#(i've stayed in several hundred hotels)

[whenthemarshmallowmettheslayer]

My thoughts on Smallville 1x08 “Jitters.”

Confession: I watched this episode the other night.  I’m watching it again because I enjoyed it so much. Okay, now that I’ve said that onto the episode. 

I drag on the Smallville writers (for context I’ve been ranting about the show on several discord servers I’m on) but I want to compliment here in these opening scenes. The writers are showing the Kents are poor instead of simply telling it or simply having Lex offer a loan one episode and then never showing the Kents financial issues again. We actually get to see how oh, Kents don’t have money to spare. We see this in how Johnthan fixes the truck himself instead of going to an auto mechanic. We see this in how Martha is going to handle a plumbing issue herself instead of calling a plumber. 

A small detail I like that makes this house feel lived in is how there's several cabinet doors left open that we can see behind Clark when he’s opening the fridge. I have a habit of opening cabinets, grabbing what I need, and completely forgetting to close them until a minute or more has passed. And then it’s ‘oh shit, I’ve got to close that.’ 

Also is it just an universal farmer thing for farmers to own a truck with a toolbox on the back? Because my great grandfather was a farmer and he had a truck with a toolbox in the back just like how Johnthan does. 

Jonathan: “I’m definitely raising your allowance.” 

Some thoughts here. 1.) Clark probably isn’t going to get that allowance raise after the party. 2.) We know Clark does the work of several farm hands - even though he’s juggling school - because this is mentioned in the episode the Kents needed a loan so my question is where does that saved money go? Is it given to Clark’s allowance? Is money the Kents keep to pay for stuff they need? Is it set aside for Clark’s college fund or for his first car? Looking back knowing what I do now…. Jonathan probably should have let Clark keep that truck. The Kents can’t afford a new car for their son and even if they go with an older car they’re still going to have to pay for repairs unless the used car is still in dealership warranty. But Jonathan was too prejudiced to accept it because of who Lex’s father was. I could understand vetoing the truck if Lionel was the one who gave it but it was Lex. I just **shrugs** I’ve got thoughts on Jonathan - I like him but he frustrates me - and I don’t know how to convey them so moving on. 

Clark”....It’s a couple nights at Metropolis-”

That party of Clark’s was selfish. I understand that the Kents had to return early because of the plot but the in-universe reason they came back early is because they called several times the night of the party. Clark never answered but other people - people who told the Kents they didn’t know Clark - did. They left their trip after one day. I've got mixed feelings about this. Cause on one hand they deserve to celebrate their anniversary but at the same time they have to spend several hundreds of dollars on this trip because they’re staying at a hotel for several days and meals. That’s not counting any activities like going to movies, going to see a play, going shopping, or whatever. And it just leaves a bad taste in my mouth because what two episodes ago they were talking about a bad loan Jonathan accepted. I just they should spend money on themselves but at the same they were going to spend a pretty penny on this trip before they came back earlier. 

Is Earl going to hold a bunch of teenagers and a man hostage this episode? Yes. Do I want to hug him? Also yes. So far Earl and Jodi are the only villain of the week characters I have empathy for. I was really happy last night to learn Lex is getting him medical help. Until canon states otherwise I’m going to hope Earl eventually gets to live with his family. 

Janitor dude: “Earl see that's the talk that got yourself canned. Now, if you got as problem get some help.” 

Dude. With what health insurance?! This is America. Also those doctors likely can’t do shit because they don’t know what caused the issue. There is also the fact that meteor rocks are volatile. There are no rules and regulations on how it is handled. And like most rules and regulations they’re gonna be written in blood. 

Sidenote: I like how it’s established that Earl has a family. If he dies then not only does his wife lose her spouse but she will be a single mother. Earl is fighting to get answers so he can be in his wife and child’s lives. Also I wonder if meteor mutation can be passed onto children. I know Earl’s kid is too old for this to happen but I wonder about this in general. 

I’ve ranted about this multiple times but whoever worked in costume and design in this show deserves a fucking raise. Why? Because they are telling us the Kents aren’t well off with money. Clark is constantly wearing the same articles of clothing throughout the show instead of a new piece every time we see him. This book bag in this scene looks like the same bookbag from earlier this season. (Martha - she’s not in this scene but I’m bringing her because I’m talking about the costume and design team being great - often wears the same grey coat.) Chloe and Lana meanwhile have a wider selection of outfits. Lex meanwhile - I’m not even going to talk about colors yet - has driving gloves. It’s such a small detail but it says a lot. It says Lex has money to spend because most people don’t own driving gloves. Driving gloves aren’t needed in this time period the way they were in the past because of early steering wheels. Driving gloves are not a necessity nor are they common. Yet Lex spent money on them which shows he has money to spend on his interests in sports cars. Also Lex is often seen wearing purple. Purple is a color associated with royalty and wealth. Fun fact: there was a time where only Roman emperors could wear Tyrian purple. 

Okay back to the show. Who invited all these people? I know Clark didn’t. Maybe Lex? I know Lex is behind the fireworks. 

Lana has this thing of politely calling out implications of her love life and it’s so funny to me. I did not remember this trait of hers from when I watched the show as a kid. I do wonder why Lana abruptly stopped wearing her necklace. 

I know the show is trying to set us up to like Lana/Clark but I don’t like the pairing already. Lana is painted as this nice girl - she’s friends with non popular kids (nevermind we’re just told this instead of actually seeing Lana and future villains of the week hanging out in the background before the x villain of the week episode), she’s interested in breaking apart from the expectations people have of her, she’s against academic cheating, she’s willing to tutor people for free, and so on. The thing is. She is one of the two characters outside of Clark and football players who know Whitney kidnapped Clark, stripped him, and tied him up in a pole where Clark stayed for hours. And she’s still with this guy. I just. I admit I ship Clex and those two are going to be a mess as the show progresses but the thing is Lex calls out Clark’s bullshit (which I don’t always think all of Clark’s bullshit is actually bullshit but that’s not the point). Clark calls out Lex’s bullshit (which again I don’t think Lex’s bullshit is actually bullshit but again not the point). It feels more even because they are critical of each other. Where as Clark never has a moment of ‘Lana knows what her boyfriend did to me and she’s still in a romantic relationship with him despite calling me her friend. Do I really want to be with her?’ I feel like Clark and the show itself puts Lana on a pedestal. I hope that the shows allows these two characters to be critical of each other since they’re eventually going to be canon relationship.

Chloe:”It’s a class field trip.” 

Lex: “What did you do wrong?” 

Kid me did not understand Lex was the funniest character on the show. (Clark is the second funniest btw.) 

Lex has a type and it’s brunettes. This lady, Victoria, Desiree, Helen, and Lana. If Lionel’s goon - I feel like his name starts with d but I’m not sure - from an earlier episode has the same hair color as his sister then her too because the goon had brown hair. 

Also I like how the plumbing issue from earlier is brought up again. 

Clark: “I’m officially dead” 

Lol. Clark you’ve been dead. 

I love that we’re getting background on Martha. Johnthan is so enamored by his wife. 

Lana: “It was kind of last minute. I didn’t realize I needed your permission.” 

I get mixed feelings about these two. (Sidenote: I respect Whitney asking Lana to come outside instead of arguing in front of everyone.) Because on one hand Lana has a right to hang out with her friends without inherently telling her boyfriend. On the other hand Lana has a history of not telling Whitney she’s hanging out with Clark - a previous occasion being a limo ride to a concert in the city. Lana is aware Clark has feelings for her. She is aware Lex - a friend of Clark - keeps trying to pouch them together. Lana has admitted she’s defended that  limo event with Clark to her aunt. Whitney is not being paranoid. I can understand why he doesn’t like this. 

Whitney: “So you sneak off to a party without me?” 

Lana: “I didn’t sneak off - I walked.” 

I don’t even fucking like Whitney but I’m on his side on this. Lana was being sneaky by not telling him. 

Lana: “I’m starting to get the feeling you don’t trust me.” 

I mean you didn’t tell him about the limo even until you thought Clark ditched you. 

I find interesting in this episode Whitney relies or tries to rely on Clark twice in regards to handling potential threats. 

Chloe: “This guy should be in a detox center.” 

Chloe there are multiple reasons why he could be having body tremors even without taking into consideration this is smallville. 

Chloe: “Then why was he shaking like a junkie?” 

Was Chloe’s mom a drug addict? From what I remember Gabe is single handedly raising her. 

Clark: “I kept snapping the guitar strings. I think Earl got sick of replacing them.” 

But he replaced them more than once. He still tried to teach Clark even though Clark broke strings of the instrument. I just find this moment says a lot about Clark and Earl. I wish we could see these two interacting outside of this episode. 

Clark: “He was like family.” 

I want to hug him. 

Clark call a lawyer damn it. Preferably one who does a contingent fee basis work or someone Lex would recommend. 

I’m surprised no one tried to get medical staff to look over Clark after he went through that glass. 

Whoever decided to have Kent parents watch Clark clean and then clap is a comedic genius. Also Clark honey why would you not shut and lock the door before using your super speed? 

I’ve complained about how the writers don’t show Clark having empathy before but they did it right here. Clark spent all night at that hospital because of Earl even though he had a house to clean. 

Doctor: “I pulled the plant’s safety records. I checked with OSHA and the EPA.” 

Ma’am. How did you get all of that so soon? 

I know there are cameras in this building. How come no one notices Clark super speeding? I can begrudgingly suspend my suspension of belief that Lex doesn’t have cameras at home - I still need to know what happened to the guy that froze in the pond in Lex’s backyard - but we see cameras in this building. You mean to tell me that Lionel nor Lex wasn’t curious about how Clark was already away from the group and running around unsupervised. Like even without a hostage situation I feel like someone would check the cameras on just Clark wandering around by himself.  

Once again Martha is wearing that grey coat. I love the costume and design crew on this show. 

How the fuck did no one notice Clark speeding around? 

Clark, you have x ray vision. 

Earl: “Just like everybody else.” 

I’m gonna defend Clark here. He’s the only person willing to investigate Level Three even though Jonathan had also interacted with Earl. Jonathan who constantly is suspicious of Luthors (I think in the Bug Boy episode he makes a comment about the Luthor plant infecting people) isn’t willing to look into this. Clark, who is friends with Lex, was willing to investigate even though it could potentially cause an issue between him and Lex. He was willing to hear Earl out and search for Level Three even before there were hostages involved. (Side note: moments like this I can see why Clark grew up and became a reporter. Though I hope to see Clark taking an interest in the school newspaper in this or the next seasons.) That said, I can understand why Earl made this comment. He’s been gaslighted about Level Three. He is also being told that level doesn’t exist because there are people who genuinely don’t know about Level Three is a thing. He’s being treated like he’s crazy even though he’s having these powerful body tremors from the incident in Level Three. I can understand why he’s pissed off at Clark but Clark is genuinely trying to help him. 

Lionel: “How did you allow this to happen?”

Lionel has a brilliant actor. Lionel is a nasty, intelligent villain which I like because I don’t tend to enjoy dumb ones. That said, this character makes me furious. Gee, asshole. Maybe if Lex was given a warning he could have been better equipped to prevent this. 

Lionel: “Lex! How did you allow this to happen?” 

Lex: “I didn’t allow anything.” 

Lionel: “Then how did this man get inside?” 

Lex: “I think-” 

Lionel: “You think? Why don’t you know Lex!” 

Lionel is one of those parents who even if you have a justified reason why x happened it doesn’t matter. Lionel isn’t asking how this happened out of genuine interest of knowing. He asked so he can lecture. If he truly cared he would allow Lex to continue speaking after Lex said “I didn’t allow anything” and wouldn’t interrupt Lex when he’s saying “I think.” Also I love how Lex’s actor plays this scene because at one point when Lionel is yelling at him Lex lowers his head. Lowering your head like that is usually a sign of submission but also it could mean you feel threatened and you’re protecting your throat. The first one is common but I’m not throwing out the latter because I remember from when I watched the show as a kid that Lionel was physically abusive to Lex. 

Lex’s expression at Lionel offering his hand to Johnthan makes me curious. Is Lex wary of his father knowing the Kents? Does he find it weird that Lionel is offering to shake hands with Johnthan? 

Lionel: “Of course it is.” 

I love Lionel’s actor. Lionel has interrupted Lex throughout this scene but Lex asking about Level Three isn’t interrupted nor is Lex lectured for even entertaining the “deluded” theory that the man holding teenagers and a Luthor employee as hostages believes in. There’s even these few seconds where Lionel doesn’t answer. And it’s so telling. 

Martha: “What about the kids? You need to get on the phone and talk to him!” 

I wonder when Lionel will start to be attracted to Martha. 

Lionel: “But…I do not negotiate with terrorists.” 

Negotiate being the key word. I wonder if Lex picked up on this. I do think he picked up Lionel’s response earlier as off. 

This episode is heartbreaking because in another universe Lex could have been a hero. I don’t think he’ll necessarily have the drive to go be a vigilante but I think Lex could have been a damn good hero if he decided to be. Now would he be a manipulative one? Absolutely. But **gestures at Batman** 

Lex **insert handshake emoji** me. We both don’t like being abruptly touched by family. 

I wish that Clark would hear this speech and think about it later when Lex is being hugged by his dad and is staring at the Kents in yearning. Clark is a teenager - who has a lot of weight on his shoulders - but I just wish that he recognized Lionel was abusive to Lex. A lot of the fandom blames Clark for Lex’s downfall. I however have a different opinion. Lionel is the main person outside of Lex to be blamed. I know what it’s like to be raised in an abusive environment and growing up in an abusive household may explain things but there comes a time where we are all responsible for our own decisions. Lex is responsible for his actions but if we are going to put blame on another character for the path Lex goes down I say Lionel is to blame. I think Clark played a role - though I’ve got opinions on this topic I’m not going to ramble about it just yet because I need to hurry up and finish this but I will be ranting about my mixed feelings later - but Lionel was abusive shit. 

Lex: “Yeah, it’s in his imagination. There is no Level Three Clark. Now get out of here.” 

