#it does such a great job establishing and getting your invested

[dapperrokyuu]

Yall ever marvel what an amazing piece of storytelling My Clematis is? I was HOOKED from the get-go, and I had no idea what the future entailed, Round 1 was just so good...

[notmyneighbor]

r&d | yog sothoth x female reader

part 3/?

words | 3.3k

cw | tnmn nightmare mode, eventual smut, no explicit content in this chapter, vampire bite

ao3 link

taglist | @jazminetoad @kaislashes @lakeside-paradise @paxispax @luvvxsn @barbatoss-bitch @moody-mod

“I thought you increased the dose.”

“I did. She shouldn’t be awake this early.”

You recognize one of the voices, but the other is foreign. It sounds like Dr. Afton is speaking, but that makes no sense. You’re not at the apartment building. You’re in the DDD facility. The trial. You struggle to open your eyes. Yes, that was indeed the third floor resident you’d heard. His eyes are focused on your features, narrowed behind the lenses of his glasses, brow furrowed.

“You said this one showed promise.”

“She does. None of the others have been able to tolerate the treatment while maintaining focus and sanity in this reality and, even more impressively, perfect job peformance.”

You blink slowly. Your eyes feel gummy, your lids trying to stick together. You try to find the owner of the other man’s voice but he’s out of your field of view. You can’t find the strength to turn your head, your limbs weighted like lead.

“You do realize ‘perfect job peformance’ indicates that the project is a failure if none of the doppels can convince a doorman to let them in, don’t you? How do you think that will translate into real world applications? There has been too much time and money invested in this already. I’ve got the General breathing down my neck. We need results, not promises. I’m still not convinced this new side project is going to amount to anything.”

“That’s because you’re not a scientist. You have no sense of creativity, of imagination, of patience. We are doing great work here. Pioneers of feats no one else has been able to achieve. Think of what will happen when we’re able to establish a permanent link between the two realms, when we can inhabit both. Twice the territory to conquer.”

“You’re assuming the doppels there are going to be able to be useful allies, when you don’t even have full control over the ones we already have. We shouldn’t have shared their development when it hasn’t even been proven reliable yet.”

Afton waves a hand in the air dismissively. “Nonsense. It’s been more than a fair exchange for the tech we’ve received in return. And we’re getting there. Each new unit dispatched has been showing improved progress. And the rogue ones are being dealt with accordingly.”

“How do we know the inhabitants of that other realm don’t intend to turn on us and just take over here instead?

“Imagine if everyone just surrendered because of some vague doubts. You military types are so cynical and narrow minded. You’re only to happy to reap the rewards of these trials, but you don’t want to actually get your own hands dirty.”

“My men have risked plenty,” the other man growls.

“Yes, yes. I’m not implying sacrifices haven’t been made,” Afton hastily attempts to placate the other observer. “I’m merely saying this venture requires some unconventional thinking and unusual techniques that some would question the ethics and morality of. Shortsightedness, that’s what they’re cursed with. Cowardice, really. What we’re doing here is reshaping our future. Changing our destiny,” he concludes, the fervor evident in his voice. You’ve never heard the man speak so much. He’s usually so quiet and introverted. This entire conversation you’re witnessing feels surreal.

“And what about the visitor?” This last said with clear disapproval.

“What about him?” Afton snaps. You see a blurry image of liquid being drawn up into a syringe, then hear it set down on a surface nearby.

“We should be talking elsewhere.”

“I’ve told you, the experiment’s minds are wiped clean after each session. You can talk freely.”

You bristle internally. Experiment? Is that what you are? What the hell is going on?

“I don’t trust him. He has too much unrestricted access.”

“That’s not your concern. Your superior has cleared him, and so have I. He’s been an invaluable asset in this latest project.”

“I don’t like you keeping secrets, Doctor. Not when it puts my people’s safety at risk.”

“Fortunately for you, you don’t need to like it. Your duty is to serve in the military and obey your commanding officer’s orders. I relay all necessary information to you. Besides, the rest would just be a bit too technical for you to try to comprehend.” His lips twist in a half smile that seems more condescending than reassuring.

You realize there’s something tucked into your hand. It’s difficult, but you manage to uncurl your fist. The researcher’s eyes catch the movement and flick down. He lifts the object before you have a chance to react.

“What’s that?”

Afton’s lips curve into a smile that’s sincere this time. “That, my friend, is progress. She’s been able to bring something back.”

“How?”

“I told you this one was special. You’ve got some progress to report, now,” he says smugly.

You squint, trying to discern what the man is holding. You don’t understand half of what’s being discussed. Maybe you’re dreaming. You must be. Some wild fantasy your brain has concocted. Stress relieving itself and manifesting in the form of this bizarre scenario.

A padlock. That’s what is pinched between Afton’s fingers. A slight ache resonates in your chest. There’s something important about it. You raise your arm, your fingers stretching for it. It belongs to someone you know.

“I told you she should be kept restrained until she’s transferred.”

“Relax. She’s still lethargic and as weak as a kitten. A little more Midazolam mixed into the cocktail and this will all be forgotten.” His hand closes over your wrist and pushes it back down. You can’t resist, the limb weakly succumbing, once again secured in a restraint. “Time for another nap.”

This is alarmingly familiar. You try to struggle against the bonds that have just appeared, but it’s no use. Even speaking takes great effort. Your tongue feels swollen and dry, clumsy. “That’s not yours. Give it back.”

“I’ll keep it safe, not to worry. It will need to be analyzed.” He drops the padlock into one of the deep pockets of his lab coat. “What a little wonder you are,” he murmurs softly as he leans closer. You feel a sharp pain in your arm and tears pricking the corners of your eyes. That needle felt all too real. You could even smell the scientist’s aftershave when he’d gotten closer to you just now. This vivid imagery can’t be made up. It has to be real. Which means…which means…

“Yog,” you murmur drowsily as the injection begins to take effect. That’s who the padlock belongs to, though you can’t quite put a face to the odd name.

“What did she say?”

“Nothing. Just babbling nonsense. She’s almost knocked out again. Tell your commanding officer I’ll have a full progress report ready by tomorrow.”

“Yog,” you manage one more time, trying to cling stubbornly to that word, but it slips free and you are lost, sinking down, down, into a void of nothingness.

***

“You know the drill.”

Oh. You’re back here. Again.

The hazmat suited cleaner on the opposite side of the window turns to leave but you halt him, slapping a hand on the cracked window’s surface.

“Hey, wait. Don’t leave yet. I want to talk to you.”

Silence meets your request. The DDD employee exits the entryway of the building and you sigh in frustration, glaring at the quartet of eyes watching you from the frame. You’ve half a mind to try poking one just to see what would happen.

“Hello, human.”

One of the twin sisters, this one as pretty and pale as the counterpart in your own world, is standing before you. She’s called Anazareth here.

You look closely at the trio of tattoos on her features, quickly counting and recounting the number of horns on her head. Accurate so far. She’s on the list and she has all her documents.

“Did you have a successful day of creating curses?” You’re not really making small talk. You want to see her teeth again.

“Yes, very satisfactory.” Sharp teeth. She’s the real deal.

“Go on through.”

You unlock the door and then seal it shut. You wish you could retain more of your memories. You’d gone back for your third appointment so willingly, so blindly, walking right back into Afton’s trap. And now here you are, the memories frustratingly clear in this world, lending you no aid for when you return to your own reality. There has to be a way to counteract the effects, somehow. A way to trigger the release of memories when you return home.

“You’re back.”

You look up and sigh again, this time in relief. The friendly vampire rests a hand against the smudged, battered glass and you match your palm to his.

“Hi, Yog.”

You hit the switch and let him inside without even pausing to check his documents first, exiting the booth just as Yog reaches it. You both hesitate for a moment before you surge forward and his arms envelop you.

“You didn’t check my ID and request,” he chides gently.

“I knew it was you.”

“Still, you should be careful.” His fingers stroke your hair. “Did it work? The jewelry…”

“Yes, it worked. Afton took it away, though. To study it.” You burrow into his shirt. There is a musky, earthy smell to him that is pleasant. “I heard him talking to someone from the military. They’re trying to find a way to establish a permanent connection between both realities. I think I’m the first one from my world who’s been successfully managing to exist in each one. It sounded like the other ‘volunteers’ haven’t been so fortunate.”

“So that’s what he’s after. And that explains where the other human visitors went.”

“He said someone came from here originally. That’s how they found out about it in the first place. I don’t know who, though.”

You feel Yog stiffen. “If I had to guess, I’d wager it’s his own counterpart.”

You draw back to look at the vampire. “Orcus? The purple guy wearing that battered mascot suit with the silver eyes? I’ve never seen that resident in person, only the picture on file.”

A knocking sound interrupts your conversation. Another resident is at your window. Lilith, now. The other twin sister. You spot the spelling error of her name immediately and call the DDD to collect the witch. The same tired rhetoric on the phone and in person. You don’t even bother trying to communicate with the cleaner this time.

As soon as he leaves, you turn your attention back to the vampire. “How much do you know about Orcus?”

He folds his arms across his chest. “Very little. He’s not social. Neither is his roommate. It wouldn’t surprise me to learn his ‘skinning’ activities aren’t what one would consider in the traditional hunting sense, though,” Yog murmurs.

You shudder at the term. “If he’s not stealing skins, what else is he after? Using bodies for something? A kind of experiment?”

“Maybe. It could be whatever Afton has been injecting you with to transport you here. That technology must have come from Orcus. Something he’s learned how to harvest.”

Another visitor interrupts again. Abducius Morail. You have to remind him to show his ID card. The entry request looks fine. He’s on the list of expected travelers. Seven stitches hold the skin where his nose should have been closed. The stretched eyelids creep you out to no end. And that smile. You shiver and return his card through the slot, buzzing him in. If he has an opinion on your security booth hosting a guest today, he doesn’t reveal it, merely slipping through the entrance, still grinning manically.

“So what do we do? I can’t remember anything when I get back. I keep getting tricked into coming here over and over again.”

Yog frowns. “I’m not sure. We’re up against more than just Afton and Orcus. The military is involved. And there’s still the doppels to deal with, too.”

“Which Afton help create. And gave that knowledge to Orcus. This is such a mess. I’d be better off not remembering any of this.”

“I don’t think you mean that,” the vampire says quietly.

“No. I don’t. I’m sorry, Yog. I’m just frustrated. Scared. Angry. A lot of things.”

“Completely understandable.”

“You’re the only good part about all of this, you know that?” You let your fingers drag across one of the red velvet bands decorating his shirtsleeve.

“You have another visitor.”

You glance at the window. Xezbet Xerbeth. The soul eater. Another resident with a menacing grin. Twin pinpricks of red are all that reside in dark eyesockets. The skin around the suture lining his balding head looks pink and raw, as if the incision had been made recently, while the scar on his cheek looks older, better healed. Not on the list, so you call to verify that he’s not at home. Drugia answers, confirming this. Everything else checks out. You open the door and then close it behind him, very aware of the resident hovering close behind you.

“I hope I’m not distracting you.”

“You’re not. I mean, you are, but. It’s good. I like it. I like you,” you add softly.

“Come see me when you’re done? I’ll be alone again.” His fingers brush your cheek.

“Okay.”

