing, he lifts his shirt to see red coloring the bandage he’d put on the first day he got here. He gingerly extends a hand to help you up.

Slapping it away, you storm into the bedroom and collapse onto your bed, body tired from always fighting him and losing.

✯¸.•´*¨`*•✿ ✿•*`¨*`•.¸✯

“Sometimes I feel like strangling you, I hate you so much. But I don’t have the strength anymore. I just want to be free, Han-Jae. From you, from myself, from this life.”

Your words echo in Hoseok’s mind, the ax splitting the wood with a loud crack. Huffing, the cold air creating clouds around his face, he looks up at the tree. The one you’d always look at. The last leaf clutching on tightly by a mere stalk, ready to be swept away by the wind at any moment.

An idea strikes him, pack dragging along behind him as he makes his way to the guesthouse. Spilling the contents onto the table there, the familiar worn pages and gold lettering of the “How to Paint” book greet him, a smile lighting up his face as he closes his eyes, reveling in the moment.

The time had come for his masterpiece.

...

You wake in the morning to the sound of heavy breathing, looking to see Han-jae shivering as he huddles up next to the fireplace, hair soaking wet and clothes dampened. Paying him no mind, you make your way to the window, ready to check on your tree. Closing your eyes, you prepare yourself for the last leaf to fall, to tell you that your time is up, that it’s okay to let go. What you see, however, leaves you in shock. The leaf hangs on, drooping slightly, but giving you another day to live. A silent prayer escapes your lips, whispering thank you to whatever power there is above. You weren’t ready to go. Not yet.

✯¸.•´*¨`*•✿ ✿•*`¨*`•.¸✯

The nights begin to blur for Hoseok. What was supposed to be one night had now turned into weeks spent shivering in the cold each night, making his way to the guesthouse and painting as you slumbered away. He’d return chilled to the bone, shivering while he checked in on you with a thermometer and a warm towel. In the daylight, he labored away in the kitchen, preparing every single soup, stew, or dish he knew of, always beckoning for you to join him at the dining table. But you never did.

Hoseok didn’t mind. He knew he had no right to ask anything of you, to force himself back into your life. His heart was at ease knowing you awoke every day to find that the last leaf hadn’t fallen, and he could keep you close to him for a little while longer.

….

The coughs grew louder, harsher, and more frequent. Every day, you felt as though you were knocking on death’s door, ready to pass on. And every day, the sight of the brightly colored leaf stopped you, keeping you tethered to this house. To Han-Jae.

He’d remained steadfast in his attention to you: changing out your sheets, offering you food and tea, checking your temperature. Each night, he’d sit next to you, the two of you listening in silence as the phone continued to ring, Inspector Kim’s calls becoming more and more frequent. Each night, his eyes met yours, sorrow contain within as he’d duck his head in silent defeat, telling you it was okay to pick up, to tell the Inspector the truth. And yet, somehow, you never did.

You never asked him where he’d disappear to at night, and why he’d always come back cold and shivering. The only clue you had was a faint smudge of paint that had littered his cheek one time, causing you to smile later on when you thought of it, happy that he was painting the masterpiece he always said he would.

✯¸.•´*¨`*•✿ ✿•*`¨*`•.¸✯

One day, the bell to the front gate rings. You look at Han-Jae in fear, frozen as you contemplate what to do. Shaking his head, he tells you to answer it, that he’ll find a way to hide.

The long, lean figure of Inspector Kim clad in a black duster greets you at your doorstep.

“May I come in?” his deep voice rumbles, the question sounding like an accusation. He’d been wondering why you hadn’t responded to his calls, what you had to hide. “I hope everything’s been well, and that you haven’t been too sick.”

He walks towards you, his tall figure leaning over yours, casting a long shadow against the dim glow of the fireplace.

“Have you seen him?” he whispers. “Han-Jae?”

“No,” you reply resoundingly. “I know you said he might come, but I haven’t seen him anywhere. The guesthouse is still empty.”

His eyes sparkle with a dangerous gleam. He doesn’t believe you.

“May I take a look around?”

“Do you have a warrant?” you stop him.

“A warrant? No, but I can get one tomorrow,” he replies sharply.

“Then please come tomorrow,” you declare.

“Why are you trying to protect him?” Taehyung asks through clenched teeth.

He sees your downcast eyes, staring at the floor, and clears his throat.

“Tomorrow, I’ll be here with the warrant. I’ll bring ten of my best men with me, and they’ll be waiting along the path. If he tries to escape, we’ll shoot him on sight.”

✯¸.•´*¨`*•✿ ✿•*`¨*`•.¸✯

Hoseok lets out a breath he didn’t know he’d been holding, coming out from under your bed to find you sitting there, eyes sparkling with tears as you take him in.

The bed dips as he takes a seat next to you, his arm coming up to gently rest on your shoulder.

“Do you know my real name?” he blurts out, your eyes widening with shock.

“My name is Hoseok. Jung Hoseok,” he says with a grin, the weight of his hidden identity finally being lifted off his shoulders as he lets you in.

“Hoseok,” you try the name on your tongue, your smile mirroring his own. “It suits you.”

For a few quiet moments, the air is filled with nothing but the sound of your quiet laughter. Eventually, it subsides and makes way for a grim silence, your eyes flitting about nervously.

“Inspector Kim is going to kill you,” the sad revelation escapes you, as a few tears leak out along with it.

“Do you know what Jimin would have said to that?” Hoseok replies gently. “There’s no one out there who can wipe a smile off of Jung Hoseok’s face.”

