#it's called incorrect super league

[annabelle-creart]

could i have more outlier headcannons/incorrect quotes pls? preferably with more blurr and salvage interactions (but you don't have too)

i'm honestly in love with this au, and as a blurr lover, i love her powers

Oh my Primus, really? THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!💖😭💖I love to hear that!

just because my day was boring, I got inspired and you made my day, here you go (I´ll do more shenanigans about them, I promise):

BLURR & SALVAGE: ‘THE SONNE’ on the HIGHER GROUND

CW: dysphoria. Salvage is more worried than should. Also, Salvage struggling with some feelings. already like 4 dead people but not explicit. Velocitron because we need more of it been the typical ultra-gangster-dirty cyberpunk with illegal races and bets. Salvage and Blurr are technically teens, my babies😭Blurr´s voice is masculine because she hasn´t transitioned yet

The sky looks grey “Maybe…”

“No” she replies to her friend with a steady and deep voice, adjusting her pink and purple shoulder plates

The people look strangely upset today “But…”

“It will be okay” again her voice got deeper, now seeing her wheels, if they´re enough quick and loose

“What if I travel and I can´t help you?”

“I´ll figure it out, Spark can help us” Blurr was already ready, just waiting for the bell to ring, looking on the mirror her triangle frame decorated on a neon yellow and orange sphere like the sun

“Blurr…”

“Great Prime! Salvage, stop!” This time Blurr couldn´t control her tune, making it heavier than expected but usual “it´s okay, pal,” she softened her voice box “it´s easy, I´ll win the race, we get the money, we pay Spark for her attention and service, I got all the pieces for my transition, you got a new workshop, and it will be left over of the money for us to, who knows, travel across the galaxy! All paid!” Blurr took Salvage´s shoulders with enthusiasm “I got this! I promise” her optics didn´t have color, they were like entire grey, but still a shiny glint of hope covered them, Salvage took her on his arms for a last hug after the race, when the megaphone started to call:

“RACERS! ON YOUR PLACES, LET´S MAKE SOME SPECTACULE FOR YOUR FANS!” the voice of the megaphone shouted out loud

“See ya on The Pits?”

“Sure, but don´t judge me if I´m not there!” Salvage gave her a worried tune

“No problem pal” she said before leaving almost in a rush, not enough compared to her super speed but quick as always, she named herself Blurr after all, Salvage still struggled for a moment, trying to reach the correct word to tell her before the race started, even if it was on the communicator, he sighed, trying to calm himself, why was he asking if she would be okay if he already knew? And Blurr also knew, but after all, he saw her after the race, in another planet, a lot of times, but still wasn´t sure if she would be completely okay, the worry was like a fungus on his system.

Nonetheless, if she needed him, he had to be there

“Salvage?” he heard from his side, just after getting into Blurr´s stage on the pits

“Who´s the guy?” Spark asked, a minicon, really good at mechanics and also med bot if needed

“No one, Spark, where´s Blurr?”

“There!” Spark saw the bot, getting in the middle of the other racers on her position, she wasn´t the smallest but neither the biggest, some were like trucks and other looked like two-wheeled, nothing she hadn´t see or struggled before

“That frame isn´t too tight?” again the voice on Salvage´s side “Oh, right, that racer looks like come from Caminus”

“Really?” Salvage replied with sarcasm “you finally got out of ideas for jokes or you´re just cold for the weather?”

“C´mon, Salvage, you know Blurr´s too delicate for the big leagues! You don´t really want her to get hurt!”

“She will not! She´s strong and knows what she´s doing, we´re already on the final competition!”

“We´ll see that”

“Core! We need you!” another bot called for her, she later got away

“OH, THIS IS THE LAST RACE OF THE SEASON, TODAY WE WILL HAVE A CHAMPION AND A TRUE RACER, SO, ON YOUR MARKS, NOW!” the bot on the megaphone was so loud and authoritarian that everyone got on their places

“Hey, Sonne” A minicon on her side called her, referencing the Sun marks on her frames “You will help me, right?”

“Of course!” Blurr replied to him with a big smile “We had been helping each other. I got your back!”

“ON YOUR MARKS…” the lights turned red “STEADY…” it became yellow “NOT YET, HAHA, PREPARE YOUR ROTORS AND DON´T OVERHEAT…” This time an orange, it is not usual and is random, mostly to mess up with the racers and the big, roaring, full audience “NOT YET… NOT YET… NOT YET… IT IS, YOU CAN GO, SHU SHU!” the light turned green

The rotors roared on danger and the audience screamed on ecstasies, the racers got in line, already crashing and clashing with each other, it was not an excuse to explode if you were on the back, Blurr was the last one, avoiding all the bigger trucks like if she was floating, she couldn´t use yet her super speed, it was too crowded, and the race was too wavy.

Two minicons on her sides surrounded, getting closer each second, Blurr didn´t see it before but she could hear at her sides something like white noise- IT ISN´T WHITE NOISE, THOSE ARE DRILLS, FRAG!

Her back unfortunately wasn´t empty, a bigger bot was on her way, she couldn´t go backwards

“SONNE!” She heard from her front “Take this!” the minicon from before, with a mechanical claw, throwed Blurr a ball “it will give you some extra speed!”

“Thanks!” Blurr had a smile on her insides

“Blurr!” Salvage called her from her communicator

“What are you doing?!” Spark yelled at her angry

“Getting some help!” She replied, then, she transformed on the road, using her wheels on her legs like roller skates, the minicons got closer even faster but Blurr, finally with more space, slowed her speed and sat on the big truck´s car chest, she broke the truck´s windshields and saved the ball there

“Wait-wait-wait!” the truck cried

“Sonne!”

“Thanks for the speed!” Blurr jumped from the truck´s chest and transformed again, clashing her grill against the trunk, and due to the lack of space because of the other racers, the minicons and her ‘friend’ clashed against the truck, Blurr used part of her ability to get backwards, and the truck blow up immediately (as expected, it wasn´t  help, after all)

“GREAT AND DEAR AMALGAMOUS, ALMATONIA OF ALL TRICKSTERS, FOUR AT THE PRICE OF ONE?! WHO IS- IS THAT SONNE?! OH! OUR BEAUTIFUL THE SONNE, WHO LIGHTS HER WAY AS THE SUN ITSELF, LITERRALY!!!” the voice at the megaphone proclaimed, and with it, people´s laughs, yells and cries, the people were euphoric for more (and some were crying for their lost bets)

Due to the explosion, the other racers got disoriented, including Blurr, but she and some other put themselves together easily and used the fire as distraction to take advantage, finally, the first round was over with the red flag marking the point, second of ten entire rounds, and this was just the beginning

Salvage wasn´t happy for those bots, but these are the kind of things Blurr will not regret on the moment, to ruin this now will not make any difference

And like a drill on his spark chamber, Salvage took away his microphone and run away “not now, not now, not now” now that she needed him the most, like if air passed through him, his metal became lighter and with it, the sensation of floating

Now he was on a field, he already saw it before, multiple times, actually, but it was as instant as a dream, and he never saw people on it before, this time a single purple bot sat on the grass, in the distance, some bots playing cube, it is not a game he likes a lot but enjoys looking at it

“Hey pal” a soft voice called him “you look younger than before”

“Ah…” Salvage hesitated at the bot; green optics covered in a red circle starring at him

“Oh, come on, you´re not that young!” the voice sounded age-worn, like if it had some years backwards, but couldn´t recognize the… wait a moment

“Blurr?” Salvage asked, pointing at her sharp lines of her frame all racers have, also guided by her younger voice he had met before

“Finally!” she yelled with sarcasm, patting at the floor for the bot to sit

“But, how?”

“How what? People get old!” she moved her arms quickly

“Who are those?” he asked for the bots playing cube

“Those are our sparklings”

“Wait- what?!” Salvage got surprised, and she started to laugh out loud, as loud as she always did, but now more breathy

“Fool! HAAHAAA! You get fooled so easy!” she laughed again, and calmed in some nano-clicks “phew, no, those are mine, you see the SNAIL of there…” she raised her voice on that specific word, getting a red bot´s attention, maybe as old as she

“Come here and prove me you can do it better!” the red bot replied with an angry but funny voice

“I´m talking right now!” she excused, returning to Salvage “that´s their adseroux, we created them”

“Wow, that´s actually a good notice, I didn´t expected me to live this kind of life with you”

“I know” she said softly “not with anyone actually”

“Sorry? What do you mean”

“You´ll figure it out later, but just for you to know” she lowered her voice and got closer to Salvage´s audial “don´t think you´re getting behind for not having what everyone else´s have, not all have the same feelings. Just remember I still and will always love you, pal”

Salvage felt something on his check plates, burring them on his servos

“Not that kind of love, idiot, pay attention!” she knocked Salvage´s arm, which were as strong or stronger than younger Blurr “not the love of kisses and all those things! I mean love of the type to stay with someone even trough time travel” This phrase took Salvage´s attention “the kind of love that made me have my own life but wait for you every time. Salvage, you will understand your type of love is not that visible, but is maybe one of the betters that exist” Blurr put her servos on his shoulder like before “We are okay, and maybe we are not together physically, but we have the other in a special place in our spark, we got different routes and different ways of life but we always go back to the other, because we´re more than friends”

“But…” Salvage hesitated, trying to get Blurr´s excuse, but this time there wasn´t “how I´m not hurt by it, how do you really know it doesn´t hurt?”

“It hurts. When I met that idiot, you got scared that I would go away, and each time you talked about that scientist my energon heated up!” Blurr laughed a bit “but all people can get jealous, and we understood that our directions were different”

“Wait, we are not always together?!”

“No. But that´s okay too, because we love us” Blurr patted Salvage´s shoulder and got her attention back to the game

“What kind of pair are we?”

“Not to little to be friends, but too high to be conjuxes”

“How does that work?”

“You will get it when you get your feelings together”

“How do I know that?”

“You will get it, I promise”

“Don´t make yourself the enigmatic!”

“Hey! You do it all the time! It´s my turn!” Salvage started to disappear again, only getting Blurr´s last but normal fool smile.

A horn scared Salvage like waking up from a dream, in the middle of the empty hallway

“FRAGGING ALL 13 AND THE REST OF THE PRIMES!!! WE HAVE A WINNER! WE HAVE A WINNER!!! DID YOU SAW THAT!? SHE DESTROYED ALL PEOPLE TO USE FAIRLY HER POWER! WHO WOULD SAY SHE WOULD LET THIS TRICK FOR THE FINAL? LET´S CELEBRATE OUR WINNER: THE SONNE!!!!!!!” when Salvage heard the name, his spark relaxed enough to make him almost fall, but ignoring the feeling, he ran to Spark´s side, watching Blurr make it with just four opponents left behind from the 15 that were on the race “GREAT LIFE, SHE´S BARELY A SPARKLING, SHE´S PROBABLY THE YOUNGEST TO GET THIS FAR EVEN TO WIN AND GET THE PRIZE, MY!!! WHAT A NIGHT, DEAR VELOCITRONIANS!” Salvage got a notification from his datapad, the prize was already on Blurr and Salvage´s account (which was easier and cheaper than having separated accounts)

“I have to admit, I´m impressed” Spark commented on the yells and the cries of the moment “she´s a great racer”

“I know” Salvage replied with a big smile and glinting optics, like about to cry, he was so proud of his best friend on the podium, with flowers on one hand and the other on her- HER LEG IS BLACK AND ORANGE- PRIMUS, HER LEG IS BURNED AND HER WHEEL IS ALMOST MELTED!

“Blurr!” Salvage called her from the communicator he throwed up before

“SALVAGE! I WINNED! WE WINNED!” Salvage had to get accomplished to her heavier voice again, at least the change of voice box was closer than before “WE HAVE TO CELEBRATE, PAY SPARK AND LET´S SEE ON THE PITS, OKAY?!” for a moment, Salvage didn´t say anything “pal?”

“YOU, STUPID IDIOT, YOU´RE HURT!! GET DOWN THERE SO WE CAN LOOK AT YOUR LEG!”

“And dinner?”

“We´ll talk about that later!”

Like a scolded sparkling, Blurr got out of the podium as fast as her leg let her, which wasn´t much, Salvage saw some strange bots getting on the pits, which scared him and got immediately to her side, taking her out of there

…

“Salvage?” Blurr called with an entire spoon on her mouth “where have you been?”

“Uh… ah, I´ve… met you, in the future”

“Really?” Blurr got fascinated about it “am I beautiful?”

“You were old”

“What?! You´re kidding!” Salvage shared a big laugh and smile, making Blurr get annoyed, returning to her plate

“I´m serious, but don´t worry, you´re not ugly! And you looked happy”

“Really?” Blurr raised her optics again “Am I still a femme bot?”

Salvage opened all his optics “why do you ask that? You´re still thinking of it?”

“I just… what if I don´t like it? Or maybe I’m just too accomplished to this frame and this voice and I never suited with the rest? Or what if I never wanted it?”

“Blurr, you´re not really doing that?”

“Doing what?

“To get unsecure about your life! You´re the one who is always making plans and talking about achieving things! And this is the first time we get something done, Blurr” he took her servo, “you had been imagining yourself like this for a long time, you´re always changing your tone and your armor, you look like the most delicate of all and still win that race with your own servos”

“Why is that important?”

“Because it is still you, no matter what will happen, it will still be you! And if you don´t like it, well, you tried, we can always get something to revert it, or maybe just changed it a bit, but whatever it is: don´t doubt of yourself! Because you´re the most brave and stupid bot I had ever met”

“You´re not taking emphasis on stupid, right?”

“A little, but as femme bot or male bot, or none or both, you are still brave and idiot, and after all of that, you are my best friend, and nothing will change that”

“…Do you really think that?” Blurr was about to cry

“That and a lot of more things that I can´t describe without it to sound like we´re dating”

“My- that´s overrated! Just say it!”

Salvage laughed a bit while Blurr cleaned her glinting optics with her servo

“I love you, Blurr, not too little as a friend but not as much as a conjux”

“My… I love you too, Salvage, more than a friend but less than a conjux”

Maybe this was what Blurr was talking about, this feeling of never falling in love but loving as if it was the rule on the world, Salvage still didn´t got it at all but now the idea was clearer

And Blurr was just expecting for everything to be okay, she was scared but Salvage was right, she would finally have what she wanted, it was a really big goal, and it was one she really wanted to enjoy

[brightlight-dazzlingeyes]

between the lines | chapter 04

rúben dias x original female character [+18]

synopsis: isabella is a sports journalist covering the premier league. she has sworn to never get involved with a football player. that is, until she meets a handsome portuguese defender. warnings: incorrect journalism references; timeline of events are not faithful to real life; i have never been to england; mutual pining; romantic comedy;  minors dni.

previous chapter | masterlist | next chapter

Chapter 04 — A game of two halves

rubendias hey feeling better?

Oh no. Shit. What did I do? Of course I would end up doing something as stupid as texting him. I should have gotten rid of this crush a long time ago. Should have blocked him on all social media. Should have moved to Turkey.

It takes me an embarrassing amount of time to come up with an answer. ‘Yes, thanks. Sorry for bothering you last night.’ – that’s casual enough, right? He replied with a ‘No worries’, and I tried to move on with my life.

On Wednesday night, I was at my brother’s house, watching football, as always. It was champions league night and City was in Spain playing Real Madrid for the first leg of the semi final. Sienna was sitting next to me on the couch while Carlos was putting baby Lucía to bed.

“Who do we want to win?” She asked me seemingly super interested.

“The guys dressed in blue.” I say, trying to hide my blushing.

