#How to Get Started in Direct Selling
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Direct Selling Industry: दिल्ली में आयोजित ट्रेनिंग सेशन में Business Coach and Mentor Shiv Arora ने किया डायरेक्ट सेलर्स का मार्गदर्शन
Direct Selling Industry: दिल्ली में एक दिवसीय (one-day training session) प्रशिक्षण सत्र का आयोजन किया गया, जिसमें प्रसिद्ध Business Coach and Mentor Mr. Shiv Arora ने “How to Get Started in Direct Selling” (डायरेक्ट सेलिंग) विषय पर अपने गहन अनुभव और ज्ञान को साझा किया। इस कार्यक्रम में बड़ी संख्या में डायरेक्ट सेलर्स (direct sellers) ने भाग लिया, जो Direct Selling Industry व business में…
#Business Coach and Mentor Shiv Arora#Direct Selling Industry News In Hindi#How To Be Successful in 2024#How to Get Started in Direct Selling#How to increase Sales?#how to succeed in direct selling business#motivational speech#one-day training session for direct sellers#one-day training session on direct selling#practical tips and techniques to improve sales in your business#tips and techniques for business#Tips for effective pitching#Top Direct Sellers#Top Motivational Speakers#डायरेक्ट सेलिंग की ताज़ा खबर#डायरेक्ट सेलिंग में सक्सेस के 3 टिप्स
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Postcards we will be selling to raise money for our local homeless friends to survive the winter. Sales will be in person only. You can contribute by helping out the homeless people in your area!
Had a lot of fun drawing these! Will post them individually as well.
#original#illustration#finished art#original art#direct action#punk#idk do i tag this other stuff? at this point i dont know how to tag on tumblr for recognisability#cant wait to get these printed... if all goes well we can start selling them on thursday#came up with the whole fundraiser idea a few days ago and im really rushing into it bc the weather is getting coldddd#and im super worried about all the people on the streets#so im really focused on getting this going asap#i really hope it goes well. we shall see!!
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I am so unbelievably pissed off. FUCK HOAs
Oh, my trash/recycling bin can't be visible except on pickup day? Ok whatever fine I hate you but I can deal with this
Weekly inspections?????? FU FU FU FU FU
SECOND NOTICE ALSO WE'RE CHARGING YOU MONEY TO SEND YOU CERTIFIED MAIL OF THIS TOTALLY LEGIT TOTALLY SECOND NOTICE OF WHAT IS ACTUALLY A VIOLATION cue me: checks notes. Hmm. My recycling bin was. on the curb. on recycling pickup day. You know. The day it has to be out. The day it is motherfucking ALLOWED TO BE FUCKING OUT AND VISIBLE.
so. 1) not a violation
I have sent them the trash AND recycling pickup schedules, which are DIFFERENT, btw
I have disputed the fact of the violation
I have disputed the linking of this "violation" to a previous violation MONTHS AGO--their "first notice" in this case was a "Courtesy Notice" LITERALLY 5 MONTHS AGO and they've done so many inspections since then and my bin CLEARLY WASN'T OUT IN THOSE INTERVENING MONTHS so WTMFH
So I am posting like a crazy person here instead of sending the absolutely deranged email I almost sent (I did send a slightly less deranged version with the disputes, and requesting a hearing)
OMG. It has been. Less than one hour since I learned this fun fun news. My bin was out YESTERDAY, y'all. YESTERDAY. I am going to blow a gasket
#it's a relatively privileged problem to have (omg i have a home truly i am grateful) but it's still a goddamned problem and i'm allowed#to fucking complain about it#in case it needs to be said#*rolling my eyes*#i advocate for free/actually affordable housing for everyone who needs it because we ALL deserve a safe secure stable home#whatever type of home that may be#it is absolutely goddamned ridiculous that megacorps can buy all the housing#rent it out at extortionate rates and evict people willy nilly#and we're talking about a “housing crisis” and not a “STOP LETTING CORPORATIONS AND BILLIONAIRES HOARD ALL THE HOUSING” crisis#goddamn.#ha elect me president (ahaha don't do this i am not a good public speaker) and I'll push congress to pass some really neat legislation#hey be more direct: elect me to congress (ahaha don't do this) and i'll WRITE some goddamn nifty legislation and yell about it as long and#as loud as i can until people start to just fucking say yes to make me shut the fuck up#(i know that's not how it works. again. don't actually elect me to a government position)#exemplia gratis:#No individual person shall own more than 6 homes UNLESS they pay a Housing Market Shrinkage Fee for removing viable housing from the market#why 6 and not 2? 2 is a lot! it's excessive! but having A vacation home shouldn't be a crime. Having 5 vacation homes is ridiculous and#awful and whatever but it's not likely to be the source of all our greatest “housing shortage” problems. no. I'm aiming for the absolutely#monstrously greedy and egregious motherfuckers who---ok#hang on. how many homes does the average min and max homeowner own? I would like to see data on that. but anyway#the next part of the legislation:#Homes owned >6 shall be charged X% Housing Market Shrinkage Fee UNLESS they are rented for affordable (15% or less than renter net income)#housing and are actively occupied by said renters. Rented out and charging more than 15% of renter's net? still gotta pay up.#EMPTY housing >6 shall be subject to an additional Y% Housing Market Shrinkage Fee (tax? should I call it a tax?) which increases with ever#month that the housing goes unoccupied. no one living in it? sell it rent it or pay the fuck up. and still pay the fuck up if you rent it#for way too goddamn much money#but like. less. we only REALLY hate you if you sit on empty houses that you don't even let anyone use#ok that's individuals. now onto BUSINESSES#ok so immediately it gets a little complicated cuz like presumably there's rental management businesses that don't own the rental propertie#that they manage BUT there are also companies that just outright own a shitfuckton of housing and THIS is the truly egregious monstrous sid
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25 ways to be a little more punk in 2025
Cut fast fashion - buy used, learn to mend and/or make your own clothes, buy fewer clothes less often so you can save up for ethically made quality
Cancel subscriptions - relearn how to pirate media, spend $10/month buying a digital album from a small artist instead of on Spotify, stream on free services since the paid ones make you watch ads anyway
Green your community - there's lots of ways to do this, like seedbombing or joining a community garden or organizing neighborhood trash pickups
Be kind - stop to give directions, check on stopped cars, smile at kids, let people cut you in line, offer to get stuff off the high shelf, hold the door, ask people if they're okay
Intervene - learn bystander intervention techniques and be prepared to use them, even if it feels awkward
Get closer to your food - grow it yourself, can and preserve it, buy from a farmstand, learn where it's from, go fishing, make it from scratch, learn a new ingredient
Use opensource software - try LibreOffice, try Reaper, learn Linux, use a free Photoshop clone. The next time an app tries to force you to pay, look to see if there's an opensource alternative
Make less trash - start a compost, be mindful of packaging, find another use for that plastic, make it a challenge for yourself!
Get involved in local politics - show up at meetings for city council, the zoning commission, the park district, school boards; fight the NIMBYs that always show up and force them to focus on the things impacting the most vulnerable folks in your community
DIY > fashion - shake off the obsession with pristine presentation that you've been taught! Cut your own hair, use homemade cosmetics, exchange mani/pedis with friends, make your own jewelry, duct tape those broken headphones!
Ditch Google - Chromium browsers (which is almost all of them) are now bloated spyware, and Google search sucks now, so why not finally make the jump to Firefox and another search like DuckDuckGo? Or put the Wikipedia app on your phone and look things up there?
Forage - learn about local edible plants and how to safely and sustainably harvest them or go find fruit trees and such accessible to the public.
Volunteer - every week tutoring at the library or once a month at the humane society or twice a year serving food at the soup kitchen, you can find something that matches your availability
Help your neighbors - which means you have to meet them first and find out how you can help (including your unhoused neighbors), like elderly or disabled folks that might need help with yardwork or who that escape artist dog belongs to or whether the police have been hassling people sleeping rough
Fix stuff - the next time something breaks (a small appliance, an electronic, a piece of furniture, etc.), see if you can figure out what's wrong with it, if there are tutorials on fixing it, or if you can order a replacement part from the manufacturer instead of trashing the whole thing
Mix up your transit - find out what's walkable, try biking instead of driving, try public transit and complain to the city if it sucks, take a train instead of a plane, start a carpool at work
Engage in the arts - go see a local play, check out an art gallery or a small museum, buy art from the farmer's market
Go to the library - to check out a book or a movie or a CD, to use the computers or the printer, to find out if they have other weird rentals like a seed library or luggage, to use meeting space, to file your taxes, to take a class, to ask question
Listen local - see what's happening at local music venues or other events where local musicians will be performing, stop for buskers, find a favorite artist, and support them
Buy local - it's less convenient than online shopping or going to a big box store that sells everything, but try buying what you can from small local shops in your area
Become unmarketable - there are a lot of ways you can disrupt your online marketing surveillance, including buying less, using decoy emails, deleting or removing permissions from apps that spy on you, checking your privacy settings, not clicking advertising links, and...
Use cash - go to the bank and take out cash instead of using your credit card or e-payment for everything! It's better on small businesses and it's untraceable
Give what you can - as capitalism churns on, normal shmucks have less and less, so think about what you can give (time, money, skills, space, stuff) and how it will make the most impact
Talk about wages - with your coworkers, with your friends, while unionizing! Stop thinking about wages as a measure of your worth and talk about whether or not the bosses are paying fairly for the labor they receive
Think about wealthflow - there are a thousand little mechanisms that corporations and billionaires use to capture wealth from the lower class: fees for transactions, interest, vendor platforms, subscriptions, and more. Start thinking about where your money goes, how and where it's getting captured and removed from our class, and where you have the ability to cut off the flow and pass cash directly to your fellow working class people
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answering a couple questions i got on this post since i realized ppl genuinely wanna know:
tl;dr:
israel lets very, very little aid get into gaza. even the UN can't get in as much as they want to. funding individual families, gazan led initiatives, and mutual aid collectives operating out of gaza ensures gazans can provide for themselves and pay for the extremely expensive aid that is available.
with all the civil infrastructure destroyed by israel, the situation on the ground has devolved into unrestricted capitalism, driving up the price of aid (that should be free!). this makes it more urgent for people to have funding for daily survival.
the post linked above has examples of how donating to individual families can help a lot. if you want to help more than one family at a time, there are many gazan-led initiatives focusing on rebuilding their infrastructure and distributing aid fairly that are worth donating to instead of large charities that already get the majority of donations.
as i mentioned in the last post: @/careforgaza on twitter is a nonprofit started by gazans, it's been endorsed by multiple palestinian journalists.
the sameer project is a collective organized by diaspora palestinians offering emergency shelter to gazans.
ele elna elak is a project aiming to bring water, food, shelter, etc. to gazans and has been promoted by bisan owda.
and the municipality of gaza itself is fundraising to rebuild water infrastructure.
all of these organizations are active inside gaza right now and are being run by gazans. if anyone knows of other gazan-led mutual aid projects, nonprofits or charities feel free to link them in the notes! hope this helped!
long answers under the cut!
if you wanna donate to a charity that's absolutely fine, but the thing is most charities (and even the UN!) are unable to make it into gaza in the first place, leaving aid rotting at the egyptian side of the border or subject to israeli settler attacks
not to mention, charities and nonprofits also maintain a paternalistic colonial relationship with the indigenous people they are trying to help, determining what aid they need for them instead of returning power to them and letting them make their own choices
i'm not here to say that one option is better than the other, just that they achieve different things and are equally legitimate. there's an attitude among people who question the legitimacy of these gofundme campaigns that somehow the people promoting them are telling them not to donate to charities. nobody is stopping you from donating to charities. we are just asking that you do not dehumanize the very real gazans in your inbox just because their method of asking for aid is more direct and risky.
unfortunately that's exactly what has happened. because israel destroyed all of gaza's more formalized infrastructure, it seems that organized crime and rampant inflation has taken its place. aid is supposed to be free, but in order to save for evacuation or the cost of living, people have started selling them at an inflated price. and aid that is truly free attracts intense, large crowds that are dangerous to navigate.
this was posted on abc a few days ago
it's pure, unrestrained capitalism. i've had multiple palestinians describe this situation to me confidence. that's why everything's so expensive now. why people have to rent out tiny plots of land for their tents to sit on, why my friend @siraj2024 still has to buy tarps to cover the broken windows of the overpriced bombed out apartment he rented, and why a bag of flour can cost a thousand bucks in the north.
even before israel closed and then bombed the rafah crossing, the egyptian hala travel agency was only allowing people to cross the border if they paid a hefty $5000 USD per adult / $2500 USD per child bribe. it denies doing this, but the hundreds of stories from palestinians say otherwise.
with regard to the economy, here in america we saw something similar happen in the wake of hurricane helene and milton. the podcaster margaret killjoy describes how she saw dual economies rise after asheville was fully cut off from the rest of the country - some people offered each other supplies for free in a sort of mutual aid honor system, and some people required payment when they lent supplies because they themselves needed to buy stuff for their families. these dual economies exist in gaza too. and this means they all still need money to survive.
#og#palestine#palestine resources#gaza#free palestine#free gaza#gaza strip#save palestine#i stand with palestine#all eyes on palestine#palestine genocide#gaza genocide#donations
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Stream and Scream | reader x multiple men
play previous song? || ◁ PART 1 ▷ || play next song?
summary : After another horny stream, you drop the bomb: fuck-a-fan fridays—seven weeks, seven fans, seven filthy videos. masks on, faces hidden, just you and one lucky subscriber tangled up on camera each week. All they have to do? strip down, get hard, and show you why it should be them. Auditions start now.
contains : camgirl!reader x a whole ass roster, rotating cast, university AU, smut, porn with kinda a crack plot, casual sex, anonymous sex, exhibitionism, recording, oral sex, piv sex, rough kinky sex, everyone wants to fuck reader, horny simp men
A/N : and so it starts!!! is everyone ready to see the submissions from your favorite horndogs? :) (also i hope you can tell whose who hehehe) i'm trying to keep the writing inclusive for every sort of female presenting person so let me know how i've done!