“Don’t worry,” he brushes a strand of hair from your face and brings your head down to rest on his shoulder. “He won’t be able to touch me, I’ve escaped from much worse. I’ll leave tonight before he comes in the morning.”

Your face contorts into a grimace, unable to look at him as the tears begin to fall.

“Hey,” he says. “Look at me ___. Please.”

He kneels on the floor in front of you, clutching your cold hands in his warm ones.

“I know you don’t believe a word I say, but I’m telling you the truth right now. I’ve never been able to forgive myself for what I did to you. I hate myself and will hate myself for as long as I live knowing I broke your heart.”

Red eyes meet his warm brown ones as you stutter over the words you’ve been wanting to say to him for so long.

“Did you ever love me, Hoseok?”

“I did,” he breathes out, voice cracking. “I still do. You were my only chance to lead a better life, a different life. And I threw you away. All everyone has ever done in my life is used me. Only you loved me, and I couldn’t even love you back properly.”

Hoseok clears his throat, hands coming up to cup your face. “The life you have right now isn’t the one you should be living. Depending on that last leaf to fall isn’t right. It’s not the parrot from the story, it shouldn’t mean anything to you.”

“What if it falls?” you sob. “I don’t know what I should do.”

Hoseok’s face straightens, his wet eyes becoming solemn. “It won’t fall. I promise you.”

Throwing your arms around him, your sobs become louder as his hands come to rest on your waist. Neither of you says anything. He holds you until the tears stop until you’re so tired, your eyes can no longer stay open long enough to cry anymore. And then, he lets go.

✯¸.•´*¨`*•✿ ✿•*`¨*`•.¸✯

Pressing one final kiss to your forehead, the sunrise greets Hoseok, letting him know it’s time to leave. Reaching into his breast pocket, he slips out the photo he’d been carrying for so long, leaving it behind on the desk for you to find when you awoke.

Stepping out into the cold mountain air, he takes one last look, noticing that the tree is now bare, its last leaf carried away by the wind. Reaching into his pack, he shuffles around the numerous brushes and jars of paint to find his masterpiece. A leaf, much like the ones that had fallen from the tree, painted in stunning hues of burnt umber and rich ochre, tied to a white string. He runs his fingers over the veins, smiling to himself as he imagines the sight of you waking up to the sign of hope he’d been leaving for you the past couple of weeks.

Climbing onto the tree, he clings to the branches that sway in the wind, reaching higher and higher until he finally makes it to the top. Fetching the leaf from his pocket, he ties the string around the skinniest branch running his finger underneath to make sure it’s on there tight.

Suddenly, a strong gust of wind knocks Hoseok off his feet, his body meeting air as he falls, the thick layer of snowing cushioning him. Groaning, he winces, favoring his side as he limps out onto the path, met with the sight of Inspector Kim and at least ten other men, all with their guns pointed towards him.

The smile on his face never falters as he greets death in the eye, the shot ringing out as he thinks about the leaf floating in the wind, your smile when you’d learned his name, and the life he’d just saved.

✯¸.•´*¨`*•✿ ✿•*`¨*`•.¸✯

A gasp escapes your lips as your eyes shoot open, jumping out of your bed to find Hoseok. Silence greets you as the wind whooshes outside, all traces of his existence completely removed from within the house.

Your face falls at his departure, and you take a step to retreat back into your room when the picturesque scene of falling snow from the window greets you from outside. For the first time in a long time, you venture out onto the porch, getting a first-hand look at your tree.

Noticing something strange about the last leaf that hangs on, you take a step out into the yard, drawing closer and closer, a memory springs into your head.

“I just struggle with drawing leaves. Care to show me?”

“Leaves? Leaves are easy. Let me show you.”

“These are your leaves?”

“Hey, it’s modern art.”

Taking a look at the squiggly veins on the leaf, you note how they were made by someone with an unsteady hand. The colors of the leaf are too garishly bright, appearing unnatural against the pure white backdrop of the falling snow.

“I’d live in the mountains, practising my painting each day until I paint a masterpiece. Nothing but the air and the trees around me, with no people as far as I can see, and not a sound to be heard.”

“No sound at all?”

“None.”

A/N pt. 2: Hi everyone! I hope you enjoyed reading this! This is now the longest story I've written and I'm very proud of it. If some of you guessed the basis for the story (and the movie) while reading as O. Henry's The Last Leaf, you're right! Hoseok to me signifies hope, of course, which can be found in even the darkest of moments. As always, any feedback or comments are much appreciated, but I appreciate you all anyway.

[kerlontraining]