The acting in this episode is phenomenal. I like how Clark is showing signs of feeling unwell as Earl draws near. There’s no physical signs of meteor poisoning - aka the green veins - or music to convey the meteor is affecting Clark but Clark’s actor is doing his part to convey Earl getting closer to him makes him sick. Also does Lex genuinely believe that or did he notice how off Lionel was acting but doesn’t have actual proof of Level Three nor does he have time to truly look for it with Earl so he’s just letting Clark believe there never was a chance for Lex to be saved? Lex is just one of those characters where I’m sometimes never sure what he’s actually thinking. And honestly it’s nice because I often can figure out what characters’ motivations are in situations. 

How the fuck does no one notice Clark using his super speed on the cameras. 

I want to hug Pete. Poor kid is blaming himself. 

God I love the Kents pretending they have no idea what’s going on. 

Lex must be so curious. Because not only did Clark magically find Level Three - somehow the wall covering the elevator has been smashed. I feel like the wall being smashed would be less interesting to Lex - he already suspects Clark is stronger than natural - than how Clark somehow managed to find it. 

Lex probably is hating his dad right now. Which is completely valid. 

Earl: “How am I going to get better if I don’t know what’s poisoning me?” 

I’m so tempted to write a fic where Clark reveals the meteor rock is what is harming Earl. We know Clark sees Earl like family - Clark has said this but he’s also shown it in his actions - but he’s not willing to tell Earl the truth. Also I wonder if Earl will go the same hospital Amy Adam’s character went to…

I find it interesting that Lex - who is in a hostage situation - is taking time to tell Clark he didn’t know about this place. His life is in the balance and he doesn’t want Clark to think he lied to him. Lex doesn’t even know Clark is close to Earl to the point he considers the man family - he only knows Earl used to work on the farm. Yet he doesn’t want Clark thinking he lied. 

Earl: “He’s lying. He's just like his father.” 

I don’t drink but I want to say if I took a shot every time a character said Lex was just like Lionel I would probably have liver poisoning before the season ends. 

Clark: “...I don’t know. Adrenaline, I guess.” 

Okay, so here's the thing. I’ve read fics where this line is mentioned in a negative light either because it’s a bad lie or it was bad of Clark to lie. I don’t think Clark is lying though. I think Clark went through an episode of hysterical strength. There are times where humans have abnormal strength for a period of time in order to save someone’s life - there was a case in like 1980s I believe where a mom lifted a car that had fallen on her son. Anyway, throughout this episode we’ve seen Clark become sick when near Earl. It is so bad that Clark would not agree to help Whitney attempt to attack Earl. Yet when Clark’s friend and someone he considers as family have their lives in danger Clarkl manages to find the strength to pull them up. So I don’t think Clark is actually lying. 

Ledx staring at Kents being happy Clark is safe - that they’re giving him a hug because they actually want to instead of for publicity - makes me want to cry. Also another reason this scene is sad is Lionel grabbed Lex by the arm earlier and Lex told his dad to never do that again. And Lionel here is hugging Lex - which is much more contact than grabbing an arm - for publicity reasons instead of respecting Lex’s wishes. I also think Lionel hugs Lex to prevent Lex from declaring anything else in front of the press that Lionel doesn’t want. 

This episode is my favorite episode so far. I feel like it’s going to be a favorite even after I’ve rewatched multiple seasons. 

[catharsisxf]

'Tis the Season

Rating: T

Prompt: Running into an ex at a Christmas party

AO3 link

_______________________

"Remind me again why we're here?"

Scully playfully nudged him as they stood in the center of a large hotel ballroom. People in formal wear mingled about, stopping at various tables situated around the edges to place their bids.

Skinner had informed them they'd won (lost?) the lottery this year to staff the charity silent auction the FBI sponsored annually. Most agents were thrilled at the chance to spend an evening dressed up and mingling with the DC elite...but they weren't most agents.

Although Scully initially balked at the idea of spending a precious Saturday night at a work function she admitted she didn't hate the fact that they weren't off on some case hundreds of miles from home so close to Christmas.

She stole a glance at her partner as he surveyed the crowed warily. She'd second guessed herself when she put on the black floor length gown with an asymmetrical neckline earlier this evening. But any doubts were erased when Mulder stopped by to pick her up and his jaw practically hit the floor. She'd blushed and told him he didn't look so bad himself. Which was the understatement of the century. He looked devastatingly handsome in his tuxedo.

He looked at her then, a smile forming on his lips. "What?"

Their relationship had been teetering toward something the past few months. She could feel it. In the past she would've been embarrassed to be caught staring at him so blatantly but she simply shook her head slightly and smiled back at him.

After a beat, he grazed her shoulder and motioned to the bar at the far end of the ballroom. "I'm going to grab us a couple drinks."

"Mulder, we're working," she gently admonished.

"Hey, 'tis the season," he winked.

She watched as he purposefully made his way through the crowd.

"Dana!"

She turned and her eyes widened as she saw a familiar face approach. "Daniel? But...what are you doing here?"

"I'm on the Board of Directors at GW University Hospital. Moved here a few years ago." His eyes skimmed her from top to bottom and back again before adding, "You look fantastic." She caught the subtle predatory gleam in his eye that made her uneasy. "You know," he continued, "I've been to several of these but it's the first time I've seen you here."

"Well, I don't usually attend these types of functions."

"Ah yes, you're busy saving the world through...what was it I read?...investigations into the paranormal?" He gave her a sarcastic smirk.

She considered the man before her. Was he any different than the one she'd left all those years ago? The self-assuredness that she'd once found appealing just felt patronizing to her now. Nothing like Mulder, she thought. Even when he didn't fully trust her in the beginning there was still respect. He had questioned her motives for staying too but it came from a place of concern and, dare she admit it, love.

Just then her partner appeared at her side carrying two flutes of champagne and she quickly grabbed one. "Oh! Um...Daniel this is Agent Fox Mulder. Mulder, this is Dr. Daniel Waterston. He was my...professor in medical school."

She could see the older man sizing him up as they shook hands. "Pleased to meet you," he said in a way that sounded like he was anything but. "I was just discussing with Dana how her talents are being wasted at the FBI."

She saw a slight tensing of Mulder's jaw that would be imperceptible to anyone who hadn't known him as long as she had. "Actually, I'd say it's a perfect fit. Her medical expertise is critical to the success of our division."

Daniel scoffed at him, "Right, I'm sure chasing aliens and monsters is exactly what she'd hoped to be doing at this point in her career." He turned his attention back to her. "You know, I'd really like the chance to reconnect...both professionally and personally."

On instinct she grasped Mulder's free hand with her own. "I'm sorry, but I don't think that's a good idea." She looked up at her partner as he raised his eyebrows slightly. She sincerely hoped their unspoken communication wouldn't fail her now.

Daniel's eyes narrowed as he waved his hand vaguely between them. "So you two are..."

"Together, yes," Scully interrupted him before he could put a label on it.

"I assumed you were just coworkers."

Mulder, not missing a beat, simply stated, "Well, we're not just coworkers although we certainly started out that way. She means more to me than I can ever truly express."

His voice had dropped to almost a whisper as if the last sentence was meant only for her. He brought their interlaced fingers to his lips to place a gentle kiss to her knuckles. She blushed from head to toe under the intensity of his gaze and she felt the air crackle with energy between them.

After what felt like an eternity Daniel cleared his throat. "Well...good seeing you, Dana." She was only vaguely aware of him retreating back into the crowd.

Mulder absently rubbed his thumb against the back of her hand. "So...old friend of yours?"

"Not really," she smiled affectionately at him.

A waiter passed them and they took the opportunity to place their untouched champagne flutes on the tray.

She decided right then she wouldn't be content to wait and see when the teetering would finally send them over the edge. Their hands still entwined, she pulled him determinedly towards the ballroom exit.

"What are you doing?" he asked, amusement in his voice.

She slowed only long enough to give him a heated look. "Giving fate a push."

[eschergirls]

Originally published at: https://eschergirls.com/photo/2022/12/06/holiday-caption-contest-2022-winners

It's the end of December which means it's time to announce the winners of the 2022 Holiday Caption Contest!

Here are the entries:

P J Evans: Her back must be killing her, the way she's bent.

Anna-neko: "I WILL NOT BE GIVING UP MY TITLE OF IMPROMPTU~TWISTER CHAMPION!" … they don't call her Glory for nothin

Kevin_Carson: "Shak"? What are you, a villain from the 60s Batman show?

Mel: In the top picture my head canon is that it's a wedding reception and she's drunk and trying to get everyone up to do strip Macarena. The ape-lion dude on the right is angry that she interrupted his Chicken Dance.

Joe Z: "Some prankster put a mannequin in the Neanderthal diorama."

@siklo: Every year, hundreds of Barbie dolls get tortured and twisted being recognition because Santa keeps pushing the idea of using feral apes for cheap labor. Just let your elves unionize and pay them decent wages, old man!

@differenttriumphdragon: (2nd Pic) Think I've seen that pose in a horror movie once. I bet she sounds like a wobbleboard when she moves.

@caliphos: It was then that Malibu Stacy realized she had not, in fact, made it to the talent portion of the Ms. Universe competition as she had previously thought; she'd be damned if she didn't use her gymnastics training to give one hell of a floor routine anyway!

@faunusroman: "I didn't expect to break my spine today by dodging the attacks of werewolves during my dancercize routine."

@griffon-gal: 2nd pic. Well didn't think that werewolves were going to be this kinky

@insanityisfine: Competitive Twister is a violent sport, even for people with detachable torsos

@bleeding-star-heart:

Panel One: Superheroine: “ And then we pop our hip to the left…��� 

Panel Two: Ape: “I’m tired of this dance class!”

Superheroine: “Take it up with the department head!”

So honorable mentions go to: @siklo and anna-neko!

Third place goes to: @bleeding-star-heart!

Second place goes to: @insanityisfine

And the winner of the holiday caption contest is ... @caliphos!

As usual, the winners get to pick from the prizes in reverse order (winner gets first pick, 2nd place gets 2nd pick, etc) and if any of the winners turn down the prizes, I'll contact the honorable mentions to collect a prize. :3

So if you're a winner, please message me with your choice of games from this list: Beholder 2, Severed Steel, We Were Here Together, Overgrowth, Syberia, Riot: Civil Unrest, Tokyo Xanadu EX+, Still Life, Castle Crashers, Hotel Giant 2, Not The Robots, Steel Storm: Burning Retribution, Velvet Assassin, Fury Unleashed, Main Assembly, Oddworld: New n' Tasty, Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath HD, Rage in Peace, Rogue Heroes: Ruins of Tasos, and The Big Con

If you won first place you only have to give me one game you want, if you're in 2nd give me 2 in order of preference, and if you're in 3rd give me 3 choices in order of preference, and I'll give you the most preferred game that hasn't been claimed.

Thank you everybody for participating and stay tuned next Saturday for the beginning of the January caption contest!

Have a great New Year's Eve and New Years everybody and I hope 2023 is a great one for everybody and their loved ones. <3

[krockat]

just got home from the airport a few hours ago, and it was lovely in london, but damn its so fkn nice to be in my disabled friendly home and bed. it's wonderful.

it's weird how lovely london was. i feel like.. i can now easily see myself living there..?

and like. idk i thought sweden (where ive lived my whole life) kind of maybe was my only choice, W my disabilities and queernesses.

but like. i had a long talk w a taxi driver we took a fare W, who was disabled too, and we just opened up and talked about or disabilities and exp W it in our countries.

and he just began telling me about all these new disability aids that were put into law this year there. and it's like. i even said at one point (after saying it seems so unreal because it sounded too good to be true) that at some point it had to be a practical joke, right?.

because England, or at least London? is so... Way Miles Miles Miles ahead of Any disability rights I've ever heard of being put into existence in a country ever before.

like it's miles ahead of swedens, esp the disability laws I live with in my part.

and like.

it's just. those things would be life changing.

if they are real and true, i am so, so so so so so happy such huge wonderful progress has happened in England! i really sincerely hope it stays and gets even better and all people in need can have those things, and spreads accross our whole world!

though, with a few caveats.

1. the sidewalks in central london, are very hard to navigate - because they tilt like, Everywhere.

my friend pushed me in a manual wheelchair we borrowed from the hotel and it was Tough!!!! (and scary)

2. and most importantly, for me, you still have to work a hundred percent to get those rights and live there.

and i am not able to work in my country, and haven't been my whole life, due to my very strong disabilities. (that i have been working to rehabilitate - cause alto I don't dream of labour, i believe in my work of loves/passion projects, and also having more money than the v little I get from my disability aid in sweden) but more disabilities popping up and life and world crisises has several times slowed progress)

but i think, considering there are so many others rights there (that the taxi driver talked of, anyway) that i think there - i could have a great shot in actually being able to work?

because like Sooooo many of my stressors and things that disable me I would get strong aid for?

And it's just.

I am wondering if i am insane if i believe it is real, and could be something for me. and I kinda just want to cry.

I don't even know what to do.

I do really like and love my current life here....

but i am just thinking about all the good that could be to live there?

how i could actually live such a fucking easier and fulfilling life where I don't have to work so hard to deal W my disabilities and not have to basically pay nearly all of my high aid needs myself, and burn myself out so repeatedly just by existing and living W this and trying to take care of myself and.... Then instead there having so much help for my disabilities - some i had not even imagined? atl not in this current sociopolitical climate?

and it's just.

how could I uproot myself to go there?

here's where I have my roots.

i do want to try, but it's so scary.

i am scared to even research it haha... i do want this, genuinely, now, but I. I don't know...

[emaraldhotelsandresorts]

Top 8 Mistakes To Avoid When Booking the Hotels And Resorts

Nowadays, traveling is a truly fascinating experience, but occasionally, owing to carelessness, the hotel check-in and checkout process might go awry. So, once you're finished packing, read this article to prevent making some errors when checking in and out of the hotel. Your visit will be more fun and worthwhile if you take care of these minor details. In this blog, we will discuss the top 8 common mistakes when booking hotels and resorts. You have to be aware and avoid those mistakes before booking hotels and resorts.

1. Not Request to Asking the Hidden Fees

Many hotels and resorts have a fee associated with them that cannot be avoided and is not disclosed until you check out. Nowadays, resort fees are extremely typical, so speak with the staff beforehand rather than acting like a victim during check-in or check-out. Even if you are aware of it, confirm it once again and add it to the cost of the hotel.

