#but I had to block her twice because the principle

[cinamun]

And another thing: Leo and pixelvibes are the same gahtdamn people, bergdorfverse's shit is horrific in CAS, straight trash. Felix, Harrie, Clutter Cat are all either the same personailities of one person or cousins. Anye created an entirely new patreon account (plush pixels) for maxis match stuff. Why not do like other creators and make it all under one account?

Also its forever fuck early access, I don't give a damn how much gas you don't have in your car.

[urdreamgirls-dreamgirl]

i hate accidents except when we went from friends to this.

kiss me once ‘cause you know i had a long night, kiss me twice ‘cause it’s gonna be all right, three times ‘cause i’ve waited my whole life

Steve’s phone buzzes in his pocket. He’s technically not supposed to have it on the floor, but it’s 9:30 on a Wednesday night and the store’s dead anyway.

Eddie 🎸👎: date’s a dud engage emergency protocol immediately 🚨🚨🚨

Steve rolls his eyes and clicks the little phone icon near Eddie’s name.

“Hello?” Eddie manages to sound both confused and concerned.

“Help, help,” Steve deadpans, leaning his elbows on the counter. “I’m having an emergency that only you can help me with.” Steve’s done this enough times in the three years they’ve lived together to know that Eddie can think up his own lie to tell his date.

“Oh my god, I’ll be right there, Steve.”

Steve’s not sure how Eddie manages to make it sound so convincing every time, but it’s enough that even Steve might start to believe it if he wasn’t the one calling.

Eddie hangs up without saying goodbye, probably to tell his date some exaggerated story about how Steve’s fallen in the shower or fell off a ladder. Somehow, all Eddie’s emergency scenarios involve Steve hurting himself in increasingly embarrassing ways.

By the time Steve’s got the store tidied and closed and walked the four blocks to their apartment, Robin and Eddie are already on the couch in the living room. Steve can hear them bickering over what to watch from the front hallway as he slips off his shoes and shrugs out of his jacket. He follows the sound of their voices to find them practically wrestling over the remote.

“Jesus, can’t leave you two alone for more than five minutes. You’re worse than the kids,” Steve says as he makes his way across the room and into the kitchen for a bag of chips. It wasn’t the healthiest dinner, but he was too exhausted to cook.

“There’s leftovers from the diner in the fridge,” Eddie calls out to him, not even missing a beat as he pries the remote from Robin’s white-knuckled grip.

“You took leftovers on a first date?” Robin asks him, appalled, as if it’s the most unheard of thing Eddie’s ever said.

Steve’s popping the styrofoam container into their tiny microwave as Eddie tells her, “It was a second date for your information.” He puts on an episode of Ghost Adventures without asking anyone’s input.

“Wow, someone made it past your rigorous first date interview? Shocker.” Robin crosses her arms and huffs in annoyance, because she was also going to put on Ghost Adventures but it’s the principle of the thing. You just don’t take a woman’s remote from her, under any circumstance.

“Hey, it’s imperative for me to suss out a potential partner’s commitment to the music gods,” Eddie says.

“‘Potential partners’?” Robin scoffs. “I thought you said you were in your slut era?”

“Well,” Eddie seems to lose his footing here. “I am. But I can’t be fucking anyone who listens to Tame Impala.”

“Steve listens to Tame Impala.”

Steve has made it back into the living room in time to see the blush rise on Eddie’s cheeks.

“Good thing I’m not fucking Steve then, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, good thing.” Even Steve can hear the eye roll in Robin’s voice.

Because the thing was…

Okay, so the thing is…

The long and short of it is that they’re not fucking.

But they’re also, like. Not not fucking.

It’s just that sometimes, after a horrible date or a stressful day or even just when they’re feeling incredibly horny, the apartment can feel kind of lonely, even with two roommates. So. They… do stuff. Together. No penetration, but. Yeah. Enough for it to be called ‘fucking,’ probably. At least Steve thinks so.

But they haven’t told Robin. They’re both pretty sure she suspects. She’s not a fucking idiot and Steve thinks someone living under the same roof as Steve and Eddie would have to be in order to be that oblivious. Steve’s pretty sure she’s been trying to get one or the other of them to confess, but they’ve held strong so far. It’s not that they were hiding it, exactly. It was just that, whenever this thing inevitably came to an end or imploded on them both, they didn’t want to have to explain it to anyone. At least that was what Steve was thinking, because it’s not like they actually talk about it.

Neither of them say anything else, so Steve makes an attempt to change the subject.

“So what did you tell your date this time?” He asks Eddie before shoveling a forkful of reheated pasta into his own mouth.

Eddie smirks. “I told him you cut off the tip of your finger with your crafting scissors while you were scrapbooking and then passed out from the sight of the blood and hit your head on the corner of the coffee table.”

Steve pauses with his fork halfway between the takeout container and his mouth.

“I thought these emergencies were supposed to be believable.”

“I’ve literally walked in on you scrapbooking multiple times, Stevie,” Eddie says it like he’s stating the obvious.

“I could never cut through my fingers with my crafting scissors.”

“Oh, that’s what you take issue with about that lame-ass scenario?” Robin scoffs again.

“There’s nothing wrong with scrapbooking,” Steve says defensively.

“Didn’t say there was,” Robin mutters, turning her attention back to the TV. “Can you guys shut up now? I’m trying to watch my stories.”

Steve rolls his eyes and shares a look with Eddie before doing as Robin says and shutting the fuck up. He drops down into the lone armchair to finish his leftover diner food, attention fixed on the television. He thinks he can feel it every time Eddie’s eyes dart over to look at him.

~*~

Later, after Eddie’s snuck into his bed around one a.m. and they’re laying there next to each other in the afterglow, Steve asks, “So the date really sucked?”

Eddie sighs. “I mean, he was nice and all, but there just wasn’t any, like… chemistry or whatever. You know what I mean?”

“Yeah,” Steve responds, his voice low. Steve hadn’t been on a date in months, hadn’t felt the usual impulse to flirt with strangers incessantly. Robin kept saying he was in a lull or a slump or something, but Steve does start to feel lonely sometimes, especially when Robin is out with her girlfriend and Eddie has a date and he’s left to his own devices in their shared apartment. Even though, more often than not lately, Eddie’s dates almost always end in “emergency protocol” and the two of them wind up tangled in Steve’s sheets. Steve can’t help but think that it’s only a matter of time before all of this comes to an end, before Eddie finds someone who’s perfect for him.

Someone who isn’t Steve.

~*~

Three days later, Steve and Eddie wake up to the blaring honk of Steve’s alarm, wrapped around each other. Steve can’t help but notice the way Eddie looks when he’s just woken up, soft and rumpled, hair a tangled mess on top of his head.

“Ugh, make it stop,” Eddie groans, scrubbing a hand down his face, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

Steve slams his hand down on his alarm clock and flops back onto his pillows, even though he really should be getting up for work. He wraps a hand around the back of Eddie’s neck before dropping a kiss to his forehead and pulling him back to lie against his chest.

“Don’t wanna get up yet,” Steve mutters, eyes falling shut again. The blankets are warm and soft and the weight of Eddie on his chest is enough to have him drifting back into sleep.

Eddie doesn’t let him though. Instead, he plants his palm on Steve’s chest and pushes himself upright, making Steve groan in dissatisfaction.

“Gotta get up, dude,” Eddie tells him, yawning and climbing out from under the covers to pull on his discarded sleep pants. “Got, like, seven engines to fix today. Something about spring, man, everyone’s car starts to break down.” Eddie pulls his t-shirt over his head before opening Steve’s door and sticking his head out, making sure the coast is clear.

Eddie leaves the door slightly open and crosses back to Steve’s bed, planting a kiss on Steve’s cheek, like he just can’t help himself.

“Won’t get off until late and then I have a date, so keep your phone at the ready,” Eddie smiles when he says it and Steve wants to trace his dimples with his tongue.

“Coming home first?”

“Nah, just gonna shower at the gym next door,” Eddie stretches. “See ya later, Stevie.” And then he’s out the door and slipping quickly into his own room down the hall.

Steve doesn’t like the way Eddie’s bedroom door sounds as it clicks shut.

~*~

Steve has the early shift at the store, so when he gets home in the late afternoon with two bags of groceries, he’s got the apartment to himself. Robin’s spending her weekend off with Vickie and Eddie’s still at work before heading off to his date.

Steve puts his groceries away, makes himself an early dinner, and then positions himself in front of the TV. He puts his phone face up on the coffee table, so he’ll see it when Eddie texts him to get out of his date.

He gets lost in the Real Housewives of Wherever for hours before he remembers he’s supposed to be keeping an eye on his phone. He taps the screen and sees there are no notifications. That’s weird. It’s already well past nine; Eddie usually texts by now for a rescue.

Steve sits back on the couch, eyes on his phone where it sits on the coffee table in front of him. He watches it for a few long moments, willing it to ring.

It doesn’t.

~*~

Hours later, Steve wakes up to the front door slamming shut. His face feels plastered to the leather of their second-hand couch. He knows it’s Eddie coming through the door because he’s the only one of them that lets it slam when it closes.

Steve reaches for his phone, still on the coffee table where he’s left it. He taps the screen and sees that it’s already after two in the morning. Eddie comes into the living room and seems surprised to see him on the couch.

“You’re still up?” He asks, eyebrows pulling together.

“You didn’t call,” Steve tries to make it sound casual, but even he hears the accusation in his own voice.

“Uh yeah. No. He was, uh. Kinda cool, actually,” Eddie smiles to himself and it looks so soft and sweet in the dim light of TV. Steve feels his chest go hollow seeing it. He swallows.

“Well,” Steve clears his throat. “That’s great.”

“Wanna hang out?” Eddie asks. Steve’s not sure if he means hang out or hang out, but either way, Steve can’t bring himself to say yes.

“Nah.” He yawns. “Early shift tomorrow.” It’s a lie, but who can blame him?

Steve gets up off the couch and crosses the room before Eddie can say anything.

“Oh, sure,” Eddie mutters as Steve brushes past him on his way into the hallway. “Goodnight, Stevie.”

Steve feels his throat constrict, like he might cry if Eddie says anything else. He clears his throat again. “‘Night,” he returns, before he shuts his bedroom door behind him.

~*~

Steve stews in it for a couple of days. He’s annoyed and grumpy and even Robin starts avoiding him after he snaps at her one too many times for no reason. He’s avoiding Eddie, but he suspects that Eddie is also avoiding him.

Which is absurd. It’s not like Steve changed the rules. He’s not the one who changed their routine. Who went on a date with someone else and enjoyed it.

That thought gives Steve pause because that’s not what this is, is it? He’s aware that he’s not very good at keeping his emotions out of his sex life. He knows he gets too attached too soon. But Eddie is his friend. You’re supposed to have emotions for your friends. You’re supposed to hate everyone they date. You’re supposed to want to spend all your time with them. Right?

Fuck. Fuck. Steve is maybe out of his depth here.

By Tuesday night, he has no choice but to go to Robin.

“I fucked up,” he says without preamble, walking into her room without knocking and flopping face first onto her unmade bed. She just watches him from where she sits at her desk in front of her laptop. Eddie has a late night band practice after work, so they’ve got the place to themselves.

“Yeah, how?” She asks.

“I… am not sure. But I feel bad.” Steve is practically whining at this point.

“Can I tell you what I think without you getting mad at me?” Robin’s tone is cautious in a way that it hardly ever is with Steve.

“When do I ever get mad?” Steve scowls at her, the side of his face smooshed into her pillow so he can see her.

“Gee, I wonder.” Robin rolls her eyes. “You’ve been testy since Saturday, babe.”

Steve huffs but it’s not like he can deny it, exactly.

“Whatever, I’m in a bad mood,” he grumbles, picking at a thread on her comforter.

“Yeah, and why do you think that is?” Robin’s question sounds decidedly pointed.

“I dunno. Full moon or something. Something’s in retrograde, probably.”

Robin sighs. “Look, I’m going to say something to you and I want you to just listen and synthesize the information, okay? Just shut up.” Steve grunts and Robin clearly takes that for assent. “I think that you’re in love with Eddie.”

She says it so matter-of-factly that Steve sits straight up on her bed so he can look at her fully. His eyes dart to her open door. “What?” He practically spits out.

Robin rolls her eyes again. “Yeah, whatever. I know I’m not supposed to know about the… whatever you want to call it. But you guys aren’t exactly subtle. Or quiet.” Steve’s jaw falls open. “I know you’ve been fooling around for months. And you haven’t had to figure out your feelings for each other because you haven’t been dating at all and every date Eddie’s been on he’s sabotaged himself. And now he’s had a great date and you’re feeling threatened, obviously. You’re jealous, Steve.”

Steve just looks at her for a moment, before saying, “I actually hate you so much.” He looks back over toward her open door. “Did he say it was a great date?”

“Ugh, you’re pathetic.” Robin balls up a piece of paper and throws it at him, before turning serious. “Just tell him, Stevie. I’m pretty sure he’s into you just as much as you’re into him. You should see the way he stares at your ass when he thinks no one’s looking. It’s truly disgusting.”

Steve throws the ball of paper back at Robin, hitting her squarely in her forehead.

~*~

Steve locks himself in his room for the rest of the night, obsessing over what Robin has told him. He tosses and turns all night thinking about it. He’s vaguely aware of the door slamming as Eddie comes in from band practice around midnight and he thinks that maybe Eddie might linger just a little longer outside Steve’s door, but he doesn’t knock. Just pauses before he moves on to his own room.

Steve wakes up late the next morning. He has to rush through his morning routine and by the time he makes it to the kitchen for breakfast, both Robin and Eddie have left for the day. Luckily, Steve has a midday shift, so he has a bit of time before he has to leave for the store. He leans against the counter, spooning cereal into his mouth. As he places his dirty bowl and spoon in the sink to clean after work, his eyes get caught on the whiteboard they have hanging on the fridge.

Second date tonight, keep phone handy -E

Steve feels his heart start beating fast, almost erratically. His fingertips go numb. He licks his lips and leaves the kitchen, slipping on his shoes and jacket and leaving for work.

~*~

Steve comes home to an empty apartment. Robin has some study group and Eddie has his date. Steve can’t help but feel a little depressed as he walks through the door to nothing but quiet.

He makes himself dinner. He puts something on the television. He places his phone face-up on the coffee table, just in case.

It doesn’t light up with a notification until well after nine. It’s a phone call. From Eddie.

Steve fumbles his phone as he lunges to pick it up.

“Hey,” he says into his phone’s speaker. “Thought you had a date.”

“Yeah,” Steve can tell Eddie’s smiling, even though he can’t see him. “Was wondering if you had some kind of emergency to tell me about?”

“Um.” Steve is confused. This isn’t the normal script. He’s supposed to call Eddie. Not the other way around. “I don’t. Know? I mean. Yeah. I… need you?”

“On my way, Stevie.” And then he hangs up.

~*~

Steve’s paused the TV and is sitting on the living room couch in silence by the time he hears the door slam shut. He looks up as Eddie walks into the room.

“Hey,” Eddie greets him, voice low. “Haven’t seen you in a while.”

“Yeah, been… busy.” Steve inwardly cringes at how he sounds, knows it’s a lame excuse, because Eddie knows him. He knows why he hasn’t seen Steve.

“Right,” Eddie smirks. “So… can we talk?”

“Sure, whatever.” Steve tries to sound casual, thinks he misses it by about a mile.

Eddie sits in the armchair instead of next to Steve on the couch. Steve tries not to take it as an insult.

“I was on a really good date tonight, Stevie,” Eddie tells him, voice soft and slow, like he’s breaking bad news to Steve. Steve’s heart clenches in chest, hard and painful. He nods, eyes on everything but Eddie. “He was cool and funny and actually had good taste in music.” Steve’s not exactly sure he really needs to hear this. “But…”

Steve feels a small flutter of hope in the pit of his stomach. “But?” He prompts, still not looking at Eddie.

“But.” Steve can tell from his tone that Eddie’s smiling again, that same smile he’d heard on the phone. “I couldn’t stop thinking about you. About sitting here watching dumb reality shows with your arm around me. Waiting for your call even though I hadn’t texted you.”

Steve’s eyes snap to Eddie’s. He licks his lips. “What.” He doesn’t say it like a question.

“I wanted to be with you, Stevie. Always wanna be with you.” Eddie looks nervous now. He pulls at a rip in his jeans. “Do you… what do you think about that?”

“I, uh.” Steve’s mouth is suddenly dry, voice just a little hoarse. “I think it’s… good.”

“Good?” Eddie snorts. “You think it’s good? Gonna need a little more here, Steve.” Eddie still looks a little nervous, but his smile is starting to form again.

“Yeah, like. Really good.” Steve licks his lips again. “I always wanna be with you, too,” he adds softly.

“Yeah?” Eddie asks, and he sounds vulnerable in a way that Steve’s never really heard before. He’s fully smiling again, small and soft, like maybe he can’t believe his luck.

Steve smiles back at him. “Yeah.”

And then they don’t say anything at all. Eddie crosses the small space between them and tackles Steve back against the couch. Their lips meet, soft at first. Then Steve let’s out a moan, opens his mouth under Eddie’s and the kisses turn decidedly less soft and more horny.

~*~

The next morning, Steve’s phone dings on his bedside table. He reaches over to read the screen.

Queen Robbie✨💕: love that u guys have figured ur shit out, but can we work out a system or something? i heard u [redacted] and then [redacted] and also [redacted]

Steve smiles before dropping his phone back on his bedside table and turning over in his bed. He pulls a sleeping Eddie into his arms and drops a tiny kiss to the back of Eddie’s neck. Eddie lets out a sleepy little moan. Steve could get used to waking up like this every morning.