Openemu cheats pokemon emerald

#Openemu cheats pokemon emerald code#

#Openemu cheats pokemon emerald series#

#Openemu cheats pokemon emerald code#

Input the code and all Poke Mart items will only cost 1. Input the code and you’ll encounter Wild Shiny Pokemon all the time. You need to press L+R first before you throw your preferred Poke Ball. Input the code and you can catch the enemy trainer’s Pokemon. Catch Enemy Trainer’s Pokemon (Game Shark) Input the code and you’ll be able to catch Wild Pokemon at a 100% regardless of which Poke Ball you use. The code corresponds to where your Pokemon is situated in the party.Ġ00000070002 100% Catch Rate (Game Shark) Input the code of the Pokemon that you want to max out the stats. Input the code and you’ll instantly knock out the enemy Pokemon with moves that deal damage that will also hit. Input the code and you’ll unlock all 8 Gym Badges. This is one of those Pokemon Unbound cheats you would want.Ġ1EC – Diancite Unlock All Badges (Game Shark) Input the Master Code first and then input the specific Mega Stone Code separately by changing the XXX to the Pokemon that you want to Mega Evolve. It is important to finish the mission where you obtain the Mega Evolution from Tarmigan Mansion first because your Pokemon will not Mega Evolve even if you have the Items and Stones. As a rule of thumb, enable one cheat at a time. Occasionally, It can also cause random freezing and other various glitches. Wild Pokemon Modifier UNBOUND 2.0.3.2 (Shared by KenzakiSai)Īll the cheat codes have been listed below: Pokemon Unbound Cheats List Warningīefore using these cheats, please be aware that using cheats can sometimes mess up your game.Unlimited Money (Shared/Verified by Solar).Items, Key Items, and TM’s (Shared by Razark).Urshifu, 3 Galarian birds, Calyrex & Zarude dada (Shared by Kichu).Gen 8 Pokemon Encounters (Shared by Ally).All item x999 in Bag (Shared by Albaresta).Tested (Working) Cheats for Unbound V2.0.Wild Pokemon Gender Modifier (Game Shark).Wild Pokemon Nature Modifier (Game Shark).Unlimited Money (Game Shark or Code Breaker).Catch Enemy Trainer’s Pokemon (Game Shark).If you really like the anime and you would like the story to reflect the one you already know, this is one of the best Pokémon ROM hacks for you. Also, there are no HMs, so to make HM moves, you need to use items.Īll in all, Pokémon Ash Gray provides standard Pokémon gameplay, but a really decent one. However, bear in mind that to keep the consistency with the beginning of the series, such features like Mega Evolution or Pokémon from newer generations are not available. After all, it is a ROM hack, so you can also catch some Pokémon of your choice, and you are not obliged to use the creatures you get as the story progresses. It is possible to get all the Pokémon Ash had during his journey in the anime, but you are not limited to use these creatures exclusively. Interestingly enough, there are even parts of some of the Pokémon movies in this ROM hack.

#Openemu cheats pokemon emerald series#

So, obviously, you play as Ash Ketchum!Īlso, every big fan of the series will notice that this game’s opening is very similar to episode 1 – Ash is late to get his first Pokémon and ends up with Pikachu. Its story directly follows the one you remember from the very first season of the anime. It is also highly appreciated for its excellent scripting and great mapping.Īgain, this a famous ROM hack of Pokémon Fire Red. It is one of the best ROM hacks of the Pokémon Fire Red, which provides nearly perfect gameplay as many players claim. What is more, this game features a daily news source and level cap increase.Īlso, the gameplay is varied with a lot of side quests and mini-games. In Pokémon Dark Cry, you can visit a brand new region called TrionPokePaper. As time goes by, you realize that this weird dream is becoming real. You look at the clock, and you notice with horror that you are already late for getting your Pokémon. Suddenly, you wake up and realize that it was only a dream. This guy plays out an unusual custom, followed by a huge quake and a goliath shadow getting nearer and nearer you. You try to stop him, but he just walks directly past you. Then, you notice a man with an “R” on his shirt. There are two people, remaining by a shady special raised area who are talking about a “Shadow Plate.” You go after your Pokémon, but it turns out they are not there. In this Pokémon ROM hack, your character wakes up in a cavern with everything around being highly contrasted. One of the most characteristic things about Pokémon Dark Cry is that it is quite a complex story.

[inactive-shroomiehomie]

SFW Alphabet - Sonny Carisi

A = Affection (How affectionate are they? How do they show affection?)

Sonny loves holding you anyway he can. He’s a big physical affection type of guy! Sitting casually in his lap on the couch, Sonny towering behind you with his arms hugging your shoulders from behind. He doesn’t like smooching or being too cuddly in public, but he just can’t stay away from you !

B = Best friend (What would they be like as a best friend? How would the friendship start?)

It doesn’t matter how long he’s known you, Dominick is a loyal friend. If he goes against you in anyway, he has a pretty damn good reason or it’s for your own good. If you’re in a bad mood, Sonny would come over and cook for you and you two would goof around until he had to go back home or until he passed out on your couch.

You are both night-time law students and you get to arguing over some study case you were both given for an assignment- and you out smart him. He starts laughing in disbelief and offers to buy you a coffee. Then you two are hanging out at the bar after classes, throwing darts and throwing back drinks. 

C = Cuddles (Do they like to cuddle? How would they cuddle?)

As previously stated, Carisi is a big ol’ snuggler. He’s also a personal heater when it comes to sleeping at night and it can be a blessing on those chilly New York nights.

D = Domestic (Do they want to settle down? How are they at cooking and cleaning?)

Sonny + Cooking = ♥

Sonny + Cleaning= :/ (He’s a bit of a germaphobe, but he doesn’t know how to pick up after him self more than he should.)

You’ve talked about it before, and while you both agree bringing children into the world when their Dad would have to see and hear the things he does at work on a daily basis would be horrible, having a kid or two wouldn’t be horrible. Plus, Dominick is so great with children, especially babies. From his own nieces to Rollins’ two girls; He can quiet a screaming child in seconds and it mesmerizes you each time.

E = Ending (If they had to break up with their partner, how would they do it?)

Face to Face. If you were committed enough to be in the relationship for however long, you should have the guts to end whatever it is to the other persons’ face.

F = Fiance(e) (How do they feel about commitment? How quick would they want to get married?)

