#anyways i'm glad we got a couple new nobodies

[gummi-ships]

Kingdom Hearts 3 - Nobodies

[baskeigh-ball]

Ignoring the fact that ibis had the ai paint feature a couple years before this whole ai fiasco, after seeing your post, I decided to try it out to see if it really held up. I already knew what you said made no sense, as even stuff like ai painting requires heavy human input that isn't just someone typing a prompt in a thing and looking through thousands of images and somehow still calling it 'art'. Really, it's just some weird advanced bucket.

The ibis ai paint... really sucks. I'm pretty sure it hasn't even been touched since it was added. No matter what I did, I got random colours and whatever colours I had put there looked like it were from a filter, not to mention how my lineart bled everywhere like it was blurred out.

Ibis isn't problematic for adding that feature as not only was it added ages ago, but it was also just a gimmick only added because a few more popular paid programs added them, like Clip Studio Paint. I highly doubt even the company took it seriously considering how poorly built it is. This is actually the one time I'm glad some feature in an app sucks so much.

Another reason why ibis isn't problematic by the mere feature alone is that, when you look at the artists making content during the time of that update, it was received with humour. It was something fun to try, but ultimately dismissed for actual artwork, as nobody would use it to fully paint their works. Nowadays we see something slapped with the words 'ai' and think that it's instantly bad due to the latest issues with it and big corperations/ certain production companies but it isn't. It's just a lot of people abusing what was previously some fun gimmick, which it can still be, and for certain apps, still is. Nobody throws pitchforks at character ai, after all.

You can tell just by the size of this that I'm procrastinating on something. Ima go and let this rot away in your askbox now lol

You really thought this would fade away in my ask box, mwahahaha /j

I wanna start off by saying thank you for holding me accountable, I will admit that I got buzzworded pretty hard in this situation lmao

This information came as a surprise to me-- I was seeing posts pop up within the past week complaining about the ai feature on ibis, so I assumed it was recent. As it turns out, after reading your ask, I discovered that I got a few wires crossed! Because yes, the auto paint feature I referred to in my post has been around for years now, and was never taken seriously anyways

So that was my bad (and yea ur right it's completely unusable, lmao)

But as it turns out, the feature that people have been complaining about DID come out recently. It was called the AI Example feature, I think the idea was that you make a simple drawing and the AI adds 99% of the detail and color, which I've seen a bunch of other programs do.

...and then it was immediately removed due to some pretty major backlash, which, duh

^ This is the only evidence I can find of the 11.2.0 update that included the AI feature on the actual site; their update history stops at 11.1.0. But there's also the news page about the removal of the update, so it's not like they're trying to pretend it never happened.

So tl;dr, I jumped on the hate train a little too quickly and never did enough research to figure out what the actual update was, and that it's been removed by now anyway (which I couldn't have known until today, ofc, but i did kinda post that thing about ibis today so it's still a pretty major oopsie)

I think I can say with confidence now that I agree, ibis paint isn't problematic to use-- they made a mistake with this update, but they actually listened to their users and removed it LITERALLY the next day. So, thanks for letting me know! I'll also edit my last post to prevent any misinformation, just in case people make the same mistake I did :]

[etherealxgenie]

So I just got the Monster High Pride Comic after waiting so long! And boy was it worth the wait. But I DO have some things to say about it and note this is not to shame or disrespect anything whatsoever.

Here we go:

A side (Toradeen)

I'm gonna be upfront: Obviously this is G3 Toradeen covered in G1 skin. Don't get me wrong, it's cute and interesting chemistry while keeping some character in for both Clawdeen and Toralei. But... how did the story introduce a new MH cute side couple while failing to tell us HOW the main story couple got together?

I had to read this side a few times because while I was disappointed of the lack explanation, it was good to see a few things. I'm glad it had the side story of Ghoulia writing 'Fangfiction' (I almost forgot about the lexicon, dear god!), Howleen's OG look, A GLIMPSE of Clawdeen's dad and a few of the ghouls. Jackie and Bridgette are very cute as well giving some more representationfor MH.

The only thing was bad was the lack of BG or showing us how Toralei and Clawdeen would be in the same room of each other, let alone date. Cause these two were at each other's throats before in the series and boovies so... yeah. The next comic I hope they explain that.

B Side (Spellentine)

Maybe I'm biased, but I was anticipating this side of the comic more. First of all, I've been waiting for almost a decade to finally see the mysterious Spelldon! And I knew based on Val's diary they were gonna be a great new ship and I was SO glad to be right! I like the flow of this story well of how it shows regarding building romance and even trying to repair friendships.

The only tidbit would be the misleading thing of Draculaura refusing to accept Val's apology, though it IS understandable. But yeah, she was making excuses to not fang out with him. But I'm glad in the end they both decided to take their time. Val has a new 'friend' to pay attention to anyway :)

The bonus was that NOBODY TOLD ME WHISP WAS GONNA BE IN THE COMIC!!! It made me VERY HAPPY and she's portrayed as I expected her to be! (can you tell 13 wishes in my favorite boovie yet?). I guarantee you she will wingwoman the hell out of these two.

Overall, this comic was a pretty good read and well worth the wait. I'm curious as to see what IDW will do with the Monster High franchise from now on for the "New Scaremester."

[japhan2024]

Do you take angst for your prompts? Just thinking of an ianthony fic but ian-centric that’s inspired by “I can do it with a broken heart” by taylor swift. Would really love a good/comfort ending!

As I said Anon, I love me some angst! Here ya go!

He's not coming back - Japhan2024 - Smosh [Archive of Our Own]

Slowly, it began to register with Ian.

"Cause I'm a real tough kid

I can handle my shit

They said, "Babe, you gotta fake it til you make it."

And I did

Lights, camera and smile

Even when you want to die

He said he'd love me all his life

But that life was too short

Breaking down I hit the floor

All the pieces of me shattered

As the crowd was chanting "MORE!"" - Taylor Swift

He's not coming back. At all.

"Ian? We, we want to tell you something."

Courtney and Shayne sat with Ian in his office at Defy.

"What's up?"

"Well, you might have noticed that me and Courtney hang out a lot together..." Shayne's smile had never been wider.

Oh god. Ian really tried to act surprised and happy at the news that Shayne and the only person left at Smosh he could confide in, Courtney, were now a couple.

Ian had developed a crush on Courtney shortly after Anthony left. They were funny, witty, knew when to change the subject. And they were always there for him when he needed them. Granted, those times had been in short supply the last couple of months.

"Congratulations you too, and thank you for telling me."

They all got up.

"I love you so much, Ian," Courtney said as they hugged him tightly."

Ian managed a tortured smile.

~

He's not coming back.

~

Ian watched in shock as people looted the Defy office. They were drinking, putting graffiti on the walls. He couldn't blame them too much, but it still kind of hurt. What would become of Smosh?

What would Anthony think about this?

They exchanged a short conversation, then it went silent again.

Ian buried himself in his work. Getting a buyer for Smosh to save it from being sold off for parts. Then he became the president and had Rhett and Link to talk to. It was great but not enough to get Ian out of his head.

~

Ian watched tv. His house was a mess. Nobody visited anyway, as they were in lockdown.

His phone rang.

Nerves shot through his system but it was for nothing. It was Spencer.

"Hey man," Ian picked up.

"Hey Ian, how are you doing?"

"I'm good, just chilling I guess."

"I just want to say it's really nice what you're doing for all of us. Keeping us on payroll. It's frankly the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me. And I wanted to tell you thank you. We're cooking up all kinds of fun videos for Games."

"Aww, that's so nice! I'm glad, Spence. Take care."

Ian didn't feel like talking at all. He wanted to vanish, but he couldn't. He still had to be in videos every day and it was just so hard.

It was so hard without Anthony.

Anthony had always been there.

He opened his sixth beer of the evening.

~

They were back in the studio. It was better times for Smosh. It started to have an identity of its own.

They were shooting a meme reaction video.

"I guess the other guy left..." Shayne laughed his maniacal laugh at the meme. Everyone lost it. But Ian was close to tears.

"Are you okay?" Courtney asked empathetically.

"I'm fine," Ian managed to say.

The carefully constructed walls around Ian's feelings all came tumbling down. He remembered everything. His and Anthony's friendship deteriorating. Anthony becoming so unpredictable: hostile one moment, begging for connection the next. He hadn't trusted him anymore. How he regretted it now. He'd been so young and dumb. And now he didn't have his best friend anymore. It was like Ian's world shattered all over again.

After the shoot, Courtney came up to him.

"Hey, Ian, you alright there buddy?"

"I guess I am, Court. How are you and Shayne?"

"Better than ever." They smiled.

"I'm glad. I'm heading back home."

"Alright, take care okay? We all love you, you know that right?"

"I do. I think you're not too bad yourselves."

Courtney smiled. They truly were very pretty.

~

They stood on the balcony. Their mutual friends had left them to talk.

Ian had completely forgotten how gorgeous Anthony was. Damn. His features so lean, his smile so convincing. His eyes so dark and warm, hot even.

"It's a miracle you saved Smosh when Defy went under. I have to really thank you for that, Ian."

"It was all I had left- you know. Of our friendship."

"Ohh.." Anthony gave him a hug. "That's so sad but also so nice."

"Yeah." Ian smiled wide. He'd also forgotten how *nice* it was to be around Anthony. They got each other. There was an understanding, from knowing each other for so damn long. It was incredibly reassuring.

They stood there, watching the LA night sky.

"Anthony? What if- what if we bought back Smosh?"

"We look for love, no time for tears

Wasted water's all that is

And it don't make no flowers grow

Good things might come to those who wait

Not for those who wait too late

We gotta go for all we know

Just the two of us" - Grover Washington Jr.

