#like you can tell this season is rushed in many respects

[itsclydebitches]

Honestly, I think most of the issues in this season exist because they clearly planned four seasons. Ted was supposed to go through a flop era, where he'd be checked out and his divorce and overall shitty situation with Michelle (the therapist thing) would have bitten him in the ass, and he'd struggle with his own positivity. It's crucial for Ted as a character to be critical of his life in Kansas, otherwise his character doesn't do anything but serve as an enlightened american spiritual guide to a bunch of brits (NOT a classy plot line and not a good move, especially since most of the brits are either queer or poc). I swear to god, if they make Ted go back to Kansas and end the series with him returning to the status-quo, I'll riot. His story was clearly about trying something new and brave for the wrong reasons, and finding himself in the process! He was not happy in Kansas! He has built himself a life in England that he never had in Kansas (otherwise we'd see him missing his friends, not the never-ending loneliness).

But it's a season long arc, and a recovery process that would last them another season. I was sure they would stop after the fourth season, not the third!

I think they might have decided to wrap it up early, either because of the impending strike, or because Sudeikis got bored.

Sudeikis has come out and said (on a couple of occasions I believe) that the show was pitched as a three season arc, not four. However, as a fellow writer who always needs about 75% more time/space than she originally planned for a story, I can easily picture how a perceived three season arc could actually need four seasons once you're in the nitty-gritty of writing it. I also don't know enough about the inner workings of Apple TV and Sudeikis' creative process to guess at how everyone was originally conceiving a "season." Certainly the 7-10 episodes of today are a far different beast from the 24 episodes of decades past. If Ted Lasso was still three seasons but with season 3 clocking in at 19 episodes... that would make a hell of a difference.

Regardless, I do think this season needed more time and that the issues there are seen more clearly in "International Break" than anywhere else. Nate quitting his job from one episode to the next, Rebecca suddenly being able to laugh uproariously with Rupert, even Roy having this 'aha' moment about being with Keeley... it's not that I think the show hasn't been building towards these things (it has), but rather that the final push feels sudden and, though not out of nowhere, not what I was expecting to happen just yet if - as said - the show had more time to develop these complex moments of growth. Also, though I'm a big fan of the show's sprawling cast and I think that's integral to its overall messages (you need that diversity in characters and their relationships), there was a lot of 'filler' I think this season could have cut to better focus on those key dynamics. For me, Keeley is the most egregious example in that regard. Shandi and Jack added little to her story imo - beyond a without-a-doubt queer confirmation and a little growth in terms of being a boss - so I would have rather had more of the focus be around Roy and her company more broadly.

Anyway, yeah, HARD agree about Kansas. I've already written about how disappointed I'd be in that ending. Personally, I don't think I'd want a whole season of Ted's "flop era," especially since that's where he started out: the presumably useless American "wanker" who is driving the team into the dirt. The shorter arc we got this season where Ted struggles, doubts, and then makes a tremendous comeback worked well for me. What would I have given Ted instead to fill that time... I'm not sure, which is one of the reasons why I think the show does benefit from that three season structure. There's only so much you can do with the concept of "Presumed failure is not a failure after all and actually is supper successful" before you're forced to backtrack (which undermines the message) or just sit in the boring "They're great aren't they great everything is great" ending. So Ted's football arc works for me, we just need more time for all those relationships. Keep the basic structure we have in terms of overall plot, but add in episodes to fully take the characters through the conflicts Season 2 introduced: How does Nate possibly redeem himself in Rupert's clutches? How can Ted come to terms with Michele dating their therapist? Why is Beard still 'happily' dating Jane after Higgins' intervention and his violent night out? How does Roy overcome this all-consuming belief that he's holding Keeley back? What in the world is going on with Rebecca and this maybe baby? How is Trent going to confess his love for Ted?

As said, the season IS answering all these questions, it just feels like the short structure has landed us with, "This is a problem, this is a problem, this is still a problem, the characters are acknowledging it's a problem... oh look the problem is now solved off-screen/in one scene! Happy days."

[nadvs]

looking to score (one-shot)

pairing footballcaptain! rafe cameron x female headcheerleader! reader

rating explicit 18+

summary rafe has been flirting with you all season long. just when you think he’s never going to actually seal the deal, you do something to make him dangerously jealous and he realizes he’ll need you to prove who you’re loyal to.

» masterlist

*+:★:+*━━━*+:★:+*━━━*+:★:+*

The state championship game coming up means there are two sure things you can count on.

One, you have to hold twice as many cheerleading practices to make sure your routines are clean and flawless.

And two, everyone on campus has Rafe Cameron’s name in their mouth.

He’s the starting quarterback, the captain of the football team, the fucking pride and joy of your college. For him, it’s awesome. He loves the attention. As for you, you’ve given up on trying to stifle your eye-rolls any time someone mentions him.

Rafe is the cockiest man you’ve ever known. Your interactions with him have been limited, but telling. He’s been teasing you all season, flirting and acting like he’ll finally put a move on you. But then he never does.

Before every home game, as team captains, you stand first in your respective line in the tunnelled corridor that leads out to the football field. This gives Rafe a nice few minutes to flirt with you and does he love to lay it on thick.

Today, finally, it’s the day of the championship game, and your college is hosting. The campus is buzzing with excitement, colorful signs in the stands, every parking lot full.

You’re waiting in your usual spot. The crowds in the stands outside are roaring and the conversations of cheerleaders and college staff are bouncing around the concrete tunnel.

The players aren’t here yet, but you know it’s only a matter of minutes before Rafe leads them down the hall, pausing next to you, messing with you like always.

It’s almost torment the way he works you up, then does nothing about it. Nonetheless, you look forward to this little routine you two have and hope he puts his money where his mouth is one day.

Rafe lives for the buzz before a home meet. The local fame he amasses, the promise of an hour-long game where he’s celebrated for his aggression, the opportunity to talk to you before he steps out onto the field… it’s electrifying.

When he saunters down the corridor towards you, all height and breadth and fucking ego, his eyes trail down your body like he’s imagining what’s underneath your cheerleading uniform.

“Damn,” he lowly mutters to you. “I swear, that skirt keeps getting shorter.” He leans back against the hard wall, waiting for his cue to rush the field.

“Wishful thinking,” you reply, crossing your arms.

Rafe soaks in the sight of your cleavage, the way your tits press together under your v-neck top when you stand like that. His blood runs hot like it always does when he sees you.

“This is a big game,” he says. He’s rolling his helmet in his big hands, his shoulder pads wide, the red of his jersey somehow making his blue eyes look even bluer. “You shouldn’t be distracting me.”

“Do you ever give it a rest?” you ask. He bites his lip, gaze dropping to your legs.

“We both know you don’t want that.” His smirk is so cocky, his dimples so taunting, that you have to look away from him. He’s almost too hot.

“Got me there, Rafe,” you say sarcastically. When you roll your eyes at him, his dirty mind immediately imagines you doing that from pleasure while he fucks you.

“Good, get used to saying my name,” he chuckles.

“Because I’ll be screaming it later, right?” you quip. “Original.” Regardless, you feel yourself flush a little when you imagine him on top of you.

“I’m just sayin’, be prepared,” he says, amused as hell. The band starts playing the familiar entrance music in the stands, prompting you to get ready to run out.

“You want me so bad, it’s embarrassing.” You kneel over to pick your pompoms off the ground, purposely perking your ass in his direction. He feels his groin tighten at the view.

“I’m not embarrassed,” he says. You meet his eyes and can’t stifle the smile on your face, shaking your head as he pulls his helmet over his head.

Goddamn, he wish he knew if he actually had a chance with you. But he hasn’t ever made a real move, sure you’d reject him in a heartbeat. It’d be too big a blow to his ego.

The game is a close one through all four periods. You and your team cheer on the sidelines as the sun starts to set, trying to weaken the thick tension that stretches across the field.

Rafe plays fast and rough like usual, but you’ve noticed he has a sudden rivalry with one of the opposing players. Every time he gets even remotely close to number 33, who’s clearly been tasked with taking Rafe down, he’s shouting at him or shoving him.

His aggression is hot. Always has been. You look away from the field as if someone can read your mind.

Of course, it’s Rafe’s touchdown that wins the game for the home team. You’re elated, the cheering and applause and energy around you magnetizing.

You and the other cheerleaders storm the field, followed by the marching band and everyone on the coaching team.

In the crowd, you see Rafe with his helmet off, smiling the biggest you’ve ever seen. The stadium lights are strong, washing him in a bright light, showcasing the handsome planes of his face.

“Don’t rub it in, huh?” you hear. You turn to see a player from the other team smirking at you, his helmet hanging off his fingers.

“Kind of my job,” you reply, gesturing to your pompoms. He laughs, nodding as he looks down. Okay, he’s cute.

Rafe’s impulse is to look for you, brag to you about his win and about how you have no choice but to cheer for him.