The next few weeks passed in a blur of lace, lube, and direct deposits that made your head spin. What had started as a desperate half-joke had morphed into a full-blown empire - your empire. The girl who once contemplated selling her underwear for gas money was now clearing rent, tuition, groceries, and still had enough left over to drop serious coin on clothes and silk bed sheets.
You’d gone to the next level. Your friends were of course benefitting from your suspiciously newfound wealth, you casually said you had found a better part-time job, never letting them know the truth when you decided to take them shopping. Not yet at least.
Private requests were your bread and butter. You weren’t just good anymore - you were a professional tease, a digital siren with a library of toys, outfits, and vocal tones that could bring grown men to their knees. They paid for everything; soft whispers, rough talk, slow stroking, filthy roleplays. Some just oddly wanted to hear your moans on loop. Others wanted personalized videos where you called them by username and told them exactly what you’d do if they ever had the balls to show up in person.
You were making big bank. Like “accidental tax bracket change” big. Like “should probably consult a financial advisor” big.
And the men?
Oh, the men were obsessed.
Especially the regulars. Their usernames lit up your screen night after night, tipping with reckless abandon, flooding the chat with unfiltered thirst. You didn’t know who they were in real life, yet, but their personalities bled through the screen in such vivid, chaotic little ways.
EmoWithaBoner was yearning. Desperate in a way that made your chest clench and your thighs twitch. His messages were usually soft, almost sweet - You deserve everything, You looked so beautiful tonight - until something cracked open inside him mid-message and he’d type something crazy like: I would lick your cunt until you beg me to stop. Now that had gotten a small “Oh.” out of you. He wanted to worship you and ruin you all at once.
SixEyesOnly was a fucking menace. Flirty, cocky, constantly sending emojis that were way too smug for someone probably watching with only one hand available. His tips were ridiculous, like, spend $300 just to watch you eat grapes in a bad wig slowly sort of ridiculous, and his messages read like he was trying to fluster you on purpose. You assumed it was some sort of control thing with him, throwing money at people and getting them to do it. No complaints from you.
TempleOfSin was smooth, a little poetic, a little filthy. He asked for long, descriptive videos where you described what you were wearing, how you’d touch him, how you'd taste. He liked to also order roleplay videos where you pretended to worship him like he was some sort of God. Sometimes he called you his loyal little follower. You didn’t ask questions.
daddyissuez was feral. No other word for it. His requests were blunt, primal, always toeing the line of what the platform allowed and your own, now lacking, self-control. He liked spit, degradation, and power games. His tipping was sporadic and a lot less compared to the others, though, it was enough to keep him in your attention.
OfficeAfterHours was different. Polite. Polished. His messages came like little business memos laced with innuendo. “You looked stunning tonight. That color suits you,” followed by a $200 tip telling you to buy more in the same color. Never crude, always composed. It made him stand out more, somehow. Like a man who didn’t need to beg. A man who expected what he wanted, and always got it.
And then there was KingOfRot.
Unpredictable. Crude. Arrogant. He dropped tips like they were nothing. $500 just because you looked at the camera in a way he said was like a ‘deer in the headlights’. Odd, but $500 was a good amount to keep your mouth shut. He called you “pet,” “whore,” “delicious little thing.” You should’ve blocked him. Instead, you kept reading his messages twice over with your jaw unhinged and in wonderment whether or not he actually said that. His energy was intense and you hated how hot that was.
Which brings us to tonight.
You were perched in your new silk sheets, ring light warm against your skin, wearing your most transparent slip where your nipples were clearly on display and a smug little smirk behind that now iconic mask of yours. You’d hyped this stream for days - teased it on your feed, hinted at it in DMs. The chat was already on fire and you hadn’t even said a word yet. Tonight was a big one.
EmoWithaBoner: god ur so fucking hot tonight SixEyesOnly: i logged in 15 minutes early and i still feel late :(( OfficeAfterHours: You’ve outdone yourself this evening. KingOfRot: Come on, get to the fucking point, girl.
You grinned, slow and lethal, dragging your fingers along your inner thigh and ignoring KingOfRot.
“Well,” you purred, “I figured since you’ve all been very generous lately… it’s time I give something back.”
SixEyesOnly: oh fuck You licked your lips, loving the short little power trip it gave you. “I’ve been thinking,” you said, voice sweet and dangerous. “Maybe it’s time to start a little… tradition.”
You paused for dramatic effect.
“Fuck-a-Fan Fridays.” You bit your lip. Boom. Chat detonation. SixEyesOnly had sent you $200 just for the phrase.
EmoWithaBoner: you’re joking SixEyesOnly: oh shit baby TempleOfSin: Perfect. KingOfRot: You say when and where, pet. daddyissuez: i’ll be first. fuck the line OfficeAfterHours: I trust you've thought this through..
You leaned in close. OfficeAfterHours was cute in the way he was concerned for you. “I mean, why stop at one, right?” You giggled, cheeks burning behind your mask as you kicked your feet a little bit out of the view of your webcam. “I was gonna keep it casual, but um… yeah. What if I made it a thing? Like, a series?”
Another pause. You leaned in even closer, lowering your voice to a conspiratorial whisper that still carried heat.
“One fan. Every Friday. For seven weeks.”
You crossed your bare legs over one another, your slip rising on your thighs as you did so. “Seven Fridays. Seven people. Seven chances to fuck the brains out of a very nervous, very willing woman who cannot believe she’s actually saying this live right now.”
You sat up again, brushing the slip back into place like your nipples weren’t clearly on display.
“I mean..obviously, we’ll keep it anonymous. Like, we’re not stupid here. Masks. No faces. Just hands. Bodies. And my camera.” The chat was still in full meltdown, comments stacking so fast the shitty platform could barely keep up. Your heart was pounding, your skin warm and tingling from the high of it all—of watching them fall apart just from your voice, your words, the soft shift of silk and skin. You hadn’t even done anything explicit yet, and they were on their knees.
God, it was addictive.
You stretched your arms overhead with a soft sigh, the movement pulling your slip just high enough to tease your hips. A final little gift before the curtain dropped.
“I think that’s enough for tonight,” you said with a giggle, feigning innocence even as your gaze sparkled with something much dirtier. “You guys are gonna give me a heart attack.” SixEyesOnly: no no no don’t leave yettt!! :(( KingOfRot: You owe me for the buildup, woman. You tilted your head, lips curving into a sweet little smile as you leaned forward, giving them just one more generous view of your tits before the curtains closed.
“But before I go…” you said, voice slipping into something quieter, softer, like a secret you didn’t mean to share. “If you’re serious about Fuck-a-Fan Fridays… I want you to show me.”
The pause that followed had its own kind of weight. You watched the chat stall for half a second. The anticipation was thick enough to choke on.
“Send me a message,” you murmured, “with a picture. No face. Just your body, and cock, obviously.”
You let your fingers trail down your own torso, to your hips, your thighs, hinting at what you wanted to see. “Let me see what I’d be touching.. What I’ll be fucked braindead by.” EmoWithaBoner: fuck i’ll take a hundred SixEyesOnly: don’t lose your mind too much baby KingOfRot: It’ll be mine you dream about when you touch yourself. OfficeAfterHours: Submission will follow shortly. No face. Clean framing. High quality.
You had to laugh—giddy and a little breathless. You honestly didn’t think they’d go this feral.
“Think of it as an audition,” you said, tucking your knees to your chest, playing sweet again. “Show me what you’re offering. How you’d fit against me. In me.”
You smoothed your hand up your own thigh, lazily now, teasing.
“And just so you know,” you added with a little grin, “I’m only really looking at the ones who’ve tipped enough to keep my attention. You know who you are.”
Oh, they most definitely did.
The seven of them were already scrambling—photos incoming, tips rolling, blood leaving their brains. You didn’t need names. Their usernames were burned into your memory. Their obsessions with you were paying your bills.
“Goodnight, boys,” you whispered. “Impress me.” The second you ended the stream, you collapsed backward into your pillows with a dazed little laugh, limbs spread like you’d just run a marathon and won a gold medal in filth. The glow from your laptop cast a soft haze across your legs, the screen already lighting up with the chaos you’d left behind—tips still pouring in, messages stacking, your inbox begging for attention.
And the photos?
Oh, they were already flooding in, from people you didn’t want, but it was there regardless - upping your activity.
You rolled onto your stomach, chin resting in your palm as you clicked open the first one with a half-curious, half-unhinged smile.
No face, just like you asked. Neck down. The guy was standing in front of a mirror, one hand wrapped tight around his cock, the other lifting his hoodie to show off his chest. His abs were flexed. His cock hard enough to cast a shadow.
You blinked. Let out a slow breath.
“…Damn.”
Another one came in. Different guy, different vibe—tattoos on his hips, hand slick and stroking himself in a dimly lit bathroom, captioned: Fridays look good on me. Want to see how I look underneath you?
“Oh my god,” you whispered, laughing as you pulled your legs up behind you. “This is real. I’m really doing this.”
And you were. One fan. Every Friday. Seven weeks. Seven videos. Each one getting posted to your feed, available for your hundreds of subscribers to watch, rewatch, tip on, comment under, and probably break their dicks to.
It wasn’t just a hookup. It was content. Premium content.
Still riding the rush, you opened your messaging panel and started typing.
New Mass Message Sent to All Subscribers:
Hey babes— If you missed the stream tonight (rip to you), here’s your official invite.
Fuck-a-Fan Fridays is happening. Starting next week, I’ll be choosing seven of you to spend one very intimate night with me. Every Friday for the next seven weeks, I’ll be posting a new video. One fan. One full-length scene. Just me… and whoever impresses me the most.
How to audition:- Send me a photo. - Neck down only. No faces. Masks will be worn on camera, so full anonymity will be protected. But I need to see everything. Cock out. Hard. Your body. Your vibe. The way you'd look on camera—underneath me, on top of me, behind me, inside me.
Show off a little. Or a lot.
Make me want it. Let the auditions begin.
xoxo,
—Your girl
taglist : @frozenmallows @90s-belladonna @moncher-ire @kunareads @blublublubby @grignardsreagent @soozeu @mochiivqi @sweetsformysoul @killak9mi @celloccino @gurlhere4fluff @syubseokie
#jjk smut#gojo smut#jjk fanfic#jjk fic#jujustsu kaisen x reader#gojo x reader#choso x reader#nanami x reader#nanami smut#choso smut#jujutsu kaisen#gojo#gojo satoru#jjk#geto x reader#geto smut#suguru geto smut#suguru smut#gojo satoru x reader#satoru gojo x reader
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pogue!sweetheart!reader meeting rafe for the first time? 🍰
warnings: jealousy, topper calls you ‘doll’, a lil bit of flirting, slight fluff
“girl scout, two o’clock.” kelce cleared his throat, topper and rafe following his gaze. you stood at the receptionist desk, chatting with the director about your plans for the week. “is she really a girl scout?” rafe’s eyes trailed down the soft curls of your hair, stopping just above the neckline of your top.
“nah, we just call her that because she sells cookies and shit. ‘really good by the way, highly recommend.” kelce leaned back in his seat, forgetting all about the cards in his hands as you started making your way towards the three of them. rafe would be lying if he said the way his friends ogled you didn’t bother him.
“hey! what game are you guys playing?” you sat your basket down on the hardwood table, eyes flickering over to rafe. “just some solitaire.” topper shrugged, removing the cloth that covered your treats. “what do you got for us this week, doll?” if rafe was bothered earlier, he was even more so now.
you smiled, tilting the basket so they can all steal a peek. “shortbread and chocolate chip.” rafe didn’t care to look at anything else other than your face, his gaze sweeping over your features. “i’ve never seen you before.” he finally spoke up, his voice immediately drawing your attention.
“uhm, i don’t think i’ve seen you either..” you extended a hand, “what’s your name?” rafe didn’t hesitate to return your gesture, taking your hand in his. “rafe, and yours?” your heart skipped a beat when you felt his thumb stroke your skin. “y/-” kelce chimed in before you could answer his question.
“i’ll take two of each. and one of you.” rafe’s head shot in his friends direction, his grip on your wrist tightening. laughing nervously, you brushed off kelce’s remark. “actually, he’s not taking anything. i, however, would like the whole basket.” shaking your head, you waited for rafe to say he was kidding.
“oh! you’re serious-” rafe got up, taking the basket in his free hand as he led you two outside and away from his obnoxious buddies. “what the hell!” topper shouted. without protesting, you allowed rafe to take you to a more secluded space, your dainty heels clicking against the pavement.
“is everything okay? i-” rafe stopped in front of the country club’s garden. “do you have a boyfriend?” he blurted, making you stumble over your next few words. “uhm, well! no, but..” taking his wallet out of his pocket, rafe took a couple hundred dollar bills before cutting you off.. again.
“not that it matters if you do, cause i’ll just take his place.” the certainty in his voice made your face flush with a new profound sense of shyness. he placed the folded bills in your palm, a smile forming on his lips at your smitten expression. “how are you so sure that you’ll be my boyfriend?” you asked.
“because i always get what i want.”