———

An anonymous benefactor gifted me with lyrics from “Paper Rings” and here is what I’ve done with them.

Just two things: 1. I have never seen Ghost Adventures, but I imagine it would be one of the only shows both Robin and Eddie could agree on and 2. I have never listened to Tame Impala, I know nothing abt the music (beyond the fact that it’s just one guy??? see, I am hip and cool, gen z), so this is not intentional slander, I promise!!! It’s just the first thing I thought of.

Oh ETA: I also know nothing abt cars or what mechanics do, I assume they sometimes fix engines.

[zeltqz]

Ran pickpockets you to win you over 💀 hes stupid ik

smut | 3.6k words

You were cleaning tables when you had your phone in your jeans’ pocket. 

Two customers remained seated inside the restaurant, finishing up their meals. Both of them looked around the same age, and if it wasn’t for the fact they were seated on different sides of the restaurant, you would’ve assumed they were friends.

They barely even touched their meal, but your job was to clean the restaurant, not to worry about the odd customers.

The next thing you know, you felt someone bump into you from behind; and you were too apologetic to even notice how your phone magically disappeared from your back pocket. The man excused all your concerns with “It’s fine, don’t worry,” sending you a smile which at the moment had you heart pulsing twice as hard. 

You watch the two of them exit the store at the same time, not taking your eyes off the breathtaking gentleman from the glass windows. It wasn’t until you watched his friend snicker and you watched braidboy pull out a phone—with a case that looked exactly like yours—out from his pocket.

It took you a moment, hands ghosting around your back pocket, onto to be met with your ass instead of the hard block phone you left in there. “Those motherfuckers.” You instantly dropped the table cleaning supplies onto the floor and ran outside the restaurant to try catch up with them but it was no use when they hopped on a motorcycle and drove off before you even had the chance to chase them. 

You didn’t need your phone that much, only using it for calls and texts. Not like you were addicted to it, so you weren’t that upset about it. But it was the principle of it. Stealing a phone? Lame.

You described the man to your friend when you got home that night and she said he sounds familiar, pulling out a photo of her boyfriend chilling with the same two men you saw in the restaurant. “That’s him!” You point to him at the back of the photo and have murder on your mind knowing that you finally know his name.

You could go to the police with his name, age and face; but you realised that the police are pretty much useless and won’t be able to do shit without evidence he stole your phone.

Mina was going to sleepover at hre boyfriend's house, which is why she offered you to come also, so you could meet the man and ask for your phone back.

You make eye contact with Ran from across the room, narrowing your gaze in his direction while fighting the urge to strangle him to death. The entire time your friend was introducing you to her boyfriend, your eyes were elsewhere. You weren’t normally this unattentive, but you had to figure out how to get your phone back, or if he still has it in his possession.

It had been a week since the incident, so he could’ve sold it easily by now.

“Sorry, I’ll be right back.” You stand up from the couch, heading straight for the back of the room by the kitchen. Tapping on his shoulder, he stops talking and turns his head to the side to peek at you over his shoulder.

“Yes?”

“Where is my phone?” 

He laughs, the sound rich and carefree. It does something weird to your stomach because your breathing stops for a second before picking back up, but the rhythm was off. “You’re the one from the restaurant right?” His tongue darts out to wet his bottom lip and you shamelessly watched the action, almost forgetting the reason why you were here.

“Uh, yeah. I am.” You snap out of that little…whatever that was. A short moment of weakness that should never be brought up again. “Where’s my phone.” You don’t state it as a question, instead more of a statement, demanding for him to hand it to you.

Reaching inside his pocket, he pulls out your phone and your heart beat slows down at the realisation that he didn’t sell it or destroy it. Just as you’re about to grab it, he dodges your hand, lifting the device above his head. The unpleasant scowl is back on your hands, not amused by his antics one bit. “Give it.”

“Answer something for me first.”

“No.”

He smiles, biting his bottom lip before nodding and you see him put the phone back in his pocket. “Oh well, then.”

“No, wait—” You sigh, annoyed at yourself for playing into his stupid antics. “What is your question?”

“What’s your name?”

He snickers when you deadpan at him, a slow rise of his brow as he coaxes you into telling him. You think of a way to remark at him sneakily without giving him your information. You don’t trust him, one bit. “Thought you would’ve known that by now, after all, you probably snooped through my phone.”

He shrugs his shoulders, but the smirk on his face has your stomach sinking the ground. He didn’t technically deny it… “Wait, did you actually snoop—”

“Don’t worry, I didn’t see your nudes.” He winks at you, slow and steady and you almost want to faint. He most definitely saw them. A boisterous laugh leaves his mouth and your face drains of colour. “I was just kidding about that whole nude shit, but holy shit, you actually have some on here?”

“No! I don’t—ugh, why am I even explaining myself to you? Give me my phone!” You try to reach inside his back pocket to grab it back but he’s quicker, taking a step back to create some distance between you two. 

“Hey, hey now, just calm down. I gotta do something first.” 

You roll your eyes but decide not to argue. He unlocks your phone as if it was his own and his fingers start shifting against some buttons on your tiny phone. You have zero clue what he’s doing but after a short moment, he hands it back to you. “What did you do to it?” You inspect the phone once its back in your hands, checking if everything was in place etc.

“Just added my number.” Another wink in your direction has you rolling your eyes once more. 

“Yeah? What did you save it as?” You ask him, fingers scrolling to your contacts button.

“Why? Wanna know my name that badly so you can call me when u get home?” 

You look up at him, wanting to wipe that stupid cocky smirk off his face. “No, actually, I just wanna know what you saved it under so I can delete it.” You could almost laugh as his smirk drops, now replaced with a straight line as he looks at you like you’ve done him dirty.

There’s a pause, the silence of the both of you staring—actually, no—glaring at each other. Your glare out of disgust and the sheer audacity of his actions and his own out of—well to be fair, you aren’t really sure why he’s staring down at you like that. After a couple more seconds, he smiles, nodding his head before backing away from where leaned against the counter.

Somebody that sounds suspiciously like Mina laughs loudly to your side as she watches Ran head towards the living room. “That was intense.” 

“Yeah, whatever.” You look down at your phone in your hand with disinterest before stuffing it inside your inner coat pockets.

(You now noted to never leave personal belongings inside your back pockets).

Later that night, you were scrolling on your phone, checking to see if your boss had responded to your text message about having tomorrow off when you see a new contact in your message list online.

The contact was just saved as a heart and you immediately knew who the culprit was. Your fingers moved to delete it, but before you could, it was like you hesitated almost. 

You shoved your phone across your bed, grabbing your bag seated on the arm of your chair across your room. As you dug through it, you realised something was missing.

Your fucking wallet .

“That motherfuck—” You closed your eyes, physcially trying to calm yourself down before you calmly walk over to your bed, reaching for your phone in the corner. 

Fingers moving slowly as you tried to remain as calm as possible, not wanting another outburst, you clicked on his icon and began typing out a message. 

As if he saw you typing, his fingers were faster, typing out a message and sent it before you even had the chance to finish your own sentence.

<3: why r u up so late?

The actual fucking audacity—

You: why do u keep stealing my shit?

<3: to get ur attention obviously

You: or maybe talk to a girl like a regular functional fucking human being instead of stealing her stuff?

<3: do u want ur wallet back or not

You: yes.

<3: come over

You: are u insane? I dont even know u, why would i come to ur house?

<3: then come to the get together tmrw, i’ll give it back

<3: wear something cute too;)

You: im blocking u until tmrw

You ignore the continuous buzzing on your phone in favour of turning your phone off. You just want to sleep and get tomorrow over it, get your wallet back and his this pickpocketing jerk out of your life.

When tomorrow comes, you make sure to have nothing else in your pockets. You’re not even bringing your house keys, not wanting to take the risk. Your best friend Mina will be at home all day so it won’t matter much. 

You arrive at his house in the afternoon, around three-ish and ring on his doorbell. When nobody answers for around thirty seconds, you ring it again, and again, and again and—

He answers the door with an annoyed groan, rubbing his eyes with the heel of his palms as if he’d just woken up. “Do you know what the time is?”

“Yeah? It’s 4PM.” You blink, hazy and confused as if he’s acting like you had just rang his doorbell at 4AM instead. 

A shorter boy comes up from behind Ran, hitting the back of his neck to wake him fully. “Ignore my nocturnal brother, he’s weird. The earliest he wakes up is 6PM.”

You eye him, finding it almost amusing how he has to blink himself awake. “Anyway, I’m just here for my wallet.”

“Your wallet?” His brother questions, nudging his brother in the stomach hard to fully wake him up. 

“Your shitty brother stole it from me.”

“‘M not shitty, shut up.” Ran rubs his forehead, stepping out of the way to allow you entry inside the house. The first thing you notice about the household is that it’s big, like the hallway leading to the living room is probably bigger than your kitchen. Then the living room is definitely the side of your bedroom if it was placed next to each other four times. 

“Your wallet is in my room, c’mon.” He grabs onto your hand without thinking, and surprisingly enough, you don’t shove him off or away from you, instead just letting him lead you away into his room.

You take a seat on the bed and watch him dig through his dresser, tossing your wallet in your direction when he finds it.

“Thank you.” You stand up almost instantly, ready to head back home now that you’ve gotten what you came here for. 

“W-wait wait,” he crosses the room quickly, placing his hands on your shoulders and pushing you back to sit on the bed, “don’t go yet.”

“What? I want to go home—”

“We ordered pizza, can you stay for that?”

“I can afford my own pizza, thank you.” You’re about to sit down again before he’s pushing you back on the bed. “Ran, what do you want? Let me g—”

He leans forward without thinking, not stopping till his forehead is pressed against your own. “...What are you doing?” You try to sound as stern as possible, but instead your voice comes out breathless and shaky, trying to keep yourself together. 

His eyes linger along the swell of your bottom lip, flicking them up to your eyes. He can hear how your breathing stutters, how hard you’re trying to control your breathing patterns under his stare. “Can I?” He asks, pressing his fingers at your lower back a little firmer.

You honestly feel like your voice would crack if you spoke to him right now. Instead you slowly nod your head before you could even realise what you were saying yes to. 

You  melt against him, clinging to the front of his shirt to tug him forward, trying to feel as much of his lips as possible. His hand shifts from your lower back, cupping onto your chin to control the kiss the way he wants.

He’s shifting forward, your back hitting the mattress with a soft thud as he hovers over you, palms flat on the bed just beside your head. 

“I still hate you, by the way.” You clarify despite tugging on the strings of his pyjama bottoms, eager to get them off.

“You and I both know that’s a lie.” He moans when you cup his crotch with your hands, gently running your fingers along his length. 

“It’s true—” You hiss when he leans down to bite your neck, sucking a little harder when you run your hands up his back, eliciting a shiver down his spine. “I strongly dislike you.”

He hums against the skin of your neck, darting his tongue out to lick up the column of your throat, wetting your jawline on the journey up to your lips. He sucks and bites on the flesh before sliding his tongue into your mouth.

What are you doing? Your brain repeats over and over again in an attempt to get you to snap out of it and go back home. Instead, you let him run his hands down your body, stopping directly at the zipper of your jeans.

He breaks the kiss to sit up on his bed, pulling you along with him. He’s about to open his mouth to say something, but you slap a hand over it. “Stop talking, before I regret this.”

“Yes ma’am,” he mutters from beneath your hand, watching as you tug his pants down to his ankles. Your hands grab onto his face, pulling him closer to your lips in a heated kiss. “Take this off,” he whispers against your bottom lip, looking up at you hazily.

You peck him one last time before sliding back down on his lap to give yourself enough room to remove your shirt, tugging your bra off in the process.

“So fuckin’ sexy.” His thumbs graze along the underside of your breasts, holding them as if they’re delicate. His fingers slide up to your nipples, gently pressing  down on them and watching your hips squirm on his lap in the process. “You’re pretty sensitive, aren’t you?”

“Well, I am a vi—shit—” Your hands fly to his head, holding it in place as he sucks a breast into his mouth. His mouth feels hot on your nipple, groaning when you tug on his hair as his tongue slides patterns along your breast. 

His hands grip onto your hips to stop them from squirming, slowly bouncing you up and down on his lap just to hear more moans come out your mouth.

“You’re a what?” He moves to your mother tit, stimulating you in just the right ways, tickling his tongue against your nipple.

“I’m a virgin.” You can physically feel him freeze up underneath you, even his tongue stops. He pulls off your breast with a pop, bouncing you on his lap once more  before he’s looking up at you with a raised brow.

“You serious?”

“I—uh, yeah? I’m sure?” 

“Are you sure you wanna do this? I mean—”

“I’m not sure.” You slide off his lap, back onto the bed, covering your chest with the fabric of your bra, suddenly being fully aware about being exposed in front of him like this. “I just want my first time to be something special, you know? Not after I got my wallet back from the guy that stole from me.”

“How about this?” Ran is back on top of you in record time, pinning you down underneath him. He pecks your cheek, “Let me take you out on a date this weekend.” He pecks the other cheek and you close your eyes when you feel him pepper kisses all over your face.

“Let me take care of you.” 

“On one condition,” he’s just about to kiss you again when you hold up a finger to his face, “you gotta stop with the whole stealing people’s wallets and phones thing.”

He drops his face down to your neck and laughs. You feel a wet, suction on your skin, blood rushing to the surface. Your hips rise up to meet his body and he grinds down to meet you halfway.

He’s making you feel so good, you’re so willing to fuck him right here and now. 

But you won’t.

“I’ll stop.” He murmurs agaisnt your skin, pulling away to rest his forehead against yours. “I won’t do it anymore.”

“Why do you do it anyway? You seem rich enough,” you break eye contact and look around his bedroom, which is huge by the way. 

He sighs and rolls off you, laying down next to you in the bed. You follow suit, shifting on your side to get a better look at him. “I dunno, stealing is just fun? I used to do it when I was younger, so when I’m bored I just do it.”

“You’ll stop, right?” 

“If you can make me, yeah.” He leans forward, his nose brushing against yours, ready to kiss you, but kisses your palm instead as you block it. 

“Promise me, Ran. I don’t want you getting arrested too.”

“That’s what you’re worried about? I’ll be fine.”

“Ran. I’ll only go out with you if you promise.” 

He looks distracted, eyes wandering somewhere downwards. You look down and see he is in fact distracted, by your boobs. “Ran!” You cover yourself with the blanket, shoving it all from his end of the bed to your own. 

“Okay, I promise, I’ll stop. Come here.” He gestures for you to move forward. You oblige, moving forward till your head rests on the pillow beside his head. He wraps his arms around your body, holding you close and pressing a kiss on your head. “Will you stay tonight?”

“Do you want me to?” 

“...Yeah.”

“Maybe another night, I have work tonight.”

“Orrrr, you could ditch work and instead go out with me tonight. We can go anywhere.”

“Okay,” you close your eyes and lean further into the warmth emitting from his body.

[momo-de-avis]

What is a pombeline cage ?

It's a structure that was developed after the 1755 earthquake by the military engineers hired by the Marquis of Pombal (hence the name). The structure is entirely made of wood and resembles a cage, and was originally embedded into the buildings, on the ground and first floor, so it was not visible (it was never meant to be). It looked something like this

It's based on a principle very much applied in anti seismic constructions today, which I don't know the name of, but basically it allows a building to sway instead of shaking back and forth, so it won't just fall forward into another building, blocking the roads with rubble. It allows the stone to crumble and ultimately it preserves the lives of the people inside.

Take into account that this is 1758 and it's not taking into consideration tall buildings, but also, when the project for Lisbon's reconstruction is approved, that's the first time legislation is passed in terms of how to build a city and what a public façade is. In shorter words, it's the closest thing to building codes we have.

So the building code regarding the cage stated it would only work on buildings up to 4 stories high. Anything above that, no guarantee that the cage would be effective, and in fact, might just cause precisely what the cage was trying to avoid from the beginning: buildings falling forward onto other buildings, completely blocking any real escape route.

(the next paragraphs are going to be Very geographically specific. They're about portugal and nowhere else)

But you see, the 80s happened, which is something that, while fondly remembered in nostalgia porn like stranger things and literally anything that has ever come out of Nuno Markl's mouth, it was in fact the most appalling decade for architecture. Which is about when portugal decides these 1755 "laws" (if you could call them that) are stupid. So they changed the structure of most of these. They added fifth and sixth floors, and they tore out the cage and exposed it.

It's not uncommon to find an exposed beam from the cage or a full cage on display in a building in downtown, because they were basically removed and exposed like interesting pieces when they had a structural purpose to begin with. But most places you'll find these in is, of course, in downtown. Which means it's establishments like restaurants (I know of at least two that have it exposed).

It has since become a symbol of history so if a home has it, and especially one in the historic centre, it's going to add value to the apartment. And i mean value.

I don't know where that woman lives but I recall seeing a video where you could see out her window and she had a view over the river. I can't remember if it was high or not but if is, it's on a hill, which means that, depending what hill, that cage might have been moved there.

It could be that it's fake ofc. I can't fully judge that from a video. But from what I'm seeing, it does look like an authentic cage that was just moved. And you can tell it was moved because it sits on her floor and it's supporting nothing. A real cage would be inside the building (for it to work it has to be between the stone) and it would go through the floor, but it would not be visible.