It’s been over a week and Rúben and I havent text or run into each other at supermarkets since last time. Which is good, and it’s not making me anxious at all. I’m definitely not constantly thinking about how much I embarrassed myself after just a few glasses of wine, maybe more than a few. The match was incredible, high quality performance from both teams for the entire 90 minutes. I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen for even a second. When the ref blows the final whistle, I have a smile on my face. 

“They should send you on international trips. You covered most of City’s games this season, you should be there for this one too!” Carlos suggests.

“That kind of ruins the whole me being a correspondent thing, if they just send me back to Spain, you know?”

“Bullshit. Free trip to Madrid would be cool.”

He’s right, it would be cool. Instead, I go back to my tiny studio apartment. As I check my phone before bed, my heart beats rapidly and I feel my hands start to sweat. He texted me.

rubendias can i call you if thats okay with you

I replay ‘Yes’ as quickly as humanly possible, not even thinking about what it means or what he wants. I send him my number and after a minute I hear his voice on the other side of the line.

“Hi, Isa.” I can practically hear him smiling over the phone and I can’t help smiling back.

“Hi.” I try to sound cool and interesting, it’s hard to tell if I succeed, especially saying only one word.

“Did you watch the game?” Rúben asks. I’m laying in bed, on my stomach, with my feet up in the air. I’m wearing one of my dad’s old t-shirts, like, older than my brother. Hair is a mess, no make up. I’m in what I call my ‘raw’ state. Just skin and bones. I’m glad Rúben can’t see me now.

“I did, yes. Amazing! Really, top, top performance from everybody today.” I’m truly excited as I speak and he chuckles.

“It really was, I’m very lucky to be a part of something like this.” There’s a pause after he says that. I don’t know what to say, he was the one that asked to call. After a second too long, he continues: “I thought a lot about what you said. That I don't know what you look like when you’re having fun.” He gives a light chuckle again, as if he’s nervous saying that. I’m definitely nervous hearing it. “I want to know.”

“Oh. Yeah? You want to be friends?” I ask, trying so hard not to shove my head under a pillow and scream for two hours straight.

“Something like that. I want to get to know you better.” 

I don’t even have time to answer because right after he says: “Shit, I have to go. But can I call you again? And we could meet up, maybe?”

“Yeah, sure. Yes, call me.”

We say goodbye and I don’t know how to fall asleep after that. This guy is already everywhere I go, how much bigger do I want to make this problem? Does he even know what he does to me? I have work tomorrow and all I can do is stare at the ceiling wondering what the hell does he want from me. What do I have to offer? Is it just sex, is he just trying to sleep with me? And just like that, it’s 3 am, and then 6 am, and I have to get up.

“You look like shit, what happened to you?” Sebastian, as always, so subtle. He’s probably right. We’re doing office work and as a proof I’m not God’s favorite sheep, Seb sits right next to me, staring and evaluating me as a kindergarten would to a baby chick.

“I just couldn't sleep, okay? Fuck off.”

He continues staring at me while he reaches into his pocket and grabs a little bottle, he shows it to me and it reads ‘melatonin’ in big letters.

“I have drops and gummies, which one do you want?” He asks and I sigh, reminding myself that it’s not his fault I couldn't sleep and that we’re actually friends.

“It’s okay,” I wave, denying his offer. “It's not a recurring issue.”

“Oh…” Seb then raises his brow. “I see…”

“Yeah? What do your ‘all seeing’ eyes see?” I laugh at his facial expression, he looks like he just heard the juiciest secret.

“It’s a guy issue, isn't it? A ‘lad’ issue!” Seb points at me and I continue to laugh.

“Nope.”

“No?”

“It’s a ‘man’ issue.” I pronounce each word carefully and it’s Seb’s time to laugh.

“I see, good luck with your ‘man issue’.”

I nod and point at his desk.

“Now let’s get back to work, this is my least favorite part of my day, I don’t want to spend more time than needed here.”

During my lunch break, as if he knew I was available, Rúben called.

“Hi, Isa.” 

I mean, fuck me, right? Will I ever get tired of hearing him say my name?

“Hi. Rúben.”

Does he feel like this too? Should I be calling his name more often?

“What do you think of dinner? I mean, us having dinner together. Tonight.” He gives that nervous chuckle again and the butterflies in my stomach almost make me throw up. Disgusting.

“Well, I was planning on having dinner anyway.” I joke.

"That 's great!” He enthusiastically replies.

“It’s a very important meal.”

“It’s one of my favorites.” Rúben laughs saying that.

“One of? Which one is your favorite?” I ask curiously.

“I really like breakfast. Brunch at second place.”

“Maybe I can change your mind about dinner. Tonight, right? Jump it up a few places?”

“If you can't,” He clears his throat. “Then we’ll have breakfast together tomorrow,” Rúben laughs, joking. “and maybe I’ll change your mind?”

I pause for a second, biting my lips. 

"It 's a deal.”

When Sienna calls me later in the day, I don’t tell her about the dinner. I just listen to her talking about baby Lucía’s shenanigans, and about the new dish she learned using only three ingredients, according to her I will never guess which ingredients it is; when Mel texts me, I don’t tell her about the date either, I mean dinner, shit. Dinner. I don’t tell her. We text about work and how much we hate our bosses, but not really. I want to ask her what color favors me best, what lipstick looks better on me. But I don't, cause it’s not a date. It’s just dinner with a man who’s practically my coworkers and wants to get to know me better. For purely platonic reasons. Because what other reason would he have?

...

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@91vhs

[dourpeep]

Oh god okay this is like super old (you can tell because it was from Shadows Amdist Snowstorms HA SO TWO YEARS) but I still like this even if it's not entirely finished so don't mind me. I'll likely reblog later with more rambles dksnf

--

HELLO HI

I just remembered one of my absolute favorite things in philosophy and the social sciences--simulacrums.

In this case, I'm specifically going to rant about a specific type of simulacrum, or a perversion of reality (Baudrillard's idea of simulacrums) as well as play-by-play of major spoilers for the event story for 2.3 shadow amidst snowstorms.

Everything's gonna be under the cut, because this is going to be a doozy.

Alright alright alright, essentially, the easiest way that I've found to explain a simulacrum in the sense of it being a perversion of reality is two identical paintings. Both are visually the same--same color, same style, same mediums used, right?

However, no matter the skill of the artist replicating (or even if it is the same artist who did two at once), the paintings will never truly be exactly the same. One will always be a facsimile of the original.

Now, you might be wondering: "But Basil? You just said that they'll never be exactly the same but then went on to say that the replica is a facsimile? But doesn't facsimile mean that it is an exact copy? So it'd be the same, right?"

Well, exactly that--in the definition itself, the word "copy" is housed. So while it is correct to assume that they'd be the same, it would be just as incorrect to assume that they're carbon copies. Confusing. Very much so, so I'll move right back to the point-

OKAY

So in the terms of two paintings that look exactly the same, use the same materials, same style--the catch is that the replica (whether it be produced at the same time or leagues in the future) will never be the exact same as the original. Think of it in more of a sense of structure. There are the subtle nuances in the pressure of the brush, the angle, the pigments used, the amount of hairs of said brush that make contact with the canvas itself and drag to create strokes-

And due to these little differences, is why the replica will never be the same.

This is the bare-bones idea of a simulacrum.

As such, a simulacrum is, by definition, a representation or imitation of a person or a thing.

(a very general definition, which is why I used the painting metaphor first)

The word itself hold negative connotation in the sense that, if you were to call something a simulacrum, you are essentially stating that no matter the attention to detail, no matter if the end result is an exact replica--that is all it will ever be, a replica.

But we can also take the idea of a simulacrum and say that describing something as a simulacrum is also acknowledging it's individuality, where no matter how close it may be to it's predecessor, it is considered an entirely separate entity because the differences, no matter how slight, are enough to create a new category for it.

We see this in the ideas of creating artificial intelligence with the appearance of a human--note, you wouldn't go and say that an Android is a human, rather they replicate or are modeled after such. And if we are to go into fiction, there are instances of Androids who have visually no differences to that of a human (take the game, Detroit: Become Human, as a prime example, or the movie Bi-Centennial Man). While the idea is acknowledged of the development of intelligence and self awareness, they are still considered 'Androids' rather than 'Human'.

In that case, the idea of a simulacrum is neither positive nor negative.

(keep this in mind)

Moving on again-

With the current game version's main event, Shadow Amidst Snowstorms, we see a simulacrum of Albedo, the Chief Alchemist--a doppelganger of him that, visually, is an exact copy apart from the lack of a diamond on his neck.

Apart from that slight visual difference, there are differences in the tones used as well as the speech patterns and thought processes in his lines.

While Albedo still is learning about the world, he takes everything with an openness that then calls for further thought--on the other hand, our dear doppelganger (we'll call him Rubedo as well for the sake of readability) has a more one-track mindset. When something comes up, he assesses, ironically taking it in as either valuable or not, and continues on.

This is mainly shown right after we, the Traveler, meet him the first time after gathering starsilver.

Rubedo is shown to acknowledge the fact that Albedo is looking for the thief, as is traveler, and when the starsilver is brought up, his idea that 'what is useless should be discarded' is only supported by what the traveler says about the quality of starsilver.

At first, it seems as if he learned this ideal from Traveler because directly after he leaves to lead Joel away and nearly causes grievous injury to the child, however, in part three, it's proven that this idea has long since been Rubedo's. Specifically, Rubedo's planned to get rid of Albedo to take his place instead.

From this we instead can take the starsilver incident as further dirt to the wound.

Rubedo sees himself as defective because he was not chosen to become human by Rhindottir, unlike Albedo. The bitterness in his lines--about how humans only judge for what is worth or not worth and cast away what they deem as trash--is proof to that.

[anniekoh]

elsewhere on the internet: cancel culture, tech ideologies and more, per adrian daub

Literary scholar Adrian Daub wrote a thorough debunking of Stanford’s latest “cancel culture” kerfuffle on “banning” the word American.

Also have really been enjoying Daub’s 2020 book What Tech Calls Thinking: An Inquiry Into the Intellectual Bedrock of Silicon Valley.*

From the intro: “This is a book about the history of ideas in a place that likes to pretend its idea don’t have any history.”

From page 74: “The genius aesthetic that rules the tech industry relies again and again on this purely gestural kind of courage, on hyping everyday things into grand acts of nonconformism and even resistance.”

From page 86: “Silicon Valley has a habit of pretending to have a debate when in fact desiring no such thing. One version of this is reflected in the infamous ‘Google memo’ that James Damore uploaded.

There’s a delightful close reading of Ayn Rand’s “funhouse version of capitalist society“ (p 61) / “an economic system dreamed up by Borges” in which the “all-powerful architectural critic (yes you read that right) Ellsworth Toohey who is a Marxist and also in league with monopoly capitalists and also beloved by the populace, schemes to take over Gail Wynand’s newspaper on the strength of (and I’m not making this up) his writing a column in it.”

* Though there is a now anachronistic, overly kind to Musk aside on the “billionaire’s sense of responsibility to others and planet.”

Other helpful posts on Daub’s Substack (note that the German version is first, the English translation comes second)

Ein paar Überlegungen zu Cancel Culture Transfer (on their new book)

there is a mini-genre of Starbucks-related anecdotes that in fact almost seem like cancel anecdotes, but almost never appear in the context of cancel culture discussions (in Germany, as far as I could see, they do not appear at all ). These are incidents in which police officers in restaurants in the United States are (or claim to have been) the target of abuse or disrespect from staff — it’s not clear which, often testimony stands against testimony in such cases. Even though of course these incidents are clearly concerned with freedom of expression (of which we are told that we have to tolerate it, “even if” it is repugnant, objectionable or whatever), even though the case is amplified by an outraged response from the public (particularly online), even though the employer usually panics and just goes ahead and fires the employee(s) in question: in spite of all of this, these aren’t usually treated as episodes of “cancellation.”

Macht es was aus, dass es ein Sandwich war?

Does it matter that it was a freaking sandwich? "You've  definitely heard of silly stories like this," playwright, novelist and  PEN President Ayad Akhtar told his audience at the Festsaal Kreuzber on  December 2. "Students at Oberlin College protested that sushi was being  served in their university cafeteria." It was a bánh mì, not sushi. And  the story is almost ten years old. And it wasn't about cultural  appropriation. And the story turns out to be incorrect.

Maybe  none of that is super important. But with exactly two examples, at  least in the (according to the newspaper “slightly abridged”) speech  text that was published in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, the fact  that one of the two is wrong feels sort of relevant. In my book Cancel Culture Transfer I  try to show that the sloppiness of these anecdotes represents something  of a hermeneutic alliance between the author and a certain  reader/listener. I'm sure you've heard of this made-up story, Akhtar  told his audience. I'll tell it to you again, of course without googling  it first. Speaker and listeners gather around a fiction as though  around a warming campfire – that can of course be the role of the  writer, but perhaps not when he sets out to provide facts.

I  take no pleasure in having to dissect Akhtar's text here. I'm generally  a big fan of his writing, Homeland Elegies was one of my favorite books  during the pandemic years. But maybe that's also important here: when  Akhtar is good, he's tremendous. But for topics like this, he is … not  tremendous. He doesn't have to be. That's part of the genre. In recent  weeks, many interviewers have asked me incredulously whether I really  think all the cancel culture Cassandras, many of them luminaries (Peter  Sloterdijk! Anne Applebaum! Josef Joffe! Frank Fukuyama!), are “that  stupid”. No, I do not think that. I'm friends with some of them — and  find much of their other work good, or at least interesting. But what I  do think is this: once they sound off about Twitter shitstorms, “woke  mobs” and so on, they're almost never doing their best work. Or their  best thinking. The same goes for Akhtar. He didn't google the case in  Oberlin because it didn't matter. Such gestures of casualness are not a  by-product, but rather the beating heart of this discourse, and they  seem to infect anyone who ventures into its shallows: look, this kind of  text says, I don't even have to bother.

My strategy in Cancel Culture Transfer  was simple: I did bother. You don't have to follow my analysis at every  point, but I hope you've learned something from reading the book even  when you don’t. And you don't get that with a text like Akhtar's  — at  least I don't think so. So in my next few posts, I'm going to do a few  close readings of Cancel Culture articles in the German press, how they  function, and why I think they're grounded in a hermeneutics of  sloppiness that tells readers: don't worry too much about the facts.

Two more from Daub

Here at the End of All Things : On losing oneself in the geography of fantasy worlds, from Middle Earth to Westeros (Longread, Aug 2017)

The technolibertarian crossover of Germany’s would be kaiser (NY Mag, 2022)

[theseaeaglelives]

Round 1 - 2024

THE SEA EAGLE

NO MONKEY BUSINESS!!!

Round 1

Manly Sea Eagles      36        

Defeated

Souths Rabbitohs    24

In a good opener, Manly have continued to work on turning Tigers discards into genuine first graders. 

It has been a long time since Manly won a Rd 1 fixture, and defeating Souths (who are a very good side), albeit at altitude in Vegas on a smaller than regulation field, is a good first step in season 2024. 

This was a sea sawing affair, with 3 lead changes, and until mid second half, it was unclear who would get the chocolates. Manly overcame an 8 point deficit early in the second half to mark this as a particularly strong performance. 

Manly Haumole Olakau'atu scored a typical powerhouse try, Chery Baby class was everywhere, and the super reliable Reuben Garrick did what he always does, ie gets the job done. 

The intercept try by the Saab Turbo was memorable, and the third brother Turbo (who is turning into a bit of try scorer)  scored a nice try near the end to help Manly’s prospects. 

Tigers discard Luke Brooks had a strong game. Too early to call whether he is the answer, and one should never get too excited about any ex Tiger’s player in round 1, but so far he looks to be a good buy, and is certainly strengthening the Manly playmaking ranks. 

