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#Capital Chaos TV
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Concert Photo Review: THE ALPHA COMPLEX @ Virginia Street Brewhouse - Reno NV
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lovable-liar · 7 months
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ooo idea struck me: headcanons for hasan and streamer gf, please?🥺idk i think itll be funny to have complete polar opposite streams, gf playing stardew valley(or any game tbh) and its vibe while in another room its just stunlocks and pure chaos🤭🤭🤭
ONCE AGAIN- SORRY TO THIS PERSON, this request is from October third! I am SO SORRY!!! But, here you go. Hopefully it's as good as you hoped...
I picture you guys having a shared office
"Sorry... Sorry chat, the- my boyfriend is doing social justice in the background, that's the screaming you can hear. Yeah, he's screaming at Nazis..."
You're trying so hard to find the optimum music volume so chat can't hear his screeching, but so it also wont hurt anyone's ears.
So yeah! He does social justice while you do Stardew Valley!
He'll sometimes roll over to your desk and say hi to your chat, completely commandeering the stream.
"Playing Animal Crossing, I see... Dude- This game just teaches capitalism to kids! Tom Nook is a capitalist! He steals money from the working class!"
He has a segment on his streams every now and again where he'll either play a game with you or he lets you talk/make something on his steam (I'm picturing like customizing your switch or building Lego)
As much as he wants to, he kind of can't raid you afterwards because your audiences are very different.
The same way that if you were to raid him, you'd be sending an army of soft girlfriends like you to rally amidst incels, Hasanabi-heads, activists, and Top G high value alpha males.
Safe to say, he can't raid you, but, he constantly and strongly recommends people to go watch your stream instead of his if he's reacting or speaking about something specifically triggering.
"Take care of yourselves, go check out twitch dot TV forward slash your/username, she's playing... What're you playing, honey? Cozy Grove!"
Sometimes, he'll get you to entertain his chat when he goes to the toilet
I have so many ideas for this, so send another request if you wanna see more! I promise it wont take this long to write next time <3
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neonswitchhouse · 8 months
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Pop Culture Witchcraft and the Importance of Being Cringe
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Cringe has become a bit a loaded word nowadays, being at first a word to describe feelings of second-hand embarrassment, arguably from failings to impress others or to raise one's social capital. Think for example failed motorsports stunts, falling into pools with a tray full of fruity drinks or even worse; someone trying to impress a crush by molding themselves into someone they only think the other party would like via baseless assumptions. Your body recoils, seeing a dirt biker tumble down the course. Your stomach sinks, watching someone plunge into the shallow end of the water. You squirm watching someone try to convince their crush to go out with the facade they made. That I would describe as "empathetic cringe"; a reaction based on witnessing something you do not wish upon yourself like physical harm or embarrassment.
The modern definition of cringe however, is a different beast entirely.
Using the Urban Dictionary meaning as defined by user Screech McGee, "Before the internet trolls changed the meaning of this word, "cringe" was a verb used to express embarrassment or disgust. Now, this word is mostly used to define something that you dislike or do not understand. Internet trolls use this word as an insult towards people in fandoms, with bad grammar, or both combined. Trolls also use this word to describe memes on some occasions."
Doing a quick search on YouTube or Tiktok for "cringe" gives you an array of oddities to the average eye; people dressed in rainbow-colored wolf fursuits, teens expressing their love and attachment for their favorite anime character, or perhaps someone outwardly displaying behaviors considered aneurotypical. They fall outside societal norms and standards of behavior. They aren't perceived as "normal or acceptable" to the standards set by white-cis-het-able bodied-neurotypical persons and communities.
But in it, the furries, the fandom-lovers, and even the "neurospicys" are harming none. They're doing what they want.
Sounds kinda familiar doesn't it?
Lets loop around to what you're probably reading this rant for; the witchy reasons.
Witchcraft as a practice, is already an outsider to most societies, especially to those predominated shaped by Protestant Christian beliefs. It's already something outside the norms. Even back during the hey-day of reality tv shows like Wife Swap, those who weren't considered Christian or followed more "earth-based" religions and lifestyles were presented as the butt of the joke. And while witchcraft and non-Christian beliefs as a whole have becoming more popular nowadays, it's still considered something outside the norm or in the minority of persons identifying themselves as witches and pagans voluntarily.
So we're already ticking one "cringe" box according to societal norms
Chaos Magic as a whole is based on using belief as a tool or as a fuel source to workings to enact change or bring it about to oneself or to the environment around them as a whole. Hence the whole "nothing is true, everything is permitted" thing in that there's no one strict set of rules to make something work.
Pop Culture Witchcraft and Pop Culture Paganism deriving from chaos magic, while with several theories as to how it works, the crux is in "belief", in energy fueled into something or even someone.
Going off the egregoric model, egregores are formed and fed by the energy (ie: belief) fueled into them. This is where fandom comes into play. Fandom is fueled by passion, by love, by admiration, by forming community around shared likes, interests, or even dislikes. Fandoms are funnels for that collective energy, passion, creativity, etc.
And to some, pouring in so much joy, passion, fervor, and creativity can be seen as something out of their grasp of understanding; something that they're the outsider to and not the main target audience of. It's "not made for them". Therefore it's deemed as "cringe" underneath that definition.
But why deprive oneself of joy just for the approval of others?
Why force oneself to conform to arbitrary rules and norms?
As long as your joys and passions affect only yourself and do not harm others directly, why shield it from view?
To get the most out of a pop culture practice, it's good to have it based on what you're passionate about; what you're well-versed in. What gives you that fuel or belief. What brings you joy and makes you want to pursue things even further.
So be cringe, be passionate, be able to go on a dang unprompted 20minute rant about the lore to your favorite failed RPG series. Be able to show a whole dang portfolio of your self-insert smooching your favorite character on the cheek. Be absolutely, unapologetically passionate about something and see what happens. See what happens when you drop the worries of how others perceive you.
So stay safe, have fun, be cringe, be free, stay spooky.
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rainbowsky · 5 months
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More details on Legend of Zanghai from its registration documents. It has an 18 month production schedule, so probably won't be airing until next year.
TV series "The Legend of Zanghai" registration
Number of episodes: 40 episodes
Chief Director: Zheng Xiaolong
Starring: Xiao Zhan
Director: Cao Yiwen
Screenwriter: Zhao Liuyi
Starring: Zhang Jingyi, Zhou Qi, Huang Jue
Summary: Zhinu, the son of Zheng Kuaiduo, the imperial supervisor of the Great Yong Kingdom, and his whole family were wiped out overnight. He curbed his talents and learned the art of construction and manipulation.
Ten years later, he returned to the capital under the pseudonym Zanghai and showed his kindness to his enemy, Marquis Pingjin. In order to win the trust of Pingjin Hou, he solved many problems for Pingjin Hou such as the burial of the emperor and the empress together.
After that, Zanghai stepped into the court and became an official, becoming the new Qintian Supervisor. He carefully planned to bring the Marquis of Pingjin and all the accomplices who committed the murder to justice.
The chief minister, Shi Huaishan, wanted to launch a war to eliminate Dongxia and other neighboring countries. In order to protect the country and the people from the chaos of war, Zanghai, Zhuang Zhixing, Xiangwen Yanyue and others stopped Shi Huaishan and resolved the war between Dayong and other countries.
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theblackestvalkyrie · 5 months
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In Defense of You
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Pairing: Miguel O'Hara x black!wife!Reader {Alternate Universe}
Summary: A little look into the life Miguel commandeered in the alternate universe filled with snippets and moments of love that ultimately lead to disaster......Or the one where Miguel took his alternate's place and gets you and your family killed. [TW/A/S/F]
Warning: Angst, marital smut, character deaths, murder, pregnancy, squirting, anxiety, Spider-Man 2099 lore HEAVILY referenced, reader body descriptions, insinuations of relationship/marital abuse, POV changes, attempted murder, housewife mentality, low-ish self-esteem reader, depictions of violence, slight OOC Miguel because this is before his family died and he closed himself off, SAPPY SOFT MIGUEL, vomit, bilingual family, Spanish language used but I gave up halfway through lmaoo, Spanish speaking black reader, mentions of alternate universe stuff like tv shows, technical marital cheating, no use of y/n, NO BETA WE DIE LIKE MIGUEL’S FAMILY.
A/N: I was inspired by the movie scene in the gif and then I saw this pic on TikTok and thought it paired well. Realistically, I think the timeline/Source/Universe would have noticed if Miguel was there for too long where he doesn’t belong but I wanted this to make you care about the characters and story so lmaooo. This takes place after Miguel and Lyla create a way to travel through universes and BEFORE he recruits the first Spider-Man (Earth – 67) to his cause. I don’t know what Earth this happened on in the movie so I just made it 22 and also made up that counterpart’s job and any and all allegations of marital abuse.
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It started with a morbid curiosity. After he had made the discovery of alternate realities and then the way to travel to them it was only natural for Miguel to want to see those other lives. His own life on Earth-928 hadn’t been anything to be proud of. He had every opportunity in his younger years being almost too smart for his own good. He could have done anything, been anything and he ended up at Alchemax. A megacorporation that was every bit the definition of capitalism and big government all at once. They had their fingers in damn near everything you could buy on the free market.
Alchemax was trying to corner the market on superhuman drugs. They had pretended to care about the well-being and safety of everyone by offering a serum to give people powers like the good old days when superheroes weren’t so rare. The overwhelming demand for this serum led to Alchemax skipping right passed any safety measures and straight to live human trials. So much death and chaos followed giving Miguel a crippling addiction to their serum and his genetics mutated beyond repair.
Again, it was only natural for him to seek other lives. To see what could have been. An that’s when he found Earth-22. He meant to be an observer in the beginning he really did. Meant to blend into the background not even an afterthought to anyone who would glance at him. His assistant Lyla (or LYrate Lifeform Approximation) knew not to say anything about how much time he was spending on that Earth-22 and he never volunteered any information about it, opting to keep it as a special place for himself.
Of course, Earth-22 wasn’t all that special except you. Nothing in those alternate universes had captured his attention so fiercely as you did. He hadn’t known you in his reality. If he had maybe he wouldn’t be the broken addicted man he was today.
You were everything he wanted in a life partner and then some. You dealt with a lot while holding down the household and raised your daughter Gabriella with more love and care than Miguel recognized in his own childhood.
You didn’t have many friends and rarely went out except for when it came to taking Gabriella out or running errands. Despite this seemingly monotonous life, you never let it affect you in a negative way and if you did, you never let it show. Miguel didn’t know if it that was admirable or stupid.
While you were seen as a goddess in Miguel’s eyes, his counterpart on the other hand was a disappointment. The Miguel of Earth-22 was everything he was not. Ignorant of the needs of his wife and even more so of their daughter. Instead, he pretended to be a man of integrity. Everything he did seemed to contradict what he said. He said he would take less hours at work yet he was working at Alchemax, another fact that blew Miguel’s mind, and in fact would double down on how much he worked while making excuses to his family.
He said he loved his wife yet he was fucking one of the clinical laboratory scientists that he worked with.
He said he loved his daughter yet he rarely spent any time with her and if asked probably couldn’t even tell you her age.
What a fucking disappointment.
Then it was like the universe answered his prayers. The alternate version of him was killed trying to stop a purse snatcher as cliché as that was. He had lived his whole life as an asshole and tried to redeem all that negative karma with a failed purse snatching attempt. All Miguel could see was your reaction to his doppelganger’s death. How devastated you and your daughter, Gabriella, who was only seven would be. How would you make ends meet? The Earth-22 Miguel was the main breadwinner of the family so how would you fair then? Would little Gabriella even remember her father? There were too many what ifs for Miguel to think clearly. His current life on Earth-928 was over thanks to the need to lay low after the blowout with Alchemax and becoming the new Spider-man, this was the fresh start Miguel needed and he did the only thing he could think of on short notice. He blended in.
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You hummed happily under your breath as you soaped up a plate in the sink letting the background noise of Gabriella’s children’s show lull your mind to wander. Any minute now your husband Miguel would be home from work and then you would talk to him about it. Lately you felt like Miguel has been wondering. Not in terms of cheating that you knew of but lately things have been souring between you two. He wouldn’t hold you as closely anymore as he often did. The sex and kisses were pretty much non-existent and would only happen when you initiated it. It was starting to make you feel self-conscious and ugly. You knew your body was just a little bit off from giving birth to Gabriella and after she turned five you decided to get back into shape. This proved to be much more difficult to balance a relationship, household, personal needs AND a rambunctious toddler but you were proud of yourself for making it this far and keeping things together. But the relationship with Miguel was deteriorating lately and you wanted to do something to reconnect with him.
The sound of the front door opening broke you from your thoughts and you hurriedly dried your hands on a dishtowel and made your way to the living room. Gabriella had beaten you to Miguel first and was giggling excitedly already swept up into his large chest.
“Daddy, I missed you!”
Miguel peppered little kissed across her face before hugging her even tighter not saying a word. Eventually Gabriella had enough.
“Daddy, you’re squeezing too hard!” she frowned and kicked her little legs in mock protest although she made no real move to get out of his arms.
“Sorry honey.” Miguel laughed as he let her go and watched her scamper back to her place on the couch and completely enthralled with her show.
You moved from your hiding place in the kitchen archway pulling his attention from Gabriella and onto you. You shivered feeling his eyes pierce right through. It felt like he was looking straight into and through your soul and every hidden dark corner of your being.
“Hi…” Your voice trails off and cracks under the pressure of his gaze. If he noticed it, he didn’t say anything. Instead, he crosses the gap between you and into your personal space.
Miguel cradles your face tenderly breath fawning over your face lightly. His body seemed so much harder and chiseled then you remembered and being so close to Miguel after so long send a sharp tingle to your core. You were suddenly so much more aware of how badly your body had been neglected. Up close he looked so much more different than you remember. Harder, like there was a wall up or some kind of hurt that was still raw and emotional.
“Hi.” His eyes raked over your face as if to commit them to memory.
“Can I kiss you?” He asks suddenly confusing you.
You had never really asked Miguel to ask consent before and he never really asked. Things just kind of happened between you. You never even thought you could deny your husband access to your body.
You bit your lip in thought nodding shyly at his words and he grinned in triumph.
He met your lips kissing you softly as if for the first time making you gasp wantonly into his open mouth. He was making your head spin until Gabriella’s giggle at her show broke you apart. The last time you saw Miguel being this gentle with you was when you first started dating and you would be the biggest liar in the world if you said you didn’t miss the treatment.
Despite this you still wanted to talk to him about your relationship.
“Can we talk after dinner?”
He looked concerned but nodded pressing a lingering kiss to your temple.
All throughout dinner he didn’t want to let go of your hand opting to eat with one hand and only letting go when you absolutely had to eat your food. Miguel was also much more attentive to Gabriella even going so far as to help her cut up her vegetables and listen to the stories about her time spent at the park that morning. He even cracked jokes and asked questions about your day. You were in awe it was like you had married a whole different man. After the meal, Miguel even washed the dishes and cleaned up the kitchen after sending you off to put Gabriella to bed with a tender kiss to both you and your daughters’ temples.
“You’ve had a long day mi amor (my love). I’ve got it from here.”
His actions and words made you feel loved in more than the seven years you’ve been married. You both got ready for bed although he was a lot slower than most nights and you both slipped under the sheets of your shared queen size bed.
“We still need to talk.”
The way Miguel had been acting since he had gotten home had filled you with the confidence to be open and vulnerable with him now. So, you told him. About how you didn’t feel like yourself physically. How the pressures of raising a child while he worked all day, while running the entire household without his help was taking you into the beginning stages of a depression you didn’t think you could get out of. How the sex between you two was non-existent and you felt how much he had loved you today. How it felt like it had been before the babies and the bills and the seemingly endless responsibility of it all was taking over.
Miguel didn’t hesitate to cross the bed and gather you in his arms in a strong hug.
He began apologizing profusely not making and excuses for the past behavior and verbally committing to being a better husband and father. You had no reason not to believe him as this was the first-time bringing these issues to him yet he took it better than you thought.
“I don’t ever want you to feel this way again mi amor(my love). You and Gabriella are the most important things in my life. I wouldn’t be the man I am today without you both. Mi corazón es perfecto porque tú estás dentro de él (My heart is complete because you are in it). I want you to feel as loved as you have made me feel. No puedo vivir sin ti (I cannot live without you). Let me show you how much you mean to me.”
And show you he did. The sex that night was like no other with Miguel being more attentive and loving as ever. You lost count of how many times he made love to you that night and how many times you came.
You tried to keep it down for Gabriella’s sake you really did but the things Miguel was doing with his tongue were making things difficult. Miguel’s lips were wrapped around your clit suckling like a newborn calf while he worked your opening over with three thick fingers.
“Give me another orgasm baby I know you can. Quiero sentirlo (I want to feel it).”
With a quiet sob you came around his fingers shaking and quivering. Quickly, Miguel rose to his knees on the mattress and spread your legs wide bending them at the knees into an M shape before grinding against your slick heat.
“You think you can take some more baby?”
You were already past your limits tonight never having been this sexually worn out in your life but you wouldn’t want to be anywhere else right now but underneath your husband.