So, all in all: houses in downtown lisbon are already insanely expensive (twice the price of an average apartment in Tokio). Now one with an historical artifact is even more expensive

[casliveblog]

Custom Toonami Block Week 171 Rundown

Inuyasha The Final Act: Moryomaru’s on his shit again running around absorbing random demons and… he’s after the snake demons from Yashahime? Honestly I completely forgot they were in the original series and apparently for good reason because the FUCKING DIE, like for all its faults usually Yashahime was pretty good about the connective tissue between the original and itself but I guess these guys just aren’t dead anymore by the time of the series. It is kinda dumb that Moryomaru just kinda wants them because ‘they’re snake brothers that hate each other so if I eat them I can fuse stuff to other stuff’ but his arc’s getting ready to end anyway so who cares. Meanwhile Inuyasha’s consulting Totosai about why his new Tessaiga upgrade doesn’t work the diagnosis is basically ‘sword’s fine, you’re just a lil bitch’ basically the same principle that turns Inuyasha into a full demon if the Tessaiga’s not protecting him, he can’t just absorb demonic energy as a half demon or else he’ll go crazy (did anyone ever tell Towa this? Feel like that was literally never a problem for her) but yeah Inuyasha has to run through a demonic obstacle course and learn how to see swirls of demonic energy which… he could already do with the Wind Scar but I guess this is different. Long story short, he gains the power to cut open wells of demonic energy instead of absorbing them, I think this is used like twice before the Meidou Zangetsuha comes by and eats its lunch which is really funny because they already allude to Meidou Zangetsuha being Tessaiga’s Final Form (which you’d think he could just keep absorbing new powers forever idk) so even on release Dragon Scale Tessaiga is already power crept.

Castlevania: We get an extended scene of how Lisa was captured by the church for… having glass and gears I guess, most of it is stuff we already knew though the thing that sticks out to me is she didn’t use a fake last name, like she goes by Lisa Tepes, good for her being proud of her husband and all but don’t people know Dracula’s name is Vlad Tepes? I think I heard someone mention it before so you’re not really helping your case of not being a hellspawn when you literally have Dracula’s last name, it’s a Ben Kenobi situation all over again. Either way, Dracula calls all his boys up to be like ‘yo, we gonna fuck shit up’ and he’s hired two anime misanthropes with suitably tragic backstories for why humans are awful, to do the planning because if you can’t think on a human level you’re gonna fuck shit up. Though even the resident bloodthirsty fight dude Godbrand is like ‘wait we have a plan? I thought we were just sacking villages all over and summoning as much hellspawn as we could’ which is kind of the plan at this point. I do like how Dracula’s rage is personalized by an exhausted finality instead of a howling rage, like everyone seems to be on the same page of ‘look we don’t like genocide, but this humanity thing has had a good run and needs to stop’ which is kind of worse, like there’s only so much talk no jutsu you can do with someone who’s done talking. Meanwhile Trevor, Sypha and Alucard get their initial brooding about their new journey out of the way (Also how old is Alucard? Like he looks in his twenties, but Lisa doesn’t look that much older than when she met Dracula, maybe she just aged like a fine wine or maybe vampire aging is different and you just pop out a twenty year old classy man but it feels like that did not seem to be a twenty year gap). And now Dracula has moved the castle with the big 3D object thing that’s like the only thing I remember from Symphony of the Night.

Jujutsu Kaisen: Megudad is on the rampage and is ready to Rock Lee all over Cthulu and it’s honestly just fantastic to see like after all the complex bullshit with Domains and Animation jargon last episode it’s satisfying to just watch Dadgumi punch the absolute shit out of this guy. They establish he barely has sentience at this point and is basically acting like a heat seeking missile on the largest mass of cursed energy in the area but once he’s done stabbing Cthulu with nunchaku he takes Megumi outside so idk if he does have a shard of sentience in there and just wants to see his son for a sec or if Megumi’s vaguely defined secret superpowers just make him next on Dadgumi’s heat seeking missile radar. Meanwhile Jogo shows up and Cracatoa’s the remaining three guys in like two seconds and I’m not sure if that’s supposed to be an ‘oh shit he’s strong’ moment or an ‘oh shit those guys were really worn out’ moment. Meanwhile meanwhile, the high school girls are sticking fingers down Yuji’s throat because he apparently has no gag reflex and swallows whatever you put in his mouth when he’s unconscious. Only for Jogo to come out and feed him MORE fingers, like half of them right here which they acknowledge they have to do a bunch at once so Sukuna can take over temporarily before Yuji’s body can adapt. I had a feeling JJK wasn’t going to stick to a Shikon Jewel Shard narrative style of collecting the fingers one at a time but this is still a little more than I expected since he’s basically 75% done and got more fingers in him than a Battle Royale Chinese Finger Trap. So yeah Sukuna’s awake but unfortunately for these guys he want to the Muzan Kibutsuchi school of ‘if you’re not immediately subservient and stroking my ego you’re just dead’ and the high school girls get offed for asking him to save Geto even though he asked them what they wanted, like why’s he even asking if he has no intention of doing anything for anybody. I don’t really like this style of villainy like I tend to go more for people that are reasonable to at least not murder their subordinates instantly since it always makes the villains look egotistical and insecure if they can’t handle five seconds of someone not licking their boots but I suppose it is an effective way to show how powerful they are. Meanwhile Jogo goes over the plan to make sure Sukuna stays in control of Yuji’s body and Sukuna’s just like ‘bro I did that a season and a half ago’ but he gives him the same ultimatum he gave Yuji at that point, land one hit and he’ll do them a favor. Idk if Sukuna even intends to make good on any of these I think he just likes flexing on people cause he offers these a lot.

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End: As a prelude to their journey to go meet with real ghosts, Frieren and Fern have a classic ‘can you shoot a ghost if it looks like someone you love’ mini-adventure, it’s pretty simple but it works for what it has to in order to solidify both of their resolve to go take care of their unfinished business. And then the girls take turns taking pot shots at a dragon and decide they could really use a tank, luckily Eisen was training a tank named Stark in the nearby village so they’re just gonna go pick him up, get the x-ray specs Frieren wants from the dragon and save the village in the meanwhile if they have time. Now Stark is kinda interesting because he’s like a combo of Zenitsu from Demon Slayer and King from One Punch Man in that he’s a weird coward and a fraud but also genuinely ridiculously strong, he just has no real combat experience and thus is terrified of actual monsters. This may also be in part due to him being the only survivor of his home village which he booked it out of when he was a kid, Eisen wanted to train that out of him which I feel like is a little harsh to beat up a kid about running from a horde of monsters, like that’s not cowardice that’s just being fucking nine. But he seems to have internalized some of that and never really gotten over seeing himself as a coward combined with his lack of experience so despite being able to chop a mountain in half like that story of the guy making a path to the hospital, he’s gonna need some help popping his Monster Cherry.

Vinland Saga: So Arnheid’s plan was a little different than I thought, she’s not sneaking in to see Gardar she’s just kinda… asking to come in and because Wolf left and can’t tell her to gfto she gets the one guy that will let her in, I like how she doesn’t even flirt to do it like she’s not a femme fatale she just shows up and looks pretty and the guy is just there for it. So yeah while they’re talking about a metaphorical storm it literally starts raining because Vinland Saga god has a sense of humor and Gardar pulls a Rick Grimes to bite the guard’s neck out and slaughters everyone when Arnheid cuts him free in a split second panic. Like honestly she was kinda against a wall here like ignoring the fact that it was a coin flip split second decision for her husband, even if she didn’t help him the guards are still gonna assume the guy with a chunk out of his neck had more to do with her than the guy that’s all tied up so she didn’t have much choice. Meanwhile back with Thorfinn and Einar, Thorfinn outlines his philosophy of dismantling the toxic masculinity of Norse culture and how defying cultural norms is better than just fucking murdering people that are mildly rude to you. Still he theorizes that if they can stop the root of endless wars they can kill two birds with one pacifist stone and end a large portion of the slave trade. Given slavery and human trafficking are STILL a thing we know this doesn’t quite work out but at least it’s not as normalized and prone to vast swaths of ‘we killed your guys that were good at killing so you belong to us now’ so uhhh… baby steps? Baby, thousand year long steps… Meanwhile the guards are searching their barn for Gardar and Arnheid which tips Thorfinn and Einar off that they’ve escaped and now they’ve got a decision to make about who to help with that.   

Was gonna add the two new shows this week but couldn't find some of them and ran out of time so I'll think more on what I want to watch this coming week and try to get some new additions for next weekend.

[queer-crusader]

okay separate post about Will Turner because i love him actually

my man throws his sword twice in this film. Once to block off Jack's exit during their fight in the workshop, and once to save his life at the gallows. This man is a SPECTACULAR swordsman (and during that fight in the 'shop? When Jack tests his skill? it feels less out of curiosity and more sort of mentor-y. I think that's the most truly captain-like we've seen Jack, but that's about Jack, not Will. Still, love that moment). But MORE than that, he is a good man and a good pirate.

His whole arc gets put into a few simple words by Jack:

"The only rules that really matter are these: what a man can do, and what a man can't do. For instance, you can accept that your father was a pirate and a good man, or you can't. But pirate is in your blood, boy, so you'll have to square with that someday."

Throughout the film we go from Will seeing absolute red at the mere mention of pirates, furiously trying to kill Jack and dispute the fact that his father was anything else than a merchant sailor, to who he is by the end of it. We see him in the brig of the Pearl with the other crew members as he asks them about his father, and when Pintel and Ragetti tell him Bill never felt comfortable with the mutiny and sent off the treasure because he believed they all deserved to be and remain cursed, and Mr Gibbs called him a good man... His face lights up. Because now he knows for a fact Bill Turner was a pirate and a good man. He had principles that he stood by. And it helps Will to accept the same duality within him

There's also the whole class difference between him and Elizabeth and Norrington that i think is so fascinatingly written. Will knows he is of lesser standing and cannot afford to step outside of it ("How many more times must i tell you to call me Elizabeth, Will?" "At least once more, miss Swan. As always." "...Good day then, Mr Turner") while Elizabeth is more brash and outspoken towards him, especially after her dream that transported her back to her ten-year-old self. He behaves like a gentleman (because he is a good man, but also because he has to), but as the film is set in motion, his frustrations at being overlooked and ignored due to his standing despite his heart and skill start to shine through. When Elizabeth is taken, he bursts into Norrington's tactical meeting to retrieve her, telling them all his plans aren't good enough when Norrington responds drily and with this unwavering reason in his voice, and slams a hatchet into the map. Norrington takes him aside and, now with strain shining through in his voice, reminds Will to please remember he is not the only man present who cares for Elizabeth (referring to both himself and the governor, her father, who is also present).

Norrington later calls him rash for acting when the Navy was working on a plan, which does track - Will is rash. But it does make me think if that rashness and the outbursts are supposedly a sign of the fire of piracy in his blood, or also a representation of his class and the effect that it has on him for being treated constantly as lesser than when he in truth measures up so well. He has to fight for everything dear to him. But that fire and passion of course do remain even when he finally gets to be with Elizabeth and no longer has to fight for her. Anyway, all that to say that my man has heart. And i love him very dearly

[delphictrip]

tl,dr: i had a mildly misogynistic encounter while working today and i'm gonna bitch about it, although I'm glad that this shit is rare enough that I can be astounded by it

Today I patronized a local supplies business. I walked up to the will call line, second in line. The first in line and the only person in the room at the moment was blocking the scanner for the lockers. I said "excuse me" twice at a pretty normal volume and was not acknowledged. I was annoyed, thought "fuckit" and just reached into his personal space and scanned the thing. Still didn't acknowledge me! Definitely wasn't hard of hearing judging based on the conversation he had with the guy in the warehouse afterwards. Ended up looking at me a grand total of twice, just about passing his eyes over me rather than a nod or anything. It was weird!

I went back to the station and ranted to my one female coworker about the encounter. She recounted that back in her day, that's how you EXPECTED to be treated by men ALL THE TIME. Told me about a time she was working on something for a customer, told him what was wrong with it, he turned and asked for her supervisor to tell him, the supervisor took her report, skimmed it, and handed it back and said "that's what's wrong with it. read her synopsis."

Generally I believe have an uncommon experience because I've been doing my job a few years and the people who depend on my experience and labor have been my colleagues for those years. So they know I know my shit, and they treat me with respect to my face at the very least. We also all know we have to get along for however long, 'cause I ain't going anywhere and neither are they. I'm just starting my career here and I do love it, and they're retiring here. It would be a different story if my customers were the general public. I do recall once when I was a lube tech doing a tire rotation and the vehicle's owner, a man, was in the shop (get out) trying to tell me I was rotating his tires wrong. Get the fuck out of my stall, asshat, I know what directional tread looks like and this ain't it.

i'm glad things have progressed so far that it is rare and appalling to me that a random man would disrespect me on basis of my gender. I live a charmed life as a woman in a blue collar field. 95% of the people I interact with are men, and they're almost always either a) respectful towards me on principle/professionalism/decorum/being raised with manners or b) I'm just one of the guys to them. Which is like, kind of pretty great. They might get weird if I came out and was openly queer, I kind of discovered that on accident when some guys were about to make some off color jokes about the local gay bar. So, all they really need to know is what they can see. The usual time sexism comes up in my line of work is when men who barely know me are trying to make a point that they aren't sexist and they tell me I can do whatever I want with my life and they tell me about the kickass female mechanics they know. "You can do it! You'd be good at it!" And that feels great. Right now I have other reasons for not pursing being a technician proper anymore.

Anyways, this turned into a much longer thing than I expected. In retrospect, the fact that being disrespected blew my mind is actually pretty awesome.

[joontier]

Subliminal in Scrubs | V1; report vii

pairings: dr. jeon jungkook x female reader

chapter rating: NC-17 | genre: humor, romance

warnings: FINALLY~ we get to see a little bit of JK’s pov heh 

word count: 2.4k

g/n: Send me your thoughts?

[taglist] @nottodayjjk @ditttiii​ @zeharilisharaban​ @btsbunny07​ @turquoiseandplaidinautumn  @aamxxrii @codeinebelle ​

Subliminal in Scrubs (the records) |  navi. | m.list

“I hope you don’t mind us picking up a friend first then a drive thru afterwards... we did promise  someone a ride to the ceremony as well.” Chohee eyes Jungkook through the rear-view mirror. “Plus, we haven’t had any breakfast yet sooo…” Your new passenger uncharacteristically nods with unbridled enthusiasm. Huh.

“Totally not an issue at all. If you don’t mind, breakfast is on me,” he announces, sitting up a little straighter in his seat. You raise a freshly threaded eyebrow. There is no way this kid is actually offering to pay for your food. Jungkook clears his throat quietly, “Um...since you guys offered me a ride...you know…” 

Without even having to look at each other, you just know you and Chohee have similar smiles plastered on each of your faces. “Well,” Chohee makes a quick glance at the man seated at the back, “if you insist, Jungkook-ssi. How nice of you to do so.” 

You’re positive Jeon Jungkook will regret he even offered - in half an hour. Probably less. 

Just recently, Chohee has decided to relive an old hobby of hers: teasing you relentlessly with men clearly way out of your league until you actually end up investing much more time than intended (just as planned by Chohee) - until you come to the realization that there wasn’t going to be even the slightest chance of them even liking you back. End point is - you end up getting heartbroken for irrational reasons. 

Chohee, whose eyes sparkle with mirth with every mention of the Jimin, continues her teasing, despite your constant reminders to have her energy and time diverted to another subject, instead of poking her head through your currently non-existent love life. 

It’s an undisputed fact that Jimin is a cutie and quite the charmer, especially with his heroic deed of saving your sorry ass from getting your drinked spiked at the bar. However, there is a part of you that knows the slightest bit of infatuation you might feel or might have felt for Jimin was probably caused by the lack of interaction with men for the majority of your collegiate life. Of course, you always came back to your principles, that of which is prioritizing your career to shun love interests. 

Admittedly, you might have gotten distracted once, but you won’t ever let that happen again. 

In line with your best friend’s attempt to have you score a date and a boyfriend eventually, (her timeline, not yours!)Chohee had even gone so far as offering Jimin a ride to the oath taking ceremony that’s going to be held today at the Coex convention center at Gangnam. 

With Jimin’s apartment just a couple of blocks away from the gasoline station, you spot him right away when Chohee turns right into the corner. He’s stood by the entrance of his apartment building, looking effortlessly attractive as he scrolls through his phone while waiting. 

Chohee presses her fist lightly against the center of the wheel, the car emitting a soft honk to get Jimin’s attention. Jimin gives a curt wave in acknowledgment and reaches between his legs to grab his satchel. As soon as Jimin opens the car door, his head jolts slightly backward in surprise when he sees another passenger already inside. 

Chohee does the ice-breaker, introducing Jungkook to Jimin while she drives off. “Just before we got to your place, we had to fill the tank first and whaddya know? Met Jungkook at the gas station too! His bike broke down and I’ve offered him a ride - ergo, your new seatmate.” She adds a thumbs up. “Park Jimin, Jeon Jungkook. Jeon Jungkook, Park Jimin.” 

Contrary to Chohee’s cheerful voice mere seconds ago, awkward silence ensues after the two men bow to each other in greeting. The only subject of sanity the car was holding onto was the soft voice of Chohee’s navigation app coming from her phone on the dashboard. 

Why was it so hard to talk when you’ve all got at least a few things in common? 

Right, maybe it’s the fact that Jimin may or may not have known about your beef with Jeon Jungkook. Chohee’s doing, obviously. 

Thankfully, you spot a Burger King joint along the way and propose getting a greasy breakfast instead of looking for other options. There are murmurs of agreement heard in the suddenly cramped space of your best friend’s car. “Jungkook-ssi, breakfast still on you, yeah?” Chohee asks, joining the queue. 