2. Not Listen to the Front Desk Employees

The most frequent error most of us make is not paying attention to the staff when we check into the hotel. I recognize that there is a lot of excitement, but this can drain your bank account since you risk missing important details. The hotel personnel will provide you with the Wi-Fi password (there may be a limit on the number of devices you can connect to the Wi-Fi), any freebies you are eligible for, as well as any services that are subject to a small fee, such as access to the gym. Therefore, you must pay attention to the hotel employees when you first arrive for your mental comfort.

3. Check the Room Thoroughly Before Settling In

Do a thorough check of the room before entering. Verify any unpleasant odors, the flash's functionality, the view from the balcony, etc. Sometimes, the picture you receive may not match the one you see while making an online reservation. Therefore, request a change right away. Otherwise, after settling for a bit, you will need to move back to the other room.

4. Not Checking the Hotel Booking Cost Properly

Before booking the hotels and resorts you have to check the booking cost properly. It can help to avoid the most major problems in your trip. Some hotels, especially the most expensive hotel rooms in India, impose additional taxes on guests, preying on their ignorance. So that you have to ensure that your overall hotel booking cost. Also, finally review the bill carefully whether they are charged for anything extra.

5. Not Performing the Last Inspection Of the Room Before Departing

Before leaving the house, we check several things, including if we have our phone, wallet, cards, documents, etc. Similarly, make sure you carry all of your belongings with you when you check out of your hotel room. Before leaving your room, make sure you have checked every area, including the bathroom, almirahs, beneath the table, bed, sofa, and more.

 6. Don't Forget Essential Features to Save Money

It's simple to think that hotels generally have the same set of amenities unless you've researched and stayed in hundreds of hotels around the world. The most popular (and expensive) ones typically do feature a common/TV room, a bar, a front desk with personnel, and some sort of communal kitchen, but many of the less-priced ones don't have many or any of these amenities. For those of us who are drawn to the lowest pricing, there is yet another area of difficulty. In other hotels I've stayed in, there were literally just unmarked apartments with bunk beds in every room and not much else. For some travelers, that's a great method to save money, but for many of us, it's a bad idea.

7. Don't Forget to Read the Reviews & Feedbacks

Going through a hotel's guest reviews before making a reservation is not only prudent but also your duty to the rest of us. Most hotels seem to be pretty truthful when presenting their amenities, but not usually when describing their location.

Hotels frequently advertise that they are "10 minutes from the city center," but in reality, it takes a 12-minute bus ride that only runs once per hour. Furthermore, based solely on a map's location, it's difficult to infer much about a place unless you have previously visited it.

Each visitor should consider what is important to them (location, atmosphere, features, etc.) and read as many recent evaluations as necessary to ensure it is a match. There are other problems as well, including the loud construction in the neighborhood, which the hotels would never disclose but may be cited in every current review.

8. Ignoring Local Considerations

When considering a trip, the first thing you should do is go to Google Maps to get precise instructions on the destination and the neighborhood around it. You'll be able to locate and get to your destination with this. Booking a hotel in the city area without realizing you need to park your car is a common mistake when making a reservation. And the price is high.

Since hotels in city centers are sometimes pricey, occasionally walking an additional 10 minutes can result in significant savings. So choose your site carefully, venture outside of the city center, and interact with the locals. Use public transport instead of the car.

Final Points

As we have discussed above, the most major mistakes when booking hotels and resorts. These are the common mistakes for everyone done while choosing the hotels. In this era, there are a huge number of best hotels and resorts available. However you have to choose the best hotel as per your needs. We hope that this blog will help to avoid the major mistakes on booking the hotels and resorts.

[321gark]

"If I had a penny for everytime I've had my hotel keycard keyed to a strangers room I'd have 3 pennies, and that's too many pennies"

-Virgil

[isabellafoster13]

This idea for a oneshot just popped into my head along with a few others, so I decided to write it.

I've always that the idea of Sting or Rogue having met Lucy at some point before the whole Tenru Island thing and developed a crush on her that persists after the seven years time skip is adorable. I really like it and I've read quite a few really good stories centered around that idea. I mean, heck, I'm writing that in my "The Celestial Princess and Her Suitors" story. So, here is a oneshot based upon that cute little story idea.

I hope you enjoy!

Remember Me? (Sting x Lucy)

Sting remembered that day clearly.

It was seven years ago. He was twelve, maybe thirteen. He had been homeless for a few years after he killed Weisslogia. He didn't know what to do. There was no place he could go considering he was an orphan and had been raised by a dragon. He didn't even know much about the civilizations of Earthland besides the few things that his foster father had told him. He traveled the kingdom of Fiore, finding shelter in alleyways and abandoned buildings, and pickpocketing people whenever he needed money. It wasn't something that he was ever proud of, but he was distrustful of other people, as all anybody ever seemed to do was yell at him and call him a “degenerate child,”and had no other options that he could see.

Eventually, he heard about what was called "guilds." Something you could join if you used magic. In a guild, you'd find friends and jobs that paid well. You'd find a purpose. The young Sting wanted to join a guild, but which one? He had managed to find magazines and books that told about each guild in Fiore, quickly coming across one that was very recent: Sabertooth.

It had a really cool name, plus he would be one of the first mages to join, which excited him. He was able to get the location of this new guild and set off for Foxglove Town, the large city just east of Crocus where Sabertooth was located in.

He had been traveling for several days when he arrived in Magnolia Town, the home of Fairy Tail, the most powerful guild in all of Fiore. He knew that it would be expected of him to join the strongest guild, considering how strong he was, but he thought that making a name for himself in a new guild that likely didn't have many strong mages, if any, was a much more attractive option. He could build Sabertooth up to a strong guild that could rival even Fairy Tail. That was his goal.

It was getting late, so he had decided to find a cheap hotel he could stay at for the night. He had managed to swipe a few hundred jewel from some woman a couple of towns ago, so he was sure that he could find someplace that was dirt cheap.

After he had been walking around searching for a few hours, he found that Magnolia was a surprisingly expensive city. Not just that, but nobody wanted to give a room to a boy that wasn't even a teenager yet. The moon was rising in the sky when Sting gave a sigh and decided that he could just sleep in an alleyway, he's done it before so he wasn't bothered.

He was walking along a line of buildings, looking for an alleyway he could hide in, when a gruff voice behind him spoke in a taunting tone, "Hey, kid, what are you doing out here?"

The little dragon slayer stopped in his tracks and whipped around to find three large men stalking toward him. He narrowed his eyes and tried to appear unafraid, despite the very obvious feeling of fear rising in his gut. He was a dragon slayer, and a strong one at that, but he was still a kid, he would admit that, not out loud though. The point is, he had enough sense to know that this situation wasn't exactly in his favor considering he was outnumbered and didn't know anything about his opponents' magic. He could feel their magic energies flowing off of them in waves, so he knew that they were strong. He knew that it wouldn't be a good idea to fight, no matter how much he might have wanted to just to see the looks of regret on these bastards' faces.

He planted his feet on the ground and gave the three men a hard look. "I don't want trouble." He hoped that he had managed to keep the steadily growing fear ot of his voice.

The lead man, a buff-looking guy with unruly, brown hair that reached his shoulders in a mess of curls, chuckled lowly before sneering, "you didn't answer my question."

Sting answered, trying to sound just as intimidating, "I'm passing by. I was just leaving Magnolia."

The lead man took a few steps closer. "Where are you going?" He didn't sound concerned in the least bit, rather, he sounded almost gleeful.

The blonde boy responded sternly, "To join a guild. One that just recently popped up."

The man chuckled again. "Sabertooth. You're talking about Sabertooth."

Sting only nodded. He watched as the man stepped a bit closer, causing him to unconsciously take a couple of steps back. He was preparing himself to run. The man asked another question, "where are your parents?"

When there was no answer, the man observed, "no parents, huh?"

Sting tensed, accidentally letting the man know that he was right. The man chuckled darkly once again, a chilling grin spread across his face. "Alright kid, just stay still and do as we say, and we won't kill you, got it?" The man then reached out towards Sting.

Before he could lay a hand on him, and before the boy could bolt away, a loud snapping sound was heard. The man howled in pain and his two buddies whirled around to face the attacker. The three men and boy looked back to see a young, blonde woman holding a whip. A look of anger was clear on her face. Sting could feel a bit of warmth spreading across his face upon seeing her.

He watched with interest as the woman yelled at the men, "Leave that boy alone! You are a bunch of lowlifes to pick on a child."

The lead man snapped his fingers and in an instant his two friends had launched themselves at the blonde woman, intending to attack her. Sting became filled with panic and worry for his savior. However, his fear and worry for her were quickly proved to be unfounded when the blonde woman took out of her pouch what appeared to be three keys. She called out in a strong voice, "Open! Gates of the Maiden, Lion, and White Ram: Virgo, Loke, and Aries!"

In sudden flashes of sparkling gold, three people appeared. One was a pink-haired and blue-eyed maid, another was a man in a suit and had almost orange hair with what resembled cat-like ears on top of his head, and the other was a pink-haired woman in a white dress that appeared to be made of wool. The blonde woman, obviously a mage, gave out her commands confidently, "Loke! Take the guy on the right! Virgo! Go after the guy on the left! I'll take the leader! Aries! Take the kid to my place!"

The new arrivals did as they were told, the maid and well-dressed man jumping into action right beside the young woman that summoned them. Sting watched in amazement. The blonde was beautiful, fearless, and if her current performance was anything to go by, a strong fighter. What was her name? Was she a part of Fairy Tail or some other guild? What was her magic? How strong was she? He had to know the answers to these questions.

He was brought out of his trance when a soft voice spoke beside him, "excuse me, could you please follow me?"

The boy turned to see the woman dressed in wool, Aries it seemed she was named, holding out her hand and looking away nervously. Sting didn't want to leave the other blonde mage behind but could guess that him being there could be a distraction for her, so he begrudgingly placed his hand in Aries' and allowed her to pull him away.

She had pulled him into a two-story house and then sat him down on a pink-blanketed bed with instructions to not leave until her wizard returned. Sting nodded in response to the command. He was a fan of being told what to do, but he didn't mind it this time since he was planning to stay and meet her. Aries then gave him a kind smile before she disappeared in a flash of golden light and sparkles.

Sting sat on the bed in silence, waiting for the blonde mage to return. After what seemed to him to be a few hours, he began to become worried. Did she get hurt? Was she in danger? Should he go see if she was okay? He was just about to go in search of her when the door opened, revealing the blonde woman. She was scraped up a little and her clothing was minorly torn in a few places, but other than that she seemed to be fine. Nevertheless, he didn't like that she had gotten even a little hurt. He felt a feeling of guilt overtake him, knowing she had gotten injured because of him, because she had protected him.

She gave a sigh before she smiled at Sting and made her way over to him. She took his hand and pulled him to his feet, then she stepped back to examine him, still holding his hand. Sting could feel himself blush at the contact. He looked up at her face. Upon seeing how her deep brown eyes were taking in his ragged appearance with sympathy, he internally cringed. He hated that she was seeing him like this. It was obvious from his worn, unclean clothes, his unruly, unwashed hair, and the dirt that dusted his exposed skin that he wasn't exactly doing well, or even living with anybody.

The blonde gave him another smile. She let go of his hand, causing the boy to slightly frown down at his hand at the loss of warmth. He looked back up to see that the blonde was gone. He concentrated his hearing to listen for her, quickly hearing the sound of running water from behind a nearby door. He walked towards the door and gently pushed it open, peeking in to see the older mage standing over a stone bathtub. He watched as she dipped her hand into the rising water and then turn the faucet off. She turned to him and said sweetly, "take off your clothes and get in. I'll get you a new change of clothes. Do you need help washing?"

Sting, recognizing that she was offering him a bath, shook his head and walked into the bathroom. The blonde walked out and shut the door. Once Sting had taken off all of his clothes, he passed them off to her and climbed into the bathtub, enjoying the feeling of warm water surrounding his small body. Not wanting to take too long, he began to quickly wash every inch of his body and hair. He didn't allow a single speck of dirt to remain.

Once he stepped out of the bathroom in a new change of clothes, he found the other blonde standing in front of a chair with a comb in her hand. She gestured for him to sit down in the chair, which he silently did.

The blonde boy relaxed as the woman combed his hair and ran her fingers through it. He inhaled deeply through his nose, enjoying her lovely scent of vanilla and strawberries. He could honestly stay here with her forever. He was broken out of his thoughts when the woman's pretty voice sounded, "what's your name?"

The boy answered after a slight hesitation, "S-Sting Eucliffe."

The woman giggled a little before saying, "that's an adorable name. Mine's Lucy. Lucy Heartfilia"

"Lucy."

Sting said her name thoughtfully, enjoying how it rolled off his own tongue. He liked that name. Pretty and sweet, just like the woman that it belonged to.

Lucy moved her hands away from his hair, much to Sting's dismay. She then walked around to stand in front of him. She smiled down at him and asked, "are you hungry?"

As if she had said the magic word, Sting's stomach growled loudly, answering her question for him. Lucy laughed lightly and took his hand, leading him into a kitchen. There on the table, was an array of food. She must have guessed that he would be famished, which he was. He looked up at her, getting a close-eyes smile and nod before he walked to the table and sat down. Lucy took the seat directly in front of him.

Sting ate all the food that she had set out for him, talking to her in between bites. He had shared with her that he was a White Dragon Slayer and was raised by a dragon. In turn, he learned about her magic, that she was a Fairy Tail mage, and she had a best friend that was a Fire Dragon Slayer. Sting was amazed to learn that last part. She talked the most about Fairy Tail itself. How it was filled with kind mages that treated everyone like family and never judged are held any past offenses against someone, instead, they forgave. It was the kind of guild he wanted to join. The kind of guild he prayed Sabertooth would become.

After he had finished eating, Lucy decided that he would stay the night. Not wanting to leave so soon in the first place, Sting agreed. As he settled into Lucy's bed and she climbed in next to him, she asked, "would you like to join Fairy Tail in the morning? Or do you plan to join another guild?"

Sting shook his head, answering, "I'm on my to join Sabertooth."