#❤︎₊ ⊹ works#₊˚⊹♡ rafe#₊˚⊹♡ pogue!sweetheart!reader#jealous!rafe#outer banks#outer banks fanfiction#outer banks smut#rafe cameron#rafe cameron smut#rafe cameron fanfiction#rafe cameron x reader#rafe cameron blurb#rafe cameron prompt#rafe cameron x y/n#rafe cameron fic#rafe cameron imagine#rafe edit#rafe fluff#rafe x you#rafe fanfiction#rafe smut#rafe x reader#rafe imagine#rafe fic#obx#obx fanfiction#obx smut#obx rafe#rafe obx#drew starkey
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All Dressed Up

Pairing: Biker!Bucky Barnes x Female Reader
Summary: Bucky visits a gallery to support his best friend and unexpectedly meets the girl of his dreams.
Word Count: Over 2.3k
Warnings: First meeting, mild dirty thoughts, instacrush, swearing, Bucky Barnes (he's a warning, okay?).
A/N: Okay, lovelies. A new AU. I'm sorry. @targaryenvampireslayer @tavners @starlightcrystalline @whisperlullaby @sgt-seabass @vesearlee , I feel like you all either heard me screech, encouraged, or helped me, and I appreciate you. ❤️ Not beta read and written on my phone, so any and all mistakes are my own. Edit by the beautiful @nixakimbo and divider by the incredible @firefly-graphics . Please follow @navybrat817-sideblog for new fics and notifications. Comments, reblogs, feedback are loved and appreciated!

Bucky didn’t dress up for most people since it wasn’t his style. He would do so for any of his brothers though, especially Steve. His best friend since childhood, and his club’s president, he always had a love and talent for drawing and painting. And after working his ass off on his exhibit it would’ve been a crime for the vice president not to show up.
Steve promised if there was ever a day when Bucky’s writing became published he’d be by his side to celebrate too. As much as they liked to give each other shit sometimes about art and how they created it, the support was there through and through. The only catch for tonight was that he had to dress nicely to get into the gallery. So, instead of the usual leather jacket or vest he wore and jeans, he went with a plain black suit and white button up shirt.
He refused to wear a tie since it wasn’t a wedding. He had to draw a line somewhere. No one paid him any mind though as they walked around the gallery, and he was more than fine with that. This wasn’t his night.
“You should be proud, punk,” Bucky said, looking over the art lining the large wall, each piece crafted with care.
“I am proud, jerk,” Steve smiled. He hadn’t worn a tie either, and it made Bucky feel a little better. “And you know you don’t have to stay the whole time.”
Bucky knew that. He also knew members and prospects would be trickling in and out throughout the evening. “Not needed at the bar tonight, so I can stay as long as I want. But I might cut out early since I see your face enough between that and the club.”
Steve chuckled. “Still haven’t sold the place, huh?”
The brunette sighed. It wasn’t the first time Steve asked if he was going to sell the bar to focus more on writing. “Where the hell would you all hang out if I sold the place?” He liked the bar. It wasn’t just a great hangout for the club, but for his other regulars, too.
“There are other bars,” Steve teased. He said that, but he loved the bar, too. “You know I just want you to-”
“Follow my compass. I know. You’ve said that so many…” He stopped talking when he saw an unexpected angel walk into the room.
Well, angel was the word that came to mind since you were wearing a white dress and the light over your head illuminated you like a halo. But as his eyes swept over you, he wondered if there was a bit of a devil in you. He wouldn’t mind bringing that side out of you if you gave him the chance.
And here he used to think love at first sight was bullshit.
“Hey. Do you know her?” Bucky subtly nodded in your direction as you spoke to another woman, jealousy flaring up for a second at the thought of his best friend knowing you and not telling him. And if you knew Steve, that was that before things even started. While the blonde didn’t have much game growing up, he came into his own after his growth spurt, and everyone adored or wanted him.
Steve shook his head. “No, I don’t,” he said, making Bucky’s shoulders slump in relief before his friend scrutinized him. “Jesus, are you eye fucking her? You are, aren’t you?”
Bucky wasn’t the least bit ashamed. “And I’ll keep doing it ‘til she looks at me,” he replied, wishing you’d at least spare him a glance and get a look at him in his nice suit. Maybe you weren’t into guys with tattoos and piercings, but he was certain he could change your mind if that was the case.
“How long has it been since you’ve been on a date?” Steve asked. “Just introduce yourself like a gentleman and see where that goes.”
“A couple of months? Something like that.” Tearing his gaze away to glance at his inked hands, he chuckled. “You think I’m a gentleman?”
He could be dangerous and downright dirty when the occasion called for it, but just because he rode a motorcycle and covered himself in tattoos and piercings didn’t mean he treated others poorly. He was raised better than that. Even with his ex-girlfriends, things never ended because he didn’t treat them well. They just weren’t the one.
“We both know you are. Sometimes,” Steve answered, smirking as a beat passed. “And she’s looking your way.”
Bucky’s head snapped up to find you looking right at him with a curious stare. You had the prettiest eyes he had ever seen. Which was nothing compared to your smile. It was like watching the sun slowly rise to meet the day.
Fuck, he was being sappy. You ruined him with a single stare, and he wanted to ruin you in return. Make it so you wouldn’t want another man.
You whispered something to the woman beside you before she nudged you forward and he realized Steve pushed him to move, too. It only took three more steps before he was right in front of you, the gentle smell of your sweet perfume filling his nostrils. Need slammed into his body as you smiled again, and he actually felt the blue of his eyes shrink as his pupils widened.
If Steve thought he was eye fucking you before…
“Hey,” he said, his voice raspier than usual.
“Hi,” you said. It was a voice he could listen to for hours and he wondered what it would sound like when you said his name.
“I’m Bucky.” He took a smaller step closer, trying his damnedest to block out any other man around him so you’d keep those pretty eyes on him.
You introduced yourself, too, and it was a name he would never forget. “I like your tattoos,” you added almost shyly. Almost.
If he had his way, you’d see the rest of them soon enough. “Thanks,” he smiled, holding one hand up to show you. “Dressed like this, I bet you think I’m part of the mob.” After getting dressed and adding the gold jewelry, even he thought for a split second he looked like a mobster.
“Are you or is that information I can’t be privy to?” you asked, making him chuckle. You didn’t skip a beat, and he liked that.
“Not part of the mob, but I am part of a motorcycle club,” he replied. He wore his patch with pride and that didn’t seem to scare you, which was good. “I also own a bar.” He didn’t know why added that part. You didn’t ask and he didn’t want to brag, but there he was.
“So, you ride a motorcycle, and you own a bar?” You glanced back at your friend to ask her, “Do you mind if I…”
“I’m good. You two talk,” your friend smiled, giving Bucky an encouraging wink. He looked back to find that Steve walked away, too.
You smiled as you faced Bucky again. “Well, I’m happy to hear more about either of those things if you have time.”
“Yeah.” A lopsided smile appeared before he could stop it. “I got time,” he said. All the time in the world.
Over the next hour, the two of you stayed close together and talked in between looking at Steve’s pieces. He told you he was there to support Steve and talked a little bit more about the bar he owned. A hole in the wall kind of place he fixed up. While he wasn’t a big drinker, he loved making them for his regulars, and his profession allowed him to get away with all the tattoos.
“I’ll have to stop by sometime,” you smiled before it faltered. “If that’s okay.”
He didn’t want to get his hopes up, but his heart raced, and he wanted to see you smile again. “I’ll hold you to that,” he teased. “What about you? What do you do for work?”
You told him that you were a blood bank nurse and still fairly new to the area. While you didn’t have too many friends nearby, you liked your neighborhood and the one friend you had made invited you to the gallery since she was an art enthusiast. You also let it slip that you were single upon your move here, which he was happy to hear since he was, too, but he didn’t miss the note of sadness in your voice.
He could help fix it if you were lonely.
“I’m not seeing anyone either,” he stated.
You raised an eyebrow in disbelief. “You don’t have an old lady?” His eyes went right to your lip when he bit it. “That is the correct term of endearment, right?”
“That’s right,” he said, his eyes soft. “Both of those things are right.”
You bit your lip again and he wasn’t sure if you were purposely trying to entice him, but now he wanted to bite your lip. “So, do you do anything for fun outside of riding and work?”
He almost groaned when you said “riding” and he had to shake his head to keep his mind from drifting. He couldn’t think of you being on his bike with your arms wrapped tight around him or you riding him or anything like that. “Well…”
He explained that he wrote a bit in his spare time outside of work and the club. It was a hobby mostly, but it would be a dream come true to get his work out there one day. If not, that was okay, too, because he had a decent life and didn’t need much. His bike, his brothers.
But to have an old lady…
“Maybe I could read…” you frowned when you saw the time. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize how late it was. I should get going,” you said, disappointment filling both of you.
“Oh.” He scratched the back of his neck. The two of you were having a nice talk, and he hadn’t had a chance to ask about your hobbies yet. “It’s still kinda early. Do you really have to go?” he asked, realizing just how desperate he sounded. God, if the prospects could hear him right now… He just didn’t want the night to end.
“Yeah, I do. I’m actually working a blood drive tomorrow and could use the rest,” you said, smiling sadly. He felt like an ass for asking you to stay when you had work to do. “I don’t know if you’ve heard anything about it, but you’re welcome to stop by if you want to donate. I always have this fear that people won’t show, which I realize sounds ridiculous.”
Bucky mentally kicked his ass for not knowing about a local blood drive. He was usually more on top of those sorts of things. “Where’s it at?” You gave the location and time, which was all he needed. “I’ll be there,” he promised.
And every single club member would be there, too, if they knew what was good for them.
“Really?” you smiled, your hand bumping his when you turned to face him. “You’ll go?”
He let his fingers brush yours and he smiled to himself when he felt the light shiver. “Of course, doll.”
“Doll?” you giggled. He hoped he didn’t offend you. “I hope you show,” you added in a small voice, your gaze focused on the ground.
Frowning a bit, he wondered if you didn’t believe him. Did someone let you down before? “If I say I’ll be there…” He lifted your chin, so you’d look into his eyes. He needed you to see the truth in them. “I’ll be there.”
You exhaled, staring deeply into his eyes. “I’ll see you tomorrow then,” you whispered.
He grudgingly released you, knowing he had to. Besides, if he kept touching you, there was a good chance he’d pin you against the wall and show you what a work of art you were. “Good night,” he whispered, watching you go back to your friend. She linked her arm with yours as you glanced back, keeping your eyes on Bucky until you were out of sight.
He exhaled, mentally kicking his ass again. Why the fuck didn’t he ask for your number? You two hit it off, and you wanted to see him at least in some capacity beyond the blood drive, right?
Steve made a beeline for him as he stayed rooted to the spot. “It looks like you two hit it off. You know you didn’t even say hi to Chris or Sam or-”
“We’re going to a blood drive tomorrow,” he cut in. He hoped people would show, but he gave you his word he’d be there, and the club was all about giving back to the community.
The blonde’s eyebrows pinched. “I’m sorry, what?”
“Blood drive. Tomorrow. Everyone,” he said, giving his friend a hard stare. “You’re the president. Make it happen.”
“You’re the vice president, which means you supervise plans for club events or gatherings. That includes last minute things,” he pointed out, his eyebrows shooting up as Bucky got his phone out and typed quickly. “You’re serious about this?”
“Is it too much to say, ‘You better fucking be there or you’ll pay for it later’?”
The blonde grinned. A shit-eating, knowing grin, and he wanted to smack him. “This is all for her, isn’t it?”
Bucky sighed. He hadn't expected to meet someone so perfect tonight. “She’s a nurse and I wanna help. Besides, it’s good for the community and you’re all about that shit.” And he had to make a better impression after not asking for your number. “Will you at least promise you’ll be there?”
“To watch my whipped best friend fawn over a pretty nurse? Hell yeah.”
“Beautiful,” he corrected him. “She’s beautiful.”
And while Bucky would fawn over you tomorrow, he also hoped he’d get your number.
So, what do we think so far? Part of this writing style was slightly different for me, but I like how it turned out! I still need to give this reader a nickname and the AU a name, but this is a start. I can't wait for the whole club to show up at the blood drive. I also have something silly and cute planned for these two. ❤️ Love and thanks for reading! ❤️
Masterlist ⚓ Bucky Barnes Masterlist ⚓ Ko-Fi
#navybrat writes#bucky barnes x reader#bucky barnes x female reader#bucky barnes x you#bucky barnes x y/n#bucky barnes#biker!bucky barnes#biker!bucky barnes x reader#bucky barnes imagine#bucky barnes x fanfiction#bucky barnes au#bucky x reader#bucky x female reader#james buchanan barnes#james bucky barnes#sebastian stan#sebastian stan x reader#bucky barnes fanfic#winter soldier#x reader
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Sylus? No ... Skye?
Sylus x NonMC
summary: you didn't know that your lovely sweetheart is the most wanted man in all of Linkon. you knew him as Skye. one year with him was bliss, then suddenly he ghosted you.
tags: fluff, angst, sylus as skye, non mc reader more tags to follow
taglist: @animegamerfox @lazypostfandomer @mentaltrouble2201
note: ACKKK new series hiii! Hope you enjoy this
Masterlist
"How is my darling?"
Destiny cafe is particularly busy during this time of the day. Chatters from friends and the sound of the coffee grinder fills the place. So when you heard a familiar voice talking in your direction, you tear your gaze away from your laptop and looked at them. It's your very adorable boyfriend -- Skye. You immediately shoot him a smile. He's finally here.
"You're just in time. I'm actually loading up my cart for skincare products. Come and help me choose."
He groaned before plopping to your side and looked at your screen. That made you giggle. He doesn't really like doing all of these and in his own words he can "just help pay for it" but he tolerates you anyway.
"Sweetie, didn't we just bought some a few months back?" he asked while still scrolling through different brands of facial masks looking for the ones you two already tried and tested.
"Months. It's been months, Skye. We already went through all of them. We only have a week's worth."
"Fine. Go and check out this one. I like the scent."