Yog bends to kiss the side of your neck, his lips grazing your throat and making you gasp. “I wouldn’t drink without permission. I take that very seriously.”

“I know. You have it. Except…it will make my time here shorter.”

“Good point. Later, then.” The vampire slips out of the booth, leaving you alone again. With those stupid eyes judging you.

***

You’ve survived another shift in the nightmare realm.

You’re standing outside Yog’s apartment now, more nervous than ever. Things are changing between the two of you. Exciting. Dangerous. What possible good could come of this? Your fingers touch the place he’d bitten you a week ago. No marks left.

It wasn’t a one way path. Orcus came through. Yog could, too. Maybe that was the key. An ally on the other side.

The door opens after you remember to knock. You duck inside, lingering by the door after he closes it.

“You looked deep in thought just now.”

“I was thinking about Orcus. His ability to visit. Wondering if you’d be able to. If it’s even possible. If it’s safe. If you’d want to,” you finish softly, your eyes lowering shyly.

“I think about you when you’re not here. Wondering how you are, what you’re doing.”

“It’s not fair. I can’t do the same. Stupid injections,” you mutter bitterly.

“I know our time together is short. So I want to make the most of it.” He reaches for one of your hands. “You want to come with me?”

You swallow thickly and nod, letting him lead you forward, deeper into the apartment. No living room stop today. You’re guided to the master bedroom. Yog releases your hand and turns on a lamp. Every window is encased in shutters that look like steel with ruby drapes over them. The same color scheme as the rest of the living space is evident in this room, too. Dark sheets and pillows. Dark dresser.

No reflection in the mirror. You’d forgotten to ask about that, the last time you’d run through the standard vampire lore questions. You stare at your image and feel his arms come around you, can see the subtle shifts in the clothes you’re wearing as his hands move, stroking across your arms, your hair stirring when he nuzzles your cheek.

“Is it hard to get ready without having a mirror to see what you look like?”

You feel his lips smile against your skin. “It takes getting used to, certainly.”

You turn in his arms, siphoning though the dark rust colored locks. “You manage pretty well.”

“Pretty well, hmmm?”

Last time you had barely brushed his lips as you’d slipped back into your own realm. Now his press firmly to yours, and your pounding heart races even faster. You can feel the sharp points of his fangs when you lips part for him, your tongue gently prodded as you explore each other’s mouths for the first time. He tastes good. Almost like cinnamon. Not metallic like you’d thought he would.

“I want to be very clear with you,” he murmurs between kisses, “that I am a gentleman and I will not force myself on you in any way. I don’t have to feed. We don’t have to…”

“Fuck?” You supply breathlessly.

A sharp inhale. “Well, yes. I suppose that’s one way to put it.”

“Crude?”

He shakes his head. “Naughty. I like it. Let’s get more comfortable.”

You step out of your shoes and sit down on the edge of the mattress and the vampire follows suit. His pale fingers drag over your cheeks and trace your lips and then the golden eyes are shuttered beneath a fringe of closed lids and sooty lashes as he leans, pressing you down beneath him. His mouth travels along your jaw and neck and collarbone, shifting the neckline of your work blouse to reach the stripe of bone rising beneath the skin. He samples your wrists and you wonder if he can sense how swiftly the blood is racing through your veins; if he hears it rushing like a river rapids, filled with that strange glowing substance gifted from his neighbor to one of yours that he finds so tantalizing.

His lips crush yours and you feel the intensity picking up, the neediness of each touch as he massages one breast. Your hand trails down his shirt, dipping bravely over the growing bulge in his pants and you’re rewarded with a moan of warm air above your mouth. Aurelian eyes gaze into your own. “When I take you, if—”

“—When,” you correct, your head lifting to nip at his bottom lip, and he smiles at you.

“When,” he agrees. “I don’t want it to be rushed, because of someone else’s dictates.” The vampire kisses you again. “And I will come to you, if I am able. I do want to,” he says, finally answering your musings from earlier. “We’ll figure this out together,” he promises.

“I don’t know how much time I have left. I don’t want to forget you again,” you whisper.

Yog sighs against your throat, his hips rolling languidly, pressing against your body. Such a cruel tease for what you both really want. You cup the back of his neck, holding him there, indicating what you desire.

“You’re sure?”

“Yes.”

A sweet sting, unlike the needle Afton is so fond of using on you, and the vampire’s mouth seals against the punctures he’s created. It’s over nearly as soon as it’s begun, the creature taking less of your lifeforce this time.

“You didn’t feed as much,” you observe out loud.

“Being cautious,” he murmurs, head lifting, eyes watching your features.

“Keeping me here longer.”

His lips twitch. “Maybe a little of that, too.”

“Let me taste it.”

Yog hesitates. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”

“Its already in my bloodstream. What difference would it make?”

“I don’t know.”

“Kiss me.”

The vampire’s cheeks and lips look flushed, rosy, healthy. You’ve done that. With so little sacrificed, you’ve brought about such a change. If only the bite marks were something you could bring with you. A keepsake Afton couldn’t take away. Something to make you remember.

“Kiss me until I disappear.”

His head lowers and he kisses you very gently. Nothing. You don’t sense any difference in the flavor on his lips. Your tongue darts out and your mouths join again. His body grinds against yours as the kisses grow more frenzied.

“This is maddening. I don’t want you to leave,” he groans in frustration, head dipping into the space between your neck and shoulder.

That strange, rocking, drowsy feeling is coming again. You’re being drawn back to your own reality.

“Yog,” you say warningly, and his face immediately reappears above yours.

“Don’t forget me,” he pleads, his mouth pressing against your lips, and then empty air.

You’re gone.

[theflagscene]

Wait! How!? When!? Where!? How is White suddenly there!? How did Tee meet White!? You can’t just play upbeat music and have the boys running around to show the passage of time and not explain how the fucking villain of the story got the most adorably innocent lil princess boyfriend on the planet!

Phee, bringing Jin on a date to the same place you and Non liked to go is just weird. I hate people who use the same ‘date’ spots for their new partners that they used with their past partners and no, this isn’t me projecting, why do you ask!? Lmao 😂 shut up it’s still tacky af

‘Friend’ the dreaded word.

What is with the ass slapping and window sex!? I mean, I get that they’re supposed to 18 year old boys, who are by definition perverted, but that was some porn level shit. Also, again, no prep. Phee wasn’t even the one blown so it’s not like they were even using spit for lube, or an already lubed condom. What is this, another ABO show? Just having the dudes slick and sliding all over one another apparently.

Ta’s got a decent ass at least, good for him.

“Did you cheat on my brother?” Nah, pretty sure they broke up when Phee saw him being raw dogged by the teacher and then told him to go die, but whatever helps you sleep at night Tan.

“Don’t fall in love with him.” Yeah, I think it’s too late for that.

Oh, mom is not looking so great. Hmm, something tells me that video isn’t real. Mom knows what’s up, it’s finally hit her, her baby’s dead. The actress did a fantastic job of a mother realizing the truth of the death of her child, it’s a startling realization that does take your legs out from under you. Your mind blanks, you can’t think about anything but the last time you saw them, the last terrible thing you said, all you can do is try not to scream. - That got a little too dark and real, sorry.

news.boc.com Cute BoC, very cute.

How long were Phee and Jin supposed to have been fucking by now? Weeks? Months? Because Jin has gotten very emotionally invested very quickly, which is appropriate for teenagers I suppose.

Two years, so they’d be in their what, second year of uni? Tan has gone full mad scientist I see.

Wait, he called to tell Tan that his mom was dead and it was her funeral that day and he just showed tf up! When his dad thought he was still in England!? Lmao, that’s fricking hilarious. I know, I know, wrong reaction to this scene but I’m weird, what can I say.

Oops, bye bye daddy. No wonder Tan is so fucking nuts! That would drive anyone insane. He literally needs Non to be alive otherwise he’s lost everything for nothing.

Is Tan his own guinea pig for his drugs!? Jesus dude, get some help.

Question, were Phee and Jin fucking during their time at university too? Or are you telling me all this ‘I love him’ crap was from one night of decent dick and a few ‘best friend dates’? Like the math ain’t mathing, establish a better timeline here for me when it comes to their relationship because in the first episode it made it seem like they were screwing around for a really long time, months at the very least. But now it seems like they fucked around a couple times in one 12 hour period, Jin decided that was enough to wanna date, caught Phee in a mood because of the fake news report and then they just… what? Kept fucking? Stopped? Jin carried a torch for him for over two years after one night together? Acted like a scorned lover for years because of a single teenaged tryst? Not to be that guy, but girl, you’re coming off a little desperate. I need a more accurate timeline!!!

“This won’t kill them.” Tan, could you try and be a tad more convincing when saying that?

That was a fantastic look from Tan to end on, ngl. Although someone needs to save baby White!

Next episode, we’re back in the present for the most part it seems. Jin somehow still trusts Phee, Fluke somehow gets the gun back and oh look, he holds White hostage, poor bb did nothing, leave him alone! And Tee clearly does know what happened to both Non and Keng as he runs up onto the roof where his uncle is to see the pair… unconscious? Dead? One of each?

I want some backstory about how White fits into all of this next time as well, that would be great. Although considering how little the timeline of events during grade 12 are fully explained, I doubt knowing more about White would make very much sense at this point.

[twodimensionalboyfriend]

Aki spa day :))

wc: ~2.1k read time: ~8 minutes

༉‧₊˚.¸♡ master list✧ '*•༉

cw: established relationship, fem reader (GN throughout, calls her a beautiful girl at the end bc im kind of a whore for that shit), fluff, make out (i wouldn’t say it’s spicy but like it’s kinda seasoned i guess), mildly ooc aki but only because he’s experiencing happiness and idk if that man has ever known an ounce of joy,

if there are an content warnings you think i missed, please tell me so!! i’ll add them to this post and remember to add them to future ones!! :) ♡ ♡

and pls pls like and reblog and reply!! literally if you interact i will kiss you on the mouth

Being a public safety devil hunter is no one’s dream job. While the pay is pretty great and you get plenty of PTO, the death, tragedy, and destruction you see on a weekly basis is not always worth it. The only reason you’ve stuck around this long is because somehow you lucked out with your partner.

Aki.

He’s so mellow and kind and smart and he is so so handsome. These last few years with him have been some of the most difficult of your life, but he makes it manageable. The two of you have been partners for the last 3 years. You both have your eyes set on killing the gun devil, but you know that deep down, it's only Aki who believes he can actually get the job done.

Truthfully, you wished for an easy life with him. All you want is to work a usual 9 to 5 (preferably one that won’t kill you), come home, make dinner and have a quiet evening with the man you love. God, how does something so simple sound like such an unattainable fantasy?

On your days off, you like to lean in to the fantasy a little bit. You took off this Friday in return for working a mission the following Sunday, so you slept in, made a nice brunch, ran some errands and decided that you were going to do a full skin care spa day at home to relieve some stress. It’s rare that you get the chance to take time to take care of yourself, so this was definitely needed after a very long week at work. Which is what you were doing when Aki came home that evening.

You heard the door open and his post-work-day sigh, “y/n, you home?”

“In the bathroom!”