Lucy nodded with a smile and the two settled down to sleep. Sting had stayed up longer than he probably should have to watch her sleep. She looked so peaceful and lovely that he couldn't take his eyes off of her. When Lucy had wrapped her arms around him and pulled him closer to her, he blushed madly as his heart picked up speed and his stomach was engulfed in a fluttering feeling. He almost wanted to take her up on her offer to join Fairy Tail, but instead, he snuggled up against her and fell asleep, steeling himself in his newfound goal to join Sabertooth.

That morning, he had left before Lucy woke up, leaving a thank you note. He walked all the way to Sabertooth and happily joined, set on his goal to not only see to it that his guild becomes powerful, kind, welcoming, and forgiving, just like Fairy Tail but also to become as strong as he possibly can. He hoped that when he saw Lucy again as an adult, he could impress her with how strong he had gotten, and maybe, just maybe, she would give him a chance to be with her. Until that day came, he would train and dream of the beautiful celestial wizard that he was determined to make his.

He also clearly remembered the day he had heard that about much of Fairy Tail disappearing, along with the entire island they were on. It was a few months after he had met her. He was walking back to Sabertooth after a job when he heard a woman gasp, "those poor Fairies!"

Sting turned stopped walking and turned his attention to the two women that were standing in front of a newspaper stand. He could tell they were talking about Fairy Tail, who else would it be? His mind began to flood with questions.

What happened? Was Fairy Tail alright? Lucy was part of that guild. Was she alright?

He rushed up to the newspaper stand and looked down at the front cover of one. His mouth dropped open in shock and horror. There, in big, bold letters, were the words 'Main Fairy Tail Mages Presumed Dead!' The boy reached into his pocket and fished out some of the jewel he had earned from his job to buy the newspaper. He then raced back to Sabertooth. 

Once at his guild, he pushed open the doors, causing them to slam against the walls and earn him a few annoyed stares. He paid no mind, instead, he made his way to the table that his friends sat at. Minerva, the daughter of the Guild Master, Rogue, a fellow Third Generation Dragon Slayer, Rufus, the only child to have a parent in the guild, and Yukino, the newest addition, looked at him with confused looks as he plopped down to read the article of interest. 

Rogue raised an eyebrow, teasing with a smirk, "I wasn't even aware you knew how to read, Sting." His voice cracked noticeably on the word 'read.' Minerva, Yukino, and Rufus laughed, more at his changing voice from puberty than at his playful teasing. The black-haired boy blushed and dipped his head, clearly wishing that he could disappear into the shadows, but knowing that he couldn't because Minerva would immediately catch him. 

Sting, usually not one to let a chance to tease his already best friend go to waste, didn't give any reaction. Instead, he kept his eyes glued to the newspaper. Tears welled up in his blue eyes. He couldn't believe what he was reading. This had to be a dream, no, a nightmare! They just couldn't be dead! She couldn't be dead!

Apparently, the main Fairy Tail mages had gone to Tenroujima Island for their S-Class Trials. For some unknown reason, the entire island with everyone on it had disappeared. Not a single trance of anybody that had stepped foot on the island. All search parties were called off. Sting's gaze traveled to the list of names, mages that were believed to be dead. He silently prayed that her name would be there. 

Juvia Lockser, Gray Fullbuster, Natsu Dragneel, Freed Justine...Lucy Heartfilia. Sting froze at the last name. He threw the newspaper down, jumped to his feet, and ran out of the guild, ignoring his friends' calls for him to wait and explain himself. Holding back tears and chest already hurting, he ran to the place that he enjoyed going to whenever he needed to relax or calm down, a secluded pond on the edge of a large park, surrounded by trees. He sat on the large rock that was on the edge of the water. Pulling his knees to his chest, he sniffed the air and listened to his surroundings. When he was sure that nobody had followed him, the boy began to cry. 

He never got to see Lucy again. He never got to talk to her again. He never got to thank her in person for what she had done for him. He never got to impress her with his magical strength. He never got to tell her that he loved her. 

He never will get the chance to do any of these things. 

And it was apparent from his heartbroken cries. 

Fast forward seven years, and everything seemed to change. Sabertooth had drifted from what it was like. Master Jiemma and Minerva were power-hungry and cruel. The mages of Sabertooth didn't care about each other, not truly. Sabertooth wasn't a family. It was a cruel, power-hungry, selfish guild. Sting had also changed. He became an arrogant, selfish, cocky jerk. At least he was able to acknowledge it. Everybody changed, and not for the better. 

It was as though Sting had taken a backseat and was watching all of this happen. What happened? What caused him to go back on what he had sworn to do? What caused him to allow his guild to become the exact opposite of Fairy Tail without a fight? What caused everything to go wrong?

Stupid questions. He knew the answers. 

Lucy died, and so did his will to achieve the goals he had set because of his meeting her. She was no longer alive, so what was the point? She wouldn't be around to see any of it. 

Imagine his surprise when he saw her just shortly before the Grand Magic Games. He was ecstatic. He wanted to launch himself at her and confess his love right there. However, he had to restrain himself and stay in the role he had to play. He hated letting her see who he had become over those seven years, so much so that he couldn't even bring himself to look at her, at least, not for very long. He wasn't even sure if she recognized him. Probably not. 

He came to the decision that he would talk to her once he could get her alone. Fairy Tail and Sabertooth were enemies and he couldn't risk Master Jiemma or Minerva founding out, or else he would face extreme consequences. He resigned himself to watching her, being careful to not get caught, of course. 

He couldn't believe that she was still alive. She was just as beautiful as he remembered, she didn't seem to have aged a single day. He was confused as to how it was possible that she seemed to still be a teenager and was still alive. His answer quickly came when he learned about what happened to make Tenrou disappear. He considered himself fortunate. He was older than her now, which means he has more of a chance with her than he first thought he did. Age wouldn't be a problem. Now, he just needed to talk to her. 

When the first day of the Games came, he was happy to see that Lucy was competing first. He knew that she would win. He just knew she would. When the fighting began, he cheered her on in his head, while being careful to seem as though he was uninterested in what was going on, just as his teammates did. 

He was incredibly proud of the blonde woman, she holding her own very well against her opponent. Then that crazy Flare chick started practically torturing Lucy and the blonde wasn't doing anything to defend herself. Why? She could obviously fight back, so what was the deal? Whatever the reason, he was angry. How dare someone harm the woman he was in love with! He had to fight the urge to jump down there and defend her, but a firm hand on his shoulder and a small head shake from his best friend and 'twin' helped him remain in his seat. He continued to watch. 

His anger turned to joy when Lucy was finally able to fight back. She summoned one of her spirits, Gemini was their name apparently, and performed a spell that he knew would take Flare out of the fight. He watched in amazement as the spell was performed. 

However, when the dust cleared, Flare was unharmed while Lucy was drained. What happened? It was obvious to anybody that had any sense that Raven Tail had cheated by countering the spell. Sting was once again enraged when Flare was declared the winner and the crowd booed Lucy. He once again had to fight the urge to jump to her defense. 

It was obvious that Raven Tail cheated! Were those judges blind?! 

The Games went on with Sting admiring the celestial wizard of his dreams from afar and waiting for the first chance he could get to talk to her. All the while he kept up his act. 

Then, that cursed Naval Battle arrived. Minerva and Lucy became the last two inside the water sphere. Sting doubted that Lucy would be able to win, it was Minerva she was facing after all, but he hoped that she would at least lose without getting too hurt. He was proud of her for lasting this long. He watched as the two women began their fight against each other. 

To his horror, Minerva had decided to be her usual cruel self. He watched as she, in no uncertain terms, tortured the woman he loved. He dug his nails into his palms, so much so that he was surprised it didn't draw blood. He just barely managed to keep his perfectly crafted mask on and watched with disgust and rage. He watched with a look of apathy and even glee, while on the inside, he was dying with even second that passed by. He prayed that it would end soon. 

When the two torture sessions, both Lucy's and his, he watched as Minerva dropped a beaten and unconscious Lucy out of the water sphere. Sting lurched forward, intending to catch her, but was stopped by his best friend's hand on his shoulder, giving it a tight squeeze. He didn't need to look back to know what Rogue was silently saying. 'Don't be stupid. You know what will happen.' Unfortunately, Sting didn't care about the consequences anymore. He needed Lucy. He needed to hear her soft voice, smell her lovely scent, hold her in his arms and promise to her that he would never allow anyone to hurt her like that again. 

Throwing all forethought out the window, he grabbed Rogue's wrist and roughly pushed his best friend's hand off of his shoulder. He then launched himself over the short wall they were sitting behind. He caught her in midair, beating the flame-brain best friend of Lucy's. Immediately upon landing on his feet, he raced to the infirmary, Lucy held securely in his arms. He heard the shouts of his teammates and the Fairies, but he didn't pay them any attention. His only concern was Lucy. He would deal with the consequences later. 

He sat in a chair next to Lucy's bed, his arms folded on it with his resting on the, as he waited for her to wake. Lector was sleeping on the bed in Lucy's lap. It's been a few hours and he hadn't left her side once. He managed to explain everything to the competing Fairy Tail mages, which earned him permission to stay with her alone, even though Natsu wasn't particularly happy about that. It was Erza that promised him protection from Master Jiemma and Minerva. He appreciated it but knew that if those two wanted to get him, they would, and nobody would be able to stop them. 

Movement from the blonde on the bed brought him out of his thoughts. Lucy slowly opened her eyes and looked around. When her entrancing brown eyes fell on him, she began to study him, as if trying to remember him. Sting sat simply sat there and stared back at her nervously, silently willing her to remember him. 

After about a minute of tense silence, he saw recognition in her eyes. Sting smiled and whispered, just loud enough for her to hear him, "remember me?"

Lucy nodded, her eyes filling with tears. Sting quickly leaned forward and whipped the tears away. He didn't want to ever see her cry for any reason. The blonde woman gripped his hands and pulled him forward with surprising strength, pulling him into a hug that the dragon slayer happily, but gently returned.

When they pulled away Sting decide to get straight to the point. He cupped Lucy's face in his hands. With a tearful smile he declared, "I love you, Lucy! I've loved you since I first met you! I wanted to tell you when I was older, but then you died, and also didn't! I was heartbroken! I thought I would never see you again and get to tell you how I feel! But now I finally can! Lucy, I love you! Please, give me a chance! Please!" 

The celestial wizard placed her hands softly on his as she stared at him with an unreadable expression. After what seemed like hours of silence, she finally spoke in a whisper, "Sting...I never thought about dating you before..." She trailed off. 

Sting internally panicked. He hastily begged, "give me a chance, please! Let me take you on one date! If you aren't interested, then we'll go our separate ways...please give me a chance." The last part was whispered, his tone giving away that he was trying to not cry even as he lowered his head to hide his tear-filled eyes from her. 

After a few moments of silence, he began to despair. Then, Lucy's hand under his chin raised his head so he would look at her. What he saw caused his breath to hitch and his heartbeat to pick up speed. Lucy was giving him the most breathtaking smile he had ever seen. She nodded her head as she whispered her answer, "yes, Sting. I'll go on  a date with you." 

Sting grinned, genuinely grinned. How long had it been since he last truly smiled and didn't have to force one? "Can I kiss you?" His question was so quiet that he didn't think she heard him, but he knew that she had heard him when she nodded her head. 

Sting leaned forward and pressed a gentle, chaste kiss to her lips. He felt her kiss back, which caused his heart to beat wildly and his stomach to do backflips. He pulled away and took her hand in his, caressing the soft, smooth skin with his thumb. 

He finally had her back. 

She was really here. 

She was alive. Beaten, but still alive. 

And he swore to himself right there that he would protect her. If she decided that she wanted to be with him, he would fight anyone and anything to keep her safe and by his side. Even if he had to fight his own guild. 

The pair gazed at each other, happy to have met again after so many years. 

[jjheejz]

About Internet Water Army in the case

This is an ongoing update about the case from start to development. List of all related posts can be found on this blog's pinned post (link provided at bottom of each post as well).

19 August 2021 update: Added the scale of his success for reference, before bonus below

18 August 2021 update: Added timeline of events, orange title in post, found out the official English term for Immoral Media = Internet Water Army)

Major updates since first draft: Added bonus, added disclaimer, certain info details

Originally posted on 16 August 2021

[The purpose of this post is to provide a perspective as to why the Media is raised/blamed regarding the issue. Especially for international fans, as all the encounters happened on Weibo. Also, those who were on weibo, do read through if you will. So although it's lengthy, do try to read all, at least if not the last two parts].

The Media referred by most, is not the common perception of the Entertainment Industry (celebrities, directors, shows, channels, staff etc), but the dark side of the Entertainment industry: Antis, toxic fans, toxic marketing accounts. They are called Internet Water Army💧.

Toxic Marketing Accounts is one of the things they do, these accounts on Weibo has millions of followers, each of their post likes are in the hundred thousands (buyable) to give credibility to passer-bys. Some use similar names to Official accounts, some use similar logos. Their posts are usually subjective or aims to steer view points of a certain celebrity/movie/show. Before the latest update of this post (18.08.21), I just group them all together and term them as Immoral Media*.

*Below is my original post using my original term because at point of first draft, I did not know the official term (so have changed/added the term from Immoral Media to Internet Water Army in content below but retain the content based off first draft).

If you have chased before celebrities, or just simply passed by an article about certain celebrities, recall how some title that caught your attentions were like. Clickbaits is one of the many things they do. If GZ is your first and you do not have Weibo, then this read(link) is good enough.

Just as the term Immoral Media (Internet Water Army), it’s immoral and unethical, but they exists because they are paid to do so. Who pays them? Entertainment Companies, and maybe other Organisations

Normal Media/Marketing vs Immoral Media/Toxic Marketing/Internet Water Army

When a show or movie comes out, the normal Marketing department will generate outreach and buzz so that people know a show is airing soon/know the show exists etc. Official announcements are not enough, because there isn’t much context (limited content to put up as well) so having some other Marketing accounts do the buzz in a planned period to gain awareness through posts, some articles about the casts, the plot summary, the production details etc is normal. This is Marketing, bigger companies will probably have stronger Marketing departments (aka influence) and can hire more Marketing accounts to generate buzz. Celebrities (aka casts) themselves, are also Marketing point.