Your afternoon went on like that. Nothing new. Just a fun and light moment with your long term boyfriend. It has been a blissful year since you two got in a relationship and so far, he did nothing but make you smile. Although he is stubborn at times and makes your head ache with his sudden disappearances, you didn't question him for it. You wanted to, but it seemed like he isn't ready to tell you where he goes and as an apology when he returns he gives you a bouquet of peonies.
Skye tells you that he is just a lowly fruit vendor whose income depends on how his fruits sell and that he got lucky supplying a few bigshots costumers here in Linkon, but sometimes it's hard to believe that. His motorbike collection alone is enough to pay for your year's worth of salary and so far he used at least five different big bikes around you. Not to mention his cars that's another puzzle that you cannot wrap your head around.
And the way he spoils you is out of this world! You're not one to police someone's spending habits but if Skye is telling the truth and he is just living off of his fruits, then he should start cutting back on the amount he spends on you.
"Skye, if you ever think of paying for this, I'm telling you now: don't." you said trying to be stern. "Let me cover it this time."
He raised a brow at you, "What kind of boyfriend am I if I let my lady pay for the things she loves?"
When he is like this it's so easy to just give in and do what he wants especially when he looks so offended that you don't want him to pay for you. It might no be obvious to him, but he has this little pout whenever he doesn't get his way and his eyes looks so disappointed that it makes your heart clench.
But no. You will not be swayed.
"You will be a responsible boyfriend who will be mindful of his spending habits so he can maintain his lifestyle." you answered him looking directly in his eyes. "You have been spending wayyyy too much on me, baby. It feels like for a week alone, you already managed to gift me an entire month's worth of my salary."
"Fruit sold so well it's fair that my lady gets her share."
There he is again. Using his charm and sweet words to get to you.
"I love that you had such a provider mindset, that's very husband material of you." you said emphasizing your last phrase because you know you get him to listen to you when that kind of topic is brought up. "BUT you have to spend wisely. It's not everyday that you will sell well. What if a competitor comes and you lose all your costumers, then what? I would happily provide for us, but if we can avoid being broke then by all means let's avoid it."
Skye knows you and your history. You didn't come from a rich background and you had to work your entire high school until college just to finish studying so you know hard work and how important it is to be mindful of your purchases and seeing Skye just burn his finances like it doesn't hurt his pockets is something that you would just watch.
"What I'm saying is, you need to save up for your future. You never know what might happen."
He took your hand and laced it with his, bringing it up his lips and kissed it.
"Don't worry about that 'kay? I'm not spending more than what I can lose. We won't go broke." he said and smirked, "But I think I would spend more on you. I like it when you get so ... wifey. Makes me wanna put a ring on you."
You blushed hard. Feigning irritation, you took your hand back and crossed your arm.
"Well, I won't marry someone who doesn't care about our finances."
"Hey! Don't say that!" He made you face him but you won't budge.
He sighed defeatedly when you didn't speak further. "Fine. I would spend less."
You smiled and finally looked at him. "Promise?"
"Promise." he looked like a kicked puppy it's adorable. You kissed his cheeks to mend his broken heart.
"Love 'ya. Keep that up I might propose to you myself."
He was wide eyed when you said that.
"Don't you dare, sweetie. Let me do the proposing." he said.
"If you are gonna spend a couple of thousand dollars on it, then I would say no." you stuck your tongue out just to piss him off.
He chuckled at you and your childish antics, "A man don't kiss and tell about the prices of their gifts, sweetheart. You wouldn't know."
You just pinched his ears lightly careful not to hurt him. "Take me seriously, Skye. Don't spend too much on me. Save some for yourself."
"I know, baby. I hear you. I will try, okay?"
You nodded your head. That's good enough to hear for now.
==
You walked out of the cafe planning to chill in your home and watch movies when Skye received a phone call from his shop assistant Luke. He answered it while keeping his hand on your waist to guide you to the front seat of his car.
"Hello?" He shut the door to his side and started driving putting Luke in speaker mode.
"Boss Man, we're on our way to deliver watermelons. The client wants to meet you. It's important."
You can hear Skye grumbling under his breath. He hates it when these kind of things happen especially when his time with you gets cut short. You two only see each other once or twice a week and it really pisses him off when he can't spend it like he intended to. You took his free hand and held him nodding for him to go.
"But -"
"Do it. Visit me tomorrow or the next day. Just text me and I will take a day off." you said. You really missed him too but his business needs him and you won't be the one to cause it's downfall.
He just sighed and answered Luke, "I'll be there. I will just take Y/N home."
"Copy boss!"
==
He pulled up in front of your apartment. You can see that he hesitates to leave because he doesn’t even look at you and he has that little pout on his lips again. When Skye is like this, you really want to kiss him silly.
“Skye,”
“I don’t want to go.”
“Tsk.” He turned off the engine and went out to open the door for you. “I will be back as soon as I can, okay? I love you.”
You gave him a sweet kiss on the lips. You need your fill for when you wait on him.
“I love you too.”
You watched his car leave. Feeling hollow on your chest.
You went inside hopeful that he will see you in two days tops.
But then a week had passed and no message from him. You tried to call but it only rings.
It made you worry and you don’t know any way to reach him.
If you had known that it would be the last time you would see him after a very long time, would you have let him go?
note: how was itttt? i hope you enjoy. this will be at least 3-4 parts only. love you!!! reacts, comments and reblogs are much much welcome 🤗
#love and deepspace#sylus x non mc#lads sylus#lnds sylus#l&ds sylus#love and deepspace sylus#sylus x reader#lads fanfic#non mc reader#angst with a happy ending
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— nobody’s business.
feat. itoshi sae. a little sensual. 700+ wc. self indulgent :> publicizing your relationship with japan’s star player.
itoshi sae is holding onto your hand, a little more firmly than ever before. teal eyes out ahead on the field in front of you both searching for something you can’t name. you follow his gaze— it’s on the bleachers first, then hastily eyeing every player on the pitch. it’s on the spectators one second, then it’s on the cameras panning and zooming in from every direction.
sae grimaces when one such camera directs at the two of you, pulling you behind and away from the prying eyes of the media eager to catch just a glimpse of japan’s prized player and his partner who he keeps oh so hidden from the world.
he’s never denied being in a relationship. never tried to refute dating allegations with a non-celebrity, never once fazed to address the blurred pictures of him making out with someone in his car, never tried to hide the bruises on his neck that catch the eye of every fan leaving nobody wondering what it really is. he knows what they’ll do once they really know who you are— the paparazzi wouldn’t fucking leave you alone, following you everywhere. magazines would be willing to kill to get just one word from you and twist it to their likings. sae’s discreet with his words though, never gives them something to work with.
it was not until you addressed it to him yourself. just another article surfacing all around social media. something that had left a bitter taste on your tongue. ‘ itoshi sae and his supposed girlfriend ! ’ — it’s a picture of sae with a model you don’t know the name of, attending an event you weren’t invited to. he looks clearly unimpressed. but it helps little when every single comment under the article is how of well the two look together.
how well itoshi sae looks with someone who’s not you.
“you’ve already denied the rumours, so then why...” you’d said, avoiding his gaze for reasons you can’t pinpoint. “they always make up shit to write when their lukewarm ass doesn’t have real shit to sell.” he’d answered, “don’t think much about it. they’ll forget about it soon.”
when you didn’t say anything back, sae had known what he was to do. he’d known what it was you were asking of him with your silence. and for you, he was more than willing.
he’s sure a few cameras would’ve captured him with you by now, your face clear and beautiful for everyone to see and engrave on their papers and headlines. they’ll adorn you with pretty words and pretty adjectives, and he’ll have to share you with the eyes of the world now. something about it leaves a bitter flavor on his tongue, so he kisses you instead to taste the sweetness of your lips.
“don’t take your eyes off me,” he rasps between the kisses, one hand coming to cradle your jaw while the other hooks around your waist. “look at only me.”
“only you.” you say and sae breathes you in. he leans down closer, lips moving against yours more desperately than ever. he’s pleased with your answer. phantom touches of his hands slithering under your shirt and tracing the skin of your abdomen.
you forget about the match about to start in a mere minutes, about the cameras still desperate to get one glimpse of this very scene, and if you do remember that his teammates would march out any second now— sae makes you forget about everyone else when he tugs on your bottom lip lightly, “afraid? ” he challenges you with a long, languid glide of his tongue, “of what? I’m the only thing on your mind. ”
later when the game ends with the final pass from sae leading to a goal, the camera pans to you sitting in the vip section and cheering for sae and his team. another pans to sae when he notices you on the screen. sae ignores the roars of the crowd, ignores his teammates gathering around him, screaming for their win. he looks at you, waiting intently. you know what he’s asking of you — did you watch? he shifts forward ever so slightly — was i good?
you’re smiling as you mouth a clear I’m so proud of you — and only then does sae feels like he’s won.
© yuquinzel2023 [ plagiarism is a violation of moral rights ! ]
why am I posting this it's a year old 🧘🏻♀️🧘🏻♀️
#❀˖° ─ hana writes.#itoshi sae x reader#itoshi sae x you#blue lock x reader#itoshi sae fluff#sae x reader#sae x you#blue lock x you#blue lock x reader fluff#sae itoshi x reader#sae itoshi x you#bllk x reader#bllk x you#bllk fluff
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"You saw it?"
"For a second. Yeah. I saw one."
"Start at the beginning."
"Hoo. Okay. Uhhh... It was 77. I think. I was air force. Or, hypnoengineering support staff contracted to help out around St. Louis."
"That's how you came into your supply of JVH-1"
"It was JVH-11 actually, and yeah, the fuckin, uh- the requisitions officer at Scott was an old buddy of mine. We used to fuck around in college before I, you know-"
"Yes I understand."
"I worked records for Sears-Roebuck, I had all the accounting expertise, as well as a ready supply of LSD."
"How did you start?"
"Oh it was easy at first. Really just selling off phials of the new experimental stuff to finance guys. They'd go nuts for the stuff, pay top dollar for it too. Hell, I could get 100$ for a milliliter. Made it easy to keep my contacts bought in and re-invested. Honestly I don't think the req office would even know that we were skimming if they weren't in on it.
But, you know how it is with hypnoregulation. Transchronological market data is worth it's weight in diamond. It started with the odd photo of a 2q-week readout, then biometric data, then, uh- then. Well, we decided to try it ourselves."
"You attempted full sub-finantial emmanation?"
"No no god no, what're you nuts? No, see. We figured if one person can meld their brain with the market, we just had to get as close as we could to that guy, and mark the twain, hypnologically speaking."
"Mark the twain?"
"Yeah, see, okay. A plutophant in full emmanation isn't like us. We exist at a single point in time, an R1 rational market actor. But they exist in multiple points in time, back in 77, I think the government could hit R6 with that analogue tech. Most people can hit R2 with a single hit of JVH-1, with practice you can hit R3, but anything higher than R3 takes a pretty serious support team. But here's the thing, I had a whole cadre of co-implicated members of a military grade hypnoengineering support team. All we needed was the space."
"The warehouse. Schaeffer Marble and Tile was it?"
"Bingo. See here's the thing. You know why the government had to start building those special regulation temples? It's not just for security. Once you crack the R6 barrier, Plutophants start leaving what's called a wake. You know, like a fuckin, uh, like a boat. They're imperceptible to normal people, but if you have sensitive enough instruments or, say, a person in the edge of sub-market emmanation.
See the government didn't know at the time, but if you balanced the drugs just right, and kept someone right on the edge of R4, you could actually read the plutophant's interpretations by their wake rather than their direct neurofeedback. It's not nearly as precise, but if you have a good team and you know what to look for, you can get some really, really valuable market data that way."
"And your co-worker?"
"You mean Mills? Fuck. Yeah...Mills. Right."
"Take your time."
"No, no I'm good. It's... It's uh, It's dangerous. Brains aren't meant to take that much JVH-11 all at once. We could stay on R4, but what we didn't have was a recovery team, or a medical team, or recon team. It was me, Mills, Israel, Connaught, and Marsh. The five of us were the only ones in the soup. Bruso was running the machines and Lasker was monitoring the readout."
"Can you tell us what happened?"
"Yeah. Yeah. It was a normal intrusion. Hypnogrid emmanation is pretty simple with our tech and support. Sedation was all green, hypnoinduction was green. Smooth as silk. Landed about 40 minutes from our work location. We had the codes from the IRSAW people that morning, all we had to do was maintain hypnoinduction for 40 minutes while traversing the colon and we'd be able to-"
"I'm sorry, colon?"
"Oh come on. Colon. Collective Unconscious. Col-Un. Colon."
"I- of course. Continue."
"Hey, have you ever been on a dive before?"
"Can we focus on your statement?"
"It's important. I need to know if this next bit is gonna make sense to you or not."
"I've undergone basic anti-intrusion training standard for IRS investigation task force officers."
"So you've done safe dives. White room? Castle training? Putting up the wall? All that jazz?"
"That's correct."
"Did they ever tell you why it's dangerous to perform off-site hypnoincursion in meta-unstsble hypnospace?"
"They did."
"Well they're lying...don't look at me like that. I'm not bullshitting you. They're lying...there's...there's shit out there okay? There's things out there."
"Mills?"
"Yeah. Mills. Uh..."
"Take your time."
"Yeah yeah. Quit interruptin me. Mills... Uh, yeah so we were T-Plus 30 into the dive. Bruso gives us a heads up that some hypnoflora is headed our way, but can't get a read on mass. Says we should steer clear, but we are so close. Israel had handled some hypnoflora before, so we weren't worried. But it was... I dunno. I can't explain."
"Do your best."