When his eyes land on you, you’re standing on the field looking so fucking cute with your hip cocked, smiling at…

His blood boils. You’re smiling at another guy. The guy who’s been dogging him and pissing him off the whole game. Number 33. Why the fuck are you smiling at him?

Rafe can’t control himself. He starts to push through the crowd to get you the hell away from that asshole, when the coach stops him, talking to him about their play.

He loses sight of you and it makes every sore muscle in his body tense.

When the team heads inside, Rafe doesn’t even have the patience to peel off his muddy uniform. He leaves his helmet in his locker and rushes out of the room to find you.

He’s pissed off at your lack of loyalty. He’d like to think it’s because he cares about the team that much, but no. You’re his. Some dickhead, especially one on the opposing team, isn’t going to flirt his way into your pants.

When he spots you walking through one of the hallways that surrounds the stadium, he rushes to you and grabs your wrist.

You look up to see Rafe staring down at you with hard eyes.

“Why were you talking to that asshole?” he asks over the sound of the chattering crowds surrounding you.

Excitement burns through you. Is he talking about the player who flirted with you? Damn. He’s jealous. You give him a gratified smile.

“Only asshole I talked to today was you,” you reply.

“What did he say?” he demands, voice low. What’s worse is that you fucking smiled at him, a smile that should only be reserved for him, but he won’t say that out loud.

“He was hitting on me,” you reply, smirking. “Hopefully he’ll actually do something about it. Unlike you.”

Your response throws him for a second. If you want him to follow through, to finally resolve months of sexual tension, he’ll gladly fucking do it.

He angrily yanks you towards him and you allow him to guide you through the throngs of spectators.

Rafe has one thing in mind. He knows where the visiting teams park their bus. And he’s taking you there.

He roughly pushes open the heavy door to the back parking lot, pulling you behind him. The evening air is warm and the area is dark and fenced up and all you can hear is his panting.

Hard hands find your hips and push you against the cold, metal wall of the bus. Rafe’s finally facing you again, his stare penetrating. Your heart is hammering with anticipation.

“You want me to do something about it, huh?” he rasps. He pushes his hips against yours, grinding against you.

“Fucking finally,” you breathe.

His lips are on yours as he huffs a chuckle, unable to believe that you’re crumbling for him this damn easily.

His tongue runs against yours and his body feels so firm, the smell of his sweat musky and so fucking sexy. You feel the bulge of his hardening cock against your groin and you buck against him.

His hand eagerly runs up your thigh, below your skirt. When his fingers press against your cunt, you jolt, your breath stopping for a second.

“You wet for me?” he asks, pads of his fingers pushing up against your entrance. His breath is hot, his nose nudging yours. Arousal coils in your stomach, tight and hot.

You feel so soft and moist through your panties. Rafe knows he won’t be able to simply touch you for much longer. He needs to be inside you.

“Mhm,” you can only desperately hum.

His other hand moves from your hip to your face, squeezing your cheeks together as he looks down at you.

“What’s that?” he asks.

“Yes,” you reply clearly, eyes boring into his.

Excitement pools in you when he moves his hands away to pull down his pants. You eagerly hike up your skirt and yank down your underwear.

It’s so fucking insane to be doing this out here. Someone could come through the door in a second. But the risk of it just adds to the thrill.

You revel in the sight of Rafe’s hard, curved cock in his hand. He’s fucking huge. You can admit the ego is warranted.

Rafe loves your expression, the way your lips are parted in surprise.

“Damn, look at you,” he huffs with a smirk. “You want this dick so bad.”

You eagerly lift your knee for him and he takes the invitation immediately, holding your leg up against his hip.

The feeling of him lining himself up against your cunt is mind-blowing. He pushes into you slowly, every inch feeling better than the last.

“How long have you wanted this?” he grunts once he bottoms out.

“Feels like fucking forever,” you admit breathlessly. “What took you so long?”

“Just be grateful you’re getting it,” Rafe replies. So cocky. Typical.

He pulls back then thrusts into you. Hard. You let out a strained sob and he inhales sharply at how nicely you’re squeezing around him.

“Oh, my God,” you whimper. The leg holding you up is wobbly already, making you grateful his hand is firmly hooked underneath your knee.

“You think that idiot can fuck you like this?” he says, driving in and out of you.

“No,” you say, and you mean it. You’re not sure anybody can pound into you so effortlessly, with so much passion.

You dip your head back, eyes squeezed shut while he fucks you.

“Don’t fucking talk to him again,” he orders, his hand rubbing over your chest and roughly kneading your tits.

This jealousy, this ownership, is so fucking hot. He continues to pull in and out so hard and so fast that you know you’ll be sore tomorrow.

“I won’t,” you promise. He’s so big inside you, stretching you so nicely, that you feel your stomach tightening already. “Shit. I’m gonna cum.”

“Do it loudly,” he says with a self-satisfied laugh. “And say my name.”

You obey, and when the orgasm rocks through you, your blood runs hot and sparks go off through your entire body. Rafe feels you squeezing him even tighter and he groans, cumming inside you in hot waves, twitching.

You bite your lip as he pulls out, feeling aftershocks of pleasure rocking through you.

Realizing what you’ve just done, that you’re in a fully public area, you frantically pull up your panties and readjust your skirt. Rafe looks amused by your nervousness, slowly getting dressed again.

“That was…” you begin, but you don’t have the words. Rafe leans down, capturing your face in his hands again to kiss you deeply.

A loud bang forces you apart. You see a player from the opposing team stepping out the door, trailed by the rest of his team.

A few seconds earlier, and you’d have been mortified. But Rafe takes the opportunity to kiss you again before taking your hand and pulling you through the door, past the group of guys.

“Get home safe,” Rafe mutters to them with a smirk, his tone taunting and entirely disingenuous. He spots number 33 and smiles at him with nothing but contempt.

He squeezes your hand and tilts his head towards you as the two of you walk by the sullen man.

“Looks like you lost,” Rafe half-laughs, very clearly not talking about the game.

thank you to this anon for inspiring this fic! if you want notifications on when i post my fics, follow @xorafe-library and turn on notifications 💘

[devildomwriter]

Mammon Birthday Special 100 Fun Facts

1. Mammon states that he sleeps in the nude

2. Mammon despises witches and was nearly chopped into pieces by them once but Lucifer rescued him (although Lucifer was also the one to recommend they cut him into pieces)

3. When Levi tried attacking Mammon in his sleep, before he could even bring his foot down on Mammon, Mammon had him in a headlock

4. Mammon has a habit of stripping while drunk

5. Mammon does not like it when bath’s smell like flowers

6. Mammon’s dream for the future is having a carefree and playful life

7. Mammon starts his baths by washing his head

8. Mammon’s fear of ghosts and monsters originates a little after a year of living in the Devildom when he is possessed by a ghost

9. Mammon hates a Devildom song called “Corpse Rock”

10. Karasu refers to Mammon as noodle-boy

11. In earlier chats and Devilgrams Mammon is said to be a cat person, in later stories he is said to be a dog person, but his birthday information card again states he is more of a cat person

12. Mammon’s motto is “Money will makes the Devil turn millstones.”

13. Mammon’s daily activity is procrastinating in MC’s room

14. Mammon is obsessed with his shades and when he accidentally breaks them he’s devastated

15. According to Beelzebub, Mammon is bad at cooking and doesn’t make good peanut butter sandwiches

16. When Belphie and Beel helped Mammon pick out his human world outfit, he was so touched he bought them their human world clothes

17. Mammon states if the Devildom disappeared tomorrow he’d borrow as much money as he wanted to spend and not have to pay any of it back

18. Mammon’s favorite food in hell is Soy Sauce flavored cup ramen

19. In a love survey in B’s log, Mammin is said to be the active one pursuing love

20. Mammon is said to attract the “sassy and outgoing” types

21. The first thing Mammon does in the morning is check his stocks

22. In the love survey in B’s log when asked if he’d want to be bound by or bind his lover his response was “what do you want me to do? What did you say? Idiot!”