Aki walked in and couldn’t help but smile a little bit. You were in an old t-shirt of his that was just a bit too big and some lounge pants with cats on them. You had your hair clipped out of your face and were applying under-eye patches. He leaned in and kissed the top of your head. It surprises him every time that no matter what you’re doing or wearing, he still thinks you’re the most gorgeous person he’s ever seen.

“How was work today?” you asked.

“Could have been worse. Makima has Power and Denji training with Kishibe non-stop since the ambush on the devil hunting divisions, so it was nice not having them around all day,” he went on, “But I know that she knows something we don’t about the recent ambush attacks and why they targeted Denji. She’s not telling us and I need to figure out what it is and why. Oh, and we also killed a roach devil, so that was pretty gross. Just felt like a long day."

You sighed. He’s always cared too deeply. You’ve tried to tell him that he shouldn’t be so invested in the job and that he should just treat devil hunting as a paycheck ad nothing more, because at the end of the day you all know that you’re replaceable. It hurts when you see him coming home carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders for a job that would replace him in less than a week.

You step towards him, “I’m sorry that work was rough. I mean, when is it not but, you know.” Your hands reach up and pull his hair tie out, letting his hair fall down, “How about this? You shower and then change into comfy clothes, and I can give you a little massage and face treatment? Having clean skin and being taken care of always helps me unwind,” you said with a smile.

Aki thought about this. Honestly? He felt exhausted. He was hungry and was looking forward to dinner and sleeping. But you looked so cute with your under eye patches, and the idea of being pampered and loved by his partner was not at all unappealing. “Okay. That sounds.. nice, actually.”

“Yay! Okay, step one is to go take a shower and wipe off the bad energy from work today. Take your time and enjoy the warm water! I’d join you but I literally just showered,” you chuckle and finished up your routine with some lip balm. .

“I mean you can never be too clean—”

“Yeah yeah, get your ass in there,” you pushed him and he laughed softly. You never wanna go a day in your life without hearing it.

About 15 minutes later, you hear the bathroom door open and Aki’s footsteps shortly following. “Alright missy," he walked in to your shared bedroom wearing a black t-shirt and some grey sweatpants, “What’s step two?”

“You washed your face in the shower, yeah?”

“Yes ma’am.”

“‘Kay, go lay down in bed. I’ll be there in a sec!”

Puzzled yet smiling, Aki went to the bedroom. A moment later, you came in with some of your skin care. Bottles, tubes and other containers clinked with each other as you walked.

“Uhh, am I still gonna have skin after this?” he teased, “Wait what are those for?” he pointed at the strawberry barrettes in your hand.

“Clipping your hair back!" You dump your things onto your nightstand beside you, "I figured having it loose and clipped back was more comfortable after it’s gets tied back all day.”

Your hands reached up and gently pulled his bangs out of his face and clipped them back. His hair was always so soft and shiny, which you always found unfair considering he does nothing but shampoo and conditioner after tying it up all day.

Aki hummed in agreement. He loved when you played with his hair. He didn't know another person's hands could feel so good, “A correct assumption,” he smiled as you finished tucking his bangs back.

“Okay, so first I’m going to tone your skin then I’ll use some relaxing serums. I don’t know how, but you are blessed with very clear skin, so I don’t want to go crazy with cleansers and peels,” you beginning to apply a toner with some cotton rounds.

“Peels? Wait, will I actually still have skin after this?”

“Hey! Trust the process,” you laughed and bopped him in the forehead with the cotton pad.

And yet again, that little fantasy sneaks up on you from your subconscious. A life where you can treat and love your boyfriend like this. A life where you hear his laughter more often than his weeping. A life where he smiles more than he wears that stoic glower he has all the time. The way he melts and relaxes under your touch is something that is so special to you. You wished you could do it for him more often.

“Okay now I’m gonna use some niacinamide for any discoloration you have,” you say as you drop some serum on his face

“Do I have discolora—” he gasped, “That stuff is cold!”

“Relax you baby, and no you don’t because life is very unfair,” you felt him chuckle as you began massaging the product into his face. His skin was soft under your gentle hands and you could feel his breathing slowing as he let himself ease into your touch. It felt nice to take your time and love him like this. Life is always so fast and intense for Aki. He deserved to have these slow and soft moments.

You tapped his face gently, "Time for eye patches, like the ones I had earlier.”

“What are they for?”

“The ones I’m gonna put on you are just hydrating with a little bet of retinol for any fine lines. And while those sit I’ll tweeze your brows and depuff your face with a face roller!” you say as you crack open the patches.

“And you do this every night??” Aki asked.

“Oh god no, this is like the relaxation treatment I do when I get a day when I finally have nothing to do. I wish I had the time and energy to do this every day,” you joked. “Okay eye patches are on! Now sit up, because I don’t trust myself to not fuck up your eye brows while you’re upside down.”

“Yeah, I don’t think I trust you either,” he grunted as he sat up.

Once he was right side up, you began to position yourself sat in front of him but you yelp when he pulls you into his lap by surprise. You felt your heart speed up a bit when you felt his groin press into yours and his hands settled on your hips. You stutter, “woaHA-Aki! Uhm, am I..” you swallowed, “Uhm— are you comfortable?”

“I feel just fine,” He said in an innocent tone, but the look in his eyes said otherwise. Aki loved to pick on you like this. It’s rare that you stumble or get flustered out in the field or with all your friends, and he thinks you’re so cute when you’re a little worked up, “Are you comfortable, y/n?”

“You think you’re so funny, huh?” you asked.

Fine, two can play that game.

You grabbed his face and pulled him towards your lips. The way his mouth instantly opened for your tongue turned you on even more and you rolled your hips into his. The groan he made was so sexual it made you shiver. Your favorite thing about loving Aki is the way it feels like he savors every touch you two share. Every time his mouth and tongue move against yours, it made you feel loved and wanted. Though he always gives you that feeling no matter what he did.

His grip on your hips tighten as you ran your fingers through his hair. You smiled into the kiss as you felt him get harder underneath you when you pulled on it. Gotcha.

You slow the momentum and then give him one last sweet kiss, “Okay, time to start on your brows!”

He had a buffering look on his face as he realized what you meant, “W-wait, c’mon— That’s not fair!”

You began to work, “I don’t understand what you mean? Thought we were just being silly? Just playing? Joshing around if you w—”

“Alright missy, you’ve made your point, very funny ha ha now finish up my face.” But his smile gave away what his tone tried to hide.

And so, for the next few minutes you hummed some song stuck in your head while Aki occasionally hissed as you tweezed.

“Okay all done!” You said as you plucked the last hair.

“So? How do I look?”

“Well, not everyone’s can look as good as mine but you’re definitely doing better than before!” you giggled as you handed him a mirror.

“Very funny,” he looked at his brows, “Oh woah, they look super clean.”

“The power of facial grooming. I’m gonna finish you off with some moisturizer and your skin will be free of toxins.”

“What toxins?”

“I don’t know, ask the influencers, because apparently our bodies are full of them,” you said, applying the cream to his face as he chuckled. And yet again, you wished life was a little bit different.

Aki, on the other hand, loves spending time with you. He would do almost anything if it made you happy, and didn’t think about why until recently. You had this weird ability to make it seem like everything was going to be okay. He wants to keep having these moments with you to help drown out the sounds of everything else in his life. Aki realized, up until now, he was just surviving through whatever life threw at him, but with you he wants to actually live through it. He wants to take you out and enjoy the evening. Actually cook and taste good food, not just tolerate whatever gave him enough to keep going. He doesn’t have to just put up with the people in his life. Maybe... and just maybe... Aki can actually love and care for someone again.

He knows this line of work is going to kill him in a few years, and that Aki has goals that he just can't give up on. He doesn’t even think he deserves to live a good life with you, truthfully. Yet he’s decided to be selfish and try to have it anyways

He snaps out of his thoughts, “What are you craving for dinner?”

“Pork onigiri?”

“Pork onigiri you will have,” he leaned in for a kiss and said, “I love you very much. Thank you for always taking care of me, beautiful girl” he kissed you again.

You pulled away, “Of course. I’ll always take care of you; I love you too.”

He gave you one last peck before getting up and walking to the kitchen for dinner.

[rorygilmoreclown]

Cunk on Ketterdam (pt.2)

Nikolai x Cunk

A/n: took me months didn't this. I also just know that Nikolai would most likely end up broke and in dept in monopoly (just like Ravka)

Word count: 700 something

Cunk: I've been told that you are the king of Ravka and hence I should ask you respectable questions only. I hope you know that I won't be sticking to that tale. I'm somewhat rebellious.

Nikolai: I didn't expect any less.

Cunk: So Nikolai, you are on the king level right? So what's next on the ranking? What's the next level?

Nikolai: There is no next level. This is it.

Cunk: That's a boring video game then isn't it. You should stop playing. But I suppose you have the side quest of trying to be a parakeet to keep you invested.

Nikolai: What? I'm not trying to be a parakeet?! I think you mean privateer.

Cunk: With all due respect, I know what I'm talking about, please don't kinsplain it to me. I also think that you are doing a horrible job at trying to be a parakeet. Okay, next question. They say 'all roads lead to Ravka,' but have you considered putting up some road signs just to be sure?

Nikolai: I don't know who they are but sure, I'll put up signs everywhere.

Cunk: Do you think you would add audio signs since your parakeet friends can't read?

Nikolai: I don't have any parakeet friends, and my privateer friends know how to read anyways.

Cunk: That's a bit sad innit? Anyways I've heard you've got quite the head for strategy. Have you ever considered applying your tactical genius to a game of Monopoly? Those battles can get brutal. I have to warn you.

Nikolai: (Already asking his staff to get it for him)

Cunk: If you were to throw a kingdom-wide party, what would be your go-to dance move? The 'Royal Rumba' or the 'Monarch Mambo'?

Nikolai: That's a clever one, i see what you did there. However I refuse to speak on the topics of my kingdom's hierarchical structure.

Cunk: Man, you are not the person I'd take to any party. So tell me Nikolai, being a king must come with a lot of perks. Do you get a 'royal discount' on those fancy robes, or do you just use coupons like the rest of us?

Nikolai: I actually had this tailor by my staff.

Cunk: You make being a king sound almost lavish. (Talking to her crew: Find me a place to establish my rule and become a king would you?)

Nikolai: I could just give you my tailor? Ruling a kingdom just for clothes would be expensive.

Cunk: Speaking about ruling the kingdom, they say 'behind every great king is a great advisor.' So, who's your go-to person for deciding which socks to wear?

Nikolai: Agastya Yu. That's my socks choosing staff. Cunk: Well, they are doing a good job. (Pointing to his seagull themed socks)

Cunk: If you were stranded on a deserted island with only one Grisha power, which one would it be? I hear controlling seagulls can be quite handy.

Nikolai: I'm not sure that that's an actual power, although being a squaller might have an advantage.

Cunk: Isn't that what I just said? Power of controlling the seagulls.

Nikolai: (Entertaining all the whimsicalness at this point) Yes ofcourse.

Cunk: Talking about your trauma, rumor has it that you've faced some pretty monstrous creatures. How do you handle them? I'm asking for a friend, Mark, he's so terrified of garden gnomes these days. Poor boy can't even go out on his lawn.

Nikolai: (He thinks he's clever by deflecting this one) Why does he have garden gnomes and how as well, if he's so scared of them?