“Uh…yeah-” 

“Perfect! Just making sure because _________ and I are famished!” Okay - that wasn’t exactly the word you were looking for, but if it gets you the free meal, then you’re absolutely ravenous. Chohee’s eyes briefly pass yours before sending a wink in Jungkook’s direction. “How ‘bout you Jimin-ssi? You hungry?” 

He looks at you, then Chohee, then at Jungkook. “I’m fine, I’m not hungry.” You see Jungkook trying painfully hard to not let his eyes dart around too much. Just then,  a low rumble erupts from Jimin’s stomach. Woops. Your brain can dictate your emotions but tummy would never lie outright. 

“Jimin-ssi!” Jungkook clasps a hand on the blond’s shoulder. “It’s fine! Breakfast is on me. Order up, bro!” 

With Jimin still looking hesitant, Jungkook decides to add a little fairy dust to his encouragement, “think of it as a mini celebration of us finally getting to be licensed doctors in a few hours!” Jimin gives in with very evident reluctance, even offering to pay for the whole group instead at one point. 

Your swear you see hesitation cross Jungkook’s eyes briefly, but you’re glad he’s a man of honor, even if it be for this particular instance only, firmly dismissing Jimin’s proposal. Which is perfect, honestly, because  this time you get a chance at revenge and a very hearty breakfast. 

“No crumbs on the floor, please!” 

From the backseat, you see Jungkook eyeing your paper bags on yours and Chohee’s laps, face stoic as ever. Emphasis on bags. A little more concentration and Jungkook can pretty much send lasers blasting through his eyes with the way he’s scrutinizing your orders. 

As shameless as it sounds, you and Chohee were never ones to back out of a free meal - and make the most out of it, especially when one had offered so nicely. So imagine Jungkook’s reaction when he and Jimin only got a Whopper meal and you and Chohee get upgraded full meals. 

“Doesn’t seem like we’re the ones who should be worrying about crumbs…” Jungkook mutters, taking a bite of his fry that’s a little too harsh for a slice of a poor fried potato. 

“You say something Jungkook?” Chohee queries, unabashedly letting out a small burp after taking a sip of her chocolate flavored milkshake. Bowing his head, Jimin tries to hide his smile as he takes a bite of his burger. You decide to step in, wanting to add a little more MSG to your breakfast menu this fine morning. 

“Hey Chee, heard of the news last Monday? There had been recent occurrences of drivers kicking out their passengers in the middle of the expressway, especially this road in particular… talk about some zombie apocalypse shenanigans...I wonder why though…” 

Jungkook clears his throat, addressing you this time. “Your strawberry milkshake...good, yeah?” With cheeks flushed, Jungkook dares not to look forward, murmuring his regrets over ordering more food next time. 

You nod with genuine gusto, throwing him an additional thumbs-up, which only causes Jungkook to sulk slightly in his seat. You eat the rest of your food with a bright smile. Ah, free food - what else is there to say? 

“If I do not violate this oath, may I enjoy life and art, respected while I live and remembered with affection thereafter. May I always act so as to preserve the finest traditions of my calling and may I long experience the joy of healing those who seek my help.” 

After reading the Hippocratic oath, the newly declared licensed medical doctors collectively put their hands down and take their seats. There is an immediate sense of fulfillment heavy in the air. Nobody can blame them - not when one has gruelled through six years of medical school. 

Jungkook inhales deeply, yet he still feels like he’s out of breath. 

He draws in another long one, savoring each second of exhale afterwards. From his peripheral vision, Jungkook watches you as you wave endlessly to the someone on the far right where the family and relatives are seated. Though he can’t see much from afar, with the way your hands are moving slower by the second, he figures you’ve already managed to catch the attention of whoever it is you were waving at. 

Jungkook diverts his eyes somewhere else, eventually landing on the stage where he sees his own father, standing behind the podium as he gives - what people beside him would consider - a ‘motivational’ speech in front of all the new doctors of Korea. 

He wonders if he could even see him, if he knew that his own son actually made it through college, if he realized that they were under the same roof at this very moment - an occurrence he never thought would happen again. 

Jungkook reverts his eyes back to you, watching you in secret as you talk to yourself while trying to address someone else. So you were waving to your parents after all. Cute. The man couldn’t fight back the small smile etching onto his face.  

He was happy for you - a genuine statement, even though majority, if not all, your encounters consist of you both bickering like small kids… And yet, he can’t deny the strong feeling of envy brewing at his heart, knowing that he could never have the same type of interaction you had with your parents, with how tight you all seem. 

Jungkook felt sick. Even though you ordered twice as much as he did, he felt like throwing up. He wanted this ceremony to be over with already.

Much to Jungkook’s relief, the program ends shortly after that. Excited to greet and congratulate the new batch of doctors, people from all sides of the venue rush to the entrance. With literally nowhere else to go, Jungkook decides to follow you through the crowd, in the hopes that you’ll lead him to Chohee and Jimin so he could properly thank them for the ride and he could be on his way. 

He’s surprised to not see you the least bothered by it, but then again, the convention center is packed with both the oath-takers and their relatives, so you might have really not known that he’s been following you all along. 

Like usual, it’s Chohee who notices him first. This girl is everywhere, all the time. 

“Jungkook, you’re here!” 

Chohee's acknowledgement of his presence causes you to turn in your heel quickly to verify it. You stare at him briefly, opening your mouth as if to say something when someone calls out your name.  “Mom!! Dad!!” 

Your English call causes a few onlookers and Jungkook recalls somebody once pointing out that you were a foreigner - and that you were also the first one to finish at the top of the class at SNU. 

With Chohee’s parents tailing yours, they rush to their own daughter, congratulating her with a hug and a cute bouquet of tulips. As Jimin appears with his own party not too long afterwards, Jungkook figures it’s his cue to leave. At this rate, none of you would have noticed if he actually left. 

Just as Jungkook was about to take off, a small hand grabs his wrist. You’re looking up at him and he swears he sees your lips curve upward a little before dragging him back to your little group. Stunned as ever, Jungkook wonders if he hinted on a little bit of concern in your features… and you smiled at him! For the first time! At least that’s what he thought he saw. 

Admittedly, all interactions between you and him were not the most friendly. Jungkook knew he acted like a dick a couple of times, but it’s the only way he knows that might allow you to lower your guard because the only thing he was certain of was that you get worked up every time you see him. 

Regardless of whether or not it really was a smile, Jungkook finds himself standing in the midst of this gathering of some sort. “Moms, Dads, this is Jeon Jungkook and Park Jimin.” 

The moms suddenly gush over them, while their fathers eye the two younger men warily. “Are you?… you’re not…” Chohee’s mother nudges her husband a little too obviously. “If they are, that wouldn’t be such a bad thing, would it?” she grits, a bright smile plastered on her face. Jungkook wanted to laugh at the uncanny resemblance with her daughter. 

“Oh what young fine men you are! Mrs. Park, you must be very proud of your son!” Your mother exclaims, resting her cheek on her palm. “But Jungkook-ssi, your parents must be lost then… my husband and I couldn’t figure out how this whole convention center works either…” 

Jungkook shakes his head slowly, lips pursed. “Oh. Um, my parents won’t make it today. They’re very busy people…” Jungkook drags his words, hoping they’ll drop the subject. 

Well, they did, but there was an inevitable pregnant pause after that - one which Jungkook was avoiding in the first place. Chohee’s mother clasps her hands together, breaking the awkward tension. “Uh - would you like to join us then? A little celebration for a memorable day?” 

Jungkook bows his head curtly and declines the offer. He wanted to, but he knows it’ll only do more damage to the wound. “It’s okay, Ma’am. I still have quite a lot of things to do today, like getting my motorcycle fixed.” Jungkook nods to Chohee and the girl briefly recalls how they got to the venue together. 

Jungkook doesn’t take long after that, bidding his goodbye to everyone and thanking Chohee for the ride that morning. “Well, I’ll be going now. __________-ssi, Chohee-ssi, Jimin-ssi, guess I’ll….see you when I see you.” 

“See you when we see you then,” you reply and Jungkook swears it’s an actual smile on your face this time. He returns the action and gets on his way, hoping that he really does get to see you all another time.

© joontier 2021

[msgrumpygills]

Social Media Anon Here!

Ask No "....

So.... what does this sale mean for Hooter's Ken and Walker...?

There are SO MANY good reasons to sell the CW. It's lose making and Viacom/CBS are rumoured to be putting themselves up for sale. HBO Max and Paramount serve the function of the CBS channel as a distributor... and as a production company, it ISN'T turning out saleable product. So selling it was almost inevitable.

1. it ISN'T a prime asset, it has poor content, a poor platform and, no one is really using its App. So, anyone who buys it is going to ditch Pedowitz and change direction.

2. What do Nexstar, the rumoured buyer own? 199 TV Stations and part interests in outlets like the Food Network. Their model is low cost repeatable low demographic products on a 24 hour service. Walker has the low demographic, but not the low cost.

3. I'd expect to see more reality TV, maybe some full service soap opera's, more repeats and cheaper new productions probably using more breakout stars. And THAT is the model of most TV who haven't been cushioned by a 10 year deal.

4. So, first off... I'd expect Walker's production costs to be cut. They did it twice bigtime with SPN (and it showed). it had a 3 lead cast and a high number of series regulars. I don't believe that Hooter's Ken is being paid anywhere near his SPN rate but he is still under performing for a principle asset.

5. One of three things will happen

(a) it won't survive a cut, it'll move to the WB as part of the deal if it is lose making (which I think it may be), it isn't performing well on streaming at all.

(b) it will stay but be subject to a major overhaul, which will probably involve Ken having to commit to more screen time. The running of several plotlines means he's pretty irrelevant to the show. If they are relying on it as a JARPAD show (which is how they market it) that's not a good thing.

(c) It will suffer a season 3 cut.

6. I don't think the Prequel will take off. It's too risky to prequel a tainted product , and Walker IS a tainted product. Two years ago 3.2m watched it and only 0.9m are still around. That is 2.3m who you would want to give the Prequel a shot, and who won't because they've decided they don't like Walker.

It will be all change again at the CW and everyone's head is on the block. Now it is a "Vision" game, if you don't fit the future vision of the Network, you are out.... Walker to me doesn't fit anyone's future vision I suspect.

Bizarrely Misha and his food programme seem a better bet...

I'm going to do another ask about Padatowers.... which is something another Tumblr picked up....

I feel like we may have discussed this, or at least you have, but if CW didn’t have that 10 year Netflix deal, do you think that it would have gone under sooner? 

Maybe that’s why Gen has been so desperate to get that ad money, Jared isn’t bringing in the SPN money anymore and we know that her big return to acting wasn’t anything to sneeze at. 

That’s one thing I see a lot with reviews/critiques for the show, that Walker is useless. He’s the title character and they market it as the JARPAD show, but in the actual show, he’s just kinda there. Even if they tried to get him more screen time, I don’t think he’s capable of carrying a show on his own. We saw how well that worked for him on SPN and if the show has already lost so many viewers with the Jared parade they put on, why would they come back?  Maybe he should have stuck to producing and not starring in the show, but we all know his ego wouldn’t allow him to let someone else take the spotlight. I know he claimed that he wanted to do more behind the scenes but his ego is too huge to not be on the camera. 

I could be wrong, but ever since Jared announced the prequel, it seemed like a big hail Mary to me. It’s in the same stages as the Winchester prequel was or even earlier, right? Why announce it so early when it’s not even close to being greenlit? 

I think Misha was smart in going for a travel/food show. No matter how many food and travel shows are out there, it’s a popular market genre. 

[heliads]

Traitor

Y/N L/N has had a treacherous past as a HYDRA sleeper agent, one that she was grateful to put aside when she started dating Peter Parker. The one thing she wasn’t counting on was Peter’s reaction when her secret comes to light.

masterlist

With everything that had happened to you, how did you still have Peter Parker by your side? The boy seemed like an angel, always smiling and happy despite the darkest of storms. You look at him now, beaming and leading you through the streets of New York, and wonder how on Earth you got this lucky.

Well, it didn’t start out so well. As a child, you were raised by the Soviets and trained under HYDRA principles. You knew how to kill a man twelve different ways before you could read a chapter book. Like the other girls of the Red Room, you were cold and calculating, always willing to pull the trigger no matter the cost. The Black Widow, Natalia Romanova, had been displayed before you as a hero, someone you should aspire to be, no matter the cost. Then, she had betrayed the Soviets by becoming an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., and her image was wiped from the teachings of the Red Room just as quickly as she had entered them.

When you were around the age of ten, you were transferred from the Red Room to a small town in the United States, and told to remain undercover until you were given new orders. You were a sleeper agent; living life as an ordinary American but prepared to strike at a moment’s notice. There, you had lived for six years, and then you had gotten a call telling you to move to New York. 

You were placed next to Peter Parker so the Soviets could monitor Spider-Man and see if he posed a threat to HYDRA or the Red Room. They had told you to get close to him, and be able to kill him if necessary. Luckily, that particular order had yet to come through.

After getting to know Peter, though, you were faced with an all too tricky predicament. Despite your training, you had fallen for the brown-haired boy, and you knew you couldn’t kill him. Whenever you spent time with him, and saw the same love reflected in his eyes that you felt in your own, it was like a knife slowly twisting in your heart. It would be wrong to hurt this boy after he trusted you and even loved you, and so you started to keep your distance from him.

Yes, it hurt more than anything to see the pain in his eyes when he realized you were avoiding him, but wasn’t it better to know that you were protecting him from himself? You hadn’t counted on one flaw in your plan, and that was Peter’s determination to be true to those he cared about.

He had confronted you about why you were avoiding him, and you were forced to come up with some excuse that didn’t involve you being a Russian spy. You confessed that you had made mistakes in the past, mistakes that haunted you to this day and that you knew you didn’t deserve to be with him. That much was true, at least. Yet despite this tearful attempt to push him away, Peter refused to leave. He had taken your hand, promising that no matter what you had done, he would stand by you. Even your best attempts at getting rid of him were unsuccessful, and so you had allowed yourself the happiness of getting close to him once more.

Natasha Romanoff strides briskly across an office room in the Avengers Tower. She scans over a screen in front of her, quickly poring through pages of data and code. Behind her, the door opens and Tony Stark steps into the room, drinking from a mug of coffee he clings to like it’s a sacred talisman.

“What’s that, Romanoff? S.H.I.E.L.D. secrets or HYDRA?” Natasha turns to face him. “A mix of both, actually. After S.H.I.E.L.D. was revealed to be riddled with HYDRA agents and I revealed all their secrets to the world, I noticed that not all of the files were as easy to access as others. Some, specifically the HYDRA ones, were locked away under heavy firewalls.”

Tony walks over, intrigued. “Judging by the fact that I can read most of the words on that page, I’m assuming you’re almost done hacking your way in.” Natasha nods. “This file is pretty important, too. It’s got a list of all the sleeper agents HYDRA assigned to New York. The other files in the folder cover the rest of the states, but I figured I should start at home and work my way out.”

Tony contemplates this. “I would agree. I better not see any of my interns on that list, though. How much more do you have to do before we read it?” Natasha types in a few last characters, then reloads the file. “Actually, we’re done now. Let’s start from the beginning.” The two friends lean forward, beginning to read the list of names.

It’s a beautiful day in New York. You happen to be on a date with Peter, which makes it even better. The two of you are strolling through the streets, window shopping and laughing until everything seems perfect. Peter loops his arm through yours, and pulls you close to press a light kiss on your cheek. You smile at him, and he smiles back at you.

You’re just rounding a corner to walk another sidestreet when you spy two figures heading briskly towards you. You peer at them, confused, and then a weight starts to solidify in your stomach when you realize it’s Tony Stark and Natasha Romanoff, both heading your way with stares that could kill.

Peter has spotted them now too, and seems confused, as if he didn’t expect to see them. You’re about to tug on his arm and encourage him to go another way, but it’s too late. They’ve stopped in front of you. “L/N, please step away from Peter. Immediately.”

Peter looks at you, bewildered. “What’s this about, Mr. Stark?” Romanoff folds her arms across her chest, fixing you with an icy glare. “I’d bet she knows exactly what this is about. See, we just found a file with a list of Soviet and HYDRA sleeper agents in New York. Guess who showed up on that list?”

Peter looks back at you, and the confusion in his eyes slowly turns to betrayal when he notices you can’t quite meet his gaze. “Y/N, tell me this isn’t true. Please, say they’re wrong and you’re not a literal HYDRA agent.” You say nothing, and turn your head away, unable to meet his eyes. Peter steps away from you, horrified. “Are you kidding me? I trusted you. God, all this time when you were talking about ‘mistakes you’d made’ I thought you yelled at your brother, or cheated on your last boyfriend, or something small. Not that you worked for HYDRA!”

He suddenly turns to face Tony, an awful realization starting to crash across his face. “What was her task, Mr. Stark? Why was she in New York?” Tony folds his hands across his chest. “She was here to get close to you, and to kill you if necessary.” The heartbreak and anguish in Peter’s eyes makes you feel like your heart is being ripped out of your chest.

He speaks now, in a voice barely above a whisper. “You wanted to kill me.” Finally, you find your voice. “No. I didn’t want to. Once I met you, I knew I couldn’t kill you. That’s why I tried to distance myself from you, remember? I couldn’t hurt you. I love you, Peter, and I left HYDRA behind when I got close to you. They would kill me if I did anything to jeopardize the mission. You know that’s why I had to stay, right? They would kill me!”

Peter fixes you with a deathly stare. “Maybe they should have killed you.” He glares at you one last time, then turns around and walks away. You feel your heart shatter in your chest. Romanoff seems a little surprised at his harsh words, but then she ushers you away from the city. “I didn’t want to do it. I never wanted to hurt him.” You’re babbling nonsense, desperate for someone to understand you, and surprisingly, Romanoff seems to hear you. “I know. I’ve been there too.”