Sonny would feel horrible anxiety about proposing to you. He definitely wants to be with you until you’re both worm food, but he’s been on the job long enough to see what happens to marriages when someone works this kind of job. But you’re in it for the long haul, and he just has to accept that.

G = Gentle (How gentle are they, both physically and emotionally?)

The human embodiment of a golden retriever is the perfect way to describe Sonny. Loyal, sweet, patient. But if you betray their trust it’s suuuuper hard to get it back.

H = Hugs (Do they like hugs? How often do they do it? What are their hugs like?)

When Carisi hugs you, it’s like being bundled up tight for winter, but not suffocating. His chest is firm and comfortable and no matter the hug type, he always draws circles on your lower back, just to make you smile.

I = I love you (How fast do they say the L-word?)

You were actually the first to say it. It was an over-excited slip, but you still meant it 100%. And unbeknownst to know, Carisi wanted to say it week two of knowing you.

J = Jealousy (How jealous do they get? What do they do when they’re jealous?)

He’s not a jealous of possessive man. The most jealous he’s behaved is whenever he’s in a clingy mood and you’re at work or hanging out with Rollins and Olivia without him. But he’s still very protective of you and watches your back.

K = Kisses (What are their kisses like? Where do they like to kiss you? Where do they like to be kissed?)

Carisi loves to kiss the top of your head or the back of your neck. Nothing weird, just a quick peck. The back-of-your-neck kisses would sometimes release a giggle from you and it would end up with him pinning you down and tickling you ‘til you cried.~

But you love to kiss his cheeks and hands. It’s hard to describe, but wanting to kiss him on the cheek as the same mental effect as a crow wanting to bring a bright, shiny thing back to the nest for it’s mate.

L = Little ones (How are they around children?)

Again, Carisi is an amazing person with children. He’ll make an amazing father one day.

M = Morning (How are mornings spent with them?)

He’s a morning bird. Always up before you with coffee or sometimes food if he had time. But he always made sure- unless it was urgent business- he would wake you up with a sweet his on the cheek or gently rocking you until you came too.

N = Night (How are nights spent with them?)

Unless it’s a day off, you rarely get to see him. (ADA or Detective) But on the nights where he gets home early, you both talk about your days and how they went. Dinner, snuggling on the couch, and sometimes you’ll even show him some of your personal projects you’ve been working on. 

O = Open (When would they start revealing things about themselves? Do they say everything all at once or wait a while to reveal things slowly?)

Along side being the prefect cook and great  with kids, he’s a chatter box. He doesn’t just blurt out things weird like, “I used to spank it to Opera 24/7.” On the first day or anything. Just threw things into casual conversation or when you asked. But if anyone said something about a good home cooked meal, he wouldn’t shut up about the 5 different foods his mama used to make for hi.

P = Patience (How easily angered are they?)

He works for a sex crimes division. You have to do something pretty horrible to beat that. You’ve had your fair share of fights though. Between his Italian blood and whatever you were arguing about, he could be stuck on an argument for longer than you would be.

Q = Quizzes (How much would they remember about you? Do they remember every little detail you mention in passing, or do they kind of forget everything?)

Maybe golden retriever wasn’t an accurate description of what he was. More so like.... a wiener-dog-chihuahua mix. Dorky, but brain still smart and ticking. R  Remember (What is their favorite moment in your relationship?)

Yet somehow, he can’t find his damn phone charger.

S = Security (How protective are they? How would they protect you? How would they like to be protected?)

Sonny knows you can take care of yourself, but being a part of the NYPD, he'a naturally protective. If you need help getting away from a guy Carisi is on you in seconds, flashing his gun and badge.

T = Try (How much effort would they put into dates, anniversaries, gifts, everyday tasks?)

Carisi spoils you. He's usually the one to cook when you two have time for dinner and there's never not homemade sweets in the house.

But on your anniversaries, Carisi would make you breakfast in bed and the two of you would make sure to take off from work for the day. Lounging and enjoying one another's company until Carisi would send you to the grocery to get dinner supplies and he can have time to decorate the apartment.

Your favorite scented candles, light pink rose petals, soft music. All the beautiful cliche shit that's just so cheesy and sweet enough to make your heart melt.

U = Ugly (What would be some bad habits of theirs?)

Your schedules tend to not overlap. So when he gets home or gets ready for work, he will sometimes leave his dirty laundry around the house and his filthy dishes in his sink.

V = Vanity (How concerned are they with their looks?)

His hair, yes. Otherwise, Sonny couldn't give two shits what he looked like. And you coupdn't either.

W = Whole (Would they feel incomplete without you?)

"Before you I felt like used tea bag. Already fulfilled my purpose with nothing else left. Then you came around and gave me new purpose. Instead of tea, you made me into a bath bomb. Or a soap scrub."

Y = Yuck (What are some things they wouldn’t like, either in general or in a partner?)

Not being able to see him in person for a few days at time or before 11:30pm should be something his partner should be able to deal with. And being able to appreciate his friends and family like he does.

X = Xtra (A random headcanon for them.)

Carisi REFUSES to admit, but the backs of his knees are super ticklish. Sometimes when you're cuddling, you "accidentally" brush your feet up against the back of his knee and he practically falls off of the couch spasming. It's the cutest thing.

Z = Zzz (What is a sleep habits of theirs?)

Carisi would definitely be a sleep talker. He'd also be the person that if you tried to get up without him, he would hold onto you tighter in his sleep. You think he may be awake sometimes when he does that, but Sonny neither denies or admits that to being true.