[satureja13]

It was already morning until they finished chatting about how Kiyoshi brought back Jack from the Otherworld and what exactly a game version of a 'Dark Dining' is. And because they are so happy to have him back, they ordered Pizza for breakfast. Jack's favourite food. Saiwa is worrying, though. They'll have to confess to Martha that they failed and that the horses refused to leave the Otherworld. Jack applies his puppy strategy again to distract Saiwa from his gloomy mood. Jack to Vlad: "I'm glad you two got sorted it out and decided to share a room! The Bond must be so happy!" Vlad: "Uhm..."

Saiwa: "Nothing got sorted out! You know that Ji Ho is determined to learn to love Vlad and that he is sacrificing himself to the Bond to keep it from making Vlad sick!"

Saiwa: "And this also means that poor Kiyoshi now has to share the room with you!" WHAT? But how they are supposed to keep their relationship a secret when they share a room? On the other hand it would be more suspicious if they never share a room, right?

Jack took a quick glance at Kiyoshi - does he look concerned or happy? Well - it's decided anyway... oh my.

Before they get ready for work, Jack has to tell Ji Ho that he can't teach him no more. It hit him that Kiyoshi seems to feel so much more for him than he does. And that he never felt their 'fated mates thing'.

Ji Ho looks so sad and hopeless that Jack made a call. Jack: "I have an idea who to ask to teach us!"

The only functional couple in their group! They talked about love and compassion and trust and...

Jack: "Oh come on! That's boring. We could watch a drama instead and learn more!"

Saiwa: "Well fine, Mr Know-it-all! Tell us about you and your Alpha! What are you doing better?"

Jack: "That was mean..." Saiwa: "I'm sorry." And then Jeb kissed Saiwa. Jack: "Oh! He loves him even at his worst! This is love!" And Ji Ho and Jack excitedly scribbled in their notebooks...

'… Oh, oh, oh, don't don't you worry I'll be there, whenever you want me … I need somebody who can love me at my worst No, I'm not perfect, but I hope you see my worth, yeah 'Cause it's only you, nobody new, I put you first (put you first) And for you, girl, I swear I'll do the worst'

At My Worst - Pink Sweats

Meanwhile Kiyoshi and Vlad meet at the Meteorites.

Vlad: "Now the only thing left to do is to make the farm visible again. And I know it can be done if Ji Ho and I cast the Bond's magic. Though, for this the Bond will ask for a bit more than a mere hug. Kiyoshi, I can't do this anymore. I will find a way to unravel the Bond without us getting killed."

Kiyoshi: "Think it over Vlad. You two could do much good in this world. And Ji Ho isn't aversed." Vlad: "I want him to be happy and free to choose who he loves. Him being 'not aversed' is not doing it for me."

And of course Ji Ho overheard when he went over to tend the fields.

From the Beginning  ~  Underwater Love ~  Latest

[alaffy]

Riverdale 7x19 - The Golden Age of Television (Spoilers)

Ok, I will admit the last couple of minutes got me choked up a bit. As much as I feel the series went downhill, I am going to miss it. Or some of it. And I'm glad that, contrary to some of the rumors, things didn't play out quite as I had heard.

The story starts with the removal of Featherhead and the hiring of Weatherbee. Also, the Councilor is leaving for Washington. And we see how the timeline is starting down the path towards light (or some such nonsense). Archie plans on riding the rails during the summer, working on his poetry. That is until he finds out Reggie won't be going to this all important Basketball camp as it will be during peak harvest season. Archie tells Reggie to go to the camp and that Archie will take Reggie's place on the farm. Good on you Archie, you might just be like Fred yet. Eh, probably not. But still good.

Pep comics is going to shut down, but not without putting out one last issue based on "The Comet," by W. E. B. Du Bois. Jughead writes the editorial. Judging by the amount of people reading the last comic, I'm guessing we're to believe it makes people think.

Meanwhile, Jughead gives Du Bois' contact information to Veronica, who gains the rights to make a film version. Clay will write and direct.

Cheryl takes back the Vixens. Evelyn's reaction is priceless.

Nobody mentions Midge. Well...

Hal will be sleeping in the basement. Betty's book is published and she gives a copy to Alice. Alice reads it...and yaddah, yaddah, yaddah....understands Betty now....more bullshit...Alice still has a chance to be happy. But not a stewardess because, well, 1950s.

So, Angel Tabita arrives and shows Jughead seasons 1-6 of Riverdale on an old color tv. This causes Jughead to get his memories back. Tabitha explains that they've done their job creating a better timeline (okay), but the timelines were too tangled to separate them. However, she was able to merge them into one timeline. But this means she can't take everyone back to 2023.

...Sure.

What she can do is give everyone their memories back. Long story short, everyone is given the option to view their past lives. Everyone agrees, except for Kevin because he finds there is no Clay before this timeline and Julian because he learns he's a doll. It's a yes it's a lot for everyone to take in.

So, they all meet up again and talk with Tabitha. The Bear is mentioned. Yay! Everyone asks if it would be possible for Tabitha to make it so they would only have the good memories, but not the bad. I mean, I can't blame them...but some of those memories will loose context.

Good news, apparently it is possible. All Tabitha has to do is hit a big ol' reset button (...Fuck you Riverdale) and show them only the good memories. And so we see everyone, including Kevin, Clay, and Julian watching them.

Tabitha sneaks out and Jughead follows. Jughead asks if Tabitha will stay. She says she can't because there's another Tabitha out there who's actually about to live the life this Tabitha should have had had she not come to Riverdale, but she and Jughead will never get together. Jughead, again, tries to get her to stay as they had a life together before....and, I'm sorry, I know the writers are trying to give Jabitha an epic goodbye...but in the pervious scene Jughead's arm was wrapped around Veronica...they're still dating...what does Jughead think will happen here? Anyway, in the end they have one final kiss goodbye and she disappears. Well, she exits off the stage, they don't have the money for special effects (as season six shows us).

We find out after that Jughead has opted out of not having his memories re-erased and having only the good memories put in. What Jughead mentions, and it seems like he didn't know this at the time, is that Betty also chose to keep all of her memories.

God, life at the Cooper's will be fun. "Hal, can you carve the Turkey?" "GOD MOM, DON'T GIVE HIM A KNIFE!"

Well, one more episode to go. I admit I'm a little curious on how this will end, though I don't have any high expectations for it. Oh, but one last thing before I end this...

Frank and Tom are sleeping with each other. Really. Trying getting that image out of your head.

[imabiscuitinthousandworlds]

It's true what they say about writing what you want, no matter what people say.

There was this book. Skellig, in english, in the original. I first read it when I was nine, maybe, and our school temporarily had some books we could loan.That was the first book I ever read where I wasn't sure whether I liked it or not, but it made me think and feel and I was glad to have read it. I gave it to my dad, too. We both weren't sure whether we liked it as such. But it was a good book.

Now, what feels like ages later, I randomly remembered its existence. It's been years and this book stuck with me all this time. While searching for it online (it doesn't exist as new edition anymore, and nobody had the one I read back then, which is kinda a shame because that cover was also amazing), I found a site with reviews. And there were a couple of good reviews, but there were just as many if not slightly more bad ones. It made me kinda sad, because I hardly remembered anything of it but I've come t the conclusion that I probably like it, if it's stuck with me for that long, and that the storyline was just....

Yeah. Anyways, I got a second hand copy of the book. I just read it. It's not long. And it still makes me think and feel and there's so much I forgot but the vibe is still exactly the same and I know that I love it.

It's an amazig book. I know some random person complained that the characters weren't relatable; personally, I'm in love with them.That's just what it feels like to be a kid who thinks too much. I don't know.

Anyways, it's a good book. I don't know why I even red those reviews They didn't even bother to to think about it at all; declared subjective reasons and then said the book was objectively bad. But like. Those people exist. I don't care. Those people don't matter.

Skellig is a wonderful story. I loved it as a kid, and now, as a teen, and it's a story that may or may not have influenced the way I think, a lot. I know it will influence my stories now. It makes me think.

There's bad faith readers. But they don't matter. I think it might be one of my favourite books, if I had to choose any.

[spooniechef]

Admiral's Gingerbread (3 spoons)

It's been a rough last couple of months and I haven't really had the spoons to try new recipes for the most part, plus I was running out of interesting ones in my few cookbooks.

Thing is ... now I have new cookbooks. My bestie pre-ordered me a copy of B Dylan Hollis' Baking Yesteryear the moment we all learned about it. So I thought, "Hey, how about I pull a 'Julie and Julia' with this, and with Exquisite Exandria when it comes out, and cook my way through it to see how spoon-friendly it is?" So that's what I'm going to do the next little while.

(Well, insofar as I can, anyway. A lot of these are American and I'm not sure exactly how we find Velveeta here in the UK.)

Now, a lot of those recipes (hell, most of those recipes) involve flour, so I did some research to find a good brand of gluten-free flour that wasn't going to break the bank. The brand I found is from Middleton Foods, by the way, and it actually mixes in the xanthan gum so you don't have to do the measurements etc yourself. Plus it fits a lot of the parameters I have for the ingredients you find in good gluten-free pasta, so I had high hopes. I also had a yen for gingerbread.

Though Admiral's Gingerbread is honestly more gingercake, but ... bread in the "banana bread" sense. Thing is, however glorious the result, this is a recipe that, for someone with chronic pain issues, is made of no. Like, entirely no. Unless you own a hand mixer, do not do this one. ...But do get yourself a hand mixer because the results are great. The end result is this moist dense cakey bread with ginger tingling on the tongue and just a bit of that not-quite-bitter flavour of molasses. So I'll provide the recipe and then give the list of Things I Wish I'd Had When I Started This Mess.