23. Mammon’s car is a Demonio 666 Lexura. The specific type was very rare and (unbeknownst to him originally) only with Lucifer and Diavolo’s help was he able to get it

24. Mammon easily forgets anniversaries and special dates of remembrance

25. Mammon is unable to express himself frankly

26. Mammon likes R&B music

27. Mammon is not a morning demon

28. One of the first things in the game said about Mammon by his brothers is that he’s a masochist

29. The results of a demon brain scanning app showed that Mammon’s thoughts are 90% money

30. Mammon’s worst RAD subject is Hexes and Curses

31. Mammon became Lucifer’s attendant in the Celestial Realm before Leviathan had even been born

32. Mammon was once almost roasted alive by hellfire

33. Mammon is a very bad liar and often admits exactly what he did when explaining that’s not what he did

34. Mammon was almost the one to tame Cerberus but Lucifer rushed in as he was about to confront the dog

35. Mammon is extremely protective of his little brothers

36. When forced to be honest, Mammon admits how much he admires and respects Lucifer

37. When Lucifer has a bad day, Mammon will bring him a drink and sandwich without being asked

38. Mammon was almost kicked out of the celestial realm thousands of years before the fall until Lucifer got through to him

39. Besides the people who were told what Simeon was going through in season 4, Mammon was the first one to notice something was wrong with him

40. Once Mammon was punished by Lucifer by being tickled until he laughed so hard he was humiliated

41. Mammon was given a serum with unknown results that caused him to tell MC he wanted to do many explicit things with them

42. Even Michael was unable to handle Mammon as an angel

43. Mammon is so fast that not even Diavolo and Lucifer can catch up to him

44. It’s been mentioned multiple times that Mammon uses crows as familiars

45. When Lucifer cannot trust Diavolo, he turns to Mammon

46. Mammon once called up Simeon to ask about significant lines in the TSL series so he could successfully hack into Leviathan’s akuzon account

47. Levi and Mammon sometimes perform standup comedy

48. When Mammon tried making a cake for Lucifer on his birthday in the Celestial Realm, he accidentally destroyed the kitchen, infuriating Michael

49. Mammon works as a model occasionally

50. In lesson 11 of the game Mammon claims he is well over 5,000 years old

51. In the celestial realm Mammon would often watch over the younger angels

52. Mammon once tried selling bird feathers to the lesser angels, claiming they were seraph feathers

53. In the celestial realm, Mammon once used the lesser angels to play a game of life-size chess

54. Mammon is said to have been the one who rallied and encouraged the angels in the Celestial war

55. Unlike his brothers, Mammon doesn’t often lose control of his powers

56. Whenever Mammon comes up with solutions to a crisis, they usually make things worse

57. Mammon struggles with math unless he thinks about it as calculating money

58. Mammon loves pandas because they’re profitable

59. Mammon always lets his brothers know about sales and deals going on

60. Mammon is the one who told Lucifer to always have pride and not regret his decision about the war

61. Mammon was cursed to speak like a cat during season 4 and Satan was unable to leave his side even getting Mammon to play with cat toys.

62. The first time Mammon lost control of his powers and transformed into a demon in the game is when he misunderstood a conversation between Levi and MC and assumed they had “relations”

63. Mammon is one of the only people who will indulge Asmodeus and watch his one-man fashion shows

64. When Mammon put too many meals on Satan’s tab, Satan called up Solomon and told him Mammon wanted to try his new recipe

65. Mammon has kidnapped MC multiple times

66. Mammon sometimes goes clubbing with Asmo after part time jobs

67. After Mammon sold all of their silverware he was fired from Ristorante Six

68. Mammon is sometimes referred to as MC’s pet

69. Mammon continues to insist he’s MC’s master not the other way around

70. Mammon sees Luke as his little brother

71. Student council members used to oversee detention until Mammon kept getting detention himself

72. Mammon once accidentally cast a spell on himself that made him burst into song

73. Mammon once accidentally turned himself into a dog

74. Mammon accidentally cursed himself and became extremely small. He was scared of how Beel was looking at him

75. When Mammon made the Miss’em dolls he became extremely wealthy but later blew it all on gambling

76. Mammon is too scared to watch horror movies alone and asks Lucifer to watch them with him

77. Mammon once attacked Lucifer with a three-prong pitch fork when he embarrassed him

78. Mammon has cried from fear of Simeon multiple times

79. Mammon was unable to even pretend to break up with MC

80. Mammon is one of the reasons you need a permit to get to the human world rather than do so freely

81. Mammon got a Mohawk once but his brothers teased him so much he immediately got rid of it

82. Mammon loves the Devildom version of Harry Potter

83. Mammon often threatens lesser/younger demons to hand over all their money

84. Mammon once stopped a bank robbery and demanded the money as compensation

85. Mammon accidentally cut down a Christmas tree gifted to Lucifer from Diavolo

86. Mammon was tricked by Lucifer to gamble against everyone he’d ever screwed over all at once

87. Mammon calls going to the horse races “seeing the horsies” to try and convince MC to tag along

88. When he was Lucifer’s attendant, Mammon sought for a rare Crystal Lily flower to gift him but got lost and Lucifer had to come find him

89. Mammon used Serenity Manor as collateral in gambling as soon as he got to the human world, almost forcing everyone to go right back to the Devildom

90. When coming up with proposal’s Mammon forced Simeon, Solomon, and Luke to participate in a flash mob

91. Mammon has a blood oath with MC and Leviathan

92. Mammon accidentally won Henry 1.0 while trying his first Devildom ice cream. He was nearly eaten.

93. Mammon owns an AK-47 after winning it over in a game against Leviathan

94. Mammon fees guilty that he didn’t have a grand reason to follow Lucifer to hell rather than just feeling like it

95. Mammon once lost a bet to a bunch of rabbits

96. Mammon prefers spicy foods to sweets

97. Mammon extorted Satan for 50,000 Grimm in exchange for throwing him a baseball

98. Mammon’s highest known rank in the celestial realm within the game is a Throne

99. When Mammon was turned into a Test Name box he got used to it immediately, disappointing Beelzebub

100. Mammon died in season 4 for a few minutes but was brought back by Barbatos

[cipheramnesia]

This is the process my brain goes through every time I see anything about Netflix Avatar The Last Airbender.

My first reaction is always: Why? The original, although not without flaws, doesn't leave a lot of room to improve. A good remake or adaptation usually involves an updated context or change in perspective that adds to the original work and gives it new meaning. It's a risky undertaking because it usually involves wanting to take on something established as iconic and make it your own. But Netflix is a corporation and seems very risk averse for the most part. Its only investment is in the name recognition of AtLA. It's hard to visualize Netflix deliberately taking a big risk on an expensive show.

My second reaction is: How? The original series is about 1400 minutes over 61 episodes, and it still had to rush the ending. We're looking at 8 episodes of roughly 45-60 minutes per episode for season 1, which would require Netflix to let it run more than 3 seasons, if the series has similar pacing. Historically however Netflix shows have glacial pacing, and rarely make three seasons. Not really sure how they plan to tell the story if the series is anything like the average Netflix series, meaning it either needs to undercut the story or let the series breathe for at least five seasons. But nothing Netflix has done makes me want to watch anything they make as an ongoing series? Why bother, they cancel everything I enjoy. So I wonder how. What's the hook to say "this will be able to provide something new and interesting compared to the original, and will be allowed to tell the complete story."

Which leads me to think, but you can't judge if something is good without seeing it. Except none of this is about whether it's good, I just find myself wondering what are the odds it's worth the effort? They're low, and it has nothing to do with whether or not it's even any good on its own merits.

Following this, I ask myself, what would a good version of this be. Imagine you are making a live action series with eight hour long episodes per season based on a children's cartoon with 20 thirty minute episodes per season. You are trying to encompass a story which was presented over three seasons as a cartoon, and you do not know if you will have more than those eight episodes. It's made for Netflix which, in terms of a company which will protect the hard earned fruits of your artistic labor, is the fox guarding the henhouse. What do you do?

If you are looking to make something good, that respects your audience investment and your own work, you make radical changes to the story. You change the pacing, the character arcs, the plot arcs. You make sure you deliver a complete story in those episodes with as much respect for the original work and as many new ideas as you can.

Except, at that point, what is even the point of a remake. The only way to work with it is either to trust Netflix allowing you to finish the story (which you'd need to be incredibly naive to do), or tell a story so different it may as well be wholly original. And that's where I always end up. Like, it'll probably be fine, but what's the point of it all? Another vanishing digital property to get canceled because of some undefinable failure to return on investment.

I think about it a lot because the two ends of the spectrum seem to be "dunk on every new piece of information" or "wait and see" but the only conclusion I can ever reach is "why even care?" That's been the lesson to take home from digital streaming in general when it comes to series, but Netflix in particular, and honestly for movie series too. If it can't be self contained, the companies who produce and release these kinds of series just cannot be trusted with it, and there are too many good original stories being put out to care anymore about big budget promises that one day they will definitely for sure deliver a finished story, this time for real.

I care enough to think about why I don't feel anything at all about Netflix Avatar. It'll be fine, whatever else. Just fine.

[crssvjb]

Moments -Sebastian Vettel

Sebastian Vettel x Senna!reader

Summary: Moments of your relationship with the pilot Sebastian.

Warnings: Mentions of Ayrton Senna here (not many). A little long.

The Encounter - 2008

The year was 2008, and the Formula 1 tracks were both a place of excitement and nostalgia for you. As the daughter of Ayrton Senna, the racing legend, the world of F1 has always been part of her life. Now, as a mechanical engineering student, you landed an internship at Toro Rosso, an opportunity that blended your passion for engineering with deep memories of your father.

One afternoon, in the Toro Rosso pits, while analyzing the car's data, the voice of Sebastian Vettel, a young German driver, interrupted his thoughts. – "These numbers always seem very complicated." – He said with a relaxed smile.