“Por favor, sí, lo necesito (Please, yes, I need it)!”
Miguel slipped his cock into you giving you a second to adjust before he started thrusting into you at a steady pace. The curve of his shaft was made for your insides as you molded around him perfectly and his cock head rubbed the spongy mound of your g-spot deliciously.
Immediately you start creaming around him the moans in your voice getting louder and louder not even thinking about the child sleeping down the hall.
But Miguel did and with his hand over your mouth and his face in your neck he sang praises of devotion and love to you while he pulled another blinding orgasm from your body.
He held you down into a mating press and pounded your shaking form into the mattress harder when you began to squirt around him drenching the lower half your bodies and the bed. Miguel kissed the tears streaming down your face as he whispered more words of affirmations rocking into you slowly.
“Eres mi todo (You are my everything”).
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Miguel was cheating on you. The Miguel of Earth-22 had been having a whole ass extramarital affair with his co-worker and Miguel had forgotten. He had been so enthralled with you and Gabriella that he had completely forgotten about the mistress problem.
Marisol Medina was a newly hired clinical laboratory scientist working in the same department as Miguel as his subordinate. On Earth-928 Miguel had worked in the genetics department and it seemed Earth-22 was the same. The only difference being that Alchemax wasn’t creating super serums here and his doppelganger had actually been the head of the Genetics Department which in retrospect was an HR nightmare. That meant that Earth-22 Miguel had hired Marisol in the first place. Maybe he hired her in the hopes of taking her on as a mistress? Which made sense because if he was being honest Marisol’s job could have been done by a slightly trained chimpanzee. It made Miguel sick to even think about.
Marisol was everything you weren’t. She at least a foot taller and a few pounds thinner having never had children nor the natural curves you were genetically blessed with. Instead of the natural curls and headwraps he loved on you, Marisol had thick wavy auburn hair running down her back. She couldn’t speak Spanish as well as you could, Miguel would find out later that this was a complete lie in order to get closer to him, and in fact that was apparently how they had connected in the first place. Of course, he had to nip that in the bud quick and started treating her like a co-worker and less like a mistress.
Miguel had waited until he was the last one in the office to approach her. Predictably, Marisol had stayed behind too. He had been successfully ignoring any attempts that didn’t have to do with work and ignored her phone calls outside of work even going so far as to block the number.
She had approached him with tears in her eyes and Miguel cringed internally at the cruel nature of it all.
“What’s going on Miguel? First you ignore me at work and now you won’t pick up my calls? What did I do wrong?!”
Miguel sighed, “I love my wife, Marisol. Whatever thing we had is over. I’m sorry we had anything in the first place.”
Marisol covered her mouth in a barely contained sob as he continued. Might as well rip the rest of the Band-Aid off.
“You can still keep your job if that’s what you’re worried about. I’m not that much of an asshole. From now on I’m your boss not your boyfriend. It’s over.”
He left but not before catching the blank look on Marisol’s face through the tears. If Miguel had been a more observant man, he would have seen the hatred and revenge brewing behind her eyes.
With Marisol taken care of, Miguel toyed with the idea but ultimately gave up the idea of even being Spider-Man in this universe. Not only did he have a crippling addiction to Rapture, thanks to a blackmail attempt by the Alchemax of his original universe, but would it take too much time away from his new family. This was the break he needed. Away from the chaos of being Spider-Man and back to where he belonged. With Gabriella and you. And why shouldn’t he treat you both as if this was his reward for every fucked up twisted thing that had happened to him? You both deserved happiness and so did Miguel.
Still, he had to take those fucking Rapture injections. Getting time away to dip into the stash he had stolen were getting low. Not critically but enough for Miguel to go back to his original Earth and bring back more. Developing more was out of the question. Alchemax had mad it nearly impossible for it to be recreated outside their labs. Even if he wanted to, he would need to have equipment in the home. With you being a stay-at-home mom, there was no way you would ignore a gigantic laboratory setup in the house.
With added trips to Eath-928 for Rapture and Miguel assimilating to his doppelganger’s life, your little family slowly fell into a comfortable routine.
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One year had passed and your family was flourishing. Gabriella was now eight and showing an interest in soccer. Miguel was still showing you the love and appreciation you had asked for and this made the relationship flourish. You finally felt like the energy was being reciprocated and you couldn’t be happier. On top of all of this you found out you were pregnant.
Miguel had actually cried when he found out which threw you because he hadn’t done the same when you were pregnant with Gabriella. You just chalked it up to the heart-to-heart conversation you had last year and didn’t think too hard on it.
Family trips had become more recent as of late and this just added to the happy feeling all around. Today was a trip to the beach, something that was seriously needed in the summer months.
“Em, hurry up we’re gonna be late!”
Gabriella’s soccer ball came flying down the stairs the same time as she did and you would have laughed if the ball hadn’t flown over your head and grazed the mirror hanging in the foyer.
“What did I say about balls in the house!?” You scolded her smoothing the curls of her head as she passed to grab her ball.
“Not to do it in the house. But I want to bounce it on my head like the real players!”
She demonstrated this by attempting to balance the ball on her head but you quickly grab it and replace it with a kiss instead.
“If you practice soccer, you won’t be able to go to the beach today. You don’t even have your sandals on!”
This seemed to snapped her out of her soccer haze and she squealed in excitement as she ran to put on her shoes.
As if on cue Miguel pulled into the driveway and bared through the front door with several shopping bags full of snacks and sunscreen. His face lit up at you and he dropped his bags and gathered you in his arms kissing any exposed skin.
“Hi baby.” He dropped you and kissed you hungrily then dropped to his knees and kissed your swollen stomach addressing the unborn child in your womb.
“Hi baby.”
You laughed as the baby pressed against your abdomen to nudge their fathers’ lips and Miguel grinned. At seven months you thought you were huge but Miguel wouldn’t hear it and often kissed your stomach like he did now.
“Did you see that honey? He knows me for sure.”
A boy. You and Miguel had been ecstatic when you had heard and even Gabriella had been excited to have a brother when you both sat down and told her then news.
The beach proved to be an excellent idea. The day was filled with snacks and fun but both you and Gabriella had been tired by the end of it. This left Miguel to pack up the supplies you brought in while you took the trash to the nearby can on the sidewalk.
“Cute family.” You jumped in surprise to find a woman in large sunglasses and a floppy beach hat obscuring her face.
“Oh, thank you!” You grinned watching Miguel help Gabriella stomp on her sandcastle when he was supposed to be packing up the toys and towels.
“How old is she?”
“She’s eight now.” You couldn’t help but gush.
“I have a nephew around her age. Maybe they go to school together?”
Before you could spill anymore of your private life you could hear Miguel shouting for you.
“I better get going Miss?”
“My name is Catherine.” She smiled shaking your hand.
“I’ll see you around Catherine.” You smiled back and waddled back to your family.
“Who was that?” Miguel frowned wrapping a protective arm around your shoulder.
“Just someone who thinks our family is cute.” You tease pinching his side.
Miguel laughs and scoops Gabriella onto his shoulders making her squeal and ignoring the way the vanilla ice cream in her hand dripped down the cone and onto his shirt.
“Well of course they do! Just look at this little sand goblin!” He tickles his daughter’s calves and she laughs and squeals. They make a beautiful picture together and it makes you want to snap a picture so you pull your cellphone out of your bag in the sand and snapped a few before recording a short video as well.
“This is definitely cute.” You laugh at the mess of ice cream on his shirt growing.
“Cariño (honey), help me!” Miguel waves to you in mock terror as Gabriella smashes her ice cream into the side of his face laughing the entire time. As you stopped the video and cleaned Miguel up you couldn’t help but notice a sinister feeling creeping up your spine.
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 Running into Catherine was becoming such a regular occurrence at this point that you two just started planning things to do together instead. It was nice to have a friend again. An actual girlfriend to confide in the things you couldn’t with Gabriella or Miguel.
This day you and Catherine had planned a much-needed manicure and pedicure day and had ordered from your favorite burger spot. You had been craving it all day and you both had arrived back at Catherine’s house to eat on her patio before moving inside to enjoy the cool air conditioning.
You sighed reclining back in your chair and kicking up your feet enjoying the breeze from the A.C. Miguel had been worried as of late with your perinatal period being considered a moderate risk pregnancy. You had been determined to have a good and relaxing time despite this and Miguel had reluctantly agreed to let you go out.
“I fucked your husband.”
You froze. Your sense of peace absolutely shattered by the whiplash of your friend’s statement.
“I’m sorry?”
“I said I fucked your husband.”
Catherine’s face was strangely blank and emotionless. This was a hard contrast from the smiling funny person she was just minutes ago.
If she was joking or not you genuinely couldn’t tell. You set your drink down and clutched your stomach nervously.
“What the fuck are you taking about? If this is a joke Catherine it’s not very funny.”
“My name’s not Catherine you stupid bitch. It’s Marisol. I’m so sick of pretending to be your friend. Having to hear all about your pathetic little problems and your little brats every fucking day has been driving me crazy.”
You couldn’t believe what you were hearing. This couldn’t be the same woman you had become friends with over the past few months but here she was now out of her seat and towering over you with a disgusted look on her face.
“Miguel’s a liar you know. You can’t trust him. He told me he loved me. That he would leave you and that brat. But he goes and knocks you up.”
Her fist comes swinging in a heavy right hook to the side of your face and you’re on the floor before you can react to the jarring information of your husband’s infidelity. The world spun on its axis and you landed hard on the ground as Catherine now Marisol began kicking the side of your head and back with her boot. Your instincts kick in and you curled up in a ball protecting your stomach from the violent assault. You could feel the anger in each one of her punches and kicks, the pain of it all making you physically vomit on the floor and her boots.
Marisol screamed in disgust and grips a handful of your braids before pushing your face back into the vomit and rubbing you in it like a dog being punished for pissing in the house.
“You nasty fucking bitch! Look what you did to my shoes!”
She drops your limp form into the mess on the floor and spits on you.
“That’s supposed to be my baby you cunt.”
Marisol stepped over you kicking you in the side this time and walked into the kitchen rambling to herself. You knew then that she was going to kill you and your baby. You had to get away. With all of the strength you had left, you crawled to your phone which was now on the floor along with the rest of the contents of your purse.
Just as you touched the phone, you were yanked backwards hard by your legs. A knife in Marisol’s hand flashed menacingly, the jagged tip slicing your arm as you fought back.
“Stay still you fucking bitch. I want my baby.”
Pain bloomed in white searing heat and you saw spots behind your eyelids. You screamed bloody murder in an attempt to get anyone to hear you as the knife began to slice into your side.
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Miguel was worried. You had promised him that you were going to call him when you got to your friend’s house. Normally Miguel wouldn’t be so possessive but with the delicate nature of your pregnancy you’re lucky Miguel let you go out at all. Yet you hadn’t called.
Miguel peaked in on Gabriella taking a nap in her room before closing the door and summoning Lyla on his interdimensional watch. Immediately Lyla’s small holographic figure appeared.
“Nice digs Miguel! You’ve made quite a life for yourself here although the style is a little dated.” she judged as her figure flew around the room to various objects obviously excited to be in the space Miguel hadn’t previously allowed her.
“Where is the little rugrat? I’m dying to meet her! She can just call me Auntie Lyla!”
“Cut the shit. I need you to track a phone for me.”
Lyla frowned and studied his face.
“You going back to being Spider-man? The hero we all know and love?”
“Maybe…...She hadn’t checked in.” he answered cryptically ignoring the hopeful tone of her voice typing his missing wife’s number into the watch. Almost immediately on the map popped up a tiny glowing dot where you supposedly were.
“See she’s safe and sound at 426 Herald Way owned by a Marisol Medina.”
Miguel froze, bile rising in his throat. His Spidey senses had been tingling since before you hadn’t checked in but Miguel didn’t want to be controlling like the previous Miguel had been.
“Lyla, I need you to watch Gabriella for me.” He pulled the suit on and flew through the door without a second thought
“Hey I don’t babysit for free!” She shouted after his retreating form.
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When you woke up the first thing you thought of was your son. Your movements cause sharp pains to blossom across your body making you cry out in pain. A pair of hands came to cradled you gently. It was Miguel. You could see Gabriella curled up on the hospital couch asleep clutching a stuffed animal snuggled into her blanket asleep which soothed some of the panic but your main concern was your unborn child.
“Baby, can you hear me?”
Immediately you began to cry and Miguel shushed you moving to sit on the bed. Everything that had happened came rushing back to you. You couldn’t calm down seeing your slightly deflated abdomen.
“My baby Miguel. I need my baby.”
He couldn’t survive at almost eight months, could he? All the knowledge from your previous pregnancy with Gabriella and the baby prep books that you had diligently looked over and memorized were nowhere to be found. Instead, your mind spiraled into panic and negativity.
“He’s fine baby he’s in the NICU. I just saw him a few minutes ago he was sleeping. Please lay back for me.”
He gently guided you back down as you continued to cry silently this time.
“Miguel did you cheat on me?” you cried.
His face dropped and for the first time in a year, the illusion of your happy marriage shattered. All this time had Miguel been trying to make up for whatever guilty conscience he had when he had come home that day a suddenly changed man?
Was this pregnancy just meant to distract you from the strange things that Miguel had been doing like leaving at random times?
He thought you didn’t know but you did. That weird watch he never took off even in the shower. The way you would catch him looking at you or Gabriella sometimes. He would get a faraway look in his eyes like he couldn’t believe you were real and in front of him. You had thought that it was love but now you didn’t know who he was anymore.
“Baby I can explain.”
“Save it. I don’t know who you are right now Miguel. I thought I could trust you but that almost cost me and my child’s life. I let this woman into my life. I told her private things about me. I feel violated Miguel. I don’t know if I will ever feel safe again.”
For the first time in your life, you saw Miguel truly cry. You put up walls around your heart so that you could focus on the logic of the situation instead of getting sucked into his tears.
Miguel could sense this and gripped your hands in his.
“I don’t want you to hate me.”
“Just tell me what’s going on!”
So, he told you. About where he’s really from. About the first time he saw you and what really happened to your Miguel. The cheating, the lies, the secrets. It was all revealed. This explained why Miguel had suddenly switched from absent husband and dad to ‘Father-of-the-Year’ in the span of a few hours. Why he went from demanding they all speak Spanish in the home to speaking mostly English and why he never seemed to know where anything was in the house for a few months. He even told you how he dealt with Marisol….
Miguel could smell your blood a block away as he swung through the buildings to Marisol’s home a little outside the city. Crashing through the patio sliding doors, glass flying everywhere, he was met with a scene that confirmed his worst fears.
You were on your back the room covered in your blood. He couldn’t see the shallow rise and fall of your chest but he thought you were dead. Marisol loomed over you still slicing and trying to follow the steps she researched a few weeks ago on how to perform the procedure but she stopped when Miguel barreled in like a bull in a china shop. Fangs out and Rapture coursing through his veins.
“Miguel, you came back!”
Red. All he could see was red and he let his rage take over. Before Marisol could come towards him, he tackled her, hands wrapped around her throat in a death grip.
“Miguel w-wait! I lo-ve yo..ou” She gasped and choked, kicking and scratching at every part of him she could get her hands on.
He didn’t feel it.
All he could think about was the loss of half his family. Their baby boy hadn’t even taken his first breath yet. Hadn’t even been given a fair shot at life. You were dead. How would he tell Gabbie what happened? How would she cope?
It made his blood boil. So, he kept squeezing her neck.
He squeezed even as she started crying and the blood vessels in her eyes started to burst from the pressure.
He squeezed even as she began to piss and shit herself as her tongue and lips swelled.
He squeezed until her head shot across the room and she stopped struggling.
He couldn’t feel anything.
These revelations left you shocked with so many more questions. It made your head spin.
Miguel could see how overwhelming this was for you and sat in silence to give you time to process this. The doctor came in cutting the heavy tension and giving you a rundown of your injuries and permission to visit the NICU when you felt better.
Baby O’Hara, as he was still named, was now ten days old. You had already missed so much when you had been in surgery and then a little recovery time to get the strength to see him. On your first visit you requested to go alone. Everyone had spent one-on-one time with him but you and it added to the feeling of missing out. On your second visit, Gabriella, and much to your slight annoyance Miguel, accompanied you to see the new family member to welcome him together.
Despite his small age, Baby O’Hara had a full head of hair perfectly smoothed and you briefly wondered if he would get your curl pattern as he grew bigger. His size made the wires and tubes seem so much bigger than they were. Despite this, he seemed as strong as ever his little legs kicking with curiosity.
You smile through your tears as you run a hand across the silk stands of his head, down his little chest.
As if he knew you were there, Baby O’Hare grabbed your thumb with surprising strength.
“Would you like to hold him?”
You jump in surprise but nodded eagerly as the nurse, who had been watching the event unfold, comes to the side of your wheelchair and gently folds the front of your hospital gown to expose enough of your chest for the baby but enough to remain modest.
She opens the incubator and expertly places him across your chest for skin-to-skin contact. You can feel your hearts beating together and you cradle him gently to you as Miguel and Gabriella crowd around you.
“He’s so tiny.” Gabriella stares in wonder.