Here's what you'll need:

225g (1 cup) butter (at room temperature)

1.5 cups self-raising flour

2 tbsp ground ginger

3 tbsp molasses or dark treacle

5 eggs (separated, yolks and whites both kept)

1.5 cups powdered sugar

1 tsp baking powder

It looks so simple, from the ingredients list. But the fun is just beginning.

Here's what you do:

Pre-heat oven to 350F (180C, 160C fan assist - and, after a bit of a Google to confirm for those in the UK with a gas oven, gas mark 4); grease a 9" by 5" loaf pan

Cream the butter; slowly beat in flour, ginger, and molasses

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and powdered sugar together

In another separate bowl, whisk egg whites until stiff (they should form peaks that don't fall over when you lift the whisk out of the mixture) and then beat in baking powder

Thoroughly mix the egg yolk mixture, and then the egg white mixture, into the creamed butter mixture.

Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of the loaf comes out clean.

My stomach and taste buds do not regret what I put myself through to make this gingerbread. The gluten-free flour was a huge success (seriously, Middleton Foods; if you've got gluten issues, it comes recommended), and I have now had two servings of it - with my evening hot chocolate last night and as breakfast this morning. My arms and shoulders, however, are telling me a tale of woe right now. That's mostly because (with the sole exception of beating the egg whites stiff) I did all of that by hand. So here are my tips and hints.

DON'T DO THIS BY HAND. Get a hand mixer. I do not know how people in the 1910s did this. I mean, I should have known better. Hollis states in the damn cookbook that hand mixers are essential. I'm honestly just glad that my hand blender has a whisk attachment that I could use for the egg whites or I'd be truly boned.

Double-check your loaf pan dimensions. It turned out my loaf pan was just a liiiiiiittle bit smaller than 9" by 5". Thankfully the overflow was only a couple of drips and not Vesuvius, but still, nobody needs that aggravation.

A very flexible rubber spatula is going to be your best friend, particularly when it comes to the molasses. Molasses is a bit of a mess to pour, so unless you're good enough to be able to measure approximately three tablespoons by eye (which some people are, and maybe I will be one day but I am not there yet), having something flexible to help scrape the molasses out of the spoon is a big help.

Another household appliance that feels essential in this one is a dishwasher, especially if doing most of the mixing by hand. Honestly, even with a hand mixer, the mixer attachments are going to need cleaning, and it's still the same number of bowls. If you don't have a dishwasher, it's helpful to keep the sink full of warm sudsy water so that you can at least pre-rinse everything before washing. This especially helps with any implement that's been involved with the molasses. ...Actually, if you have a dishwasher, put everything in warm sudsy water when you're done with it anyway; pre-washing is generally a good idea.

I still recommend that everyone who's interested in baking buy Baking Yesteryear by B Dylan Hollis, no matter what I write here. He's all about the beauty. (Even if that beauty is to be found in horror - HE INCLUDED THE SPAGHETTI-O JELLO RING I DON'T WANT TO MAKE THAT ... actually I don't think I can do that because we don't have Spaghetti-Os here and our equivalent is thickened with wheat flour. First time I've ever been glad to be gluten intolerant. Anyway.) I am just the accessibility person behind the scenes. He's on the Magic Baking Road Trip and I am in the works truck behind him putting up warning signs.

Today, the warning is "Hey, see this, what I did? Don't do that. Do it smarter". I'm doing a Wacky Cake next time, swear to god.

[harmonyckrs]

Act 3, Scene 1 of Twisted Veronaville: Some New Opponents Arrive

THE LAST PAGE

Tank: Ow...huh? Where am I?...Buck? Are you okay?

Buck: Yeah, I'm fine!...did we get kidnapped?

Tank: Last thing I remember was us walking home...

???: Hello, Tank...and Buck. We are the Knights of Order, and we brought you here for a very important mission.

Tank: Huh? What-

???: We need you to find and kidnap your brother Ripp, and bring him to us...he's being used by two criminals who are trying to mess with everyone's fates...and then we're going to need you to break up a couple and set up another in order to restore normalcy to Veronaville.

Tank: Fates?...Veronaville?...huh?

???: Just do what we say! You seem to be good at that, anyway.

Buck: Tank, I don't like-

Tank: Sure. I'll do it.

Buck: What?

Tank: If it gets us both out of here, then I might as well.

Hamza: Good day, (sir/ma'am)! I was wondering if you've seen a man with dark skin about this tall? Unkempt hair that's slightly over his eyes and probably wearing a colorful shirt with a silver necklace and little silver earrings?

Bianca: Don't think so, sorry. Is there a reason you're asking?

Cyd: Nope. Why?

Kent: What's it to you?

Hamza: He's my brother. I've been looking for him for...forever. Have you seen him? I have a photo, if you'd like.

Kent: (Wait, that's Aktu! He didn't tell me that he had a brother, though!). I've never seen that man in my life.

Bianca: Still haven't, but I'll let you know if I see anything!

Cyd: Oh, he looks a lot like my ex. Haven't seen him since I moved here from Strangetown, though...

Hamza: Okay, thanks! I've got to go now, but maybe we'll talk again later!

Little did the Knights of Order know, their actions had summoned a unwanted man into the town of Veronaville - one that would be a threat to both sides of the Terrestrial family.

General Buzz: I told that man that he couldn't take my eldest son, and what does he do?...I'll make him-

Pascal: Buzz?

General Buzz: ...Vidcund? How did you escape my-oh, my bad. Pascal! You look different.

Pascal: (What did he mean by escaping?) Yes...I wanted to try a new look. What are you doing here in Veronaville, General Buzz?

General Buzz: Rescuing my son.

Pascal: (Son and not "sons," huh? Still the same as always.) Would you like my help? I've been getting familiar with the area of Veronaville, and I can help you track him down with my knowledge.

General Buzz: Well, you've always been the most respectable out of your siblings...sure. Why not?

Pascal: (I'll have to cancel that meeting with Aktu and Sita. This is far more important...) Wonderful! I'll take you back to my place.

Pascal: So yes, that's everything I know. How are you enjoying the food? I tried to follow one of the recipes Lazlo gave me.

General Buzz: It's pretty good. A bit of a sour taste, though.

Pascal: (That would be the poison.) That's a shame. I'll be sure to put in less lemon next time.

Pascal: I'm glad you're enjoying the food regardless, though. I've never seen anyone eat that quickly.

General Buzz: Haven't eaten in about eight hours.

Pascal: (The exact amount of time you have left before the poison takes your life.) I see...do you feel anything?

General Buzz: Huh?...well, I do feel a bit tired, but that's probably from the trip here. Why do you ask?

Pascal: Well...sometime before I came here, I visited Loki in jail to confront him about killing my baby. And there was something very interesting he told me...

Pascal: He said you were the one who gave Tycho to him.

General Buzz: Yeah, and?...I thought we were supposed to be allies. If this is the only reason you came to talk, I'm going to leave.

General Buzz: ...Why can't I move?

Pascal: Don't worry about that, Buzz. Remember when you paid off the police to do nothing about you speeding on the road while drunk and hitting Nervous and Ophelia?

General Buzz: Yeah, so? I'm the General! I practically run that town!

Pascal: No, you don't! Nobody in Strangetown likes you! Your own children don't even like you! You're a failure and a disgrace, on top of being a murderer and child kidnapper!

General Buzz: At least I have a child.

Pascal: ...Hmph.

General Buzz: Why are you dragging me outside now?

Pascal: It's a nice night. Thought you'd want to see the view of the stars before I bury you alive.

General Buzz: Revenge isn't going to bring back Tycho and Nervous.

Pascal: You're right. So since there's nothing that can bring them back, there's nothing that can save you.

General Buzz: They're...going to find out it's you...

Pascal: I covered all my tracks. I deliberately came here earlier than the other Knights of Order so that everyone would assume I went missing, and you came here in search for Tank. For all anyone knows, you went missing in search of him.

General Buzz: But...Vidcund...

Pascal: He has an alibi. He's in Strangetown, and don't think I didn't hear you when you asked me how I "escaped." You have him captive, don't you? If he's still there, then there's no way he could've traveled eight hours to Veronaville just to kill a man.

General Buzz: ...

Pascal: Now, before I pour dirt on your face, tell me where you're holding him.

General Buzz: ...Fuck...you.

Pascal: Fine. Then tell Olive I say hi when you see her in Hell.

While General Buzz dies a slow and painful death six feet under, the patriarchs of the Capp and Monty were about to be alerted of their grandsons' actions.

Romeo: Nonno! Nonno! I just saw something horrible!

Patrizio: Ah, lemme guess...monster under the bed.

Romeo: No! I'm not a baby anymore, Nonno! Mercutio was kissing a...a...

Romeo: (He kept my secret for me...but I can't do this! Those Capps are evil! And he's going against the very own advice he gave me! This is for his own good!)

Romeo: A Capp! And Tybalt of all of them!

Patrizio: (HE'S GAY?) WHAT? No child living under my roof will be a...a...

Patrizio: A Capp lover!

Patrizio: Consort must be up to his old tricks again...

Consort: Tybalt, may I speak to you?

Tybalt: Yes, Grandfather?

Consort: Patrizio told me that Romeo told him that you were kissing Mercutio.

Tybalt: Why does it matter to you? Hermia gets to bring her boyfriend over, but I can't?

Consort: Hermia is a GIRL. And Puck isn't a MONTY. There is a difference, Tybalt, and I thought you of all people would know that. You already saw what happened with Kent.

Tybalt: ...

Consort: It's alright. I'll let you remain in the house, on one condition.

Tybalt: Which is?

Consort: Once you are to turn eighteen, I'll be setting you up in an arranged marriage.

THE NEXT DAY

[timeoverload]

I'm still crabby. I am so drained. My cases got done around 4 and I had so much to do afterward so I stayed 15 minutes late. I didn't get everything done but at least the important stuff is out of the way.