Then we have the Internet Water Army/Immoral Media, these are what they mainly do:

Create Fanfiction-rumors: Creating rumors about celebrities to shift audience perception of them. [eg. XX was seen with XX leaving a hotel, XX was drunk on Event Y and did ZZZ to AA, XX is dating BB and has been in a relationship for N years etc]

Honing their brain degrading skills: Come up with titled clickbait headings/ trending topics with negative written contents. For articles, exceptionally out of heading content related to the celebrity. [Refer to Baidu, it’s a winner of these, feel free to Google Translate]

Regressing their common sense and understanding skills: Take everything a celebrity does completely out of context in a negative way and create a topic out of it [eg. XX said AA is a ---, “XX raised his finger, a sign of ---?”, XX pushed BB aggressively on Variety Show Y - A competition variety show, XX is in beef with CC because XX was caught giving CC the eye]

Using their fingers to stir shit and bathe each other in it: Escalate all smallest form of possible tension created by fans/themselves into a huge thing by acting as the fandom's fans/lurk in fandom chat groups, and voicing their disguised opinion to spread tension/exaggerate severity of the issue [eg. XX fans mocked AA - in groupchats: tbh I've never liked AA before, AA just gives off a vibe that I dont like and now this? It just disgusts me even more > Yea, i feel this way too. AA has problems / XX Lurkers expressing views on XX about NN, slowly to NNMHFXW - XX did NNMHGT - I cannot accept NNmHfHw, I'm leaving = multiply by 1000++]

Epitome of a self-deteriorate: Creating something out of nothing and react to that something negatively to gain massive attention/reaction [eg. “XX raised his hand on show Y” - dk what XX fans are thinking, are they literally blind? XX fans are tasteless just like XX hahaha / “XX did community service” - they are acting / “XX breathed” - From the start, i thought XX was NN, but I am so ZZZ that XX breathed. Goodbye fandom, i’m leaving. Those who still want to stay I urge you to rethink your life choices] - if I may add, Xiao Zhan’s fanfiction case as well. 

Metaphor - Ability to use bare hands to collect paychecks from the urinal/toilet bowl where their boss/client peed in: Doing all of the above.

Apologies for any term offense, but not apologetic of the term context. This is what they do for a living. Any normal human being who do not like anything, will generally not be interested at anything about it in the first place, so to have some antis/toxic fans knowing certain things and inside jokes/references in their posts questions their goal.

On involved in Internet Water Army/Immoral Media 💧

Fans on weibo during these few months witnessed many of the above on GZ. From rumored girlfriend (spammed with articles) to mean and nasty comments on trending topics, to bouts of insults and fake emotional cryouts by certain fan accounts that GZ's office has to release a number of Lawyer’s letter to them. 

Aside from WOH there were also a few other BL adaptation films that were actually released this year but they did not reach exponential success like WOH. BL adaptations are so highly followed by because this is the key to wealth. Literally. Successful BLs like The Untamed and  Dao Mu Bi Ji saw the amount of wealth fans are willing to spend on the celebrity as compared to say BG or idols (younger fan groups). This is why when WOH shot up exponentially, Immoral Media start to sweat.

Major anticipated adaptations were supposed to air this year eg. Hao Yi Xing(HYX), Sha Po Lang(SPL) etc but was severely held back due to the stricter change in BL adaptations submitting their scripts for approval regulations (WOH manage to submit earlier before the change). Because of this, most final films were rejected and they have to keep re-editing, by then WOH was already months into reaping tonnes of major brand endorsements, shows/movie casting, variety show appearances etc, something that is seen as too successful in the Immoral Media’s eyes, because they have to create buzz for other celebrities, some are specific celebrity oriented and thus circulate rumors about having endorsement opportunities shifted from celebrity X to GZ (think fanfiction-rumors and shit stirrer) causes tension in celebrity fandoms. - A real event just in July:

The Untamed’s cp fandom is called BJYX which had always been in the Top 1 of Cps for 2 years dropped for awhile to Top 2, over taken by LLD. Both of them had a war and hated each fandom, one fandom is somehow not allowed to like the other fandom even casually after everything broke out because it started out with some BJYX toxics photoshopped GZ on of portraits .

Also another case of which he wore the same costume as WYB did in a previous photoshoot and it became a useless comparison of who wore better, who looks better, degrading the other. (Finger stirring shit).

Now apply all of the above things the Internet Water Army do and we have them earning money, while both fandom reacts and hate each other.

In LLD, our own fans started suspecting each other on who is a spy from BJYX and what not.

The first few months of Internet Water Army saw LLDs mostly mocking them because the average age is 30-40s, they know and see through all of their intentions so nothing was big. They were trumpeting and LLDs didn’t even care, what with all the doing tedious stats was not even important to them.

Over time, as the issues they create became more and more serious LLDs did start to care, reporting Toxic Marketing accounts/toxic fans became a daily task, go vote for GZ at certain polls etc, solo fans, and LLD fans also split apart. Solo fans think cp fans use GZ to furnish their fantasies, and cp fans thinks they are the ones furnishing their dreaming-girls fantasy with (aka my boyfriend).

There was also a period where LLD had a habit of continuously mentioning “we are in the 30-40s so we can see through everything about the media, we are all fans for the first time, we are good at spending money (because of purchase power compared to other fandoms)” it was prevalent for so long it felt odd, ‘chasing celebrities the first time’ in particular sounds more vulnerable as a weakness than a strength / sth to be proud of.

Gradually, more secretive/insider confirmed ‘sweets’ were flying around. Fans advised each other to not circulate, and the mindset of “if you know, you know, dont tell.” (This is a problematic mentality, of which fans will still be curious to know and search for it themselves, but this secretive hook is unhealthy. Over the long term, it becomes hard for existing fans to know a lot of things properly to judge for themselves, especially those who knew and publicly reacted, but blasting those who ask and telling those who know to keep quiet, this did not help some to understand why on certain things, even so for international fans, dont know and dont understand, causing misunderstandings. Yes, certain information should not be shared, so why should you react about it publicly in the first place? - Internet Water Army effect)

The last few months (for example the July fan war) created a tonne of seriousness and anger. A period even broke out with a tonne of ‘insider confirmed sweets’ (which is LLD’s daily dose of happiness), it was hard to tell what was real and what was fake. Trending topics became negative and everyone warned each other not to enter because it will give the trends ‘views’ and trend statistics, in reality entering there is to enter an exhibition by the self-deteriorates, collecting the fandom's traffic data (it's a sure lose for fans each time they enter the topic). Everyone even starts thinking that the trend’s popularity was caused by each other (it's true but it can be bought daily and not caused by fans). There was a raise in the number of fans who were getting emotional because they want to protect but Internet Water Army kept coming and got worse, because fans, tbh, not just GZ fans, every other celebrity’s fans are always fighting with an Army, getting played and plotted in that Army's calendar.

Even so, despite all of these, LLD is actually a fandom Internet Water Army may find the hardest to break because they understand GZ so much, they could tell what are fake news regarding GZ, because among everything above, there are still plenty of logical fans to stop many fans from drifting too far and debunking them. Why? 30-40s are grown up adults.

Why 13.8.21 and the Japan issue is plotted?

First of all, in the political climate of China, there are many political dates in a month that is NO-Entertainment news. Because it’s the honoring of certain important political events. It’s like Remembrance Day, thus the sensitivity is higher. On these days, there are usually no news and even the Internet Water Army zip their pants. This year also marks the 100th year of the Chinese Communist Party(link)

Secondly, he had no work schedule on 13 August 2021. A great full day to focus on any other news (because if he had schedules, everyone will turn their attention to his events, what trumpeting outside is just bird chirps). 

Thirdly, when the news broke out, especially about the shrine, the reception was actually quite serious within the fandom so the scale of this might be big but to what extent in reality?

Lastly, 15.8.21 marks the 76th anniversary of the announcement of surrender of Japanese in World War 2(link). Also a day of NO-Entertainment news. 

Timeline of events:

13.8.21 - [His rest day, Eve of Chinese Valentine's Day, Japan News broke out] His rest day, no schedules = increased attention about him online. Lowered guard among fans because they are getting ready for tomorrow's Chinese Valentine's sweets = Caught off guard = Huge break out of fans' reactions

14.8.21 - [Chinese Valentine's Day, Eve of the 75th Anniversary of the announcement of Japanese surrender] Keep a wishful and happy demenaor to not destroy the mood, suppressed thoughts about ZZH's Japan news

15.8.21 - [75th Anniversary of the announcement of Japanese surrender, Official announcement of ZZH's boycott and all China social media account ban] NO-Entertainment news day, Solemn day, not allowed to voice anything so the fandom can only wait for tomorrow to start voicing out/debunking but before they can wait out, the boycott and social media ban happened, every official accounts about him was gone overnight, fans had no time to react

17.8.21 - [All official fandom accounts related to ZZH and JunZhe were locked/removed]

Forced to be silent since the day his matter broke out, over the course of official news release with everything taken down in a day because of the Japan correspondence, his accounts banned overnight across the Chinese media and the overnight cancellation, fans could not speak anything about it. Overnight cancellation like this scale happened for the first time in China, leaving no time to react by the fandom, by the time they can, they are silenced.

When the period of events occured within a set of special dates, it’s not coincidence.

Conclusion

Because he was too successful and had many actually honorable past things, and a hard to influence fandom, Internet Water Army view him as a huge threat enough to want to destroy him, because it’s hard to defeat. With a chance they have, they will hold it till the end, bringing up this issue to the Government during this period also shows a sign of how scared they were of him and perhaps his fandom to plot something like this.

Updated on 19 August: Here's a screenshot of assumed calculation on the scale of GZ success for reference while chatting with a fellow fan, assuming GJ also has 27 brands, and there are 1000 brands. Rationale of numbers used: Only big brands can hire big celebrities.

Bonus

Mentioned in the first post, will mention again in case. After the news broke out within 2 days, there was a drop on his weibo followers from 18.9mil to 18.7mil. 200k+ drops, if the politics was such a big national issue, there should at least be a huge drop, even at least a million right? Because weibo is a China-Chinese majority right? Nope, we get a puny 200k drop.

What's funny? The self-deteroriates:

Translation: "Are his fans bought? Why didnt he drop fans? Those people got brainwashed to this point?" / "I've never entered his weibo and today i feel like having a look yet it showed I've followed him. All his fans were bought right? It disgusts me, i immediately unfollowed. This kind of process is worse than WYF..." / "i dropped fans because of him...no...I just reposted 2 posts and I've dropped 4 fans?"

Isn't the tone and regressing brain cells, all too familiar and same?

//

Added above, will remind again to read this link. It has an even more in-depth knowledge on who are paying them.

So what should we do? Link here

Related posts 🛏️:

[ticketstomydaydreams]

HOME

(All We Have: Part One)

Part Two

Colson x Female Reader

Summary: You and Colson are close friends and he invites you to move in to his house while you work on his record together

Word count: 1,580

Feels: Friendship Fluff for now

Warnings: Alcohol consumption, cursing, mentions of feeling depressed

Companion playlist:

Machine Gun Kelly - Home

Sia - Dressed in Black 

The Beatles - With a Little Help from My Friends

A/N: Throughout the series there will be changes to the timing of real life events like the pandemic, the release of certain songs etc. There's certain things I want to incorporate into the series, like particular events in MGKs life and lyrics from songs, so some stuff will get moved around to fit in to the story ✌️

______

It had been a long evening working in Colson’s home studio, The Boulevard, with him and the gang on the upcoming Tickets to my Downfall album. To say your schedule was busy was an understatement, but Colson had insisted you get involved with the new material after the success of your work together on Hotel Diablo.

Composing music was your main gig, you had an ear for melody and your passion for writing meant you always had lyrics swirling around your head. You had a penchant for dark and melancholy lyrics, finding music to be a source of therapy for you. It was something you and Colson had instantly bonded over. He'd bugged you to list some of the stuff you'd written that he'd know and you had gained his professional respect immediately.

He always kept a close eye on your work, ever the supportive friend and had laid claim to your piece ‘Glass House’ as soon as he'd heard it.

______

2019

You were sitting crossed legged on the sofa in your lounge, gently strumming your guitar and gazing off into space and mumbling to yourself, as you worked out some lyrics in your head. Colson was lying on the floor by your feet, scrolling through his phone with earphones in, a blunt in his hand that he occasionally passed up to you. This was a common set up, you found it easier to write in the peace and quiet and Colson has gradually started hanging out at your place more when he needed to focus on his own writing.

"All alone in the glass house, lie awake til the sun's out, pink sky when you come down…"

"Throw me in the damn flames, Bury me in gold chains, throw me in the damn flames…"

You'd started singing out loud, occasionally stopping to scribble down lyrics and make adjustments, not noticing that Colson had removed his earbuds to listen to you

" Dude, that's hard, like, beautiful… " His comment made you jump slightly, you hadn't seen him propping himself up on his elbows, watching you intently "Sing that last bit again"

You blushed slightly, his opinion was always important to you, and started singing. He muttered to himself as you did, then pointed at you "Again!"

Letting out a little laugh and rolling your eyes, you sang again

"Throw me in the damn flames, bury me in gold chains, throw me in the damn flames"

Colson's voice met yours at the end of the line, rapping softly "I'm waiting on the rain to come and wash it all away"

You locked eyes, smiling and he sat upright. "Dude, Im'a need that hook! That spoke to me right there, I've think got something for it that I've been stuck on"

He looked so excited, your heart did a little flip. You'd seen that writing this album had taken it out of him, he'd been digging deep and really going through it emotionally. You could tell it was going to be raw and special from what you'd heard already.

He sat forward and moved the guitar from your lap so he could lean his arms on your knees and looked up at you shooting you puppy dog eyes with those baby blues "Pretty please Y/N"

You laughed and ruffled his hair, "Anything for you Col" Honestly, it'd be an honour to be part of such a personal project, you thought

He wrapped his arms round you and squeezed,

"You're a legend, kid. Get a sample recorded and send it to me!" He grabbed your guitar off the sofa and whipped back around, strumming a few chords as he carried on talking with his back to you, leaning against the sofa "This is gonna be fire, you always just hit the nail on the head, I swear it's like you're in my head sometimes"

You smiled, seeing the wave of motivation that had struck your friend. You felt so lucky to have a friend who was not only so inspiring, but one who 'got it', who understood that music was a form of release. Someone who recognised that it was important to feel these things, rather than encourage you to push dark thoughts away with toxic positivity.