You look at her for a minute just taking in both of your children, making it a point to ignore Miguel’s presence. Your daughter had been through a lot these past few weeks. Miguel hadn’t told her the whole story so all she knew was that she had almost lost both her mother and new brother. It had made her more clingy than normal which you didn’t mind since you could use some close family time.
“Do you want to name him?”
Her face immediately lights up at the idea as she excitedly looks back and forth between you and Miguel.
“Can I really?”
“Absolutely, my love. Anything you want.”
You couldn’t help but to role your eyes at his words. Of course, Miguel would agree with you right now. After everything that happened, he was lucky he was even breathing the same air as you right now.
Gabriella bites her lip for a few minutes taking in her baby brother now fast asleep.
“I pick Benji.”
You can feel Miguel’s confusion but you hold back a laugh already knowing where she was going.
“Why Benji?” Miguel wondered
“If I ever get a dog, I would name them Benji.”
“I love it!” You laughed.
Baby O’Hare was officially named.
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It had only been 6 months since everything happened. Couples therapy was going slowly. You were still hesitant to trust Miguel and it was starting to bleed into other aspects of your life. Like trusting him alone to watch the children. Logically you knew this Miguel was different from the one you married but he still could have told you about the mistress Marisol yet he hadn’t.
Miguel knew you didn’t trust him yet he never did anything to trigger you or rush you too forgive him. If anything, he was being more than understanding and you couldn’t tell if it pissed you off or made you fall more in love with him.
Benji, more practically named Benjamín, was doing well as a preemie according to his doctor and so was Gabbie you couldn’t be happier.
Of course, the happiness couldn’t last.
The rumbling started around noon. Benji had just gone down for his nap and Gabriella was home from school for summer break so she was playing in the living room. Your apartment building shook with such fierceness the pan that you had set on the stove to start lunch was thrown to the ground.
Panicked you rushed to grab Gabriella on your way to Benji’s nursery. As if on cue the infant started his high pitch crying obviously mad about the disrupted nap.
You grabbed him as carefully as you could as you all ran underneath the dining table for safety. Earthquakes in Nueva York were nonexistent so you could only imagine what could be happening.
The shaking and rumbling stopped but you didn’t dare get up yet for fear of aftershocks.
“Y/N?!”
It was Miguel decked out in his full Spiderman attire. He had shown you once when you asked but this was different. His face was panicked and he was breathing hard.
“Miguel!” You called to him as he climbed through the living room window and straight to your little family.
“Are you alright?!”
He frantically checked you all over for any sort of wounds before hauling you up careful of the baby still in your arms. He grabbed the baby sling off the couch nearby and helped you and Benji into it. Gabriella was clinging to your leg silent tears running down her face.
“We need to go.”
His eyes were darting everywhere and he looked nervous…. guilty even.
“Miguel what’s going on.”
He sighed in defeat. He swore to never again lie to you.
“It’s my fault. The quakes…everything.”
The ambient noise of Nueva York had changed from the usual city atmosphere to screams of terror and flashing light.
“The universe is collapsing. I didn’t even know this was a possibility. It has to be me…. what I did…”
Terror seized you as Miguel lead you all out on to the fire escape through the open window he entered through. He wrapped your arms around his neck and helped Gabriella onto his back.
“Hold on we’re getting out of here.”
 Swinging across the city you quickly realized what the screaming was for. People, cars, well everything was disappearing at an alarming rate. Miguel was swinging his ass off through the city but you knew that while he had the stamina, he couldn’t out run whatever it was forever.
“Miguel, you need to put us down!” You yelled over the wind.
He shook his head frantically.
“I can’t. Need to keep you safe.”
Up ahead the world was starting to disappear as well sandwiching you on all sides. Miguel could tell it was over. The weight of you all was wearing him down and the glitching was coming faster now. Even if he could get you away from the glitching you all couldn’t leave. Not without a watch to stabilize your energetic frequency to another universe like his did and he would need three.
Miguel stopped on what was left of the street as the people around you were in chaos letting you all stand on your own.
“Y/N I love you I’m sorry.”
He hugged you close sandwiching the children between you as you all sank to your knees in defeat.
You cradled his face in your hands sobbing as he took you all in. The way Gabriella looked like a perfect mix of you both. The tiny cute little features Benji was growing into like the little curl pattern he was starting to develop and you. The one who had drawn him to stay there in the first place. It was love at first sight when he first saw you that day as you ran errands and Miguel couldn’t fathom a day without you. Without all of you.
You kissed slow and needy knowing it would be the last time. You knew you wouldn’t get to tell him everything you wanted to say. How you did forgive him you were just being stubborn. There was only time for one last goodbye.
“Miguel I lo-”
The world turned white and his family was gone.
Miguel was alone again.
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mysafehaneul · 9 months
Text
III.AQUAMARINE
JEON WONWOO X READER
WORDS: 11K+
GENRE: ARRANGE CONTRACT MARRIAGE AU! ENEMIES TO LOVERS!
ANGST, (obviously lol), Fluff, Smut (in future chapters not this one).
This is my original work for free consumption because fuck capitalism but please do not steal it. All characters are original except The members of Seventeen, I do not own them. This is purely a work of fiction with no similarity with real life whatsoever, If any incident feels familiar, That is purely a coincidence. Please drop your feedback as it helps me feel motivated and improve. Happy Reading!
Previously On:
Chapter 2
Chapter 3: Ties That Bind
10 years ago
Amidst the soft echoes of "My Happy Ending" by Avril Lavigne drifting through the air, the door to your sanctuary swung open, revealing Noel, the skip in her step mirroring the rhythm of the song. Your room, a canvas of organised chaos, boasted a planning board adorned with colour-coded sticky notes, and your bed was a collage of strewn books. Perched in the right corner, you toyed with the lamp's switch, casting light on the pages of Dan Ariely's wisdom.
The lamp flickered in your hand, and your eyes glanced up to welcome Noella, who promptly flopped onto the bed with enthusiasm matched only by her disregard for the comfort of your books. A wince flickered across her face as the novels' edges dug into her spine, prompting her to readjust her position with an exasperated whine, "I ammmmmmm boreddddddd."
You remained engrossed in your book, barely sparing her a glance. "Then watch TV."
"Already did."
"Workout?"
"Too lazy."
" Homework?"
"I'm not that bored."
An attempt to snatch your book from your grip met your swift evasion, and a glare sent a clear message of personal boundaries. Her pout, however, was unwavering as she growled in frustration, "Argh! I hate midterms. You know, in moments like this, I feel like becoming a white picket fence housewife isn't that bad of an idea."
A chuckle escaped you, teasing. "No one's stopping you. In fact, your father would be more than willing to arrange that for you."
Rolling her eyes in a dramatic fashion, she responded with a healthy dose of sarcasm, "Haha, very funny."
An unspoken understanding danced between your laughter-laden voices, and your I-know-you-know look exchanged effortlessly. But Noella was not done, not by a long shot. With an air of whimsy, she expressed, "I want to marry the person I love, not for some business deal! You know, I want a wedding like, you know, that book Mamma Mia."
You responded with a hum, fully aware of her penchant for planning and envisioning every detail. "You've already planned your entire wedding, haven't you?"
Propping herself on her elbows, she fixed you with a look of pure shock. "You have not."
A shake of your head was your honest reply, and your gaze remained locked on the page, your fingers fidgeting with the edge. "No, I prefer living in reality."
Noella dropped back onto the bed, her gaze transfixed by the ceiling fan. The contemplative air clung to her as she murmured, "Say, Y/N, have you ever been in love?"
A huff escaped your lips, and your fingers are now tapping rhythmically on the page. Tilting your head, you offered her an experimental smile. ''Maybe I don't know."
As though a spark ignited spilled gasoline, Noella's blue eyes glinted with curiosity. "Oh my god, tell me! In a heartbeat, her hand grabbed yours, the book tumbling onto the bed as she leaned in. "Who was it? How did it happen? Do I know them?"
You offered a mischievous grin, your words dripping with playfulness. "I'm not telling you who it is."
The puppy-eyed look she gave you was as predictable as the sunrise. "It happened recently, or is it a past flame? Do I know them?
"Noella," you admonished, "I'm not spilling the beans that easily."
Undeterred, she pouted, "Y/nnn! You sneaky bitch, you're killing me here''.
The chime of her Nokia Ericsson pierced the air, interrupting her sentence. With an apologetic smile, she excused herself to attend to the call. Left to your own devices, you rested your head against the headrest, a sigh escaping your lips, the book momentarily forgotten.
Noella reappeared, her presence leaning against the door frame. "Get ready, loser. Vernon called; he's throwing a party."
A roll of your eyes conveyed your reluctance, and you offered your excuse, "Sorry, boo, I, or rather 'we,' have an assignment due on Tuesday."
"Live a little, will you? Her voice was a coaxing melody, her hands finding your shoulders, her eyes capturing yours in a determined gaze. "What will you tell your kids about your college life? Come on, everyone will be there—Nicole, Adam, Humza, and even Joshua will be there! Even if I go somewhere, he'll be there to accompany you. Please... pwease." She gave her best puppy eyes, coupled with rapid blinking—a formidable combination.
The mention of Joshua's name stirred a subtle tremor in your heart—a rush of memories and emotions quickly masked by a practiced demeanor. "Fine," you relented with feigned annoyance.
Her triumphant giggle filled the air as she danced out of the room, a chorus of "We're going to have so much fun tonight" fading into the distance.
In the wake of her departure, you closed your eyes, feeling the echo of her laughter linger. Emotions danced within you, a complex symphony of moments past and the unknown future. And amidst it all, a single name echoed—an enigma you dared not fully unravel—Joshua. .. It's been a mere 20 minutes since you both stepped into the party, and as every college party goes, bottles and drunks linger in every corner. The air was thick with the scent of alcohol. You found yourself near the pantry, seeking refuge from the chaos that surrounded you. The pounding beats of Kanye West and Usher reverberated in your ears, each note tearing at your eardrums. The scene was a sensory overload, with over-the-top PDA and borderline explicit displays of affection vying for attention on every available surface. Amidst the frenzy, your gaze fixated on a loveseat by the unlit fireplace, two figures locked in what appeared to be a heated exchange of passionate kisses.
A presence sidled up next to you, the intrusion barely registering in your consciousness. Without bothering to look, a casual comment reached your ears: "Are you into exhibitionism? The voice, familiar yet distant, belonged to Jeonghan, Joshua's closest friend. While your interactions with him had never been extensive, there was an ease in your exchanges that allowed for conversation to flow.
Your voice, hidden beneath the veil of loud music, held a subtle quiver as you responded, "What makes you think that? His chuckle was laced with amusement as he took a casual sip of his beer, his eyes dancing mischievously. " You've been staring at Joshua and Noella making out for the last 5 minutes, unblinking, like you're into some peeping Tom shit. He raised his hands in a mock surrender before continuing, "Not that I'm judging—or you're in love with one of them."
Finally tearing your gaze away from the entangled couple, your eyes met Jeonghan's deep brown orbs. The burn of unshed tears stung your eyes, threatening to betray your facade. A sarcastic smile tugged at your lips, a bitter twist to the corners as your Adam's apple bobbed with the ache that had lodged itself there. Your voice wavered, laced with vulnerability, as you spoke, "So what if I am? The arch of your brow matched his curiosity, the traitorous tear breaking free and tracing a glistening path down your cheek. In that moment, you stood exposed, your unspoken emotions laid bare before Jeonghan's shocked gaze.
... ...
Present
In the hushed sanctuary of the dimly lit gym, the air was filled with the subtle scent of iron and the muted thud of sneakers against the rubberized floor. Bathed in the soft glow of ambient lighting, a lean, muscular frame was suspended from a metal bar. The absence of a shirt revealed a canvas of pale skin. Illuminated by the interplay of light and shadow, every sinew and muscle fiber was defined, etched with the story of countless hours spent sculpting this masterpiece.
(A/N: I am literally red in the cheeks as I imagine this.)
The pull-up bar strained slightly under his weight as he effortlessly lifted himself, the raw power of his biceps evident with every fluid motion. The mirror-lined wall before him reflected the dedication etched into his expression. The slight sheen of sweat glistening on his skin was a mark of the exertion. In the mirror's reflection, a sight that seemed almost unreal—a carved landscape of solid abs, chiseled with the precision of an artist's hand—the lines and contours were a testament to the sacrifices made in the pursuit of physical mastery as the light danced upon the ridges and hollows. As he lowered himself, his back muscles flexed with grace, were defined, and were engaged. His breath had a steady rhythm. The pull-ups continued. His reps came to a close when Wonwoo's mind drifted back to a pivotal moment that had transpired merely two days earlier. He remembered the air of reluctance that had clung to the room, heavy with implications and unspoken desires. With each repetition, his thoughts swirled around the upcoming agreement—a binding arrangement that carried both promise and uncertainty.
Lee Chan, his assistant and confidant, stood nearby. His finger danced across his work pad, capturing Wonwoo's directives. Wonwoo spoke with the conviction of a strategist. "Chan," he directed, his words intersecting with the rhythm of his exercise as his muscles tensed and released, "keep a watchful eye on Eleanor. This marriage will be public, and her reaction will need to be managed. Chan nodded. '' As for Y/N in the contract, make sure she understands that I'm not after her shares; I want the 40% ownership of the land."
Chan's eyebrows knitted together in contemplation. "That might not be an easy sell," he responded, a hint of scepticism in his tone.
Wonwoo's lips quirked into a sardonic smile. "She's cornered and desperate. She'll acquiesce to my terms sooner or later."
Another point entered the conversation as Wonwoo continued, his focus never wavering from his repetitions. "I want full control over the construction, material choices, and our engineers leading the project."
Chan let out a resigned sigh. "They have a pre-approved design from the city hall. It won't be easy to sway them to our choices."
Wonwoo, unperturbed, shrugged off the challenge. "Her architects can collaborate with our engineers. It's a compromise."
As the rep count grew, Wonwoo switched his focus. Sitting on a bench, he paused to drink from his water bottle. "Hey, Chan," he began, curiosity tinting his voice, "what do seven-year-olds like?"
Chan's bemusement was evident as he responded, "Well, my job hasn't allowed me to keep up with that particular knowledge, unfortunately."
A chuckle bubbled from Wonwoo's chest, his laughter mingling with the sweat that adorned his body. "That's unfortunate indeed," he mused.
A change in tone ensued as Chan teased, "Shouldn't you be more concerned about breaking the news to your parents that you'll be married in less than a week?"
Wonwoo, now reaching for a towel to wipe his face, responded with an air of irony, "Ah, the model son, fulfilling every parental wish. They will be over the moon upon hearing this." As the conversation tapered off, Wonwoo's laughter lingered in the air. As Chan stepped into the corridor, the door to the gym closed behind him, enclosing Wonwoo in a world of his own.
Wonwoo, whose muscles warmed and were invigorated from the exercise, sensed the call of renewal. He strode towards his private bathroom, the sleek glass entrance giving way to a sanctuary adorned with modern elegance. Droplets of water clung to his skin as he stood beneath the refreshing spray, the rivulets chasing away both the physical exertion and the mental intricacies that had accompanied it. ...
Amid the warm embrace of your home office, with your oak shelves adorned with books arranged in the year of their publication order and the soft fragrance of lavender candles enveloping the air, you were immersed in a symphony of words—swift typing echoing your intent. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a gentle glow upon the room as you etched your thoughts onto a digital canvas in the form of an email to Rema, articulating the vital terms that needed inclusion in the contract.
Just as the hum of productivity enveloped you, a cheerful interruption arrived—a video call notification adorned your screen, and your lips curved upward instinctively. The call was from Jeonghan, and your heart fluttered in response to the anticipation that always accompanied his presence. With a simple click, your world expanded as the familiar visages of two individuals graced your laptop screen—one radiating happiness, the other adorned with a slightly pouty demeanour.
''Hi, baby boy,'' you greeted affectionately, your voice a soothing melody.
In response, a spirited wave from one side and an exuberant chorus of ''Helloooooooo'' resounded.
''You're not my baby boy, Jeonghan,'' the older of the two playfully pouted, his expression adorning a playful indignation.
''Why the sad face, baby? What's wrong?'' concern laced your words, your eyes narrowing slightly in worry.
A small pout graced his lips, and with a slight turn of his form, he responded, ''Nothing.''
''Did JJ do something to you?'' you probed gently, a flicker of suspicion entering your tone.
''Hey!'' Jeonghan exclaimed, his voice carrying a hint of defence.
''Someone didn't keep their promise''', Jeonghan filled in the blank. Your heart was attuned to the emotions playing out on the screen before you. ''Are you mad at Tante?'' you ventured, using the affectionate nickname that Noel had bestowed upon you.
Folding his arms and maintaining his faux sulky stance, Noel remained stubbornly silent, his emotions written across his features. The exact copy of his mother, you mused.
Sighing softly, you cast a sideways glance at Jeonghan, silently seeking his aid in mollifying the situation. But, ever the mischievous character, he seemed to relish the leverage he held over you, basking in his unique advantage.