I wanted to stay longer but I couldn't stay in that room anymore. The autoclave repair man came in to replace the gasket on one of the big autoclaves and he fucked up. He scraped a bunch of the rust off the inside of the chamber with a brillo pad and didn't clean it up. He told us it was good to go and then he left without running a test cycle first. We have to run a bowie dick test after any repairs so they started the cycle and after a couple minutes rust particles started spraying out of the vents and it went everywhere. I have never seen that happen before and I didn't think that was possible. The rust was aerosolized by the heat and steam. I'm glad that my station is on the opposite side of the room and none of my stuff got dirty.

It doesn't help that the autoclaves haven't been cleaned in like a year. They are supposed to have a company come in to clean them regularly but I don't think the hospital has wanted to pay for it because I'm sure it's expensive. At this point it is a safety issue but my boss told me the company is going to come in over the weekend to do that. I used to have to clean them but it's dangerous. I remember having to crawl inside the chamber when it was still warm and having to scrub it down with a very toxic and corrosive cleaner. I wasn't given a respirator to wear. I refuse to do that ever again because I'm claustrophobic and it's scary. It's hot and I felt so sick every time I had to do that. I am looking forward to them getting cleaned because I'm tired of people coming in our department and asking why it smells like cigarettes or fireworks and having to tell them why. It's gross and unacceptable. My nose is still burning and I feel weird.

I still haven't been talking to the morning team lead much which is fine. I overheard a surgical tech ask him if he found a new facility yet. He said that he did find one in Iowa. I'm not sure what he meant by that. He hasn't told anyone in our department that he's looking for a new job but I understand that. He hasn't said anything about putting in his 2 weeks yet but I have a feeling it's coming soon. He has been very quiet. I think he realized that he can't redeem himself at this point and that nobody wants to be around him. He crossed the line too many times. Honestly I think he is getting what he deserves for being a bully.

I still haven't heard whether I can take PTO or not. This should not be an issue. I don't request days off very often because it takes a long time to build up my hours. They might only approve Wednesday and that would be annoying because I hate going to work after getting tattooed. I am not calling in. I guess I should be grateful if they allow me to have any time off. This is stressing me out. I don't know why everything has to be so damn hard all the time. I wish I could catch a break.

Anyway, it's good to be home. I haven't eaten anything today because I didn't have enough time and I'm not hungry. I will probably start feeling jittery soon so I need to find something to eat even though I don't want to. I'm glad I went to the store yesterday. I have no desire to do anything the rest of the night. I think I need to focus on making myself happy right now. I'm planning on going to bed early. I am going to try to enjoy the rest of my evening.

I hope everyone else has a good night too. 💖💖💖

[plcapuche7]

31 December 2023

... And i talk to them.. And they talk about how they want '' him '' to be.. What to wear.. How to look like.. And i feel sad.. Cuz you took me the way i was.. I try to reorganise things in my head from 0 again.. Cuz i almost can't believe you're not here anymore.. I almost think you're here for couple of time.. I dont want another season.. You're my one and only reason

There was a time when i just wanted to live and focus on my goals When i wanted to not go back in time When my mind was consumed I just wanted you to stay Both staying.. Getting through life.. I made mistakes.. but i wanted us to meet

But i didnt know.. How rare it would be to be chosen and loved.. And to like back that person.. All that vibe.. I thought it will never be like my childhood times again.. That i'd get more chances.. But yeah.. Sometimes that becomes your normal.. You think it would last long

But we don't have to be like them.. we don't have to live by their rules.. When i'm down there with their shit, tell me whats wrong.. Tell me what bothers you.. Remind me of how far we made it in life.. Cuz i dont wanna be like them..

But what can a man like me really want? A good sunset and being able to see the sky.. An early morning train trip.. Not having to worry about someone staying or not.. Yes i want a blowjob.. By time, it'll become normal too.. Hopefully we dont keep chasing for more when few things get normal.. And when they do, it's ok cause i wanna relieve that and redo them with you.. Sharing these deep thoughts and passions.. We all are trash.. Mostly on the outside.. I hope you dig enough to find the real me.. And believe in it.. I broke your heart.. I thought about other girls too sometimes.. But i'd still talk about it.. I'd say i'm wrong.. I'm aware.. And i wanna change.. How can this artistic mind cause this much pain.. We talk about life like we know shit.. Once it gets confusing and we run out of answers, we just do whatever it is on our mind.. Maybe i wanted an answer.. Sth like what the hell are you doing?.. Are we gonna stay like this?..

But no matter how much i thought about them all things in life.. There was these mysterious pieces like people, love and relationships..... Love.. How would i know that love exists ?.. The love that i feel and hear in old Coldplay albums.. Only by tearing my heart apart.. How would i know who's right for me? Only by making mistakes.. Let the midday walks and sunshine dry your tears.. Dry the tears trying to not let them fall in your eyes while you're outside.. I loved your hometown.. Passing by in the car.. I loved everything about you.. I worried.. And holding that continous feeling of love.. It was tiring.. You gave up on it anyways..

But eachone of us does sth in this world.. Some just stay inside all daylong.. Some look for pussy.. Some are ok with staying in peace and dying.. Some prioritise their religion.. Some dedicate their lives to a thing or two.. Some want a car.. Money.. Shit.. Some just wanna have fun Some just wanna get high We dont really have to choose.. We don't have to define .. We dont have to be like them.. We get close to being like them sometimes..

Bodies are sick Look into my soul (if you want an answer)

Nobody gives a shit.. So why giving a fuck about their opinions? Only people who experienced that would know.. Some people wrote and felt love.. Others laughed at them or never truly knew the meaning behind.. If you take my soul and fit it, would it fit? it would.. Maybe thats the definition of a soulmate

We'll live talking shit.. They'd be like.. What happened with your ex? You'd be like.. He was like this and that.. I'm glad i am your ex somehow.. It feels like an honour.. Now you got a new boyfriend.. Do you miss me sometimes?

We first started talking on a hopeless 3 pm like this.. On a very sunny time.. While i'm alone in my room.. We shared music.. Everything welt welcomed..

-He was just 19 We vibed to everything -He's still a kid I built logic by my own.. I'd hear you, recognise my mistake and get down on the floor to kiss your feet and apologise cuz i really mean it.. Cuz you really mean to me -He wasn't responsible I wanted to be a graphic designer.. I wanted to exercise.. I wanted to make art.. I wanted to pass the year.. I had to deal with money, food, rent, family shit, past issues.. -He stopped talking I was suffering -He lost interest We had infinite interests.. It felt timeless -He was dumb I was dumb -He went to talk to other girls Yes i did.. I had a feeling i was wrong.. Later i said i was wrong -He didnt express his love much Thats how he is.. But he tries.. You're his everything.. And thats not easy to manage..

Lets just get out of there and be humble.. Say things like '' for real.... For real..... ''... Expressing how we truly feel and think.. Reexperience our love again.. Lets not do anything else until we get the connection back from our souls.. Until they give us an answer... ... -Do you love me? -Yes i do baby ...

I'm an old soul.. At that age.. I just didnt know much more than the good sunrises.. Old coldplay albums and the long talking sessions with myself.. How that was our moment and chance.. Cuz it gets taugh by time..

You remind me of my grandma.. Cuz i simply loved her.. Even though i didnt know why.. She'd be proud if i had you I love your hometown.. It's cause i love you.. I might end up loving everyone related to you.. Everyone you like.. cause i like you Forget? I tried to, i swear.. My cousin told me our family members aren't good with emotional things.. It felt so random that i think he knew.... Maybe the solution is la haine.. THAT WASN'T ME.. THAT WASN'T ME.. It was just me dealing with this world.. But i'm aware.. Like i told you 350 days ago.. I'm sober.. For this.. I died a little inside.. I stubbed myself and died too many times this year.. Alive? Not really.. What kept me alive is that hope that i had in us going back to talking..

17:23 Wow now i realised this time is leaving I got no happy new year or anything I got the feeling that i should be like a '' gangster ''.. I got the feeling that she's whispering to me.. '' yeah this is what you get ''.. And to be honest, i diserve it.. We diserve it.. Cheers to them.. They spend it however they spend it.. I just chill in my room.. I made some small design about her..

I realised these kids are tiring to date man.. It's not gonna get anywhere that way..

It's ok.. I get up everyday.. If i didnt dream about her last night, I'd think of her and think she's still here for couple of seconds until i realise she's not.. The place changed.. In your heart.. And mind..and physically.. Lets talk about the past.. Lets relieve the moments.. Lets get back to where we used to be.. 2023.. I'm still in the same place.. No one is here to share the moment..

This new year's eve.. I wrote too much.. Even though i dont feel like talking to anyone or feeling good.. I feel sad.. Also empty and free in a way.. Cuz i know deep down i diserve it.. Somehow this sadness is all i wanted in a way.. This wouldn't feel special if things were good between eachothers.. Funny.. Right? It would feel special though if i go with the flow.. I think less.. And just share the moment with you limitlessly.. Damn.. Ithas been 11 months at least tryin'..

[alena-reblobs]

Why not: A CCS reread, Part 4

Having lots of fun with this!

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7

Ch24:

It's Yue! Finally! :D

Ch25:

Aaah I really like it when the story is not about life or death for the whole world, but something that's for the main characters on a much deeper emotional level. It makes it much more interesting!

I forgot they had this cool battle! And overall a very cool scene. Good thing I'm rereading this, motivates me to draw them :) Ch26:

Yes, be friends! <:3 Yue needs some pal.

You fear you might make things difficult, sir? Why not just...not do it then. Hrmpf.

What a casual one-hand catch 👍

Awww Yukito is so cute in the dark sweater :3 (I'm getting some Trigun Stampede Vash vibes hihi) The form fitting suits him though!