Cunk: No one just has garden gnomes Nikolai. They appear on their own. (To the crew: Had he been living under a rock?)

Cunk: That's it, I'm giving you my presentation on humanity next week. Be ready. This boy clearly knows nothing about the real world now does he.

Stay tuned for the next interview with the famous chef inej ghafa.

[rowanclair]

Thoughts on the current state of social media for artists

A lot of people are currently pretty upset about the situation with Twitter, which is in itself an unfortunately unsurprising continuation of things that have been going on for some time that make social media a challenge to use as a platform for art.

It’s disheartening to me, too. I don’t have a huge following anywhere, but I’ve been able to gradually build up an audience on social platforms over the last few years that has reflected in an increase in income. Though relatively small in the grand scheme of things, it has nonetheless been a big deal for me and I’m very grateful to everyone who has followed or interacted with me.

But...  What I want to say to people is... please, please invest your time in learning ways to develop your career outside of social media.

I've seen many artists I follow despairing about the fact that if they lose their Twitter audience they will have nothing and don’t know what to do, and I get it, because it’s very difficult to figure out how you can get anywhere without it when that’s been your only way of reaching customers. 

And, yes, social media can be a great tool, it’s one of the main ways that people around the world connect with each other these days... but it should not be your sole base of operations. It is not the only solution for reaching people and creating income, and it’s often not even the best or easiest solution - it seems to have gained a reputation as the key to success with very little effort, but I do not think this is true and its importance is largely exaggerated. 

A recent workshop I watched from an established art agent said the same - it’s a good thing to have and use, but you are not required to have a following on it to flourish as an artist and achieve stability. 

Build connections with people through methods and communities that YOU have control over, not whoever runs a social media site and whatever algorithm it uses. This is exactly why I started up an email newsletter recently.

Do research, learn from each other. Learn new skills, or new ways to use your skills. Look into local art shows, galleries and organisations, agencies, art licensing, publishing, design, advertising... Create new opportunities for yourself. Even things that traditionally involve a direct communication between you and someone else like offering commissions, education & coaching or creating assets and resources for others do not have to depend on your social media following. 

I have disabilities that hinder me from going about jobs and work in the ways many people can, but over the last few years focusing on the bigger picture has given me a far more solid groundwork, better skills, more meaningful connections and more hope for the future than posting on Twitter or Instagram has. It does take time and effort, but if you’re struggling with social media right now please don’t let it consume you, and look elsewhere.

[poorlittleyaoyao]

I don't know if you know, but the irony of wnxg is that they don't share with each others past experiences. It's not extremely important, but sharing is part of a relationship?? It's lxc who says to wwx about how lwj suffered for their mother's death; it's always lxc who reveals to wwx how lwj got 33 strikes. Instead, not having others, lwj doesn't know nothing about wwx past, only few rumors. It's me, I am boring, but sharing things with your partner, is important?? How are they gonna comunicate with lxc in seclusion?

Obv that's my opinion and mxtx did do a great job! I am still there, two years after, screaming about jl, jc, wq and jgy! She had a lot of plot, so maybe she couldn’t explore the romance properly!

This is a good point that I hadn't considered! It made me reflect on how much characters reveal in general about their own stories outside of undergoing Empathy, and the answer is... not many! JGY notably reveals his own experiences under duress at Guanyin Temple, but he still doesn't talk about his life prior to being kicked down the stairs in any detail; the flashback showing his and MS's abuse in the brothel comes via WWX doing Empathy with Anxin's ghost. Other than that, all the major revelations one character are told by someone else. Off the top of my head, we have WN (and not WWX) revealing the core transfer, LXC (and not MY) revealing that MY was a double agent, and Bicao (and not Madame Qin, QS, or JGY) revealing that JGY and QS were half-siblings. And even the subjects of Empathy aren't telling their stories so much as letting WWX come along for a ride in their memories.

So on the one hand, this is an established trend in the novel. On the other hand, given the sheer amount of TIME we spend on Wangxian Romance Content, it's quite strange that our two leads tell each other so little about themselves! I would find Wangxian much more interesting if they replaced even just some of the repetitive "one character initiates physical intimacy when the other character won't remember it later" scenes with actual conversations about their experiences and who they are as people. It hits LWJ especially hard, I think, because at least we as an audience know what's going on with WWX since he's our viewpoint character. For LWJ, we're dependent on what WWX knows or observes, which is deliberately lacking.

I disagree that MXTX simply didn't have time/space to fit that in alongside everything else, because CQL manages to do silly hijinks and personal revelations in THE SAME SCENE. Episode 6 opens with LWJ catching the One Braincell Trio drinking together. WWX makes LWJ drink wine, and we get a mini version of goofy Drunji shenanigans... but WWX also learns about the Lan forehead ribbons (which will be relevant later in the same episode), and LWJ and WWX learn that both have lost their parents. LWJ doesn't elaborate beyond "I don't have a mother," but his sad, faraway little face makes plain how keenly he feels about it. WWX notices, and he confesses to LWJ that he can barely remember his parents beyond the fragmented memory of riding a donkey. (He also tells him about the dogs!)

It's a lovely little moment, and it's what first had me going "aww🥺" about the two of them. (Still does, honestly! I know I'm salty on here a lot, but I genuinely do love Drama Wangxian when I'm actively watching the show and am away from fandom; I only wish they'd been able to be expressly romantic with it.) I was definitely entertained by them speedrunning fanfic tropes in the Cloud Recesses episodes, but I would have tired of them if that was all their interactions were. That tiny bit of genuine bonding is what made me interested in learning more about them both and invested in seeing how their relationship developed.

And the entire sequence is just 5 minutes out of one 45-minute episode! It doesn't take much, and the written equivalent was something I sorely missed in the two volumes of the novel I read.

[jabbasyogainstructor]

Hello friend!

Thanks to all your posts I finally started watching The Acolyte. I’m halfway through and I’m having a great time.

I just got to the end of episode 4, the scene where Mae’s master appears out of nowhere. It’s so creepy! Obviously I know who it is at this point but that does not reduce the tension in any way. Mae is terrified of him and her newfound resolve to prioritize Osha is wiped away by his arrival. And then we see why when he swats away a whole group of Jedi.

I also just liked it right away. I get so bored when movies or TV start off with an action scene, because how am I supposed to care about what’s going on. But! Mae walked into a bar and exchanged a few words with her target that had me immediately emotionally invested.

The scene establishes that Mae is trying to prove herself (first job after graduation vibe) and that she has a personal history with the Jedi she’s targeting (also was not expecting Carrie-Anne Moss!!). I also got the feeling the Jedi knew exactly why she was being targeted and that it is probably justified. With a few words. Apparently it’s that simple? Why doesn’t everyone do this??

I am already heartbroken that Mae and Osha seem to have completely different understandings of how and why their family died, and I’m dying to know what happened.

Anyway. Time for episode 5!

I’m glad you like it! Enjoy!

[art-of-manliness]

What to Do If You Get a Sudden Financial Windfall

A loved one dies, and you receive a substantial inheritance. You sell your business for a hefty price. Maybe you even win the lottery. Great news, right? Well, it certainly can be. But suddenly coming into money can also be a problem you never thought would be a problem.  We’ve all heard stories of lottery winners who end up bankrupt or families who inherit a lot of money only to find themselves back in debt a few years later. What causes people to squander a financial windfall?  When it comes to dealing with this situation, AoM podcast guest and behavioral finance expert Daniel Crosby recommends the book Sudden Money by financial advisor Susan Bradley. According to Bradley, people bungle receiving a financial windfall for two big reasons. The first is that emotions cloud people’s thinking, leading to poor decision-making.   If you inherit some money, you might be dealing with guilt and grief, which may cause you to unwisely give your money away as quickly as possible.  If your windfall came from selling a business that you spent years of your life building, you might feel depressed due to losing your sense of purpose and be tempted to spend your way out of your funk. Besides dealing with the emotions that can accompany coming into a lot of money quickly, the other pitfall of sudden wealth is not knowing how to manage that much money.  If you’ve made $75,000 a year for most of your career and suddenly inherit $300,000 after the death of your parents, you might not know what to do with such a large lump sum. Where do you put it? How do you invest it? What sort of taxes do you have to worry about? Below, we offer some expert-backed advice on how to manage a financial windfall so that it remains a blessing rather than a curse.  Create a No-Decision Zone As soon as you get a financial windfall, you’ll be tempted to start spending it immediately. Many people will also give you ideas about what you should do with your newfound money.  But these immediate decisions are typically based on fleeting emotions that can steer you the wrong way.  In Sudden Wealth: Blessing or Burden?, authors David Rust and Shane Moore highlight a family that won the lottery. Feeling over-the-moon happy, they quit their jobs and immediately bought cruise tickets for 72 (72!) of their family members, friends, and acquaintances. It wasn’t until they returned from their cruise that they realized that the money they won wouldn’t last as long as they thought it would and that they’d soon be running out of financial runway.  In her book, Susan Bradley highlights individuals who made similar impulsive decisions after getting a windfall. For example, when one man unexpectedly came into some money, he immediately decided to relocate. While the move was to a nice locale, in the process he cut himself off from friends and family. He ended up like Daniel Plainview in There Will Be Blood — a bitter recluse in a gilded cage. To avoid making emotionally-driven financial decisions concerning your windfall, Bradley recommends creating a “No-Decision Zone.” During this time, you’ll park your money in a money market account and let it sit there untouched for months or even up to a year. The No-Decision Zone does several things.  First, it allows for any strong emotions you might be experiencing after getting the windfall to cool off so you can make better decisions.  Second, it gives you an excuse to deter ne’er-do-well relatives or acquaintances who might come knocking on your door to discuss “business opportunities” or ask for a “loan.” You can just tell them, “Sorry, I can’t do anything for you. I’m not making any decisions about this money right now.”  Third, it gives you time to establish goals and talk to a financial advisor about managing your financial windfall.  Your No-Decision Zone can last as long as you need it to. Don’t be in a rush to start using your money, and don’t let other people rush you. That’s how mistakes happen.  Find a Financial Advisor After you’ve put your… http://dlvr.it/T54W78

[melodyofthevoid]

the way y'all are handling ocean idiots is actually kind of inspiring me, because i have Ideas but i feel pressured to turn it into a whole blown Thing when all i want to do is just have fun with it, because every artist/writer/etc ive seen does it that way.

yall are the first people ive seen who are just trying to Vibe with your blorbos and it makes doing the same thing feel more achievable to me. god bless

PS larus is my favorite. love the little skrunkly bird man. also can i steal yalls powerpoint idea 🥺?

PSS i assume everyone else working on ocean idiots will see this bc yall are mutuals, but in the event that they dont, could you please forward this to them? because i want them to know that theyre indirectly inspiring a random person with their Just-For-Fun-Creation as well >< many thanks

Aw, anon this is incredibly sweet. I sent your message along to the others before I got around to this answer both because I wanted to make sure they saw it, and because I wanted to respond to this in a way that really reflects my gratitude.