You turned around, surprised to see the pilot next to you. – "Well, to me, they tell fascinating stories." – You replied, smiling. The connection has been made. Sebastian, curious and respectful, began to ask questions about his father and the time when Senna dominated the tracks.

– "Ayrton Senna is a legend. What is most incredible about him that people don't know?"

You smiled, appreciating the sincerity of the question. – "In addition to his incredible driving skills, my father was driven by an intense passion for competition, but also by a deep respect for other competitors. He sought excellence, not just for himself, but to elevate the entire sport."

Sebastian, his eyes shining with interest, replied: – "It's incredible how he influenced Formula 1 and all of us. I'd love to hear more about him."

Between conversations about cars, racing and engines, you got closer and became friends. Sebastian, being a promising driver at the time, showed genuine interest in his passion for mechanical engineering. The bond between you grew, even when he left for the Red Bull team the following year.

The Invitation - 2009

In 2009, Red Bull Racing became the new stage for the emotions of Formula 1. Sebastian Vettel, now the team's driver, was conquering the world with his skill on the track. Still, you remained a constant part of his life, the connection growing with each run.

The day after the exciting race in Singapore, Sebastian invites you to a quiet dinner. The atmosphere is cozy, an elegant restaurant in the city. As you browse the menus, Sebastian smiles, looking straight into your eyes.

– “These moments on the track have been even better with you around.” - He says. – "And I was wondering if you'd like to hang out with me. Not as teammates, but as... something more."

Sebastian holds his hand, demonstrating the sincerity of his words. – "I really wish this was something beyond the track. What do you think?"

The sincerity in Sebastian's words is moving. You smile, feeling a rush of emotion. – "I would love to, Sebastian. It would be a pleasure."

The Instructor - 2010

The year was 2010 and the Formula 1 season was about to start. Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel had a bigger challenge ahead of him. And you? Well, you were about to embark on the journey of a lifetime. Red Bull Racing decided that you would be Sebastian's instructor for the season.

The days leading up to the start of the season were intense. You and Sebastian spent hours on the simulators, discussing strategies, adjusting technical details and analyzing each curve of the circuit. It was a perfect elaboration, where the pilot and the engineer shared ideas and experiences.

On a rainy afternoon at the Red Bull office, Sebastian looks at you with a smile. – "You really know what you're doing. It's amazing how everything makes more sense when explained by you."

You laugh, sharing your knowledge with passion. – "It's all about understanding the nuances, the details that can make a difference. And when you drive, these details become even more crucial."

The season begins and the races bring challenges and triumphs. In a memorable race, Sebastian achieves another podium at home. The atmosphere in the pits is electric, and after the team celebrates, they turn to you.

– “This is for us, for our partnership.” – says Sebastian, and before you know it, your lips meet in a passionate kiss, revealing to the world the connection that developed behind the scenes.

The news about you two spreads quickly through the media, but you face everything head on. At a press conference, Sebastian smiles for the cameras. – “Finding someone who shares the passion for the sport and understands the madness that is Formula 1 is rare. And I’m grateful to have her by my side.”

The coming months will be one of continued celebration. Wins on the track create a unique dynamic. The world championship is an achievement for both of them, and on the podium, after the last race of the season, Sebastian surprises everyone again by holding the trophy, looking at himself and saying: “This victory is ours.

Commitments - 2012

After an intense and exciting race, you and Sebastian return to the hotel tired, but radiant from the victories achieved on the track. The atmosphere is relaxed and intimate when you find yourself in the hotel suite, with the city lit up in the distance.

Already dressed casually, you snuggle into bed, sharing laughs and memories of the day. The city lights mix with the twinkle of the stars, creating a magical scene.

Sebastian, looking at you tenderly, comments: – "You know, today was a special day. Not just for the races, but for being together. I have something for you." – He gets up and takes something from the table next to the bed.

Upon returning, Sebastian holds a small box. His eyes light up as he opens the box, revealing the dazzling ring. – “From the moment we met on the slopes, my life changed, darling. It’s not just about running for me, it’s about the journey we’re building together.”

He looked into her eyes tenderly. – "I don't just want the races, I want all the twists and turns of life by your side. So, Y/N, will you agree to be mine forever?"

The moment for Y/N is as if she were participating in a romantic movie. Your romantic movie. The city lights, the few stars in the sky and Sebastian's request create an unforgettable scene.

You, excited, respond with a smile lighting up your face. – "Yes, Sebastian. I accept with all my heart."

He gently places the ring on your finger, a tangible symbol of your commitment. The cold ring is bright and contrasts with the warm exchange of glances between you. An enveloping hug follows, as if it were a seal that transcends words. The racing heart is the echo of the emotion shared in that intimate moment. Amid the silence of the hotel suite, the kiss that follows is soft but full of meaning.

Weddings and Achievements - 2013

In 2013, on July 13th, the wedding of Sebastian Vettel and S/N Senna was a great spectacle. The lush garden was adorned with a profusion of flowers, while the mountains in the background provided a picturesque backdrop. The golden early afternoon sun cast a magical light on the ceremony, where Sebastian anxiously awaited the arrival of his bride.

The bride, radiant in her wedding dress, walked towards the altar. Sebastian looked at her in awe, and when she finally reached his side, he whispered, "You look amazing." The words were soft, but they carried with them all the depth of the love they had built since that first conversation.

The ceremony was filled with personal vows, each word echoing the unique journey that brought them here. When it was time for the vows, Sebastian held Y/N's hands gently.

– "Y/N, since the moment you came into my life, everything has changed. You are not only my partner, but my light at all times. I promise to be your constant support, to love you on good days and bad, always ."

With tears in her eyes, Y/N replied: – “Sebastian, you are my passion and my calm. I promise to support your dreams, laugh with you in the joys and face the challenges together. ."

The kiss after the vows wasn't just a symbolic gesture; it was the confirmation of an eternal promise. Under the warm applause of the guests, the celebration continued in an atmosphere of joy and happiness.

The reception was a festival of colors, twinkling lights and carefully planned details. The party continued with dancing, laughter and unforgettable moments. Each reflected the couple's unique personality and the love that permeated their union.

In the privacy of Sebastian's three-time world champion's room, the trophies and photos that told the story of his victorious career were proof of his achievements not only on the track, but now also in his personal life. The wedding photo occupied a prominent place, symbolizing the harmony between professional and personal victories.

Life continued with travel, intimate moments and the making of memories that would become fundamental pillars of the journey together.

At the end of 2013 the Brazilian Grand Prix arrived and emotions were running high. Sebastian, determined and focused, aimed for his fourth world championship. The Interlagos tracks witnessed a spectacular performance, culminating in the victory of Sebastian Vettel, who became four-time world champion.

In the pits, the team celebrated and Y/N was there, proud and excited. Y/N, with a smile lighting up her face, approached him. – "You deserve it, love." – She said, and pulled him in for a kiss.

Thus, under the vibrant colors of Brazil, the couple celebrated not just a victory on the tracks, but the victory of a love that withstood all the curves and straights of life. Sebastian Vettel's fourth championship marked not only racing glory, but also the consolidation of an extraordinary journey, where love and success were intertwined in a unique and unforgettable narrative.

Family and New Challenges - 2015-2022

The years that followed marked an extraordinary journey for Sebastian Vettel and S/N Senna-Vettel, a path full of challenges. In 2015, Sebastian embraced Scuderia Ferrari, diving into a chapter full of promises and achievements.

The space dedicated to Sebastian achievements, where his shiny trophies are kept, but now also for children's laughter and colorful toys. Elias, the firstborn, was born in January 2016, filling the house with the sweet melody of a baby's cry and transforming the world bedroom into a haven of joy and life.

Antonella's arrival in May 2019 further expanded the Vettel family's horizons. The days were filled with laughter, games and the innocent wonder of children discovering the world. The pantry room, where all the trophies are kept, now decorated with drawings and children's toys, has become a microcosm of family love.

At the end of the 2021 season, where Sebastian was at the Aston Martin team, he decided to retire and had Y/N's full support.

On a calm day, Sebastian and Y/N found a moment for a serious conversation about the future, sitting in the world room. Looking at the trophies that told the story of his victories, Sebastian began, "I think it's time for a change, Y/N. I've decided to retire at the end of this season."

Y/N looked at him surprised and, at the same time, understanding. – "Sebastian, this is serious. Are you sure this is the right time?"

Sebastian held her hand tenderly. – "Yes, I'm sure. I want to be more present for you, for Elias and Antonella. Every time I get home it seems like they grow another 5 centimeters. Life is more than tracks and races."

Y/N, despite her surprise, smiled, feeling the warmth of her decision. – "I understand. We will be by your side no matter what."

The last Grand Prix - 2022

The final Grand Prix of the 2022 season was a bittersweet spectacle. In the Aston Martin pits, the atmosphere was charged with emotion as the Vettel family gathered to support Sebastian in his final race. Watching the race, Y/N got emotional.