"Like. Okay. Meta-unstsble dives are fucked. They're acid trips. The St. Louis hypnoscape already doesn't look normal, but Scott Base looked like some kinda bastard lovechild of a medieval castle and a seashell, all twisting up into itself. The streets were a chessboard, and all the streetlights we're these tall kinda mannequin lookin' things holding a tiny sun in their hand. Everything is fucked, it's all topsy turvy. But it's okay, because it's meta-unstable hypnospace, its not SUPPOSED to be normal. And then there was a Red Sock."
"Like for the feet?"
"No. Like. In the middle of this fucked up dreamscape, there's suddenly a batter for the Boston Red Sox. He's standing there, maybe 50 feet away. He's got a bat in one hand and a mitt in the other, and he's just kinda walking towards us. Nobody really knew what to do. It didn't look dangerous, but something wasn't right. It didn't fit. We just kinda stood there, looking at the thing. Israel starts talking to Bruso, asking him what to do. Suddenly, Bruso is screaming at us, telling us to book it. He's screaming into the com, telling us to prepare for de-emmanation. Nobody knows what's happening. Israel is suddenly standing between Mills and the Red Sock, and..."
"Any information you can recall could be of use."
"It's...it's mostly feeling at this point. You ever been having a normal dream? Like, a good, normal dream? And suddenly you realize that something is really, really wrong? There's signs. For me? It's that the lights go out. Suddenly day turns to night, and something about this batter just makes me want to curl up and hide. Suddenly, moving through the world is like trying to swim through molasses. I try to run, but nothing moves, and everything is dark. The world is shifting. There's shadows under the bathroom door that can't be happening. A man who looks like Jesus. An old and terrible house and an old man with no name whose face I can't remember. The batter swings at Mills and she just...vanishes. Shes gone. Bruso pulls us out a second later."
"So this, batter killed Ms. Mills?"
"No."
"No?"
"No. We get out, she's comatose. Whatever that thing did to her, she was still in hypnospace. I gave her a hot shot of barbiturates. Her brain activity slowed to R0 after about 90 seconds."
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AU where there's no system (or a decidedly less restrictive one) and Shen Yuan transmigrates into an OC rogue cultivator before the start of the novel, and decides he's gonna steal the protagonist before Luo Binghe even gets to Cang Qiong.
The logic is sound -- he'll keep Luo Binghe from experiencing neglect and abuse at Shen Qingqiu's hands, raise him away from the pressure of the sects and the likelihood that anyone else might find out about his heritage and try to harm him over it, keep him fully away from the Immortal Alliance Conference, and then Luo Binghe's course will change trajectory because he'll have no reason to want revenge against the world and no access to Xin Mo. Shen Yuan will be able to spare Luo Binghe some suffering and possibly survive in a world less subject to the harrowing whims of a half-mad tyrannical overlord. Win-win!
However, the tricky bit is that he's not sure exactly how far ahead of the novel he is, and also Airplane didn't specify where Luo Binghe grew up. This means that Luo Binghe could be any age younger than twelve and in any number of places along or near to the Luo river.
Shen Yuan decides he's going to approach this by pretending he is looking for the long-lost son of his sister, traveling through the likeliest areas, asking after abandoned children who might fit the protagonist's description. It's a long shot, he knows, and he's mostly relying on the existence of Narrative Destiny. But eventually he is directed by several people towards a particular city, which is not as close to the river as he'd have expected Luo Binghe to grow up, but then again he only knows that was where baby Binghe was found, not where the washerwoman who took him in ultimately lived.
It becomes clear to him, though, that he's been sent to the wrong target. But also why he's been sent astray is apparent in nearly the same breath, because among the slave children living in this area is a little boy who could be his much younger clone.
Seriously, this kid looks just like him! Or, well, close enough. He looks a lot like Shen Yuan's actual nieces and nephews from his past life. It's uncanny.
Also, because of his search, the slave kids get wind of what he's looking for (his long-lost nephew) pretty quick. The boy with the obvious resemblance to him greets Shen Yuan's own assessment with wary cynicism, but he's just a little boy. So it's not difficult to notice the way he's also practically vibrating with hopefulness, half-hiding behind a protective older kid and looking at Shen Yuan with big dark eyes like he expects to be rescued or destroyed with whatever he has to say next.
Shen Yuan has a big problem now. He just knows that if he says something like "actually no this boy is too old to be my nephew" or whatever other excuse, no one will believe him, and also this poor kid is going to be permanently scarred by it. He's going to think Shen Yuan is lying just so that he can reject him. On top of that, he's not in a good situation here. None of these children are even remotely well cared-for.
Shen Yuan's rogue cultivator self isn't rich on the level of being like a wealthy sect leader or anything, but he's made some money since transmigrating by doing random cultivator jobs and quests along the way here. He uses it all to purchase two little slave boys (Do Not Separate), then takes another job and uses that coin to acquire a somewhat rundown manor which used to belong to the local gentry. The Qiu family (rings some bells but that's not exactly an uncommon name) kept it up for a while in case a branch family sprung up in need of a residence, but they've been in decline and the place is downright decrepit, so they had been looking to sell it instead. It's too big for a wandering bachelor like SY to ever need on his own account, but that's sort of the idea. He makes more money taking on cultivator work, at first taking his boys along with him for lack of any alternative. Nerve-wrackingly dangerous! Eventually he hires workers to start restoring the manor, particularly setting up a yard to be a school area, and then starts taking on any freelance jobs he can get in order to steadily buy out the contracts on all the other kids. He gets it nice enough to house and care for as many orphans as he can acquire.
Not because he's a big old softie though!
His story of looking for his nephew is a bust now, since he's apparently "found" the kid. So he's got to change tactics! If he can't find baby Binghe and the washerwoman, the next best approach is to create an opportunity for them to come to him. So once he's got his new household established, he starts offering free lessons to all the local kids. Not just the ones he's taken in, but also any who come by and want to learn some things. It's a tempting setup for anyone who wants their child to get education but can't afford a tutor, and Luo Binghe's mother had been entirely the sort of person who would have packed up and left her situation if there had been an opportunity for it.
On that note, SY also starts hiring single mothers to help look after his new gaggle of children and do the work he doesn't know how to do in these times, like keeping house, laundry, cooking, actually raising kids, etc.
His "little school" is not universally popular. A few groups try and ruin him, because the poverty in the region provides a basis of business for them. The ringleaders of the human traffickers in the area don't want their trade to dry up, even if it means selling all of their merchandise for this round, so when they find out that their underlings let Shen Yuan buy off all the kids they try and intimidate him into returning them (it doesn't go well for them). The Qiu family also isn't thrilled after it becomes clear what he's doing, and get him investigated by the local authorities (read: use their bribed officials and local goons to try and interfere.)
When that doesn't work either the sects get involved, because the Qiu go crying to Huan Hua Palace that Shen Yuan is sketchy and is trying to establish his own sect. So Shen Yuan talks his way around the matter, and frankly the Qiu are small fish even if they're the biggest ones in the local pond, so HHP doesn't care to pursue things much further. (Read: SY could mop the floor with the disciples they sent to investigate him, and it's not worth it to piss off someone this mysterious and powerful just to bully some impoverished children.)
Shen Yuan is appalled by all this bullshit though. Trust the world of PIDW to make it so hard just for a guy to teach some poor kids how to read and do math!
It makes him dig in his heels about it, because he is at heart a stubborn bastard. The fires that once fueled a thousand angry screeds on zhongdian literature site is now aimed at the local magistrate. One of the women he's hired on has some dirt on the Qiu family, which leads SY to dig up some more until he eventually has enough to turn the tables on them. Local officials won't investigate because they've all been bought, but that in and of itself is of some interest to their superiors closer to the palace, and so SY arranges an investigation of his own that goes way further than he thought? Turns out there are some ugly skeletons in the Qiu closets, and the imperial investigator comes down on them hard.
Well, he can't say they didn't have it coming? Though he does feel bad for the children in the family, especially the oldest son, who gets hauled off to jail along with his father. At least the girl is sent to live with relatives. Maybe he should have done more to shield the minors in the situation...?
His kids tell him not to worry about it, though, that apparently young master Qiu was known to run people down in the streets and beat his servants and do other cartoonishly awful things. SY's not sure how much of it is true and how much of it is his little flock of fluffy sheep trying to ease his conscience, though they do all seem to take a lot of vindictive delight in the whole affair. Especially Nephew, who clings to his sleeves and loudly declares that the investigator should have publicly flogged the discredited nobles so that everyone could go watch, and then begs him for sweets as if that wasn't a creepy thing to hear come out of an eight-year-old's mouth. SY just sighs and tells him he can have something good when he finishes his calligraphy practice.
Of course, it's not exactly easy running what is basically an orphanage-slash-school (and maybe a budding sect...?), especially when pretty much all of the kids have been traumatized and faced stuff like rampant dehumanization, food insecurity, abuse, and neglect. Hiring single mothers soon becomes not only a plan to try and lure in Luo Binghe's mom, but an absolute godsend of an idea because SY has no clue WHAT he would do on his own about the discipline issues or emotional breakdowns or acting out that some of the kids get up to once it registers that they're in a safe enough place to unpack their baggage.
Apart from Nephew, SY's favorite kid is the one who came with him, the oldest of the flock of former slave children. He's the big brother of the group, the one who tries his best to look after the others and to not make any trouble himself. But even poor Little Yue is still just a kid who has been through too much, and he also eventually starts having some meltdowns and struggles with processing everything that has happened to him as a vulnerable child in an unkind world.
SY really didn't mean to start a trauma center for mistreated children!
Though, that's still not necessarily a bad thing for Luo Binghe to one day come across, provided he ever actually shows up...
Eventually, Shen Yuan does figure out that he must be ahead even of Luo Binghe's birth, though he still doesn't put together that he's interfered in the scum villain's backstory. Probably something even more amusingly obscure, like the creation year of some random artifact Luo Binghe used in some wife plot or other, tips him off and he mentally throws his hands up in the air. He's got to wait DECADES? Maybe he ought to try and find Luo Binghe's biological parents and just follow them around at this point!
Not that he can, now, though, because he has to make sure no negative IQ villains (who will probably just be cannon fodder for a subplot one day) decide to send goons to literally burn down his orphanage. Also if he's gone for too long his kids get upset. Probably because no one else is as weak to their puppy dog eyes and pleas for treats and toys as he is.
At least it gives him time to shore up his position, and train Nephew and Little Yue more extensively in cultivation. Despite his initial assurances to HHP that he was but a humble orphan wrangler who was only incidentally a cultivator, Shen Yuan does also teach the other kids some basic cultivation exercises. There are a few reasons for that.
One is just the principle of the thing. No, these kids don't all have the potential to become great immortals or anything, but they can still learn some of it and it's good for their health if they do. The only trouble is if they try and push too hard or attempt things beyond their range, and that's a risk with everyone who cultivates. Or even just exercises!
Another reason is that it helps stave off the jealousy that some of the kids have towards those with more cultivation potential. Teaching a lot of the basics all around makes it into just another topic at school. Some kids might not be as good at it as others, but those kids might also be better at math, or memorization, or board games, and while cultivation can open more doors to people as adults, for the children this is generally enough to satisfy their sense of fairness. Or at least reduce outbursts and fights.
Finally, the impression that any of SY's kids might be a cultivator also makes wicked people more reluctant to try and abduct or interfere with them. Cultivators are revered and nearly mythological figures in the public consciousness. It isn't difficult to see why, if even a rogue cultivator NPC like SY* can mop the floor with most random muggers (*Shen Yuan is not a normal rogue cultivator). Not many people want to risk bringing SY's ire down on them, but of those who might chance it if he wasn't around to immediately react, even fewer want to risk that the kids themselves could kick their asses.
Not knowing that only two of the orphans probably could in fact mop the floor with them helps keep all the rest safer, and is more believable when all of them can conduct themselves enough like disciples to fool anyone who doesn't know what to really look for.
Developments that surprise Shen Yuan but wouldn't surprise anyone else who is paying attention:
People start leaving unwanted babies and younger children on his doorstep. Not all the time, but more than once has he had to frantically find wet nurses and worry that he's changed things enough that some fishermen might just randomly drop the protagonist outside his gate, and he wouldn't even know because Binghe would be a literal infant??
Nephew (SJ) and Little Yue (Yue Qi -- only Shen Yuan calls him "Little", especially when he gets taller than SY by the time he's sixteen) are prodigies who get really good at cultivation, really fast, and between that and Shen Yuan's OP skills they completely warp Shen Yuan's ideas for what normal cultivation potential looks like. This would probably cause more problems if he wasn't teaching all the kids how to cultivate anyway, but means his students actually do kinda run the usual range of skills for a small sect.
SJ and YQ swiftly reach the point where they need more advanced equipment than just SY's teaching can provide, if they're going to keep building their skills. Gaining access to certain tools, aids, and materials (like spiritual swords) is a real hurdle though, and usually is for rogue cultivators (one of the major disadvantages of no sect affiliation.) Shen Yuan is hesitant to use stuff from the plot, since it's For Binghe, but he eventually caves and starts going after some things that he doesn't think the future protagonist will miss much. He also ends up buying stuff from HHP, since they're willing to sell things like spiritual tools and weapons if the price is right, whereas most other sects like Cang Qiong reserve them for members only.
They get an invitation to the Immortal Alliance Conference. Not the one where the Abyss opens up, obviously, the one where (originally) Shen Jiu reunited with Yue Qi and killed Wu Yanzi. Shen Yuan debates on going but the boys really want to, and things have calmed down enough that no one's trying to burn down the school whenever he leaves these days, so eventually he figures it'll be interesting to see some of the Cang Qiong characters and should be safe enough if he keeps his disciples close.
They don't run into young Yue Qingyuan or Shen Qingqiu on the trip, but Wu Yanzi does show up and get killed, and SY only hears about it and assumes they just missed all that action. (WYZ just got caught by some senior cultivators who recognized him and killed him to avenge some disciples he murdered.) Nephew and Little Yue do meet young Liu Qingge, Shang Qinghua, Mu Qingfang, and Su Xiyan though! Which gives Shen Yuan the opportunity to tell them all (mostly Su Xiyan) that if they're ever in trouble near his school, they can come to him for help. Hint hint.