With a mock grimace, you attempted to soothe Noel's spirits. ''How about I bring you the new Iron Man figurine we saw on YouTube?''
His eyes sparkled with renewed interest, and his dejected demeanour began to wane. Before an ever-excited Jeonghan interrupted, ''Oh, oh, Y/n! Y/n! My mother said that before you leave for Switzerland, could you please contact her? She wants to send a few things for Victor and me.''
Playfully rolling your eyes, you couldn't help but quip, ''Am I your free courier service now?''
Conversations flowed, creating a seamless current of inquiries and updates. You touched upon your impending return in ten days, inquiring about the nuances of daily life, the excitement of the first day of school, and the progress of Jeonghan's partner, Victor. A cryptic promise of a surprise hung in the air, a tidbit that piqued Noel's curiosity while Jeonghan playfully insisted on unveiling the secret.
You shared tales, exchanged laughter, and jestingly teased about revealing the surprise—much to Jeonghan's delight and Noel's evident impatience. A final tongue-touched tease, a farewell infused with affection, and a soft ''Bye, baby'' from your lips elicited a gentle ''Bye'' in response. The residue of the interaction lingered in your heart, a soothing balm for the worries and tensions that life invariably brought.
In the heart of your cosy sanctuary, the virtual connection may have faded, but the warmth and fondness it ignited remained etched in your spirit—a reminder that even amidst the most mundane of tasks, a cherished bond could mend even the most delicate of hearts. And for this boy, every ounce of effort, every pain, and every sacrifice was worth it—even if it meant marrying someone who more or less wants to devour one of your life's most important projects.
Leaning back in your chair, you allowed your head to find solace in the rest. Your fingers reached out to grasp your coffee tumbler, the warmth seeping through to your skin as you took a contemplative sip. A soft smile graced your lips as you relished the memory of Rema's reaction—her coffee nearly becoming a casualty of your unexpected revelation. The news that you had managed to secure a husband, none other than the enigmatic Jeon Wonwoo, within the span of a mere seven hours was certainly not something she had anticipated.
You recounted the scene with amusement, the vivid image of Rema sputtering in surprise over her coffee etched in your mind. It was as if the universe had conspired to drop this bombshell into your life, a twist you had never imagined—marrying the very person you were resolute about avoiding, especially under your parents' persistent pressure.
''So, a contract marriage? Rema's incredulous voice echoed in your memory, her disbelief mirrored in her eyes.
''Every marriage is a social contract, Rem,'' you responded, your tone holding a touch of wisdom born from your pragmatic worldview.
''Well, what are you going to tell your parents? Her curiosity was palpable, and you could almost see her eyebrows raised in concern.
You contemplated her question, your mind churning with thoughts as you weighed your options. ''Hmm, I haven't quite figured that out yet. I want to finalise the contract first before I involve my parents. I need to ensure my rational side is fully operational before any emotional tidal wave hits me.''
A burst of laughter bubbled out of you; the image of your mother's hypothetical inquiries was too amusing to ignore. ''I already know the first thing my mother would ask me,'' you shared. '' 'Are you pregnant?' ''
Rema shook her head in a mixture of amusement and exasperation, swiftly reaching for a tissue to mop up the coffee droplets that had landed on her.
''Aren't you just the epitome of decisiveness?'' she quipped, a playful glint in her eyes.
''I wouldn't have reached where I am today if I weren't, babydoll,'' you responded with a cheeky wink, your confidence wrapped in a cloak of humour. ''More work for me, Yipee,'' Rema sighed, her voice teasingly resigned.
...
...
The towering skyscrapers of the city loomed closer and closer as your car glided through the bustling streets. Your attention was momentarily pulled from the cityscape as you looked down at the file resting on your lap, fingers tapping rhythmically on its spine. Rachel sat next to the driver, engrossed in her own tasks, while Rema sat beside you, both of you reviewing the contract that held the key to your next steps.
The sleek black car smoothly manoeuvred into a private parking route as you approached the high-rise building. The transition from the busy streets to this more controlled environment was palpable. The car's engine purred to a halt, and the door was about to be opened by your driver, but before he could, a figure appeared at your side. Standing at around 170 to 174 cm tall, with an athletic physique and strong brows that hinted at both trustworthiness and experience beyond his years, the man exuded a certain aura of capability.
Your driver was momentarily beaten to opening the door as the man swiftly reached out and performed the task himself. A polite smile touched your lips as you stepped out of the car and met with his introduction. "Good morning, Ms. L/N. I am Lee Chan, Mr. Jeon's assistant."
You acknowledged his introduction with a nod and extended your hand to accept his offered greeting. The firm handshake conveyed both professionalism and a hint of camaraderie. Your associates followed suit, shaking hands with Chan. His eyes flickered over each of you with a sense of quiet assessment before he continued, "Mr. Jeon is waiting for you in his private office. Please, this way, Ms. L/n."
With Chan leading the way, the three of you entered the building. He retrieved a card from his pocket and swiped it to access the elevator. As you rode up to your destination, a subtle exchange between you and Rema took place. A single glance was shared, conveying unspoken thoughts and observations that only close friends could understand.
The elevator's doors smoothly slid open to reveal Wonwoo's private office. Chan stepped aside, gesturing for you to proceed. The next chapter of this intriguing journey was about to unfold.
The office space exuded an air of sophistication and power, with its large windows allowing sunlight to filter in and casting a soft glow on the lavender walls. A line of viper's bowstring hemp plants lined the windowsill, their vibrant green leaves adding a touch of life to the serene environment. A pristine white couch, a matching table, and a sleek chair formed a seating area, contrasting against the emerald green carpet that sprawled across the floor. You couldn't help but think, "I'm definitely not letting him decide the interior."
As you observed the room, your thoughts drifted. His back was turned to you, engrossed in conversation with his lawyer, a man with sharp features yet surprisingly kind eyes and an easy smile. "Is everyone around this guy straight out of a Vogue magazine?" you mused, noticing the effortlessly fashionable aura that seemed to surround him.
But as you entered the scene, your initial unease gave way to determination. A professional smile graced your lips as you addressed him, and you sized him up just as he often did to you. A hint of amusement glinted in his eyes as he mirrored your assessment, a silent exchange of unspoken messages.
His two strides brought him to your side, extending his hand in greeting. You accepted it with a firm shake, your resolve strengthening as you faced the inevitable negotiation. "Welcome, Ms. l/n," he said, his voice carrying a blend of formality and an undercurrent of intrigue. "Please, this way."
The meeting commenced, with both of your teams settling down. Wonwoo introduced you to Dokyeom, his lawyer, and the formalities began. As the lawyers discussed the contract, Chan and Rachel delved into their laptops, ready to alter or add new clauses as needed.
The initial clauses passed with relative ease, but it was clause 4 that sparked the first dispute. Wonwoo expressed his desire through his lawyer for control over the capital for development, citing his experience. You, however, believed in mutual consent, acknowledging his expertise but asserting that the ownership of the oasis remained under your control.
The conversation moved to the heart of the matter—the adoption and marriage clause. As the details were presented, a sense of gravity settled in the room. Rema outlined the terms, including the custody of Noel, from cooperation in the adoption procedure to custody after divorce. Your gaze met Wonwoo's in a silent exchange, challenging each other to accept the terms.
As the discussion progressed, a clause about maintaining separate personal lives and public acts of infidelity emerged. You both locked eyes again, a daring challenge in the air. The tension escalated when Wonwoo boldly proposed that he desired 40% ownership of the land rather than mere profit shares from the resort's success.
Your incredulous laughter broke the room's tension, and you couldn't help but question his audacity. "I beg your pardon," you said, catching everyone off guard. The room fell silent as all eyes turned to you, especially Wonwoo's. Amidst the surprised gazes, he requested a private moment, and the room quickly emptied.
Left alone, you couldn't help but recall the clause he had proposed. Your voice carried controlled authority, masking the fierce intensity of your emotions. "What do you mean by that?" you demanded, a fire sparking in your eyes as you awaited his explanation.
The air crackled with tension, each passing moment intensifying the gravity of the situation. The weight of his audacious demand hung in the space between you, an unspoken challenge that required explanation.
Wonwoo's gaze met yours, and for a fleeting moment, you could sense the undercurrent of surprise in his eyes. It was as if he hadn't expected you to react with such vigour and question his intentions so directly. His lips curved slightly, a hint of that enigmatic smile tugging at the corners as he regarded you with a mix of appraisal and amusement.
As the silence stretched on, you held his gaze, refusing to back down. The seconds ticked away, each heartbeat resonating like the drumming of your own determination. The viper's bowstring plants by the window seemed to lean in, their green leaves capturing the suspended tension in the room.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, his response broke the stillness. His voice, a low and measured timbre, carried a hint of intrigue that matched the glint in his eyes. "Ms. l/n," he began, his words deliberate, "I believe in securing a substantial stake in endeavours that I invest in."
His answer, though composed, held a layer of unapologetic honesty. He was not one to mince words, nor was he inclined to sugarcoat his intentions. The room seemed to narrow down to just the two of you, the energy shifting between you like an invisible current.
You leaned forward slightly, your posture conveying a mix of determination and challenge. "Mr. Jeon," your words held a touch of incredulity: "It's clear that you're driven by greed, seeking to secure every possible advantage for yourself. But your audacity to think that I have no option but to accept this, just because it concerns the fate of a child—"
Your voice, initially firm, held a slight tremor as emotions surged within you. Your love for Noel and your unyielding commitment to his well-being fueled your resolve. And in that moment, you found the strength to confront Wonwoo's audacious demands head-on.
His eyebrows arched slightly, his eyes narrowing as if assessing the fire that blazed within you. "And what exactly do you intend to do, Ms. L/N?" he inquired, his tone holding a hint of challenge, a spark that ignited the smouldering embers of your defiance.
Your lips curled into a rueful smile, your eyes locking onto his with unyielding determination. "That's where you're wrong, Mr. Jeon. I don't give up at the face of one close door, because I know there is always another way," you replied, your voice carrying a steady resolve. "I don't believe I have so many shortcomings that I must resort to a man marrying me for what I have rather than for who I am."
The room seemed to hold its breath as your words hung in the air, your stance unwavering as you faced him down. Viper's bowstrings, symbols of strength and resilience, stood tall and steadfast in the sunlight streaming through the windows.
Your fingers tightened around the file on your lap, your nails tapping a rhythm that echoed the steady cadence of your heartbeat. "Thank you for your time, Mr. Jeon," you concluded, your tone carrying a mix of finality and dismissal. "But I now consider our agreement null and void."
The words reverberated through the room, a declaration that marked the turning point of the negotiation. As you rose from your seat, your eyes locked onto his one final time, a silent exchange that spoke volumes. With your head held high, you turned to leave the room. As you were on the verge of leaving, Wonwoo's sudden grip on your hand pulled you to a stop, and before you knew it, your back was pressed against the door, his imposing figure looming over you. The abruptness of the situation caught you off guard, your heartbeat quickening in response to the proximity and intensity of the moment.
His words, delivered in close quarters, held a mix of challenge and something else—perhaps a hint of intrigue. The tension in the room seemed to amplify, with the air growing thick with unspoken emotions. His scent enveloped you, a blend of something distinctly his, and the weight of his presence felt tangible.
Aren't you a stubborn wild cat, huh? His voice was low, a mere whisper that seemed to caress the air between you. His grip on your hand was firm yet not restrictive, almost as if he were testing your limits and your reactions. The spark in his eyes danced with a mixture of amusement and something darker—a challenge laid bare.
Your lips curled into a wry smile, refusing to back down even as your heart raced. "You underestimate my determination, Mr. Jeon," you retorted, your voice steady despite the closeness of your proximity. The playful banter that laced your words seemed to dance in the charged atmosphere.
His response held a trace of surrender, albeit grudgingly. "Fine, have it your way. But know this," he leaned in a fraction closer, his eyes drilling into yours. "While I might not value the 40% shares as much, engineers will be mine, and architects will be yours. But I'll be the one who approves the final design."
(Hey Alexa play Shameless by Camila Cabello)
The terms were set, a balance struck, and at that moment, it was as if the energy between you shifted. You found yourself locked in a silent exchange, your eyes locked onto his as time seemed to momentarily stand still. Noses are nearly brushing, and the electric pull between you is almost tangible. You opened your mouth to respond, to add your own quip to the conversation, but before you could, a knock on the door shattered the intense moment. The spell was broken, and the two of you stepped away from each other.
The place where his fingers had grasped your forearms still tingled, a sensation that seemed to linger even after he released his hold. As the door opened and the interruption brought you back to reality,
Chan's voice cut through the tension. "Is everything alright in here?" he inquired, his eyes shifting between you and Wonwoo. Wonwoo gave a curt nod in response. With the abrupt interruption, the atmosphere in the room shifted. Wonwoo returned to his seat on the couch, a casual demeanour replacing the intensity that had lingered moments ago. His fingers deftly unbuttoned the top button of his suit jacket, and he loosened his necktie ever so slightly. It was as if a switch had been flipped, and the powerful aura that had surrounded him just a moment ago eased into a more relaxed state. The brief pause allowed everyone to regain their composure. The discussion resumed, and each point was dissected, debated, and negotiated for another half an hour.
While Wonwoo and his team provided their input, Your team, equally engaged, presented your counterarguments, ensuring that every clause and detail was thoroughly examined. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of back-and-forth, the consensus was reached. Chan printed out the final contract. The pages, filled with the intricacies of the partnership, awaited your signatures, signifying the culmination of a process that had started with a chance encounter and evolved into this intricate arrangement. With the contract laid out before you, you and Wonwoo picked up the pens and signed your names, sealing the deal. It was a significant step, a commitment that held the potential to shape your futures in ways both anticipated and unforeseen.
As the ink dried on the pages, a sense of accomplishment and finality filled the room. The tension that had simmered throughout the meeting began to dissipate, replaced by a shared understanding of the agreement you had reached. The weight of the decisions made hung in the air, a blend of determination, pragmatism, and a touch of uncertainty.
With the signatures in place, you exchanged a brief, professional nod with Wonwoo. The contract was now a binding agreement, setting the course for the journey ahead.
The meeting concluded, and the tension that had filled the air slowly ebbed away. As you prepared to leave, the private elevator once again carried you down to the parking lot; this time, Wonwoo, accompanied by Chan, came to bid you farewell. The scene felt different now. Wonwoo approached you, and the two of you engaged in a hushed conversation. In the midst of your conversation, Wonwoo's tone took an unexpected turn as he addressed you. Y/N The unfamiliarity of it caught your attention, and you responded with curiosity. ''Yes, Mr. Jeon?'' ''Please call me Wonwoo. It would be weird if my soon-to-be wife called me this formally. a notification that left you momentarily surprised before you agreed. ''Right....''
You were about to take your leave, almost approaching your car, with Rachel and Rema assisted by Chan, already seated while Wonwoo and you were talking, when his voice stopped you in your tracks. He reached for your hand with a cautious yet determined gesture. He glanced up, seeking silent permission, which you granted with a nod, his touch sending a tingling sensation through your skin. His fingers traced your knuckles as he spoke. His work was laced with a hint of hesitation. ''I apologise for my behaviour back in the meeting room, and I want to give you something. Wonwoo's hand gravitated to his coat pocket, retrieving a treasure trove concealed within royal blue velvet. The box was unveiled. Inside lay a revelation—a dazzling marvel that captured both the essence of his intentions and the enigma of his sentiments. A gasp, soft as the fluttering of a butterfly's wings, escaped your lips as the lid surrendered to your gaze, unveiling a precious secret encased in a velvety cradle.
Emerging from the depths of the velvet like a precious secret, the ring glimmered under the soft ambient light. A magnificent aquamarine, with a hue reminiscent of cerulean seas kissed by the first light of dawn, took centre stage. The gemstone possessed an almost mythical quality, as if it held within its crystalline depths the stories of ages past and the promises of futures yet to unfold.
The aquamarine, a robust 20 carats in weight, bore a rare and enchanting leaf shape. Its contours curved with an elegance that mirrored the delicate veins of an intricately designed leaf, each facet capturing and refracting light with a mesmerising dance of colors. As your gaze traversed its surface, you could almost sense the tranquilly of distant oceans, the whispering breeze through verdant foliage, and the serenity of untouched realms.
Nestled within the heart of this radiant gemstone was an exquisite diamond, seemingly suspended in time and space. The diamond's brilliance was a testament to its purity, its fiery facets contrasting beautifully against the calm serenity of the aquamarine. The union of these two precious stones created a harmonious equilibrium, a metaphor for the delicate balance between strength and vulnerability, passion and tranquilly.
The aquamarine and diamond duo was cradled within a band of gleaming gold, a testament to enduring commitment and unwavering unity. The warm and lustrous gold embraced the gemstones with a gentle touch, as if it understood the significance of the emotions woven into this remarkable piece of art.