Aaaand we have the confirmation that Touya basically gets all what's going on. He's just not trying to interfere, and make things any more complicated. Also, the last time I consumed this story was when I watched the anime 3 years ago (before that, I had read the manga the first time another couple years ago) and although it's been some time I'm preeeetty sure they didn't make the Touya/Yukito hints so strong in the anime. I love the anime, but I'm glad I'm rereading all this now!

Ch27:

CLAMP does love their Tokyo Tower, don't they?

New student...well, if it isn't the little shit himself. (sorry for the language. He did annoy me on my first read)

In the meantime this little shit here is getting more and more adorable.

And Ruby! They annoyed me on my first read too, but now I got a feeling I'll enjoy them a lot more! (When I say annoy I mean not as in, didn't enjoy reading, but as in, 'that character is creating exactly the effect they are supposed to do') Man that smug smile back at Yukito...I do wonder what he's thinking in that moment. Doesn't let any emotions like jealousy play on his face, but I cannot imagine he is not at least a little bit unnerved by this. Also DAMN Touya, get your grip together and just shake them off. It's not that hard. Ch28:

Hehe I like their sibling interactions.

As I look longer at this panel I realise just how reduced the lineart is in ccs and how it still looks so good. Those few carefully set strokes are so well done!

The way we only see the back of Yukito we know he definitely has his thoughts about what Nakuru/Ruby told him....Gruah! Let me know what he thinks!

Hihihi the cups in this panel look like they're having faces and are frowning :D

Ch29:

Just a normal lunchtime for Yukito! (oh god even Touya looks shocked :D)

Nobody says gender equality like Ruby! (or, maybe more accurately, gender carelessness. What does it matter anyway?)

Ch31:

Oh GOD they're all so exasperated with Yukito's obliviousness

Whoops. Don't try sewing at home kids, as it can go awfully wrong.

This post is long enough! Cutting it off here :)

[hagfenharpies]

tonight i dipped my toe into a veteran trial for the first time. it was an "open trial" in the guild, basically a learning experience for those who haven't done vet trials before and a helping experience for those who have. there's no expectation to clear the trial, even though that would be nice, but to put our best effort in.

for those unfamiliar: standard trial comps are usually made up of 2 tanks, 2 healers, and 8 dps. and i pretty much only do end game content, especially regular trials, on my healer. I can mess around in dungeons with my others, but warden healer is the only one I'm actually confident with. but, two healers had already signed up before me, so... I ended up respeccing my warden to dps through the trial. sure, I could have played on a different toon, I guess, but... I'm more comfortable with warden skills in general, especially since I had to run her as a dps when I had nobody to run content with before joining the guild. (and besides which, my sorcerer has been unlocking PVP skills specifically and is out of skill points at the moment.)

anyway, it was an unfamiliar role for me for trials, never mind that it was my first *veteran* trial, but I think I did okay. my dps numbers are nothing to write home about, but I learned a lot, and I don't think I held the group back or anything. we didn't make it through the whole trial, we got hung up on the second boss (the twins in maw of lorkhaj), and it took me a few tries to really understand the mechanics and do them in practice, but we did eventually beat that boss, and that felt really good. we took a break after the first few attempts and I used that to watch a video guide, which helped a ton (as well as asking questions. always ask questions!!), so I should definitely incorporate that into my prep routine lol. (but to be fair, the video guides don't tend to help me much until I've had a few tries and see for myself what's going on.) also, I've really only done this trial on regular mode a couple times itself, I probably would've understood mechanics faster if we had done it half as many times as we've run dreadsail reef (normal) in the past three months 😅 we run that almost every week (and yet, somehow, I still need gear from it!).

anyway, even though we didn't clear it, I feel really good about how I did, especially considering that I had to change my role and skills completely. on the plus side, now I have a dps setup saved in my armory so I might to tackling some of our weekend (regular) trials as dps if we have two other healers interested... I don't think I'll ever "main" content as a non-healer, it's just more fun for me, but it's good to have options. (I also just made a new character the other day that I plan to turn into a tank... we'll see how that goes lol)

anyway, I'm glad I joined this guild for a number of reasons (fun and friends), but I'm especially excited to be getting into this much harder content and really push myself to improve. you know me, forever a capricorn: always in a competition with myself to be the best I can be.

[chicken0death]

Yesterday was our regularly scheduled gaming day. We played a neat little game about running our very own TV networks. The game was called "The Networks"

The players start out with shows nobody is watching and you have to finance new shows, hire stars for existing shows, and attract advertisers to help pay for the shows and stars. The shows were delightfully named and illustrated spoofs of real shows. Like Agents of S. H. A. M. P. O. O. or Chanmail Bikini Warrior, or Hour of Shouting (just people shouting).

I loved the theme and artwork. However, I didn't do a good job. I saved money early on, which was, apparently, the wrong move. R. did great! She had a sizable lead the whole game and managed to maintain it throughout.

Next up, we played a game I almost forgot we owned. I'm glad I rediscovered it. I forgot how much fun it is.

The game is Isle of Skye

It's got some vague theme about Scottish landowners. I really don't care about it. And that's fine. This game is a lot like Carcassonne, but players have to buy the tiles they want from each other. You have to set prices to right to tempt the money away from your opponents, but not too high, or you may be stuck with a tile you don't want. The game only has five rounds and you only place a maximum of 3 tiles per round. One bad tile can really mess up a plan. Sometimes you want a tile you draw and set the price high on purpose to try and keep it for yourself. This always leads to grunts and curses when someone at the table buys it anyway. As frustrating as it can be, it's always a fun moment.

I love this game so much! How could I have forgotten about it? The artwork is a bit bland, but it's pleasant and easy to read what's going on. It's easy to teach. It strikes a nice balance in its passive aggressiveness. Not too mean, but not exactly nice. And it makes for a fun little puzzle to try and piece together.

I lost this one pretty bad too. J. had a glorious lake that kept generating points for him. But I don't care. It was a great time!

We played a game of Everdell with Jh. I forgot to take pictures. We'll play again in a couple weeks and I'll talk about it more then. This one took some time to grow on me. Seemed a bit bland at first, but I like it quite a bit now.

It was a good day of gaming.

[helloalycia]

The Wrong Lifetime – Seven // Wanda Maximoff

chapter six | story masterlist | main masterlist | wattpad | chapter eight

author’s note: hope y’all like this one 👀

The Maximoffs were just as a good at throwing a party as my own parents were.

Celebrating a new book that was published at Pietro's business, they threw a party in their back garden big enough to host half the town if they wanted to. Actually, now that I thought about, half the town was probably there.

We were invited to celebrate along with them because we were 'family' now, as Oleg and Iryna pointed out, so I found myself standing in their garden getting a drink under the night sky and trying to blend in with the snacks table so I wouldn't have to mingle. Parties still weren't my thing, clearly.

People-watching was more my forte. It was amazing the things people did when they thought nobody was looking. One guy coughed into his hand and wiped it on his pants – I reminded myself not to shake his hand – whilst some woman checked if her teeth were clean on the back of a serving tray.

My gaze raked the garden, indifferent to the men who attempted to get women's attention with a boyish grin and terrible pick-up lines, or the women who lifted their dresses a little higher than necessary to steal a man's attention. I spotted my parents talking to some guests whom I'd never see before, then there was Wanda's parents laughing alongside Pietro as he told a joke to some important looking people.

Eventually, my eyes fell to the remaining Maximoff, who was looking especially beautiful tonight. A deep lilac gown adorned her figure and she wore it like it was uniquely made just for her. She probably didn't even realise, but all eyes were definitely on her; a simple stride around the garden had people turning heads to see who the lilac beauty was. Y/B/N was the most envied man of the evening, with every guy here wishing they could have Wanda on their arm.

I'd wanted to tell her just how truly stunning she looked tonight, but I hadn't been able to pull her away from my brother's side for even a second. Everywhere he went, she went, too. I'd caught her eyes maybe three times tonight since she was so involved with whatever she spoke about with the people who worked for Pietro. I didn't take it personally of course, but it didn't make me feel any better.

Y/B/N had his hands all over her, probably suspecting just how many people were checking her out tonight, and I hated the way it made me feel. Envy and jealousy came over me and it wasn't pleasant. His hand was permanently fixed on her waist, at times moving suspiciously lower and making me roll my eyes. Occasionally, he'd lean over and whisper something in her ear making her flush – involuntarily or not, I didn't know. Wanda was a good actress, appearing as the perfect fiancé to him and couple to everybody else. Or, at least, I hoped it was acting.

"Pretty ladies shouldn't be standing by their lonesome," said someone with a Sokovian accent, but sadly not the one I wanted to hear.

"Pietro," I said with an amused smile, turning to face the man of the evening. "Congratulations on the new published book!"

He smiled appreciatively. "Thank you, Y/N. How are you finding the party?"

I glanced around, disguising my discomfort with a nod. "It's great."

He chuckled, as if suspecting that was a lie, before changing the subject. "So, the book. Have you read it?"

Glad that this was something I could actually talk about, my shoulders relaxed and I nodded. "Yes! I bought it yesterday as soon as it was published. I've only read the first six chapters, but what I've read is beautifully written."

Pietro snickered, raising his brows. "Only? That's further than anyone here has read."

I smiled bashfully, eyes veering elsewhere with embarrassment. "I guess I just have a lot of free time."

He hummed with amusement. "And you must really like reading... Wanda mentioned you write, too. It's nice to know it runs in the family."

Certain my cheeks were flushed, I nodded. "Yeah, our dad, he taught Y/B/N and I how to write when we were kids. That's where my love of literature began."

"And what do you like to write?" he asked, intrigued.

I shrugged, the grip on my glass of champagne loosening as I grew comfortable. "I don't know... short stories, drabbles, novels. I mainly deal with themes of love and romanticism. We're so intent on leading our lives with what other people want that we rarely take time to think about we want... I write about that."