Six-year-old Elias watched beside her, with a mixture of curiosity and understanding beyond his years. 3-year-old Antonella was excited, fascinated by the colorful cars on the screen.

When the race ended and Sebastian crossed the finish line for the last time, Y/N was emotional and proud. As they approached the pits, he affectionately joked: – “You are sadder than me, because I am retiring”.

Y/N laughed, wiping away a furtive tear. – “It’s hard not to get emotional, Sebastian. There were so many achievements, so many laps together.”

Sebastian hugged her, looking at Elias and Antonella. – "You saw daddy run, didn't you?"

Elias, his eyes shining, nodded. – “It was incredible, daddy!”

Antonella, in her enthusiastic way, exclaimed: – “I want to run too!”

Sebastian laughed, taking her in his arms. – "Who knows, little one. Life is full of surprises."

⎊𝙘𝙧𝙨𝙨𝙫𝙟𝙗 - ²⁰²⁴

[in-another-april]

─ movie date | s.r

summary/prompt - spencer invites you to his apartment to watch one of his russian sci-fi films with him | fluff

warnings - small mention of burns

wc - 735

notes - this was inspired by me rewatching and falling in love with awkward early seasons spencer all over again 😭

────────────────

 You sink deeper into the brown leather couch as the alarm of the microwave rings out behind you. Tilting your head back, you watch as Spencer empties the freshly popped popcorn into a bowl. You let out a soft chuckle as you see him holding the steaming bag as gingerly as possible to avoid burning his hand, a practically inevitable occurrence whenever he prepares food, his clumsy nature almost never failing to bring a fond smile onto your face.

“Need any help?” Your question makes him look from over his shoulder at you.

“Oh, I got it.” He shakes his head before pausing. “Thank you, though.” He rushes to add with an awkward smile, hoping you can’t tell how painfully out of his element he was.

So far, you two had been seeing each other outside of work for a few weeks, but you had yet to meet up at either of your respective apartments. He’d like to think he presented himself as “cool and collected” as Derek had coached him to be when you first suggested the idea of going to his place for a movie date, but he knew he was done for as soon as you mentioned wanting to watch the Russian sci-fi film he had been eagerly rambling about on the jet. He finds himself struggling to even think about the way your eyes light up with genuine curiosity whenever he goes on one his tangents without his face heating up. You’re going to be the death of him, he swears.

You can’t help the cheerful smile that makes its way onto your face as Spencer finally sits down next to you, after some fiddling with the TV and disc. You think for a moment before offering the other half of the blanket laid on your lap to him. His face turns red as he stares dumbly for a moment before happily accepting his side of the soft material, sliding closer to you. He’s eager to start the movie, in hopes it’ll serve enough of a distraction so you don’t notice the blush on his face getting brighter from simply being in your proximity.

He almost forgets he’s supposed to be translating for you until he sees the expectant look on your face after the first few lines pass. He mutters a quick apology before clearing his throat and reciting the words as they come, voice low as to minimize the disruption to the experience as much as possible. As the minutes pass, Spencer feels his nerves calm and breathing steady as he finds himself slotted securely back into his comfort zone: rattling off information regarding subjects he’s passionate about.

That is, until he feels the slight weight of your head against his shoulder, cuddling up to him like it’s second nature. His body instinctively tenses up under the contact, halting his translations as he stares off into space, cogs turning in his head as he tries to understand how his mind can feel blank while simultaneously housing so many rushing thoughts.

You lift your head off him slightly, turning to meet his eyes. “Oh, I didn’t mean to make you comfortable, I’m sorry.” You say, cursing yourself for being too forward. “I can move-”

“No!” Spencer interjects quickly, cringing at how desperate it made him come off. “I- sorry, I didn’t mean to sound so, uh, I just meant to say…” The deep breath he takes only serves to fluster him more as it ends up being just a whiff of your perfume. “You don’t have to move, I don’t mind.” Is what he settles on, trying his best to read your expression as he stares up at you.

“Are you sure?” You’re not sure why you ask, but you still revel in the sweetness of his answer.

“I’m positive. I’d… prefer it, really.” He shyly admits, looking everywhere except your eyes. “O-Only if you want to, of course.”

He’s happy to see that answer satisfied you, returning to your position leaning against him. You don’t think it’s possible for your smile to grow bigger, but you prove yourself wrong as you feel him hesitantly wrap his arm around you, pressing his head against yours. He resumes his whisper translations, but you’d have to admit that the movie is lost in the back of your mind as you opt to focus your attention on the man sitting next to you.

[darcytaylor]

This interview was fun to read! If you have the option of buying it digitally, do it! Having Claudia Jessie be the interviewer to Luke Thompson, it's a dream interview. It was more so a one-on-one chat where they both had questions for each other.

These two clearly get along well because they are similar in a lot of ways. They understand each other in ways that the other Bridgerton cast mates don't, and you can hear the respect they have for one another.

It is clear in this interview that Luke Thompson will be enjoying some much needed time off before season 4 starts filming - now the only question remains is who is going to be the lead. After reading this interview between them, I want them both to be the leads. I can't chose either way. I know that Luke will continue to hone in on who Benedict is as a character (even if the script isn't the greatest), and I know that Claudia will do the same with Eloise.

Claudia is hilarious as always and I love her sarcastic and dry humour. It's the kind of humour I am a sucker for. It's one of the many reasons I find Claudia so charming. In the first page of the interview she joked that it's Luke Newton that she wants to tell things to (she clearly was joking, but it also wasn't meant to be a slight towards Luke Newton) and then joking about how awful of a friend Luke Thompson is by making her do this interview. I love their banter! Very sibling like!

We find out a lot about Claudia in this interview and how grateful she is to be in the position she is today. Being able to act and have it pay her bills. You can also tell she is in a bit of disbelief, that it could all be taken away and she may never get another acting job again. You can tell how humble she is. You can tell how humble both of them are.

One quote that is so relatable to me is when Claudia says "I feel like I belong at home. I belong in my flat, with a book and my dog." - It's very relatable to me, and Luke feels the same about his life. Yay for being introverts!

You can also see the respect that Luke has for Claudia as an actor. Which I think is totally reasonable, since this is the kind of actor she wishes to be, "the kind of actor that people can rely on. I just want to be respected and I want people to be able to count on me... that I won't have any ideas of what I think I deserve." - If that isn't someone that you should be able to respect, I don't know what is. She's humble in a way that most people aren't. She isn't trying to be someone she is not.

Luke wants to be able to do a play with her one day (he believes that Claudia would be great at it). Sign me up for front row tickets if they are ever in a play together!

I'm sure most people watched the Vanity Fair interview of how well Claudia, Nicola, Newton and Thompson know each other. There was one question about Luke Thompson being his own inspiration to start acting. Claudia now understands this because of this interview. I love a full circle moment.

Luke says a beautiful thing about acting and what he has learned. That no one's brilliant on their own. That its both between you and other actors and then you and the audience. Acting is one big exchange and it's weird and magical. I love the way his brain works.

His take on having it be between the actor and the audience kind of forms his idea of how he interacts with roles once they are completed. He hands them over to the fans, letting him detach from them and letting him enjoy it from a distance. I think it's a refreshing take and I'm excited to be handed over his pieces of work when the time comes.

He seems to be preparing (from day one) how he is going to handle being in the spotlight, and I think we will see him handle the rush of fame completely different form all of the other leads. He knows that there will be a lot of exposure on him and he wants to take all of the opportunities that Bridgerton will give him, he wants to take on different roles, he wants to continue acting, but at the same time stay private. He needs to stay private.

But if you take anything away from this interview, know that Luke wants to be tickled conversationally and be stroked literally. ahahahhahahha. I volunteer as tribute!

[sulumuns-dootah]

27.12. Lucifer - Christmas cards (18+)

    ༺☆༻

A/N: So we've made it to the end ^^ Hope you had an awesome holidays! Thx for your support on this event and just a reminder: my requests are open for anybody! Oh and Happy New Year, guys! ^^

⟡ Masterlist ⟡ 

₊˚⊹.* The Yule festival of Hell *.⊹˚₊

‎‧₊˚✧ 18+ Minors Do Not Interact‎ ✧˚₊‧

    ༺☆༻

Lucifer never liked celebrating Christmas for a rather obvious reason. Of course you want to respect that, but you just hate to see him be miserable while everyone around him is celebrating. Or worse yet, celebrate yourself while he's just hiding in his dark chambers.

So this year you've decided to help him take his mind off everything and just enjoy the cozy atmosphere of the season. Yes, you decorated, but you've made a point to exclude all religious imagery. That proved to be easier task than in the human world.

Currently you're sitting together and watching some movies about Santa Claus, since that's the only Christmas genre where religion isn't shoved down anyone's throat. There's a plate of cookies you've made together on the conference table in front of you. Finding out that Lucifer is an amazing baker was a welcomed surprise for the both of you.