It's honestly so tempting to start making ideas "a thing". I didn't really understand that until the last couple of years and let me tell you, there is a lot of pressure to do that. People like projects! They like updates! They love seeing the progression of a story and getting invested in that. I absolutely understand why people leave comments like "this should be a webtoon" or "you guys should make an animated series". In a perfect world, that'd be a dream! The temptation to do that and establish a base is also attractive because it can really form a base that gives numbers and comments, which artists of all stripes thrive on (myself very much included).

But what most people never really see is the downsides of that. From their perspective, a one episode animatic, a chapter or two of fic or few panels of a comic, isn't a lot. It's kinda disappointing, and I get that. For the creator though, there's any number of reasons that things fall apart. Personal differences with friends amplified by the stress of expectations. Creative burnout. Shutting down due to the sheer scope of the undertaking. These are all real, and it sucks to deal with.

For me personally, I know I do want to tackle trying to write more of ocean idiots, maybe even try to nanowrimo this shit (not in an actual month but you get the gist). But that's just me. If it bums me out or I put it to the side, then that's just my personal project to pick up later. If we tried to make it a series, then we'd deal with the stress of trying to keep up a schedule on top of lives (college, jobs, personal lives, etc). It'd take the joy out of these characters we love.

Some of the most fun I've had in the past few years I've been writing and creating has just been fucking around with my friends. Throwing silly au ideas back and forth and exchanging art and fics for no one but ourselves. There's a genuine satisfaction that comes from it.

Not everything has to be a big production. Artists don't make their magnum opus every time. They draw shitposts and write crackfic and make funny edits. It's healing to have something silly, something fun just for you, and to share it if you want. That can connect with people, great! But it can also just be for you. I could go on a whole tangent about social media and the commodification of attention/art but that's not really what we're here for.

I hope that whatever you create, anon, that it makes you happy. That it brings a little joy to your day. That you can have that thing you share with maybe just your closest friends to play with. Lord knows I need to remind myself of that too.

[outrunningthedark]

“Also, can I just be CLEAR that I don't think Marisol is the endgame as of right now? Showing up at the start of the season for whatever purpose doesn't mean she can't be gone by like, week five”

Sorry in advance because I’m not saying you absolutely said as fact she’s coming back but have we got confirmation she is yet? Or is this still just based on your assumption she’d be the one likely to come back (I just wanna make sure I didn’t like miss an announcement or something that’s all 😅😅)

Me personally I keep going back and forth on who it would be. Because N does at least have a little more “establishment” compared to M, and with so few episodes to waste for season 7 having that base ground already there might help…. However like you’ve said before, Eddie is the one between the two that typically is established as having their LI have nothing to do with the 118. So they could continue that trend. Or maybe Tim will just say we have 10 episodes let’s just pretend they were both fever dreams and are gone and *hand waving distraction* with a really cool big disaster lol.

No announcement yet! We're just waiting for filming to start at this point - possibly today (the 3rd) with holiday festivities officially in the rear view? Thank you for understanding that I've never said I have evidence or facts to back up Marisol being back at the beginning of the season. But it IS something I feel strongly about because of the things I've outlined regarding Buck and Eddie's individual histories and the fact that, honestly...I have no faith in ABC to "demand" the transphobe got the boot. Lest we forget that Cocoa remained employed despite her blatant homophobia? Or the fact that the big "worry" from Buddie fandom for a couple years was that Disney controlled *everything* and would tell 9-1-1 to tone down anything gay/say no to Buddie? But now that the show is actually on the network ran directly by Disney...the people above in rank are looking out for the LGBTQ+ community? How does that work? I totally get what you are saying about Natalia having the established "place" in Buck's life whereas Eddie was just getting to know Marisol, but I think that's what works in Marisol's favor? This was suggested to me by someone else and I think it's a great point: We can say Natalia is a poor fit because of her occupation, or because of how she reacted to Buck's chaotic life, or her thinking what he'd been through was "cool". But Marisol? What do we know about her? What's her job status besides a DIY-er? How does she feel about Eddie having a preteen? How does the 118 feel about her? Will we actually see Buck around her, unlike Ana? As I said in the post you referenced, she's not the endgame in my eyes, and it's because we know nothing. Is she the long term plan? Is she a placeholder just so Buck and Eddie aren't single at the same time again? My gut says it's more so the latter at the moment, at least for part of the season because a whole 10 episodes with NO movement is not gonna help the "allegations" nor will it allow the new(er) audience to become invested in the personal lives of the characters the way they will be for Bathena and Madney and Henren.

[adamwatchesmovies]

Here Comes the Boom (2012)

While I didn't enjoy this film, that doesn't mean you won't. No matter what I say, the people involved in this project did it: they actually made a movie. That's something to be applauded. With that established...

Just say “No” to Here Comes the Boom. This Happy Madison production isn’t as egregious as most but it tries so hard to wring emotions out of its audience there’s no dirty trick it won’t try. Every inch of it stinks of artificial sweetness and a mechanical heart beats at its core. This film desperately wants to be “Rocky” and never even comes close.

Disillusioned biology teacher Scott Voss (Kevin James) learns budget cutbacks will result in the music program being canceled. Its teacher, Marty Streb (Henry Winkler) desperately needs the job to support his pregnant wife. To raise the money needed to keep the program alive, Scott begins competing in mixed martial arts matches.

Take a look at Kevin James. Even when he’s “buff” like he is in this movie, you won’t believe for a second that he would even consider fighting to make money. Scott rides a motorcycle, which makes him cool. Normal viewers might categorize him as a loser teacher who sucks at his job but the movie tells you he’s got what it takes to not only inspire his kids but take care of the old man who’s about to go broke because of the kid that’s underway. If it isn't obvious enough, this is a thinly-veiled self-insert fantasy. At night, Scott teaches classes for people who want to get their U.S. citizenship, which movie-wise, serves double duty. It's an excuse to insert some gags at the expense of people whose first language isn’t English and explain why it’s ok for him to constantly harass Bella (Salma Hayek), the sexy teacher he pines for. By the end of the movie, you know she’s going to end up in his arms, which speaks to Hayek’s acting talent that she can keep a straight face while indulging Kevin James and director Frank Coraci.

Taking cues from the Sylvester Stallone classic, with a hint of School of Rock and none of the appeal of either film, I saw right through Here Comes the Boom. Maybe you won’t. Even if the story does bend you into the shape of a pretzel like it intends to, I bet you won’t swallow the sports portion of the movie. Scott begins his "career" with matches that barely last 10 seconds, in a venue where they’re probably also betting on which rooster will die first. Before the end of the school year, he's pitted against a professional fighter. It's pure science fiction. The script goes to great lengths to tell us how he used to wrestle in college, and there is a training montage where a former fighter (Bas Rutten as Niki) teaches him the moves… but this is a comedy. The MMA scenes are more about seeing Kevin James get kneed in the head than winning. A few scenes later, we're supposed to be dramatically invested in his big match. Impossible. Here Comes the Boom could’ve gone with something realistic; maybe Joe Rogan (playing himself) has a secret passion for playing the tuba and comes to rescue the school program after hearing what Scott is doing but nah, they had to go for the ultimate “winner” of an ending. It's an insult to your intelligence.

Here Comes the Boom has few laughs to offer. Its attempt at an inspirational story will make you roll your eyes. The moments of heart are not the least bit genuine. This leaves us with Kevin James, who might have some appeal to some… but not this reviewer. (On DVD, October 12, 2019)

[nyxqueenofshadows]

was busy and kinda forgot to make a post about it but i finished judgment last week!

had a slow start but by the halfway point i was fully invested and by the end i was like why is it over :((((( let me do it again :(((( great game, if you haven't played judgment, go do it

my notes, written in mostly chronological order. they're a bit of a mess but clearing them up would be a nightmare

most random thing to start off with but i really, really like the character intro cards and chapter title cards. sleek af, big fan

yagami combat’s fun. just like flipping over people’s heads and shit

kaito omg i see why everyone got so attached to him. also saori??? very pretty, she’s great, more of her please

i haven’t got used to the controls and combat yet :((( like i keep forgetting shortcuts are a thing and that i don’t have to hold the sprint button

okay i’m gonna admit it took me a while to get into it and occasionally it’ll still throw smth at me that i don’t enjoy at all but i’m here now! i’m having fun! i think it kind of has the kiwami problem where it has a bunch of stuff it has to establish so all the side content gets pushed later than some of the other games

the scene where sugiura steals yagami’s phone is so fucking funny to me he looks so offended asdfghj;kl

everyone’s kind of a dick? like the journalist is sleazy as all hell, then there’s hamura (hoo boy) and the detective guy don’t like him at all, bad vibes

yagami choke count +1

hamura oh my god i hope i get to punch this guy at some point like ‘here’s where you lose your eyes’ なーんてな that’s so fucked up

yagami choke count +3 jesus christ are the rgg team okay

higashi???? he’s the character i’m gonna get most attached to i can see it coming already. sugiura continues to be fun too, very funny to me that yagami’s reaction to bumping into him (the guy who stole his phone and was trying to throw him to the cops) is to offer him a job

it’s new playing an rgg protag who’s actually clever and quick. there’s akiyama, he’s kinda similar, but it’s kinda nice to have a character play the room in the same way yagami can, like when he gets kaito out of losing his finger. kiryu’s great don’t get me wrong but he tends to blunder his way through the plots of his games and he’s never a step ahead of anyone even when he’s acting as a guiding figure (a la 6). yagami’s refreshing

oh no one of the girls you can date is underage (or is she 18? she’s one year too young to drink) you’re kidding me yagami whyyyyy

chase sequence after the wig was hilarious 10/10 would do again << oh hey we did it again but this time with a young child, okay

sorry ayabe i think i misjudged you, keep doing what you’re doing

why is ryan fucking everywhere, i swear i’ve not had a street fight without him ever since finishing his friendship route. help it’s tanoshikatta de gozaru all the way down

intrigued by the crow and ‘jester’ plotline << why did this not get picked up again? did i miss smth?