Swallowing, I looked to Pietro, hoping I wasn't boring him. He was a publisher after all, besides my soon-to-be brother-in-law. His opinion was important to me.

"I must admit, Y/N, my interest is piqued," he admitted, watching me with an inquisitive gaze. "Do you have anything I could read?"

"It's probably better than it sounds," I said dismissively, knowing this was just small talk.

He chuckled, shaking his head. "I doubt that. You shouldn't say such things. You never know, you could be my next signed author."

I tried not to laugh. "Nice try, Pietro."

He smiled widely. "What? I'm serious!"

Tilting my head towards him knowingly, I sighed. "We both know that can't happen."

He was grinning now, clearly entertained by my unamused expression. "Says who?"

I motioned around us with my drink. "Says everyone? The world we live in?"

He began to list authors on his fingers as he said, "Jane Austen. Emily Bronte. Mary Shelley. Louisa May Alcott. Dare I name more?"

"Okay, okay, I get it," I said, pushing his hand down and rolling my eyes at his smug expression. "But I can promise you that all of those women fought tooth and nail to get published. Their families probably weren't as accepting as they wanted them to be. There's still people now who talk about how unprofessional and lacklustre their works are. They didn't have it easy. Still don't. And don't even get me started on the reputation side of things for you... d'you know how much backlash you'd get for signing a woman?"

Pietro shrugged, sipping his drink, before saying casually, "I only care about talent, Y/N. And if you have even a quarter of the talent your brother does, then I'm happy to go from there."

I quirked a brow, trying to gauge if he was pulling my leg or not. But the kind eyes looking back at me suggested he may not have been. Either way, the idea of actually being published – something I'd been dreaming of since I was a kid – was enough to raise my suspicions and make me shake my head.

"Thanks for listening, Pietro," I said conclusively, hoping he got the hint.

He nodded, accepting my word, thankfully. "Anytime. Hopefully this isn't the end of this conversation, though."

I cracked a smile, knowing it was but giving him the benefit of the doubt. He pursed his lips, glancing around briefly before attempting to hide an amused smile.

"What are you smiling at?" I teased, nudging him in the arm slightly.

His eyes met mine, sparkling with mischief. "You've probably not noticed, but as we've been speaking, almost everyone in this garden has looked our way."

I cocked my head with confusion, smile still present. He nodded subtly, eyes flickering to the right, so I followed his gaze and inconspicuously looked around. He was right, as murmurs of gossip escaped people's lips, their eyes trying to get a good look at the two of us. Even our parents were looking our way, no doubt discussing our future wedding affair.

"Wow," I breathed out, trying not to laugh as I looked back to him. "You'd think they'd have something better to do."

He leaned in, muttering, "Wanna give them a show?"

My eyes flickered between his, seeing that roguish charm of his come to life. I couldn't resist his mischievous attempt to piss off our parents, so of course I nodded with a stifled laugh.

"Care to dance, Miss Y/L/N?" he asked, a little louder than he needed to, attracting more attention.

I grinned, grateful for the idiot that was Pietro. He was already making my evening ten times better than it was.

Resting my hand in his outstretched one, I nodded. "Thank you, Mr Maximoff."

I barely had chance to put my glass down before he led me to the area before the live band that was strumming a lovely upbeat ballad. We joined the other couples that were also having a dance, unbothered by their nosey stares.

Bowing dramatically, he smiled and I curtsied before resting a hand on his shoulder and the other in his. He rested a hand on my waist respectfully before a grin spread across his lips and he began to dance me around everybody else, way too fast for me to keep up.

"Pietro!" I exclaimed between fits of laughter, trying not to trip over my feet or his.

"You said we could dance," he answered simply, before spinning me around.

My eyes went dizzy as he dipped me, making me laugh joyfully. For the first time all night, I was having fun. When he pulled me up, his eyes motioned to the left of us.

"D'you think our parents have already picked the wedding venue?" he teased.

"Definitely," I said with a nod, before shoving him back slightly. "But you, mister, need to slow down. You're like a speedster with the dancing. We should call you Quicksilver."

He laughed, continued to dance me around but much more slower this time. "I like that. You're clever. I can see why Wanda has taken a liking to you."

I knew he didn't mean it like that, but my heart dropped to my stomach anyway. A hearty chuckle escaped his lips as he noticed my expression. Thankfully, he didn't question it and we continued to make a fool of ourselves for a few more songs before taking a break by the snacks table.

"You're an idiot," I told Pietro as we caught our breath, but a delighted smile was on my lips. "You know you've probably convinced our parents that we're a couple now, right?"

"Hey, you're the one who started to fluff my hair like you loved me!" he retorted with humoured eyes.

"Because you're just so darn cute!" I mocked him, before moving forward and going in to fluff his hair yet again.

He attempted to smack my hand away as he said, "Hands off the hair, Y/L/N! I styled it perfectly!"

Grabbing my wrists, he held me back and I tried not to cry with laughter at the expression on his face.

"Such a child," I decided, pulling my hands away. "Whatever happens from here on out is definitely your fault."

He scoffed, as if ready to refute that fact, but before he could say anything, my brother's voice was heard.

"It's nice to see you actually conversing with people for a change, but maybe not my publisher."

Pietro and I turned and saw Y/B/N and Wanda approaching us. My brother seemed entertained by Pietro and I, looking between us with pre-conceived ideas that we may have already fancied each other, just like everyone else had tonight. Wanda, meanwhile, was watching me with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

"He's good company, what can I say?" I joked, returning my brother's smile.

"Oh?" He raised a brow, knowing look in his eyes.

I rolled my own, trying not to laugh at his insinuation. There was no point trying to convince him otherwise.

"I was just giving Y/N here the best evening ever since she was moping around in the corner," Pietro explained nonchalantly, making me smack his arm.

"I was not moping!" I defended myself.

He shrugged, ghost of a smile on his lips. "Whatever you say."

I gave him a playful glare before focusing my attention to the couple before us.

"As lovely as it is to see whatever this is," my brother continued to make things awkward as he motioned between us, "I came to get Pietro. Someone from the press is here and has questions about the book."

At the mention of this, Pietro straightened up and neatened his bow tie, flashing my brother his most confident smile. "Lead the way, Y/B/N."

After assuring Wanda he'd be back in a second, Y/B/N let go of her waist and guided Pietro to the members of the press. Glad that he'd finally left her side, I looked to Wanda with a soft smile.

"Hey," I said quietly, glancing around before saying what I'd wanted to say all night. "You look radiant tonight, Wanda." 

Unexpectedly, she crossed her arms and pressed her lips together firmly. "How was your dance with Pietro?"

Her green eyes, literally green with envy, watched me with distaste. It didn't take long for me to recognise that familiar jealousy entwined in her expression because it was probably the same way I looked when she was with my brother. For some reason, this made me smile with amusement.

"He's a very good dancer," I said, half truthful and half trying to poke fun.

She wasn't amused. "Yeah, everybody saw. You've been all over him."

I covered my mouth, trying very hard not to laugh. "I mean, he's pretty funny to be around. I can totally see why everybody wants us to get married."

Her jaw clenched as she narrowed her eyes at me.

"C'mon, it's a joke," I said lightheartedly, nudging her in the arm. "You know that."

After internally debating whether or not to believe me, she relaxed her shoulders and unclenched her jaw. "I know."

"So, what's the problem?" I asked, raising a brow and smiling playfully.

She rolled her eyes. "Nothing."

My smile faded as I searched her eyes. "C'mon. What is it? You know you can tell me."

"Forget it, Y/N," she muttered, avoiding my eyes.

Realising she was still clearly bothered, I sighed dramatically, hoping to lighten the mood. Making sure my voice was low enough for only her to hear, I said, "I only danced with him to annoy our parents. Same with him. He's clearly not interested in me and neither I with him. That's why we get along so well." Teasing her once more, I added, "If circumstances were different, I'd like to think we'd be good friends. He's quite handsome, though I think the good looks are a Maximoff twin thing. Maybe if–"

"I'm in love with you!"

I paused, blinking, unsure if I'd heard correctly. Her cheeks were flushed as she looked to me with exasperation.

Glancing around to make sure nobody was attracted by her outburst, I swallowed hard. My heart was pounding in my ears as she said what I'd been struggling to accept for the past two months.

"What?" I breathed out, raising my brows with surprise.

She licked her lips, realisation replacing her look of admission. Opening her mouth to say something, she stepped forward, but my brother returned with an oblivious smile on his face and interrupted the moment.

"Wanda, the journalists want a picture of us for their article," he said enthusiastically, returning his arm around her waist and tugging her close, making my skin crawl.

Her gaze lingered on me for as long as she could before looking up to my brother with a halfhearted smile.

"Sure," she agreed reluctantly.

My brother nodded at me before leading Wanda away. She gave me one last look, her eyes trapped with unsaid words, before leaving with him. My mouth went dry as Wanda's words echoed in my mind. She was in love with me. And I knew I was in love with her, too. I had been for a while.

But wouldn't admitting that make this whole thing a lot more complicated?

—

"Will you stop shaking your hand? It's very distracting."

I stopped shaking my hand and gave my mum an apologetic glance before facing the door again. I was extremely eager and nervous to see Wanda again, as I hadn't been able to see her for the rest of the party last night.

Her words were permanently resounding in my mind all night, making it difficult to fall asleep. The reality of our situation had dawned on me and I knew that even though everything would become more difficult between us, I had to tell her that I felt the same way. The last thing I wanted was her panicking that I didn't. Because these last two months loving her in secret were better than anything I'd experienced in my life.

Iryna and my mum had made plans to hang out today, including Wanda and I in the plans without actually telling me until this morning. I didn't mind though as I was hoping it could be an opportunity for us both to finally speak.