Suddenly you're interrupted from your watching by Morax, knocking on the inside of the door leading to the living room. “I'm sorry to interrupt, but I've been asked to deliver you all these Christmas cards immediately.”

Lucifer seems annoyed, so you answer instead of him: “Sure! You can set them on the table, here. Oh, and take some cookies for you and Buer with Marbas.”

Morax courtly sets down the bag full of Christmas wishes and takes three gingerbread creatures from the plate you're holding up to him. You can tell he's cautious, not wanting to aggravate Lucifer.

“Happy holidays, Your Majesty.” he takes his leave with a bow.

“I... don't want these.” Lucifer sighs sadly once Morax is out of sight and earshot.

“Okay. I'll just go through them and write down the names of demons to which I'll then send a thank you note. You can just continue watching and I'll take care of everything.” you kiss his cheek and open the bag. The cards come flooding out of it and you're already starting to regret your decision.

Equipped with a pen and a notepad you tell yourself that you won't read any of those actual wishes or you'll be writing down names until the next year. That proves to be hard as many demons hide their names in the actual wishes or don't sign them at tall.

Yet still everything goes well, until you get to a Christmas card from the Red Lump family. It has a photo of almost every member on the front of it. Despite all the red lumps you're able to find Ppyong immediately. He's happily grinning while holding something that looks like a chocolate bar.

The sight itself puts a smile on your face too. You open the card to read its contents. This family deserves their holiday wishes read since they're the ones who helped you settle in after your initial arrival to Hell. The happy scribbling inside is so adorable and somehow every family member managed to write something on the rather small space of paper.

Smiling even wider, some tears swell in your eyes and you chuckle to yourself. This doesn't go without notice from Lucifer. His eyes are immediately trained on your face. You're tearing up. You might even cry from how cute the card is. Are you gonna cry?

Lucifer is now breathing heavily. The sight of your glossed over eyes makes him wish for more and rushes most of his blood south. If the card isn't gonna make you cry, he for sure will. Either with pleasure or pain, he doesn't care.

You notice his stare and quickly realise your mistake. His face is red and his chest is hevaing up and down. All of this only from tearing up.

In the blink of an eye you're pinned do the seat underneath you and Lucifer's face is so close to yours, you can feel his hot exhales and freezing inhales. He's looking you in the eyes, maybe for more tears to come out. His slender hands start travelling over your body and one of them grips you by your neck. The other hoists your leg around his hip.

“M-more tears... Give me more tears.” he demands and slowly grinds his growing boner onto your thigh, reminding you how huge he is.

“L-luci!” you mewl out and blink your eyes to allow the previous glossiness to turn into tears. Maybe he will go easier on you?

“More!” he starts tearing both of your clothes off.

With both your bodies naked, you realise what Lucifer intents to do and a slight panic takes over your body. More tears running down your cheeks only seem to rile him up more.

“Luci! You're way too big. There's no way it would fit!” you plea in your panicked state, which seems to hinder the demon above you. He stops for a moment and then quickly takes your leg off his hip, joining it with your other leg.

Holding your legs together he pushes himself between your thighs, making sure to at least slide along your pussy since he can't be inside. You're the only person he's let in since his fall and he doesn't want to injure you.

The sight you get is slightly awkward and yet still hot. Lucifer kneeling with your legs over his shoulder and the tip popping up between your thigh as he deliciously drags against your clit.

“Cry some more pretty tears for me, Y/N.” Lucifer asks, now slightly more composed than before and reaches down to stroke your cheeks, still sticky with the previous tears.

Still overcoming the initial panic, shedding a few more tears is an easy task and yo you allow yourself to cry a little bit. Seeing just a few more droplets makes Lucifer speed his grinding up as he's holding your legs together in a slightly painful hold.

You're getting close and accidentally let out few sobs, which seems to excite the demon above you even more and soon enough your thigh are getting pounded, bringing you faster to climax than you'd expect from this position.

And sure enough, you do come within a few moments which makes you tense your thighs up and in turn trigger Lucifer's orgasm.

“C-can I taste your tears?” the demon pulls out from between your thighs still hard and bends down to intently stare into your eyes, awaiting an answer.

    ༺☆༻

But wait, this demon also has a gift for you!

"You're the only light in my life since my fall. You deserve to wear a halo more than me."

[hawkinsschoolcounselor]

It's so annoying to see people in the tag comparing Byler to other queer ships that didn't happen like no Byler is unique and wasn't made by bad writers. Idk if you were in one of those fandoms but it would be amazing if you could explain to all those people why Byler was written differently because I am tired of the classic: "they are queerbaiting you,deal with it". I am like :" wow they queerbaited the Lgbt+ community and the heterosexuals too then because a huge majority of the GA audiences who see Byler aren't from the Lgbt+ community". They also made the "main" ship do unlikeable that it lost at least 40% of their supporters between season 3 and season 4.

Well, I can see where they're coming from, even if I don't agree.

I have never been involved in a fandom before, but I have been a fan of shows/movies where I thought "so and so would make a good couple" only for nothing to come of it. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, though. This is the first time I've ever thought it was going to happen, and I've felt that way since season 2. Each season since has left me disappointed, as I don't want it to be a final episode "twist" in order to avoid losing fans, but it's still only become more and more obvious to me that it's inevitable.

I think a lot of fans get caught up in headcanons, particularly between seasons. As a result, they end up forgetting what is actually canon, and they create elaborate predictions that just don't fit the reality.

Yes, queerbaiting is a thing. I'm not familiar with many of the fandoms that this is used with, but I'll give the fans the benefit of the doubt on it. If a show hints at a queer couple, that's not enough for it to be queerbaiting. But if they continually build it up, only for it to go nowhere, then it might be. If they actively use it as a means to market the show, then it definitely is.

Without knowing more about specific fandoms, it's hard for me to make any direct comparisons. I suppose, should, somehow, Byler not be endgame, then I'll probably understand a lot better. However, I will also be extremely confused and will have lost considerable respect for the Duffers as writers.

However, Byler is a unique animals, as far as I can tell. It's something that has had seeds planted to it from the very beginning of the show. It's not some response to fans that the producers felt they could then exploit for marketing/merchandising purposes. It may not have been obvious back in season 1, but the clues were there. There was no retconning done to make Byler fit. There was no sly stoking of the flames in the fandom to get fans excited about it. That all happened organically as more and more people caught on.

I don't think the Duffers are dumb. They built a slowburn same-sex romance between main characters over the course of an entire top-tier series. As much as it annoyed me that it's taken this long, it does make the most sense, both in-universe and as a matter of mass appeal. Both the fans and the characters themselves had to come to terms with teen boys falling in love in the 80s. That's not something to be rushed if it's to be taken seriously.

Will, the one we've been told was gay, has come to terms with his feelings, only to come to the conclusion that it's not meant to be.

Mike, the one we've seen to have more-than-friendly feelings for Will, is still not ready, yet.

Season 5 will be the catalyst for Mike to realize what his deep feelings for Will really mean, so he can show Will that love is something for him to experience.

[ay0nha]

Sugar For the Trail | Tommy Miller

(obsessed with this gif, I couldn’t help but use it again)

SUMMARY: Each experience was different; they ranged and fluctuated, but it was a business, one you were good at creating a show for. You fulfilled fantasies; it required creativity and asked for the patience of a saint. However, this felt different. 

PAIRING: cowboy!Tommy Miller x brothel worker!f!reader (western au)

WORD COUNT: 2.3K

WARNINGS: SMUT (18+), little plot alotta porn, mentions of guns, etc.

A/N: Thank YOU so much for this request. My god, was this what my brain needed. I wrote this SO fast so mind the errors and if it seems rushed. Now, let’s all all remember SEX WORK IS WORK. As always, MANY thanks to @from-the-clouds​ YOU are the best. Enjoy!

No kissing.

No marking.

No refunds.

The sign had painted lettering tainted by the dust the men carried in. Its movement screeched with every spurred boot that stepped past the swinging doors. The rules lived in the same grey area of the world occupied. If there was no one to enforce them, respect was rarely given.

You watched the oils separate in the tepid water of your bath, floating away in bubbled clusters. The small ritual of the water helped your shift. It was a moment of peace before the unpredictability of the night. The bar was open even when it wasn’t; the men shouted and gambled, but it felt quieter than normal, still.

You could make out the slow yet agonizing clock ticks; you could feel your allotted time disappearing. The metronome rhythm drove you crazy. The sound followed you even as you sunk deep under the water. Yet, the water rippled, announcing someone’s presence as it carried the vibrations of their interruption.  

Reemerging confirmed that privacy was unknown in the establishment, especially as your closest confidant threw you a scoff. “Drowning yourself already?”

You pushed yourself out of the wooden basin. “Don’t be bleak, Charlotte.”