VR minigame is okay, lots of flashy visual effects tho, it occasionally makes the game go all janky

kaito :(((( deciding not to fight red nose cos higashi was there and he didn’t want him to get hurt :(((

hamura during that flashback scene in the sewers....yikes. like that he essentially would’ve done the same thing twice (to the guy in the pink shirt before suigura comes to the rescue), he’s got an MO

also is the only requirement to be a yakuza protagonist to have a tragic af backstory and no parents, yagami’s is brutal! the most in the series, i’d argue (unless 7 is gonna hit me with the steel chair)

the side case with the cake and the ace attorney parody is cracking me up asdfghjkl i need to write that crossover or au or whatever i NEED

i love how surprised/offended yagami is when kaito not only throws him under the bus when shioya has them at gunpoint but then when kaito breaks free and shioya says to shoot him he’s just like eh? eh?????? asdfghjkl bro you’re about to get shot, get kicking

deus ex sugiura << he does this like 4 times, he’s the real mvp

ohhh skeletons in the closet. ha ha very funny guys (well, onto chapter 5)

nobody liked shintani at all did they, they’re saying mean shit about him even after he’s dead. guys it’s been a couple of hours at most! he even gets the sad/uplifting substory music during his scene asdfghjkl

sugiura really needled yagami about the okubo case, wonder why

the ghost/memory shintani when you arrive at ADDC was creepy, ngl. yagami are you okay

ohhh full flashback sequence, nice. slicked back hair yagami is really disconcerting at first (he goes from yagami to full on kimtak) but i’m used to him now i think

i forgot that emi’s last name was terasawa so when she turned up i was like oh is it? and then it was and now i’m sad. why, why did that happen i need to knowwwww

there’s a lot of names and different factions of people involved in this one, i think i might have to check the case file notes regularly on this one.

like, what does kuroiwa want, why is the director so adamant on the flow of information out of his company being under his control, how are the ministry of health connected to the kansai yakuza wanting to make inroads into kamurocho? what does it meannnnnn

keihin gang annoying. that’s it

the side/main story thing you do with kaito while waiting for sugiura to call and tell you what he knows about the addc, where kaito meets up with a guy he knew when he was younger, that was great. 10/10 character and relationship establishing content. do the fist bump guys

you briefly play as saori??????? okay! (positive) interesting to do what is essentially a very toned down version of the hostess minigame but from the other side. also the option to dress up saori in outfits that characters wore in kiwami 2 is really weird. OH and that saori can’t be pretty without a makeover, like no, she’s very pretty. glad there’s no penalty for keeping her natural hair cos i DID

all these K names are killing me, so there’s kejihara (run by the man himself) who have sway over the kyorei clan who are trying to get in with minister kazami. plus the ceo of the addc is called kido, and there’s kuroiwa in the mix too, never mind kaito (tho he’s special, he’s okay). i know in jp these are all written very differently but did rgg my guys did you have no other syllables to go for?? there’s a good few ‘ha-’ names too, hattori, hamura, hashiki...

i don’t think matsugane oyassan is earning any of dad of the year awards. he’s trying tho, i’ll give him that. genda tho, now there’s a man i can get behind

higashi really levelled up for his second boss fight god damn

someone explain to me how they did the hair for the tashiro-kun disguise, with all the gold and shit. like, that’s clearly not a wig, right? i know it’s just there for convenience and the laughs but come on! (also kimtaku basically has that haircut now so it was really jarring asdfghjkl)

every time i see hoshino with his enormous backpack i can’t help but think he’s a kid going to school for the first time, i think it’s the suit looking like a uniform (plus how he looks generally). same for the boy twin (yosuke? what was it again) cos he’s so short compared to yagami and most of the people around him. (saying this as someone who is basically yosuke’s height)

plot mandated poker nooooooo (oh you don’t have to win PHEW)

i neglected the side content and now i’m drowning in it oh no asdfghjkl i haven’t even touched the drone racing yet

that meeting with okubo is rough. (positive)

oh we’re really in it now folks, people are throwing around theories like it’s nothing! i sort of get how they arrive at the conclusion it was shono but it also kind of feels like they pulled it out of nowhere? the bit with kaito where he happens upon an answer mid-argument was fun but everything before that just felt kinda like vague spitballing.

wait who’s this dick with the sword cane??? hamura must be really upset if this is the guy he’s bringing out (also why is hoshino-kun there, genda’s office is on literally the other side of town)

we’re just waltzing in the front door of the addc??? okay! oh wait no that didn’t work did it asdfghjkl for someone who says it’s his hobby he sure keeps that special electric baton (kamiyama special?) on him during his work hours

shono interrogation was good, even if the mechanics of the chase sequence thingy before it weren’t so much (this is like that one bit from 0 all over again, but making even less sense)

alright chapter 10 let’s GO

chapters 10 and 11 go so hard AHHHHHH after him playfully ribbing you while you’re going around trying to attract attention, kaito getting shot physically hurt me and then yagami’s face when he has to leave him is even worse, then there’s the very very long boss fight sequence where you fight cane man (who is fruity af for no reason, good for him) a bunch and those are all fun fights except the one in the dark and then the hamura fight!!! the QTE for that fight is so cool, i’ve seen it a few times even before playing it and it never gets old and is a completely different feeling when it’s you at the controller.

pacing falters a bit when you get the long exposition bit of how hamura got involved in the mole shit but it was all interesting so i didn’t mind too much. plus seeing hamura in the flashback and how he interacts with people outside of the main cast was fun

ALSO yagami was totally ready to let shioya physically torture hamura for info (i assume, maybe he was bluffing) and my guy that’s a crime you can’t be doing this shit and then standing in court

and the mole’s kuroiwa!!! i kinda knew that going in but part of me was still convinced it was gonna be hattori the whole time. his entrance and fight scene is so cool tho, i can’t wait to fight him for real!

AND matsugane-san... the line about him failing as oyaji and then trying to make it right as oya was really good, and it being the catalyst for hamura to come clean even in the face of his own death (he’s not suriving this game, no way) was nice. who’s gonna tell kaito :(((

my one gripe is murase’s death scene it’s so out of nowhere that it kind of comes across as funny which is unfortunate asdfghjkl OH and why’s mafuyu there when kuroiwa shows up to take yagami in for questioning, did yagami call her or smth off-screen

also when you get back to kamurocho after all that and yagami’s like ‘i’m exhausted, i just wanna crash’ (fair, he’s had one hell of a rough night) guess who fucking texts me. KIM PLEASE FIX THE KEIHIN ON YOUR OWN MAN yagami’s solving government corruption i think he deserves a break from being harrassed inthe street constantly asdfghjkl

cane man has an identical twin??? why are there so many twins in this game, did you have so few character models at your disposal

idk if yagami telling all these people who the mole is is a great idea, like, even just the suggestion of who it might be got shintani killed in a heartbeat. does he really think mafuyu or ayabe are gonna be okay after this?

oh we’re playing as saori again, neat. tho there’s some uh questionable choices in this section... ig they’re going for a ‘this is what it’s like to be a woman seen as a sexual object all the time’ but by sexualising her during those sections it falls completely flat. ah well. not sure what i expected tbh. ganbatte hoshino-kun

ALSO during that bit saori is like ‘flirt for me i’ve never had experience seducing men’ (specifically men, in both the subtitles and original jp dialogue) and yagami AT NO POINT is like ‘neither have i’. bi and lesbian solidarity!

torture pt 2 asdfghjkl love that the actual no criminal background yagami is more morally grey than actual criminal kiryu (or, well, he acts on it more? idk they feel different about it)

sugiura being that pissed off at kido tho, what did he do to you man? spill your secrets

tailing mission for ishimatsu ughhhhh the only one i’ve had problems with, mostly cos we’re going in circles

experience inside of the love hotel: this place is super creepy, they did not need to make it this creepy- ooh vibrator weapon i’ll be taking that asdfghjkl

ohh that’s why sugiura was being so hard on yagami. all those comments about the death penalty and the anger towards kido make sense now. could’ve done with a bit more foreshadowing for him imho (it’s not like it comes out of nowhere but it needed a bit more for it to be impactful maybe? or maybe it needed a proper cutscene, not the in-engine ones). his little ‘chigau?’ to yagami after his rant about how the chief prosecutor covered up the murders for the sake of a maybe future right in front of him is sooo good, excellent bit of character performance.

wanna know where he pulled the name sugiura from tho ngl

higashi reaching for kaito after kuroiwa has just beat the shit out of them :(((

i’m in the finale??? oh shit. i’ve still not touched the drone minigame oops

the substory where the guy is gonna kill himself cos he thinks girlfriend is cheating on him is a kind of a mess in the way these substories always are in rgg games but the bit where he jumps off the roof and it says fall in love on the back of his jacket and yagami’s like :o really got me ngl reminded me of the old school revelations a bit

the guy from the opening came back! good for him (twice!)

i love this cast, i love how they bounce off each other, it feels like it’s hitting all the beats 6 missed in its banter and far far surpassing them.

i got the glitch where the heat action happens and the camera doesn’t do what it’s supposed to! asdfghjkl very funny seeing yagami slam a guy into the ground twice with a teleport in between

I FINISHED IT holy shit that last section is so fun to play through. all the boss fights (aka kuroiwa x3 asdfghjkl) are great, the QTEs are creative and just really fucking cool, and the pay off for the trial was absolutely worth it. and bits of it made me laugh! sugiura being like ‘bengoshi yoroshiku!’ right as he kicks a cop in the face is GOLD and there’s so many moments like that.

it’s occurred to me before but it really struck me in the finale just how many people supporting him yagami has and how he’s so comfortable relying on them, mainly compared to kiryu. like, 6 (which has a similar friend structure tho less based around it) never felt like a lonely game when i was playing it but compared to judgment? night and day. fuck, i wanna play it again just to hang out with the characters again and i’ve only just finished it

also random thing but the ending credits are really good? like the slice of life stuff of kaito and yagami trying to find the cat and it evading them a few times, like even with no dialogue they conveyed so much in that one bit. need more end credits like this

actually thinking about it yagami leaving shono to look after sugiura after he got shot was kind of fucked up? i know it was a ride or die kind of situation but bro! he killed sugiura’s sister! how do you think sugiura feels about this!

drone minigame was okay, feels like a mix of pocket circuit and the taxi minigame. did i do well? no. am i gonna invest many hours into this? also no, but i see how i could.

mad that i need to do both mahjong and poker to access bits of the side content so i’m just not gonna!

[douchebagbrainwaves]

AND THERE IS NOTHING TO SEE OUTSIDE

In particular, it will rot your brain. There will always be expensive, because the light is better there.1 What students lack in experience they more than make up in dedication. Companies of all sizes have a hard time getting software done. I remember from it, you probably never will. Whereas if you're determined to stick around, you'll probably grow, your price will go up, and the answer is yes, they say Great, we'll send you a hand-written note after you buy a custom-made car, something will always be to get a job.2 One reason, obviously, is to work for Google instead because he thought he'd learn more there. Mostly we create wealth for other people you have, the more it has to be given to them. This is easy advice to give. Most investors know this m.

For as long as you leave open the option of getting rich translates into buying Ferraris, or being admired. Instead of taking money from the rich. Or more precisely, preorders has helped a lot.3 If you build something popular is that you shouldn't relax just because you have no visible competitors yet. You could also rob banks, or solicit bribes, or establish a monopoly. Which is exactly how I'd describe the way lions seem in the wild must feel better to a wide-ranging predator like a lion. But after the habit of thinking of software as having users.4 But you only have a small number of expensive ones. It is.5 For example, Ben Silbermann noticed that a lot of things that go wrong when kids grow up sufficiently poor. Workers were for these companies what servers are for an Internet startup.