He’d pushed to use your original samples on his record, but as much as you loved writing and singing, you were a behind the scenes kind of gal which had always suited you just fine. Naomi, a mutual friend of you both, came onboard to record them with him. A decision that turned out to be golden… 'Death in my Pocket' would be born not long after, with Naomi doing your lyrics such beautiful justice yet again, perfectly pairing with Colson's emotional rapping.

______

From then on Colson had kept you close to his recording. You'd been helping here and there with composition and notation, but your production skills were what was taking centre stage during the most recent sessions. You had a long list of projects you were working through, leaving you chained to your equipment most days and nights anyway so throwing more music into your workload didn't seem like much of a big deal. In all honesty, the chaos of Colson’s studio and the revolving door of personalities that were in and out constantly, made it one of the most fun places to be. You loved what you did for a living and it never really felt like work Even though the guys were a real handful at times, you kind of enjoyed being the studio 'Mami' as they often affectionately referred to you

Everything had wrapped up for the evening and the guys had migrated back into the house. You could hear from the raucous that the drinks must have started flowing freely. You were saving your work and packing up your stuff when Colson bursts back into the studio and throws himself in a chair, spinning it around with his arms in the air.

"You staying for drinks Y/N?" he grins at you, clearly hyper and in party mode

You let out a big sigh "Urgh, I'd love to but I have an early start tomorrow. I finally managed to get an apartment viewing. I swear I've looked at a hundred places now, they get snapped up so quickly.. I've only got a few weeks left on my lease as well"

“Ah, that sucks kid” Colson empathises, spinning his chair again before an idea strikes him “Wait! Why don’t you move in here for a bit until you find a place? The guest room is pretty much your room anyway, the amount you crash here”

You laugh “This is true, that mattress is so much better than mine! Aw Col, that would honestly be so helpful, the stress of finding a place when I’m this busy is killing me. I don't know… You sure the guys won’t mind?”

Colson scoffs “Why would they mind? You practically live here anyway” he teases “I’m sure they’ll be just as stoked as I am at the thought of you joining the madhouse for a while”

Before you have a chance to respond, he stands up and throws his arms around you, squashing you into him tightly “That’s it decided Roomie. Another song in the bag and a new housemate, plenty to celebrate tonight!”

Wriggling out of his tight grasp, you laugh and in a deep voice shout “let’s goooooo” mocking his signature catchphrase. He flips you his middle finger and says “Kitchen, now”

Once you’re in the kitchen, Colson heads to get you a drink and grabs one himself. Appearing back at your side, he passes you your beer and then shouts out to the rest of the group,

“YO, meet our latest housemate, Y/N is moving in. LET’S FUCKING GOOOOO”

Everyone in the kitchen lets out a big cheer, clearly pleased as he said they would be. Colson bends down and picks you up, swinging you around in a circle, spilling your drinks all over the both of you as you shout his name in mock annoyance, between giggles.

“I hope you know what you’re letting yourself in for” Rook laughs, clinking his drink against your now empty beer bottle once your feet are back on the floor

“It’ll be good to have another pair of hands around here, looking after you lot” Ashleigh chimes in, laughing and slapping Slim away as he pulls her hood up over her head, covering her eyes

It had been 5 years since you'd made the decision to move to LA, barely knowing a soul. You'd worked several jobs, jumped from place to place, worked your ass off to catch your break in the music business, sometimes feeling like the grind would never get you anywhere.

There had been times where you felt like you couldn't carry on, aching from trying to keep pace. The dream had felt like it was turning into a nightmare, as you tried to make ends meet, feeling so lonely in this enormous city.. but eventually you'd made these amazing friends who made you feel so safe and loved.

Now, there were times you had to pinch yourself just to make sure it was all real.

As you shake off some of the beer that's dripping from your hands, you look around the kitchen. Taking in the crazy, loveable bunch before you, your new housemates, you are filled with gratitude. You finally felt like you were exactly where you were supposed to be…

Home.

______

❌❌ Lace up!

[cantarella-if]

What kind of parents would the ROs be?

I answered something similar to this a while back, but I'm happy to rewrite a few things since I've gotten to know the characters more through the demo process.

AKIRA - The type of father who makes sure that his child experiences everything the world has to offer. He'll take the kids on trips as often as he can, especially to Japan since his culture is very important to him. They must know their heritage and he will teach them his country's customs and language from an early age so they speak fluent Japanese by the time they are six.

ELENA - She's the fun but scatter-brained mom. There's always sugary snacks at her house and toys all over the place because who has time to clean? Certainly not her! Let's the kids get away with murder (hopefully not literally)

HENRY - The kindest father you have ever met in your life. He never raises his voice to the kids and when he's disciplining them, he does it like he's conducting peace talks in a warzone. You have no idea how he does it, but you sure as hell aren't going to complain. He also insists on having his own diaper bag for outing with the little ones and insists on pushing the stroller.

JAYME - Reads to the children every night and makes sure to give so much love that you think it's a bit over the top at times. Since their relationship with their parents is not great, Jayme will insist on letting their children know that they are unconditionally loved as often as possible.

KIRSTEN - She's got a planner with doctor's appointments and playdates written in meticulously. You have no clue how she stays organized, but it's admirable. Kirsten provides healthy snacks for school functions and never misses a single one, despite the fact that she insists on signing her kids up for everything they want.

MAX - That dad you see walking down the street with one of those child backpacks. He's Mr. Mom, and you often tease him about it, but it's so damn cute you can't help but smile. Max is definitely going to teach his kids about motorcycles and cars and how to fix them if they ever need to and insists on being there when they start riding bikes.

RICK - This may not be surprising, but Rick is that dad; the one who all the moms and several of the dads want to have and want to be. He never seems overwhelmed, disciplines the kids much better than he did with you and the other interns, and will definitely take them on trips with him if he needs to go away for work. Don't be surprised to find him pissed off because the hotel he booked doesn't accommodate children.

VICTORIA - Helicopter mom who freaks out about every little injury and sniffle. She's not very good at this, but she tries and most of them time is actually a great mom despite her uncharacteristic lack of confidence. Puppy eyes get her every time. Spends hundreds of dollars on holiday and birthday gifts.

[luminois]

･:*✧ 𝗷𝗶𝘀𝘂𝗻𝗴;

𝟲𝟵𝟱 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀, 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹.

“jisung! jisung, i can’t do this!”

you looked up at your smiling husband, his arms extended towards you. below you, the glass floor showed the hundreds of people walking and enjoying themselves, like you’d been doing merely ten minutes prior. but now you weren’t enjoying yourself, at all.

when jisung had surprised you with tickets to paris for your first anniversary you’d been over the moon, showering him with kisses as he promised you the most romantic vacation of your life. and it had definitely lived up to the expectations. your hotel room was cozy and it had a lovely balcony you’d had breakfast on every morning, jisung’s arms wrapped around you as you sipped on your coffee and fed the both of you pain au chocolat. paris was the most beautiful city you’d ever seen and you had something planned for every day of your trip. yesterday was a visit to the louvre and riding a ferry on the seine river, tomorrow was going to be a guided visit at the palace of versailles and shopping at the champs-élysées. today, the eiffel tower and a picnic on the champs de mars.

the entire trip had felt like a dream and you were high on happiness and love, so maybe you’d felt a little too brave upon seeing the glass floor on the tower’s first stair. you’d convinced yourself right there and then that it was time to overcome your fear of heights. jisung had agreed instantly, and for once you’d wished he wasn’t so supportive of every single thing you did even if that’s what made you fall in love with him in the first place.

“darling, look at me,” jisung said, trying to make you look away from the terrifying sight of your feet seemingly floating in the air.

your eyes met his, so enamored and reassuring, and you felt a little bit of the fear clenching around your chest subside. still, you were absolutely petrified, unable to move towards him or in any other direction. you’d closed your eyes and let jisung guide you on the glass, confident you were going to be able to walk out of it on your own, and now you were feeling stuck and embarrassed. around you, some people avoided stepping on the glass while some others walked on it completely unfazed and you wish you were in any of their positions except your own.

“love,” jisung called you again, seeing tears start to gather in your eyes. “do you want me to come get you?”

“i don’t know,” you said, your voice shaking as you tried to not have a breakdown in public.

jisung’s eyebrows were now furrowed, your distress rubbing off on him. still, he tried to stay calm for you and search for a solution. “alright darling, take my hands.”

he stepped close enough for your fingers to reach his, entwining them together. “come to me.”

you gripped your husband’s hands strongly, holding onto them like your life depended on it and it surely felt like it in that moment. you took a deep breath, locking your eyes on jisung as you took the first step. it took several minutes, a lot of sweet talking and a couple of pauses, but then his arms finally wrapped around you and waddled away from the glass as you refused to let him go.

"it's okay, you're okay, I've got you now," jisung whispered against your hair, softly swaying side to side to help you calm down. “you were so brave, i’m proud of you.”

you leaned back, your face wet with tears, and smiled at him as your heart skipped a beat. even after a year of being married to him, jisung still managed to make you feel as if you’d just fallen in love. “i love you so much.”

“i love you too,” he said, leaning down to kiss you.

the entire experience had made you exceptionally emotional, and when your lips met his you couldn’t help clinging to his clothes. standing there, in the middle of a crowd on the eiffel tower, in the city of love, you wished jisung would kiss you forever.

———

do you want to read more?

[anony-mouse-writer]

-munger isn't funding a large portion of it, he's only giving 12% of the money needed but he still gets complete control over the designs

-I've seen several ppl in the notes mention CA wildfires. four years ago UCSB almost burned down completely with the Thomas fires, and a few weeks ago there was a ginormous fire 10 miles away (Alisal fire) that administration denied was an issue. so yes people would die

-haven't seen many people bring up the ucsb housing crisis this would supposedly resolve. they greatly overenrolled so hundreds of students this quarter had to either drop out or are living in their cars. they've put ~350 people up in local hotels but are evicting them in December (supposed to use the time to find housing, but there is none in the first place); everyone's already living four to a room, it's almost impossible this year for freshmen and sophomores to have a double let alone a single because there's so many people to so few housing. they've had this problem over and over historically (in the 70s, people mostly lived in singles till overadmission forced doubles, which is now the best someone can hope for)

-big part of UCSB's appeal is that it's literally on the ocean/beach with incredible weather and views (ocean and mountain). several current dorm rooms have ocean views. this doesn't even have windows

-the rooms are all singles and instead of windows they'll have artifical automated lights and painted portholes like the ones on disney cruise ships

-the building would house 3/4 of the current (but growing) undergrad population, and thus be a huge hotbed for sickness (especially great design during a pandemic 🙄). only two exits for 4500 people. would be the 8th densest neighborhood in the World. would of course go to students who can't afford other dorms/living areas. so a prison for poor people.

-seen people saying it's like a prison you have to pay for and just want to remind people that many prisons do make you pay, whether to stay in and stay out

if i remember correctly, there was also an issue with the number of exits in the building. at what point does the fire marshal get to step in and tell people to fuck off?

[xxkellsvixen19xx]

Spotlight: A Life Of A Troubled Celebrity Heartthrob Ch 8

Word Count: 3,940

"Y/N, I need you in your dressing room now," Michelle grabbed mt arm as soon as we stepped out of the limo, "we don't have much time." She hurried them along, security surrounding them at every turn.

"I'll see you in a bit sweets," Colson called out and blew her a kiss as they separated.

Y/N blew one back and he caught it, causing her to blush furiously.

"I see your husband has beefed up your shadows," Michelle said wryly.

"Yeah, yeah he has. I don't have a say in the matter unfortunately," Y/N shrugged.

"Can't blame him though. You and Colson have been the entertainment headline news ever since he announced your wedding on social media," Michelle opened the door of the dressing room and Y/N followed behind.

"Please remove your clothes and wear this gown," Michelle handed her a short black silk gown

"Really? We've been on the news?" Y/N furrowed her brows, wanting to continue the previous conversation.

"Sweetheart, which planet have you been living on? Anything to do with Colson Baker is news. Sit," Michelle commanded as she pulled out a chair.

"I kinda went of the grid after..you know?"

"I know," Michelle gave her a knowing look and laughed, "I can tell by the marks he left on your body sweetie."

"Oh," Y/N covered her face, embarrassed.

"No need to be ashamed," Michelle laughed, "if I wasn't already married to Byron I would gladly stand in line to jump Colson's bones," she joked, "so does he live up to his rep or nah?" she pried.

"What?" Y/N blushed again.

"Sorry. I don't mean to pry," she pursed her lips.

"No, no. It's okay. I'd like to think we're friends?" Y/N asked.

"Of course! I should be hurt that you'd even-" she held the make-up brush mid-air.

"Okay, I'm sorry," Y/N squeezed Michelle's hand, "but he was more than I ever thought or imagined!" she gushed.

"I knew it!" They giggled like a pair of giddy school girls. They were interrupted when someone knocked at the door.

"Michelle," Colson cleared his throat as he stood at the door, "can you excuse us for a minute?"

"Make it quick and don't even think of spoiling her hair and make-up," Michelle glared at him before leaving the room.

"Well.. you heard the lady Bambi.." Colson locked the door and discarded his t-shirt at the door. He flexed his muscles like he had just entered a boxing ring.

"Colson..noo," Y/N held out her hands in a futile attempt to stop him from getting to her.

"I prefer it when you scream out yes.." he lifted her off the chair and switched places with her. She straddled him as he trailed hot kisses on her neck, causing her to lose herself in him.

"Michelle.."

"Can wait.." he claimed her mouth possessively and all resistance crumbled..

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Good Evening Brussels!! How's everyone doing toniiight???!" Colson bounced onto the stage like he owned the world and everything in it.

The crowd went ballistic and he reveled in their screams and shouts. "Colson! Colson! Colson!"

He smiled and made a turn round the stage, psyching himself up for his performance. He ran from one end of the stage to the other touching and high-fiving as many fans as possible. Some fangirls passed out as soon as he made contact with them and guys ran around in circles. The crowd was in a frenzy and Colson hadn't even started performing yet!