“There’s new company tonight.” She wrapped a towel around you tightly, wiping at the water droplets that met at your chin. “Some of the girls think he’s wanted, an outlaw.” The newer girls always gossiped while the more seasoned spun exaggerated tales. “Doc said he’s a sharpshooter that can spot bounty from a mile away.”

“He can’t be both.”

“Doesn’t matter; he’s the best there is. I can feel it.”  

“Every man claims to be the best.” Your eyes rolled, tying a delicate robe around your waist. His status hadn’t mattered to you, knowing he’d be a forgotten whisper by the morning. “Who’s he with tonight?”

“Doc wants you to meet him…” Charlotte hid her envy as she pinched your cheeks. She always commented you needed more color.  “...Says you’re the only one who won’t fall in love.”

—--

He hovered close to the door after firmly shutting it behind him. The dark-brimmed hat covered his face, but you noted the curls underneath. He moved slowly as if fatigue would take him at any moment. Like every client, he counted the pay and moved to get comfortable.

“Mind if I?” His drawl deepened when his eyes met yours, gesturing to his hat. The candlelight flickered over his features, allowing you to take in his appearance. They were right, he was handsome.

“Please,” You encouraged him. It wasn’t until he went for his jacket that you helped pull it from his broad shoulders.  “Will I get a name?”

“Tommy.”

“Charmed.” You blew out a handful of candles near you, leaving the lit ones as a trail to the bed before sitting on it. “You coming from far, Tommy?”

He hummed. The healing marks below his eye were the only thing he carried for the past few weeks.  “I have further to go.”

“Well, I’m glad you stopped for the night.”

Tommy could tell the polite exchange was rehearsed. It was supposed to gauge him and ease him into flirtations. You wondered what got him here of all places, but that question was put aside as you watched him move to his gun belt and holster.

“You sure you want to do that?”

His lip twitched, revealing a cheeky side that had been so far suppressed. “You planning on shootin’ me?”

“Some of the men down there say you play dirty.” You repeated their complaints. Tommy stalked towards you, spreading your legs open with his own. You reached for his waist, feeling for his muscles, but instead, you felt a familiar outline. He had tucked the cards there when the game started to reflect his loss. “They’ll kill you if they find those.”

“You gonna tell on me?” Something settled deep within your stomach when you felt his breath fanning your lips. You chased his lips slightly, just for him to tease you, as he pulled back,  “Hmm?”

On the busier nights, you wore elaborate things and trailed your fingers along the nape of the necks of the men downstairs, whispering filthy promises to get them to leave their company. Tonight was slow. There was always commotion, but now everyone's voices were hushed to hear about the cowboy dressed in black. The very one that tantalizingly pulled at your robe.  

Tommy traced the curves of your body with his hand, going over the dip and rise of your waist and hip. It was a delicate dance to see how your skin reacted. The lace you wore was bought with borrowed money. You prayed Tommy wasn’t the type to pull until it ripped. But you didn’t care as his fingertips grazed everywhere, bringing each nerve ending to life.

His eyes locked with yours as he sank to his knees before you. The fabric was pulled slowly, falling to your ankles just to end in his back pocket. Settling himself between your legs, Tommy splayed his hands wide on the insides of your thighs, pushing them out and exposing you in the most vulnerable way possible to him. His lips trailed closer to your core, touch warm when he went to devour.

“What are you doing?” The sensation was easy to get distracted by, but your eyes snapped open. Between your legs, he felt welcomed; your words betrayed you.  “We don’t offer those services here.”

“What am I supposed to do if I can’t kiss you?”

Tommy’s pupils were blown, and his voice desperately held back lust. There were always considerate men to help balance the opposite. It was always the young ones, the innocent ones. On the off-chance, the widower just wanted to be held. But there had never been this. Your thoughts lagged, inhibiting your words. Tender touches were unheard of without conditions attached.

“I’ll pay double.”

Another grey area, one you’d never participated in. Yet, you desired the touch. The establishment was ruthless with their pay, entirely arbitrary and stolen half the time. The rates were based on looks and desirability. The rules were designed to be broken, but rarely in your favor like this.

“Okay.” Your nod was eager.

Staring at you, Tommy lowered his head and licked along your slit. His mouth was everywhere, his tongue dipping and gliding as he consumed you. At your bud, he gave you the softest kiss. A few more kisses and you were mewling. Your back arched, and he knew he wanted to hear more of those pretty little sounds from you.

“That’s it.” Tommy praised you. His tongue worked you so well, with an ease that came only from a great extent of knowledge. “Keep makin’ those noises for me.”

He needed this. His journey required him to exert so much of himself, but he could never be selfish like this. Your body, your warmth, held a kindness he could never have for longer than a night. He made a sound of satisfaction as he glided his tongue over you, his hand releasing your thigh to stretch you further.

Tommy freed a hand, giving attention to where his tongue had left bare—first one, then two. Moaning quietly, your hands sunk into his curls and gripped at the root, earning a groan from him that vibrated through you.

“Oh, god–” Your moan was genuine as you couldn’t keep it in. You graced him with what he wanted. You sighed his name in the same pattern he set for you. “—Tommy.”

The sound of his name slipping out of your mouth like that, all salacious and full of yearning, made his cock harden and his pride sore.

“Tell me what you need.”

“Don’t stop.”

The feeling of his touch soothed you. How long he spent working you over, you had no idea.  Your peak was already approaching before you could consider faking anything. Each experience was different; they ranged and fluctuated, but it was a business, one you were good at creating a show for. You fulfilled fantasies; it required creativity and asked for the patience of a saint. However, this felt different.

Your chest raised towards the bed’s canopy, and you pushed your hips further into his face. With a purposeful suck on your clit, your body tensed and snapped. Tommy’s hand dug into your thigh as he continued pumping his fingers and inhaling your clit to prolong your orgasm.

You felt the harsh rise and fall of your chest, thinking the reason Tommy pulled such an authentic reaction from you was from the long work days. You deserved this, you thought. He relaxed your body in a way that nothing but a completely fresh start would.

Tommy stood, his lips shining with you in the candlelight as he finally undressed. You eyed him hungrily in your dazed state, watching his shirt flutter to the floor, followed by his bottoms. Your faltering breaths filled the otherwise quiet room. Settling between your legs once more, he hovered above you. You could only hold his dark gaze briefly before your eyes drift downwards.

You needed to feel him just as much as he needed your touch. You followed the dark trail of his navel to feel his heavy cock in your palm, giving an experimental stroke from base to tip. You repeated the action, trailing your thumb along the vein you felt on the underside.

Tommy’s forehead dropped onto yours, his breathing deep. A flick of your eyes upwards showed you that his were closed, his jaw clenched tight. The sight sent tingles through you. With a tightened grip, you stroked him again, thumbing at his leaking head.

Panting, Tommy’s words blended together, “W-won’t last if you do that, sweetheart.”

The statement exhilarated you. Many men had a quick release; it was the only thing their drunken desires could allow them. Yet, the cowboy in your arms wanted nothing more but to stretch his time with you, every touch entirely at your disposal.  

Tommy let you pump him a few more times before he twisted you in his arms, encouraging your ass to perk in the air and legs spread beneath him. Grasping himself in one hand, he slowly pushed into you.

Gradually, he pulled his length out of you before pushing it back in at the same pace. You felt so full. It felt so good.

“Say that again.” Tommy all but growled, reacting to something you hadn’t realized left your mouth.

“You feel so g-good.”  Your teeth snagged your bottom lip as he moved in and out of you. You’re warm and tight—so tight, around him, and it has him on the brink of madness.

You gasped at the sensation as Tommy set a measured pace, slowly dragging his hard length out of you before slowly pushing it back in, ensuring you felt everything. The slow pull out, the perfect roll of his hips back in— the fullness was divine. He was ingraining every inch, every moment of this—him, into your memory.

You turned your head, so your lips are against his ear. “Tommy, I need you–” You purred again at the shell of his ear. “Faster.”

“Your eyes,” Tommy commanded in a tone so low you felt the rumble of it against you. ”Let me see your eyes.”

Something was clawing at your stomach, and you couldn’t deny the request. You tilted your head back to meet his gaze. With him behind you, the look on your face made him even harder as he put a little more power behind his next thrust, watching as it makes you moan again.

“Oh fuck.” You gasped, feeling the coil within you tightening again. He gave another deep thrust, the force pushing you slightly up the bed.  

“Takin’ me so well…” He soothed, sneaking a hand down to your clit. The cool touch caused you to thrust back, and Tommy groaned, pushing back deeply, his speed increasing. “I’m going to be dreamin’ ‘bout you for days.”

Every roll of his hips made you dizzier, pushing you higher every time the head of his cock dragged inside you against that one spot, and all you can do is moan through bitten lips. You weren’t usually this soft-spoken, but you were terrified of what you would confess.

Tommy was savoring the feeling of your cunt clenching around him as he fucked you, the saltiness on your neck as he sucked on your skin, and the bouncy flesh of your ass as his fingertips dug into you. You whimpered, the sensations building within you. You’re so close; you’re right there.