Peter feels numb. It just doesn’t seem real. Y/N- happy, confident, brilliant Y/N- a HYDRA spy? Sent to kill him? He can still see the pain in her eyes when he left her, but it was nothing compared to the pain he felt when Mr. Stark had told him that she was a traitor. She had betrayed him, and so she meant nothing to him. She had to mean nothing to him.

Peter hasn’t seen Y/N since that day he found out the truth about her. She doesn’t show up to school anymore, and he hasn’t encountered her at all, not even a brief glimpse of her face from across the street. Mr. Stark keeps asking if he’s alright, if he wants to talk about Y/N, but Peter just says he’s fine. He doesn’t want to talk, because he knows if he thinks about her for more than a second it will destroy him.

Peter is walking home from school, mind lost in these swirling thoughts, when he notices there’s been a few people following him for the last few blocks. Feeling a little paranoid, he switches to the other side of the street and takes a few quick turns. He checks over his shoulder, and is worried to see that the men are not only still following him, but gaining ground. He speeds up, moving faster and faster. If he could just get to the main part of town, people could see him and he would be safe-

Too late. Hands close with an iron grip on his shoulders. Peter starts to turn around, ready for a fight, but then the pricking sensation of a needle flickers to life on his throat and he stumbles once, twice, and then again. He feels dizzy, and the edges of his vision fade to black.

When Peter wakes up, he’s in some small room. The walls are bare, and the floor is poured concrete. Peter tries to stand up, but he realizes his arms and legs are bound to the chair he’s sitting on. The sudden movement makes his head spin, and the pounding of his head overwhelms him and threatens to knock him unconscious once more.

Peter’s not sure how long he waits in that room. It could have been just a few minutes, or maybe hours. He’s still trying to recover from whatever drug was injected into him when he was taken. Finally, a man dressed all in black enters the room, a handgun clearly visible on his side.

“Parker. Spider-Man. How wonderful to see you.” Peter squints up at the man, silhouetted against the harsh fluorescent lighting of the room. “I wish I could say the same.” The man chuckles coldly. “I apologize for the rough treatment. We just had to make sure we got you here before anyone else found us. The Avengers can be such a bother sometimes.”

The man continues on with some speech, full of idle threats and guarantees that Peter has lost. Oddly enough, about five minutes after the man starts monologuing alarm sirens begin to blare across the building. The loud noise makes Peter’s head want to explode. The man in black looks startled at the alarms, but quickly reassures Peter that the large number of HYDRA troops in the building will easily extinguish any threat. Besides, no one knows that Peter is here.

Despite these reassurances, the sounds of gunfire and general panic start to grow in volume until they sound like they’re right next to Peter. The man in black seems tense, as if he is no longer confident in his large number of troops. Suddenly, the door to the room is kicked down, and a shadowy figure enters the room, gun in hand. Peter’s eyes go wide as he recognizes the newcomer- it’s none other than Y/N.

She stands in the doorframe, gun pointed at the man in black. She must have fought her way in, as her clothes are torn and there are lines of blood tracing their way down her face and arms. The bodies of the guards who had once monitored the building lie unmoving in the hallway behind her.

The man in black stares for a moment, then claps his hands together in relief. “Ah, Agent L/N. Just in time. I need you to complete your mission.” Y/N just stares at him in silence, and the man in black continues on. “Kill Peter Parker. Now.”

Peter looks from Y/N to the man. This is it- this is where it all ends. Of course Y/N will kill him now- it’s been her task since she moved here. Yet, she moves her arm quickly, cracking the man in black across the skull with the butt of her gun. He falls to the ground, unconscious, and Y/N races over to Peter and starts untying his bonds.

“I’m so sorry, Peter. This is all my fault- I should have told you everything from the beginning!” Once she finishes untying his bonds, she ushers him to the door. “The way out should be open from here. I’ll hold off any other guards.” She points down the hallway, and cocks her gun, checking the halls for possible HYDRA agents.

When Peter doesn’t move, she looks back at him again. “You have to go, Peter. You have to get to safety.” Peter just puts his hand on her shoulder. “I’m not leaving you.” Y/N shakes her head emphatically. “You don’t have to feel bad for me. I know what I did, and this is my way of paying it back. Go!” Peter still doesn’t move. “It’s alright, Y/N. You did what you had to so you could survive. Please, leave with me.”

Y/N looks at him, surprise and doubt flickering across her face. “I betrayed you, Peter. I betrayed your trust. I don’t deserve your love.” Peter just laughs lightly. “I’m afraid you don’t exactly have a choice about that. Now come on, we’re both getting out of here.” With that, he grabs Y/N’s free hand, and the two of them run off down the hallway.

When they finally make it out of the HYDRA complex, Peter’s able to find a road that leads them back to New York. As they walk back to the city, Peter looks over at Y/N. “I meant what I said, you know. I would rather you survive then turn your back on HYDRA. I don’t want you to risk your life because of me.” Y/N lets a rare smile slip across her cheeks. “I just wish I told you. I was afraid that if you knew the truth about me, you would have left a long time ago.”

Peter shakes his head. “I’m not going anywhere, Y/N. I love you.” Y/N takes his hand. “I love you too.”

[melancholic-pigeon]

Nobody's hurt! but I did something monumentally stupid and dangerous last night, which is to say I told off a belligerent asshole who was harassing a homeless woman trying to sleep.

It uh, escalated quickly.

I don't have the brain for comprehensive content warnings, thus the rest of the post under the cut.

He decided that my <100lb self was the perfect target to CHASE AFTER ME AND MY BUD screaming, calling me a cunt twice

I dragged them immediately to the biggest crowd I could find and he KEPT CHASING AND SCREAMING.

Fortunately a crowd of witnesses helped and I think they kept him from continuing the chase and yes yes I know cops bad but we headed to the subway and hung out with the transit police for a bit and eventually just trained it home

I just had like NO concept of control over myself, my brain disappeared in the force of RAGE over how there are people in this world who are so shitty they'll harass someone sleeping on the steps of a church and LITERALLY FUCKING CHASE TWO TINY PEOPLE over one of them telling him he's an asshole

He was VERY angry that I walked away when he called me a cunt and I am frankly lucky I'm not dead because the reason he chased after me is because I'm frail and tiny and I have absolutely no doubt that he would have beaten/raped/killed me if given the opportunity

because that's the kind of man who harasses a homeless woman on the steps of a church. The kind of man who is so scared of and threatened by a woman telling him off that he will chase her for two blocks to try to get in her face and keep screaming about how much of an asshole she is

he told me to go fuck myself and I said fine, bye, and he DID NOT LIKE THAT AT ALL and continued trying to get in my face but by that point I'd already fallen in beside a tall dude and said "hey can I walk next to you for a second? There's this dude behind me harassing me" and Tall Dude had let me and I think Piece Of Shit Dude was scared of someone who could actually take him.

I regret putting my dear friend in danger. I regret not waiting until he left and going up to the woman he harassed instead of calling him an asshole.

However, it's actually...comforting? That this is where my recklessness comes out. If it had been me he was harassing, I would have ignored him, but I literally was not capable of keeping my mouth shut witnessing behavior that pathetic and cruel to someone else.

Like, I will be smarter about this if it ever happens again, but if I'm going to have a fatal flaw, "protecc first think later" is a good fatal flaw to have in terms of my concept of myself? If that makes any sense.

I know it's foolish, I don't care about glory, I obviously don't want to end up in a dumpster, but I guess I take comfort in the idea that my recklessness is specifically triggered by an overwhelming need to protect and defend others. I guess I worry a lot that I'm secretly a selfish piece of trash who only thinks she cares about other people because it makes her happy and that's bad somehow?

But like...I regret it, but I don't.

I've had awful luck all week and I think it was saving itself up for that exact moment. The gods were watching me and thinking "okay she's gonna need it on Friday, hold it all back so we can flood her with it when her brain shuts off via righteous fury"

next time I hear something like that I'm waiting until the creep leaves and then I will go to the subject of that harassment and ask if they're okay and give them money and buy them some food/drink if they want it. Rather than, yknow. Picking a fight with Ares.

(this dude WISHED he was Ares. Too much of a pathetic, cowardly shitstain.)

I don't wish harm on people as a principle, but I very very much wish for people to experience the consequences of their actions, which in this case is functionally the same thing. The consequences of chasing a tiny little woman and her tiny little friend into a big crowd are that there are people in the crowd who also aren't afraid of a sad little man with his sad little insults but can actually take him in a fight. You pick on people who are vulnerable, you get to deal with what happens when people who aren't vulnerable can very clearly and loudly hear the sad little insults from your sad little self.

...I just hope he didn't take it out on whatever poor, abused women are in his life afterwards.

That's all I regret, really— the idea that anyone else might have gotten hurt in the fallout of my stupidity.

I wasn't even fucking scared and I'm still not. Sobbed the whole way home because knowing there are people like that in the world makes me so fucking angry I can't process it.

(A Bruce Banner comparison was made by my friend who may have literally saved my life. They are not wrong. That's my secret— I'm always angry.

I was also gently told to stop being the Big Dumb Hero subtype of the Big Damn Hero, which is extremely fair. 😂)

I'm still kind of high off adrenaline even....sixteen hours later. Still feeling very shaken up but I can't get past this....knowledge about myself that I have now?

They say that people talk about how they'll intervene in situations like that, and when the opportunity comes, instinct takes over and they flee (which is probably the smarter choice).

I worry I'm that person. Now I know for sure that I'm not. I may be a dumbass, but I'm a dumbass with principles and dammit I stick to them.

[callmearcturus]

MAG169, and “you’re just like me”

god, fuck jude perry.

MAG169 was the first time in TMA that I literally and IRL clapped out loud while listening because the episode was so fucking viciously scathing. in a patreon Q&A, Jonny Sims mentioned one of the principle differences between the start of TMA and the end has been he’s angrier, and I fucking feel it.

so our intrepid archivist finds jude perry standing as the landlord of her domain, a flaming tenement block, and is like “sup i’m here for vegeance.”

there is this thing that jude does when its clear she’s in danger. like, she absolutely plays it cool as possible because she has a Tough Girl image to stick to (that either is genuine or that she’s worn for so long the mask has fused to her fucking face). and her tactic against jon is, oh he’s empowered now so what does he do? he hurts people too. he’s just as much of a monster as she is. he is just reveling in all the agony around him.

fucking blah blah fucking blah.

that’s like the thing about abusers right, is that they think everyone is like them. people who hurt victims think everyone is like them, it’s just a matter of who gets away with it. that’s been a thing forever. so jude tries to put it on jon, like they are the same.

it’s very, ah. very puritanical thinking, huh? bc her argument is that, as the Archivist, he gets enjoyment from the suffering (which, point of fact, is not voluntary on his part) and so he’s just like her because he likes the pain.

hm okay. the thing is that the concept that thinking a thing is as bad as doing a thing is fucking busted. people have terrible thoughts all the time. they had dark fantasies and dark things that tickle their brainstem. that is not even slightly the same thing as acting on those wants. it’s not the same, to involuntarily gain enjoyment from suffering to spending your entire supernaturally extended life hurting people because you like it.

it’s like a fucking drive in theatre, jude is projecting so fucking hard.

there is something extremely satisfying about jude’s end. they boil it down to “smiting” but of the three times jon has nuked someone, twice has been couched in the idea that he is taking all the pain and suffering and he’s making the perpetrator feel it. the idea that jon is just as bad is so rooted in busted thinking. it’s frankly the kind of rhetoric that people like jude use to control people around them, to stem the tide of retribution.

there is an argument to be made that the psychological damage done to jon by enacting his revenge is bad. like its a common meme to joke about “it’s gonna be GREAT when martin/melanie/jon finally murders jonah!” and i’ve never enjoyed that take personally bc in a Truly Perfect scenario, none of them would be forced to commit the act and thus have to deal with the fallout. justice being done without potential further damage is the best case scenario.

that being said, jude deserved to die, and i’m glad she got smote, and jon is not a bad person for finally being empowered to act and taking out someone who was still feasting on the suffering of others, and on such a massive scale.

fuck jude perry, amen.

[jemmahazelnut]

Motorcycle flight - Chapter one

Summary: Laxus is a biker, and as soon as he discovers that in the city there's a motorcycle track for enthusiasts where races are organized every month, he decides to go. As soon as he arrives, he will fall in love with that wonderful place, and will meet the handsome green-haired owner. [Freed/Laxus]

Link: AO3

This is my first mini-long of five chapters, I hope someone likes it. If you like let me know what you think with a comment. Enjoy the reading :)

P.S. English is not my first language, so certainly there are many mistakes that I don't even realize. So, I accept constructive criticism on how I can improve.

Chapter one, The motorcycle track

“Go Gajeel, go!” Lucy yelled from the stands of the Raijinshuu track. Cana next to her was drinking a beer and had her gaze was fixed on the competition, but at the name that her friend spoke she looked up confused.

“I thought you bet on Natsu,” she commented.

“No, last time I lost 20,000 jewels because of him. Gajeel will win, I'm sure,” the blonde said with her hands clasped on the railing and her eyes fixed on the competition. Cana didn’t object and turned to the track again, noting how there was a nice stalemate. Damn, that big blonde she had met a few nights before had told her he was going to win, she hoped she wasn't wrong to bet on him.

“Who did you bet on?” asked Mirajane next to her, who wasn't competing because her bike was currently at the mechanic.

“You'll see it,” said the brunette, narrowing her eyes and watching the blue bike pass Gajeel's. It was the last lap, in a few seconds the race would be over. She felt the tension in her arms as she hoped she hadn't lost her money. The bike made the last corner, a moment later straightened up and crossed the line. Cana jumped to her feet in exultation, while Lucy beside her took her head in her hands.

“Yeah! Fuck yeah! Yeahhhh!” Cana exulted, almost breaking the eardrums of the two girls next to her. Mirajane leaned over the railing to see who had won, sure she had never seen that bike there before. And actually, as soon as the other bikes reached the finish line and the race was finally over, the winner took off his helmet revealing a blond-haired man.

“Who is he?” she asked.

“My savior!” Cana shouted enthusiastically “I’ve won 100,000 jewels!” she screamed still excited as never before, she frantically printed a kiss on Mira's lips and then ran down the steps with the bottle of beer still in her hand that spilled everything everywhere. Mirajane watched dazedly as the girl entered the track and ran towards the blonde. “That was great!” she screamed loudly.

Laxus as soon as he heard that voice turned to the girl, still excited for his victory with a grin on his face. He saw Cana running towards him as she passed the other motorcyclists.

“You won!”.

“She’s more excited than me” Laxus thought and the grin widened. Oh yes, he was really satisfied. It was the first time he had competed on that fantastic track, and he had already made it clear to everyone who would be the next top rider for that year. It was thanks to that girl that he had discovered the place, and he really couldn’t but be happier. He didn't even know there was such a club when he moved to Magnolia, and when he went to the Raijinshuu Motorcycle Track for the first time and saw the races as a spectator, he immediately fell in love with that place.

In addition to the fantastic track, there was the nearby bar frequented only by motorcyclists or motorcycle enthusiasts. The beer was good and they made great sandwiches well filled the way he liked it. It would become his second home, he already knew it. In addition, he had also discovered that there was a mechanical workshop not far from there, and even if Laxus had already found a job and an apartment on the other side of the city, he would have been damned if he hadn’t at least taken a look. The ideal would have been to work nearby, but he had time to think about it. Meanwhile, he could enjoy his victories which, he was already sure, would be many.

“I told you to bet on me” was his arrogant reply as he ran a hand through his hair and Cana laughed.

“I'll buy you a beer, you definitely deserve it!” she exclaimed enthusiastically and then waved her arms to attract the attention of the two girls still on the bleachers. As Mirajane looked at her in perplexity, Lucy was about to cry over the money she had just lost.

“Okay,” the blond said as he set off with his bike towards the exit of the track. He certainly wouldn't have turned down a free beer. A few motorcyclists joined him, someone to compliment him, someone to find out who he was, since no one seemed to know him. And indeed, it was, Laxus had been to see the races only twice before deciding to register, so it was logical that no one remembered his face. A pink-haired boy was enthusiastic and kept asking him for life, death and miracles, too bad that Laxus didn't have time to answer because the boy kept talking and laughing like a machine.

“Next time I'll beat you!”.

“You’ve to beat me first,” retorted a biker full of piercings, and Laxus grinned but didn't answer, as a lot of people, boys and girls craned their necks to see who was that blond-haired stranger who had beaten their strongest bikers.

***

Freed kept tapping his pen nervously on the table, while he read the papers that the lawyer had just sent him. He was nervous, especially after his father had called him. Freed regretted having answered him, because hearing him had worsened his mood even more, and he really didn't believe it was possible given how he got up that morning. With bad news and a war on the way. But if his father believed that he would give up and that he would close the Raijinshuu, he was very wrong. He felt the phone vibrate and with pursed lips looked at who it was: his mother. Even more nervous he closed the call without even answering her. Maybe he should have blocked his parents directly so they wouldn't call him again.

A glass was placed in front of his eyes and Freed looked at Evergreen, who had just brought him a beer.

“You know, soon the race will be over and you’ll find yourself surrounded by a lot of people who just want to celebrate. Time to put the papers away,” she said plainly as she pushed the glass of beer towards him. Freed looked down at the reddish liquid and sighed wearily. He knew his friend was right, but he couldn't really feel comfortable.

“I have to finish seeing...”.