Manly’s run for the next 5 rounds are particularly difficult, Roosters (home), Eels (away), St George (away), Panthers (home) and Warriors (away). They will be doing well on current form, to be 3/6 after this run. 

If they can be 3 or 4 wins after 6 rounds, that should set them up well for a decent 2024 season. Time will tell. 

OFF FIELD ATROCITIES IN THE OFF SEASON 

Pretty Pi$#ss poor really. Ever since the Director of Controversy left for parts and whereabouts unknown, and the role of interim controversy administration was passed over to the bizarre Frenchman Hugh Janus, it has been a sub standard affair all round. 

Here is a few from a pretty ordinary menu of atrocities: 

Junior Amone avoids jail over hammer attack but NRL career in balance. By Adam Pengilly. SMH December 11, 2023 — 2.30pm 

Charges against NRL players Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton dropped after police admit to false evidence Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton have beaten charges of fighting outside Canberra nightclub Fiction. Australian Associated Press Wed 1 Nov 2023  

Brisbane Broncos players Adam Reynolds and Pat Carrigan receive breach notices from the NRL after their late-night scuffle- ABC News 16 February 2024 

Footy star Mitch Kenny cops ban for 'couple of Boxing Day lines' social media post involving white substance after initially blaming it on 'trolls who grabbed my phone'- AAP  27 February 2024 

 LACK OF NRL INCLUSIVITY, DIVERSITY 

In this shambolic Woke world in which we now live, the Sea Eagle was appalled to see the absolute lack of inclusivity and diversity in this article: 

How a stint on a Samoan coconut farm sparked an NRL comeback. By Dan Walsh SMH December 18, 2023 

Chanel Harris-Tavita’s feet started to itch for the NRL again with coconut in hand on a Samoan farm.……. 

Harris-Tavita raised eyebrows when he was off-contract 18 months ago and realising his passion for rugby league had waned, he walked away from a six-figure salary to work out what he wanted. Working on his uncle’s farm in the Samoan village of Afega, population 2000, and collecting coconuts on weekends, it all twigged for the 24-year-old. 

 “It was a very simple life over there,” Harris-Tavita said, having kept up with the Warriors stunning rise to a grand final qualifier under Webster when he could. 

“It really put life into perspective and made me appreciate what I have here. It was a bit of happiness and a bit of FOMO [fear of missing out]. I was in Samoa watching them play and the Wi-Fi wasn’t great. 

Sea Eagle Comment: All this article achieved is to link an incorrect stereotype between pacific islander players and “coconuts” (personal opinion). Was the news outlet concerned serious when it allowed the story go to print?. 

VIVA LAS VEGAS 

 With an off season that was less than exciting, in terms of off field indiscretions, the only thing left for fans was the prospect of 80 or so NRL players heading to Vegas to expand the religion that is rugby league to the USA. 

Many said “What could go wrong?”. As it turned out the jury is open on that until said players return home safely to Australia, and there is no later confirmation of court based legal action being taken post Vegas, against some NRL player who overstepped the mark in the land of the long lost litigation lawyer. 

This is a wait and see for now. 

The Betoota Advocate cruelly suggested that Manly were part of this trip because it fell on the same weekend as the Gay Mardi Gras, and they wanted to escape the rainbow Guernsey debacle of season 2022.  

See https://www.betootaadvocate.com/uncategorized/manly-deny-vegas-trip-has-anything-to-do-with-escaping-sydney-on-mardi-gras-weekend/ 

The Sea Eagle cannot comment on the accuracy of that, other than to say it makes perfect sense (personal opinion). 

Then in the lead up to the big day, this story exploded in Mardi Gras week, over previous magazine photo shots involving none other than any Coach Seibold: 

It was bizarre’: The day Manly coach Anthony Seibold posed for a gay magazine 

By Adrian Proszenko SMH 28 February , 2024 

 Apparently Coach Seibold when playing for the London Broncos did a gay magazine photo shoot at the instigation of then Virgin supremo Richard Branson. As this article says, “Seibold, Shane Millard, Tulsen Tollett and Jon Clarke, who is currently Manly’s head of performance, were among the players to get their kit off. Asked if he had a copy of the centrefold spread to share with Sin Bin, Seibold said: “I get enough shit as it is, I don’t want to give any more ammo to anyone.””. 

The Sea Eagle certainly can’t argue with any of that. However, with that said, given the debacle that was the Gay Pride jersey incident of 2022, which saw Manly Legend and Coach Des Hasler dumped (unceremoniously) the mind boggles at what sort of due diligence was undertaken on these two members of the Manly coaching staff (ie Siebold and Clarke). 

Manly has to got to get away from these LGBTQ promotional backdrops and concentrate on rugby league. It’s quite clear this is the sort of thing that can turn half the camp (no pun intended) towards giving up playing rugby league for religious reasons.  

Anything that has the capacity to cause an NRL player to refuse to play rugby league cannot be good. 

As to whether the Vegas experiment will be a long term piece of strategy genius remains to be seen. The Sea Eagle reminds the NRL, that history is littered with failed Australian enterprises who thought going to America and taking them on was a good idea. 

It may be a tough ask going to the USA to try and dominate a 350m plus population base (apparently increasing at the rate of 0.5m people a week in illegal arrivals over the Southern borders). Regrettably, Rugby League is a game that is regularly confused with Rugby Union in the USA . Despite its relative simplicity as compared to the farce that is international Rugby Union, it would be fair to say Rugby League is generally not well recognised, let alone understood, in the USA. 

No doubt those in control at League Central have a master plan to cover all of this. After all, everyone would readily accept that Rugby League has a long and distinguished history of doing things thoroughly, in a well considered and well executed way. 

Manly Prospects Season 24 

Many have asked the Sea Eagle over recent weeks, how will Manly go in 2024? 

First, let’s face some cold inconvenient facts. Manly have not made the 8 in the last 2 years. For reasons only they can explain, they also believe that buying players from the West Tigers will improve this and turn them into a premiership powerhouse. 

Presently in the line up Manly have the following ex Tigers: 

Luke Brooks 

Tommy Talau 

Matthew Lodge 

Josh Aloai 

Nathan Brown 

Aitasi James 

Aaron Woods*** 

 *** (present status as a Sea Eagle unclear) 

The jury is out on this one. As John Cadogan of Auto Expert has often quipped, its time to apply “the BFS- Bullshi*4t  Fact Separator” to this one, and as Investment guru Ben Graham once quoted,  lets put this whole ex Tiger’s player purchase program “under the microscope of common sense”. 

Whilst some ex Tigers players clearly go better when they leave the Den (let’s face it they couldn’t go any worse), the Sea Eagle privately fears like all things Tigers, that the wheels will eventually fall off when the blow torch of pressure football is applied. 

Time will tell, but the Manly faithful will be watching (like Greta Thunberg at a RAM and Chevy truck convention in Tampa Bay Florida). If the implosion does occur, Manly management can expect to hear some fairly well constructed criticism from all sides on another fine mess the Club will have found themselves in.  

The market for used up Ex Tigers players is is much like that of used EV’s. The best outcome you can expect is to pay someone to take it/them off your hands. 

THE SEA EAGLE

[frontproofmedia]

Is the NFL Rigged? An In-Depth Investigation of Football's Biggest Conspiracy

By: Joseph Correa

Follow @Frontproofmedia!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id))(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');

Exploring the Allegations: Is the NFL Rigged?

In American sports, the NFL stands as a titan, captivating millions with its dynamic and unpredictable nature. However, beneath the exhilaration of nail-biting finishes and iconic touchdowns lies a controversial undercurrent: claims that the NFL might be rigged. This article delves deep into these allegations, exploring various facets and viewpoints to offer a comprehensive understanding.

Historical Context of Rigging Claims:

Allegations of game rigging in the NFL aren't a recent phenomenon. Fans and analysts have questioned the league's integrity for years, particularly in high-stakes games leading up to or including the Super Bowl. Claims often suggest that the league orchestrates outcomes to maximize profit through viewership and advertising revenues, especially given the dramatic nature of many Super Bowl finishes and the promotion of 'underdog' stories.

For example, Super Bowl XXV in 1991 featured a last-second missed field goal, allowing the underdog New York Giants to defeat the heavily favored Buffalo Bills by 1 point. The drama of the finish helped make it one of the most-watched Super Bowls in history at the time, fueling suspicions.

Examining High-Profile Controversial Calls:

Controversial calls and referee decisions have frequently fueled rigging allegations. High-profile cases like the missed pass interference call in the 2019 NFC Championship Game or the roughing-the-passer penalty on Chris Jones in the 2021 AFC Divisional Round have sparked heated debates. These incidents often occur during critical moments, leading to speculation about the integrity of officiating.

According to officiating analytics firm Sports Info Solutions, NFL referees make incorrect calls just 1-2 times per game on average, giving them an accuracy rate of over 99% on over 25,000 plays per season. But high-profile errors in crucial situations exert outsized influence.

The Role of Officiating and Rule Changes:

The NFL has implemented several rule changes, including instant replay reviews, in response to controversial decisions. However, these changes have not entirely quelled suspicions. Slow-motion footage has allowed fans to scrutinize calls for evidence of impropriety. At the same time, the league's communication strategies following suspect events have sometimes failed to address the main concerns, leading to a trust gap between the league and its audience.

For instance, after a missed pass interference call likely prevented the New Orleans Saints from reaching the Super Bowl in 2019, the NFL admitted the error. Still, it did not overturn the result, leading to doubts about fairness.

The Influence of Financial Aspects and Betting:

Financial aspects, particularly betting, play a significant role in the rigging debate. Critics point to the influence of financial incentives on game outcomes, with some suggesting that games are manipulated to favor certain narratives or outcomes that maximize viewership and advertising dollars. The NFL, however, maintains stringent policies to prevent conflicts of interest related to gambling.

In 2021, over $1.5 billion was legally wagered on NFL games in Nevada alone, showcasing gambling's growing foothold. But legal experts argue successfully rigging games would require broad collusion without detection—a dubious scenario given the risks involved.

NFL's Measures to Ensure Fairness and Integrity:

In response to rising skepticism, the NFL has taken several measures to address concerns over potentially rigged outcomes. These include implementing instant replay technology, engaging former officials for critical play reviews, and increasing transparency in the decision-making process of controversial calls. The league also conducts annual officiating reports and has established programs to refine referees' skills and judgment.

Former NFL referee Jim Daopoulos argues that despite periodic errors, "It's absurd to think the league rigs games. There are too many variables, from coaches to players executing." Attempting to orchestrate over 256 regular season contests into some preplanned narrative poses difficulties.

The Impact of Allegations on Fan Trust and League Reputation:

Allegations of game manipulation strike at the heart of the NFL's credibility. If fans believe that games are predetermined or unfairly influenced, it undermines the integrity of the sport. The NFL operates on a double-edged sword; its popularity relies on unpredictability and emotional engagement, yet these elements become points of contention when the integrity of outcomes is questioned.

Though definitive proof is lacking, the mere perception of impropriety can damage public trust. This makes officiating consistency and transparency around disputed calls paramount to preserving the NFL's reputation.

The Role of Social Media in Amplifying Rigging Claims:

Social media has significantly amplified rigging rumors. Fans use platforms like Twitter and Reddit to share questionable plays and decisions, further entrenching suspicion among the fanbase. Every controversial call or pattern of officiating leads to a ripple effect of speculation and debate, keeping the conversation about the integrity of the game alive.

This increased scrutiny and real-time analysis around every whistle has put added pressure on NFL officiating crews.

Recent Controversies:

The recent Lions vs. Cowboys game on December 30, 2023, is a prime example of the ongoing debate. The game ended controversially, with a contentious flag significantly impacting the outcome. Incidents like this continue to fuel discussions among fans and critics, challenging the integrity of the NFL in the eyes of some viewers.

While debates about the NFL being rigged are likely to persist, the evidence points to the league's commitment to fairness and unpredictability. Despite occasional eyebrow-raising moments, the complexity of orchestrating a rigged system in the NFL and the high risks involved make such a scenario highly unlikely. Fans can take solace in the NFL's structures that aim for competitive balance and the statistical nature of the sport that ensures every Sunday brings a new set of surprises.

In conclusion, the thrill of the game lies in its uncertainty, a cornerstone that keeps the spirit of competition alive in the NFL.

Featured Photo: Getty Images

[crowleywowley]

Wicked Game | pt. 4 | Javier Peña X Reader

Summary: reunited and it feels so good!

Ratings: super duper 18+!!!! This is one step away from pwp, minors really truly need to go away!

Warnings/tags: SMUT, dirty talk, infidelity, descriptions of afab genitalia, no y/n, hardly any plot progression it’s just a filthy chapter

A/N: listen, I set out writing this chapter with full intentions of moving things along, but the smut was just so… smutty, and it felt weird having a ton of emotional/story progression here. I hope you enjoy regardless! As always this chap is dedicated to sweet @iamskyereads <3

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰

Something you had never expected about your husband visiting you in Colombia: it would be the longest three days of your life. The longest 64 hours and 28 minutes of your life, to be exact. You hadn’t realized that despite how lonely you were down there before meeting Javier, you truly enjoyed living alone compared to living with someone who snored so loudly, ate all your food, and took up your entire bed. It wasn’t like these things were necessarily your husband’s fault- except for the food part, that was absolutely a conscious choice of his- yet you found yourself resenting him more and more as the minutes ticked on.

Something else you didn’t expect- just how not guilty you felt about cheating. In the days leading up to his visit you’d created this image where you would see him again, feel this overwhelming, bone-crushing guilt, and you’d end up spiraling and calling it off with Javi. In reality, seeing him in person again only made you want your new lover more. When he was around, it didn’t feel like he was taking up space in your apartment, it felt like he was supposed to be there. He was a piece that fit snugly into your puzzle, whereas your husband, or really your whole marriage, felt like a piece you keep trying to jam into the incorrect spot until the edges were peeling back and it couldn’t fit anywhere correctly.

And now, sitting silently on your couch, listening to the man next to you chew at 120 decibels, you yearned desperately for your correct puzzle piece.

“So… how have you enjoyed Colombia?” You asked quickly, unable to stand the crunching any longer.

He swallowed before answering. “I mean, it’s a bit of a shit hole, honestly.” He answered with a nod and a lame chuckle.

You bit your tongue, venomous defenses springing forward. Sure, there were many, many bad things about Colombia- that’s what you were getting paid to write about. But there was so much beauty to be found in the country; the mountains, the food, the lively music, the Javi… the list goes on. You didn’t have it in you to argue today, so you plastered on a smile.

“Oh, it’s not so bad. I bet you’re ready to get back to the states though, huh?” You gave him an awkward laugh, leaning your head on your fist, inwardly thanking the universe that the man in front of you was probably too dense to realize the meanings of your statement.

“Definitely. John and the guys are all coming to the house tomorrow night for our fantasy league party.”

It took every ounce of restraint not to roll your eyes. John was the best man at your wedding, and spent the entire day getting absolutely wasted until he (loudly) vomited in a bush during the reception. You could remember that argument so vividly; you, upset with John for being stupid and with your husband for enabling him, and your husband, not fighting back but instead leaning against a wall and rolling his eyes at you, telling you that you were overreacting. It was the first time you felt yourself question the marriage. In retrospect, you realized he was probably also wasted the entire day and likely didn't remember the encounter. It felt like a lifetime away. So no, John was not exactly your favorite person on earth.

“Oh, that’s fun.” Was all you could muster. “Well we should probably get you to the airport soon, don’t want you to get held up with customs and miss your flight,” you suggested, severely hopeful he would agree.

He smiled at you. “Trying to get rid of me already?”