"COLSON BAKER WE LOVE YOU!" the fans chanted over and over again.

"I LOVE YOU ALL! I LOVE YOU BRUSSELS!" Colson shouted over the screams and shouts as he sprinted from one end to the other one last time. More screams, crying and fainting ensued. The paramedics would be busy tonight.

"Tonight we have a very special guest on the ones and twos-please give it up for my one and only doe-eyed beauty-my wife Y/N Baker!!" Colson swept his hand towards Y/N as she stood behind the sound engineers desk. She waved shyly and slipped on her headphones. She was going to be taking Slim's place as sound engineer and DJ for the night. Michelle had dressed her up in a short Saint Laurent sequin embellished cocktail dress, epitomizing the band's statement sex appeal. She looked daring and fearless and it was a head-turning number, She completed the look with studded leather boots and her hair was a 80s messy look .

"You're looking hooot baby!" He winked at her and walked back to the edge of the stage. "I just want to give a shout out to my wife for taking care of me when I was sick. I don't know many people that would wipe puke off my face -for free-but you did it babe. I'm so grateful for you. This first song is for you sweets," he winked at her and positioned himself on a high-stool, "The song is called "Hangover Cure ," Colson strummed his guitar and his angelic voice resounded all over the stadium.

The audience was undoubtedly entranced and mesmerized by Colson. He had a commanding stage presence that sucked everyone in and all they could do was be fixated on him and him alone. Girls in the crowd were openly crying like he was singing the song to them and when he hit his signature high notes they were in a state of delirium. Banners and placards went up everywhere with words expressing how much his fans loved him. And he was truly loved by all of them.

Colson continued the next several songs on a mellow vibe and the crowd was falling more and more in love with this side of him. At one point he removed his baseball jacket and gave it to an adoring fan; who ran around the stage like a headless chicken. Of course the paramedics had to be called in to remove her from the stage after she had passed out.

"So tonight we're going to switch things up a bit," Colson carefully laid his guitar down and stood up again, "I'm going to get a few fans from the crowd to come up here and we're going to sing some of your favorite songs together. Can we do that?" The fans roared in agreement.

"I hope you all still have your ticket stubs cos' I'm just going to randomly call out a ticket number and if it belongs to you then you get to do a duet with me. That okay?" Colson grinned and the fans went wild.

"For the purpose of time and logistics, I'll call them out all at once and I hope you can make it to the front..if not then we will have to pick out someone else okay? Ready? Here goes..Drum roll please!" Colson said dramatically.

"Ticket number 2005, 5721; uhh-3688; 1012, 4562 and last one-6000? Please make your way to the front and produce your ticket to protocol otherwise..you all know the drill," Colson drank some water and a crew member rushed forward to wipe down his body. He wasn't feeling well but he pushed himself, he had to. "Music please," he called out to his band before hurrying over to Y/N.

"Sweets, I don't feel one hundred. Can we please go backstage for a few minutes?" he whispered in her ear and she nodded.

"Bathroom-" he ran to the restroom, clutching his stomach and Y/N asked security to wait outside while she checked on him.

"Are you okay babe?" she tapped on the door lightly.

"Yeah..noo-" he grunted before she heard him spilling his guts into the lavatory again.

"I'm coming in," Y/N announced, his meds and a bottle of water in her hand. She found him seated on the floor, with his back against the wall. His face was pale and his forehead had beads of sweat. Y/N handed the pills and water to him; then started to wipe him down with his face towel.

"Sorry," Colson held her against him.

"It's okay," Y/N gave him a weak smile, "I need to rinse out your towel, I'll be right back okay?"

"Hey! Are you guys okay?" Jax called out from outside, "Can I come in?"

"Come inside Jax," Y/N swung the door open and walked back to Colson, Jax close on her heels.

"Hey, are you okay kid?" Jax crouched next to Colson's slouched frame.

"Yeah, please get Byron to get a supporting act to cover for me for a while. I'll go and lie down in my dressing room for a bit. Help me up?" Jax pulled him off the floor effortlessly.

"I've already told Byron to take care of it. You sure you want to continue?" Jax asked skeptically.

"I will have to manage somehow..can't let the fans down. Beside I just have fan-dues and then I'll be done," Colson said as he put his arm around Y/N for support.

"If you're sure.." Y/N looked at him with concern.

"I'll be okay sweets; stop stressing," Colson leaned forward and kissed her temple.

"Fine," Y/N muttered.

"Okay, I'll leave you two to rest then. Will half-an-hour be enough?" Jax asked as they stopped in front of the dressing room?

"Yeah," Colson nodded.

"Okay, I'll be here to escort you back on stage," Jax replied.

Y/N opened the door for him and helped him lie down on the soft couch.

"Stay with me?" He pleaded. Y/N lay down next to him and he wrapped his arms around her.

"Your body is so hot," Y/N said in alarm.

"Ooh, tell me more baby.." he drawled and buried his nose in her neck.

"Colson, I'm serious..you're burning up," she turned to face him.

"Shh..stop worrying," he kissed her forehead, "I've taken my medication so I'll be fine in a minute. Go to sleep baby."

"You go to sleep Baker," she replied, "I'll be right here," she said softly.

"Thank you baby," he said before he drifted off to sleep.

*********************************************

"Are we really going to the after party?" Y/N frowned at her husband.

"Yes WE are!" Colson laced his hands with hers. They were standing in the foyer at the hotel where the after party was already in full swing.

"But you're not well?" she raised a perfectly shaped eyebrow, courtesy of Michelle.

"We won't stay for long. Promise," he kissed her chastely, "I have to make an appearance you know that right? Plus I really need to get you home so I can finish off what we started in the dressing room.." he nuzzled her neck

"Hmm..and no drinking tonight? Agreed," she looked at him with her pretty E/C eyes.

"Sweets, come on!" he whined, "can we just go and have fun please? I could really use it," he massaged his temple with one hand.

"Why are you avoiding my question?? I'm watching you Baker," she eyed him suspiciously.

"I don't mind baby," he hugged her and gave her a long kiss.

"That's blackmail," she said, breathless.

"Is it working?" His breath danced on her lips.

"Let's go," she pushed him away playfully, "I really need to get this over and done with so I can go home and rest. I'm overdue on sleep."

"Sorry, that's my fault, I know," he said sheepishly.

"Just remember that when partying the night away and I have to drag you home," she muttered under her breath.

"I heard that Mrs Baker," he laughed softly as he hugged her waist.

"Good," she replied.

"What's he doing here?" Colson froze and Y/N followed his gaze. It landed on Slim. Jax and Byron were arguing with him in a corner.

"Let Jax handle it okay?" Y/N put her hands against his chest and pushed him back gently, "Let it go. Please?"

"Fine," he said through gritted teeth and walked away.

"Hey Colson! Hi Colson! Great show Colson!" was all Y/N heard as Colson held her hand all night.

"I need the bathroom," Y/N whispered in Colson's ear.

"Let me come with you," he stood up with her.

"No. Stay with your friends," she said with a wave of her hand, "I just spotted Ash so I'll go with her," Y/N pointed over to where Ashleigh was standing.

"You're sure? Slim is lurking about so I'm a bit uneasy," he confessed.

"I'll be fine okay"" she kissed the side of his mouth and he smiled.

"If you're going to kiss me then you should make it count Bambi," he crushed his lips against hers and kissed her breathless.

"Hurry back before I start missing you," he said as a parting shot.

"Hey there stranger!" Ashleigh practically jumped on her.

"Hey! Careful," Y/N giggled.

"How have you been? How are you handling having your face and relationship splashed all over the tabloids?" Ashleigh asked.

"Colson prefers it if I don't see that," Y/N replied, "probably doesn't want me to get worked up I guess,"

"So you've already become the little submissive wife have you? You consummated the marriage yet?" she smiled and nudged Y/N with her elbow.

"Something like that.." She laughed.

"I want all the deets but let's go and get something to drink first," Ashleigh pulled her over to the bar.

"I really didn't want to drink today Ash.." Y/N said hesitantly.

"Just have one with me?? We haven't hung out for a while..please?" Ashleigh coaxed.

"Okay fine," Y/N sighed in defeat, "just one," she held up her index finger for emphasis. They went to the bar and Ashleigh ordered two cosmos.

"Can we go to the bathroom?" Y/N shifted around in agitation, "otherwise I will pee on myself," Ashleigh laughed as she handed Y/N her drink.

"Let's just go up and use the one in my room?" Ashleigh suggested and Y/N nodded, "I-uh-need to get my phone. Need to take pics you know. It's our last week on tour," she said as the stepped into the elevator.

"Sommer!" they cried out in shock. Sommer was curled up in a ball, whimpering in the corner of the elevator. Her face was badly bruised, her nose was bleeding and she was a mess. Usually she was well dressed, without a hair out of place but tonight she looked like a junkie.

"Who did this to you?" Y/N demanded as she crouched next to Sommer.

"Just leave me alone okay!?!" Sommer snapped, "you and your perfect little life! Just leave me alone! Go away!" she yelled.

"I want to help you!" Y/N said, forlorn, "please allow me to help you?"

"Let's take her to her room, Maybe she needs to clean up a bit and sleep it off," Ashleigh looked around, nervous.

"If you're sure..?" Y/N said hesitantly.

"Look, why don't you go use the bathroom in my room and I will take care of Sommer? I'm sure Slim must already be looking for her of something," Ashleigh babbled.

"No! No Slim!" Sommer backed away in fear, "don't call him. Please?" she grabbed my arm.

"Okay, I won't," Y/N assured her. Something strange was going on here but she couldn't put her finger on it.

"Come on Sommer let's get you cleaned up. You'll need a change of clothes as well," Y/N steered her in towards her hotel room.

"Let me do it!" Ashleigh said too quickly, "well..since you needed the bathroom so badly-I can help Sommer. You go ahead-I got this," she said with a tight smile.

"Okay.." Ashleigh was acting very strange today, maybe she was high on something, Y/N thought. Y/N looked walked into Ashleigh's hotel room and got a sense of foreboding but she just shrugged it off. She went into the bathroom and relieved herself and as he was washing her hands she heard hotel room door open.

She thought it was Ashleigh so she hurried out of the bathroom to find Slim standing at the doorway with a smug expression on his face.

"Hello Bambi..so glad you could make it," he slammed the door shut and locked it.

********************************************

Y/N stared at Slim as he stood at the door, lazily leaning against it. He looked at her the was a lion on Animal Planet would eye it's prey before it moved in for the kill.. This was like déjà vu to Y/N but this time she wasn't going down without a fight. She had to think quickly before he had his way with her and by the way he was undressing her with his eyes, he was going to pounce on her any minute from now. Her short cocktail dress would make it so much easy for him.

"I've waited for this day for a very long time and I'm going to savor every inch of that delectable body.." he licked his lips and continued to trail his eyes down her body.

She was saved by a loud pounding on the door that startled both her and Slim.

"Slim!" Sommer called out from behind the door, "I know what you and Ashleigh planned-don't do it! Please! I'm begging you!" she said her voice breaking.

Y/N took this opportunity and dashed back into the bathroom and locked the door. If Sommer kept up the racket long enough then help would arrive soon. Slim snarled and he pounded on the door; Y/N searched around frantically for an opening but found none.

"You can try and run from me but you're only prolonging the inevitable," he taunted as he tried to beat the door down, "I'm going to have you and you're going to enjoy it my precious."

Y/N was wringing her hands, trying to figure a way out when her eyes fell on her Apple Watch that Colson had got her just last week. She quickly scrolled to the phone app and dialed Colson's number and he answered on the second ring.

"Hey I've been looking all over-"

"Help me please! I'm stuck in the bathroom in Ashleigh's room and Slim is outside-he tried to-he wants to-" Y/N's voice broke-.

" I'll be on my way. Hang tight okay?" Colson rang off.

The room was silent and she couldn't hear Slim moving around so she began to panic. What was he up to? Suddenly the bathroom door swung open and Slim stood with a self-satisfied smirk.

"I know how to pick locks my precious," he held a paper clip between his fingers. He threw the pin on the floor and locked the bathroom door again from the inside. Y/N tried to back away but the room was constricted. She started to hyperventilate and pressed redial on her phone, wishing and hoping that Colson would get here quicker.

"Told you..you can run but.." he trailed his finger along her cheekbone and she spat in his face.

"You're going to regret that," Slim  gave her a dagger and pushed her against the tiled wall, "I'm sorry this is going to be quick and rough..I would have liked to take it slow but time is not on our side," he grabbed her roughly, lifted her up and placed her on top of the sink. Y/N began to scratch at his face and to kick and scream, but he grabbed her hands and tied them with his bandana.

"You're making this so hard for yourself precious..if you would just give in then we would enjoy the ride together but-I guess you like it rough," he tried to yank her dress further up her thighs but it was too tight and it was proving to be difficult. He pulled her off the sink and pushed her against the wall, "turn around," he said roughly. She faced the wall and started to cry.

"Save your tears for Colson. They're not going to work on me," he unbuckled his belt and she heard his pants fall to the floor.

"I'm not going to run like Scott. I'll just plead insanity due to drug addiction and they will let me go. I'm going to stick around so I can keep coming back for seconds," he pushed her face against the wall and whispered into her ear, "that's if you're good enough..hope I won't be disappointed Precious," he stuck his tongue in her ear and she cried out.

"Please don't!" she whimpered, her tears cascaded down her cheeks.

Suddenly, someone came crashing through the door and hurtled towards them. Slim had no time to register what was happening but a pair of hands grabbed his neck, threw him on the floor and started to strangle him. Y/N sank onto the floor and broke down. Sommer ran over to her and hugged her.

"I'm so sorry Y/N-I didn't know-" Sommer cried along with Y/N, "he and Ashleigh had planned it. I had nothing to do with it-I swear! Please believe me!"

"Colson!" Jax shouted, "You're going to kill him-let go!"

"Death is too good for this scum!" Colson screamed as Jax and the other body guards dragged him off Slim. His eyes fell on Y/N and he dashed over to her. She had passed out probably due to shock or relief or maybe both.