This open invitation ends up being accepted broadly by a lot of traveling cultivators after the conference, who from then on treat Shen Yuan's school like a free motel whenever they're passing through. Plenty aren't even people SY met, but it seems his statement was taken as a general one to fellow righteous cultivators all around! Luckily, this has some advantages. Shen Yuan has no qualms running off anyone who tries to take unfair advantage of him or especially his kids or staff, and no shame in conscripting anyone who is decent enough to help teach his students, even if it's nothing to do with cultivating, and somehow word gets around and people start bringing school supplies, medicine, food, or other useful things along with them as gifts to help repay the hospitality. Young Liu Qingge comes by a lot on his way to and from various quests, or even seems to just turn up randomly sometimes (he comes to challenge YQ and SJ to fights), and SY's just like "I guess this is happening now" and teaches him to recognize the early signs of qi deviation and advises strongly against meditating in caves.
At one point a young Shang Qinghua turns up in one of the spare rooms, very obviously hiding an ice demon. Shen Yuan again is just like "I guess this is happening now" and shelters them until Mobei Jun has recovered, and sends a message to Cang Qiong that one of their An Ding caravans was attacked and their disciple is recovering under his roof but isn't well enough to travel yet. Much less stressful situation for Airplane (who is desperately trying to figure out what he did to manifest SJ's benevolent uncle from somewhere???)
Su Xiyan seems like the only person they met at the Immortal Alliance Conference who doesn't turn up at their door in a state of emergency at some point.
A few years later, there is a big scandal involving her and the demon emperor. Su Xiyan disappears, Huan Hua Palace accuses Tianlang Jun of plotting against the righteous sects, and Shen Yuan is even invited to the meeting where they try and rally everyone to go kill Binghe's dad. Naturally, he declines to participate in the witch hunt, but the major sects agree to it. By luck (or narrative fortune) Shen Yuan comes across Zhuzhi Lang on his trip back home, and mentions the ambush and his distaste for it (not knowing who ZZL is). ZZL warns Tianlang Jun and the confrontation goes very differently, especially since there's no Yue Qingyuan wielding Xuan Su.
It doesn't go well for the sects involved. Huan Hua Palace gets decimated. The Old Palace Master gets killed. Shen Yuan is like uhhhh that's... whoops? Didn't Luo Binghe need that in the future?? Fuck.
But the sect isn't wiped out completely, they just take a massive beating. Some of their younger disciples end up leaving and turning up on Shen Yuan's doorstep, for some reason. The manor house is becoming too small to account for all of these foundlings! They have to expand. Though the expansions would be a stretch to term a "palace" they end up occupying a much larger chunk of territory, and even investing in farmland and some storehouses to help support the sect. That's still not really a sect, of course. Even if a lot of the business that would have normally gone to Huan Hua Palace starts coming to them instead. Once HHP is back on its feet the stream will probably dry out. Probably?
Zhuzhi Lang starts hanging around. He's actually looking for Su Xiyan or their baby, dead or alive and per Tianlang Jun's instructions, but he uses Shen Yuan's school as base camp for his kind of hopeless efforts to find any traces of them, while also looking for ways to try and repay Shen Yuan. All the kids are just like "oh great, another weird man has fallen in love with Shizun -- someone go run interference" about it.
Some years later, an older woman and her young son turn up. Shen Yuan's off on a quest at the time, so SJ receives them. As is standard procedure he gives the woman a job and places the boy in classes, after giving him the aptitude tests. The kid is cute and precocious, so SJ uses him to distract YQ while he himself sneaks out to go join LQG on a monster hunt (and claim the valuable parts of the beast's remains for himself), and neither SY nor ZZL notice anything until SY's going over the paperwork for stuff he missed while he was gone. Since he procrastinated, it takes him like a week to find out that Luo Binghe is finally under his roof. He's going over the admission form right when SJ arrives with The New Adorable Child to try and distract SY enough that SY will let him go on a solo hunt -- as far as being distracted goes, it is way more effective than even SJ anticipated.
Then he has to figure out how to let ZZL know, so that ZZL can let Tianlang Jun know, so that Luo Binghe will have more family than just his mom and more resources than just a shabby little not-sect! But even once he figures it out and sets up the dramatic reveal, TLJ is just like "great! so can he just stay with you? he's probably fine there" which... irritates SY.
SJ fully conscripts Luo Binghe as a minion in his many cons. He never lost his street kid conman tactics, although he now uses them less as a ruthless survival tool or weapon and more to just get things to go his own way. LBH has the face and disposition of a little angel, which SJ no longer can pull off as a full grown adult, so he fills a gap. LBH also knows full well what's going, especially since a lot of SJ's tactics involve throwing LBH at SY like a smoke bomb.
Luo Binghe inevitably still develops a big fat crush on SY, so this is fine by him. Especially when he gets older, he starts bringing SY tea and making him breakfast and running his errands until even SJ is like "wait a minute, this little brat's stealing my job!" and by then it's too late. Luo Binghe is SY's personal assistant, the disciple at conman puppydog eyes has surpassed the master! While SJ was busy being like "I'm going to trick this idiot into doing my chores" LBH was going "I'm going to trick this idiot into giving me his job".
SY takes too long to officially name his school so everyone calls it the Shen Sect, much to his embarrassment.
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WHAT'S YOUR LOVE LANGUAGE? ༻°₊ 。



۶ৎ ALTERNATIVE : how boynextdoor express their love for you
۶ৎ PAIRING : boynextdoor x gn!reader۶ৎ GENRE(S) : established relationship, FLUFFNESS OVERLOAD!!! ~ ۶ৎ WARNING(S) : slight mention of stress/anxiety, excessive chessiness?? (secondhand blushing!!), uncontrollable smiling, Woonhak's failed basketball attempt (may cause emotional damage) ۶ৎ WORD COUNT : 0.2k - 0.3k words
۶ৎ A/N : new headcanons!! I personally feel like all of them would express their love in such diverse and sweet ways~ likes/reblogs/comments = a fish doodled by Leehan and a kiss from Jaehyun 😉
SUNGHO ✧˚ ༘ ⋆。 ˚
۶ৎ always walks on the street side of the sidewalk to protect you from traffic
۶ৎ remembers your coffee order down to the ice cube count and brings it to you without being asked :
“I passed the café and they had your favourite coffee!”
“You walked ten minutes in the opposite direction.”
“So what? Let me live babe.”
۶ৎ plans thoughtful dates based on your interests, not his
۶ৎ if you once mentioned liking stars? He's dragging you to an observatory at night (You said it one time. He remembered.)
۶ৎ if you once mentioned craving bunggeoppang at 1am during winter? He's showing up a week later asking :
“So, hypothetically, if I knew a place that sells it late... and hypothetically, if I was already outside your place… would you hypothetically want to come down or—?” (He already bought two. Yours has extra red bean. He remembered. AGAIN.)
۶ৎ adjusts your seatbelt for you when you get in his car with no complaints because he loves taking care of you
۶ৎ knows your go-to order at like five different restaurants and recites it like it’s a password to a secret base
۶ৎ will not let you carry anything heavy, no matter how small it is :
“Give me that.”
“It’s literally just a bottle of—”
“Give.”
۶ৎ knows your routines better than you do. If you forget something? He’s already packed it :
“Did you bring my charger?”
“Bottom left pocket.”
“Wait, seriously—”
“You forget it every time. This isn’t new.”
۶ৎ buys those mini heat packs and sneaks them into your pockets when it's cold
۶ৎ cooks your favourite comfort food when you've had a rough day without you having to ask
۶ৎ complains about your bad habits but always helps you through them anyway :
“Why are you like this? Also I reorganized your entire fridge and labelled the sauces. You’re welcome.”
۶ৎ overall the best boyfriend ever! ~ 🥹💕
RIWOO ✧˚ ༘ ⋆。 ˚
۶ৎ unconsciously reaches for your hand when walking together
۶ৎ leaves you little handwritten encouraging notes around your house whenever possible, says it's his new daily morning routine
۶ৎ always making silly jokes that makes your stomach hurt from laughing :
“If that vending machine eats your dollar again I will fight it. I don’t care if it’s built like Jaehyun.”
۶ৎ gives the most comforting hugs when you're stressed, will wrap his arms around your waist and let you rest your head on his shoulders while tracing circles around your back
۶ৎ spins you around randomly just to hear you laugh :
“You looked bored.”
“I WAS COOKING.”
“Yeah, now we’re waltzing. Multitask!”
۶ৎ gives you forehead kisses before leaving, entering a room, or just because the lighting hits your face a certain way and he can’t resist
۶ৎ brings you little desserts when he goes out
۶ৎ plays with your hair when you're close
۶ৎ keeps his phone gallery full of blurry pics of you :
“Why do you have this? I look like a goblin.”
“Exactly. My goblin.”
۶ৎ man of a few words, but text? Oh he's going out of his way to make sure you know you're genuinely the most beautiful person he's met :
“Just remembered how pretty you looked this morning… ♡”
۶ৎ links arms with you in crowded places, he just doesn’t like the idea of losing you, even for a second! 😭🩷
۶ৎ randomly starts dance battles with you at home :
“ROUND ONE! LET’S GO LOSER.”
“I DID NOT CONSENT TO THIS.”
“WINNER BUYS ICE CREAM. MOVE IT.”
۶ৎ also links arms with you everywhere you go, even just walking to the kitchen :
“Where are we headed?”
“Fridge.”
“Perfect. I love a good journey.”
JAEHYUN ✧˚ ༘ ⋆。 ˚
۶ৎ dating Jaehyun is a 50/50 gamble between :
“My boyfriend just serenaded me with a ukulele at 2AM because he missed me”
AND
“My boyfriend ate my last snack and left a post-it that says ‘this is the price of loving me’”
۶ৎ wakes you up in the most dramatic way possible :
“WAKE UP, LOVE OF MY LIFE, WE’RE GETTING PANCAKES—”
“Jaehyun it’s 7am—”
“AND THE SUN IS SHINING AND I MISSED YOUR FACE!!!”
۶ৎ saves every picture you send him and makes them his wallpaper
۶ৎ plans elaborate surprise dates months in advance because he loves seeing your reaction
۶ৎ always brings you little gifts :
“Here. Saw this and it looked like you.”
“It’s a sparkly pink pen shaped like a cat?”
“Exactly. Sexy and sharp like my gorgeous girlfriend.”
۶ৎ teases you 24/7 but defends you the moment someone else tries
۶ৎ blows up your phone with memes and chaotic selfies, half of which are him doing something dumb like wearing five sunglasses indoors
۶ৎ calls you by the most ridiculous nicknames :
“You good, my little microwave-safe spaghetti?”
“...That’s not even—what?”
“Shhh. Just accept my love.”
۶ৎ texts you fake love letters in Shakespearean English :
“To mine dearest heartthrob, thy gaze doth slay me—also we’re out of milk.”
۶ৎ always has a hand on you. Thigh, waist, pinky, shoulder, doesn’t matter. Even if it’s just brushing against you on the train, he’s gonna make sure you feel he’s there :
“Do I have to let go?”
“You’re hugging my leg while I’m washing dishes.”
“So… no?”
۶ৎ never misses the opportunity to surprises you with back hugs with his arms around your waist whenever he feels like
۶ৎ dramatic as hell when you're affectionate first
۶ৎ genuinely hypes you up like you’re his celebrity crush :
“You’re telling me YOU chose to date me?? That’s so crazy. How did I pull such fine shyt??”
TAESAN ✧˚ ༘ ⋆。 ˚
۶ৎ writes you lyrics when he can't express his feelings verbally
۶ৎ does your chores when you're overwhelmed without making a big deal out of it
۶ৎ sends you good morning/goodnight texts that are never the same or copy-paste
۶ৎ loves making you flustered, then pretending he’s innocent :
“You look cute when you’re mad. Should I annoy you more?”
“Dongmin.”
“Not a no.”
۶ৎ defends you in conversations when you're not around if anybody tries talking bad about you
۶ৎ slips your name into lyrics he's working on and pretends it's a coincidence :
“Dongmin, this is literally our inside joke in verse two.”
“Oh, weird, huh? ☺️”
۶ৎ hums your favourite songs when he thinks you can't hear him
۶ৎ remembers every important date and celebrates all milestones, big or small
۶ৎ knows when you’re lying and loves to call you out :
“I’m not jealous.”
“You changed the subject and flared your nostrils. That’s your tell, babe.”
“Do you study me or something?”
“24/7. Get with the program.”
۶ৎ this man teases you more than Jaehyun but that's just his way of showing his undying love for you ~
۶ৎ leaves you voice messages when he knows you’re too tired to talk :
“You don’t have to reply. I just wanted you to hear my voice. I love you.”
۶ৎ keeps one earbud in at all times just in case you send a voice note. If it’s a voice message, he’ll pause everything to listen, even if he’s mid-writing lyrics
LEEHAN ✧˚ ༘ ⋆。 ˚
۶ৎ gives you his full attention when you speak, like you're the most fascinating person in the world
۶ৎ shares the most random thoughts :
“Do you think fish get jealous?”
“...Jealous of what?”
“Like… other fish with cooler scales. Or the ones that get fed first.”
“Donghyun what—”
“Anyway, if I were a fish, I’d be jealous of whoever got to swim next to you.”
۶ৎ gets pouty when you tease him, but lets you win anyway.
۶ৎ draws little doodles of you and him as corydoras fish :
“This one’s you.”
“Why do I look nervous?”
“Because you’re next to me and you just realized how much you like me.”