But the Collison brothers weren't going to wait. And they will. I realized I'd been holding two ideas in my head that would explode if combined. The owner wanted the student to pay for subscriptions. One of the advantages of having kids is that when you have to do at the start is to recruit users, and all users care about is whether your product does what they want by themselves. The thing I probably repeat most is this recipe for a startup: get a job doing B, and then either by taxation or by limiting what they can charge to confiscate whatever you deem to be surplus. The arrival of crowdfunding or more precisely, will either fit in one car—or more precisely, preorders has helped a lot. If they take you up, no competitor can keep you down. The acceleration of productivity we see in Silicon Valley has been happening for thousands of years, I'll bet on the curve. But though other fields may share it, I think we're better off attacking one step downstream, where wealth turns into power. But the evidence of the last 200 years shows that it doesn't even seem like the most important quality in a startup, there's always one right there.6

Such labels may help writers too. In fact, why go to college at all? I desperately needed on stuff that I didn't have to worry about money. I interviewed Mark Zuckerberg at Startup School, he said that while it was a college town out in the countryside.7 They could have chosen any machine to make into a star.8 But one thing that falls just short of the standard, I think, is worry about the increasing gap between rich and poor evaporate. The reason I say short-term greed, the labels and studios have put themselves in the position of the food shop. So investors who won't invest unilaterally will have lower returns. But one thing that might work is to ask whether the ideas represent some kind of external test you can use this information in a way that's incompatible with this curve. But liking the idea of inhabiting a world ruled by intelligence.9

Imagine how depressing the world would be if it were merely a fan we were studying, without all the extra baggage that comes from the controversial topic of wealth, no one can make you do it unconsciously. One of the mistakes novice pilots make is overcontrolling the aircraft: applying corrections too vigorously, so the line gets drawn at code.10 This seems an inevitable consequence of bigness. Basketball players make about 128 times as much land in a day as he could with a team of horses. And if you don't make much from it, you probably never will. The founders of Kiko, for example, will cheerfully work 20-hour days to produce the Apple computer for a society that confiscates private fortunes. Another thing you can say things you wouldn't say, you'll hear the clank as it hits the page. For example, thinking about getting involved with someone—as a cofounder, ask if they are.

Back when he was 19. So eliminating economic inequality means taking money from the rich turns out to be really tough than the quiet ones. Someone who's figured that out will automatically focus more on the user. Instead of starting from companies and working back to the root causes. Later when things blow up they say I knew there was something off about him, but I don't see how we could replace founders. He didn't stay long, but he wouldn't have returned at all if he'd realized Microsoft was going to be slightly influenced by prestige, so if the two seem equal to you, you may as well play it safe. This is an excellent strategy for making the poor richer. I learned to keep a company as small as it can be extended by users. I find myself saying a lot is don't worry.

Notes

He had equity. But should you do it is possible to make people use common sense when intepreting it. Startups Condense in America consider acting white.

I think investors currently err too far on the group's accumulated knowledge.

It's more in the old one. Turn on rice cooker and forget about it wrong in How to Make Wealth when I switch person.

The history of the iPhone too, of course, Feynman and Diogenes were from adjacent traditions, but the returns come from going to have this second self keep a journal. The French Laundry in Napa Valley. Which in turn means the slowdown that comes from ads on other sites.

Which implies a surprising but apparently unimportant, like movie stars' birthdays, or some vague thing like that, in virtue of Aristotle's immediate successors may have been lured into this sort of work is not really a lie because it's a significant startup hub. If a bunch of actual adults suddenly found themselves trapped in high school is rounding error compared to adults.

Fortuna! No one wants to the code you write for your pitch to evolve as e.

This is why, when I was writing this. If idea clashes became common enough, even thinking requires control of scarce resources, political deal-making power. If you actually started acting like adults, it could change what you're doing is almost pure discovery.

They'd be interchangeable if markets stood still. Html.

But that's not art because it reads as a monitor.

A knowledge of human nature is certainly more efficient.

[turtletaubwrites]

Numbers Game ~ Part 1

You Won’t Be Bored With Us

Thank you @discordantwritings for this request! I've been so excited to write some Cross Guild shenanigans, I hope you enjoy it! Also, this will be part 1 because I did turn it into a whole ass thing, lol. Just a miniseries, I swear!

Pairings: Cross Guild x Fem!Reader (Eventual smut, but not this chapter. Reader is in a relationship with Buggy first, then meets the others in this chapter.)

Numbers Game Masterlist

Word Count: 2863

Ao3 Link

Ongoing Series Playlist: Youtube Music Link | Youtube Link

Summary: You left your stable/boring life as an investment banker to have some adventure. Unfortunately, that sweet Warlord of the Sea didn't follow your financial advice, and now you and your clown are at the mercy of his biggest lender and his new business partner.

Rating/Warnings: Eventual Smut, 18+, MDNI, AFAB!Reader, She/Her Pronouns for Reader, Reader-Insert, Alcohol, Swearing, Angst, Established Relationship, Canon Typical Violence, Manipulation, mention/brief threat of slavery, Humiliation, Blood and Violence, Pet names, Power Imbalance, Crocodile is a villain

A/N: The reader starts out with Buggy, so Crocodile and Mihawk will be enemies to the reader at first. Crocodile in particular is a VILLAIN toward the reader at first, threatening violence and there's a mention of paying off debts by selling Buggy and reader into slavery, as he threatened in the anime. Please do not read this if toxic, threatening relationships are triggering for you. Dynamics will shift after the initial chapters, but he's still a villain and I wrote him that way in this fic. It's very much dark romance style/bad guys need love too/Mafia boss type vibe.

Fuck, my sister was right. 

“Hurry it up, Y/N, it’s time to go!”

“But, Captain Buggy,” you matched his near frantic whisper, “Your crew are calling for you. Don’t you need to give them orders?”

“Fine, fine! Just keep packing!”

You barely heard the commands and lies that he spewed from the balcony, your hands shaking as your mistakes blared through your mind.

You’d been so bored. You had a good, stable life. You were great at your job. You’d started at a bank, and soon you were managing investments for wealthy clients who didn’t want to do their own work to stay wealthy.

You were so good with numbers. So good at helping your clients make smart, safe choices.

Yet here you were, about to get killed by the fucking Navy because you’d wanted a little adventure.

The screams started getting louder, and you heard what had to be explosions, luckily not close by. Yet. 

Kat told me this clown would get me killed.

Tears burned in your eyes as you pictured your sister’s face, pinched with worry and shock.

“He works for the government now! I’m going to help run his organization, I’ll handle the finances, and his mercenaries will help the Navy out.”

“Are you fucking insane? He’s a Warlord! Not some Navy officer,” Kat almost yelled, face red as she leaned toward you.

“I… He’s different, okay. He’s really sweet,” you mumbled, looking down as your fingers twisted in your lap.

“Oh my fucking gods, Y/N, did you fuck that clown? What has gotten into you?”

You didn’t know what you were grabbing and packing, tears streaming freely now.

“Captain! The warships around the island are getting attacked!”

“Who’s helping us,” Buggy screamed, and the confusion and hope in his voice made you drop everything.

Racing to the balcony, you were just in time to watch two Navy warships go down in flames.

Desperate hope filled you now, and you reached for his hand.

He pulled away as news of who your savior was came closer, shouts of triumph sending chills through you, freezing Buggy in place.

“It’s Crocodile! He really does work for Chairman Buggy! We’re saved!”

Crocodile. Crocodile!

All those berries, drained away with Buggy’s antics. All those berries that you were technically supposed to be in charge of. 

All of it was Crocodile’s.

“Buggy, Buggy, please. Where can we hide?”

He turned at your hoarse whisper, his mouth hanging wide in shock.

“Buggy!”

“We don’t have the money to pay him. He’s gonna kill me!”

His strained voice grated your nerves as you pulled on his hand, dragging him away from the balcony, and the adoring eyes of his henchmen.

He was near babbling as you pulled him along, searching for anywhere to hide. 

A frustrated sob left your throat as you remembered what you’d been feeling recently, even with his idiotic spending, and refusal to listen to your words of reason.

I thought I was falling for him.

But the sight of him falling apart now, not only failing to protect you, but even himself, was making you regret every single moment.

Your heart felt raw, burning more with each yank on his hand, especially since his hand was only connected to that fucking pouch he likes to wear.

Then that hand was torn away from yours, Buggy’s yelp making you jump. 

Buggy went flying over your head, sliding down the hallway with a grunt. 

Before you could turn around, you were encased in someone's shadow. You shook as you felt the heat of a body, inches from you. The first thing you saw was the glinting gold of a massive hook, then you had to crane your neck. 

Towering above you was a man in lavish clothes, a purple vest with an orange scarf, and a fur coat. He seemed to be ignoring you, his cigar dangerously close to dropping ash onto your hair.

You felt like prey, like a rabbit. Shivering in fear, just waiting for the wolf to walk away or devour you.

“I know you,” he directed at Buggy, his deep voice rumbling through you. “I thought you’d try to flee without paying me back.”

I’m so close to him. How can he tell I’m so weak? If I had a weapon I could try to hurt him.

As if he could read your thoughts, Crocodile looked down at you, tapping his cigar off to the side before the ashes fell. 

“I don’t know you.”

Your mouth gaped open as you stared into his cold, scarred face.

“Well, you see, Crocodile,” Buggy started bullshitting, moving closer. “Buggy’s Delivery Service may look like it’s doing well, but we’ve, uh… We’ve lost a lot of our big earners, and…”

Buggy trailed on, spouting excuses that made you want to scream at him, until you felt his hand grip the back of your shirt. 

He slowly pulled you backward, away from Crocodile. New tears fell as your pathetic clown tried to shift his body in front of yours, shielding you.

He was too late.

The sting of cold metal wrapped around your neck as Crocodile’s hook captured you, like the prey you were.

He yanked you up, until your toes were barely scraping along the ground as he looked you over.

“If you can’t pay, clown, we can sell you into slavery. I wonder how much your woman is worth.”

“Come on, Crocodile,” Buggy drawled, inching closer again. “Don’t say such horrible things! We broke out of Impel Down together, didn’t we?”

“I lent you money for that sake,” he countered calmly, before looming over Buggy with even more danger edging his voice. “But if you can’t pay, you’ll have to take full responsibility.”

“Responsibility,” Buggy choked out, eyes flicking to you when you gasped from Crocodile's movements.

“I’m gonna found a new company, so I need money now.”

You could see the frantic wheels spinning in Buggy’s head before he puffed himself up, making his body look huge as he spread his limbs out in the red fabric.

“Then, let me help you with that business! This former Warlord of the Sea will serve under you. I’ll work off my debt! We have great resources!”

You brought your hands up to hold onto the hook as Crocodile lifted you even higher. You couldn’t tell if he was doing it on purpose, or if he had just forgotten that he was holding you there. You watched Buggy try to sell the plan, try to save you both. 

“We have advertising design, printing, transportation, and the finest financial adviser on the seas.”

Buggy emphasized the last with jazz hands shaking wildly in your direction, and you cringed.

Crocodile hummed, setting you on the ground in front of him, but still tugging on your neck with that cold metal as he looked you over. You let out a breath when he released your neck, but then the sharp point of the hook traced teasingly on your cheek, stopping your breath entirely.

“W-Wait, come on, Croc. We’re pals! You don’t need to–”

“If you’re in charge of the finances,” Crocodile breathed down on you, ignoring Buggy’s pleas, “then it’s your fault that all my money is gone, isn’t it?”

You started to shake your head, but the cold prick of metal held you frozen.

“No, it wasn’t her fault,” Buggy almost yelled, voice missing its chummy tone now. “Please, we didn’t– I didn’t follow her advice. Tell him baby, you’ve got all those plans you made, right? The investments?”

Your eyes clenched shut, a wave of tears cascading down as he defended you.

“Is that true, girl? Did you try to keep this idiot from wasting all my money?”

His breath was hot on your face as he leaned over you. Your lip quivered as you waited for him to open his jaws, and swallow you whole.

“Tell me.”

“I… I created a plan to manage those funds, using much of them to invest and create reciprocal income for the organization.”

His eyes burned into you, silently demanding more.