The front door opened to reveal Iryna with a bright, inviting smile. She exchanged greetings with us both and ushered us inside instantly. There, waiting, was Wanda, looking as gorgeous as ever. A calm suddenly enveloped me as I looked to her, my heart fluttering in my chest more so than usual. She loved me and that thought alone made me feel giddy inside.

"You must come upstairs to the closet with me," Iryna insisted before I could utter a word to the brunette. "I've been very silly and impulse-ordered a bunch of new dresses. Of course, the only way to fix that is to try them on."

My mother laughed alongside her and the two of them looked to Wanda and I questioningly. I smiled their way, glancing at Wanda, before following them upstairs. Maybe later.

I spent the next hour trying on clothes against my own will, modelling them for Wanda and our mothers awkwardly. Ecstatic, our mothers threw their opinions out at me, but I was barely listening because all I could seem to focus on was a quiet Wanda. I couldn't read her mind for the life of me – she was getting better at hiding how she truly felt.

Wanda also tried some dresses on, still not as enthused as she usually was, but neither of our mothers seemed to take notice. I sat on the lounge sofa alongside them, eyes unable to look away from Wanda as she modelled the dresses. I had no words, my mind hazy and tongue tied as she stole my breath away for the millionth time. She was ethereal.

"...what do you think, Y/N?" Iryna asked, forcing me to look away from Wanda and to her. "She should keep this one, shouldn't she?"

I hummed in agreement, looking back to Wanda, who was avoiding my eyes. "She should. I don't think I've ever seen a dress so perfect for someone before."

Our mothers didn't seem to think much of my comment, but Wanda finally looked up, not ignoring me for the first time since I got here. I offered her a small smile, hoping she could see what I'd been wanting to say to her since last night. But she looked away, chewing on her lip and looking down.

"I'm gonna change," she mumbled, before turning to go back behind the curtain.

A sigh escaped my lips as I leaned back against the seat. I'd just have to find a spare moment.

Iryna and my mum proceeded to try on a bunch of dresses before we called it a day and were ready to eat lunch.

"I want you to have these, Y/N," Iryna told me as we all stood up, motioning to the pile of dresses on the arm of the sofa. "It's my gift to you."

I raised my eyebrows. "Oh, Iryna, you don't need to give–"

"Don't be ridiculous," she cut me off with a wave of her hand. "You're family now. Anything for my daughter-in-law."

I smiled awkwardly, not missing the eye roll from Wanda, before nodding. "Thanks..."

She looked to her daughter. "Wanda, medovyy (honey), can you help her pack them away and meet Y/M/N and I outside on the patio for some lunch?"

Wanda, having no other choice but to say yes, nodded and forced a smile in her mum's direction. "Sure, mum."

Our mothers fell into conversation as they left the room, finally leaving Wanda and I alone. I released a breath, grateful for the privacy, and looked to the Sokovian in question.

"You okay?" I asked slowly, wanting to find a start before erupting straight into my feelings.

She nodded, nibbling on her lip. She looked like she wanted to say something more, so I watched her patiently.

After a pause, when I thought she may just stay quiet forever, she spoke. "If what I said last night was out of line, I'm sorry."

I shook my head, a smile curling on my lips. "It wasn't. I'm in love with you, too."

Surprised, she finally met my gaze, eyes swirling with confusion. "You are?"

"Of course I am," I said quietly, stepping forward and taking her hands in mine. "I didn't mean to make you jealous last night. Pietro and I were genuinely just hanging out as friends."

She shook her head, eyes flickering between mine. "It doesn't matter about that. Forget it."

I still felt guilty, adding, "I know, but it does matter. I don't want to–"

She pressed her lips to mine quickly, cutting me off. Her fingers tangled in my hair as she tugged me closer with her other hand, making me gasp when my body touched hers. I kissed back, closing my eyes and moving my lips against hers in perfect sync.

I probably could have kissed her all afternoon, but the sound of the door opening made us both jump apart, startled. It was just a servant who was coming in to clean up the room. When she saw us, she gave us a small smile before moving around the room carefully. My eyes fell to Wanda's excited ones, and I smiled at her before nodding to the dresses.

"We should sort this out before they wonder what's taking so long," I told her, moving to pack them.

She nodded, grabbing my hand and squeezing it gently before helping me. We packed the dresses in no time before joining our mums out on the patio where they were sat with our lunch. I tried to keep my eyes off Wanda as our mothers spoke to us about God knew what, but it was hard when all I wanted to do was kiss her over and over, telling her just how much I loved her.

"...nice to see you both getting along lately," Iryna was talking, and I only zoned back in when I realised she was looking at me.

I blinked. "I'm sorry, what was that?"

Wanda stifled a smile as my mum gave me a disapproving look from across the table.

Iryna didn't seem to mind as she chuckled. "You and Pietro," she continued. "You both seemed very comfortable at the party last night."

I settled on a polite smile. "He's a gentleman. Very nice to be around, I guess."

Iryna smiled knowingly, exchanging glances with my mum before patting Wanda on the forearm, getting her attention. "How does that sound, dear? Your brother and Y/N together?"

I shook my head instantly, realising how she'd taken my words. "That's not what I meant."

Humming in response, Iryna continued to look to her daughter. "You may have to start sharing your new best friend with Pietro."

Remembering Wanda's jealousy last night, I spared her a glance of concern, hoping she wouldn't let this get to her. She was smiling, but her eyes were dimmed with dismay.

"Uh-huh," she played along with her mother's words, before using her fork to pick at her food.

As our mums began to talk about it, I found Wanda's hand under the table and laced my fingers in hers, hoping she'd know I only cared about one person and it was her. Though she didn't look up, her hand tightened around mine and she didn't let go.

The rest of the lunch went by as expected, though the more Iryna and my mother mentioned the wedding, the more Wanda and I grew uncomfortable. It was so much harder to hear about it when I knew my feelings were growing stronger for the brunette every day. By the end of the meal, my mother was happy to go back home and said I could stay to hang out with Wanda, which of course I did.

After bidding her a goodbye, I let Wanda drag me upstairs and to her bedroom, though the door closed when she spun around and pushed me against it, immediately kissing me. Before I could even question what was happening, she pulled away and looked at me through a half-lidded gaze.

"I don't want to share you with my brother, ever," she rasped out lowly, before licking her lips. "I don't want to share you with anyone."

She breathed out, her breath mingling with mine. Her hands rested on my waist before she reattached our lips, moving hers slower and more thoughtfully against mine.

I closed my eyes, grabbing her face and holding her gently, letting her slip her tongue between my lips and play with mine. Then she sucked on my lower lip, teeth nibbling gently at the sensitive skin, and made my insides go warm and fuzzy.

When she let go, she trailed kisses down my jaw and to my neck, having me at her mercy.

"Wanda," I moaned, hand moving to the back of her neck as I tried to regain some control of the situation, but the longer she sucked at the exposed skin, the more my knees wanted to buckle.

Already lowering my dress to my shoulders, her hand untied the back of it and I flushed at the contact of her fingers against me, not used to the feeling but also not opposed.

"Wanda, are you sure?" I asked between bated breaths, attempting to get her attention by tugging at her dress.

She pulled back, hand rising to my jaw and caressing it with her thumb as she looked between my eyes. Hers were dark, clouded with an arousal I hadn't seen before.

"I am," she said with certainty, before asking, "Are you?"

I swallowed hard, the warmth in my core growing hotter as she stared at me with lustful eyes and swollen lips. "Yes."

She gave me a slight smile before pressing her lips to mine again, allowing me to wrap my arms around her neck. I heard her lock the door behind me as I undid the top of her dress, struggling to do so without breaking contact from her. We moved to the bed clumsily, trying not to stumble over our discarded dresses, before I laid her down and straddled her.

Leaving a trail of open-mouthed kisses down her neck, I felt her fingers grip my waist, keeping ahold of my body on hers. I shivered as her nails scratched gently against the skin and grew warm when she lifted herself up gently to get more comfortable, her clothed centre rubbing against mine.

Taking a breath, I pulled away and hovered over her, revelling in the beauty that was Wanda Maximoff. Her cheeks were dusted pink as she opened her eyes, green eyes sparkling desperately as they flickered between mine.

"I love you," I told her softly, leaning on my elbow and caressing her forehead.

She smiled, nails trailing up my back and sending shivers down my spine. "Ya tozhe tebya lyublyu."

I tried not to laugh as I tilted my head with confusion. She smiled a little wider, hand reaching for the back of my bra.

"I love you, too," she translated in English, hint of amusement in her eyes, before she managed to undo the bra strap.

I rolled my eyes at her attempt of mockery before chasing down her lips once more. Everything about the woman before me was absolute perfection and I was glad I could finally share how I felt about her without having to hide it anymore.

The potential consequences of our actions was not my concern right now... all I cared about was treating her with the respect and care she deserved.

[one-boring-person]

Can You Do Me A Favour?

Barney Ross (The Expendables) x reader

Warnings: injury, drinking, sexual content implied, mentions of violence, swearing

Context: the reader is a member of the Expendables and has a crush on Barney. After a job, the two have some time together.

A/N: as promised, here is some Expendables stuff! I hope anyone who reads this will enjoy it! (Just a heads up: I have more Rambo and Escape Plan stuff coming, and most likely some more TLB content, too.)

Masterlist

(I'm also going to tag @yuhhhhhhhhhhhhhh in this, because they expressed interest in Expendables stuff earlier😊💛)

The cold water is pleasant on my heated skin as I cup my hands under the steady stream flowing from the tap, splashing it into my face when a suitable pool has formed in the space. A gasp escapes me from the stark contrast in temperatures, using my fingers to rub slightly at my skin, trying to work out the headache that has set in, only to hiss when I accidentally press into one of the new scars on the side of my face. Pulling back, I repeat my action, doing my best to distract myself from the plaguing thoughts in my head, still disgusted at myself for having them.