“...Donghyun.”
“Hang on, let me give you heart eyes. There. Fixed.”
۶ৎ shares his hobbies with you and gets genuinely excited when you show interest
۶ৎ teaches you about his interest (fishies! 🐠) with endless patience
۶ৎ starts learning your favourite hobbies too so you can do them together
۶ৎ Absentmindedly plays with your hands. Twirls your ring. Taps on your fingers like a keyboard. Draws little shapes on your palm :
“You have the cutest hands. Very holdable!”
۶ৎ wants to do everything together with you, even the boring stuff :
“Wanna go grocery shopping with me?”
“You just went yesterday.”
“Yeah but you weren’t with me, so it was lame.”
۶ৎ spoils you with food and loves watching you eat like it's his favourite hobby because he wants you to eat well
۶ৎ enjoys taking long walks with you just to have uninterrupted time together
۶ৎ shares weird animal facts as a way of showing affection :
"Did you know penguins propose with pebbles? I found you a cool rock today. It reminded me of you…kind of oddly shaped but very special.”
WOONHAK ✧˚ ༘ ⋆。 ˚
۶ৎ randomly piggybacks you everywhere
۶ৎ gives you his hoodies and gets happy when he sees you wearing them
۶ৎ starts fake arguments just to get your attention :
“Why would you rank mint choco above cookies and cream???”
“Because it tastes good???”
“You can’t be trusted. Don’t talk to me.”
...10 seconds later
“Wanna try mine though?”
۶ৎ posts unflattering pics of you on social media with stupid captions
۶ৎ says random sweet things when you least expect it
۶ৎ the type to point directly at you and say "this one's for you" and try to shoot the ball into the hoop and miss miserably 💀
۶ৎ doesn't want to admit it but he's very big on physical touch, holding pinkies, resting his chin on your head, throwing an arm around you
۶ৎ if you sit on the floor, he will lie on you :
“Woonhak you’re heavy—”
“You’re soft.”
۶ৎ shares his food automatically with you, even his favourites
۶ৎ chaotic dates >>> romantic dates :
→ Arcade nights where he tries to win you a plushie and refuses to leave until he does
→ Supermarket speed runs where you split the list and compete
→ “Let’s cook dinner together!” (and by cook he means burn half the kitchen)
۶ৎ is weirdly obsessed with your laugh :
“Can you do that thing again?”
“What thing?”
“That sound you made when you snorted mid-laugh. That’s my new ringtone.”
@coriihanniee 💌
˖➴ reblogs are appreciated! ty for reading! <3
taglist: @lvlyhiyyih @supi-wupi @tinyelfperson @8makes1atom @s0shroe @imhereonlytoreadxoxo @mydeepestsecrects @brownetry @pumpkg @heeheesang @jungwonbropls @prodkwh @reibelhearts @beomev
#coriihanniee#boynextdoor#boynextdoor x reader#boynextdoor headcanons#bnd#bnd x reader#bnd headcanons#boynextdoor fluff#bnd fluff#jaehyun#myung jaehyun#bnd myung jaehyun#myung jaehyun x reader#park sungho#bnd sungho#park sungho x reader#riwoo#lee riwoo#riwoo x reader#bnd riwoo#taesan#han taesan#bnd taesan#taesan x reader#leehan#kim leehan#leehan x reader#bnd leehan#woonhak#kim woonhak
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Why the media CEOs will always learn the wrong lessons
Yesterday a friend and I talked about how the entire (AAA) game industrie looked at BG3 being as popular as it is and going: "Oh, we need to produce 100+ hour games, I guess! Those sell!" Which... obviously is not why it is popular. The game is not popular because it has 100+ hours of gameplay, but because it has engaging characters, that are well-acted and that work as good hooks for the players. Like, let's face it: The reason why I so far have sunken 160 hours into this game is, because I wanna spend time with these characters - and because I wanna give them their happy endings.
But the same has happened too, just a bit earlier this year, right? When Barbie broke the 1 billion and every Hollywood CEO went: "Oh, so the people want movies based on toy franchises! Got it!" To which the internet at large replied: "... How is that the lesson you learned from this?"
Well, let me explain to you, why this is the lesson they learn: It is because the CEOs and the boards of directors at large are not artists or even engaged with the medium they produce. They mostly are economists. And their dry little hearts do not understand stuff more complex than numbers and spread sheets.
That sounds evil, I know, but... It is sadly the truth. When they look at a successful movie/series/game/book/comic, they look at it as a product, not a piece of art or narrative. It is just a product that has very clear metrics.
To them Barbie is not a movie with interesting stylistic choices that stand out from the majority of high budget action blockbusters. It is a toy movie with mildly feminist themes.
Or Oppenheimer is not a movie to them with a strong visual language and good acting direction. No, it is a historical blockbuster.
And this is true for basically every form of media. I mean, books are actually a fairly good example. In my life I do remember the big book fads that happened. When Harry Potter was a success, there was at least a dozen other "magical school" book series being released. When Twilight was a big success there was suddenly an endless number of "teen girl falls in love with bad boy, who is [magical creature]" YA. When the Hunger Games was a success, there were hundreds of "YA dystopia" books. Meanwhile in adult reading, we had the big "next Game of Throne" fad.
Of course, the irony is, that within each of those fads there might have been one or two somewhat successful series - but never even one that came even close to whatever started the fad.
Or with movies, we have seen it, too. When Avengers broke the 1 billion (which up to this point only few movies did) the studios went: "Ooooooh, so we need shared universe film series" - and then all went to try and fail to create their own cinematic universe.
Because the people, who call the shots, are just immensely desinterested in the thing they are selling. They do not really care about the content. All they care about is having a supposedly easy avenue of selling it. Just as they do not care about the consumer. All they care about is that the consumer buys it. Why he buys it... Well, they do not care. They could not care less, in fact.
So, yeah, get ready for a 20 overproduced games with a bloated 100+ hours of empty gameplay, but without the engaging characters. And for like at least 15 more moves based on some toy franchise, that nobody actually cares about.
And then get ready for all the CEOs to do the surprised Pikachu face, when all of that ends up not financially successful.
Really, I read some interviews yesterday from some AAA-studio CEOs and their blatant shock and missing understanding on why BG3 works for so many people.
Because, yeah... capitalism does not appreciate art. Capitalism does not understand art. It only understands spread sheets.
#baldurs gate 3#oppenheimer#barbie#barbie movie#hollywood#game industry#media#indie media#media criticism#anti capitalism#late stage capitalism
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business or pleasure
pairing: congressman!bucky barnes x assistant!reader
summary: being congressman barnes’s personal assistant had its challenges: usually it was convincing him to go to black tie events. then comes the night of the gala and you’re doing a bad job of hiding your jealousy when bucky talks to another woman. and then, oh yeah, you get threatened by valentina.
word count: 3.7k
warnings: ⚠️thunderbolts spoilers⚠️ loosely based on thunderbolts plot
“How do I look?” Bucky turned to you.
You brushed some dust off his shoulder and straightened his bowtie. “You look good, very James Bond.” You complimented.
Following your lead, Bucky stepped out of the limo and trailed behind you up the steps into the gala. “Congressman Reynolds,” you whispered the name in Bucky’s ear as the suited man approached you both.
“Congressman Reynolds. Nice to see you again.” Bucky repeated your words, shaking the man’s hand. The two men talked business for a couple minutes, and then agreed to see each other later.
You started to lead Bucky further inside the gala. He let his hand rest on the small of your back, causing you to jump. He told himself it was so he didn’t lose you in the crowd, but that was partially a lie. He leaned in close to your ear, “I hate that man.” He whispered to you.
“Welcome to politics, Congressman Barnes.” You teased. His hand retreated from your waist, and you missed the contact.
“What is this gala for anyway?” Bucky asked you, as you both walked inside the main grand ballroom. As he looked around at the extravagant tables and decorations, he couldn’t help but wish he was anywhere else.
You grabbed his elbow, steering him away from the politicians that had notable disagreements with him. Turns out, some politicians didn’t want to see an ex-Avenger in office.
“Officially, it’s an auction selling Avengers artifacts. Unofficially, it’s just a way for rich people to rub elbows with government officials, such as yourself.” You explained. Bucky nodded and rolled his eyes.
Bucky hated politics, which made him wonder why he even ended up in this position. “Isn’t this all a little…” he struggled to come up with the word.
“Unnecessary,” You finished his sentence for him.
“I feel like you and I are the only people here who feel that way.” Bucky said, chuckling and leaning in closer to you. You nodded, knowing exactly how he felt.
You’d only known Bucky for a few months: since he ran for office, but you had really bonded over the late nights and putting up with politics and red tape.
“Heads up,” you warned Bucky, spotting Valentina.
Bucky tensed behind you as the woman’s cool gaze spotted him. She immediately beelined towards you both. “The Winter Soldier turned Congressman, how lovely to see you.” She greeted with a fake smile.
“Valentina.” Bucky said, bluntly.
There was a couple of seconds of awkward silence between the two of them. “We really should be going. We, unfortunately, have much more important people to meet” Bucky lied, gesturing for you to go ahead of him.
“Oh, okay. Go ahead, Congressman. I’ll just speak to your assistant for just a minute.” Valentina said, possessively putting her hand on your shoulder. Bucky's eyes darted over to you. Bucky knew Valentina was cruel and capable of anything she set her mind to. So, Bucky didn’t love the idea of leaving you alone with her.
Bucky prayed that Valentina wouldn’t be stupid enough to hurt you in such a public place. After all, he did have a metal arm and he wasn’t above using it.
“I’m good. Go ahead,” you tried to quell the anxious look you saw in Bucky’s eyes. He gave you a short nod before leaving.
Valentina’s fake smile stayed plastered on her face but was a direct contrast to the threats leaving her mouth. “I know your little Congressman is looking into me and my company. I don’t doubt that he’s told you this. I also don’t doubt that you’ve got him wrapped around your finger with that young pretty smile of yours.” She said.
You took a deep breath. You couldn’t slap her in public, but you could think about it.
“Is there a point to this conversation or do you really just love hearing yourself talk this much?” You snapped back.
“Silly little girl. Bucky might have found a good use for this mouth of yours, but this town doesn’t reward those that don’t know when it’s best to shut up.” Her tone was harsher now, and her grip on your shoulder tightened.
Your blood began to boil. It wasn’t the first time someone had implied that you and Bucky were sleeping together, or that that is why you got the job in the first place. You still weren’t used to people questioning your abilities.
“You’re gonna find a way to make Barnes stop looking into my company. Convince however you see fit. That part is up to you. Climb into bed with him, really be creative. But, you get him to leave me alone and you don’t tell him about this conversation. Or let’s just say your safety will no longer be a guarantee.” She said, before walking away and leaving you stunned.
You rushed away to find Bucky. You didn’t care if that damn woman told you not to tell him. He was probably the only one who could protect you from her.
You searched for Bucky, but you were unsuccessful because you were in a room full of hundreds of men in identical suits.
Finally, you caught a glimpse of Bucky at the top of a grand staircase. Then, you saw a woman beside him. He handed her a small piece of paper.
Then, she got that stupid smile on her face. The same one you or any woman had when Bucky Barnes did something charming.
You knew she was Valentina’s assistant, Mel. Judging your most recent conversation with Valentina, you weren’t too thrilled to see Mel talking to Bucky.
Bucky left her side, heading down the staircase. His eyes landed on you standing at the bottom of the stairs. He rushed to greet you. “You alright? How was Valentina?” He asked you.
“You better keep looking into her company. You’re definitely on the right track. Was that Val’s assistant you were talking to?” You asked, quickly changing the subject. You tried to stop yourself. But you felt your jealousy take over.
Bucky glanced back over his shoulder. “Oh yeah, Mel.” He said, nodding.
“Was that for business or pleasure?” You asked. Your head and your heart were currently having a battle over who would control your mouth. Your heart was winning. All logic had gone out the window. All you could think about was the way she’d smiled at Bucky.
Bucky paused, realizing what you were asking him. He cocked his head to the side. “Why do you care who I’m with?” He asked, curiously. He could read your jealousy all over your face. He didn’t mind. He’d be jealous if he saw you talking to a guy.
“Oh, so you’re with her?” You asked, failing to hide your disappointment.
He chuckled to himself. “You still didn’t answer my question.” He said, taking a step closer to you.
You avoided his gaze, staring down at the floor. “C’mon, let’s dance.” He said, grabbing your hand and pulling you towards the dance floor.
His metal arm found your waist, keeping you close to him. Closer than you should have been to your boss.
You rested your hand on his shoulder, while he grabbed your other hand with his. Your hand felt tiny in his grip. “If you’re really gonna date Val’s assistant, be careful. Especially considering Val just threatened me if I didn’t get you to stop investigating her company.” You whispered to him.
He chuckled seeing that you still hadn’t realized he wasn’t actually interested in Mel. He swayed his body with yours, rubbing his thumb over your hip softly. “I don’t think you have to worry about that.” He told you.
You finally looked at him again. “Are you kidding? You spend five minutes with her assistant and now you believe her over me?” You asked, trying not to raise your voice.
Bucky quickly shook his head. “I’m not saying I don’t believe you. I’m just telling you I’ll protect you, I promise.” He said, seeing the hurt in your eyes.
You tried to pull away but he tightened his grip on you. “Hold on, wait. I feel like we’re having a misunderstanding.” Bucky tried to clear it up, but you had already yanked yourself out of his grip and stormed off.
Bucky followed after you, finally pulling you into a quiet hallway with him. “C’mon, you gotta talk to me. Why has this got you so worked up? Just let me know and I can fix it. I was joking about that thing with Mel. I’m not interested, not even a little. I was trying to get her to turn on Val, I promise.” Bucky begged for your forgiveness.