As you admired the ring, its significance became clear. Beyond the brilliance of the gemstones and the artistry of the design, it held a narrative of its own. It was a token of understanding, an offering of reconciliation, and an expression of a promise that defied the boundaries of words. The ring was not merely a decoration; it was a bridge connecting hearts, a symbol of a journey shared, and a harbinger of the future's uncharted wonders. Wonwoo delicately retrieved the ring from its resting place. With a sense of purpose and reverence, Wonwoo's fingers gently guided the ring onto your waiting finger. To your surprise and amazement, the ring glided onto its designated spot as though fate had conspired to ensure its perfect fit. It was as if the ring had always been meant for this very moment. Bending forward, he pressed a gentle kiss to the finger that now cradled his grandmother's ring, an heirloom infused with memories and generations of love. In that tender and intimate moment, you became aware of the eyes upon you, witnesses to a scene that bore the weight of significance. The subtle click of a camera shutter seemed to punctuate the air, capturing the essence of the moment in a frozen frame. Raising your hand to eye level, you observed the ring from every angle, marvelling at the intricate details that adorned it. The craftsmanship was undeniable, a testament to the skill and dedication of artisans from a different era. The ring felt weighty with history, as if it had borne witness to decades of stories, celebrations, and moments of love. ''What exceptional craftsmanship; it must be more than 80 years old. Your words of appreciation were genuine, spoken not just to please Wonwoo but to acknowledge the inherent beauty of the heirloom that now graced your finger.
Unbeknownst to you, Wonwoo's surprise at your approval stemmed from a memory that resurfaced—a memory of Eleanor's disdain for the ring's vintage charm. Her words about designing her own engagement ring echoed in his mind, a stark contrast to the genuine admiration you now express.
"Thank you," you continued, your voice carrying a sincere tone. "I'll treasure it and ensure it's well cared for. When the time comes, I'll return it to you, as per our agreement." Wonwoo nodded, his attention fully drawn back to the present moment.
As your car glided away, disappearing into the distance, Wonwoo turned to Chan, a sense of satisfaction evident in his demeanor. "Did we get the shot?" he inquired, his voice carrying a mixture of anticipation and assurance.
Chan nodded affirmatively. "Yes, we did." A satisfied smile tugged at the corner of Wonwoo's lips. "Good. Let's release it then. Lessen's the hassle of letting everyone know yourself."
...
The mansion's grand entrance seemed to welcome you with open arms—a sanctuary of familiarity. However, before you could fully absorb its warmth, your phone's shrill ring shattered the tranquility. Shock radiated through you as your mother's name lit up the screen. Suppressing the panic, you hastily silenced the call and composed yourself to enter the living area.
Inside, your mother's agitated pacing drew your attention, her phone clutched tightly in her hand, while your father's calm demeanour seemed to offer a stark contrast. Their exchange was a silent symphony of tension, a conversation spoken through glances and unspoken words. You entered cautiously, your gaze connecting with your mother's as she turned and faced you, her expression a mix of disbelief and frustration.
She thrust her phone towards you, her voice laden with incredulity. "What is the meaning of this?"
You took a deep breath, your resolve unwavering despite her evident shock. "Wonwoo and I have decided to get married," you stated, meeting her eyes with a sense of certainty.
Her features contorted in a mix of emotions, and she spluttered, searching for words. "But… why? Have you thought this through? You both just met, like a week ago. I know we wanted this, but This isn't a decision to be taken lightly. She paused for a moment and said, ''Wait, you're not pregnant? There was a long pause, and you looked exasperatedly at your mother's predictability. ''Are you?'' ''No Mama!''  You held your ground; your voice was measured but resolute. ''I just really like Wonwoo, and I believe this is the right choice for me."
Your father, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "Are you sure about this, Y/N? We've been the ones pushing you into this arrangement, but you shouldn't feel pressured. Take your time to get to know each other."
His words resonated, and you appreciated his concern. Meeting his gaze, you nodded. "Dad, I understand your concern. But I want you both to know that this decision is mine, and I'm willingly entering into it. Wonwoo and I have had conversations, and we've reached an understanding. I believe that with time, we can build something meaningful together." He nodded, his features softening. "I trust your judgement, Y/N. Just remember, we're here for you every step of the way. If you ever have any doubts or concerns, don't hesitate to share them with us." A genuine smile curled your lips as you felt the weight of their support as you walked towards your room.
... ...
Amidst the lush haven of the Jeon family garden, a symphony of colours and scents painted the scene. Flowers of all hues danced in harmony, while the gentle breeze rustled the leaves of tall, graceful trees. The garden was a testament to nature's beauty, a serene backdrop to your momentous discussion.
Seated in a circle under a canopy of blooming cherry blossom trees, the air was filled with excitement and anticipation. Wonwoo's parents were elated beyond words; his mother radiated a celestial happiness, while his father's eyes held a proud gleam. On the other side, your mother couldn't contain her joy either, with her childhood friend's son being the groom-to-be.
As plans for the wedding took centre stage, the four of them discussed every detail with fervor. Your mothers sat next to each other, their camaraderie evident in the way they exchanged anecdotes and shared their excitement. The garden provided a serene respite, with the soft rustling leaves and the distant chirping of birds forming a soothing symphony.
However, the news of a private wedding seemed to dampen their enthusiasm. Your mother voiced her concern: "We can't have our only children's wedding like this. What will people think? They might assume the worst."
You and Wonwoo shared a knowing glance, understanding the predicament. Just as you were about to address the issue, his hand landed on your shoulder—a gesture that surprised you but didn't betray it on your face. His calm presence emboldened you.
In his composed manner, he spoke, reminding both sets of parents about the time crunch. He suggested an alternative, his words carrying the weight of careful consideration. "Considering that L/N Enterprises' 75th anniversary is just three months away, perhaps we could have a reception there. A gala that combines both events
His suggestion was met with a mix of surprise and approval. You couldn't help but marvel at his insight into the intricacies of your family's business events. His parents' agreement brought a sense of relief, and your mothers immediately delved into discussions about the grandeur and coordination needed for such an occasion.
Meanwhile, your fathers found common ground in their shared love for football, and their discussion was animated and filled with camaraderie. Seated next to you, Wonwoo seemed to be lost in thought, his phone in hand. His gaze, however, was fixed on your fingers as they fidgeted with the ring he had placed on your hand.
The subtle touch of the ring brought warmth to the place where he had touched you. Unbeknownst to you, Wonwoo's father observed this quiet interaction, a knowing smile curving his lips.
...
...
With only two days left until the wedding, the world around you seemed to be spinning in a frenzy of preparations and arrangements. Rachel, your mother, and Chan's assistant, Jun-min, were orchestrating a symphony of tasks on both sides to ensure every detail was perfect. Amidst the whirlwind, you found yourself seated at your desk, the file of your upcoming exhibition of rare gems open before you. However, your mind refused to stay focused, drifting away like a leaf caught in a gentle breeze.
The rapid pace at which everything was changing left you feeling as if time itself was slipping through your fingers. The days seemed to merge into one another, and you struggled to internalise the enormity of the changes taking place in your life. With a sigh, you closed the file and allowed your thoughts to wander back to a phone conversation you had with Wonwoo just last night.
His name lingered on your lips like a whisper carried by the wind. The memory of his warm and steady voice played in your mind like a soothing melody. You had called him with important news about a case and explained why his presence was crucial. And then you found yourself speaking the words that had been lingering on the edge of your thoughts.
"Wonwoo," you began, your voice carrying a mixture of contemplation and vulnerability. "I know we've signed a contract, and it's a mutually beneficial arrangement. But there's something I feel the need to discuss. Adopting Noel means that he will forever be a part of your life, at least on paper. Are you sure you want that?"
The seconds that followed your question felt like suspended time, a void where anticipation held its breath. And then his response came, each word falling like a gentle rain that quenched the thirst for uncertainty.
"You know, Y/N. His voice resonated through the line, a soft caress against your ears. When I first took over the business, I was driven by the desire to leave a lasting mark on the world. But now, it all seems like a cycle of profit and loss. And when I consider the impact it could have on his life, why not? It's not like I have to pay for childcare," he added with a touch of humour, and your chuckles danced together like notes in a melody.
The ringing of your phone cut through the recollection,disrupted by the familiar sound of your ringing phone. With a delicate touch, you picked it up, and your mother's voice flowed through the line, a cascade of concern and authority intertwined.
"Hello, Mama. Your voice held a soothing tone, an echo of familiarity.
The barrage of her words swept over you like a mother's affectionate reprimand. "Why are you still in your office? Didn't I tell you to go for your fitting? Tommy is waiting for you, and you know how crucial these appointments are."
In the midst of her words, there came a polite knock on your door, and you motioned for the visitor to enter. Rema, your confidante and partner in this whirlwind, stepped in, her lips moving silently, inquiring about your situation.
You brought the phone back to your ear, offering a hasty response to your mother's concerns. "Yes, yes, Mama, I'll be there shortly."
Her voice shifted into a higher octave, an urgent note encased in her words. "What do you mean you'll be there? Go now! Do you have any idea how much work planning a wedding takes? And on top of that, you've chosen to hold it in our residence! If it weren't for that commendable child, Rachel—"
Her voice trailed off, the echo of her thoughts leaving an invisible trail in the air. And in less time than it took to catch a breath, you found yourself transported from your office to the plush surroundings of Thomason's, often fondly referred to as "Tommy's" boutique. The pristine ambiance welcomed you, and the scent of delicate fabrics and elegance enveloped you like a soft embrace. As you stepped into the luxurious ambiance of Thomason's, Rema followed closely behind, her fingers gliding through the racks of exquisite gowns. Her voice carried curiosity as she voiced a question that had perhaps been lingering in her mind for a while. "Do you not have any other friends?"
Engrossed in your phone as you replied to a message, your response came without a moment's hesitation. "I did, but she died in an orchestrated car crash. Sooo, no, I don't."
When you finally looked up, you met Rema's shocked expression. It was as if she hadn't expected you to approach such a sensitive topic with such nonchalance. The gravity of the situation, however, gave way to a shared understanding. The corners of your lips curled upward, and her lips mirrored your amusement.
With a voice adorned by a rich French accent, Thomas emerged to greet you, his exuberance evident in his words. "Here's my bride."
You responded with a warm smile, acknowledging his affectionate welcome. "Thomas."
His excitement was palpable as he continued, "Welcome, darling. I was going blind, staring at the door for your arrival."
"Hurry, I have shortlisted the dresses for you. All you have to do is try them on, darling. Your skin... it looks like you took a private appointment with the sun."
Amused by his playful comment, you chuckled softly. "I know an amazing place."
"It's alright, Tommy. Mama has taken care of that. Where's the dress? I have a meeting at 3."
In the midst of Thomas' effervescent energy, you embarked on the quest to find the perfect dress for you. ...
You stood before the mirror in the changing room, behind the curtain. The white dress with its ethereal blue hues As you contemplated how it would look on you, the dress felt like a second skin, embracing you in an intricate dance of lace and silk. The blue hues seemed to complement your complexion, bringing out the warmth in your skin.
As you admired yourself in the mirror, you heard a subtle rustling of fabric. You heard a voice you've grown quite familiar with over the last few days. Your gaze shifted towards the entrance. You stepped down from the platform and opened the curtain. There, occupying the spot where Rema had been sitting, was Wonwoo. His presence was unexpected, and your eyes met in a momentary connection that seemed to speak volumes without uttering a single word. In that fleeting instance, you saw a myriad of thoughts cross his features, a silent conversation that left you both a touch spellbound.
Rema returned from the restroom and noticed Wonwoo's presence, her eyebrows quirking up in surprise. Before you could ask, Rema beat you to it: "Mr. Jeon? What are you doing here?"
A soft chuckle escaped his lips, his gaze never leaving yours. "Well, what kind of fiancé would I be if I didn't assist her in selecting the dress?" Your heart skipped a beat at his words, a mix of emotions swirling within you. He was here, taking a genuine interest in the moment. But you know better than to believe in empty words. You couldn't help but wonder about the real reason behind Wonwoo's unexpected appearance. Just as the situation settled in, Chan entered the scene with a suit in hand. He shot a quizzical glance at Wonwoo before shifting his attention to the empty fitting room. "The fitting room is free now." Your curiosity eased, and within a few seconds, it was raised. Wonwoo's gaze shifted to Chan and then back to you. His lips curled into a gentle smile. "Never mind, Chan. I'll leave with the suit." ''Y/N'' ''Wonwoo''  With those words, Wonwoo turned to leave. Well, that wasn't awakward at all, you thought to yourself when he halted in his stride and looked over his shoulder, catching your eyes. ''Blue really is your colour. ''Blue really is your colour'' A soft, surprised smile tugged at your lips as Wonwoo's unexpected comment hung in the air. There was a complexity to him that you hadn't fully grasped yet, a depth that went beyond the surface.
The boutique's atmosphere seemed to shift with his departure, leaving you standing there with a lingering sense of his presence. You touched the fabric of the dress; the blue hues now carry a different significance. In the midst of wedding preparations and the whirlwind of events, there was a thread connecting you and Wonwoo, and you couldn't deny its pull.
With a sigh, you turned your attention back to the dresses.
...
...
A bittersweet atmosphere settled in your room, carrying a mix of excitement and nostalgia. As the moonlight filtered through the curtains, casting soft shadows, why not? It was the night before the wedding. You were packing your remaining belongings in the bag. There was a subtle knock on your door, and your father quietly entered the room. There was a gentle smile on his lips and a mixture of pride and affection in his eyes.
"Hey, sweetheart," he said, his voice warm as he crossed the room to sit beside you. The anticipation of the big day hung in the air, but in this moment, it was just you and him, sharing a quiet connection.
"Hey, Dad," you replied, your own smile reflecting the emotions swirling within you. The upcoming wedding was a symbol of new beginnings, but it also marked a chapter closing—a shift in the dynamic you had always known.
He took a deep breath, a hint of nostalgia in his gaze. "You know, I can't believe my little girl is all grown up and getting married. There was a mixture of pride and a touch of sadness in his tone. He reached out to gently tuck a loose strand of hair behind your ear. His touch was affectionate and comforting.
You leaned into his touch, feeling a surge of emotions welling up. "I can't believe it either," you admitted, your voice soft. It's a lot to take in."
He nodded, his gaze lingering on your face as if trying to capture this moment in his memory. "I want you to know, sweetheart, that no matter where life takes you, I'll always be here for you. Even if it's in a different way."
A lump formed in your throat, and you looked down for a moment, struggling to hold back tears. His words were a reassurance, a reminder that even as things changed, the bond between you two remained unbreakable.
"I know I wasn't always there," he continued, his voice slightly husky with emotion. "Work, responsibilities... I wish I could've been around more."
You shook your head gently, reaching out to take his hand in yours. "Dad, you've always been there when it mattered most. You've supported me in every decision and every step I've taken."
He let out a soft chuckle, a mixture of emotions in his eyes. "I suppose I have, haven't I?"
You nodded, a small smile playing on your lips. "You've taught me so much, Dad. Your strength, your wisdom... I couldn't have asked for a better father."
His hand tightened around yours, and he leaned down to press a gentle kiss on your forehead. "And I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful daughter."
Feeling a lump in your throat, you shifted to sit on the ground and rested your head on his knees. He cupped your cheek with one hand and tenderly stroked your hair with the other. The silence between you was filled with unspoken emotions, a lifetime of memories, and love. ''You know, when your mother and I got married, our situation was so complex; at that time, she settled for a compromise. But look at where we are now. But I never wish that for you. I hope you're not doing it for any other reason except for love. Love... A sad smile graced your lips as memories flooded your mind, like delicate ripples on the surface of a pond. It was a quiet afternoon, just you and Ella sitting in her cosy living room. The warm sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a golden hue on everything it touched. And then, as if orchestrated by fate, Noel took his first steps, his chubby legs wobbling with effort.
Your heart swelled as his uncertain movements brought him closer to his mother. Ella's eyes lit up with a mixture of surprise and joy, and you both watched in awe as he made his way to her. The world seemed to hold its breath, and the atmosphere was infused with an indescribable tenderness.
And when Noel finally reached his destination, his arms extended towards Ella. There was a magical connection between mother and child. Time stood still as she rushed to embrace him, holding him close in a cocoon of love. The room was filled with laughter, a joyous symphony that resonated in the air like a soothing melody. In that intimate moment, the power of love was tangible. As you reminisced about that day, a sense of melancholy settled over you. Love had left its mark on that day, woven into the fabric of those shared experiences.
"I'm going to miss you, you know," he admitted softly, his voice tinged with both happiness and sadness.
"I'm going to miss you too, Dad," you replied, your voice muffled against his pants.
He continued to stroke your hair, a soothing gesture that seemed to say more than words ever could. As the night deepened, you found comfort in each other's presence, cherishing this moment of quiet connection before the new chapter began.
The day had finally arrived, and the world around you was a whirlwind of motion and preparation. The atmosphere was charged with energy as people moved about, setting up tables, arranging flowers, and making sure every detail was perfect. Your mother had chosen a garden wedding, and the weather was on your side—pleasant with a gentle sun that lacked the usual scorching heat. The air was filled with the soothing aroma of cafe au lait dahlias, adding to the enchantment of the day.
Your make-up artist, Ashton, worked meticulously on your hair, applying final touches with the expertise of an artist. Memories flooded back as one of his assistants passed him a pin, triggering a nostalgic smile on your face. You remembered the time you had done Noella's hair for her shotgun wedding, a playful fantasy shared between the two of you.