You forced another laugh. “Don’t be silly, I’m gonna miss you like crazy when you leave.”

Your body tensed as you watched him lean over to place a kiss on your head. “That’s what I like to hear,” he shifted back in his seat. “I guess you’re right. We can head out in a few.”

That drive to the airport seemed like the longest drive of your life, despite it only actually being about twenty minutes. When you dropped him off, you shared a dispassionate kiss, and you had to hold back from straight up sprinting through the terminals to get back to your car. It was like a weight shifted off your chest; you knew exactly where you were headed next.

▰▰▰▰▰

Javi had unintentionally dozed off on his couch when he heard a knock at the door. He woke up with a grumble, shifting the multicolored afghan off of his lap, wondering who was bothering him on a Saturday. One of the few Saturdays he actually got off, and could spend away from the bleak DEA offices.

Rubbing his eyes, he unlocked the door and squinted with the sunlight flooding in.

Any frustration immediately dissipated upon seeing you in front of him, a smile on your face that you were clearly unable to contain, practically bouncing on your feet.

“Periodista, come here,” he found himself returning your large grin, pulling you by your forearms into a hug.

Even though it had only been a few days, he spent all of them desperately missing you. Your mannerisms, the way you laughed, the way you smelled. God, the way you smelled- it was intoxicating to him, the combination of your shampoo and perfume, and maybe just a little bit of your natural scent. Pheromones, or something. It didn’t matter what it was- breathing you in as he held you tightly to his chest made everything bad in the world melt away.

You closed your eyes, deeply inhaling. The comparison of the way your husband smelled against the way Javi smelled was no match. Your husband smelled of body spray that was aimed at teenage boys and shitty soap he got at a grocery store. But Javier… it was an enchanting mix of spice and tobacco, and a hint of mint from the nicotine gum. You were content to stay there and breathe him in forever.

He was the first to break away, holding you by the shoulders.

“I take it ball and chain is gone?”

You nodded at him. “Yep, his flight leaves in an hour.” You didn’t care to speak anymore about the man, you just wanted to be here, in this moment. “God, I missed you.” You moved back into his arms.

He chuckled and you felt the vibration in his chest. “I missed you too, baby.” He murmured, voice soft against your head.

You moved your head away, angling it so you could stay in his hold but look up at him with your chin pressed to his sternum. You stayed this way for a moment, exchanging soft smiles, before Javier’s hand moved to gently cup the back of your neck and he pulled you up into a tender kiss.

You were sure your heart would burst in that moment. He held you gently as if you would break, yet his embrace had a pressure to it as if he were afraid you’d float away if he let go. His lips were even softer than you remembered; his bottom one slotting under yours comfortably. Naturally. There was no pressure in the kiss, no heat, just pure adoration between two people who cared so deeply for each other they probably didn’t even realize the depth of it. When your mouths finally parted, you stayed in the same position, your head tilted up to his and his down to yours.

“Wanna show me how much you missed me?” You asked mischievously, biting your bottom lip and grinning.

Javier’s brows raised at you. “Getting right to it, huh?”

You pretended to be offended, puffing your lips out. “You sayin’ you don’t wanna show me?”

He pulled your lips to his once more in kiss much deeper than before.

“Don’t put words in my mouth.”

Before you realized it, you were pushed back against the front door, mouth moving eagerly against Javier’s. You inhaled sharply- or maybe it was him, it was hard to tell- as his hands roamed your body, his touch seemingly searing your skin. They found purchase in the soft skin at the back of your thighs, and you could feel him pull you up the door. However, any sexiness of the action was cut off as a belt loop in your denim shorts caught on the deadbolt, yanking you back down.

You couldn’t help but let out a laugh- it was a well intentioned move, and one he knew you were fond of, but there was no playing that off. He playfully pinched one of your asscheeks before joining you in your laughter.

His forehead rested against yours as your giggles dissolved into a contented sigh.

“Let’s just walk to the bedroom and forget that happened, yeah?” He asked softly, fingers lacing with yours.

You pulled his knuckles up to yours, pressing a gentle kiss to them. “I’m never gonna let you forget that happened.”

▰▰▰▰▰

The passion you'd held in the entryway returned tenfold once you got to his bedroom. Your fingers were threaded into his hair, tugging and pulling the way you knew he liked. His tongue was swirling with yours in a way that made your head spin. You were both a man dying of thirst in a desert, the other acting as a fresh basin to drink from, unable to feel satiated fast enough.

Mouths still moving against each other, you walked back until you felt the edge of his bed against your knees and you moved to lay down. He followed, cupping your head with one hand and your lower back with the other. From this angle, he was able to slide his knee between your legs, pushing the seam of your shorts against your center and providing a delicious friction.

A soft sigh escaped your parted lips and your eyes closed.

"My beautiful girl." he mumbled against your neck, tongue and teeth working in harmony to nip and soothe you in the sensitive area.

You stayed this way for a moment, your hands pulling against the back of Javier's shirt, before you felt his body disconnect from yours. He pulled on your shirt, and your brain lagged a moment before you realized he was asking you to take it off. This didn't go unnoticed by him.

He let out a devilish chuckle. "Look at you, I haven't even touched you yet,"

You smiled down at him before he tugged your shorts down and his face disappeared into your center. He took you apart like this, keeping you on and off the edge long enough for you to let out a frustrated whimper and beg him to give you some relief. He only allowed it when the following phrase left your mouth:

"Please baby, please, I haven't cum in four days."

Realistically, he knew you were going to have sex with your husband while he was here. That's what married couples do. For his own, fucked up sake, he had hoped the sex would be bad. Hearing you admit that the man you married couldn't even make you finish awoke something animalistic in him, and he added more pressure to the strokes of his tongue until he felt you pull sharply on his hair, and your hips lifted slightly. He reveled in the rush of wetness he felt come from deep within you, drinking it up desperately despite knowing you were going to shove him off in overstimulation soon.

Once he was sure you were through the aftershocks, he sat back on his knees and took you in. You sat up on your elbows, suddenly insecure under his gaze.

"What? You're making me nervous." You furrowed your brows at him.

"I don't mean to make you nervous, cariño. It's just... what you said," he stroked your knee absentmindedly.

You thought for a moment. "...what did I say? I kind of blacked out there for a second," you finished the statement with a breathy laugh.

Javier wordlessly stood, shrugging his shirt over his shoulders and stepping out of his jeans. You knew there would be nothing underneath, yet you still felt arousal stir low in your belly at the sight. he climbed back onto the bed, hovering over you, and you wrapped your hands around his strong forearms. When he finally spoke again, his voice was low and raspy, coated with lust.

"That you haven't been able to cum in four days,"

Oh.

The admission had slipped in a moment of desperation, though it wasn't a lie. Sex with your husband had been mediocre at best; quick, aggressive thrusts from him and forced moans from you. You found yourself mostly waiting for it to be over each time it happened during his stay. He had the audacity to ask if you came, and you found it easier to just moan a little louder and pitchier just before you knew he was about to cum, and it did the trick.

Your cheeks burned, and you turned your face away from his piercing gaze. He quickly caught your chin between his thumb and pointer finger, moving your head back.

"Look at me, baby." He whispered in a voice so tender you could've cried. "Is that true?"

He knew it was the truth, but he couldn't stop himself from selfishly seeking the validation he needed. Your sheepish nod made him sigh sadly, though his cock twitched in anticipation.

"We can't have that, can we?" He tutted. "Let me make it up to you, pretty girl."

Instead of responding, you grabbed the sides of his face and pulled him down for a deep, passionate kiss. He lifted his hips up and shifted back to line himself up with your entrance. He ran himself through the wet folds a few times, coating his length and letting out a breath he didn’t realize was holding.

“Ready for me?" he brushed a few hairs away from your eyes.

You softly smiled to him, feeling a strange combination of dopey, leftover from the way he'd just made you finish, and jittery in anticipation for the way you knew he was about to make you feel.

“Mm-hmm.”

He notched the head in, eyelids fluttering, before he leaned forward to press another kiss to your mouth. It was similar to the ones you’d shared in the living room, all tenderness and care, and perhaps something more that you weren't willing to admit just yet, though it sat quietly in the back of your brain for another time.

When he finally pushed into you, you felt the lingering clouds your husband had brought with him finally dissipate. Things were sunny again, here, fully connected with the only man you truly cared for.

“Oh my god.” You nearly whispered, eyes shutting as your head rolled to the side.

Javier, for your sake, started with a slow and steady pace, but he could feel your heels digging into the small of his back, silently urging him for more. Experimentally, he gave you two thrusts harder than the previous ones, and you cried out in pleasure.

"You want me to go faster?" he asked with a teasing tone, picking his pace up to par with the thrusts he'd just given you.

As he sped up, he watched your face contort in pure arousal and he had to tell himself not to cum then and there. You were just so beautiful to him in every possible way- seeing you feel so good just for him was enough to send him to the afterlife happy.

Feeling Javier pick up speed, you felt fulfilled for the first time in days. His cock could reach so much deeper within you, hitting you so deeply you found it hard to breathe, though you wouldn't dare make him stop now. He was drilling so deeply and brushing the most sensitive areas over and over. You were barely conscious of the sounds leaving your mouth but you were sure in another light, you'd be embarrassed by them. But not now.

"He doesn't fuck you like this, huh?" Javier's voice was breathy yet deep, punctuating his sentence with his own moans and grunts to match yours.

"N-no, baby," your voice warbled as your whole body was rocked with his pounding.

He pressed a sloppy kiss to your cheek. "That's right. Only me, right? Let me hear you say it," He babbled out.

You could tell he was already getting close. "Only you, Javi. Only you- shit," you hissed.

Javi let out an honest to god groan at your words. He wasn't sure why being possessive over you made him so painfully aroused, but with the way your pussy was squeezing him, he didn’t much care.

Suddenly, he reached back and maneuvered your legs so they were over his shoulders, the new angle moving his dick more shallowly yet no less powerfully. From here, he could lean even closer to you, and wrapped his lips around one of your peaked nipples. He bit gently at the bud, and the sharp sensation made you let out a punch of breath.

"Javi," you warned, feeling your second orgasm quickly creeping up on you as the head of his cock repeatedly hit your g-spot. "Javi, I'm gonna cum soon, don't stop, please." now you were the one babbling. You couldn't help it- he was making you feel impossibly good.

"Want us to cum together," he rushed out. He shifted his weight to one arm so he could slip his hand between your bodies. "Okay?"

You nodded quickly, focusing on the building sensation from his fucking combined with the new blossoming from his thumb rolling around your clit. Tears were pricking in the corners of your eyes.

"Missed fucking this pretty pussy so bad." He muttered out, hips beginning to slow as his own orgasm was barreling towards him.

"Uh-huh?" You managed, eyes wired shut.

You weren't sure how much longer you could take it; you felt your walls begin to flutter around him.

"Javi," you repeated once more, this time with more urgency.

"Cum with me, baby." his head dropped down, the muscles seemingly unable to do their job anymore. "Fuck, baby, I'm coming,"

Feeling him punch deeper into you as his orgasm racked through him, you let go. Your pussy clamped down onto him, pulsing harder than you were sure it ever had. You couldn't even moan- you were beyond it at that point. Your mouth fell open, breathing nearly stopping.

The two of you stayed this way, his length softening but still inside of you, holding each other close despite how sweaty you'd both become. When he finally did pull out, he rolled onto his back next to you and laced his fingers with yours.

Even though he was fully satisfied, something still remained unsettled within his chest. It felt like there were so many words he wanted, needed to say to you, yet he wasn't sure what any of them were. As he attempted to sift through his post-coital thoughts, he briefly felt bad for bringing up your spouse during sex. It was a battle he’d been having with himself in all the spare time over the last few days; he told himself he needed to remove your husband from the picture he had mentally painted of you. He didn’t need to tear down the other man to lift himself up- he knew you clearly wanted him, not the man you married. But something overcame him when he was inside of you- it was some sort of primal urge, one that made him beg for your sole affection like a schoolboy. And the way you reacted when he said it, well... that was enough to ease those thoughts out of his mind.

You looked over to Javier, his eyes shut but brow set deeply as if he were thinking hard about something. Knowing him, he probably was. You reached your free hand over and gently smoothed out the wrinkle between the eyebrows, and to your delight, you saw a twitch of a smile.

With a little effort and a small grunt, you muscled yourself up to sit on your elbow and cup his jaw, and leaned down to kiss him. Javier felt that familiar flip of his heart again, the one he’d managed to avoid over the last three days aside from seeing you in the office. Though there were no words being said, he felt such a strong connection to you in that moment. He kissed you back, of course, and felt a faint sting of tears behind his eyelids. He willed them away, unsure of their purpose anyways.

How were you always so gentle and understanding with him, even without speaking? Wasn’t he supposed to be the dominant one, the womanizing Javier Peña who never got attached? If that were true, why did he feel like his chest was crumbling in at your soft actions?

After a moment, he realized that this time, that heart flip, and probably also the tears, were followed by three words, banging against his lungs, begging to be let out.

He kept them in as best as he could, instead pressing a kiss into your hair and pulling you close.

▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰

feedback/interactions always appreciated <333

let me know if you'd liked to be tagged in part 5!

[weeb-writor]