“Freed, everything’s in order. Your father can't do anything to get you shut down, you know that better than anyone,” she reminded him. Freed was silent for a moment and then shook his head.

“He’ll find something, he always does” he retorted irritably “And there are a lot of checks next week, tomorrow the ones on food, Thursday those on the safety of the track, then they’ll check the stands, then...”.

“Freed, look, checking those cards won't change anything anyway. And for today you should just relax,” Evergreen insisted and pushed the glass even more towards him. “Come on, now drink and close those files,” she ordered. Freed sighed but didn’t reply, knowing full well that her friend could become really stubborn. He put the papers away and then leaned back in the chair, taking the glass and trying to free himself from the thoughts that were making him nervous.

“Damn, the blondie really won!” Bickslow suddenly exclaimed from behind the counter. More than making beers, however, he was watching the race in progress on the television. Not that it was a problem, at the moment all the customers were out enjoying the race.

“Then he wasn't lying when he said he was going to win,” Evergreen commented in surprise looking up at the TV. Freed kept thinking about his father, those checks and the fact that he should call him back, sooner or later. He couldn't ignore him indefinitely, even though he’d have preferred to do so.

“Listen Freed, how about buying a bigger TV? It's unfair that we’ve to settle for a tiny screen when the people out there can enjoy the race properly,” Bickslow said, rousing him from his thoughts.

“Seems to be just fine to me,” he objected.

“I assure you it doesn't,” the bartender retorted with conviction. “In any case, people are coming. Ever, move your ass. I'm not going to do the work all by myself now that the crowd’s coming,” he said.

“But if I do everything myself” objected the girl going back behind the counter. Freed smiled slightly, thinking it would probably be useful to have another bartender. A little later people started coming in and Freed thanked that he was already seated with his beer so he didn't have to queue among all those people. Not that he should have done it anyway, since he was the boss of that place and at best, he would have taken it on his own.

A couple of guys greeted him and Freed smiled at them with a brief wave of his hand, until an angry blonde came to him. As soon as Lucy was in front of him, she slammed a hand on the table in irritation.

“You must prevent Cana from setting foot in here for the rest of the year,” she snapped. Freed raised an eyebrow, he was about to ask why but it wasn’t necessary, because the girl continued to speak. “It's not fair that she wins every bet, every time. Every most holy time. How is it possible? And why am I always losing? I was hoping to get back what I lost the last few times, but instead I find myself with 20,000 jewels less, and they all went into Cana’s hands!” she exclaimed irritably.

“Have you ever considered the idea of not placing bets anymore?” Freed asked.

“Of course not, it's a matter of principle,” Lucy objected. “And the worst part is that she keeps throwing it at me, you should throw her out. Oh, here she comes,” she moaned.

“Two great beers for the winners!” screamed the brunette as soon as she walked into the club. Freed found himself giggling as Lucy moaned over the lost money.

“I'm sorry Lucy, if it were someone else, I could consider the idea, but Cana makes me earn a lot” he said and the blonde moaned again but resigned she sat down in front of him, taking her head in her hands.

“At least offer me the beer for consolation,” she pleaded. Freed giggled again but took pity on her and stood up. Since Evergreen and Bickslow were already quite busy with all the people who had entered, he went after the counter and got by on his own.

“Lucy lost a bet?” Bickslow guessed as he placed sandwiches to warm.

“Apparently,” Freed replied filling his glass and glancing at the mass of people who had entered. “Who’s the winner?” he asked curiously.

“The blond next to Gajeel,” he replied, nodding his head to the table where the two boys were sitting. Freed followed his gaze and paused a moment longer to observe the handsome boy with broad shoulders and blond hair. He had never seen him there, and he knew all the boys who frequented that place. Well, that meant he'd have one more client, he had nothing to complain about.

As Bickslow walked away to the other side of the counter, Freed turned and took a small saucer filling it with chips. If he was going to console Lucy, he would do it right, and then he was starting to feel a bit hungry. Nobody disturbed him until he heard a low voice behind him.

“Hey, can you make me a beer?”

Freed turned surprised and noticed that it was the blond who had won the race. Now that he was closer, Freed could observe him better, and if already from a distance he had considered him handsome, now he couldn’t help but confirm his initial thoughts and also consider him fascinating. Piercing eyes of intense blue, a dark shirt that fit him perfectly and a smirk on his face. Normally Freed would have called Bickslow or Evergreen to serve him, but ultimately that guy would have been a new customer, better keep him good.

“What you want?” he asked with a slight smile. Laxus scanned the menu on the wall behind Freed and then picked one. Freed hurried to give it to him. “Winner of the day, right?” he asked and the blond smiled broadly, obviously pleased.

“I'll probably be the winner for the next few months,” he commented arrogantly and Freed found himself giggling as he put the glass down on the counter.

“Well, for today the bar offers the winner, but don't get used to it,” he told with an amused smile. The blonde laughed and thanked him, taking the glass and walking away from the counter to sit next to Gajeel. Eh, a new client was still a new client, and if in that case he was handsome, tall and with a nice ass, then Freed just had one more reason to hold him tight.

***

Laxus walked through the doors of what had become his favorite club and walked over to the counter and Bickslow. It had been a while now that he frequented that place, and as he had thought from the first time he had set foot in it, it was becoming his second home. It was normal for someone who loved motorcycles like him to be comfortable in such a place. The people who frequented it were all easygoing, the beer was good, he could ride the track and drool behind bikes that he could never afford.

Not that Laxus complained about his little gem, he loved his bike and if and when he decided to change it, his heart would cry, given how fond he was of it. But every now and then even rich people came to that place just to show off their vehicles and, well, gazing with the eyes was allowed.

He was in a particularly good mood that day. All thanks to a scratch card that he had taken to try his luck and which had made him win 700 jewels. It was little money since he would pay a dinner at most, but it was enough to put Laxus in a good mood. And since luck seemed to be running that day, he hoped to be able to ride a bike even though he knew the track was closing at that time.

“Beer?” Bickslow asked.

“Nah, I want to go for a ride on the track first,” Laxus said. Bickslow glanced at the clock.

“I'm sorry, I just can't leave you at this time,” he replied. Laxus snorted lightly. Well, he tried.

“Don't worry, get me a beer then”.

Bickslow gave it to him and Laxus sat down at the counter. Of all the guys who were there, he got along particularly well with that strange blue-haired bartender, despite the fact that he was a talkative type. Right from the start he had introduced him to the top bikers, and he had gossip about everyone. One of his favorites was Evergreen, the other bartender in the place. Apparently, the girl had some kind of friendly relationship with benefits with one of the bikers. Speaking of which, the aforementioned biker was right there chatting with the brunette while he ate a sandwich. Bickslow grinned amused, glancing at his friend, who in response glared at him.

“When can I sign up for the next race?” Laxus asked as he looked around the bar, but at that time there was hardly anyone. Lucy and Natsu were sitting dining at a small table in the corner, but luckily the pink-haired boy hadn't noticed him. He had this crazy mania to challenge anyone and after a while Laxus was annoyed at hearing his voice.

“Next week registration will be open” replied Bickslow “Are you sure you don't want to eat something?” he then asked. Laxus at that point decided to eat a nice sandwich there and also ordered some French fries. He spent an hour there having dinner and chatting with Bickslow. Since there were not too many customers, the bartender could keep him company. Once he finished Laxus paid and greeted him, nodded to Evergreen who was still arguing with her friend, and left the club.

He walked towards his bike but as he passed in front of the track something caught his attention. A boy was entering, and Laxus had already seen him. He was that long green-haired bartender who had offered him beer on his victory day. Looking at the vehicle he was taking into the track, Laxus noticed that he had a beautiful motorcycle, a lady motorcycle. Damn, he must have been rich. That was a bike that Laxus would jump through hoops, one of the latest releases. He didn't know if the reason he stopped was the handsome bartender, the beautiful bike or the fact that the boy was entering the track when clearly Bickslow had told him it was closed at that time, but Laxus did.

“Hey, is it an employee benefit to enter the track even at these times?” he asked. The boy turned to him clearly surprised and for a moment looked at him in silence blinking confused.

“Excuses me?” he asked. Laxus smiled slightly and took a couple of steps closer.

“Bickslow told me the track is closed at this time. I'd like to take a ride too,” he explained. The boy smiled slightly, finally understanding what he meant.

“Well, Bickslow actually told you right. The track is closed at this time, no one can enter” he said in a calm voice.

“Well, apparently you do,” he replied.

“It would be weird if I couldn't, since I'm the owner,” the boy chuckled and it was Laxus' time to be stunned. He must have had an eloquent expression on his face because the motorcyclist laughed slightly. “Freed, nice to meet you,” he said extending his hand. Laxus held his still a little stunned.

“Laxus,” he just said. He had thought he was just a bartender, on the other hand it was he who served him without batting an eye the first time he had been there. “Are you… really the owner of this place?” he asked still surprised. He was young for having opened such a place, probably a few years younger than him. How the hell had he done it?

“Yeah,” Freed replied simply. “Actually, I thought Bickslow with that wide mouth told you,” he added. Laxus recovered and laughed lightly.

“He told me life, death and miracles of everyone but he didn't say anything about... no, he actually said something, but I didn't know you were Freed,” he recalled at that point, frowning.

“I hope he didn't badmouth about me,” Freed joked.

“Nah,” Laxus replied with a smile. “He just complained that he wants a bigger television,” he said with a shrug. Freed rolled his eyes.

“I had to figure it out,” he commented. Laxus stopped for a moment to look at him, from the first time he had seen him he had found him attractive but he hadn't given it too much weight. There were many attractive men, yet now that he knew he was the boss of that place he felt a little in awe. Which didn't happen often. But knowing that such a young boy had opened such a place was strange, and he honestly didn't know what to think of that boy.

“So, you wanted to ride a motorcycle, right? How about a challenge?” Freed asked suddenly. Laxus frowned.

“Do you want to challenge now?” he asked fearing he hadn't understood correctly. He understood that at that time no one could enter the track. Well, Freed on the other hand was the boss, he could probably do what he wanted there.

“Of course, after how sure you were to win all the races, I really want to see if it was luck or skill” Freed instigated him with a smirk. Laxus partly out of pride, partly because he really wanted to ride the motorcycle, he found his grin again.

“Okay,” he said. Freed smiled in response and entered the track, while Laxus went to get his bike and then join him. Eh, luck that day turned just in favor of him.

***

Laxus stopped with the bike still enthusiastic about the ride he had done. Damn, it had been liberating and even challenging. Even if he had lost. He didn't expect it, but at least he could justify himself by saying it was only thanks to Freed's bike. And so he did when the boy brought up the victory.

“I would have been surprised, given the bike you ride,” he then commented. Freed raised an eyebrow with a pleased and amused grin on his face.

“Are you trying to find justifications for not admitting that you were beaten fairly?” he asked.

“At all. But your bike’s more powerful than mine, there's little to do,” Laxus said with a shrug. Freed shook his head in resignation.

“I should really race with another bike so as to prove otherwise,” he commented in a low voice, more to himself than to Laxus. The blond gave him a curious look, they hadn't talked much, only competed, and he was starting to be really curious to know more about him. Like he had the idea of opening such a place, a real paradise for Laxus. “Would you like to get a beer? Since you lost you owe me one,” Freed said. Laxus looked at him at the same time surprised but also a little amused.

“Really?” he asked him in a half laugh “Are you the boss of this place and Ishould buy you a beer?” he asked. Freed smiled.

“Well, considering that the last time I offered it to you, I'd say it's not that strange. But if you want, we can do another race and I’ll use a bike with the exact same power as yours, and if I win, you’ll offer me the whole dinner” he said.

“Only if you promise to give me a bike when I win,” Laxus said with a grin. Freed raised his eyebrows but smiled.

“Gone,” he replied and Laxus chuckled, following the boy to the bar. The two entered and went to the counter. Bickslow looked at them in surprise.

“Laxus, still here?” he asked.

“Yes, in the end I did the lap around the track as I wanted. He let me,” he said pointing to Freed.

“Don't tell me you made a challenge,” Bickslow commented as if he were expecting it, as if it were normal. Laxus would have lied to say that he was not left in a bit of bad. That meant that Freed often did it with other clients.

“Yes, and I won. Not that I'm surprised,” Freed said as he sat down in the chair. Bickslow rolled his eyes.

“Sooner or later someone will beat you and I'll make you remember it forever,” the bartender said. Freed smiled.

“The person who will beat me on my track has not yet been born,” he retorted arrogantly. Laxus would have smiled at his conceit, but something caught his attention.

“Wait, you’ve never been beaten by anyone?” he asked surprised.

“No,” Freed smiled smugly. “Since I opened this place, I’m the absolute champion, which means that I haven't lost a single race in four years,” he said.

“Yes, and you’re also unbearable,” Evergreen interjected annoyed.

“I agree,” Bickslow said. “And when somebody beats you, I'll throw a huge party and I'll put up posters with a giant picture of your pissed face and place it for all the bleachers.” Freed smiled.

“I doubt that will ever happen, but if you do, I'll make sure I fire you first,” he said. Laxus didn't know if he was joking or not, but Bickslow didn't seem in the least affected by the threat.

“I hoped you beat him,” the bartender told Laxus.

“Well, we still have to have a fair competition,” the blond pointed out. Freed nodded.

“Right. I just want to see how you justify yourself when I beat you,” he said.

“It won't be necessary, because you won't win.”

“We all cheer for you, Laxus,” Bickslow said and Evergreen nodded vigorously.

“If you win, we will offer you beer for a whole week,” said the serious girl.

“What great friends,” Freed said sarcastically. “So, can we have two beers or do we have to stay here and talk with nothing to drink?” he asked. Bickslow turned and prepared both glasses while Freed asked Ever for a toast to eat. In a short time Laxus found himself again with a glass under his nose and in the company of three boys who dragged him into a pleasant and fun conversation.

[alexhziee]

Review: Perfect and Casual

STORY

So the drama focuses on the love story between clumsy and optimistic Yun Shu and her cold and “overly perfect” professor of Mathematics Zhang Sinian. 

In the early episodes, it kind of annoyed me that Yun Shu was really gullible. I hate that people kept on taking advantage of her and she has little fighting spirit. She does have a great support system but I somehow feel like it made her dependent, she is unprepared to face the outside world of college. I mean like its only episode 4 and she was scammed twice! I kind of viewed her as careless, impulsive, indecisive, dependent, immature but loyal, kind and compassionate. 

My first impressions were 1. Professor Zhang is too cold, borderline Stiff but he is extremely good looking while our female is his exact opposite. When he is perfect, responsible and very logical while she is more casual, careless, irresponsible, carefree, and more in touch with her emotional side.

2. Our female lead has a really good support system, from her overly supportive friends and her protective older sister. 3. No matter how perfect Professor Zhang may seem when it comes to his grandfather, he becomes desperate and impulsive and last 4. This drama will definitely have quite a number of clichés. 

I’m conflicted with this drama. I love that Yun Shu eventually matured in the end, it had a good happy ending, not too annoying supporting cast (namely those who wanted to split our Prof Zhang and Yun Shu), really good lines, and adorably sweet couples. Good lines like the following:

“Quantum Entanglement. I dreamed of two quanta, one was in forward rotation and while the other was in reverse rotation. Even if they were apart, they were closely linked together in the unseen world due to some principles which cannot be explained by modern science. In the same trajectory and frequency, they formed a pair” 

-Grandpa Zhang

“We’re married first and then fell in love… I’m old fashioned and not humorous but one thing I’m sure of is I really like you. So I hope we can get to know each other more.”

-Prof. Zhang

“He forces me to do math with a cold face every day and criticize me. I never heard good things from him but. Although he looks school, he is actually a warm person. Its him who has always been encouraging and supporting me. He made me who I’ am right now”

-Yun Shu

Then that time that someone wanted to get in between them, I’m so happy when Yun Shu finally stood up for herself and somewhat protected what was hers. She was not gonna be bullied lol. 

“Thank you for worrying about me. Indeed you are older than me and have riched experience than me but I hope you can know that I’m Zhang Sinian’s wife. I’m already a married woman” 

My heart was like Yes girl!

“I’m not that childish. I want to be a better half of you not your stumbling block. Although, I don’t quite understand your world view but at least, I can try my best for your life plan”

-Yun Shu

Then grandpa Zhang always has amazing pep talks. 

“You don’t have to worry because they’re so much alike. They’re like two parallel lines and never intersect with each other. They’re elites with common interests and they’ve known each other for a long time, but if they’re together, they can only become like-minded friends”

-Granpd Zhang

And of course the highlight of the last 2 episodes is when Prof. Zhang was in a business trip and someone was snaking her way in which just irritated me to no end but Prof. Zhang’s confession is one for the books.

“I counted the times we get along with each other since I met Yun Shu for the fist time to the building of our contractual relationship and to this business trip. The number of times we get along with each other during this period is 821 times. In the process of contact, the percentage she showed happiness to me is 83.33%, amid this, 12% wasn’t caused by me. So the process of her getting along with me shows happiness generally. I also calculated my feelings about Yun Shu. Happiness and joy accounts for 73.33% so the date of the two of us getting along with each other is quite big among general couples.”

-Prof Zhang

Someone who is as stiff as him, this is one of his best lines. His brain isn’t like any guy who could come up with something so sweet, cheesy or corny, instead his brain functions with numbers, probabilities, data and conclusions so this line was such a sweet way of telling the other girl that Yun Shu is the only one who can make him happy and no one else.

Now for some of things that I was not exactly a fan off (don’t worry I’ll try not to spoil too much but if you really don’t want to hear about it, then skip and head straight to Characters) I was not fond of the beginning of the drama, I found the female lead really annoying, weak and immature. Then most of the story is quite predictable but I wasn’t really mad at it, I was just hoping for something more.