[genshin-impact-updates]

[OPEN] APRIL Content Creator Program

APRIL Content Creator Program is now OPEN!

Travelers!

The Content Creator Program will be available from:

March 26th 12:00 AM (GMT-5) - April 1st 12:00 AM (GMT-5)

Paimon looks forward to review your Genshin Impact content during the month of MARCH for this month's application!

I. MINIMUM (PATH TO) REQUIREMENTS

YouTubers:

• 1k subscribers

• 4 Genshin Impact videos/month

Bonus! Include Genshin social media links for your language to your description (see the end of the article)

Important: Link your YouTube to your Discord account!

Streamers:

• 1k followers

• 20 hours/month of Genshin Impact

• Minimum of 50 concurrent viewers

Important: Link your Twitch/YouTube/Facebook to your Discord account, and ensure your VODs are available for public viewing.

Guide/Article Authors:

• Up to 4 contents about Genshin with reasonable length and ILLUSTRATIONS!

Important: Provide some proof within your platform that you are the owner such as matching contact or Discord information!

Community Websites/Databases:

• Publicly accessible Website/Database about Genshin Impact

• A list of up to 10 contributors, including self, with UIDs and Discord tags

• A log of updates made in the previous month

Important: Proof of Ownership required - Paimon will follow up via DM if necessary!

Artists:

• 3 Genshin Impact illustrations on Twitter/Instagram

Bonus! Create artwork celebrating a character’s birthday or an ingame event!

Important: If you use Twitter, please link it to your Discord account! SFW accounts ONLY!

Cosplayers:

• 1 upload on Twitter/Instagram for each Genshin Impact cosplay

Bonus! Stream in your cosplay!

Important: Link your Twitter/Stream to your Discord account. SFW Accounts ONLY!

II. APPLICATION PROCESS

Complete the form every month for eligibility or renewal!

ONLY 1 application per month please!

Accurately include your Discord tag (Ex: xxx#1234), your UID (number in the bottom right corner of Genshin Impact), and link(s) to your primary platform(s). Ensure you meet the minimum requirements to be considered or you may be suspended from next month's application.

Discord tag is for us to contact you directly if we have a specific request as well as to give you the Content Creator role, UID is for us to send you rewards, HoYoLAB ID is for us to give you the Content Creator badge when you deserved it.

MARCH Content Creators are expected to maintain their quality to qualify for renewal by providing their best content or work so far.

Once all submissions have been reviewed, within a week of application's closure, the invited content creators will be assigned the Content Creator role. Members with this role have been acknowledged for their EXCEPTIONAL content.

Do NOT message Moderators about how the Content Creator Program is managed - Moderators are only responsible for... yeah, moderation.

III. REWARDS

Primogems, primogems and…. PRIMOGEMS! We know you're looking at all those 5-star characters as well as shiny weapons!

We're also thinking about sending official merch for exceptional works, however we might have to wait for that coroni-covida-carrot… hum… virus situation to be over first so we may ensure we can deliver to most destinations. That should give you some time to think of excuses about strangers sending you Paimon Pillows!

We're preparing more things to add to this program, and they will be implemented little by little to make this experience even richer!

IV. REMINDERS

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Phew! Paimon didn't think you'd read through all this, Paimon's actually (only slightly) impressed! Here is a baguette for you!

[leverage-ot3]

notable moments from The Rundown Job

leverage 5.09

the HEART EYES in parker and eliot’s eyes as they watch hardison crack the code of the vault is my religion

- - - - -

Hardison: Kiss for luck?

Parker: Who needs luck?

confident baby

- - - - -

(Parker begins doing elaborate moves and turns to get through the lasers, quickly reaching the far wall)

Hardison: I never get tired of that

THE HANDSHAKE BETWEEN HARDISON AND ELIOT BC THEY LOVE THEIR BADASS GIRLFRIEND

- - - - -

Parker (opens a case to reveal it is full of diamonds): Oh! Bup-bup.

(Eliot snaps at Parker to get her attention)

Hardison: Eight new schools. Okay, take care, sister Agnes. (hangs up)

(Parker closes the case and gives it to Eliot for mailing as Hardison dials the phone)

Hardison: Hey, Nate, we’re done in D.C. We’re flying back tomorrow. See you.

Parker: They’re so shiny. Couldn’t I have just kept one?

Hardison: Road to redemption, Parker. Just think how good it’s gonna feel when you get that Christmas card from those orphans. Hell, we may even get Eliot to smile.

parker deserves all the shiny things

“the road to redemption” THEY CHANGE TOGETHER

- - - - -

Riley: Why’d you quit, anyway? (pushes button again)

Eliot: Started running with some different people...

(Riley pushes button again but it doesn’t seem to be working)

Eliot: Like a hacker...

(Hardison enters room and nods. Riley pulls a gun from his drawer and shoots toward Eliot, but the gun is empty)

Eliot: And a thief.

(Parker taps on Riley’s head. He turns. She is holding the clip and a bullet from his gun)

Parker: Click. (tosses clip and bullet on table)

eliot “I started running with some different people” spencer loves his partners and I adore that with my whole (whole) heart

- - - - -

Eliot: Good night.

(Parker stuns Riley, who slumps on the desk)

I’m glad they’re enabling her tasering obsession

- - - - -

Eliot (checks his watch): I’m gonna keep her alive. You guys find a way to get her out of here.