Bakugou Meets his Future Kids

Hiya! Long time no see! So I’ve been gone a while and today I was actually supposed to post the last part in the Aizawa mini series. That wont happen today because unfortunately even though me and my whole family have been super safe and only go to work and home I did test positive for Covid-19. I'm okay though just really drained and this was easier for me to finish. I'm hoping to have the Christmas fic up by the 28th at the latest, so sorry about that! For now I hope you can enjoy this! The kids do call reader mommy but there is no assigned gender! Anyone, any gender can be a mom!

~~~~~~~~~~~

Bakugou Katsuki x Reader

He meets his kids from the future in a troubling way

Words: 1896

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was supposed to be a normal day and it was for about 10 seconds. About 11 seconds in Bakugou had somehow been wrapped into a trip to the mall with most of the class. Bakugou prided himself on being a strong immovable boulder but when you asked could he come… lets say he had a temporary weakness. Now here he was at the food court as you all argued over what to eat.

“Is there a place that sells soba?” Todoroki asked.

“Even if there is, we aren't eating there! You always eat that!” Mina said, pointing at the boy who looked back a little deflated.

“I think we’ll be okay getting soba, his obsession with soba is super cute!” you said with a small laugh. This had Bakugou craning his neck. Only ever eating one thing was not cute, how could you think that!

“Like hell we are, Come on Y/n were getting a burger.” Bakugou said standing and pulling you away you didn't get far before you all heard someone crying and yelling. You and the rest of the class looked at each other once before you dashed in the direction of the cries. Arriving on the scene you see 3 kids surrounding a boy who was crying while one was holding back a girl who seemed to be crying in anger. 

“Hey what the hell is going on here?” Kirishima said in a scolding tone. The kids turn around and pale probably recognizing the group of soon to be Pro-Heroes.

“Nothing we should be going, later losers.” The kids said quickly scattering into the crowds at the mall. The girl quickly ran to the boy's side still crying.

“It's alright, you don't have to cry, I have a first aid kit if that helps.” You said trying to console the kids. At your voice both of the kids looked up at you before tackling you in a crushing hug, sobbing even more. You looked up at your class confused; they only shrugged at you.

“Mommy! I'm sorry, I took Hiroyuki from school and we followed you and then we got hit with that big scary guy's quirk and then we ended up here and we been here for like 2 days. I'm sorry!!” The girl cried, rubbing her eyes furiously.

“Uh um sweetheart, I'm sorry you got lost but my teachers will help you. We’ll find your parents I promise.” You said rubbing her checks.

“But you're our mommy.” The young girl sniffled.

“I'm not, you must be confused. I'm L/n.” You said, smiling at them as they seemed to tear up.

“That's not funny mommy, stop joking right now.” The girl said, shaking her head, more tears spilling from her eyes.

“Sorry kid they aren't joking, L/n doesn't have any kids.” Denki said, crouching to meet her eyes.

“Are you mad cause we didn't listen? Are you gonna send us away?” The girl said, beginning to cry even more.

“Stop making my sister cry!!” The boy said with tears in his eyes, the tears were short lived as explosion went off all around them. Everyone looked at Bakugou who was quietly watching

“It's not me, it's one of them.” He said with his teeth gritted. The class didn't have time to figure it out as the explosion stopped and they saw their teacher next to them.

“It’s always something with you guys. Hey kids I'm gonna need you to come with me so we can sort this out.” He said offering his hands to them which they didn't hesitate to take. The walk back to the school was relatively short and quiet. Now they were all sitting outside of recovery girls office waiting on some kind of news.

“I think i know what's happened. They kept calling you mom, right?” You nodded at her with a small smile.

“Well while I was trying to heal them I asked them some questions to make sure their heads were on straight. Their answers were very much incorrect to us but also not completely insane. For Example Dynamight, Deku, and Shoto are all top 10 heroes. The league of villains are no more and I'm dead. I examined their bodies and it seems they were hit with a time travel quirk from the looks of it. Not sure when it will wear off but my best recommendation is for them to remain under L/n and Easerheads care, I will check for any signs of it wearing off, every other day.”

“Huh? Is Easerhead their dad! Do you and L/n get married in the future?! That's kind of kinky…” Mineta said with a gross smile

“No, you creepy child. It seems they do like him though.” Recovery girl said with a sigh. You thanked her and went into the room.

“Hey, did recovery girl explain what happened to you guys?” You said as you approached them.

“Uh huh she said we went in the past to where you and papa were students. Like in the pictures on the walls.” The girl said.

“Mhm very good, so can you tell me your names? Then we can go hang out with my friends and eat something!” You said with a smile.

“Hiroyuki…” the boy mumbled.

“I’m Kaori!” The young girl cheered at you. You thanked them and guided you out the door and found your friends and teacher waiting. You led them to the dorm lunge where food was waiting on them.

“So which one of you have an explosion quirk?” Kirishima said as the kids were eating.

“We both do, kind of.” The girl said absentmindedly. “Mom says I make explosions from the heat of the food I eat, I like spicy stuff.” She said with a smile.

“Oh okay cool! But no spicy stuff for you.” Denki laughed at the girl who wasn't exactly happy.

“What about you, little guy?” Sero asked the younger one. The little boy looked at Sero before burying his face in his hands and shaking his head.

“Yuki, has a really cool quirk! Mom says he works like a gas stove! He leaks this stuff that's like propane! Then he can ignite it based on how he is feeling! Angry or emotional means bigger explosions! It comes from his pores or his hand.” The girl chimed in for her brother. He was upset at her words and ran to Aizawa.

“Sorry, we didn't mean to make you uncomfortable!” Mina said as she couched to the level of the boy who further hid his face into Aizawa legs.

“It's okay, kid, Bakugou has an explosive quirk, it's cool!” Denki said with his flashy smile.

“We don't care about that old man's quirk!” The girl said fresh tears on his face.

“What’d you say you little brat?! I’m not an old man!” Bakugou roared back to Kaori.

“You are a mean old man and I hate you! Its all your fault I'm stuck here without my real mom and papa! I hate you! I hate you so much Papa!” The little girl roared back before running back to you crying.

“Papa?” Kirishima echoed quietly.

“Kaori, you shouldn't yell at people or tell them you hate them it's a mean and strong word.” You said crouching down to her level and stroking her cheek.

“B-but it's all his fault. He said me and Hiroyuki were weak and and we couldn't do much because we're kids and it's best for us to stay out of Hero’s way! Like were burdens!” She said growing further agitated.

“And I was right, you followed your mom and you both got hurt when you shouldn't have been near the battle anyway.” He said with a frown.

“But that doesn't mean we are useless and can't do anything by ourselves! WE ARENT DUMB!” She yelled back at him.

“Future me didn't say you were dumb, he, I just want you to be safe. It's best for you and your brother to stay out of the way for now. However, that doesn't mean your a burden or dumb.” Bakugou said seriously. The little girl didn't say anything further and just threw herself into her your arms. Hiroyuki came from in between Aizawa’s legs and also threw himself at you.

“Okay enough mingling for today I guess, time for bed! I’ll be right back guys.” You said as you carried both kids off to your dorms with surprising grace. Once you were gone the group turned to Bakugou.

“Papa, huh Bakugou?!” Denki said with a chuckle.

“It's too surprising! I didn't even know you had a crush on L/N!” Mina said with a pout.

“Really? it was pretty obvious Bakubro had a crush though. Literal tiny explosions go whenever L/n is near.” Kirishima said with a cute head tilt.

“The hell they do.” Bakugou said angrily.

“No they do, I’ve had to stop them a few times now.” Aizawa said with his weird grin.

“I can't believe it though, they are so cute! Kaori is so much like you and I cant believe Hiroyuki’s quirk is so kickass!” Sero said rubbing the back of there necks.

“Well of course they got kickass quirks. With me and L/N as parents there’s no way they wouldn't!” Bakugou said flushed red.

“I'm just glad you cleared up everything with them. It would be pretty bad if they went back mad at the future you, or thinking something damaging like that.” Deku said with a sigh. Finally you were back with no kids, at least it looked like you didn’t have kids.

“So this parenting shit is pretty hard!!” You said as two figures came from behind your legs. They blushed before pointing to Bakugou and then back at your dorm.

“Use your words.” Bakugou said, cocking an eyebrow at the flustered kids.

“Story, Papa.” Hiroyuki slurred out.

“I'm sorry for saying I hate you… I didn't mean it.” The young girl said softly

“You better be, that's a strong word. Now let's go to bed.” Bakugou said nonchalantly as he picked up both kids and walked back to your dorm. The kids remained with you two for about a week and half. You learned lots like you and Bakugou have twins on the way and still want at least one more. Hiroyuki loves Aizawa because he is able to keep his quirk under control around him and they both have an addiction to cats. Bakugou is indeed amazing at everything except anger management. When they left it was during one of your cuddle sessions and boy did you cry like a baby.

BONUS:

“It’s been almost 2 weeks, where could they be?? What if they’re…” You said into Bakugou's chest.

“They’re fine, okay? Our brats are tough so wherever they ended up in time doesn't matter they’ll kick anyone's ass.” Bakugou said, trying to console you. You didn't get a chance to respond before you dogs went crazy at the knock at the door. You yelled for however it was to come in and you thought your mind was playing tricks on you.

“Don't worry they are just drowsy.” Aizawa said with the two kids in his capture weapon trailing behind him. Bakugou was the first to move and was on his knees, in tears in seconds.

“You idiots! Never, ever do that again.” He said hugging him like his life depended on it.

[marvelmaniac2000]

Shang Chi x Reader Scenario #1 Part 2 Of 2 (Imagines)

PART 1

Storyline: Shang Chi knows you are a very attractive person and men are always admiring you. Even though you don’t pay any mind to it at all, sometimes it can become overbearing. Luckily your best friend is there to stray away unwanted advances.

(By the way, in this short story the relationship is mutual, but Shang Chi has always been in love with you. Also he’s super protective of you and gets jealous a lot.)

Characters: Shang Chi x reader

Subject warning: jealousy angst, mild violence, alcohol use

(Sorry in advance for any incorrect spelling or grammar) I'm trying to improve my proof reading skills.

“Get your fucking hands off me!” the man thrusted his other arm forward attempting to throw a punch. Shang Chi caught his fist with his hand and counter reacted with a powerful face punch. The poor sorry excuse of a man falls to the ground with a bloody nose.

He stomped the sole of his foot onto the man’s hand, making him ache in pain.

“ I’m going to give you mercy, but next time I see you around disrespecting women I will break every single bone in your hand”

“I think he got your point, we need to leave now” you quickly got up from your chair and pushed Shang Chi to get going. You glimpse at the man again and see him lying on the ground holding his busted nose. One part of you didn’t appreciate the attention Shang Chi draws in from sticking up for you, but nevertheless the satisfaction of seeing the person get their karma was the best part.

After departing from the bar to escape anyone from calling authorities, you guys settle in at your apartment that was close by.

“Sorry for ruining our outing again” he said reluctantly.

“It’s ok I appreciate it, sometimes I wish men weren’t such animals” you furrowed your brows. You removed your earrings and tossed them on your kitchen counter. Making your way to the fridge and take two wine coolers out since you guys didn’t get a chance to drink at the bar.

Shang Chi strolled around the living room and gazed at the outside balcony that you never use.

A sense of nostalgia hit Shang Chi remembering the moment he fell in love with you.

“Hey let’s sit out here” he cracked the sliding door open.

You didn’t really care and followed suit and met him outside. You handed him his drink and sat next to him on your cheap patio sofa you bought. The night sky was smoothly calm and the air was crisp. You watch the stars align enjoying the presence of a quiet city. Shang Chi casually stretched his arm out on top of the patio sofa but across the side you were sitting on. You leaned your head against his arm.

“You know not all men are animals?” he said.

“Yeah I know I just don’t have time to date and ninety percent of guys our age only want that one thing so if I have to be forty years old with cats then so be yet. I’m totally fine with that.” Shang Chi chuckled and shook his head.

“(Y/N) you are the most loving, and hard working girl I know. If the right guy doesn’t see that then he doesn’t deserve you. At first I thought I only loved you on a friendship level but I’ve come to realize you mean more to me than just a friend. I just never asked you out because I thought I was out of your league”

You hung onto every word he said and couldn’t help but realize you have friend zoned Shang Chi this whole time. But only from assumptions.

“I figured you always had girls in your back pocket because you are the whole package. You’re every girl’s dream so I figured you didn’t need a girlfriend, you had options which meant I threw that possibility of you out of my head a long time ago” you said disheartened.

You look into Shang Chi’s warm eyes that reflected the same emotions as yours.

“When I came here, I didn’t know anyone. I already felt alone, but that changed the day I meant you. You are the light that helped me out of the tunnel, and if something were to happen to you, I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself anymore. I have already made too many mistakes.” Shang Chi tucked a strand of hair behind your ear.

This man will climb any mountain and beat any human being that will stand in your way. You couldn’t help feeling the instant attraction you suppressed years ago.

“Shang Chi I love you,” you confessed. He instantly kissed your lips and felt sparks fly between your heartbeat. You broke the kiss and admired the moonlight displaying his handsome face.

You caress his chisel cheek and smirked, “Well since we are official now that means more dates. So can you at least show me those killer moves you do? Where did you even learn that stuff?” You jokingly ask.

“That’s a story for another time” he smiled and rubbed his necklace.

[heartbreakgrill]

Anyone Else; Calum Hood

You leaned down over Calum’s shoulder, blocking out the bright sunset behind the two of you. He inhaled, reveling in the coconut scent of your shampoo, fused with sunscreen and chlorine-d pool water. He shook his head lightly, reminding himself to open his eyes and focus on the phone in his hand. You lifted your free hand, that wasn’t cradling a White Claw, and pointed at a profile.

“She’s super cute! I feel like she’s your type,” you commented at the picture of a taller girl, sporting fishnets and a Led Zeppelin.

“You think I’m only into girls who like rock?” Calum chuckled a little.

You shrugged, moving away to tug over a free camping chair. You leaned back in, giving Calum the view of your neck as your hair fell away from it. He licked his lips as you spoke again, “I mean, I think you look good next to someone like that based on how you dress and shit. If you’re not into that, dont let me pressure you.”

You giggled and twisted around to look at him. His eyes focused in on yours, “Uh, yeah. Or, no, youre good. Youre not pressuring me. Just helping, right?”

“Right,” you scrunched your eyes in a beat, to show you were somewhat confused by his confusion. “Anyways, swipe right or left and lets move along.”

“Okay.” Cal did as you said, allowing the screen to switch to another girl.

“Oh, no, no, she looks too much like Crystal,” you giggled lightly. “Love Crystal, but that’d be creepy.”

“So I can’t like anyone who looks like anybody in our friend group?” Calum remarked, his heart hoping you wouldn’t break it by what you would reply with.

You wriggled in your seat, “I dont know. I feel like its weird. If they look like Luke, Ill allow it.”

His lips fumbled before his brain could reach out and grasp the words and shuffle them back into a drawer, “What if they look like you?”

“Yeah, right,” you looked back at him, “I’m unique. One of a kind, baby.”

Calum flushed as you spoke. He fumbled again, about to spill again, when Sierra called your name from the pool. “Show me that boy from last weekend?”

You quickly got up, excusing yourself from Calum, and pranced across the concrete patio to the fire pit, where Luke and Sierra were cuddled up, talking to another one of your friends. Calum tried not to break his neck and watch you animatedly talk about your Tinder date last Saturday. Yet he knew it was noticeable he was trying to pry.

He felt a hand slap down on his shoulder and Calum jumped in his seat. Michael took your seat, Crystal trailing along behind and slinking into his lap. “You got it bad, mate.”

Crystal grinned at him, “You really do.”

Calum shook his head, “Dont know what youre talking about.”

“Oh, my God,” Michael pressed his fingers to his forehead, eyes cartwheeling in their sockets. “Seriously, I never understand situations like this. I dont think it’d ruin your friendship if you asked to kiss her and she rejected you.”

“It wouldn’t,” Calum remarked, speaking the honest truth. He shifted in his seat, glancing at you before meeting Michael’s eyes. “But it would ruin me. And I dont really want a broken heart right now.”

Crystal’s eyes widened and she leaned forward. “Cal, is it worse than we thought?”

“Worse?” Michael furrowed his brows, looking between the two before realization hit him like chance. “Oh, shit. Dude?”

Calum stood suddenly, tossing his empty beer can in the garbage. “I’m going home. See ya later.”