 For a 24 episode drama, it took me a while to finish this, not that long but longer than I expected to watch this drama. I took a break at first half and was really leaning into dropping it but decided to still give it a shot and I’m happy that I did. The story, despite its very common clichés and predictability, got better during the second half of the drama. 

CHARACTERS

Yun Shu 

a graduating student who is almost half way through her last year but was set back when she failed her defense, got fired from her job and ultimately became homeless. She is loyal, kind and compassionate but at times can be naive/gullible. She can be indecisive and at first quite dependent to her friends but she is very compassionate and has high EQ. Even though it took some time but eventually she matures into a woman who will fight for her loved ones and make mature decisions.  

Zhang Sinian 

A “perfectionist” Professor of Mathematics. He is aloof and cold genius. He doesn't have friends as he mostly focuses on his work and is quite insensitive. But despite being cool and distant, when it comes to his grandfather, he loses his control and becomes impulsive. I love that despite falling in love and the major changes in his life, his character didn’t change that much. I love that the writers really stick to his stiff and blunt personality and instead of changing his character they just improved him. I love that he didn’t become soft or weak. 

Characters to mention:

Yun Lan

Yun Shu’s smart and workaholic older sister. She is the exact opposite of Yun Shu and probably like a more affectionate and protective female version of Sinian. She has her life set but she gets flustered because of her “encounter” with Lu Yu. She is your typical over protective sister who really dotes on their baby sister without realising that may sometimes become overbearing cause they think that that they know everything about the world and that they have to have a say in everything (why do I sound like I’m talking about something personal? LOL) but truly, she is definitely one of my favorite characters in the drama.

Gao Zhi Yi 

One of two of Yun Shu bestfriend. She offered lots of good advice to Yun Shu and was always there whenever Yun Shu needed someone to talk to. I don’t remember what happened with Lin Nuo in the past ‘cause her overall love life is a mess (lol) tbh, I was not her biggest fan at the beginning ‘cause she sometimes acts like (not to be rude but) always desperate to have a “rich/good” boyfriend but somehow she kind of grew on me. I love that she was always a good emotional support to Yun Shu, always there to offer her shoulder and advices. She was always loyal and never demanded anything in return. 

Lu Yu 

Prof. Zhang’s famous childhood friend. He is a popular actor who fell in love with Yun Lan and continued to pursue her despite her cold refusals but his persistence is really cute and funny.

Lin Nuo 

one of Yun Shu’s bestfriend along with Zhi Yi. like Zhi Yi, he is extremely supportive and loyal to his friend. Although, the way he acts with Zhi Yi is definitely more than a friend would and I noticed even at the beginning that his feelings has not changed. He is the guy friend that every girl wants, the type that will always be there for you.

CAST

I’m definitely gonna search for more of Miles Wei’s (Zhang Sinian) projects, I kinda like him. I don’t really have much to complain about the cast. 

FINAL THOUGHTS

RATING: 8.5/10

The drama didn’t really hook me in immediately and was on the verge of dropping it since I was not fond of the first half of the drama but the second half was definitely better (definitely better since I actually finished it lol). Even though I was a bit reluctant with the drama, it definitely has its moments. I didn’t enjoy it as much as I was expecting on my first watch but when I re-watched it again, it definitely grew on me and could definitely say that this might get into my pick me up drama list. 

ABOUT THE DRAMA

Synopsis:

This story revolves around the cold and icy "male god" professor Zhang Sinian and the calm and sunny Yun Shu.

After a fractious first meeting, where Yun Shu dressed down the especially finicky Sinian, she was shocked to find out that he was her university lecturer. Through a series of coincidental encounters, the two agreed to engage in a contractual marriage. As the feelings between them grow, how will they keep their relationship from those around them?

Country: China

Episodes: 24

Aired: Sep 28, 2020 - Oct 20, 2020

Aired On: Monday, Tuesday, Saturday, Sunday

Original Network: Mango TV, Mango TV

Duration: 45 min.

Director: Li Shuang

Genres: Romance, School, Drama

Source: https://mydramalist.com/54889-mr-perfect-and-miss-almost and google

WHERE TO WATCH

I watched it on YT, 99% subbed (with only episode 7 as raw) but it is fully subbed on DC and FD but unfortunately not available on KA, VIKI and Viu. Its available on iQiyi and WeTV as well. 

[chayacat]

Devil’s Sweet Star (33)

Fandom: Dead by Daylight

Ghostface x Female Reader  

Rated M for Violence, Language and Smut  

***

Aaaah...(Y/N), (Y/N), (Y/N). What mess are you in? You don't realize how much your life is going to change. Certainly, your career, your business, flourishes day by day, to the point that you are solicited for great events. Well, I recognize that for the moment, you have just been asked for cakes for the local festival. But imagine the success you could have! the whole area could hear from you. But... It may not be for that reason.  

Your life could change... because of this "deal" that you have made with Ghostface. I have to admit that, if I had been given the same proposal, I would have finally accepted it. But not as quickly as you did. The curiosity and eagerness you felt to know the true identity of the Roseville Assassin... could destroy you forever. How... it’s still a mystery. But back to our business, will you?

The whole city was aware of your participation in the festival. The information spread very quickly, and in a city like Roseville, it's not very surprising. Everyone is wondering about, this famous cake that you are going to prepare for this special occasion. And it's a good opportunity to get ideas. Even if you already know what you are going to do, having or rather hearing people come up with ideas, can give you new inspirations. Amy and Corey also stay on the lookout for any ideas that might be interesting to explore. As you were preparing the next batches of cakes, the phone rang. Amy being too busy taking the orders, it’s you who take the call.

“Welcome to the Nebula, where our pastries came from Outerspace! How can I help you?”

“(Y/N) sweety!!! How good it feels to hear you after all this time!” said a woman cheerfully.

“Aunt Marnie! How did you get the number of... Oh that's right. Mr Parkson had to tell you about my business and had to give you the number. it's so nice to hear you after... You know what. How is Uncle Joey? And Daisy and Tobias?” you respond with a smile.  

“Daisy has managed to get a scholarship for her studies in geology, she will be able to start this year. Tobias still plays on Gary's American football team. The city has not changed. some people come to settle there while others go elsewhere. As for Joey... Let's say he hangs on as he can. You know how much he cared about your mother; She was his little sister... he feels guilty for not being there to protect her.”

“Me too you know. I'm sorry if I left the area but... I needed to change the landscape. To start from scratch.”

“Oh, don't worry you Butterfly, we all understand that you needed to do that. You are much stronger than us, never forget that. So, tell me! How does it go in Roseville? is your business going well?” She replied.  

“Everything is fine! I was offered to make cakes for the local festival and Jed and I will move in together!” you answer.  

“Jed? Who’s Jed?”

You suddenly realize that you have made a slight blunder. When you separate with Alex, your aunt Marnie protects you like a mother hen. And this is even more the case since the death of your parents. No boys could approach you without her being around to watch for any suspicious movement on their part.

“Jed is...is my boyfriend. He works for the Roseville’s Gazette. It's recent, but don't worry about it, aunt Marnie, he's very nice! this boy is... he’s an angel. He’s the complete opposite of Alex.” you explain, worrying about her reaction.

“... Well, if you're sure what you're doing... And from what you say, I want to believe you. A journalist you say? Well, he had to live things from it! You will have to present him to us one day. And if possible before you are married.”

“Don't worry about it, we're not there yet. As I told you, it's recent but... he’s someone of trust. Believe me. Listen aunt Marnie, I have to go back to work, I'm going to give you my number like that if you want to call, you can call me directly on my phone! you always have the same, don't you?”

“Yes of course! I'm not going to bother you for very long either, I have a few groceries to do on my side. I hope we can see each other soon, and with your boyfriend! I love you very much (Y/N). See you later.”

“See you later Auntie. I love you too.”

You hang up before you get back to work. It felt good to have talked to your family again since the death of your parents. Poor Uncle Joey. He is your mother's closest brother. They both adored themselves. And yet, they couldn't help but argue about something. by force you were used to it and you wondered each time how long they would resist before arguing. And especially on what. And every time it ended in the same way: in the water of the pool, laughing like two idiots. They couldn't even remember why they were arguing.  

When your parents died, Joey didn't say a word. For several weeks, he had locked himself in the guest room, without eating or even talking. It was you who managed to get him out of his silence. You sigh as you think back to all this. From the whole family... he’s the one who has suffered the most. And he still suffers today. Luckily, he has a wife and two children who love him and help him. Otherwise, who knows how he would have turned out. Bad, very bad if you want my opinion.

You return to work when Melina enters the café with Mattew and Jed. The three greeted you from afar and went to sit down at a table that Corey had just cleaned. The latter took their order, which did not change the habit. You won't even need to ask them what they want by force. But Jed looked... annoy. You were wondering why.

“This guy is really twisted anyway. Hiring a guy to kill his own partner, it really goes too far. McKellan was an asshole, but Hoggins is twice as much.” said Melina, crossing her arm on her chest.  

“What amazes me is that the guy Wilhelm interrogated is not responsible for this murder. Are you sure that he didn't lie?” asks Mattew.

“Wilhelm passed him twice to the lie detector, left him alone for several minutes to see if he was going to say something and the results showed it well: he did not lie and he said nothing. Wilhelm said he knew Devon well, we can ask him anything and everything, but killing someone is not in his ropes and in his principles. At least he doesn't kill when the person has done nothing to him.” said Jed.  

“What do you think in this case?” you ask suddenly, making all three of them react.

“... Either Hoggins hired someone else... or he was the one who killed. But in this case, you have to prove that he went at McKellan’s home. But Wilhelm has interrogated the guards. They did not see, neither Hoggins, nor his car in the vicinity. So there remains only the first option, remains to know who he hired.” responds Jed.

“It doesn't seem to be going. Do you have a problem?”

“Let's say in short, that if I had this asshole in front of me, I would beat him to death.”

“Hoggins said things about you two that...  didn't really please Jed.” explain Mattew.  

“I think I know what he said. But you don't have to care, I won't leave you for anything in the world.” you said, kissing Jed on the cheek which made him smile.  

You suddenly remember the conversation with your aunt and take the opportunity to tell Jed about it. If at first, he was a little reluctant, worried and uncomfortable about the situation, he was rather reassured to know that your aunt was delighted to know that you are in a relationship with someone. Luckily for you, she doesn't know anything else... and so is Jed. Better to avoid talking about Ghostface.

*You have all the cards in hand, and two lives. Let's see if you get to the end of the game. *

Two lives...No, more. It’s not your life and Jed's that is in your hands, but also that of all the people who are close to you, Melina, Mattew, Corey, Amy... and even your family. So many lives in your hands, which may or may not be a victim of your choices. It's way too much for your shoulders, but you have no choice, you can't go back now. All you can do is say nothing to Jed. Even if it bites your lips, that your heart tightens at the thought of having to lie to him, you must hold. For the good of all of them.

The day went smoothly, although for once, a few annoying customers gave you a hard time. It takes everything in this low world, otherwise everything would be wonderful. Corey and Amy helped you clean everything up before returning home completely exhausted. Jed was waiting for you outside leaning against his van. You close the café after checking that everything was locked and then join him.

“Still worried about my aunt? I told you, you don't have to worry, they will adore you, I'm sure.” you said when you see his face.  

“No, it's not related to that... It's... it’s in relation to Hoggins. How can such a guy appropriate someone like common merchandise? When I heard him say that you were a bird of paradise and that it was a shame that you were with a guy like me... I refrained from sticking my fist in his face. It's easy for him to have a woman by his side, he has the money and the luxury.” He responds, clenching his fist.

“Hey! Don't say that. I could have hanged out with him, not worrying about finances and having everything I want. And I chose you. So, he can do whatever he wants, offer me all his fortune if he likes it, I would say no. He is repugnant, narcissistic, old, a real head to slap. It’s out of the question for me to go out with such a moron.”

“Hahaha that’s why I love you honey. Ready to go?” Jed replied, holding you close.  

As you were about to leave, a group of men surrounded Jed's van. And obviously they weren't there to talk. Jed gently pushed you behind him, blocking you between him and the van.

“Get in the car. Right now. And lock yourself in.” He said seriously.  

“But Jed...” You start.  

“I said RIGHT NOW.”

You get into the vehicle and lock it as Jed asked you. The men came a little closer, revealing iron bars. Some of them made them spin while sneering, others hit the ground with them. Jed didn't seem panicked, he didn't tremble. He gently removed his glasses, tapped against the glass so that you would take the glasses with you and then turned to the group of individuals.

“I suppose... that you were hired, were you not? It's Hoggins I bet.” He said calmly.

“We have nothing against you, man, but the boss... he can no longer stand you. On the other hand, he paid us to bring the girl back to him too.” said one of the men.

“Just try to see.”

It was then that the fight began. Despite the fact that there were several of them, Jed managed with disconcerting agility to dodge punches and iron bar blows. He even managed to put some men on the ground, before unfortunately being blocked and punched before being thrown to the ground. You knock against the window of the truck screaming his name, actually starting to worry when you see him spitting out a light trickle of blood. Suddenly, as if caught in a sudden rage, you see Jed throwing himself at the man in front of him, hammering him with fists.  

He took the iron rod to knock one of the men who was trying to attack him and then returned to the one on the ground. Despite the windows you could hear the man on the ground begging Jed to stop. But he kept on. As if he was taken with an uncontrollable rage. A monster. Jed again took the iron rod and raised it to hit the man on the ground, when suddenly he stopped and turned his head towards you, realizing that you were still there. Then police sirens were heard.

“Hands up! not a gesture you are surrounded!” shout an officer.  

“Olsen! put this iron bar down! Right now!” said inspector Wilhelm.  

Jed dropped the iron rod before collapsing next to the man he had just beaten. You unlock the vehicle and get off it to go see Jed shouting his name. The officers handcuffed the men one by one, while another called doctors to take care of Jed. It took them only a few minutes to arrive and take care of Jed. This one grimaced when the doctor applied the disinfectant.

“Are you okay, Olsen? nothing serious?” asks Wilhelm.

“I'm fine, nothing too serious except spitting a trickle of blood. These guys told me that Hoggins had hired them. They did not say it directly, but they made it clear to me.” responds Jed.

“We're going to take them to the station for that. Both of you go home. Miss, I count on you to take care of him.”

“You can count on that Inspector. Thank you.” You said, turning to Jed. “Does it hurt?”  

“A little, but don't worry, I've experienced worse. And then you're fine that's the main thing. I guess I will have to give a deposition tomorrow at the first hour?” He responds.

“Yes, unfortunately for me, it’s I who will have to take your deposition. It looks like the roles have been reversed between you this time. See you tomorrow Olsen. Miss.” said Wilhelm before leaving.

You and Jed go back to the apartment. There is no question of leaving him alone tonight. He will sleep at home. You both go to bed, Jed hugging you. He wished you good night, told you that He loves you and that he will not let anyone harm you. And you take his word for it. The Jed you saw tonight, scared you. He has protected you and protected himself in a sense. But from there to almost kill a man...  

Now you understand better why you should never piss him off. And it scares you.

***

(I’ve to finish RE8 Village but I don’t want to kill Heisenberg! He’s my favorite Lord!  I must admit I’m a little disappointed about the fact that we can’t choose to help Heisenberg or not. While we could choose between saving Mia or Zoe in RE7. Even if in the end both survive (Thanks the DLC: the End of Zoe). This could have led to an alternative path! But I'm quite curious to see the DLC that CAPCOM is developing for RE8! I hope you’ll like this chapter like the others ones! Well, it's time for my brain to rest! Have a great weekend to you all!  See ya!)

[banditthewriter]

Eye of the Hurricane - Charles Vane - 2

I’ve forgotten to post this for the past few days. I’m sorry! Here’s part two.

Warning: Violence against the reader, nothing too bad though. She’s fiesty.

*gif not mine*

Enjoy!

------

The ship was called The Ranger. You had heard the name, at least you thought you had heard it before. At the very least you heard it as Anne locked you into the hold.

“Welcome to The Ranger,” she had said before she left you alone.

For some reason you expected the holding cell to be disgusting. Perhaps it was because you had been taught to think of pirates as slovenly and unclean, but the ship was in fairly good condition. There were no bones in the corners, no blood on the walls. Pirates weren’t sitting around and sharpening their knives as they threatened to kill anyone who looked at them.

The hardest part of it all was that these men—and women, apparently—were almost completely normal to you. Some of them were scarred and some, like the man who had come to you in the hold on the other ship, were scary looking. But mostly they were like any other sailors.

Except they didn’t follow the law. They made their own.

At some point you heard the blast of cannons. The sound made you shudder and duck as if to protect your head, but you weren’t under attack. Why would they fire on a ship full of dead sailors? 

And then you felt the familiar rock that told you the ship was sailing away. Away from safety. You were alone and unprotected.

Which meant you needed to protect yourself. Somehow.

You had been sheltered, true enough, but you refused to let that be your downfall. While you might have lived a life of leisure and comfort, you had also spent a lot of time near the ports. You had never fought but you’d seen plenty of sailors fight over the last few years.

You wouldn’t be completely at risk. Somehow you would protect yourself. You weren’t a damsel in distress like you’d read about in so many stories. You would survive this by your own wits and your own strength.

Somehow.

------

“You must be hungry,” you heard from above you, startling you from the half asleep state you’d found yourself in.

You lifted your head from your knees and looked to the door. The man named Jack held a wooden bowl in his hand as well as a wooden cup. He pushed them through the bars and waved them each a little bit.