“Unfortunately, I was not able to go forward with those plans,” you said weakly, eyes looking down, seeking freedom from his glare.

“I wonder why that could be, hmm?” 

He brought his hand to your face now, huge fingers gripping your chin to force your eyes back to his.

“Tell me why all of my money is gone. You are the financial advisor, aren’t you? Should I bleed the berries out of you?”

“No, I’m sorry,” you stuttered, eyes fluttering down again until his grip on your face became painful.

“It’s okay, baby,” you heard whispered behind you.

“Ca-Captain Buggy did not follow the financial plans that I laid out for him, or my recommendations to adjust spending when funds became low.”

Crocodile’s lip twitched up, and he released you, making you stumble.

He reached for Buggy, hitting him again until he slid across the floor.

“No, please!”

“Why are you crying for this potato sack? He nearly got you killed.”

The menacing man sighed as you failed to speak, then grabbed Buggy by the hair.

“Don’t worry, we’re not killing him yet. Go get your paperwork, I wanna see if you really are a numbers girl.”

Shame flooded you as you nodded, doing nothing as Buggy was dragged away like trash. 

There’s nothing I can do. Numbers, money, that’s all I’m good at. 

Taking a deep breath, you reminded yourself that you are really good at that. And maybe that skill could help you get out of here alive. 

Maybe I can help Buggy after all. 

~ 

That sliver of hope vanished when you walked through the door, your briefcase in hand.

Off to the side you saw Buggy’s officers, eating and laughing happily, as if nothing had happened. 

As if their Captain’s head wasn’t dangling from Crocodile's hand, bruised and bloodied while that hook kept shoving against his skin.

Crocodile was seated on the plush, green couch, using Buggy’s limp body as a foot rest. He held Buggy’s head over the middle of the couch, between him and another man.

The other man’s cold, amber eyes felt like blades through your skin as you froze in the doorway. You recognized him, though you’d hoped you’d never meet the swordsman in person.

Dracule Mihawk. What the fuck has my life turned into?

Buggy coughed, spitting out a piece of paper. That stupid fucking flyer his men had made. 

They hadn’t even waited for approval before spending the money on printing and distributing it. You’d wanted to strangle every fucking dumbass that touched it when you saw the bill.

“The word ‘humiliation’ isn’t enough to express how I feel,” Crocodile growled, as Buggy apologized for the Cross Guild poster, showing Buggy as their leader. 

“As much as I’d like to kill him,” Mihawk mused, his voice filled with calm disdain, “it’s not a bad idea to have him as our figurehead. I would rather live peacefully than become an Emperor of the Sea.”

He stood gracefully, heading to the counter to pour himself a glass of wine. He turned to look back, his head tilted like an animal watching for prey.

“Let him take the heat, and we can get rid of him whenever we want.”

“You’re right,” Crocodile laughed, shoving his hook into Buggy’s mouth.

You let out a choked gasp, grateful that they weren't going to kill him now, but feeling the looming threat that the future held.

And there were Galdino, Alvida, and even Mohji and Cabaji, ignoring his pain, laughing and stuffing their faces. Their betrayal made you ache for Buggy.

Until you remembered the danger you were still in. 

I’m betraying him too. I’m going to work for these men. I’m going to stay alive.

“Who is this,” Mihawk drawled as he took his seat again.

“Uh, I–”

“This might be our numbers girl. If she proves herself,” Crocodile threatened, dropping Buggy’s head onto the floor behind the couch, before patting the cushion beside him. 

“Come here, girl. Show us how useful you can be.”

With wide eyes, you walked toward them, avoiding stepping on Buggy’s body as you sat between the two terrifying men. 

Crocodile’s arm rested on the back of the couch behind you, so you sat slightly forward, avoiding his touch. 

Mihawk tilted toward you, and you found yourself staring at the beautifully embroidered details of his black and gold coat, avoiding looking at his bare chest and abs between the rich fabric.

He cleared his throat, making you jolt, before bringing your shaky fingers to unlatch the briefcase. You struggled, gasping when Mihawk reached over your lap to open it for you.

“Gods, Galdino, will you bring this girl a drink," Crocodile huffed, and you could feel his eyes on you. "Where the fuck did the clown pick up such a skittish little thing, huh?”

You focused on your paperwork, pulling out some of the plans you’d initially brought to help manage the funding Crocodile had provided. 

Mihawk took them gingerly from your hands as Galdino passed you a glass of wine. You were sure that he must be pissed at being ordered to serve you like a waiter.

You chugged the whole glass of wine, closing your eyes while Crocodile chuckled, and Mihawk reviewed your work. 

“It’s well done,” he praised, handing it to his partner. “These skills will be helpful with getting this operation running.”

“As long as the idiots in charge actually listen, of course” Crocodile joked, flipping through the pages. 

He tossed the papers aside, motioning for Galdino to fill your glass again.

“Sorry about all of that in the hallway. You work for us now.”

“Okay,” you breathed out, barely audible.

The back of his hook touched your face, the smooth metal guiding you to look at him.

He studied you for a moment, and your brain tried to make sense of him, of what was happening. His black hair was slicked back, a few stray strands falling over his forehead. The long scar across the middle of his face made your brain hurt. You couldn’t imagine what kind of wound that must have been.

His deep set eyes were judging you, and you fought every instinct to hold his gaze instead of running. 

Finally, he let out a low laugh.

“When I find something of value, I protect it. Do your job well, and you’ll be taken care of. Better than with this clown, that’s for sure.”

You winced as his foot dug into Buggy’s body, eliciting a moan from the man who’d brought you here. 

Chewing the inside of your lip, you sipped on your second drink as they discussed plans to announce the lie that Buggy really is the leader. 

They don’t need me here. I’ll just go to my room.

Each time you almost stood, or asked to be excused, your brain went blank. You just sat there, between these two ex Warlords, these two men who radiated power. The night went on, until all of Buggy’s betrayers trickled out.

“Wait.”

Crocodile’s deep voice commanded as you stood to follow Alvida and Galdino out, desperate to not be alone with these men. But here you were.

“What’s your name? Unless you want us to call you Numbers Girl.”

You settled on the couch, still sitting away from the back to keep from leaning against Crocodile’s arm.

“It’s Y/N.”

“I am curious, Y/N,” Mihawk spoke up, swirling his wine in its glass. “How such an intelligent and attractive woman ended up with this pathetic clown.”

“Please, leave her alone,” Buggy’s weak voice creaked up from behind the couch.

“It’s just curiosity,” Mihawk continued, and you couldn’t help meeting his golden gaze, his large hat tilting down toward you.

“Come, Y/N,” Crocodile joined in, “I could use a laugh. How did you end up with Buggy?”

“We… We met at a bar.”

They stared, and your skin practically crawled at the pressure for more.

“I’m an– I was an investment banker. I was having a drink after work, and overheard Buggy discussing his new organization. I offered my services.”

You shifted your head slightly to look back and forth at them, and their confused faces almost made you laugh. Almost.

“Why,” Crocodile asked, his deep voice almost dangerous as he demanded an explanation. Mihawk just cleared his throat, and took another sip. 

You wanted to comfort Buggy. To remind him that you’d been drawn to him. That he was funny, and sweet, and that your time together that night was what made you want to join him. 

But you knew the real reason you chose to go with Buggy, and you knew they’d only punish you both if you talked about being with him. So you told the truth.

“I was bored.”

It felt like the air around you shifted. The weight of their stares, and the sound of their low laughter made your skin flush with heat.

They both leaned forward, surrounding you as they brought their glasses to tap against yours.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart,” Crocodile’s husky voice rumbled beside you. “You won’t be bored with us.”

Likes and reblogs bring me much ✨dopamine✨ thank you so much!

a/n: I hope you enjoyed this first chapter! It hurt beating up my Buggy boy like this, but I made it through, lol

Part 2

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[attorneyspersonalinjury]

Injury Claims Made Easy: Trustworthy Personal Injury Lawyers 

Suffering an injury can significantly disrupt individuals' lives, resulting in both physical and emotional turmoil. Seeking compensation becomes a crucial initial move towards rebuilding and moving forward after such incidents caused by another party's negligence or wrongful actions. Trusted personal injury attorneys are pivotal in easing the intricacies of these cases, specializing in guiding individuals, securing their rights, and delivering rightful justice. 

Knowing about personal injury claims 

Let's start with a brief discussion about personal injury claims. These claims are registered when a person suffers harm due to the careless activities of another person. They cover a wide range of incidents, including slips and falls, car accidents, medical negligence, and injuries at work. The legal process involves calculating damages, establishing liability, and proving the negligence of the other person. To handle all these processes correctly, it is essential to hire a reputable Tampa Personal Injury Lawyer.

The importance of trustworthy legal representation

Having a reliable advocate is crucial in any legal affair. A skilled attorney not only simplifies the case but also ensures the protection of the client's rights. Their responsibilities span from probing the incident's details, accumulating evidence, negotiating with insurers, to potentially advocating for clients in court if necessary.

Key Characteristics to Look for in Trustworthy Personal Injury Lawyers:

Professionalism

An excellent village personal injury attorney needs to always act with professionalism. They should also be prepared to defend the interests of their clients and take appropriate action. From the moment you meet with them, you should feel as though your case is in the hands of a professional, looking at how they communicate and interact with you.

Easily Accessible

A competent lawyer need to be able to assess the client's worries. A responsible attorney will constantly be on the job, attending court, researching cases, communicating with clients, and negotiating on behalf of other parties. Even if the lawyer does not have time to handle all cases, he or she must know how to invest his or her time in specific cases. A reputable personal injury lawyer the villages will not ignore you and get back to you right away if you call or message them regarding anything.

Honest 

There are many jokes made about dishonest lawyers, but if you find a successful personal injury lawyer, he or she always stays truthful with their clients. Even if your case is difficult, the attorney will be able to tell you the whole truth about it. You will not be given any wrong hopes about your case if your lawyer is honest with you. For example, if the winning percentage of your case is poor, your lawyer needs to advise you to go with a trial rather than a settlement.

Great Success Ratio

A skilled tampa estate planning attorney is necessary since winning the case is the only way to receive compensation. Research how many personal injury cases your lawyer has won before looking at their track record.

A high victory percentage indicates that the lawyer has the necessary experience to help you win your case. Most lawyers have their websites where you can learn more about the cases they have won and even see past client reviews.

Expertise

Success rate and experience are strongly related. The success rate rises with experience. It is always preferred to work with a lawyer who has handled personal injury cases for many years. With experience, they build up different strategies to achieve a successful outcome. A seasoned lawyer will employ every tactic they have created over the years to win your case.

They should be interested in your case.

A competent lawyer needs to care about your situation sincerely. They should ask to see any case-related documents beforehand to study the case. Even by talking to them, you will know they are interested in your case or just taking it for money.

In The Villages, securing compensation for personal injuries doesn't have to be an overwhelming and complex process. Trustworthy personal injury lawyers are available to guide individuals through each step, providing expert advice, unwavering support, and legal representation when needed. By enlisting the services of experienced and reputable attorneys, individuals can increase their chances of obtaining fair compensation and moving forward with their lives after a traumatic incident. In times of distress, the right legal representation can be a beacon of hope, helping individuals rebuild and recover from the physical, emotional, and financial toll of personal injuries.