"I'll fulfil my 'Mama Mia' fantasy at your wedding," she remarked, her tone light and teasing.
"Or maybe at your second wedding," you replied, the humour shared between friends soothing her nerves.
"Y/N!" she playfully smacked you, and your laughter filled the room, mingling with the excitement that hung in the air, calming your own jitters. You took a moment to admire your work in the mirror, appreciating the intricate details you had crafted. Leaning down, your faces aligned in the reflection, and your eyes met through the glass.
"You look beautiful," you said sincerely.
She squeezed your hand, a mutual understanding passing between you. "You too." . As if on cue, your mother's presence graced the doorway, and you saw her reflection in the mirror. Her voice wavered with emotion as she spoke again, repeating the sentiment that hung in the air.
"You look beautiful," she said, tears welling up in her eyes. She blinked them back, fighting to keep her composure. "I can't believe my princess is all grown up. Where did all the time go? It feels like yesterday when you used to sneak into my room, walking in heels way too big for you and smearing makeup all over your small face."
"Mama," a lump formed in your throat as you listened to her words, the weight of your own secrets pressing on your chest. You felt an overwhelming guilt for deceiving such loving parents.
"No, no," she continued, her voice softening. "Ashton did a wonderful job, and I wouldn't dare ruin it."
A light-hearted comment about the groom's arrival shifted the mood in the room. Your mother's words struck a chord, and you found yourself anxious for Wonwoo's presence. The room fell into a hushed silence as you waited.
"Is Wonwoo not here yet?" you questioned, concern edging in your voice.
"Well, his parents and assistant are here. We're just waiting for him. Once he arrives, we can proceed," she explained, his tone reassuring.
Your mother walked closer, placing a comforting hand on your shoulder. She leaned in, whispering in your ear, "Don't worry and keep calm, okay?"
You nodded, grateful for her support, and settled back down as Ashton continued the finishing touches. In this whirlwind of emotions, your mother's words were a lifeline, grounding you in the midst of the excitement and anticipation that surrounded your wedding day.
... Wonwoo was late. Wonwoo's realisation of his lateness weighed heavily on him. He had never intended to be late for such a significant day, but circumstances had their own plans. As he gathered his things and prepared to leave, your driver arrived with your suitcase, a reminder of the impending days before you both moved into your villa together, taking Noel along to join your new family. He sighed and placed his jacket in the back seat, ready to make his way.
But fate seemed to have a different agenda. Just as he was about to drive out of the parking lot, a figure stumbled in front of his car—a shock that sent him slamming on the brakes. "Eleanor?" he exclaimed, his heart skipping a beat as he recognised her. Rushing out of the car, concern etched on his face, he checked on her, his worry overshadowing his own delays. She had fallen, and he gathered her gently in his arms, searching for her pulse. The realisation hit him hard—she was intoxicated beyond comprehension.
"Wonniee, please... don't... please don't leave me, baby—please. Her words were broken, accompanied by sobs that seemed to pierce the air. In that moment, he looked down at the woman in his arms, the same woman who had once held his heart within her hands. She had shattered it without a second thought, walking away in pursuit of a better opportunity, something he had not been ready to offer, both mentally and emotionally. The signs of her true nature had been there all along—the disdain his parents held for her, her behaviour towards his peers and family. The binding of love had veiled his eyes, but now it was clear.
Gently lifting her, he carried her to the back seat of his car and laid her down. She continued to mumble incoherently, lost in her drunken haze. His thoughts drifted back to you—his family, waiting for his arrival, their anticipation mounting. He imagined his father's frustration and the tension building as time ticked away.
Arriving at his hotel suite, he carefully laid Eleanor on the bed, her form cradled by the mattress. But as he looked down at her, memories flooded back—moments they had shared, the intensity of their relationship that had once consumed him. She clung to him, her actions and words fueled by the alcohol that clouded her judgment. Her lips found his neck, leaving a stain of lipstick on his collar, a stark contrast to the path he had chosen.
His gaze softened as he regarded her for a moment, a mixture of emotions swirling within him. But above all, there was a deep sense of pity. I felt pity for her, for the choices she had made, for the pain she had caused. Without a word, he turned away from her and left the room, his heart heavy with the realisation of what could have been.
His thoughts returned to you, his family, and his commitment. There was a newfound clarity within him.
...
It seemed as if time was testing everyone's patience. You stood by the entrance to the garden, where you and Wonwoo were meant to make your grand entrance together. An hour had passed, and he was still nowhere in sight. The city hall officer stood patiently in the ordained spot, with your parents and family seated on the right side. Murmurs floated through the air, adding to the growing tension. Your mother's anxiety was palpable, and your father's clenched fists and jaws revealed his inner turmoil. Wonwoo's father wasn't faring much better; his frustration was evident. Sunmi held his hand, offering a silent source of comfort; her presence was a balm to his turmoil. He was even ashamed to look over at Kaori. He never thought that he would have to witness a day like this due to his son. Kaori maintained her composure, but the rhythmic tapping of her fingers on her thigh betrayed her true emotions to those who were observant.
From your vantage point, you could see it all—the emotions running high, the impatience growing tangible. Embarrassment started to seep in as you considered what to do next. Your gaze shifted to where Racheal was stationed, and you extended your bouquet to her. Your decision was clear.
"Very well—Racheal, inform everyone that the wedding is—"
However, a familiar voice interrupted your words, booming into the room. Sorry, I'm late. Shall we, Y/N?"
The atmosphere froze; everyone's attention was now fixed on Wonwoo's late arrival. Ashton and his assistant exchanged glances; Racheal and Chan were visibly tense. Chan was on the brink of sweating profusely.
Assessing him with a critical eye, you noticed the stain on his neck—an unspoken revelation of where he had been. Dissatisfaction rippled within you, mingling with a slight disappointment as your stomach churned with unease. His jacket bore the unmistakable scent of alcohol.
''Just a moment, Wonwoo. Ashton, please wipe Sir's neck." Ashton acted swiftly, stepping forward. "Yes, ma'am," Ashton replied, tending to the task at hand. Chan fumbled for a cologne and sprayed it onto Wonwoo's jacket, an attempt to mask the scent of alcohol. After collecting himself, Wonwoo extended his hand to you, a practiced smile on his lips as if to quell any unease.
You took his hand, your eyes locking onto his with a mixture of emotions—unspoken disappointment and a lingering expectation. With practiced grace, you both began your march forward, arms intertwined, heading towards the altar. . However, from the back, a voice disrupted the air, loud enough for all to hear. "Young people these days, blinded by passion, make decisions they later regret."
"Tch, my poor niece Y/n," another voice chimed in. "I told Kaori—"
Your father's sudden rise from his seat cut off the comments, his stern presence demanding silence. He cleared his throat, poised to address the gathering, and the atmosphere shifted. Just as the tension was about to escalate, the violins began to play, diverting everyone's attention. All eyes turned towards the aisle, capturing the sight of you and Wonwoo, your arms linked and your practiced smiles firmly in place. The strains of the violins wrapped around you as you both stepped forward to embrace a new chapter of your lives.
Extra: Amidst the papers and organised chaos of the office, your father was engrossed in his work when his secretary's voice cut through the air, informing him that a certain Jeon Wonwoo was waiting to meet him. He nodded and gestured for Wonwoo to be brought in, his curiosity piqued by the unexpected visitor.
As Wonwoo entered, your father offered a polite nod and a gesture towards the chair opposite him. "Please, have a seat."
Wonwoo sat down, his posture displaying a mixture of respect and determination. "Thank you for seeing me, sir."
Your father studied him for a moment before getting straight to the point. "What brings you here, Son?"
Wonwoo cleared his throat, his eyes meeting your father's directly. "I've come here with a purpose, sir. I'd like to ask for your permission to propose to your daughter."
Your father's eyebrows raised in mild surprise. He leaned back in his chair, folding his hands together. ‘Did Y/N asked you?’
“I’m afraid she’s not aware of it sir’’
"And why do you feel the need to ask for my permission?"
Wonwoo's gaze didn't waver as he responded, "Because from what I’ve observed she holds you you both in high regard and I respect her and I respect you, sir. I believe that family plays an important role in a relationship, and your blessing means a lot to me."
A thoughtful smile played on your father's lips. "Interesting. And what do you want from this relationship?"
Wonwoo's honesty shone through his eyes as he replied, "I'll be frank, sir. I can't say I'm madly in love with your daughter. But what I can promise is that life with her won't be ordinary. There will never be a dull day. With her, there's adventure, challenge, and growth."
Your father's laughter filled the room, a genuine amusement evident in his eyes. "You're quite the straightforward young man, Wonwoo."
Wonwoo nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I believe in transparency, sir."
Your father leaned forward, his demeanour serious once again. "Tell me, do you want her or what she has?"
Wonwoo's answer was unwavering, his voice steady. "I want her. Her personality, her spirit, and her presence I want her in my life."
Your father leaned forward, his expression softening. "You know, Y/n is a force to be reckoned with. She has her dreams and her own world. I won't let her be with someone who doesn't see her worth."
Wonwoo met your father's gaze with sincerity. "I understand that, and I respect her dreams. I promise to always support her aspirations and give her the space she needs."
A thoughtful silence lingered between them before your father finally spoke; his tone softened. "You know, Wonwoo, marriage isn't just about love. It's about understanding, respect, and partnership. It's about navigating life's challenges together."
Wonwoo nodded, absorbing your father's words. "I understand that, sir. And I'm willing to put in the effort and commitment to make it work."
A warm smile spread across your father's face. "You remind me a lot of myself when I was younger. Determined and unafraid to speak your mind, Alright, son, you have my permission."
Wonwoo's gratitude was evident in his eyes as he extended a hand to shake your father's. "Thank you, sir. I won't take this opportunity lightly."
With a firm handshake, your father concluded, "I trust you won't. Take care of her, Wonwoo."
As Wonwoo left the office that day, he carried with him not just your father's permission but also a sense of responsibility and a newfound bond.
tbc.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A/N: Jeez bro, wonwoo you pissed the wrong girl ngl, well the brownie points he gained by this act of chivalry are in trouble. Do let me know how you liked this 11k monster.
xx
msh
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Kaiju Week in Review (November 19-25)
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Monarch: Legacy of Monsters remains must-see kaiju TV with its third episode. The flashbacks revisit the U.S. attempt to kill Godzilla with an H-bomb in 1954, making a few retcons to the 2014 film that I think are largely for the better. This might be the Monsterverse Godzilla work that best understands it's adapting a Japanese story. There's also a delightful new critter who shows up at the end of the main story and will surely continue to be a threat in the next installment. On the human side of things, we're starting to see how Monarch became more and more obsessive about secrecy over the decades, paralleled with the infidelity at the heart of the story.
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Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong #2 delivers the Superman/Godzilla fight that's probably what people most wanted out of this crossover. I was surprised at how well Godzilla did, although it wasn't quite a clean victory. Camazotz's duel with the Bat-Family in Gotham City was more interesting, as bizarre as it is to see some of the most famous superheroes in the world taking on a Titan who's never even been in a movie before. Meanwhile, Scylla's in Central City and Behemoth's closing in on Themyscira. Odd choices considering Scylla's Greek name, but then I can't see her doing well against Wonder Woman.
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As is New Generation Ultra Series tradition, Ultraman Blazar will be quickly followed by a movie (Tokyo Kaiju Showdown) released early next year (February 23). Most of these things are pretty forgettable, but director Kiyotaka Taguchi was also behind the Ultraman X movie, which I thought was one of the best ones. The plot:
A wave of kaiju emerges from an industrial zone, prompting Capitan Gento and the Special Kaiju Reaction Detachment (SKaRD) to engage in the relentless battle. Yet despite their efforts, the endless kaiju attack continues. Suspecting a link to Necromass Co., an advanced chemical company that researches kaiju corcasses and owns factories in the industrial zone, SKaRD rushes to the company’s CEO and renowned chemist, Dr. Mabuse. At Necromass Co.’s research facility, Dr. Mabuse explains the development of the damudoxin, a substance on the brink of achieving immortality. Meanwhile, Alien Damuno, who claims themselves as the “ruler of the universe” appears! Chaos ensues when damudoxin leaks from the destroyed tanks, consuming samples of kaiju carcasses and giving rise to the giant Gongilgan, the Demonic Carcass. Set in Tokyo, the capital of Japan, Ultraman Blazar and SKaRD clash in a showdown against the giant kaiju!
This year's Ultraman Decker movie was available to rent on Tsuburaya Imagination the same day it released in Japanese theaters, so I'd expect the same from the Blazar movie.
I'm typing this hours before I see Godzilla Minus One in IMAX. The date crept up on me, but I can feel every atom in my body vibrating right now, so yeah, almost time for the new Godzilla movie. High hopes with the reviews it's getting!
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laylajeffany · 7 months
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a conspiracy is finally publicly exposed, girlfriends properly making out, divination not divining, and a full moon to remember
also I believe that considering I have not had the time to go back and reread most of my own work, (& I'm only now starting to restore my COVID induced memory issues that have plagued me for almost two years), the only major continuity problems I have had in the first 1.2million words of this fanfic that were things I chose to ignore from the show (aside from some capitalization consistency issues that I will go back and fix when I give her a GOOOD read and edit when I'm done) is....where the fuck is Thing at any given time?
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I've just decided that Thing in this fanfic has the energy of Pete's buttons in Pete the Cat and his Groovy Buttons.
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Thing comes, and Thing goes - Thing is doing Thing things. And that, it's not for us to know.
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sunshine-tattoo · 3 days
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So Jurassic World Dominion has some really good pieces but it would have done so much better as a TV series like the original stranger things.
Because stranger things is effectively three different genres all happening at once but it doesn't feel weird due to good timing and separation of the plotlines until everything is ready to come to a header.
Dominion also has three different genres as plotlines but because of the film's time frame they feel muddied and not nearly flushed out enough.
This was a movie that wanted to be good and thoughtful but was put into the jurassic park "running from dinos" box.
Which is so sad because the book version of this world actually has a lot of elements they were trying for in this movie. Like political intrigue and the real risks of science under capitalism.
The camp cretaceous series does a pretty solid job at bringing this more to the forefront.
And their new series, chaos theory, really drives it home.
But both are still animated series for young people and I wish these was an R rated live action series that bridges the gap between these two.
All that being said, I really love that the film actually tries to give real respect to all the iterations of this franchise.
And how the characters really feel genuine and three dimensional.
I was prepared to go into this movie to hate it. Yet I think it actually might be my favorite after the OG '93 film.
Also. Kayla is an absolute hottie and I need her to sit on my face.