The idea of starving yourself had come up, but you doubted that would make the pirates show you any mercy. If anything they would just consider themselves free of a burden and throw you overboard.

You took the bowl and cup from him before you went over to the low bench that stretched across the wall. It would be nearly impossible to sleep on the wall so you supposed you would have to sleep on the floor. You didn’t worry about that yet though. Instead you looked at the bowl and tried to smother the noise your stomach made in appreciation.

“We have a while before we get back home. We’ll make sure you have necessities but it won’t be as comfortable as what you’re used to.”

He patted his hand on the side of the ship as if he was apologizing for insulting it. You nodded your head and looked back down at the food.

“Someone will be on guard at the door at all times. If you need anything, just ask them to get me. I’m the quartermaster for The Ranger, Jack Rackham.”

You thought about the quartermaster of the ship you had been on, the ship whose name you had never learned. Had Mr. Clemmons suffered before his end? Had he worried about you alone in the hold?

“Thank you,” you finally said as the man was halfway to the door.

Might as well show some manners. If you weren’t a burden to the crew, they would be fine with going through with the ransom. If you caused problems, they’d probably kill you just for the principle of the matter.

Once you were alone, you ate the food quickly. After you had swallowed down the last of the bread and the water, you leaned back against the wall. Soon you would be forced to curl up on the floor and try to at least get a few hours of sleep. It wouldn’t be comfortable but it was all you could do.

------

The next few days were measured in meals. It was usually the quartermaster who brought them to you, but sometimes it was the silent Anne. When Jack came in, he’d at least treat you to a few comments. He told you about the weather, gave you a few updates on how long it would take to get to wherever they were headed. Anne was tight lipped and didn’t even respond when you thanked her for the food.

She didn’t look happy to have to bring you the food but after the third time she did it, you had to wonder if her problem wasn’t so much that she was bringing you food but that you were there at all. Every time she came she glared at the cell door, didn’t even look at you. 

You noticed this the time she woke you up. You had pillowed your head on your arm, your dirty dress wrapped around you as much as possible to provide a little warmth. It wasn’t cold in the holding cell but it was damp. Surely by time you reached land you would be sick to your bones.

Anne glared at the cell and the tiny bench that you rarely sat on anymore. Then, as quickly as she had come, she disappeared.

The food was less appetizing when you weren’t starving, but you still ate it all. You knew that you needed all the strength that you could get. Finished, put the bowl and cup next to the bars and went back to your usual seat on the ground.

Jack had informed you that it would take a few weeks to go from where your ship had been attacked to where they were headed. The Ranger had traveled far from its intended course during a bad storm and they had stumbled upon your ship on accident.

Weeks. You’d already sailed on a ship for weeks, but this was different. This ship didn’t offer you any entertainment, any exercise. You were stuck in a tiny cell for weeks.

You had talked about being in a cage with your family but that had been wrong. You’d had a wealth of freedom before this.

The door banged open and you jerked upright to see who it was. Anne came through the room with an armful of what looked like blankets.

“It’s not much,” she said as she carefully pushed the bundle through the bars, “but it’s better than sleeping on the floor.”

A thin pillow that had seen better days and two blankets that were just a bit thicker than your dress. 

“Thank you,” you said as you clutched the items to your chest. “You didn’t have to do that.”

She looked down at you, her eyes barely visible under the hat that she apparently wore everywhere.

Without another word she spun on her heel and marched away from you, out of the room once more.

When it came time for you to go to sleep, you carefully laid out one blanket as a makeshift bed. With the pillow down, you sat down and draped the second blanket over you.

It wasn’t much, like Anne had said, but it was better than what you’d had before. It was better than nothing.

And it was the tiniest glimpse of humanity.

------

The waters must have been choppy because the ship seemed to teeter from side to side. You hadn’t been seasick the entire time you sailed before but you could feel the broth from your dinner starting to come up. Your eyes were clenched shut as you tried to breathe through the waves of nausea that washed over you.

The sound of the door smacking against the wall had your eyes shooting back open. At first you thought maybe it had just flown open by the wind that was obviously rocking the ship, but then you saw that it was just dark and the man wore dark clothing.

As he took a few steps into the room, you recognized him. It was the man who had first found you in the cells. He stomped towards you with purpose, barely swaying with the ship as it rocked. 

“We’re taking on a lot of extra danger with you,” he said in a tone that said he didn’t care about that one bit. “I think we should find out if you’re worth it.”

Terror raced through you to the point where you no longer felt sick. You stood up and tucked yourself in the furthest corner of your cell as if that would protect you. He looked at the lock with disdain before he raised a dagger and slammed against the object. It did this twice more before the lock popped open.

The moment he had the cell door open, you took a deep breath and rushed at him. With all the force you had, you slammed into his body and pushed him against the far wall. He stumbled, surprised by your attack and strength. Then you quickly spun to head towards the door, desperate to get away.

Just like the last time he had taken you out of a cell, he grabbed a fistful of your hair and slammed you against a nearby wall. The force made your vision go blurry with tears as your face was bashed into the wall a few more times for good measure.

The man had his body pressed against yours, his breath hot and rank against your cheek as he whispered what he wanted to do to you. That plus his hand fighting with your skirts made your survival instinct kick in even more.

This time you swung back with your elbow, satisfied when you heard a loud crunch of bone. Then you kicked out with your feet, catching the man on his knees and between his legs and stomach. 

Even as a kid you were never allowed to fight with anyone, but you’d watched the sailors fight more than once. This was nothing like that, but even if it wasn’t skilled, it served its purpose. The man had to step away out of range or else he’d get even more injuries from you.

You must have screamed at some point because the door opened during your uncoordinated attack. A body came flying into the room but it wasn’t headed towards you. You recognized the man who had killed Captain Richards as he grabbed your attacker and slammed him against the wall. 

Then you were grabbed from behind. You spun around, ready to keep swinging if necessary, but you were met with the calm face of Anne. She didn’t have her hat on for the first time so her face wasn’t partially blocked. Instead you were met with her steely reserve as she pulled you away from the wall and then out of the hold completely.

“This way,” she said as she directed you up the stairs that would lead to the first deck.

You started to ask why she was leading you out of the hold when you heard screams come from behind you. You fought the urge to look behind you and instead hurried up the stairs.

Fresh air hit your lungs and you nearly doubled over with how happy it made you. You couldn’t see the water from the lower deck you were on, but you could smell it. Of course the wind told you that a storm was coming, hence the rocking you’d felt below.

“She might need a new place to sleep,” Jack said as he came up the stairs as well. 

You hadn’t even seen him down there. Instead you looked between the two of them in an effort for them to let you in on what was going on.

“The captain is less than happy with Trask. He was already pissed that he went after ya on the prize, but this? This’ll get him a lashing in private and on the deck.”

Jack nodded along with Anne.

“He’ll be on his knees with a prayerbook before the end of day.” Jack looked up at the sky and frowned a bit as he added, “At least there’ll be some rain to wash the blood off the deck.”

You felt a shiver go through you at that. It wasn’t just the promise of violence, although that definitely put a chill in the air for you. It was the casual way he referenced one of the men on the crew with him being tortured as if it didn’t bother him at all.

That sliver of humanity you had seen when Anne had given you the blankets had just been yanked away from you. All that was left was the reminder that these were pirates.

You desperately needed to stop trying to think about them in terms that made sense to you. You would never understand these people.

The captain came stomping up the steps until he was level with the three of you. He had blood on his knuckles and shirt, some even on his face. His eyes darted over you quickly before he looked at his quartermaster.

“Get her to my quarters. She’ll have to stay there while Trask is… in recovery.”

Jack nodded. He reached out for you and you stepped closer to him without thinking. He didn’t even have to grab your arm to lead you across the ship to where the captain’s quarters were. 

“Don’t touch anything,” he cautioned as he showed you inside. “Just sit tight for a bit. We’ll get you back to the hold in no time.”

He said that as if it was a comfort to you, but he disappeared before you could respond.

What response did you have really? You could’ve told him that the location didn’t matter as long as you were still being held prisoner. You could’ve told him that you wanted to see what would be done to the man who had attacked you twice now.

Instead you simply sat down in a chair near the desk and gingerly checked your face to see if you were injured from having your face slammed into the wall.

Your nose was sore and there seemed to be a bit of dried blood there. Other than that there didn’t seem to be any proof of what happened.

Just the shaking in your hands and the screams that came from the upper deck a little while later.

------

There was a large window along the back of the captain’s cabin. You stared out at the churning waters that The Ranger left in its wake, you mind blissfully quiet for the first time since you had been brought onto the ship.

The door to the cabin opened. The noise drew your attention so you turned to face that direction once more. You expected Jack or Anne, back to bring you to the hold. Instead you saw the man you knew to be the captain.

You still didn’t know his name. 

He barely acknowledged your presence before he walked over to the shelves along the wall. You had looked around the cabin but hadn’t explored, worried that you would get in trouble for being curious. On that wall you had noticed a few large bowls and a bucket that was on the ground nearby. That’s what he went after.

With a cloth in one hand, he squatted down next to the bucket. You watched as he cleaned first his face and then his hands of blood that had been spattered on him. It was probably on his shirt and trousers as well, but he didn’t bother with those. 

When he stood up, you quickly turned your head to look back out of the window. Even though your attention was on the water, you could still hear him move around. As his footsteps stopped, you glanced from the corner of your eye to see where he was.

You jumped as you realized he was right beside you.

He didn’t say anything as he reached out towards you. The movement made you flinch, but he barely hesitated before he continued.

All he did was grab your chin and move your head this way and that. You didn’t like being scrutinized, not by him, so you pulled your chin out of his grasp.

“Are you hurt anywhere?”

You shifted minutely away from him.

“As if it matters to you,” you said petulantly.

He stared at you for a long moment before he stood up.

“If you’re injured doing something you know not to, that is your fault. If one of my crew hurts you without reason, it might make my ransoming you back to your family difficult. That matters to me,” he said pointedly.

Reminding you that you were just plunder. It wasn’t your safety or wellness he was worried about; it was the worry for the money you would bring him.

You flexed your hand a bit at the thought. It still hurt from where you had hit Jack the day of the attack. The knuckles still bent so they were just bruised, not broken. That would be an injury that was your own fault.

“Have you thought about the fact that my parents would find any injury to my person as unreasonable?”

He hadn’t looked away from you but you felt as if you were now getting the full brunt of his focus. After being scrutinized from inches away just moments ago, this made you feel even more vulnerable and unable to hide.

“They’ll just be happy that you’re alive.”

He turned away from you, ending the conversation, but he didn’t leave the cabin. Instead he walked over to the desk and sat with his back to the window. 

It put him vulnerable to an attack by you, but you were sure that he had measured you up as not a threat. You had your fists and your feet, but he could probably stop any attack you made on him without even paying attention. 

You had been sorely unprepared for this type of freedom. Not that you assumed most gently reared ladies were taught how to fight and defend themselves, but it wasn’t the first time that you had felt weak and helpless. 

If you made it out of this, you would make sure that you were never weak and helpless again.

You weren’t sure how long you sat there quietly while he looked over the log on the desk. Long enough that the sky started to darken even more. There were so many clouds out that you couldn’t see any stars in the sky. There was barely enough light from the moon to see the tumultuous waves.

“What’s your name?” You looked over at the captain as you said it, curious as to how he would respond. When all he did was turn his head enough to let you know you had his attention, you repeated yourself. “Your name. Surely I’m allowed to know the name of my kidnapper.”

There was a barely there smirk before he turned his head away from you again.

“Charles Vane.”

It almost sounded familiar. You wondered if you had heard the name before, if it had been spoken with the same quiet awe and fear as such like Blackbeard and Flint. You wondered if he knew those more infamous pirates.

With that you tucked your feet under you on the window seat and turned more fully towards the glass. He would have you escorted back to the hold soon but you wanted to enjoy your almost freedom while you could.

------

A loud noise woke you, your body bolting upright in fear as you remembered your circumstances. As you looked around, you noticed that you were still in the captain’s quarters instead of the hold. You didn’t remember falling asleep, but you must have laid down at some point. 

A loud crack of thunder made you look to the window. It must have been the noise that woke you. Lightning flashed every so often, illuminating a severe storm. It was then that you noticed that the ship seemed to be rocking more than it had before, the waves making the journey even more dangerous.

Barely half awake, you stumbled from the cushioned bench you were on and towards the door. It didn’t occur to you until you had already opened it that it could be locked. 

Instead you found yourself stepping onto the lower deck where rain and sea water came down in buckets. Your feet became soaked through your shoes, the front of your dress becoming drenched quickly. You held a hand up to shield your eyes as you tried to make out the shapes that moved on the deck.

Orders were shouted from all directions, trying to keep the ship moving and upright. You’d heard that it was best to try to ride through the storms rather than to wait them out, so that must be what they were doing. While you spent a lot of time on deck during the day before you were kidnapped, you’d never seen them during a storm like this.

A gust of wind seemed to push you sideways, away from the door you had just come through. Your body smacked into a wall and you grabbed hold of the wood as best you could. More water poured down onto the lower deck where you were. 

If this continued, they’d need to bail out the lower half of the ship just to stay afloat.

You heard a scream and turned your head in time to watch someone be swept over the side with a massive wave. You gasped and rushed that direction, your feet slipping through water until you got to the rail. With one hand on the rail and the other on a rope that was tied to it, you looked down into the sea below.

Not even the lightning was enough to help you see more than blackness. The white of the water as it crashed against the side of the ship was turned gray in the darkness.

And the man, whoever it was, was beyond sight or help.

A second wave crashed against the side of the ship causing it to almost teeter to the side. You grasped the railing and closed your eyes as water rushed over you, seeping through your clothes and stealing your breath. You tried to spit as much back out but it still took a moment to catch your breath.

A moment was all it took for another wave to come. This time you were trying to swallow a lungful of air and instead got a lungful of seawater. You fell to your knees to cough up the water, fingers scrambling uselessly against the wet wood of the deck.

Hands grasped your arms and hauled you upwards. With rainwater, seawater, and the wind stinging your eyes, you could barely make out the fuzzy outline of the captain.

And then his voice was in your ear.

“Are you an idiot?”

You didn’t even feel offended at the question as he dragged you across the deck. The only thing that had come to your mind was the man who had gone over.

“Someone went over and–”

You were tugged down a few steps and then almost thrown into the cabin you had just recently vacated.

“And you wanted to follow them? No good would come from your death.”

There was no time left for you to respond before he spun back around to leave. This time when the door slammed behind him you heard the silent threat. At least for the time being, this was your new cage.

This was for your safety though. Charles had dragged you to the cabin to protect you from the storm, especially since you were so vulnerable next to the rail. You could’ve gone over the side like the man you had seen.

But like Charles had said, no good would come from your death. He wouldn’t be able to collect ransom for you if you were in the sea. That was the real reason he had saved you.

You probably should still be grateful. Later, once the storm was over.

------

The captain burst into the cabin a while after the storm had lessened on the other side of the glass window of your new cage. The suddenness of his entrance caused you to jerk upright once more from your spot curled up on the window seat. 

You expected more lectures about putting yourself in harm's way. Perhaps even a few more threats, thinly veiled or not. 

Instead he was silent as he went over to a chest in the corner. He pulled out dry clothes and threw them onto his desk. 

Surely he wouldn't… but he did.

He untucked his shirt from his trousers and threw it into a heap on the floor. Next he sat down on the edge of the desk to tug off one boot and then the other. As his hand went to his belt and the top of the trousers, you quickly turned your head back towards the window. 

You shouldn't have watched as long as you had. It wasn't proper. Kidnapped by pirates or not, you couldn't forget yourself. You were still your father's daughter. 

But you couldn't stop thinking about that glimpse of his chest. It wasn't the first bare chest you'd seen, but this was different.

You just weren't sure why it was different.

There was a scar on his chest, a peculiar shape that said it wasn't an injury from his pirating. It almost looked like some sort of brand.

Did pirates brand themselves? Was it how you knew which crew they were on? 

You weren't about to ask. 

Once he stopped making so much noise, you cast a quick glance to the side. He was dressed, mostly. His shirt had a vee so low that it was closer to a vest.

Something soft hit your arm. You looked down to see a blanket of some sort on your lap. 

When you looked up, he merely raised an eyebrow at you. You unfolded the blanket and draped it over your shoulders. 

You hadn't even noticed that you were shivering until that moment. 

"You put yourself at risk tonight. You put my crew at risk."

"Your crew?" You sputtered the words out, anger in your voice. "I was only on the deck because I saw one of your crew get swept overboard."

Charles stepped closer. 

"Think you could save him, did you?"

You tugged the blanket a little further around your shoulders. In truth you hadn't given it any thought when you rushed to the railing when the man went over. It wasn't that you had a plan, it was just instinct. 

When you didn't answer, Charles scoffed and turned away from you. 

"Some of my men would get themselves killed trying to protect you."

That surprised you. You turned your body a bit and put your feet down on the floor, your shoes squishing under you. 

"I know. If I die, you can't ransom me."

He turned to lean against the desk and stare at you. 

"Not just that. You're a beautiful woman. A man has been known to do the unthinkable for a pretty face."

You weren't sure how to respond to that. It wasn't just the compliment that he paid you, although that definitely took you by surprise. It was also the almost careless way he said it.

"I shall try to keep myself safe then. To keep your men from doing the unthinkable and protecting your ransom."

Charles smirked openly at you then. 

"You have fire in you. More than expected from the daughter of a Norfolk businessman."

You had a feeling you would need to feed that fire if you were to survive this misadventure of yours. How else does one survive pirates?

X

Thanks for reading!