He didn’t give them the chance to say anything else as he gathered his damp towel, shoes, and bag from around him. He passed through the kitchen, waving lazily to Ashton and Kay, who were preparing the food for s’mores.

“Not staying?” Ashton called after him.

He heard Kay mutter something else to him and Ashton shocked a small, “Oh.”

You finished telling the story of Matt, who you had gone on a date with last week as Calum was pulling out of the driveway. “Yeah, but I don’t know if I’m going see him again.”

“Why?” Luke asked, puzzled by the fact that you sounded like you were really interested in him for the past five minutes, but didn’t wanna go on another date.

“I dont know,” you crossed your arms. “He’s just not my type. He’s kinda, like, stern. He’s funny, but funny in an unconventional way. He doesnt seem like he’d, I dont know, be playful in a relationship. Does that make sense? i want a guy who can be playful, but who’s mature.”

Sierra grinned to herself, nudging Luke with her elbow. “Yeah, that makes sense. Hey, ya know, Y/N?”

“Hm?” You looked to her.

Luke took over, “We know someone who’s like that.”

“Oh!” You smiled wider, “Who?”

You felt Michael slink an arm over your shoulder, whisper in your ear, “Calum.”

You moved from under him, his weight overbearing to you. “Yeah, okay.”

“What’s wrong with him?” Crystal sat on the couch across from Sierra.

“Nothings wrong. Hes just super out of my league. Plus, I’m not his type. I’m all, strawberries and picnics and, like, Hozier. He listens to Nickelback and he’d rather go to a club than kayak. I dont know, I feel like he wouldn’t like me because of my interests.”

“Cal’s a softer, you know that, right?” Luke replied. “Hes a big rockstar, yeah, but he loves hiking and nature, too.“

“He loves y- ow!” Michael groaned out, Crystal interrupting him with a shove to the ribs.

You gave him a strange look before looking back to Luke, “I know, but still. He’s still out of my league.”

-

The weeks passed, more pool parties and barbecues filling your lengthened free summer days that you weren’t working or going on sporadic Tinder dates. You’d been on five total, with four different guys. Each party brought more stories, more tall tales of Derek, the free lance artist who wore a scarf and ordered you red wine, Gideon, the police officer who hadn’t put his career in his bio, and got slightly upset when you talked about your advocacy for human rights. Spencer was just weird, with piles of facts, criticizing your jokes for being politically incorrect or scientifically impossible. However, Aaron was nearly perfect. He was super sweet, dressed like a normal person, and laughed at your jokes, agreed passionately with your advocacy.

Each time you retold a story, Calum would slide down in his seat, frown at the world around him, excuse himself from the party too soon. You were catching on slightly, smelling the jealousy seeping from his pores, though it was masked by chlorine. You figured he was just jealous because he couldn’t manage to match with a good enough woman on Tinder. So, tonight- though you had to leave early for a date with Aaron- you would most definitely find him a match.

Calum had arrived early to Luke’s house to get the meat started on the grill. He was flipping a few burgers, sipping at his first beer with absentminded concentration. His mind wandered as Luke rambled off his ear about something he saw on Twitter. Luke laughed at a joke he made, while Calum’s eyes lost focus and went blurry. His thoughts swirled with you- your shampoo, and its coconut scent that reminded him of his first crush in middle school. Your eyes were seen in so many, so similar, yet freckled with so much heartbreak and kindness that emitted from your soft spoken lips and light hands that had contact with the stars.

He didn’t care if he would look better next to a girl with jet black hair and a perfect body. He didn’t care if they played bass, too, or if they were famous and loved The Rolling Stones. He didn’t care if she was hard headed and loud. He liked that you were soft and quiet- he was, too. He loved that you dressed so different; your floral patterns went well with his dark jeans t-shirt combos. He didnt care about things looked, just how they felt. And things with you...Hell, you felt good.

Calum jumped as Luke shouted, “Youre burning the burger- Cal!”

Calum dropped his beer can, spilling the liquid all over his bare feet as he grasped for the spatula. He tossed a burnt burger into the trash with a huff, scooping the others onto a tray. “Sorry.”

Luke shook his head, sitting down beside Calum, who was dipping his feet into the water to clean them off. “What’s your problem, mate? You’ve gotten so quiet lately. Especially when Y/N’s around.”

“Part of me is hoping I’ll be able to fight the urge to kiss her if I just stop talking to her. But, then she comes around and i cant stop talking to her. We get on so well,” Calum murmured, though Luke could hear.

“Yeah?” Luke urged him, feeling proud he could get Cal to say so much. He was a quiet person, a loud jokester in social situations, but so soft and enclosed about himself.

Calum shook his head, huffed, “I cant settle for somebody else. I know that sounds selfish and stupid, but she’s all I want. She’s all I’ve wanted since i met her. She’s so perfect and good and...she makes me feel good. I dont know. Its not impossible for her to like me back, but she’s so obsessed with the idea of someone being her type. Its like she’s afraid to just take a chance and love someone who she doesnt have figured out. She wants it all to be certain and specific and exactly the way she expects it to be.”

Luke sighed, creating small ripples with his feet in the pool, “Cal, Y/N is like a literal angel. She’s gentle and quiet and contained and confirmed. She’s perfect, like you said. But, Sierra knows her so well. She keeps herself like that because she’s been heartbroken before. So many times before. She’s scared, yes. But I think shed be willing to give you a chance if you just tell her...tell her exactly what it is.”

“What do you mean?” Calum already knew everything about Y/N. But, he didnt want Luke to think he was obsessive even though she knew everything about Cal, too.

Luke shrugged, both of their head’s turning to the patio door as it opened. “I dont know. But, you do. Just tell her.”

“How will I know if I’m saying the right things?”

“You just will.”

Sierra led you over to a lounge chair, sitting beside you as you slipped out of your sandals and tugged off your shirt. You were left in your bikini top and shorts, a combination that made Calum’s heart palpitate. He took the courage from Luke’s words and stood, walking over to you.

“Yeah, so if he ever wants to...” Sierra trailed off as Calum’s shadow fell over the two of you.

He gave you a shy smile as Sierra grinned and excused herself.

“Hey, Cal,” your lips lifted, eyes following him as he sat next to you. “How’ve ya been?”

“Good, you?” He was shy. He knew you could tell, too. His eyes kept switching between yours and his hands, your lips and...

“I’m okay. A little burnt out. Work has been busy because its summertime. High fashion and stuff, ya know?” You laughed, jabbing at a joke. Your eyes glinted when Calum tossed his head back and laughed.

“Yeah, I know, dont you see my high-end swim shorts?” He made a motion to show off his pants, and you admired him.

“Cute,” you replied. A beat of silence passed before your phone made a noise. You didnt touch it, knowing it was rude to do so, but your brows flicked up. “Oh! Have you matched with any other girls on Tinder? If you haven’t, I’m making it my mission to find you someone else.”

“How am I supposed to think about anyone else?” He blurted out suddenly.

You stopped smiling, blood freezing and your body turning stiffly. “What?”

“Uh,” Calum thought, wondering how he should go about this. “Theres a million little things I haven’t told you. I cant go on keeping them to myself. And pretending I want anyone else.”

You met his eyes and Calum felt the world melt away. Like a focused lens on a camera, he only saw you, your golden little halo. Your shocked expression.

“Cal,” you hesitated, “Aaron.”

“Is he the guy you want to hold you?” Calum whispered.

You visibly shivered, your heart beating out of your chest.

“It kills me thinking of you with him,” he paused, “you and i could have it good. I dont know him, but I know myself, and I know that I can love you so much better than he could.”

You shook your head, sweat pooling on your hands and the back of your neck. “No, Cal. Please. Dont make it hard.”

“It’s not hard unless you make it hard,” Calum spoke as soon as you began to stand.

“No, its not supposed to be hard. I want it to be easy for once,” you said.

Calum grabbed your hand, turning you back around, “It is. I know were so different, and I’m on the road all the time, and I’m fucked up because of people from my past. I know I smoke, and you help clean up cigarette butts in the park and I’m silent when I shouldn’t speak, but if you jump, Ill jump, too. C’mon, please?”

You finally met his eyes, feeling the rhythm of your heart steady. “I know its dramatic, but I’m just so afraid. So many guys have hurt me and made me feel ugly. I carry myself in a way that allows protection and routine. I hate the idea of some disturbance because disturbance has always meant hurt. Cal...i could love you. I think I’m very close to loving you, but i dont know if i can let myself.”

“I do love you, and I’m letting myself,” Calum stepped closer, tugging you to close the distance more. “Just let go.”

With silent permission, his hands slipped around your waist and your clutched his t-shirt. Your fists were tight, your lips stoic. Until you felt a lock pick inside your soul and you relaxed.

TAG LIST: @mantlereid @boxofteenageideas

, @dinosaursandsocks , @ashhdaniellee95 @zhangyixingxing1

[peppersonironi]

12, 21, 19

(Is this late? Oops. Sorry!)

12: Favourite character to write about this year

Stephanie Brown, easy. She's my spirit animal, so I might be doing a touch of projecting, but I honestly don't care. She's just pure chaos in the best way. Some of my favourite lines that I've written are for her. Such as:

"What's up bitches? I brought donuts!"

"My waffles await!"

"FEAR ME!"

"Welcome to Steph’s Glitter Bomb Palace, Where Snitches get Stitches™! So don’t tell Bruce or I’ll sic Jason on you."

She's also the character I've gotten the most comments on. People really seen to enjoy how I write her!

A close second would be Duke Thomas. Bliss, a fic I wrote for the 2020 Duke Week, was one of my favourites! Or maybe Damian? His dialogue just comes easy to me.

21: Most memorable comment/review

the batfamily exist:

everyone: is,,is that allowed?

On Code Orange (Batfam/Young Justice Crossover)

*Or*

I have wanted to read a DCU/MCU crossover for a VERY long time. This story is such a delight. Your characterisation (and for me an introduction to The Signal) was fascinating in the extreme. I loved the game playing and the fact that I could watch (open-mouthed) as Bruce Wayne enjoyed childlike fun with his children and Alfred(!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) was the cherry on top of the icing on top of the cake. I look forward to your updates in a way that you wouldn't believe.

On Batfam/Avengers Crossover

19: Any new fics to start next year

Oh boy. So many. You know what? Here's a list. It'll be good to get these ideas out. Plus, you guys can tell me what you'd rather see first!

Gen/just Batfam

Crack fic based off this piece of dialogue (came from a convo between my sister and I): Tim reached forward and poked Duke's face. "You're right!" He exclaimed. "You really *do* squish like a block of wood!" Duke Centric.

Based on THIS Incorrect Quotes. Talia moves into the Manor because she's sick of Ra's. Featuring a bunch of good mom!Talia.

Based off THIS Incorrect Quotes. Jason runs for President as Red Hood. I have so many ideas! This'll be really fun.

Loosely based on THIS post. It explores Jason and Cassandra's relationship, and how it evolves.

Duke Thomas Big Bang Fic (can't say much, but it'll be great!)

Platonic (need to be certain you understand that. There were some misconceptions w/ my Discord server) Slow Burn between Tim and Damian. At the beginning the absolutely despise each other. But over time they realise their own insecurities, and how they don't actually hate the other. And by the end they fully admit and embrace their being brothers.

Reverse Robins with Damian as the oldest (I made THIS post talking about it a while back. But I've highly revised it.)

Reverse Robins with Duke as the oldest (I wrote THIS fic, but I think I want to change this into a series!)

Cassandra as Batman. Stephanie as Catwoman. Carrie Kelley as Robin.

5 Times Bette Kane was the mastermind behind the batkids' pranks without Bruce's knowledge, and 1 Time her brilliance was brought to light.

5 Times Duke thought that he couldn't possibly get any more siblings and 1 Time he met the cousins (AKA: Duke meets the extended family)

Birdflash

Birdflash in the JL/JLU universe (based off that one hexagon by @novaviis ! Super fun!). The league is inviting potential members to the Watchtower one day. Except Wally wasn't there during the choosing of said members. So he's completely shocked when his husband Nightwing shows up. They have to act like they don't know each other, which basically involves Dick flirting his butt off with Wally, Wally trying desperately to remain professional, Bruce digging in the corner, the rest of the League in varying degrees of disapproval and confusion (at least a couple have seen Wally's wedding ring. So that adds a while 'nother layer).

Young Justice soulmate au. Dick, and eventually everyone else, knows that Wally is his soulmate. Wally is oblivious. Lots of pining and angst in this one. Slow burn to an extent (depends on how long I make it). But definitely a happy fluffy ending in sight!

Batfam Meets Young Justice

THIS fic.

Duke gets yeeted into the YJ universe, and promptly passes out. He wakes up in the Watchtower, and breaks out of the confinement the Team has set up for him. Pulls shenanigans (some unwittingly) and used his powers. The Team and JL are confused, and panicking. Because this guy keeps muttering things about the Batfam. And he has a bat on his chest.

The Team break into some ancient temple after getting info on a new Supervillian plot. They find purple clothed woman draped across a throne. She talks, and they panic, as she knows all their secret identities. The only one who isn't, is Tim. He looks bored. Alternatively: Steph needs Tim's credit card to take his sister out on a date, and absolutely refuses to text.

While the Team is on a mission to stop Lady Shiva, a dimensional portal opens up and spits out a strange Robin (Damian) and what seemed to be a female Batman (Cass as Black Bat). This new dynamic due promptly defeats Lady Shiva and all the goons. The Team is freaked out, and 'apprehends' the dimensional anomalies, bringing them back to the Watchtower. Where the due promptly break and and start chaos. Featuring "Toxic" by Britney Spears. I will not explain why.

The Watchtower gets a sudden emergency message from the Batcave. They accept, to find a stranger calling himself Signal panicking about Robin being missing. They all look at Tim, who ignores them, and says that he doesn't know where Robin is. Some naming shenanigans occur.

(Not sure if this fits here, oh well) Set in Season One, Bruce is tired of Clark's attitude towards Superboy, and adopts the clone himself. Not sure how far this'll go, but at least goes through Dick's time as Robin. (Based on THIS Tumblr post)

(Also iffy on placement) a continuation of one (not sure which? Probably Damian as older) Reverse Robins fics. It's a retelling of Season One of YJ, with Dick as Robin. Nightwing (Damian) feels protective of his brother, and so takes on the role Black Canary had in the show, training the Team. But as time goes on, he ends up being more of a big brother to the group. Cameos from the rest of the Batfam as well! And an Identity Reveal (including finding out Dick and Dami are brothers) at the end!

Batfam Meets the Justice League

Cass takes over being Batman for a bit, because Bruce was an idiot and broke his leg. This happens to line up with when the Justice League reach out to the Dark Knight, in order to extend an invitation to the league. They eventually meet Bruce as Batman, and are confused as to why he is so tall. And male.

Joyfire

Lian accidentally reveals her three parents' relationship by calling Bruce 'grandpa' over dinner.

Museum Heist

THIS fic

Operation: Seduce Nightwing. Based on a post for an ATLA ot3, Wally and Artemis realise silumaneously “Hey, we kinda have the hots for Dick” and decide together to see if he likes them back. Which involves a heck ton of over the top flirting, and shenanigans. The Team is sighing on the sidelines at their idiocy. Dick is internally combusting and thinking “Do they like me back? I’’m not sure.” 

5 times Dick and Wally fought over being the middle spoon, and one time Artemis had had enough.

Set in Season 3 (but ignores some canon), Bart is kidnapped by some mad scientist obsessed with the Speed Force. The Team mobilizes, and gets Bart back from the evil base. But when they get there, they find Wally West freed from the Speed Force. He and Artemis reunite, and everyone is happy. They prepare to leave. Then the Pick-up Squad arrive in the bioship, and Dick gets out. Everyone is expecting Dick to give Wally a hug, because hey, he's his best friend! What they weren't expecting was him to run forward and pull the speedster into a passionate kiss. They go back to the Watchtower, and some more stuff happens.

Soulmate AU where the first thing your soulmate says to you after they fall in love with you is tattooed on your body.

Post Season Two Get Together. Starts with Artemis living with Dick as opposed to Will. Might be Slow Burn? (They come pretty close to kissing) Eventually Wally comes back. Arty and Wally are back together. They both live in the same house as Dick, for convenience. Then some more Slow Burn happens. Maybe some Birdflash moments. Arty tells Wally she kinda had a thing for Dick. Wally admits the same. Maybe a touch more Slow Burn. They Eventually get together.

Batlantern

AU where Bruce met Hal back when he first came back to Gotham. Fic goes through how their relationship evolves over the years (up until current time, when Damian is 13). I'm considering a relationship reveal with the Justice League.

Hal's interactions with Bruce's kids.

Green Lantern Corp acting protective of Hal when Bruce comes to Oa. This was an ask that I got, and I'm holding off on writing it till I get as much into on the GL's as possible, as all I know if their characterization comes from that animated series, and Guy Gardener's (Hilarious!) parts on Young Justice.

Marvel

Like 3 different versions of the Peter Parker Field Trip to Stark Tower Trope.