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thehopelessexception · 2 months
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save me lord(e) please save me
i struggle with the concept of religion because i've never quite understood the belief on an omnipresent something watching over you and giving you a path or whatever that's supposed to mean.
i went to church probably 15 times in my life when i was younger and i was bored all the time. i took the first communion when i was 10 because my parents made me do it. (i just wanted to taste wine and receive money from my family tho) but i remember that by that time i already rejected the concept of it. maybe because i was deppressed from the very age of 8 years old and i wanted to kms since then (im over it rn fyi), so the whole god thing it wasnt much enough to make me have faith in anything because i already thought i suffered more than jesus.
i've never been much close to my family, im a single child too. not to blame them really, but my parents did the bare minimum so i had to create my own moral codes from way too young. i teached myself, and educated myself on everything i know of since i was a kid. i took the responsibility of being the emotional support of adults as a child because they didnt know how to be parents nor communicate their feelings with each other (or me, for that matter). i hided my own. and when i was on my breaking point i took care of myself at 13/14 i think? and made myself go to therapy because i knew if i didn't i wouldnt be here today —i had to convince my mom, changing the reason i needed to go and i made her lie to my dad because he "doesnt believe in that" and so on—. my parents were clueless all the time 'till i grew up and told them my story on a crisis i had in the pandemic. they are still not the best parents you can find but i moved on from being resentful and made somehow peace.
i remember i was quite interested in the whole lucifer arc and the apocalypse stuff. when my catechist was explaining the 7(i think?) days of creation or etc i was reading the very end, fascinated as a kid reading the hunger games. probably my father's fault since he loved to watch the conspiracy shows in history channel about nostradamus and so on in the living room's tv. and also maybe because i loved chaos and i never fitted in anywhere so naturally i didnt even try.
i hyperfixated on greek gods if that helps.
at 13 i met the 1975, my favourite band (if it wasnt obvious at this point). and the first songs i listened to were girls, me, and antichrist. and i know it's very likely that you think im exaggerating but antichrist is doubtless the purest most real song i heard in my life. and i think about it a lot. the whole journey the band, and matty especially, made about religion made me think a lot through the years. i agree with him tho, but i made that entire journey when i was 9, as they said men do drugs once and discover the same things girls have discovered alone in their bedrooms at 13 years old. and today religion is a thing so foreign, and distant to me; sometimes i wonder if im missing something by not being part of that feeling.
i can't wrap my head around it, i cannot process faith because i don't find it logical. however when im lost i sometimes find myself asking for signs to "the universe", so it's complicated. i also think it's better for people that feel lost to find a communion of some kind than ending up being addicts or worse, liberals. and i also think some religions are waiting for people to have misery to sign them up on their cult.
what is religion really? what is god? is there one? or two? or millions? but what about science? the big bang? evolution? capitalism? media? how can all of that make some kind of sense altogether? i said already i am skeptical over probably everything, but the truth is that science is also a common agreement of stuff and "hard" evidence, but we don't have the certainty that things work like that in the whole universe, so technically it's not an absolute truth, it's just what works. but what is the whole universe? i trust science over anything ofc that's not what im trying to say, the thing is i lose my mind every now and then when i dig that up. because you end up thinking you are so tiny and irrelevant to the whole universe, the whole thing we live into. are we even alive at this point? is this reality real? and i know it's stupid deep thought thinking you have when you are a kid but i wrote something about this years ago in my diary and im going to quote it:
(i wrote it in my native language so the translation may suck a bit)
"(...) the human being is perfect, nature is perfect. the society is a mess but synchronously is perfectly designed to still work. what's the goal of humanity? some people believe in god, not me tho. i sometimes think people are simplistic and conformist with the unknown. weak deniers of the search of the truth. the systematization almost automatic that is used on people as individuals of each culture, each society; with the vague idea of making them believe on free will, and the freedom of choice. when there's something existing over us that influences us, dominates us, and drives us like cattle. but what is this really? (...) the different "types of control" influence all of us so we achieve an end to society. nobody question said unknown end, because they believe, they have faith; on themselves and their meritocracy, the destiny god prepared for them. to the reach of a post-civilization with all the answers, from the firm and fair science that at the same time is clinging to nothing, to the not knowing blindness. the problem with humanity is believing but not fighting for the answers. the problem with humanity is trusting in "what exists and what doesnt exist" as a concept; when you can find somehow the solution on untrusting and not believing on absolute truths, because all of those are influenced by human subjectivity. civilizations are built with absolute truths, "civilization or barbarism". the barbarism never was that much stupidified. do we live in a simulated civilization? i dont know, all i know is that i know nothing."
lately i've been thinking about religion as a support group for people, but the institution makes me yikes. i've been thinking a lot about lots of things.
and i find myself in the context where everything i know of is taking another meaning now. maybe religion is what conveys the society altogether, maybe it's something else. i don't know. the world was always at war because of religion, and the preponderance of one over another. noone can convince me that religion has nothing to do with the world war we're living rn.
i consider music as a support group, i have my own friends and we like the same things (i dont like people who i dont think somehow alike). and i like my music as a representation of my personality too. i believe one is what one consumes. i grew up here, on tumblr, and i know what i write now will probably resonate with you too.
what i know most of is possibly reading patterns on people. and what i am wondering right now is if we, as a whole, and our generation specifically, walked away too much from the "love your neighbor" premise. i may not believe in religion, but i believe in collectivism as a way to live, as a gear that sets society in motion. and me, personally, i am a hater of everything and everyone. but i can deal with it, i dont think society will. we can't make the bad people disappear, and we can't kill them all (sadly). so lately i tend to believe i have the knowledge and the wisdom to be the adult and choose to make peace with the evil, to stop fighting for making people change, and go build community, the safe space, the home, with the people who are predisposed to listen. because individualism will kill us all. and we cannot save ourselves alone.
lorde said explicitly "if you're looking for a saviour well thats not me". but here we are.
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happy easter to those who celebrate.
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Power Metal Warriors GLORYHAMMER Set to Release New Album
GLORYHAMMER about “Keeper Of The Celestial Flame Of Abernethy”: "This tale begins long in the past, 1000 years before even Angus McFife was born. A simple peasant by the name of Zargothrax lived a peaceful existence weaving baskets.... @underadeadsky #GLORYHAMMER @gloryhammer @NapalmRecords
Chart-storming power metal warriors GLORYHAMMER are back and proudly announcing their highly anticipated upcoming fourth album, Return to the Kingdom of Fife, out June 2, 2023 via Napalm Records! (more…) “”
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maize-is-lost · 9 months
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I've recently started working on a Pikmin AU story. Not quite done with the first chapter but I figured it would be fun to post what I've got so far.
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There’s something funny about how different characters will start the same story. No matter how far apart they live, no matter how they were raised, no matter what they’re doing at the start, eventually they will all spin into the same yarn.
For Olimar, the story begins with an unexpected banging against the hull of the S.S. Dolphin as it flies through deep space. 
For Louie, the story begins when he’s called to the President’s office for an “imperative” mission.
A little over a month has passed since his coworker’s disappearance. At first he doesn’t realize anything’s wrong. Anyone who’s spent any time with Olimar knows how much the man loves his family; and while he loves his job, he often laments how it keeps him away from his wife and children. When he doesn’t come back from vacation on time, Louie just assumes the man had quit and moved on to better things. He wouldn’t have blamed him. The assumption explains why the President becomes more and more nervous in the following days. What it doesn’t explain is why Olimar’s wife keeps showing up at Hocotate Freight’s headquarters to yell at Louie’s boss.
His first thought is that maybe she was just that salty over how much her husband had been overworked these last few months. 
Then he realizes the S.S. Dolphin isn’t where it’s usually stored. Olimar loved that ship, but he definitely wasn’t making enough money to buy it off of the company.
There’s whispers of a lawsuit.
Or worse, an internal investigation.
The company must have hooked her up with some really good insurance though, because she stops coming around after a few weeks. Everyone who didn’t quit during the chaos breathes a sigh of relief. It’s pretty easy to move on after that, they just have to work a little harder while the company hires new workers to replace what they’ve lost. 
Not long after that, people start receiving The Transmission.
Yeah, capital “The,” capital “T.” It’s necessary.
Most people hear about it from, well, the news. Louie doesn’t watch the news, though. Instead, he gets called up to the President’s office.
“Louie, my boy, you remember Olimar, don’t you?” Louie nods. He’s never been the best at remembering faces, but he imagines he could pick Olimar out in a photo (as long as he was surrounded by people who looked nothing like Olimar. It had been almost two months since he’d last seen his coworker, after all). “I’m sure you’ve been worried sick ever since he disappeared, I know I have!” the President wipes a nonexistent tear from his eye. Louie tries to keep from rolling his.
“Anyway, some great news has just come in. Have you seen Space Broadcast Inc.’s latest report?” Louie shakes his head. The President picks up a remote and turns, switching on a large TV on the other side of the room. It flickers on to a news report narrated by a woman with a swoop of pink hair covering her face. “Looks like they’re showing it again,” the President chortles.
“Earlier today, several parties received a mysterious transmission from a previously undiscovered planet,” the pink haired woman reports from a spaceship launch site. “This transmission shook the stars when it was discovered that it was sent by a missing captain from Hocotate Freight.”
Louie’s stomach turns. It hasn’t escaped his notice that he’s the only person the President called. He doesn’t like where this is going.
The video of the pink haired woman changes to a split screen. One side shows Olimar’s work ID photo while the other side shows captions as the transmission plays.
“My name is Captain Olimar. I am a delivery pilot with Hocotate Freight. While traveling, I crash landed on an undetected planet. I have limited life support remaining and am unable to repair my ship. Please send help as soon as possible.”
This time, Louie can’t help but shiver at the voice that plays while his coworker’s face is on screen. The audio is crunchy, but he can tell that the speaker’s voice is a smooth baritone, like honey dripping off a spoon. It’s oddly calm given the situation that had been described. 
There’s one thing he knows for certain.
That wasn’t Olimar’s voice.
The two of them hadn’t spent much time together in the month after Louie started working at Hocotate Freight, but what time they had worked together had often been filled with Olimar’s anecdotes or analyses. The man filled the silence wherever he went. At the time, Louie hadn’t minded. Olimar never expected him to respond verbally like most other people did. He wouldn’t have minded working with Olimar longer, really. But either way, Louie had heard enough of Olimar’s voice to recognize it even after all this time. The voice in the video was similar, sure, but it wasn’t nearly as expressive as the Captain’s. And there was something about the tone, something he couldn’t place, that didn’t settle right in his stomach.
Louie opens his mouth to say something, but the President has been talking this whole time and doesn’t notice Louie’s poor attempt to interrupt.
“-anyway I read the data logs he sent with the message and it looks like this mysterious planet is full of treasure! Enough to pull us out of debt and keep us out of the red for decades! So as soon as I heard other crews were heading to that planet I decided that I’d send you, one of my best workers, to find Olimar and track down that treasure!”  
Louie leaves the office with a mission and a newfound sense of dread. He doesn’t have long before he’s expected to leave, and there’s no telling when he’ll be back. He needs to pack. He needs to call his grandmother.
What are you supposed to say to someone when you don’t know if you’ll come home alive?
(Update: second part has been posted)
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workersolidarity · 5 months
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[ 📹 Ecuadorian drug traffickers take prison guards and police officers hostage and assassinate them on camera in a series of coordinated attacks across the South American country.]
🇪🇨 💀 🔞 🚨
ECUADOR ERUPTS INTO VIOLENCE AND CHAOS AFTER CARTELS DECARE "WAR ON THE STATE", ARMED FORCES OF ECUADOR DEPLOY TROOPS
A State of Emergency was declared by the Ecuadorian President after a series of terrorist attacks, prison riots and kidnappings exploded into a day of chaos, after drug cartels declared "War on the State".
After a series of explosions, abductions of police officers, prison riots, the escape of a notorious gang leader from a high-security prison, and the storming of a live-tv broadcast of channel TC by gang members waving firearms and accosting television crews, the President of Ecuador declared a State of Emergency Wednesday, determining 22 of the nation's most prominent gangs to be terrorist organizations, announcing that the South American country was experiencing "internal armed conflict," and issueing a decree that included a curfew, which the gangs immediately violated.
Videos showing prison guards being subdued and killed have gone viral, while the search for "The Cheneros" gang leader, Jose Macias (aka Fito), goes on as the elusive criminal with ties to Mexican cartels evades capture.
Meanwhile, an explosive device was detonated in the vicinity of the residence of Ecuadorian Supreme Court President, Ivan Saquicela, in the Ecuadorian capital, Quito, and several police officers have been kidnapped across the country.
Riots also broke out in several cities, with scenes of running crowds escaping explosions and gunfire, cars burning in the streets, the looting of warehouses, and the destruction of public infrastructure.
Several videos have also gone viral showing the assassination of police officers and prison guards.
The rioting Ecuadorian criminal organizations killed two police officers, Corporals Alex Taday and Luis Guanotuña in Nobol, located in the Guayas province.
In response to the violence, the Armed Forces of Ecuador have been mobilized, with troops deploying in several cities across the country in areas where riots and looting have broken out over the last day.
Reports from Ecuadorian Forces say more than 70 people tied to the violence and others with links to criminal enterprises have been detained, while three police officers being held hostage have been released.
The Armed Forces of Ecuador also added that 17 escaped prisoners were re-captured, adding that they had also seized weapons, ammunition and explosives from the armed groups.
Meanwhile, the Ecuadorian legislature announced blanket pardons and amnesties related to operations targeting the drug traffickers.
The President's decree determined the following organizations to be "terrorist organizations and belligerent non-state actors":
Aguilas, AguilasKiller, Ak47, Caballeros Oscuros, ChoneKiller, Choneros, Corvicheros, Cuartel de las Feas, Cubanos, Fatales, Ganster, Kater Piler, Lagartos, Latin Kings, Los Lobos, Los p.27, Los Tiburones, Mafia 18, Mafia Trebol, Patrones, R7 and Tiguerones.
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stories-of-kore · 3 months
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Camp Krell - chapter one, part four
Right, so there are ten cabins in total, five that hold three campers, and five that hold five campers. When you first enter the cabin, you’d be in the kitchen, a large open space with an island in the centre. Kitchens are fully equipped to the point where they could be classed as proper industrial kitchens. I mean, hell, we even have freeze-dryers! Anyways, there’s a door at the back of the kitchen that leads to the living room, one of the bathrooms and the stairs up to the second room, with a lot of sofas, beanbags and other supersnug seating, plus a large TV mounted to a wall. Once you head up the stairs, you get to the main event: the comfiest bedroom in any summer camp in the world! Okay, that might be an exaggeration. But they’re still like, hella comfy. There are three single beds in a three-person cabin, but the five-person cabins have two bunk beds and a single bed. Both types of cabin have the beds arranged in - you guessed it - another semicircle, and the flat wall they’re facing has a whiteboard that doubles as a projector screen. The only reason I know this much about the five-person cabin when I'm staying in a three-person open is because Noto’s staying in a five-person cabin. We tend to spend quite a bit of time with him and his cabin mates, since movie nights are completely epic chaos with pillows flying everywhere.
Now that that’s over with, back to Fayne, who had divided the board into three sections titled ‘Deal demons’, ‘Subservients’ and ‘High lords’. “Right, sit your traumatised asses down; Professor Fayne’s giving you a crash course on the demonic hierarchy.” I already knew this was going to be a long explanation, so I gingerly rested my head on Kaffeyne’s shoulder the moment she took her usual spot next to me on my bed.
“There are three kinds of demons, deal demons, subservients and high lords. We’ll start with the high lords, since they are the simplest to explain. There are five lords at a time, no more, no less. They are the strongest demons, and no other demon can enter their territory without their permission. If a high lord is killed by another demon, the demon takes their place. Most high lords have a strong hatred for deal demons, even if they used to be one. They are greedy, territorial power vacuums and it’s always a race to see what demons take their place. So, like capitalism really.” As she spoke, she wrote the key points for the demons in their section. I’ve said this to her before, but Fayne would make a great teacher. She explains things so clearly!
“Moving on to the deal demons, they have four subsets; soul reapers, puppeteers, greed collectors and envy slaves. Soul reapers and puppeteers have the most in common, so I’ll go through them first. They both strike deals with humans to steal their souls, and are very fond of long, drawn out contracts instead of the quick deal. However, what they do with the souls is different. Reapers eat or consume the souls in some way, leaving the husk of a body behind, but puppeteers steal the souls and drag them down to their own demonic pocket realm to use as thralls for the rest of eternity. Honestly, those two are the worst possible option for finding a demon out in the wild.” Noto groaned upon hearing this, interrupting Kaffeyne’s… teaching? Lecture? I don’t know.
“Of course we’re stuck with one of the worst possible options living inside the woods outside of this stupid camp…”
“Shut up and let me finish, I still have a lot to cover.”
“Right, sor-“
“Shush.” Noto remained completely silent. What a simp. I swear, those two need to kiss or something, the romantic tension between those two is so palpable!
“Right, back to where I was before I was so rudely interrupted-” “I apologised!” “No. ANYWAYS, moving on to the other two categories of demon; greed collectors and envy slaves. Greed collectors are materialistic, their contracts are always a person’s entire wealth, net worth and then some. They aren’t picky with who they make deals with, as long as they can grow their wealth they’re happy. That’s why they’re often known as diplomatic dragons, they are willing to talk their way into any deal as long as it grows their hoard. Greed collectors are the only demons known to be able to create other demons, as humans who fail to complete their contract within the usually short time period have their spirits bound to the sin of envy, forever jealous of those who have more wealth.” 
“Wait… people can become demons?!” That concept terrified me. What if I was turned into a thing like the Krell?!
“Calm down Tam, its highly uncommon. And envy slaves are never fully transformed into demons, they’re partially turned. To fully turn someone, you’d have to replace all of their blood with demonic ichor, which is a difficult and painstaking process, since you’d have to keep them alive whilst doing this. Ah- don’t, Noto. I’ll answer questions once I’m done.”
“Fine.”
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dalekofchaos · 1 year
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Either the Elite need to work with Punk or be removed as EVP's
The name of the game in wrestling is to make as much money as possible. If the Bucks and Omega really are refusing to work with Punk because of "feelings", they are even stupider than I thought. Possibly the hottest angle of their careers and they'd say no? STUPID!
The Elite spent months trolling about the situation, only to not wanting to work a possible money feud. They had no problem playing into “fuck cm punk” chants, featuring them on BTE, and mocking him and the fight though lol grow the fuck up
I can't believe I'm even saying this, but Jericho is the adult in the room and it's probably time Tony Khan thinks about removing the Elite as EVPs. Putting feelings and friends first over business is a detriment to the business Tony is TRYING to grow.
Shawn and Bret worked together and they legit hated one another's guts, there's no excuse. Matt Hardy, Edge and Lita worked together despite the fact that there was REAL LIFE hatred over the real life affair.
If I'm someone on the roster with no horse in this Elite/Punk thing but I see The Elite, who are EVPs, won't even try to resolve conflict… I don't know man.
If they're going to be EVPs and represent AEW, their FIRST priority should be to work things out with CM Punk and bring this roster together. Put aside all egos. Otherwise they should be removed from power. This is the only solution if they don't want to do what's best for the business they started.
Do you know what kind of message it sends if they refuse to try and repair the chaos this whole thing caused? It's proving what Punk said at the All Out media scrum was right. About them being children & being irresponsible EVPs. It says we shouldn't make amends and do what's best for AEW, it says we should let the drama and chaos rule the company and it says if there is someone you don't want to work with, then you shouldn't despite it being what's best for AEW. It says they don't want to do what's best for All In. They don't want to gross a big money feud. They don't want to turn what at first was a detriment to AEW and turn that detriment into a positive and make a shit ton of money.