It had served as a wake up call for you. You realized you cared way too deeply for Bucky. You couldn’t allow yourself to get upset over him having a date. Val had threatened you because she knew Bucky cared for you immensely.
“I can’t do this, Bucky. I’m fucking scared.” Your voice came out just above a whisper. Bucky’s heart broke hearing the crack in your voice. He pulled you into his chest, wrapping his arms around you. You clung to him as tears threatened to spill from your eyes.
You tried to distract yourself, so you tried to focus on one thing: the warm cedarwood smell of Bucky’s cologne. “I will protect you, I promise.” He whispered in your ear.
For the rest of the night, Bucky never let you out of his sight. Keeping you within arms reach at all times. And he played the part of Congressman, talking and laughing with some of the donors, just so Valentina wouldn’t have a clue.
“You sure you don’t want me to give you a ride?” Bucky asked, as he walked you to your car.
You nodded your head. He held his arm out for you to hold as you carefully stepped around a big puddle. When you got to your car, Bucky pulled you back into an hug, tightly holding onto you. “Text me when you get home.” He whispered, pressing a kiss against your temple. It felt like he’d crossed some invisible line, but neither of you seemed to care.
It was clear that Valentina’s threat had gotten under Bucky’s skin too. “I will, I promise.” You told him.
As you drove towards your house, you noticed a strange car parked across the street from your home. You swore under your breath, recognizing Valentina’s car.
You sped up and headed towards Bucky’s apartment. Your hands were shaking as you clutched the steering wheel. You quickly dialed Bucky's number on your phone, and it went straight to voicemail. “Shit shit shit shit,” you mumbled.
You pulled into the parking lot of Bucky's apartment building. You sprinted out of the car and up the stairs.
You pounded your fist against the door. “C’mon, Bucky. Open up,” you mumbled under your breath like it would miraculously make him appear.
You could hear loud voices on the other side of the door. Suddenly, the door swung open, revealing a tall man with a scruffy beard and tangled dirty blonde hair.
“You looking for Bucky?” He asked you, noticing your panicked expression. You slowly nodded your head. Could you trust this man? You had no fucking idea.
He invited you inside and locked the door behind you. He started to walk deeper into Bucky’s apartment with you following behind. “Bucky, somebody’s here to see you.” The man announced.
You both got to the living room and you saw Bucky standing with three other people. He glanced over at where you were now standing. His expression completely changed when he recognized you.
“Doll? What’s wrong?” He quickly asked, jogging over to you. He knew your wide eyes and shaking hands meant something had happened. “There was a weird car at my house. It was Val, I just know it was.” You explained.
His expression dropped. Bucky didn’t often looked scared, but he did right now. “It’s okay. I’m right here.” He assured you, pulling you into a hug. The others all glanced at each other and back at you.
They couldn’t help but be curious about the mystery woman who’d turned the mostly-silent and brooding Bucky Barnes into an affectionate human being.
Bucky sensed that he’d gathered the group’s attention. “C’mon, we can go talk.” He said, leading you towards his bedroom. You were understandably on edge. Bucky wanted to do anything he could to quell your worries, even if he was freaking out on the inside.
As soon as he closed the door behind you both, you turned to face him. “Bucky, who are all those people?” You asked, trying to read his expression.
“Some colleagues,” he said, vaguely.
You understood what he was implying, but you had to be sure. You sat down on the edge of his bed, taking a deep breath. “Was that John Walker that answered the door?” You asked, recognizing him from the news a few years ago.
Bucky quietly nodded. “So, let me get this straight. You have a team of rookie heroes that you’re going to take down Val with?” You asked, the disbelief clear in your voice. Every time Bucky had talked about Avenger stuff with you, it always seemed like it was long in the past.
“She’s into some really bad shit. You know that. I’m sorry but Congress and playing by the rules isn’t doing anything. I know that you’d rather I play this by the book but I can’t.” He explained to you.
You tried to take a breath and center yourself, but all of this news was feeling a little overwhelming. “You seem upset.” He said, softly. He walked over and sat beside you.
Hesitantly, he reached out towards you, brushing a few loose strands of your hair behind your ear. You didn’t notice yourself doing it, but you leaned into his touch.
“I should have talked to you before it all got this crazy. I know resigning is a big thing.” He said, genuinely.
You laughed under your breath. “You really don’t understand a thing about me, Barnes.” You said, looking over at him. He searched your eyes for any clue about what you were talking about.
You tried to find a way to explain it to him without revealing how you felt about him. Your stomach was in knots, anxious that telling him would push him away.
“I don’t care about you resigning. I’m fucking worried about you. You go after Val like this, outside of the law. You could get really hurt.” You said, your voice cracking. He grabbed your hand, slotting his fingers through yours.
There were butterflies in your stomach. “I have to do something, doll. She threatened you, and I’d feel responsible if you got hurt.” He said.
He glanced down at your lips. It was so quick that you thought you imagined it. His free hand cupped your cheek, softly. Your eyes started to flutter closed as you leaned towards him.
The air between you felt still. Goosebumps covered your arms.
Then, his bedroom door violently slammed open, and you both jumped apart.
It was Walker.
“Mel sent the file, but we’ve got company outside. We’ve got to leave now and get the file to the Capitol.” He said, urgently.
Bucky swore under his breath as he jumped to his feet. He didn’t even have time to explain as he grabbed your hand and pulled you with him. “Alexei, go get the van ready.” Bucky commanded. He flung open a closet door and yanked out a bulletproof vest.
“C’mere,” he mumbled, tugging the vest over your head.
He kept your hand tightly clasped in his as he led the team down the back stairwell. John quickly opened the back doors to the van, and you all piled inside. “Drive,” Bucky and John shouted as they closed the van doors.
Bucky slumped down next to you. “Guess it’s time for you to meet the team,” he said, looking over at you, “this is Walker, Yelena, and Ava. And up there is Alexei.”
The three new faces sitting on the opposite side of the van smiled back at you. Then, loud crashing sounds ripped through your ears. Three bullet-size holes were now in the back door of the van. Bucky shoved you across the van into Walker’s lap. He held up his shield, blocking you and the other girls.
“Alexei, lose them.” Walker screamed as more bullets ripped through the van.
The van suddenly swerved down an alleyway, sending your head bumping into the wall. “The Red Guardian wins again.” Alexei cheered from the drivers seat.
“Thank you.” You said, looking over at Walker, who’d probably just saved your life. “No problem. Nice to finally meet you. Bucky talks about you a lot.” He said, reaching out and shaking your hand.
Bucky held his hands out to you. You took them, and he helped you back over towards where you were sitting before.
“Bucky, what’s going on?” You asked. Your brain was spinning at a million miles per hour as you tried to process everything happening.
“I was talking to Mel tonight because we’ve been trying to get proof of the illegal experiments Val has been running. You know, for the hearing. To get it filed as evidence, we need two Congressional employees to sign off on it. That’s you and me, doll.” He explained.
He knew you were scared. It was written all over your face. “I won’t let anything happen to you, I promise.” He said, sincerely. He made sure to whisper that part, so the other's wouldn’t hear him.
“Let me fix this. We’re almost there.” Bucky said, grabbing your hips and tugging you close to him. He tightened the straps of the vest, making sure it snugly fit you. You caught Yelena’s gaze as she smirked at the two of you.
She looked between you and Bucky a few times. You quickly shook your head, answering the nonverbal question. She didn’t seem very convinced by your answer.
“Pulling up to federal building now,” Alexei yelled.
“Yelena, you and Ava get the file up there. We’ll go a separate way and meet you up there. Doll, you stay right behind me and keep your hands on my shoulders, okay? Walker, you stay glued behind her. Nothing happens to her, got it?” Bucky delegated.
Everything was a blur as the van door opened, and you all rushed out. You tried to find one thing to focus on to keep yourself from spinning out.
Bucky led the three of you to a back stairwell. Valentina had spies everywhere, so you couldn’t be too careful.
You lost track of how many flights of stairs you climbed. Then, Bucky stopped on the landing. He slowly peeked his head out of the door, then signaled for you and Walker to keep following him.
The soft patter of your footsteps was the only noise in the abandoned hallway.
Then, Bucky spun around to face you, holding his finger up to his lips, at the same time that John covered your mouth with his hand.
Their enhanced hearing from the serum had picked up some voices around the corner.
Bucky quickly dragged you both into a small broom closet. The air felt deathly still as the three of you tried to slow your breathing. You couldn’t see anything in the pitch black room, but you felt Bucky’s arm protectively wrap around your waist. Your heartbeat pounded in your ears.
The voices passed by the closet and continued down around the next corner. The three of you quickly snuck back down the hallway. You turned a corner and were met by Yelena and Ava.
They gestured for you all to rush as they held open the door for the council’s office. The five of you walked inside and locked the door behind you. “What happened to you guys?” Walker asked, noticing the cuts on both of their faces.
“Val and her goons in the front stairwell.” Ava explained.
The rest was a blur as you and Bucky took official statements and the council swore in the evidence.
Only after this did Bucky breathe a sigh of relief. “You’ll be happy to know, Miss Fontaine was just arrested in the lobby.” The head council person informed you all.
You found a bench on the side of the room and sat down with your head in your hands. Every muscle in your body felt tense. Being shot at and running for your life was Bucky’s area of expertise, not yours. The team talked amongst themselves. All the words sounded muffled to your ears as you stared down at the ground.
Most of the team started to file out when you felt someone nudge your shoulder. You looked over to see Bucky smiling next to you.
“I’m sorry that you got caught up in all of this.” He apologized, sincerely.
“You saved my life, Bucky. If I had gone into my house, there’s no telling what Val would have done. And she would’ve gone on to keep hurting people. You and your friends saved a lot of people from getting hurt.” You told him.
He gave you a thankful smile, but you recognized the humble look in his eyes. He’d never see himself the way you saw him. In your eyes, he was a hero. He only saw himself as a man who did the best he could.
“Speaking of my friends, Walker wanted me to tell you that he thought you were cute. Do you want me to convey a message back to him?” He asked, smirking over at you.
“That depends,” you responded simply. He gave you a curious look. “On what?” Bucky asked.
“If you finally kiss me right now or not.” You teased.
Bucky’s grin grew as he leaned in to connect your lips. His beard scratched against your chin as he kissed you. Your fingers weaved through his hair. You both were smiling so much into the kiss, it was hard not to giggle.
“Alright, come on, you lovebirds.” You both pulled apart and saw John holding the door open for you both. Bucky gave you one last peck before standing up and interlacing his fingers with yours.
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How I interpret Joker Persona 5
Since Joker is a silent self-insert protagonist it can be hard to get a reading on his characterization. He can make inconsistent choices gameplay-wise that clash with what was set up. He's supposed to be the righteous leader, and yet... you have the option to cheat on girlfriends, or sell your friends out to Yaldobaoth and become Evil, or doom the world for a selfish wish. It's easy to dismiss all that as 'not the true ending' but to me that would be boring and a cop-out. These are treated as equally-valid choices in terms of player input, so I think any interpretation of the character has to account for that. Like he is definitely a little unhinged.
Is Joker evil? No because he spends most of the game being a good guy and can choose to be a hero till the end. The desire to do the right thing is ingrained in his character.
So is he inherently good? No because it's coded into the game that he can betray all his morals. In P3, Makoto at worst betrays his team to protect them from pain. He never turns sinister the way Joker can in the Yaldobaoth-deal ending. P4 has an accomplice ending but even then you at least have collaboration of some sort, as opposed to Joker who is alone in his fall from heroism. The good ending being the 'true' ending doesnt erase the fact that Joker has the potential to go dark in a way the other protagonists dont. This is also a part of him, which I think makes him wayyyy more interesting.
So how are you supposed to reconcile all these inconsistencies into a cohesive characterization? Is it just 'out of character'?
Ironically, I think the best way to understand Joker's character is to first understand Akechi. If you accept that they are two sides of the same coin (and the game beats you over the head with that lol) then that means they share a lot of internal rage and pain about the world. It means Joker did not have his emotions together nor a healthy outlook on interpersonal relationships, at least in the beginning. It explains why a lot of Joker's confidants start out transactional. The main difference (asides from Akechi being more marginalized) is that Joker has the opportunity to respond to his traumas in a healthier way. He channels his rage into a good cause, and he can choose to do so til the very end (ie the true ending). It also explains how he can reach a breaking point and go down a darker path instead, similar to Akechi.
This is my preferred way of interpreting Joker in light of all the wildly different directions he takes in the actual game. It's why I personally like my Joker characterization as a little unhinged, a little dark, very emotionally troubled and evasive, AND very kind + empathetic to others despite that. He knows he's a little fucked up inside and that's why he's desperate to do the right thing. Joker isn't just good by nature, he actively chooses to be.
If you need any more proof, look at Maruki. He's the only other character that gets this much parallels drawn with Joker. But the ways that Joker's characterization can be derived from Maruki is a whole other post. I'll probably get to that some day, but it's interesting that when the writers decided to make a parallel to Joker for an extended story, they went with another unhinged antagonist that understands him on a deeper level.
#obligatory disclaimer that this is my personal interpretation + im not invalidating anyone who headcanons/ interprets differently#anyway i like Joker a lot. on the surface he seems pretty weakly-written because of the silent protag limitation#but i think analyzing him with the context of the other characters does a lot for his writing#people who say “he doesnt have a personality” or “he's just a self insert” are wrong#he's one of the most interesting characters. it just gets buried by the writing team smh#also dark!joker fics are fantastic. i LOVE when authors explore that part of his character. ur doing god's work thank u#my post#persona 5#persona 5 royal#p5#p5r#akira kurusu#goro akechi#takuto maruki#p5r analysis#persona 5 analysis#shuake#p5r akira#p5r akechi#p5r maruki
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