2-part Crossover with the Batfam (they exist in the same universe), where the Avengers go to a Wayne Gala, and interact with the family. The second chapter involves them heading out the next night to try and contact Batman.

THIS fic.

[prosciuttulipa]

Can I pls get a love confession note from anyone from La Squadra?

Hello my dear! Yes, of course you can!  🌿🌿💞💞  

You were my last request for my 100 Follower Event, so I decided to end with a little surprise! I know you said anyone from La Squadra would do...but I ended up writing for all of them! 💞✨🌿 I haven’t included Sorbet and Gelato, though!

The notes aren’t connected in any way (aka they aren’t ALL coming at you at once) -- I had intended for each of them to be one-off situations. So it’s simply a ‘Pick Your Fave and Get Confessed To’ sort of gig, aha!

My apologies for taking so long to finish this request!💞💞🌿🌿 Without further ado...

What’s this? It’s a memo for you! Better open it up!

Risotto

Bedda,

I prefer saying these things face to face but I haven’t found the time to do so. This recent mission also means I will be gone for a few weeks. And while it’s not a dangerous task, on the off chance that I might not return...I’d like for you to know what I’m about to write.

I have feelings for you. You’ve proved yourself to be an important asset to the team, but more importantly, you’ve proven yourself to be a person who we can trust. Who I can trust. In our line of business, it is hard to stay kind — yet here you are, proving us wrong every day. There is good in our world. I find it in you. 

You don’t have to give me an answer now. Once you’ve read this note, I should have already headed out. I won’t push you, but if you’d like to take a chance with this, you know where to find me when I return. 

I’ll see you,

Risotto.

Prosciutto

Amore,

Feelings and relationships are a luxury we do not have in our line of business. They are dangerous and make both parties vulnerable. Overall, they are not a good investment of anyone’s time.

That is how I’ve always felt about relationships. But recently...that viewpoint has changed. Yes, relationships are hazards in our work. They do more harm than good. Yet none of that seems to matter, when you find someone who is worth the risk.

To me, you are worth that risk. I would appreciate it if you could come talk to me about this. If we find ourselves on the same page, then for starters, I’d like to take you out to dinner. A warning in advance that I like to take my time in these sorts of affairs. But I am in it for the long run — I don’t waste my time on someone I don’t see a future with.

Prosciutto.

Melone

Stellina,

I love our little game of flirting, you know that. Our lingering touches, the way you blush so wonderfully at my praises, the artful plans to wind each other up — our chemistry is electric, darling. You take whatever I offer you, and give me back more than I could ever imagine. But even then...that isn’t enough for me.

I’m sorry, stellina. Most people would consider themselves lucky and not ask for more, but the truth is I’m a rather greedy person. You’ve given me a taste of your laughter, your smiles, your warmth. For a few moments every day, I get to imagine what it’d be like to love and be loved in return. I don’t want to imagine any more. I want it to be real.

Please, my darling. I know we’ve treated all of this as a game, but I can’t go on any longer. I’ve lost, you’ve won — I’ve fallen head over heels for you. I promise, if you will accept me, you will not regret it. You will always have my praise, my adoration. You will never have to come back to an empty room. I want to make you as happy as you’ve made me.

I know I am asking for too much. But if you would be willing to grant it to me...I would be the happiest person in the world.

Your admirer, Melone

Ghiaccio

Hey. Um, I’m not good with these sorts of things, but I’ve been meaning to tell you this for a while. I didn’t know how to do it, so Melone suggested writing a note. And, yeah. This is it.

I like you. Sorry if I weirded you out by saying that, but I really wanted you to know. I know I’m loud and angry and get worked up a lot of the time whenever someone says something factually incorrect (aka Formaggio you DUMBASS), but you always accept me for it. And more than that, you’re kind, you’re funny, you’re... such a good person. Sometimes it hits me that you’re actually part of our team, that you kill people just like we do. Not that it’s bad or anything. At least...it makes me feel at ease, knowing you can defend yourself.

You can probably tell I’m rambling. Uh, anyway. I just wanted you to know that I like you. If, maybe, you like me back too...we can talk about it? And maybe go on a date on our next days off? Only if you want to. I’ll stop talking now.

Ghiaccio

Formaggio

Hey there sexyyyyyyy ;)))

You already know what time it is — it’s ‘We’re Single and Ready to Do Dumb Shit’ Night! There’s going to be pissing Ghiaccio off, there’s going to be pole dancing with Melone, and we’ll be slipping into Illuso’s Mirror World for an intense karaoke session! How about it, babes? Sounds like a date to me!

I mean… it could be an actual date, if you wanted it to be. Everything would be the same, except it’d be called ‘We’re Single and Ready to Do Dumb Shit’ Date Night instead, you know? Is that a wild idea? Maybe?

Um, anyway! We’re doing dumb shit tonight! If you want to make it a Date Night, maybe let me know in advance? So I can at least dress into something a bit nicer? But if you want to just do it like we always do, no hard feelings. I like spending time with you, and it doesn't matter to me if it’s just as friends, or a little bit more. :))

Your sexy man, Formaggio

Illuso

Hey,

I’ll cut straight to the chase. I like you, romantically. I enjoy the time I spend with you, and I want us to be more than friends.

...I apologize if I sounded a bit blunt. I don’t mean to sound cold. You know how I am with how I talk. I’m vague, I play around and taunt — I’m a jerk, and I don’t deny it. But I don’t want you to feel as if I’m taking this lightly. I mean all of this seriously. I don’t normally consider writing these feelings out. I hope this note shows that I’m...willing to go out of my usual way for you.

Come find me when you get this, and let me know your answer. I’ll wait.

Illuso

Pesci

Ah, hi! Uh, I um...I wasn’t going to tell you this actually, but Fratello gave me a pep talk about it, so I feel a bit better now! Here goes nothing...

I like you, a lot! You’re really beautiful, and you’re really nice and sweet, and you’re super cool! And I know that you can take care of yourself, but...I really hope that I can be your special someone and take care of you too.

But, um, you’re really...ah, you’re really way out of my league, so I understand if you don’t like me back! Anyone would be lucky to be with you, and I hope that you find someone who treats you well. I hope we can still be friends, even if you don’t like me! I’ll always have your back, no matter what happens!

Um, okay! I’ll go now! Bye! Have a good day!

Pesci

[sage-nebula]

Now that I’ve got a moment at home, I want to elaborate a bit on my thoughts on the newest PokéAni episode, and why Pikachu’s behavior wasn’t OoC at all, but rather a demonstration of how he’s finally being treated like a character again, after just about two decades of being reduced to a prop to sit on Ash’s shoulder, look cute, and occasionally win battles. Disclaimer up front, I think this is easily the best episode Pikachu has had since the original series.

Let’s take his behavior piece by piece, shall we?

Jealousy:

Before the episode even aired, I saw people claiming that it was “out of character” for Pikachu to feel jealous over Ash training pokémon other than him, and for the most part I can kind of understand where people are coming from with this one. The fact is, since Pikachu has basically just been a series mascot rather than a character for most of the past twenty years, we haven’t really seen much from him with regards to Ash favoring other pokémon on his team (most notably in cases where the bond between Ash and the other ‘mon was super hyped up, as with Greninja). However, that’s not because it’s not in Pikachu’s character to be jealous, but rather because the writers didn’t want to spend enough time on Pikachu to show him being jealous. It’s a subtle, but key difference. Because Pikachu wasn’t “important” to the story in previous sagas, his thoughts and feelings on the given situation were pretty much ignored. But even then, we still saw flashes of it here and there, the most recent example of which I can think occurred in XY(Z). During the second battle with Alan, Pikachu really wanted to battle Alan’s Metang, only for Ash to call upon Noivern instead. (At least, I believe it was Noivern.) Pikachu got huffy over this, and Ash sheepishly said he’d let Pikachu battle next time. Pikachu’s response was to cross his arms and mutter to himself, pouting about it. It wasn’t followed up on after that (though notably, Pikachu got to battle Alan’s Metagross in the League finals), but nonetheless, we still did see Pikachu get jealous over Ash using another pokémon to battle when he wanted to, even in a saga that ignored his character for the most part.

So to say that it’s out of character for Pikachu to get jealous is just incorrect. I understand why some might think that, but it’s incorrect nonetheless. This isn’t to say that it wouldn’t be nice to see it build and build over multiple episodes, but I think it’s worth it to acknowledge the fact that it’s implied this has been building in the beginning of the episode. When Pikachu asks Ash if he can battle next, Ash tells Pikachu that Riolu’s on a winning streak:

For Riolu to be on a roll, this means that this is not the first battle Pikachu has sat out. It means that he’s sat out multiple battles, perhaps over the span of multiple days, and he’s still been a good sport about it up until this moment—the moment when Ash acknowledges that Pikachu is super pumped up to battle, and yet still tells him that, nah, he has to sit on the sidelines and continue to watch. It’s no wonder Pikachu gets pissed; it’s been days and he still hasn’t had his turn on the Xbox.

So while it would be nice to see an actual arc spanning multiple episodes, we’re still given enough information to know that Pikachu has been stewing for a bit and is finally hitting a breaking point, particularly when Ash continues to brush him off (and even scold him for falling asleep on the bench and not, I guess, being ~excited enough~ that Riolu is training instead, and even saying that Pikachu won’t get to battle at all if he naps, like, Ash, tf is your problem??) as the episode progresses. It’s been shown in previous sagas that Pikachu can get pouty if he isn’t chosen, and being looked over again, and again, and again, and then being scolded for not being excited about being looked over, is bound to wear on his nerves.

But that said, Pikachu has some other issues that should be addressed, too.

Abandonment:

In the OS, there were numerous episodes that implied that Pikachu had a fear of abandonment, which led many (myself included, and I’m still not convinced this didn’t happen between Pikachu leaving Mamaskhan and Oak finding him) to believe that Pikachu had a trainer prior to Ash who both mistreated (hence his hatred of pokéballs) and ultimately abandoned him. The most noticeable episode is “Sparks Fly for Magnemite,” in which Pikachu is so terrified of Ash abandoning him that he leaves the Pokémon Center in a severely weakened, ill state to chase after him. Ash is exasperated, but he agrees that Pikachu can come along so long as he rests and doesn’t push himself. (Ash, Misty, and Brock were actually going to the power plant to restore power to the Pokémon Center, so they really weren’t going to be gone long, but Pikachu’s illness made his insecurities come to the forefront and so he chased after anyway.)

Now, much like all other aspects of Pikachu’s personality, his fear of abandonment really hasn’t been brought up since the OS, at least not in any major way to my recollection. But JN started off with an episode detailing Pikachu’s early childhood, and his feelings surrounding no longer belonging with his family. In that instance, he chose to leave despite how much he still loved them, rather than force Mamaskhan to bid him farewell (which she would never do), or have something else terrible happen. Even though it was Pikachu’s own choice to leave, the fact that he felt he had to leave behind the only family he ever knew no doubt still left a scar on his heart, one that was possibly exacerbated by an awful previous trainer, one that might have been unwittingly reinforced in episodes like “Pikachu’s Goodbye” (where Ash legitimately tried to release him) and “Sparks Fly for Magnemite” (where Pikachu thought he was being abandoned) . . .

. . . and one that came up again in this episode.

Because in this episode, we see that Ash has been neglecting Pikachu for a little while, constantly overlooking him, brushing him off, scolding him for not being happy that he’s being brushed off, et cetera. Pikachu, obviously hurt and dejected, spends the night in Delia’s room . . . only for Delia to leave before Pikachu even wakes up, and almost leave without saying goodbye to him at all. Then he turns back to Ash again, but this time he barely has time to get two words in before Ash tells him “I’ll train with you later,” brushing him off yet again in favor of Riolu. 

And that’s when Pikachu breaks, and decides to run away.

Pikachu running away in this instance speaks volumes to me, as someone who also has abandonment issues. Because if you think about it, Pikachu going to Pallet Town was his way of benching himself. After all, provided he hasn’t released them, where do all of the pokémon that Ash isn’t actively training live? Either in Pallet Town with Oak (or in this case Delia), or in Alola. (Or in the Charicific Valley / with the Squirtle Squad etc, but those are special cases.) Pikachu decided, “Okay, I’m not going to wait around for you to bench me. I’m going to do it first so you don’t get the chance.” And that’s something that’s so familiar to me, because I cannot tell you the number of times I’ve decided to stop reaching out to / being around people because I felt like they didn’t want me around / didn’t like me / were silently rejecting me and so I said, you know what, I won’t make you reject me outright, I will just remove myself from your presence so it doesn’t come to that (which, yes, is always the wrong move to make and I try not to make it, but mental illness is a real bitch sometimes). It’s called Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, and I think that Pikachu displayed big signs of it in this episode. Ash wasn’t “rejecting” Pikachu from his perspective, but Pikachu felt that he was being rejected and reacted accordingly. Issues from his past flared up to make this a much bigger deal than it might’ve been for other pokémon, and as a result Pikachu turned tail and ran.

So what we saw in this episode was not only Pikachu being jealous / irritated that he was passed over for battle (though he was, and that’s not out of character for him either), but also Pikachu exhibiting Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria that was likely borne from abandonment / displacement / rejection issues that have been building in him since he was a Pichu. Neither Ash nor Delia meant to stoke this in Pikachu, but they still did nonetheless, and so his behavior makes total sense (so long as, again, you consider his history and the implication at the beginning of the episode that he’s been passed over for multiple battles before this).

And finally, one more thing . . .

The attitude:

Man, I was so happy to see his attitude come back!

Here’s the thing about how Pikachu behaved back when he was focused on more as a character: he was a brat. Later sagas often give the implication that Pikachu was only bratty in the first episode, before he came to like Ash, but that is far and away not true. Pikachu got a little skull and crossbones reaction emoji when Delia called him “weird” and shocked the whole crowd. Pikachu got irritated when Ash told him to hush and not blow his cover in Celadon Gym and shocked the disguise right off him. Pikachu would pull out a sleeping bag and pretend to sleep if he didn’t want to do something (such as battle or go into a haunted tower). Pikachu showed open disappointment when Team Rocket, and Meowth especially, didn’t drown to death after a shipwreck:

So the Pikatude that we saw in this episode? 100% IC characterization from start to finish for the first time in what feels like a very long time. Pikachu sulking after getting passed over? IC. Pikachu stubbornly trying to get Mimey to leave him alone because he is leaving Arceus-damn-it and you can’t stop him? IC. Pikachu getting tired and refusing to walk and angrily shoving Mimey off when Mimey tries to drag him because he wants to take a rest? All Pikachu had to do was pull out a literal sleeping bag and it could have been a scene right out of the OS. And that glorious bit at the end when Pikachu shocks the daylights out of Ash (as Ash wonders “why . . . ?”) and then pulls this face?

THE MOST IC THING I HAVE SEEN FROM THIS ANIME IN YEARS. That’s the Pikatude that Pikachu had when the series first started out and he got to be an actual character! That’s the Bratachu I know and love! While Ash has never really had a return to his Sass Ketchum days (and oh, how I miss those), to see Pikachu treated like an actual character again, separate from Ash, allowed to have his own thoughts, feelings, reactions, and arc . . . it’s wonderful. Masterful. Chef’s kiss. The whole episode was amazing, but seeing Pikachu actually be himself again really sold out.

So, TL;DR:

Pikachu has been jealous before, albeit in much smaller instances because the narrative hasn’t wanted to really treat him as his own character in a very long time.

Pikachu had abandonment issues established in OS, reaffirmed that he has issues with not feeling like he belongs / leaving before he can be openly rejected in the first episode of this series, and brought all of that up again in this episode after multiple on-screen “rejections” and implied ones before the episode.

Pikachu always had an attitude until it was smoothed away so he could be a cute mascot and other pokémon could get narrative focus; having it come back in this series/episode is wonderful and no one should begrudge that. Let Pikachu Be Interesting Again 2020

And that’s that on that.

[sports-balling-blog]

NFL hot(ish) takes for 2020 (AFC edition)

FOOTBALL IS BACK…if you ignore high school football and college football and soccer football but we’re ignoring that! So here we go my 2020 power rankings

AFC West

4. Las Vegas Raiders- lead by everyone’s 17th favorite starting quarterback and the rest of the silver and black are in for a long year stuck in the AFC West and not making moves themselves. Just add this season to the broken dreams that pave the strip…at least y’all have hockey?