But even now, as I massage the contours of my face, I can't get the images of my boss out of my head. Not the sight of him taking out a ring of attackers using his revolver and sharpshooting skills, not the way his exposed arm muscles flexed with each movement, not the determined look on his rugged face and certainly not the fierce eye contact he made with me when he turned around again. At the mere memory of this, a flush of heat goes through me, eyes squeezing shut to force myself to blank them out, not quite realising that his stare is branded into my subconscious. Biting my lip, I shake my head, forcing down the picture of his muscular body and large hands on my body as he dragged me from the collapsing building, not five hours ago.

Growling, I reach over and grab hold of the beer bottle nearby, glancing at my haggard features in the mirror before taking a deep drink, wincing at the stale flavour, having had the drink for far too long. I can see the tension in my body, each muscle tight and uncomfortable, my posture ramrod straight and clearly wrong, my eyes clouded with exhaustion and what I can only assume is loneliness. 

As soon as I'd gotten in from the last job, I'd headed straight into the bathroom, grabbing a beer from the fridge as I went, needing to clear my head. Nothing I did could help, my head always circling back to that one person. Frustrated, I slam the bottle on the counter top, wincing when it shatters from the force, a particularly sharp shard slicing into my palm.

Damn him. Damn Barney Ross for getting into my head.

I clean up my hand, just bandaging it up when my phone buzzes, the screen lighting up. Frowning, I look over at it, confused. Nobody calls me. Nobody, except my boss.

Picking up the phone, I groan to myself as I realise it is, in fact, Barney. For a second, I debate letting it go to voicemail, before I finally give in, accepting the call and placing the phone to my ear.

"Sir?" I greet him politely, wondering what he needs.

"How many times have I told you not to call me "sir"?" Barney's gravelly voice sounds through the phone, a low chuckle evident in his tone. I have to ignore the effect his voice has on me, the sound giving me butterflies in my stomach.

"Sorry, sir- ah, shit." I sigh at my own habit, "You alright?"

"Yeah, guess so. Just lonely. Figured you might be, too." He admits, tone going soft as he speaks.

"Bold of you to assume that." I tease, but continue, "Though you are, as always, right."

"Should tell Christmas that, might listen to you." The veteran laughs again, the joke drawing a similar reaction from me.

"We all know he listens to no one but himself." I quip back, still waiting for him to tell me why exactly he called.

"True, true." Barney's grin is almost audible, my mind instantly bringing up an image of that particular expression into my head, much to my chagrin, "You got any plans for tonight?"

Surprised, I take a second to reply, unsure of where this is going.

"No, it's too late. Ain't really got many friends outside work, anyway." I inform him, going out of the bathroom and into the lounge.

"Fancy coming over? I've got a couple of beers that need drinking, and the hangar is pretty lonely this time of night." 

His offer stumps me for a moment, though I am quick to recover, my mouth working before my mind can catch up.

"Yeah sure. I'll be over in twenty." 

"Great. See you then." He hangs up, leaving me wondering why the hell I accepted that, knowing how much I spend too much time thinking about him (in totally inappropriate ways considering he's my boss) anyway.

Annoyed at myself, I steel myself before going and grabbing a coat, pulling on that and my boots as I leave the flat, taking my motorcycle keys with me. I lock my door behind me, leaving the apartment block quickly, glad to have the fresh air on my face as I make my way over to my motorbike. Looking on it fondly, I climb on and kick out the stand, easily getting it revved up, the vibrating engine beneath me a pleasant feeling. 

Thankfully, the roads are mostly clear this time of night, cutting the twenty minute drive short by five minutes as I go at speed through the nearly deserted outer city. The hangar is usually a pain in the ass to get to, the traffic in the roads leading up to it almost always horrific, so I am only too happy to be able to go much faster now that there's not many other drivers around. With the wind rushing around me, I find that my head clears a little, my attention on navigating the roads rather than the thoughts of my boss doing things to me I'm sure he'd find grotesque in nature. 

I arrive quickly, pulling into the hangar slowly, knowing Barney is most likely in the plane, as he usually is. Stopping the bike, I put it in park before climbing off, hanging my helmet on the handlebars as I do so, taking the keys with me as I walk over to the old plane. Nearing the aircraft, I frown a little at the sight of the new bullet holes riddling the side of it, unaware that we'd taken so much damage earlier in the day. Sighing, I go inside, ducking in through the small door, only now hearing the music playing from the stereo in the cockpit.

"It's gonna need a new lick of paint." I call out to Barney, who I can see sat in his seat, the muscular man turning to look at me as he hears me.

"It's been a long time coming, so I'm not complaining." He replies, grinning at me as I walk into the cockpit, dropping into Christmas' usual seat, trying to ignore the butterflies in my stomach from his stare on me again. As I enter, he rakes his eyes over my body, subtly taking my every curve in from where he is.

"Fair enough." I shrug, leaning back slightly, having missed his look, "Got a beer?"

"Yeah, here." Barney hands me a bottle, opening it for me as he does so.

"Cheers." I thank him, taking a deep drink from it as he chuckles lowly, voice sending a bolt of heat through me.

"You're starting to sound like Lee." He remarks, sipping his own bottle with a smirk.

"Should I take that as a compliment? Or an insult?" 

"Up to you." He looks over at me.

"Eh, I'll take compliment. You two get along like an old married couple, after all. Must mean something if you're comparing me to him." I decide, teasing him.

Barney laughs at my comment, lifting his bottle.

"I can agree with that." He hums, staring out of the front window.

For a couple of moments, we sit in companionable silence, drinking our beers, Barney eventually lighting a cigar. Taking a deep inhale, he offers it to me, which I decline, choosing to finish my drink instead.

"What do you usually do after a job?" Barney suddenly asks, glancing back at me.

Surprised, I think over the question for a second.

"Nothing, really. I get myself cleaned up, have a drink, then get some sleep. I don't do much else with my life." I tell him, knowing how pathetic I sound.

"What, you haven't got anyone you can hang out with?" He questions, seemingly confused.

"No. As I said before, I don't really have any friends outside work."

"Really? No boyfriend? Girlfriend?"

I shake my head, grimacing at the turn in conversation, just missing the slight darkening in his eyes as he looks me over once more.

"Huh. That surprises me." 

Lifting an eyebrow, I look across at him.

"Why?"

He shrugs, making eye contact with me.

"Well, you seem like the person who wouldn't struggle to make friends. You're kind, funny, pretty. You know how to behave in the right situations, you're a good friend to have." He clarifies, seemingly unaware of the impact his words have on me, my heart throbbing as I listen to him, longing building up in me again.

"You think so?" I ask, not quite believing him.

"Yeah, I do." He frowns, looking over at me, "Why, don't you?"

I don't reply, knowing my answer well. He doesn't push it, observing me carefully, his gaze making me blush furiously.

"What'd you do to your hand?" The veteran suddenly asks, gesturing to my bandaged appendage.

"Hm? Oh, I just cut it on some glass back home." I inform him, flexing my hand a little, only to wince at the sharp spike of pain. 

Wordlessly, Barney reaches across and takes my hand in his, his touch setting off sparks through me despite the gentle nature of it. Pulling my arm closer to him, he runs his fingers lightly over my skin, the rough calluses rubbing over the palm of my hand, each stroke making it harder for me to fight off the rising need within me. Being this close to him, able to smell him in nearly every surface around me, feeling his hand on mine has sparked the feelings I've been suppressing as long as I've worked with him. 

Awkwardly, I pull away, swallowing tightly, trying to suppress the urges I'm suddenly feeling, needing to get myself together again. He doesn't stop me, his dark eyes regarding me quietly, observant as always as he seemingly considers something, his gaze sliding over me once more. After a moment, he puts out his cigar, leaning back in his seat.

"Mind doing me a favour?" The muscular man cocks his head at me, a small smirk playing at his lips.

"Er, sure? What do you need?" I agree hesitantly, knowing that expression means only one thing: he's got something up his sleeve.

"Check that control panel up there, would you? It's been giving me trouble for weeks." Barney's eyes are glittering now in the dim light, clearly up to something.

"What, now?" I frown, confused by the instruction.

"If you wouldn't mind." 

Lifting an eyebrow, I place my beer down and get to my feet, awkwardly reaching up to check the panel, which just so happens to be right above his head. I try to keep my body from leaning across him too much, but this is made difficult when I realise that the particular problem lies in the switches even further over. As I go to flick them, a pair of hands takes hold of my waist, suddenly yanking me down towards the chair.

Yelping in surprise, I feel my eyes widen as Barney pulls me down onto his lap, hands tight on my hips, pressing my back flush against his chest. His nose instantly finds my neck, the older man nudging at my skin until I tilt my head to give him access, goosebumps spreading across my skin as I try to process what the hell is happening, my brain short-circuiting with every one of his breaths. They fan out over the sensitive area, my own hitching in my throat as his scruff scratches over my skin, his lips not quite touching me yet, though I can feel their every movement. 

I try to get back up, unwillingly, only for him to loop one of his arms around my front and slip his hand under my shirt, flattening his palm on my stomach to hold me against him.

"I'm not blind, you know, (Y/n). I've seen the way you look at me, the way you behave differently when you're with me. You're not as subtle as you hope." Barney practically purrs into my skin, his smirk obvious against my neck, sending shivers down my spine as I try not to groan.

"I- I don't know what you're talking about, sir." I manage out, not quite catching the sound of anticipation that escapes me when he suddenly presses his lips against my ear, whispering into it.

"Really? I think you know very well what I'm talking about." He grins to himself, the hand on my stomach running down to ghost over the waistband of my jeans, my body tensing in his grip, "Want me to demonstrate for you?