Hardison: With what? I…

Eliot (walks away): You stole a Michelangelo with tinfoil and chewing gum. Figure it out!

eliot is like bitch please you’re smarter than this

- - - - -

the way the three of them back up to each other, covering their backs ,,,

- - - - -

Hardison: This is a violation of my constitutional rights.

Vance: You’re Alec Hardison. You cracked the Pentagon servers when you were 12. N.S.A. has a file on you a mile long.

Hardison: Do they? What do they say about me? I hope they gave me a cool nickname.

Vance: Parker here... No file on you, which is...

(Parker appears to be sleeping)

Vance: Is she asleep?

Eliot: She bores easy. What do you got on us?

hardison probably does have a cool nickname

also I LOVE how they still have no clue about parker

+

eliot being like “she bored easy” 🤷🏼‍♀️ the MARRIEDNESS

- - - - -

Hardison: Y-you’re talking about stopping a terrorist attack in an afternoon. We’d need all your intel.

Vance: That truck back at the crime scene... It’s an N.S.A. Mobile response intelligence unit–

Hardison: With the Schneier cryptography system and the j-dam satellite uplink? That... I know nothing about, ‘cause that would be treason and wrong. (to Vance) Are you for real

hardison: I wouldn’t know anything about that because that wouLd Be TrEaSoN

- - - - -

Vance: So, you grab the truck... (moves to sit by Eliot) Hell... Your girlfriend’s already out of her cuffs.

(Parker sits up holding the handcuffs and tosses them to Vance)

...they didn’t deny that parker was eliot’s girlfriend. they didn’t bother to correct him because it is, in fact, true that she is both their girlfriends. in this essay I will-

- - - - -

Agent: No, I can’t let you in the truck.

Hardison: A gigabyte gone... your job, gone.

Agent: Security clearances.

Hardison: You’re not gonna let who...

Eliot: What are we, terrorists? Okay, that was my plan was to come here, show you a real badge that I somehow got, and then bring somebody crazy to break into a secure vehicle? We’re gonna move this down the block. He’s gonna spend about an hour doing spot-checks on databases. I showed you my badge. Man, here, take my badge. (tosses it to Agent) Call it in. I got to deal with this guy

it’s funny because it’s true

- - - - -

Hardison: It’s got every database... N.S.A., CIA, FBI. It’s got hard backdoors into most commercial systems, live feeds into every security camera on the grid. Man, if this wasn’t such a gross violation of our civil liberties, I would be in love right now.

they never stop calling out the government and I’m Here For It™

- - - - -

Parker: Where do we start?

Eliot: We start with getting you two on a plane out of here. You didn’t sign up for this. Trust me.

Hardison: And you? You’re going to handle this by yourself? Come on, she’s a lady, man. She needs the right touch. What you gonna do with your big punching hands... Punch the screens? No.

Parker: We agreed we all change. Better or worse, we change together.

Eliot (after a moment): What do they got on the gunman?

ELIOT JUST WANTS HIS PARTNERS SAFE

also,,, for better or worse, we change together??? BITCH THOSE ARE WEDDING VOWS

- - - - -

Parker: Do you know why you bring a cooler full of ice to a robbery? No? I do. Everything we need to know is in that basement. I’ll drive.

Hardison: Hold on.

Eliot: Exactly.

Hardison: No, hold on. (holds on to table)

Eliot: Oh, you... oh, hell, man (sits down in chair across from Hardison. the van horn honks twice and eliot looks around, fumbling) No seat belts up in this thing- (looks at Hardison) d-do you got a seat belt?

Hardison: No, uh-uh, hold the wall (holds the wall)

eliot and hardison being exhausted boyfriends at parker’s reckless driving, I love this song

- - - - -

Parker: How do you lose track of a whole laboratory?

Eliot: There’s over 200 tons of uranium missing from the United States nuclear storage.

Hardison: The air force lost a hydrogen bomb off the coast of Georgia.

Eliot: Countries are big things, Parker. A lot of secrets slip through the cracks.

wow I love knowing these things and having to live with it

- - - - -

Hardison: The Spanish flu killed 50 million people during World War I, and now somebody’s got it. (opens door)

Parker: Look, we can do this. Just treat it like any another job.

Hardison: This isn’t just any other job.

Eliot: All right, all right. Stay focused.

Hardison: I focused! That bug in there killed 50 million people! 50! And that was when the population was lower.

Parker: Now?

Hardison: Now? 150 million people. 150 million dead. Hey, we’re thieves, man, and we’re good at what we do, but this is way, way out of our league. And you expect us to go catch some psycho with a city killer? A country killer?

Eliot: You scared?

Hardison: You’re damn right.

(Hardison turns to enter the truck but Eliot grabs his wrist, holding him back)

Eliot: I’m not. I got the best thief And the smartest guy I know chasing this guy.

(Hardison looks at Parker, but Eliot grabs his head and pulls him back)

Eliot: Hey, listen to me. You’re smartest man I’ve ever known, Hardison. I need that brain to get me to him. ‘Cause you know if I lay my hands on him, it’s done. Get me to him. (lets Hardison go)

tHe WaY hE gRaBs HaRdiSoN’S fACE

eliot knows hardison is spiraling but he also knows how to get him out of it because he knows hardison like the back of his hand and knows how to get through to him

THEY LOVE EACH OTHER

- - - - -

there are so many good ot3 shots in this episode it brings me so much joy

- - - - -

parker climbs hardison like a T R E E to turn off that detonator as eliot provides counterbalance

- - - - -

Eliot: Did it work?