3. Denver Broncos- John Elway must have really been hoping he could make lightning strike twice and bring Aaron Rodgers to the mile high city only to be stuck with a combination of Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater to see through the season instead of you know drafting a quarterback. There is too much talent *cough cough Von Miller cough cough* for the Broncos to be a complete disaster but you guys are dangerously close to Kyle Orton/Tim Tebow territory.

2. The S̶a̶n̶ ̶D̶i̶e̶g̶o̶ Los Angeles Charges- much like everyone else I’m pretty high on the Los Angeles Chargers (of Anaheim) after seeing the team’s second half of 2020 and Justin Herbert. It’s finally looking like the rebuild will yield results but we have one last question for the team will they have more wins than fans in So-Fi this year?

1. Kansas City Chiefs- shock of all shocks the back to back AFC Champions with an MVP QB and hall of fame coach will repeat as division champions. While it should be a cake walk to their seventh straight playoff appearance (and sixth straight division title) it’ll be interesting to see if they did enough to keep pace with the other top teams in the AFC.

AFC South

4. Houston Texans- HAHAHAHAH do I really need to talk more. Everything this last off season seems to have been the incorrect move more Huston especially the whole deshaun Watson situation. At least on the bright side at least no one can claim you’re tanking.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars- the Trevor Lawrence era has officially began. Too bad it’s going to start like the Minshew/Nick Foles era ended, with lots of losses. That much is clear when they chose to pander to Florida Gators fans by hiring Urban Mayer signing Tim Tebow instead of actually improving. To the three Jags fans out there be glad the Texans are in your division.

2. Indianapolis Colts- ahhh the Colts and injuries quarterbacks can you name a better tradition? The Carson Wentz era In Indy will have to wait a good chunk of the season to get started in Ernest given the newly acquired QB will miss up to 12 weeks. There’s certainly enough talent there for the Colts to stay in wild card contention and not fall in with the other two teams listed above.

1. Tennessee Titans- I don’t think there’s anyone quite as happy to be in Nashville as Julio Jones is. After years of trying to get out of Atlanta this falcon is free and here to help a titans squad looking to capitalize on the teams back to back playoff appearances.

AFC North

4. Cincinnati Bengals- congrats bengals you’ve found your franchise savior! Now you just need to scrap him off the turf every other play. And to add insult to (hopefully not another) injury AJ Green left to the Arizona desert after a decade. There’s still a long rebuild ahead bengals.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers- WHAT? How can the team that went 11-0 to start rank third? The Steelers are a long way from being one of the NFL’s top teams and the end of last season especially the game against Buffalo showed it. This year there’s no easy schedule for the black and gold to pray on. While everyone else in their division got better at least to a small extent Pittsburgh just got older and slower.

2. Baltimore Ravens- It will be an interesting season for Lamar and the Ravens and we’ll get a good taste almost immediately as they take on Kansas City in week two. The defense is there for sure a deep playoff run the only question is can the receivers include new addition Sammy Watkins can stay healthy and productive enough for the offense to match that pace.

1. Cleveland Browns- hard to believe the browns went 1-31 not very long ago. Cleveland looks like a completely different team these days boasting what looks to be one of if not the best defenses in the league especially after adding Clowney. Making the playoffs will be the least of the browns problems the only question is how far will they go. The way this team is built I’m guessing far.

AFC East

4. New York Jets- Zach Wilson is here after some rather uneventful years with Sam Darnold at the helm, but more importantly Adam Gase is gone! You’re Free! While the Jets won’t have much to show for it this year I think mean green’s perpetual rebuild sneakily took a turn for the better. We might have to stop calling them the butt fumble in a few years.

3. New England Patriots-yeah I know it feels weird for me to put them here too, but let’s face facts the Patriots are no longer a Super Bowl caliber team. The 7-9 record last season speaks for that. Its rather unlikely that lightning will strike twice in the form of Mac Jones right away. Give it a year or two and we’ll see where you are.

2. Miami Dolphins- another AFC East team looking at a bright future without Adam Gase! Brian Flores has done a great job righting the ship of state and now the dolphins look primed to build on last season and make a playoff appearance! Unfortunately the AFC is too too heavy for you to really do much there but good job none the less!

1. Buffalo Bills- another long suffering team now enjoying great success this time with Josh Allen. The Wyoming Alum looks to lead what will be one of the NFL’s best offenses past the AFC title game and into a Super Bowl this time. Their first since 1993

Playoff time!

1. Kansas City Chiefs- I don’t think they’re leagues better than the other playoff teams but when you’re looking for your fourth straight AFC Title game appearance I’ll give you a bit of a pass.

2. Buffalo Bills- not much to say here the Bills are a talented squad who are going to be successful.

3. Tennessee Titans- the regular season may be kind of a mixed bag for the Titans when it comes to record (obviously not too bad) but I think the playoffs is where this team will come to shine.

4. Cleveland browns- four feels too low for this team but when you look at who’s above them it’s kinda hard to disagree with it.

5. San Angels Chargers- look at you Chargers fan! You’re in the playoffs maybe you can make some magic happen.

6. Miami Dolphins- after coming so close last year you can loose in the first round just like in 2016.

7. Indianapolis Colts- just like last year you get to play Buffalo first and just like last year you won’t get a second game.

All in all the AFC is really a three team race. While I think I best team in general is the Chiefs I’m going to go out on a limb and say that Tennessee represents the AFC.

[kenmoorman]

Champions League Predictions and Betting Tips - Free Super Tips

Uefa champions league predictions for tuesday - UEFA Champions League Predictions | FiveThirtyEight

Herrera's take: Real Madrid have struggled to look dominant early this season, but they're finally clicking despite the massive injury woes. Goodman's take: A couple of strong performances in the Premier League combined with easily dispatching RB Leipzig in the round of 16 suggests that Jurgen Klopp's team has finally turned the uefa champions league predictions for tuesday and figured out how to cope with their defensive injuries.

The key has been moving Fabinho back into the midfield to shield the more inexperienced center-backs. Madrid, meanwhile have injuries of their own and will rely on the ageless wonder Karim Useful link to keep them in the match.

Rongen's take: City have been imperious since mid-December, winning 24 out of 25 games in all competitions. Erling Haaland -- linked to a move to City -- is capable of turning any game upside down, but Dortmund has structural issues that leave them fifth in the Bundesliga and in danger of missing out on next season's UCL. A comfortable win for Pep Guardiola and Co. Pick: Manchester City 3, Borussia Dortmund 1. Romano's take: Manchester City can uefa champions league predictions for tuesday this match.

The real danger as usual is Erling Haaland, but Borussia Dortmund are struggling a lot in uefa champions league predictions for tuesday months and City are in excellent condition. City will have the tie in hand by the end of the first 90 minutes. Echegaray's take: Erling Haaland is the talk of the town these days, and rightfully so.

He is an absolute force outside and inside the box. But the problem is that against Man City, arguably the uefa champions league predictions for tuesday team in Europe right now, you need more than Haaland. Yes, you need more. BVB's midfield will be overwhelmed by City's ridiculous movement and synchronicity.

Pick: Manchester City 2, Borussia Dortmund 0. Chiu's take: Borrusia Dortmund are without Jadon Sancho thigh against a Manchester City that has won 26 of their last 27 matches in all competitions. It would be silly to bet against Manchester City at this point.

Even though Manchester City have not allowed a UCL goal in minutes, I expect them to at least concede because of Erling Haaland, who has scored 20 goals in 14 Champions League games. It is hard to argue against that stat. Johnson's take: The Germans need an encouraging performance while Pep Guardiola's side is arguably the strongest at this moment in time. You have entered an incorrect email address!

Stay connected. Latest article. Find tips and advice on how to pick the Grand National winner with Marathonbet We're back with our latest EFL Championship predictions We use cookies to provide you with a better user experience.

By using Marathonbet, you agree to our use of cookies and our Cookie Policy. Manage consent. Close Privacy Overview This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored uefa champions league predictions for tuesday your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website.

This number depends on the quality of the league and ranges from one to four teams. Some teams have to play qualifiers to get into uefa champions league predictions for tuesday tournament, while higher-ranked teams are placed straight into the group stage.

Once the qualifiers have taken place, the group stages begin. There are eight groups in total, each made up of four teams. The teams in each group play each other twice, once at home and once away. The top two qualify for the knockout rounds. The knockout stages are as follows: round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, final.

Club Soccer Predictions

Each match-up includes one home leg and one away leg, except for the final, which is a stand-alone match. You can check out the top scorers in the Champions League this season here. The group stage runs from 20 October to 9 December The dates for the knock-out rounds are as follows:. Our Champions League predictions will cover all these crunch matches in fantastic detail. The Champions League final will take place on Saturday 29 May lfague The match will kick-off at at UK Time. It will be held at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul.

Being part of the Bayern Munich side helps of course. He has article source in uefa champions league predictions for tuesday for the defending champions again this season with three goals in the group stages, including two in the away win at Red Bull Salzburg. However, he faces a battle to again be the Champions League top scorer. All of those players, bar Rashford will have the chance to add to their totals in the knock-out stages.

On five goals are Oliver Giroud of Chelsea, four of which came in the win away at Sevilla. Choose your top goal uefa champions league predictions for tuesday at Tuessday Hill. So, the scene is set therefore for a fascinating Champions League. Bayern Munich were way above the rest last season and won every game. Can they win the title again? Will Liverpool prove to be a dominant force again? All those betting opportunities to come and our team of experts will help you get some tuesdday in the months to come.

They predictiosn provide you with excellent previews, packed with key statistics and showing you just why they think their tips will become winners. Check out the site for all the latest news and odds. Select your Champions Predicrions winner at Bet Would you like to go on our mobile site for a better experience?

Exclusive offer. See the offer. Betting tips Football Champions League. All the competitions. Predictins Competitions. Betting Tips Odds Live. Paddy Power preductions be a bookmaker to consider in this particular market. This also counts for extra time goals and penalty permutations, which will come in handy in the latter stages of the tournament, so keep your eyes peeled yes, Liverpool fans, we mean you.

Spursy, really. Another market that is very easy to punt on, and obviously, put those Champions League betting tips and foe to good use. Which, given the kind of players about the various teams, should be pretty simple to cop out on. Last year, it was the likes of Uefa champions league predictions for tuesday Lewandowski, Serge Gnabry, Neymar who were racking up the shots, adding to the xG, and putting the opposition keeper through the rounds — though not tuesdah scoring see the many Neymar misses and uefa champions league predictions for tuesday. Champions League games can be spicy affairs, with plenty of angst and anger going uefa champions league predictions for tuesday. Strikers are always the players at fault for lazy offside calls, either strolling back into onside territory, or too eager with their predicrions.

Well, what if you could put your Champions League tips to good use on these moments?

[ricco094witkowski]

Champions League Predictions and Betting Tips - Free Super Tips

Today uefa champions league predictions - Champions League Predictions and Free EXPERTS Betting Tips

Liverpool 1. City 2. Dortmund 1. Lazio 1.

Champions League Predictions & Betting Tips

Atalanta 1. Gladbach 0. PSG 1. Barcelona 1. Liverpool 2. Ueefa Leipzig 0. Dortmund 2. Champkons 2. Juventus 3. Porto 2. Atalanta 0. Real Madrid 1. Chelsea 1. Bayern Munich 4. Dortmund 3. Juventus 1. PSG 4. Olympiacos 0. Lokomotiv 0. Real Madrid 2. We post our Champions League tips at 10pm the night before each match. Posting this early allows us to get the best value possible while also giving you plenty of time to digest our tips.

Meanwhile, our match predictions are posted days before kick-off. Each of these includes statistics, betting tips and correct score predictions. Your first port today uefa champions league predictions call should be our free bets page, where you can compare the best offers from all the top bookmakers. It also pays to be informed before placing a bet — particularly on a tournament as big as this where so much information is available.

A predctions number of teams from each league in Europe qualify for the Champions League. This number depends on the quality of the league and ranges here one to four teams.

Some teams have to play qualifiers to get into the tournament, while higher-ranked teams are placed straight into the group stage. Once the qualifiers campions taken place, the group stages begin. There are eight groups in total, each made up of four teams. The teams in each group play each other twice, once at home and once away.

So, without further ado…. From thrilling RO16 clashes, all the way through to heart-in-mouth semi final encounters, all the big games will todwy price boosts leaue them including new customer offers at massive enhanced odds and existing customer price boosts for all to use to earn a little more value on your pre-match punt. Beyond the usual price boosts, you cham;ions also today uefa champions league predictions your hands on free bets ahead of any round of Champions League action, with most bookmakers allowing new customers the chance to open their new account with a bang, using the bet bonus code for example.

Too many big games going about for you to focus on? Fret not, for our Squawka Bet accumulator pick will allow you to wager on a selection of your favourite games of the match day, will relative ease. How good is that? Yet few provide a comprehensive online betting experience for you to hoot about. He is todaj absolute force outside and inside the box. Predictios the problem description that against Man City, arguably the best team in Europe right now, you need more than Haaland.

Yes, you need more. Predidtions midfield will be overwhelmed by City's ridiculous movement and synchronicity. Pick: Manchester City preductions, Borussia Dortmund 0. Chiu's take: Borrusia Dortmund are without Jadon Today uefa champions league predictions thigh against a Manchester City that has won 26 of their last 27 matches championns all competitions. It would be silly to bet against Manchester City at this point. Even though Manchester City have not allowed a UCL goal in minutes, I expect them to at least concede because of Erling Haaland, who has scored 20 goals in 14 Champions League games.

It is hard to argue against that stat. Johnson's take: The Germans need an encouraging performance while Pep Guardiola's side is arguably the strongest predictiosn this chmapions in today uefa champions league predictions. I think City will win with Dortmund pushing them closer than most.

Pick: Manchester City 2, Today uefa champions league predictions Dortmund 1. Benge's take: Pep Guardiola's side looks like bringing truth to the cliche that defense wins championships. Not since Matchday 1 have they let in a goal and the Ruben Dias-John Stones tandem might be enough to stop even Erling Haaland, or at least constrict supply tocay to him. Up the other end, you can rest assured that City will score, they ought to have one foot in the semifinal by the time the first leg is done.

Herrera's take: Fixture tonight epl heavyweights will battle it out, today uefa champions league predictions expect a low-scoring draw with Erling Haaland getting the equalizer.

Pick: Manchester City 1, Borussia Dortmund 1. Goodman's take: Erling Haaland may get all the attention and might even be headed for Manchester City next season but it's the City defensive masterclasses that Pep Guardiola consistently orchestrates that will prevail. Bayern Munich were way above the helpful hints last season otday won every game.

Can they win the title again? Will Liverpool prove to be a dominant force again? All today uefa champions league predictions betting opportunities to come and our team of experts will help you get some winners in the months to come. They will provide you with excellent previews, packed with key statistics and showing you just why they think their tips will become winners.

Check out the site for all the latest news and odds. Select your Champions League winner at Bet Would you like to go on our mobile uef today uefa champions league predictions a better experience? Exclusive offer. See the offer. Betting tips Football Champions League. All the competitions. X Competitions. Betting Tips Odds Live. Borussia Dortmund. Could this be the year for PSG? Strong Spanish Challenge this year? Who wins this season's Champions League?

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