Slim took advantage of the distraction and made his escape, spluttering and fighting for breath. Jax eyed him warily and decided to let him go. He knew he would be back.

"It's okay sweets. I'm here now. You're safe. I got you baby." he lifted her limp form in his arms and carried her out of the room.

"Do you want me to go after him?" Jax walked beside them.

"No. I'll get him. One way or another, I'll get him," Colson narrowed his eyes, "I want you to get that spawn of Judas-Ashleigh. I want her to look me in the eye and explain why she did what she did to my wife," the elevator doors slid open and Jax held them back to allow Colson to step inside.

"She's already in a car and is on her way to the house," Jax reported, "I have a few things to say to her as well. I hope we're pressing charges? We can't let them walk-Y/N deserves justice," he said vehemently as he opened the car door.

"Oh we're going to make them pay..then we're going to hand them over to the police," Colson laid Y/N inside and jumped in beside her.

Colson clenched and unclenched his fist as he looked out the window. Ashleigh had messed with the wrong person. He was going to deal with her personally. Her career was officially over before it even began.

"Jax, can we make a quick stop at a hospital? I need to make sure she's okay," Colson caressed Y/N's face as she lay on his lap, "plus we need to gather evidence."

"Sure thing Boss," Jax nodded.

Colson hoped and prayed that he had got there on time but Slim's pants were down and Y/N's dress was-he shook his head and blinked his eyes rapidly. He couldn't-didn't want to even think about it. His heart bled a thousand times when he thought about what he saw when they crashed through the door. He shouldn't have allowed her to go with that snake-he should have listened to his gut; trusted his instinct.

Now Y/N was a wreck and it would take a while to piece her back together again.

[usertoxicyaoi]

Faiza, could you please explain the whole Manchester United protests that are going on at the moment? Because I've been seeing posts on my dash from several people, but I don't know what's going on.

hiiiii!!! aaah yes of course i can!

so today was when man utd and liverpool were gonna play their match at old trafford at 4.30pm. aside from it being a huge game, a lot was at stake, particularly for liverpool as they're scrambling to get as many points as they can from their remaining fixtures to cement a top 4 finish and a place in the champions league next season, as well as the fact that if liverpool were to win the game, that would secure and crown man city as the premier league champions for this season.

however, prior to the match, man utd fans came out in their hundreds to protest against man utd's attempt of going into the super league, but mostly bc the fans are sick of the current american owners - the glazers - of the club, and want to get rid of them and want them to sell the club to someone else bc of the way they've mishandled and treated the club and the fans for the last 15 years, including millions of pounds of debt they've put the club in, the ticket pricing for fans, how financially they don't even look to improve the club or the stadium or the training ground etc. firstly, they began the protest outside old trafford in a bid to get their voices heard, and then made their way in and onto the pitch, with some fans throwing teargas and bottles and cans of beer at the man utd groundsmen, stewards and staff etc. the police and local authority got involved and escorted them out, but they made their way in again a second time, and gor escorted out again.

then they made their way to the lowry hotel, which is where the man utd players stay pre match and get on the bus to make their way to old trafford when they play there. so police had to escort them away from there too.

by the time everything cleared, it was nearing 6pm, and so with everything, and the safety of everyone taken into consideration, the match got called off and is now gonna be played at a later date.

[brideofcthulhu10]

Hi! Uh so Billy aka Dwayne and I have the same birthday (June 23). I don't really like my birthday because I've never gotten to celebrate. I haven't had a party since I was a kid and now I just always spend the day sad and with no friends. If you wanna write something with the lost boys celebrating Dwayne and reader's birthday together, I'd really love it. (No pressure tho. I really love your blog and hope you'll have a great day ✨)

Aw, I’m sorry to hear you’ve not been able to celebrate your birthday for such a long time. Hopefully I can give you a little taste of a great birthday with the boys, and a very special (belated) birthday to you from myself and all of my readers, you are an honorary Fang Babe which makes you a part of a community that’s there for each other! If you ever feel sad, I got my DMs open 24/7 if you ever need to just vent up a storm! All are welcome. 

Happy Birthday to You Both

Dwayne x Fem!S/O

Today was supposed to be special, yet the entire day everyone was so preoccupied with their own little lives that no one had even bothered to remember it was your birthday today. It was absolutely miserable. All the while your boyfriend Dwayne was currently tucked away at the abandoned hotel hiding away from the sunlight. Bursting into flames was certainly an occupational hazard. By this point the whole vampirism thing had come and gone, and while it did frighten you, nothing was more frightening than being without your dark crow.   

Rather than stay at home to be ignored you opted to go out for the afternoon, browsing shops for a special occasion. No, not yourself. See, as luck would have it, June 23rd also held significance to Dwayne. Marko, one of the younger members of the coven, had told you two weeks prior it would be Dwayne’s birthday as well. You had to keep your own secret. Not at their request, but your own. Overshadowing his birthday would be dreadful, you hated the idea of taking it from him. Besides, no one remembered anyways. 

Weaving through brightly lit shops, you pondered each piece wondering what would suit him best. Clothes were out, maybe a new skateboard? Just looking at the little white tags stuck to the back of them made you cringe. Okay, so that was out. You weren’t made of money. 

There was an old mystic shop selling a handful of oddities, somewhere called Madame Medusa’s Mystical Boutique. A few interesting necklaces caught your eye, but one seemed to be directly calling you. It was a crow skull attached to a leather cord, bordered by two carved red beads on either side. Two thick black feathers were wedged between the beads. Gently you slipped it off the hook, running your thumb over the chilled, smooth surface. 

“It’s a lovely item, isn’t it,” an elderly woman asked. Truthfully she startled you from behind the counter, almost making you jump a few good inches. 

“O-Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t see-”

“Don’t worry dear, hardly anyone does,” she chuckled, tenderly plucking the skull from your hand. “Shall I wrap this up for you?”

“Oh- Well I wasn’t, I mean it’s nice but-,” you stuttered, but already she was shuffling towards the counter again. Boy pushy woman. You didn’t even know how much it cost, you weren’t exactly on a budget but you couldn’t be going on any big spending sprees.

“Hush now. He’s going to be waiting for you, somewhere nearby. I can guarantee that this is the one you’re meant to give him,” she insisted, wrapping the necklace under aged brown paper. 

“Yeah, I’m sure he’d like it but-,” you couldn’t help but trail off. How- How did she know?

The woman pushed the little baggie your way, giving a tender smile before she began to hobble towards a curtained room behind the counter.

“W-Wait, I didn’t even pay for it!”

She waved off your concern, looking behind her shoulder while she parted the curtains in her path. 

“Consider it a present from those who neglected you. Take it to him, you’ll see..” And with that she vanished behind them, leaving you stunned where you stood. Silently you glanced down at the small plastic bag, almost jumping in place when a dusty old grandfather clock began to ring through the store. One, two, three, four, five, six. Oh! It was already six o’clock. Crap the boys would be up any minute!

It didn’t take too long to spot the gang of vampires sitting on the worn, wooden banisters talking amongst themselves. Dwayne was just as eager to spot you, sweeping between the boys and lifting you up in his arms. “Happy birthday, princess,” He gushed, planting tender kisses all over your cheeks.

“How did you know? I didn’t-”

“My bad,” Marko spoke up. He leaned back from behind Paul to wave your way, as if he were waving a flag of defeat. Damn. You weren’t even sure how Marko figured out your birthday in the first place, there was just no keeping secrets from that guy! 

Dwayne set you down, although he carried a much more concerned expression this time. “Why keep it a secret in the first place, Y/N?”

You fiddled with the bag still clutched in your hand with eyes cast downward towards your feet hoping a good excuse could get you out of just admitting you’d rather play backseat. But, you didn’t. Not that you couldn’t come up with any excuses. Rather, you didn’t want to be sidelined even for your boyfriend’s birthday. It was yours too, and for the past several years it seemed like you were constantly being set aside so that other things could happen. Your sister’s wedding, that trip to Colorado your parents took, grandma and grandpa visiting, your brother’s soccer games- everything seemed to take precedence over the celebration of the day you were born. And worst of all is you never got your Sixteen Candles happy ending. No one would really recognize they screwed up. You wouldn’t be apologized to with tearful shock when your parents realized they forgot your birthday, your friends- if you could even call them that at this point- wouldn’t try to cheer you up, and there was no handsome crush ready with a birthday cake to make it all go away. It’s like Dwayne already knew your feelings because before you could get a word in he pulled you into a crushing hug. Your head pressed against his chest. Sometimes you forgot he had no heartbeat and instead only listened to him rumble when he spoke to you.

“Just because today is for me, doesn’t mean it isn’t for you too, princess.” 

Those words hit you harder than you anticipated. Your throat felt as if it were swelling, dry with each labored swallow, and a tight pressure squeezed the bridge of your nose. Inevitable tears eagerly rushed down your while burnt cheeks. 

Dwayne only held you in place. He never let go until you were the one ready to release him, wiping away those pesky droplets of emotion staining you. “Now, I was saving this for when we took you to the hotel…,” he began with his hand jammed into his jacket pocket, rustling around for whatever it was he needed. “But, I figure maybe you need it now.”

A thick banded ring of aged silver sat in his calloused palm, an oval cut of turquoise clasped in place by a weaving border. Veins of black and copper split through chunks of blue-green paths. Rather hold it out to you, Dwayne tenderly took your hand into his own to slip the hefty piece over your ring finger. It nestled perfectly in place and you couldn’t help but let out a breathless laugh, slinging your arms over his neck. He already knew what to expect. Iron arms engulfed your waist and lifted you up. His stubble scratched the edges of your mouth when you crashed your lips into his. The sensation was overwhelming. It wasn’t just that he got you this, it was what he had gotten you. 

Dwayne had often told you myths and lore on lazy nights when the hunting grew slow and the hours were long. Once you found yourself admiring a very similar cut of jewelry decadently adorned with many fine cuts of turquoise, finding your curiosity piqued when asking him what the significance was to all these pieces. Why was it such a commonly used stone in so much jewelry, especially with Native American tribes.

“From what I can remember,” Dwayne thought back at the time, leaning over you to admire the pricey baubles kept protected under a thick sheet of glass “, my grandmother told me that every tribe has always valued it. I mean, they all have their reasons. It’s a powerful gem that carries protection, life and strength. I’ve even seen it change colors depending on where you find it. I hardly ever saw it though when I was alive, even back then it cost a fortune.”

But now, through one way or another he’d remembered how you admired them from afar, yearning to have a ring like that of your very own. The one to five hundred dollar price tags always scared you off whenever you’d come to find them in stores- at least, the real ones. For once you didn’t care how Dwayne had acquired your gift. Gift! Oh!

“Oh, hold on,” You interjected between kisses with the little bag presented before him. “I um, got you something too. From that crazy lady in the mystic items shop!”

A warmth spread through your chest watching him lay the necklace over, the skull placing perfectly atop his many others. It suited him perfectly. 

The whole night was just perfect. You spent the entire time going on rides with the boys after they spoiled you for dinner, later dragging you to the hotel where you realized what Dwayne meant earlier. There were streams of colored paper hanging off the rafters and old piping, red balloons tied to the furniture, and a banner of paper reading out “Happy Birthday Dwayne and Y/N” written in big, red marker letters. You couldn’t even make a wish when they brought out a cake for the both of you. After all, what more could be asked? They had already given you the most perfect birthday you could have ever hoped for. 

[johnbizzell]

February 2022 - Crossing the Finnish line

Those of us lucky enough to be able to work from home have been in a privileged position during the pandemic, but nearly two years of laptop life in the living room from Monday to Friday has really taken the sparkle out of doing the same at the weekend - even if I'd be replacing my own workload with Captain Olivia Benson's. Last year I set myself a challenge of walking three thousand miles. A lot of it was local, but I eventually ranged further and further afield, swapping pavements and paths for tracks and trails. I yearned for space in a way I can't remember feeling before. I started 2022 fitter than I've probably ever been, and so when my friend Bumpers suggested a 'winter activities' break in the Finnish wilderness, I pulled on my Reebok high-tops and said 'joo!' Please understand, pre-lockdown the closest I'd get to 'being outdoorsy' was drinking two bottles of Chardonnay at your barbecue and chatting up a patio heater. People were justifiably surprised when I started seeking recommendations for base layers and insulated trousers. I got a lot of queries about what my travel insurance covered. It turns out their worries, and all the optional additions to my policy, were unwarranted. I am posting this having survived trekking through knee-deep snow in boots and snowshoes, snowmobiling, driving a sled pulled by six very hard working huskies and, in a true endurance challenge, spending several hours around a camp fire in the middle of the woods making conversation with some vegans from Richmond. I helped build the fire! Well, I remembered Bumpers had a lighter when the matches wouldn't catch, but without me those vegans wouldn't have had any hot berry juice. It was brilliant - especially the snowshoeing. Our guide, Janina, said I took to throwing my legs high and wide very naturally. I've even tested negative on my mandatory day two lateral flow swab on returning to the UK, so I'm calling the whole thing a triumph. We stayed at the Nellim Wilderness Hotel on Lake Inari - closer to Russia than Helsinki, where we transferred planes. I can't say enough great things about the place: I love that, like Gaston, they use antlers in all of their decorating; I love the snow boots they immediately swapped my ridiculous Reeboks for; I love the staff, who didn't really explain anything that was happening, but always looked so unruffled whilst ruffling hundreds of napkins that I never saw used, you could only be reassured; I (might be in) love with Petri, the snowmobile instructor who gave me second helpings of salmon stew in his warming hut and third helpings of his grey-eyed time when I had many, many burning questions about ice thickness; I love the on site gift shop full of knitwear and gnomes; I love the angry chef who magicked dinner's leftovers into breakfast delight; I love the husky puppies and the husky cocktails, both of which had quite sharp teeth; I love discovering the word kalsarikänni, which means getting drunk alone at home in your underwear. So, though I can sadly no longer sooth my lightly aching muscles in the private sauna that once nestled in the corner of my log cabin, I can indulge in a little kalsarikänni as I ponder my next adventure - I’m considering letting some lucky person take me right up the Allalinhorn. Nellim opens for its winter season in November. This post is not sponsored by them, but if they'd like to invite me back when I might actually see the northern lights, I'm happy to make myself available.