Hardison: I... I don’t know. I’m trying to get the phone speaker.

Vance (on phone): Move, move, move! Get to cover! Pull everyone back to the perimeter!

Eliot: Ohh! My boy! (hugs Hardison) That is what I’m talking about!

tHe HuG, yOuR hOnOR

- - - - -

they really be playing grand theft auto in this one

- - - - -

(Udall fires toward the trio and they dive for cover. Eliot and Parker look at each other and nod. Parker looks at Hardison)

Parker: For luck.

(Parker kisses Hardison, then she and Eliot nod at each other. Parker grabs the briefcase and runs off the train while Eliot runs toward Udall. Hardison goes after Parker, and Udall shoots Eliot in the leg. Eliot reaches Udall and punches him, knocking him out. Hardison continues after Parker, who stops and opens the briefcase)

F O R L U C K

also high key the look parker and eliot share? it had the same vibes as “we do the things that they can’t, won’t”

+

parker high key kissing hardison “for luck” but also kissing him because eliot can’t

- - - - -

Hardison: Yeah. Yeah, that’ll do... that’ll do it. (he pulls her into his arms) Don’t do that to me. I can’t lose you. Do you understand? I can’t lose you. Don’t scare me like that.

Parker: Yeah.

Hardison: I can’t

he loves her so, so much

- - - - -

Vance: Promise you’ll at least consider working with us again.

Eliot: I work with them now.

Vance: Honor among thieves?

Eliot: Something like that. (walks away)

something like that,,, HE LOVES THEM, YOUR HONOR

- - - - -

Vance: World can always use some more good guys.

Parker: Yeah, well, too bad we’re the bad guys

smh, “sometimes the bad guys are the best good guys”

- - - - -

Parker: You’re shot. You should go to the hospital.

Eliot: I don’t do hospitals. (drops crutch)

Hardison: I told you. He takes getting shot very lightly

he drops his crutch to lean on parker and hardison THIS IS NOT A DRILL

- - - - -

after watching this episode, I agree with y’all wholeheartedly that this was an ot3 GOLDMINE

edit: also, notice how much is written in pink (the colorcode for ot3 notes and meta). like, more than half of it. because LITERALLY ALL OF THIS IS OT3 MATERIAL

[6rookie-writer0110]

Request - Headconon being a well known pokemon trainer and dating Lucy Stevens front pokemon detective pikachu

•You and Lucy have been dating for a while now.

•Lucy first saw you battle a gym leader named Wattson, is an electric type gym leader.

•Lucy wanted to ask you questions about your Pokemon on the article she was working on.

•People know you by your name and Pokemon. You have won many Pokemon battles tournament.

•You and Lucy would travel to help each other catch Pokemon.

•You and Lucy would go on dates.

•Go on vacation together.

•Take cute pictures together.

•On your phone, her wallpaper is a picture of you and together wearing Halloween costume.

•Her Pokemon Psyduck, took a while to warm up to you.

•Lucy knows that you truly care for her and her Pokemon. You would help her calm down Psyduck.

•” Gible!” You yelled.

Your Pokemon has a habit of biting other Pokemon and stuff.

•Gible bites Psyduck head.

•Psyduck starts to freak out now you and Lucy try to get Gible off Psyduck.

”Gible, stop biting him!” You yelled while you struggle to get him off Psyduck.

•Gible is finally off Psyduck. But Psyduck is about to use psychic powers.

•You and Lucy start to calm him down.

•Somtimes you and Lucy would go undercover to stop the bad guys.

•When you fight in Pokemon Battles, Lucy always cheers for you.

•Strangers would always want to battle you. You would never say no to a Pokemon battle.

”Why Does Melmetal, always show off?” Lucy asked.

”I don't know. Melmetal is happy and I don't mind him showing off” You said.

•While in Ryme City, you and Lucy found a Pokemon named Snorlax.

•” I’m going to catch it,” You said.

”Why a Snorlax?” Lucy asked.

”I always wanted a Snorlax. Now I have my chance” You said.

•You used a regular Pokeball but it didn't work on Snorlax. You search your backpack to see what poke balls to catch Snorlax.

•You used a timer poke ball and it worked. Lucy cheered for you and kissed you on the lips.

•Lucy helped you catch a shiny Greninja Itachi. She is happy for you and you kissed her, you or Lucy can't stop smiling.

•You ran out of your strongest Poke balls. You want to catch a Shiny Metagross.

”Y/N, here use this” Lucy said.

She gave you a Best ball.

”Are you sure?”

”Yes! Go ahead and use it” Lucy said.

•You used your Pokemon Noivern and Pikachu to attack Shiny Metagross.

•Now Shiny Metagross is weak and you noticed that Shiny Metagross was holding something.

•Lucy grabbed the Mega Stone that allows Metagross to Mega Evolve into Mega Metagross.

•You used the poke ball to capture Shiny Metagross.

•You caught a Shiny Noctowl when it was trying to attack Psyduck.

•An ice Pokemon Bergmite started to follow you. It smelled the food you had in your backpack. Lucy thinks Bergmite is a cute Pokemon. Bergmite became your Pokemon.

•Pikachu became friends Latias. You and Lucy are in shock to see Latios and Latias in person. She starts to pet Latias.

•Lucy is extremely happy that you won your final eighth badge of the Unova League.

•You won with your Pokemon Charizard with Charizard X, Silvally, Infernape.

•Lucy kissed you and you can't stop smiling. You got the Wave Badge.