It's one thing if they were just one of the boys and just didn't want to work with the guy, but they are representatives of the company they founded and if they refuse to do business, then they should just not be EVP's.
Sidenote. Brandon Cutler and Tay Mello were trying to start shit when Tony Khan was working on bringing Punk back. "Gaslighting"
If my EVPs’ stooge and my buddy’s wife were trying to undermine my efforts to bring back the guy who could help me putt asses in the seats of Wembley Stadium, I would fire them. Then again I am not Tony Khan. He’s a lot nicer than I am.
The Elite claim (is it really a claim if its coming from metlzer) that they refuse to even meet with Cm Punk. lol I'm sorry you are HEAD EXECUTIVES of a company and yourTOP asset is coming back to talk to make money, from a company standpoint its your job and obligation to meet with him. You don't have to work with him but meet with him. You're not just a wrestler, this is what big boys in companies do. DO YOU JOB as an executive. You think hunter would refuse to meet with a talent. And now you have stooge ass manipulative fuck Jericho sliding his way in because at least that snake knows how to make money and capitalize on situations, personal feelings aside.
Bret/Shawn, Vince/Hulk, Dynamite/Jacque Rougeau, Matt Hardy/Edge and DOZENS of others could set aside personal issues for business over far worse situations, but Tony Khan has to literally split the roster and TV shows because his EVPs and their friends are whiny babies. Tony Khan knows CM Punk is far and away his biggest star, but since Tony fears conflict and acting like the boss, he’s trying to appease his little friends with job titles, that are far less important to AEW, by causing more problems and headaches.
It's very simple. Tony Khan sits Punk and The Elite down. Force them to work things out and if one party doesn't, then he strips The Elite of their EVP status or shows Punk the door. This is so ridiculous and petty. Work things out, make shit ton of money out of personal issues and just do what's best for AEW. Wrestling isn't a friends and feelings kind of business, it's the money making business and if you put friends and feelings over growing your business, I don't know what to tell you, you shouldn't be in the wrestling business.
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harleiquina · 11 months
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All TV series I've ever seen II
Let's see how many I remember from this time period.
1940 - 1970
1980 - 2000 (this post)
2010 - Now
1983 - V
Aliens have come to Earth but they are nice and willing to help us... or so they say.
Everybody remembers Diana eating rats, the dramatic face reveal of any reptilian, Freddy Krueger beeing a good guy (this time) and I'm sure Stephenie Meyers wish that Reneesme/Jacob had the same level of acceptance than "the child from the stars" (name given in Latinoamerica, don't know if it was also used in the original show) and whats-his-name.
Saw it on TV but we also bought the bootleg DVD because my mom and aunt never saw the ending of the show as kids.
1985 - Amazing Stories
I hardly remember anything (I was too young when it was played on TV) but I do remember beeing traumatized by Christopher Lloyd's severed (and reattached) head.
It was created by Spielberg, some stories land better than other ones. Maybe I should try and rewatch some?
1986 - Sledge Hammer
Is he sexist, violent, gun-lover and conservative AF? Yes... but he's also hilarious! This is satire people! Don't be like the NRA that gave somekind of award to this fictional character because they have the same level of comprehension than a brick.
Saw it on TV but it is also available on Youtube.
1986 - ALF
Alien finds himself on a typical american family house and chaos begins.
Do you live under a rock? Don't you know who ALF is? Just go watch it.
It was on TV when I was growing up, I'm pretty sure you can find it anywhere.
1989 - The Simpsons
I will keep on saying it, we argentineans speak in 3 languages: Spanish, Lunfardo (a Buenos Aires dialect but each province has their own as well) and Simpsons' quotes (latin spanish obviously, everyone agrees that it's the definitive Simpsons). Earlier seasons are better, we all know that... they kind of lose us when the original latin dubbers were replaced (it would seem that Disney brought them back but I hardly watch TV now, so I don't know)
1989 - Eureeka's castle.
I don't remember a THING about it but my family says that I was obsessed. It's a Muppet-style show of a young witch apprentice and her friends.
Upon further looking, it was co-written by R. L. Stine? So I didn't got into Goosebumps as a child but got this... who knows?
1989 - Agatha Christie's Poirot
I haven't watched everything just yet (it's been on for 20 years, people!) but I do like David Suchet's Hercules Poirot (my family disagrees because for them Poirot will always be Peter Ustinov). Hey, at least it's not Albert Finney!
1990 - Caloi en su tinta (Caloi in his own ink - Argentina)
It wasn't a series properly said... it didn't have a story to follow. Caloi was a very important artist in my country (his character Clemente became a staple in our comics just like Mafalda) and he had this TV show where he curated animations of all kinds, from all over the world. I remember seeing a stop-motion version of Barber of Sevilla and I think that I also saw Queen's Innuendo videoclip for the first time in here.
Some stories were funny, others melancholic, elegant or grotesque... but all of them were Art, with a capital A.
1990 - Twin Peaks
I don't understand the hype around this show. The only thing that I though was cool was to have a season and a half to find the killer.
Before someone tells me "you have to think how ground breaking it was in the time it came up" or "it's high end art, open your mind to it" trust me I can do that... it doesn't change the fact that I don't see why so many people like it so much.
I'll grant it a few points for showing us David Duchovny as a trans woman FBI agent that saves the day on the episode she shows up. I did like the character.
1993 - The Nanny
What would happen if instead of María taking care of Von Trapp's children in the Alps, we had a jewish it-girl from Flushing, Queens? That was Fran Drescher's pitch, the rest is history.
I got to confess I usually get bored with sit-coms but this is the only one that I can watch over and over again (and the final episode still brings single tear in my eye). Yeah, the whole plot of Fran trying to get pregnant was dragged for too long, but still it's like 3 or 4 episodes, no biggy (unless my memory fails, it's been a while).
1993 - Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
For whatever reason a alien (?) race decided that teenagers are the appropiate warriors so they choose 5 Angel Grove locals to kick Galactic-Witch Rita's ass. Monsters that grow size but still look like rubber suits, the Rangers use spandex but for whatever reason they release sparks when a blade touches them. Still sweet little 4 year old me loved this show.
I checked a few episodes on Youtube not too long ago and I was pleasently surprised by the fact that each monster represented a struggle the Rangers where having on their civilian life... so facing and defeating them actually helped these kids in their ordinary life. A nice message that I completely forgot while self-convincing myself that this show was a lot dumber than I remembered.
Oh! By the way when it was on TV I watched -maybe- up to season 2. When the movie came out I was shocked that Jason, Trini and Zack were not in it.
1993 - The X Files
The most recognizable tune ever, the OG monster-of-the-week format, a skeptic + a believer, some comedy, another bit of drama and , in ocassions, straight-up horror = one of the greatest TV shows ever made.
Regardless what people think I preffer Agent Dogget (there, I said it!!) to Mulder, but of course that sunflower-seed eater, porn aficionado, spooky guy will always be loved either way.
Of course I didn't watched on TV (my mom and aunt had that privilege, I was literally a baby) but I got the whole series on bootleg DVD.
1993 - Frasier
I only watched a few mixed up episodes and I have the first 4 seasons on bootleg DVD but it was my aunt who liked it the most.
A psicologyst with a radio TV show has to live with his dad and his brother visits very often.
You might recognize them as Sideshow Bob and his brother as well.
1994 - Friends
Watched it on cable when I had it, mixed up as usual but still... for whatever reason sitcoms bore me... and this is not the exception. Again, I don't understand the hype.
1995 - Xena: Warrior princess
Ancient Greece, a female warrior... my (probably by the time we got it in Argentina) 6 year-old self loved this show. Until certain fling with Hercules... I didn't liked romance then (or now, but I'm a little more tolerant as an adult) and it ruined the show for me.
Yes, now I see certain undertones that my youngself didn't. I get it. Leave me alone!
1995 - Hercules: The Legendary Journeys
Yeah... I didn't liked Hercules but I watched a few episodes either way. I always liked a good fight on TV.
1996 - Sabrina, the teenage witch
Who didn't wanted to have magical powers growing up becuse of her?
I can't really tell how many season I've watched because, as I said, in Argentina you were lucky if the TV channels bought more than 2 season to repeat on end. Still... I didn't quite liked it as much once she left for collage. Kinda lost its magic *wink, wink*
1996 - Millenium
The year 2000 was upon us and the promise of the end of the world, so Chris Carter decided to play a little bit with it.
Frank Black is a retired agent that has a peculiar way of getting into the mind of the criminals (the audience is the only one that knows that he can see what the criminals see... live) so he is called over an over again to help on different cases.
It ended too soon (got cancelled I believe) but it has its final episode in season 9 of The X Files (if I'm not mistaken). It deals a lot with religion (mostly Christianity) and its a lot darker than Mulder & Scully's adventures (with the exception of that one episode where 4 demons get together in a coffe shop -desguised as old men- and tell their latest works done).
1997 - Meego
I got to be honest with you... I hardly remember anything from this TV show. It was basically ALF but with a human playing an alien instead of a puppet. Still we remember it fondly at home so I guess it was good enough?
1998 - Charmed
Argentina beeing Argentina, I saw a few seasons... maybe... I do remember that I liked more the original 3 sisters.
It's fun... sometimes cheesy... as any tv or film of that time.
1998 - Will & Grace
As I said, sitcoms end up becoming boring and repetitive. But that doesn't take away that sometimes jokes are good... some are very 90, but ah, well...
2000 - Dark Angel
Maybe I saw 2 season on TV but I was obsessed.
Typical supersoldiers experiments developed this superhuman creatures that got tired of beeing an experiment and broke out the facility when they were children, so now as grown ups live in our society. The lead Max (Jessica Alba) has a job as a courrier but every now and then steals, that's how she meets Logan a journalist with vigilante tendencies that needs someone to do the dirty work.
2000 - CSI (later known as Las Vegas)
Have I ever watched a show just to laugh at it? Yes, and it was called CSI, the original (I saw a lot of Miami as well).
I had a few glimpses here and there from this procedural that were the definition of Deus-ex-machina and later I decided to give it a shot just to see if, within this universe, it made sense. And nope.
If one of mom's doctors dissed House for his nearly-impossible diagnosis... I'm pretty sure some forensics did the same with Grissom's team.
Side note I really love Ted Danson, that guy is awesome.
2001 - Law & Order: Criminal Intent.
At first I thought it was a yet another The Brain + Person that explains him like many others... but Goren and Eames are the best detective duo. PERIOD.
You get to see them investigating (so Goren, mostly, doesn't know everything off the bat... he does go to the library, kids) and Eames is not just a blank space for the audience to jump in and have Goren explain everything to her. My favourite moments are when she can add up to his theory by just having the female side of things.
Goren isn't the typical I-only-think kind of detective (like, let's say Poirot) he can -and will- get into dangerous situations when needed.
You have to watch for D'onofrio's performance.
I like Jeff Goldblum as well... but his season was kinda... meh
2002 - Los Simuladores (The Pretenders - Argentina)
What if there was a group of people to solve any kind of situations? And what if this situations are quite basic, borderline stupid, like meeting the in-laws, giving a hard exam at the end of the year and such?
This is it, that's the plot.
This was a huge hit back in the day but it took me a decade (almost) to watch because if you knew argentinean tv and film as I do... you wouldn't believe that there are actually some good ideas burried very very deep in the mud.
2002 - Monk
A detective with OCD is soooo good at his job but cannot be a detective again because of it (it got worse once his wife died in a attack). Fun and wholesome... maybe it did dragged for too long.
And no matter what... we are Sharona stans in this house!
2002 - CSI Miami.
Just like CSI I watched it just to make fun of it (and because in cable they will put all CSIs together in one afternoon so it was easier to compare them).
At least this one didn't take itself too seriously!
2003 - Tru Calling
Med student has a weird ability where dead people can reach her and make her repeat the day to try and save their lives.
It ended too soon on a great cliffhanger that we will never see resolved. Damn it!
2004 - Lost
We all know Lost... it started great... and it ended.
Luckily for me the TV channel where I was watching it stopped after season 4 and I never bothered to try and catch up again.
2004 - House MD
Sherlock Holmes goes to med school and instead of solving crimes, he solves impossible diagnostics.
Gotta give it to Hugh Laurie for beeing a lovable a-hole the whole time.
It did lasted too long for me, I didn't watch the final seasons but I did watched a few mixed up episodes in cable so I kinda know what happens after, lets say... season 4? (the final one I've watched, maybe).
2004 - CSI New York
Same as the others. Just watched for Gary Sinise and Edward Furlong's guest appearence.
2004 - Miss Marple
I was never a fan of Miss Marple in writting... but on TV she is less annoying.
How come she is never suspicious? She's always around when a crime happens!
2005 - Invasion
Does anybody else remembers this TV show set after the Katrina hurricane that, apparently, also uncovered a race of aliens living underwater that have a body-snatching way of taking over the world? It's only 1 season, got cancelled I believe and I watched it on TV at 6 or 7 AM while getting ready to go to school. Ah, old times!
2005 - Mosca & Smith (Argentina)
(Mosca can be translated as "Fly" -the bug- but in this case is the character's Last Name so I'll leave it as it is)
Buddy cop with two overly eccentric characters. A silly comedy with some really in-depth meta humor of argentinean justice system. Some jokes are in poor taste... and I think it got raunchier in it's second season (I didn't watched it because one of the leads was replaced and the 2nd actor didn't had the same punch)
2005 - Bones
A forensic anthropologyst helps the FBI to solve crimes.
This is the BrainTM taken to an extreme. Dr. Temperance Brennan just can't be good at eeeeeverything. This kinda changed as seasons passed but still... who says smart people is always entirely clueless about how to be a normal human? And why so egocentric? (Most truly smart people are usually super-humble because they know that there is a lot more to learn).
In any case, it is fun. Watched on TV (earlier seasons) and continued on bootleg DVD.
2006 - Ugly Betty
The main reason why I didn't listed Betty, la fea in here it's because it is a telenovela (soap opera) everybody in Latinoamérica watched it. Some things are not so good (maybe I'll write about it one day) but overall it had a good story.
Those dubious things got changed in the U.S version... and it changed the whole story. It was easier to create something new than trying to bring people on board using a name that is well beloved to a certain ethnicity... just saying.
2007 - El Hombre que volvió de la muerte (The man that came back from Death -Argentina)
Think of a mash up of The Count of Montecristo and V for Vendetta.
It was a remake of a TV show done in the 60s... 70s? By Narciso Ibañez Menta, a Spanish actor that was naturalized as argentinean and was our very own mix of Boris Karloff (with his love for make up) and Vincent Price (he did a lot of Edgan Allan Poe stories as well). The original story was about Elmer Van Hess, who was subject to different experiments. The lab caughts on fire, he's inside and survives. For whatever reason his organs end up being given to other people so he embarks on a quest to retrieve them.
The remake also had Elmer Van Hess who was a happy fool about to get married, his boss and associates set him up and ends up in prision for fraud. Not happy with that, his boss strikes a deal with a Doctor so Elmer can be his human guinea pig (in order to do so, he asks other inmates to torture him while in prision so his only escape would be to go with the Doctor). He's experimented on as results he gets superhuman strenght and, of course, the chemicals affect his brain turning him into a very dark and blood-lust creature. The lab is set on fire, everybody thinks he died but he comes back 10 years later ready to take revenge on all of them. He was very cruel and his idea of revenge was very Saw-like... but deep down he's still in love with his almost-wife and she's the only one that can sort of ease him in the worst moments.
For an argentinean fiction it was very good.
2008 - Fringe
The X Files but even crazier? You got it.
Mom and I did got lost after season 4... but we still have the bootleg DVDs, it's just that we should start all over again and we don't have a lot of time 😝
2008 - The Mentalist
A guy is so good at reading people that decides to ripp them off saying that he's a medium. He got the wrong guy, this guy kills his family so now it's personal!
Patrick Jane's quirks might be amusing in the early episodes but after a while you, just like everyone else on the show, will want to punch him in the face.
From my little corner of the Earth I scream: Justice for Cho!! He also deserved a happy ending!
2009 - Doll House
A bunch of people got their memories wiped and now they receive other memories (fabricated sometimes) to take on dangerous tasks.
Dubious consent galore... but overall the premise was engaging. It lasted 3 seasons, the third one included a time-jump... the end didn't quite landed for me but... meh! It's entertaining at least.
2009 - Flashfoward
The entire world fainted at the same time. Everybody had visions of the future... so now some things need to be prevented for whatever reason.
Only one season, got cancelled. I don't remember a thing except the tribute to one of Jorge Luis Borges stories (El Jardín de los senderos que se bifurcan/ The garden of paths that bifurcate) and another to David Bowie's song Scary Monsters and Super Creeps. That's all I remember, I swear.
2009 - Modern Family
Sitcom that broke some barriers on what a typical family looks like. It's fun...but yeah, it also bored me.
Note to everybody: not all latinos sound like Sofía Vergara... not even Sofía Vergara sounds like Sofía Vergara the whole time.
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