•You saved Gallade from being taken from team Skull. Gallade was being badly injured.

•Team Skull dropped their mage stone Galladite. And you grabbed it.

•You and Lucy took care of Gallade and gave it food. Gallade tagged along with you and Lucy.

•You saw a rock/dragon Pokemon.

•There was no way, you were going to let Tyrunt escape.

•You were battling a trainer named Falkner.

•Your Pokemon Grovyle evolved to Sceptile. You won the battle and Falkner wanted a rematch later.

•Your Pokemon Krookodile and Lucario were training and hit Psyduck accidentally.

•Psyduck starts to freak out and eyes start to glow. You and Lucy start to calm him down before using psychokinesis.

•You and Lucy are on vacation in Hau'oli City.

•” So happy we finally get to relax by the beach, Y/N,” Lucy said.

You put sunblock on her shoulders and back.

”You are right about that. Later, we should go out and eat” You said.

”Sounds perfect babe. Let's taken a picture, I want a picture with my cute boyfriend” Lucy said.

She turns around, you smiled and she kissed you.

•You and Lucy saved a Pokemon named Poipole. But Poipole left after being saved.

•The Pokemon came back as Naganadel. It recognized you and Lucy.

•Professor Kukui helped your Pokemon 3 Lycanroc get stronger. They got stronger now you have Midday Form, Midnight Form, and Dusk Form.

•It wasn't easy but it was worth it.

•You and Lucy go to a restaurant, they make sushi Pokemon style.

•She takes pictures of the food and you.

•You taught Lucy how to eat with chopsticks. Took her a while to get used to it.

•You and Lucy would hold hands and walk around exploring the island.

[sylvumbreon]

Oh man, I've got so many nostalgic Pokémon memories. One of my first video games being Crystal bc it came with my GBA, playing Pokémon Ranch and Battle Revolution and Snap on my Wii all the time, recess days in elementary school where we'd either sneak in our ds' or just end up roleplaying Pokémon Trainers, even one time in hs where a classmate and I used to battle on chill days near the end of the school year. The Pokémon Go craze back in 2016, Pokémon movies finally being in theaters again, this resurgence in Pokémon media in general has been so wonderful.

But Sinnoh specifically has a ton of memories for me, because that was when I was at my peak hardcore playing. Constantly in the underground, or doing contests, or just using my action replay in any which way I could. I hacked in the Azure Flute and played through the Arceus event at Spear Pillar, hacked my way over to catch Darkrai and Cresselia... and the Toys R Us events... oh my goodness do I miss those. All the freebies they would have out, all the people there chillin, nothing takes me back more than that. Though some of my favorite event Pokémon I have are the Pichu event ones (shiny & spiky-eared)... I don't think I'll ever be as strongly attached to a Pokémon as my Manaphy. It always grew too quickly and went past my badge threshold so it NEVER wanted to listen to me. But by the time I got all 8 badges and manually leveled it up all the way to lvl 100, we were inseparable. It and my Empoleon were the only two Pokémon I had the /refused/ to even visit the Ranch, they'd just come right back. I have a plush, the movie, the whole 9 yards, Manaphy has always been and always will be my baby. 💙

Oh! Also, my friends and I in elementary school had a "pokemon club" we made up, where we'd even make up quizzes, talk about the games/movies/etc, talk about strategies, i had a whole mini database book and pokedex toy and we would trade cards and battle and stuff.. (we even fought bakugan but that's a whole different story). I'll never forget all the fun we had way back then [nostalgia overload] 😥💕

[baberoe-archive]

speirton museum get together roll clip

they meet when lips first hired and goes to get his badge. ron doesn’t think much of it -- lip didnt say much and neither did ron. that is, he didn’t think much of it until lip emails him a week later and says “i noticed your office was a little bare. i found a poster from an old exhibition if you want it :)” and then he thinks about the new decorative arts curator a lot actually

the next time they see each other is when lip goes into the vaults to look over the decorative arts collection and familiarize himself with it. rons only there because he likes shiny things, but when lip asks hes like “oh. checking the temperature. locks. you know.”

they get to talking and lip starts talking about the silver when he notices ron eyeing it and they have a nice little conversation and truly rons like. swept off his feet he is not used to people not being afraid of him

he uses his sources (aka asks nix) and finds out when lip eats lunch and he goes and sits down next to him one day and they get to talking and its just as good a conversation. ron is talking about his thesis on war as expressed through roman art, all the art heists he still follows up on, and lip talks about his job in visitor services one summer, how he came back from that and decided to pursue a museum career.

everyone is like “lip!!! howd you get him to talk and laugh!!!! hes so scary!!!” and lips like????? what r u talking about?? he is so nice lmao??? meanwhile over in security lieb and lena and grant are laughing their asses off bc ron is fucking whipped i tell you.

a few more lunch convos and stumbling into each other in the vaults (and lips onto him by the second time -- hes just looking at shiny things) and ron is ready to ask him out. he times it so they are clocking out at the same time, walking through the grounds, and he turns to lip ready to ask and --

“ron, are you doing anything this evening? would you like to get dinner with me?”

ron is whipped for this man!!! WHIPPED.

later on ron will tell carwood that he was right about to ask him out right at the same moment and carwood will tease him for it, but at this moment he doesn’t say anything. he lets lip take him to a small, cozy family owned place where their knees bump under the table and the owners come say hi to lip. ron insists on paying and when they part ways at the end of the evening, lip squeezes his hand and smiles warmly and ron falls a little bit in love