Combined with his circling finger and deep thrusts, you fall apart, breathing out Tommy’s name as stars erupted behind your eyes; a pleasure so intense your eyes rolled back, making your whole body tighten and relax repeatedly as you whine for Tommy as you swam in ecstasy.

“You're beautiful." He knew the position he had put you in already tested your generosity. But Tommy was fearless with his admission.

You could feel him twitch in you; all you wanted was for Tommy to fill you so completely that you’d feel him for days. But, pulling out of your pulsing heat, Tommy spilled over your back with a wrecked moan.

Tommy dropped onto you, his arm bending to take most of his weight so he doesn’t crush you entirely. His forehead fell between your shoulder blades, your heaving breaths matching as you return to yourselves, unprepared to face the shared mistake.

[scribeforchrist-blog]

Everlasting to Everlasting

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK

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+ Proverbs 16:7 When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

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VERSE OF THE DAY

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+ 1 Chronicles 29:15   For we are aliens and temporary residents in your presence as were all our ancestors. Our days on earth are like a shadow without hope.

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** SAY THIS BEFORE YOU READ; HERE’S SOME CHRISTIAN TRUTHS**

I AM POWERFUL

I AM FOCUSED ON GOD

I AM NOT FEARFUL

I AM BEAUTIFUL

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READ TIME: 7 Minutes & 11 Seconds

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THOUGHTS:

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  This verse was something the Holy Spirit showed me . Lately, he has been urging me to read 1 Samuel – 2 Chronicles, and if you have time, go through those books and read it honestly once a year. He has me read through those books, and as I read, I always get something different than I did the previous year; I can say that about everything in the Bible, in different seasons of your life, different verses will mean and be interrupted differently because as we grow and learn most scriptures changes, its meaning or we gain something different

   Many times, I can read something this week, and then two months later, I get something different because God wants us to understand and be able to apply the word to our lives. After all, this isn’t our home, and what we go through here isn’t going to last forever, nor will we be here forever. Many people don’t believe that, and I can say I do believe this because the word tells us in so many verses we are but a mist, and this isn’t our home, and as we grow, the Holy Spirit helps us to realize that the world isn’t our home and the things here aren’t for us.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

•James 4:14 Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring—what your life will be! For you are like vapor that appears for a little while, then vanishes.

•1 John 5:19 We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.

•Philippians 3:20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it, we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

  See, these verses are telling us the same thing the Holy Spirit just said: we aren’t from here; our citizenship is in heaven; we can think our life here will last forever, it won't our lives are just a vapor it will vanish; we can’t put all our eggs into one basket, we will learn that the things here won't last and it's not meant for us but God is not saying to not enjoy our life but don’t make life here your final stay a lot of people want to rush their life along, but each moment we need to see as a blessing .

   We all have a purpose and a journey; my purpose and journey won’t look like yours and vice versa, but we must respect one another and know that whatever God has spoken over our life is how our life will be when we follow him. Everything he has for us is proper, and everything he has for us will align according to his riches and glory. The things here only can make us as happy ,but it won't give us joy , but what will last is the joy of God it can and will give us; not every day will be great, but when the bad days come, he will be right there with us.

   Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

  I know living in this world has some cruel moments and then it has the greatest moments, and we can’t help but love and hate it BUT WE MUST ALWAYS BE GRATEFUL FOR EVERY DAY as we know it THE WORLD WE LIVE IN won’t be here forever; we have to decide who we will serve the world or God, the word of God will always be something we need and need to replenish us, we can drink all the water in the world and take every vitamin we can but when we do this it still won’t help us stay on this earth forever.

Isaiah 51:6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth below; for the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and its people will die like gnats. But My salvation will last forever, and My righteousness will never fail.”

   We won’t ever be able to stay here forever, but what will replenish us and help us live forever is trust in the power of the almighty God and believing that when we die, we are going to a place that doesn’t have pain, we won’t be crying anymore, and the streets are paved with gold! And there’s no need for light because the glory of God will be that bright to us, who wouldn’t want to live there, here on earth, there’s pain, there’s misery, there loneliness, all these factors, remember to place your trust in God, and in God alone

  ***Today, we learned that we won’t be here forever and that this isn’t our home; our home is in heaven, and the world won’t last forever. God wants us to realize that his word is what keeps us fed spiritually; we will starve spiritually if we aren’t careful. We must understand we weren’t meant to be on this earth forever, and while we are here, we are on an assignment; my assignment isn’t going to look like yours nor work like yours, but we all have the same mission to save a soul! To save a life! To walk in his way!

  Life may have it’s an up-and-down in this journey, and it might feel like the things here are important, but it isn’t, having money only lasts for a little while, just like the other things here on earth everything is meaningless, and the quicker we realize this, the quicker we will hold on to God unchanging hand . ©Seer~ Prophetess Lee

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PRAYER

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Heavenly Father, we thank you for today. We thank you for being with us and showing us your ways. Lord, help us to replenish with you, Father; we realize the things here don’t last forever, but we know your love does. Forgive us if we have done anything wrong; forgive us if we offended the Holy Spirit. Lord, we love you and thank you for everything. Lord, continue to help us through our day. Help us to be strong in you and not to lean on the things here, lord; we also realize our life is nothing but a vapor; help us to hold on to you; in Jesus' Name, Amen

========================

REFERENCES

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+ 1 Peter 2:24 He bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds, you have been healed.

 

+ 3 John 1:2 Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.

 

+ Isaiah 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.

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FURTHER READINGS

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Proverbs 16

Leviticus 16

Exodus 21

SOS 21

=========================

[hearts4yawnzzn]

Only His // Lee Rang

Lee Rang x Siren!oc

Warnings!: this will be exactly written as the kdramas first season after 3 parts, so there will be mentions of; gore, death, murder, suicide, and torture.

Word Count: 2182 words.

~ HER POV ~

My mom has always refused for me to get into any physical contact with anyone else, although the reason is still unknown, she gets weird and tenses up whenever I ask her about it, I never knew why.

Yes, I could ask my dad, but he's always been dismissive about the subject, especially when I ask about it every single day. And honestly, I grew tired of it. I'm sick of hearing the same words when I ask about something so negligible.

"Miyeong-ah! Come down for dinner!" My mom calls out as I hear the clanking of pans from the kitchen, I hurriedly dismiss what I'm doing and speed out of my room and down the stairs.

If I'm being honest, I've always thought I've lived a fake life, ever since I was born, I would only get treatment from 'special' doctors. I'm sick of being different.

~ NO ONE'S POV ~

Miyeong's father was helping her mother set up the table, it was always four, not three. As Miyeong Ascended down the stairs, she rushed to kiss her father on the cheek and sat down across from him, her mother soon presented herself by carrying a big pot and placing it on the table, everything else was set beforehand.

"Eomma, why are you always forgetting that three people live here? You always put an extra set as if someone is going to randomly join us." The girl didn't waste a second waiting for her parents as she dug in, starting by eating some kimchi with her rice.

Her mother didn't have anything to say to her, frankly because she had no idea as well. The lid of the pot was open, and everyone was greeted by the mouth-watering smell of the cooked meat.

"The food tastes as amazing as it always is, honey." Her father complimented his wife, but Miyeong was sick of it, she was sick of living in such a fake ass family. Her metal chopsticks drop from her hand as she let out a loud scoff, sitting back in her chair.

"Eomma, Appa, are we going to keep doing this? Tell me why I can't communicate with people like a normal person!" she was enraged, the girl has said this many times before, but she never continued, now is her chance to finish.

She pushed her plate back aggressively, her parents looking at her in disbelief like their daughter had just gone insane.

Her mother slammed her hand down on the table, but her daughter didn't falter, she has learned to stand up against her mother, ever since day one. All by herself.

Miyeong wouldn't dare to show anyone around her that she was terrified, her parents never hit her, but still, she was scared of that possibility.

"Yah! Have you lost your mind!? Sit down and eat your food!" they were both yelling at each other, while the father stayed silent, he has endured this for the past 23 years, ever since they found her.

"No! Do you think I'm dumb!? You don't even treat me like your own daughter anymore!" tears were threatening to spill from her eyes, but she needed to hold back, just a little bit longer until she can leave this place.

The place she used to call 'home'.

"You're giving me so much stress! You don't even respect your own mother!" the girl stared at her in disbelief, she let out a scoff that soon turned into a laugh, was the woman in front of her serious right now?

Miyeong had planned it all.

She planned to pester them every day for the last 23 years.

She had planned to get into a big fight with the woman sitting across her, just a few days before the lunar eclipse.

Her bag was already waiting for her at the door, all she had to do now was make a dramatic closing to this argument, take her bag, and leave.

"I've been asking you every fucking day for the past 23 years! You didn't even say shit to me!! You think you can call yourself my 'mother' just because we both live under the same roof!?" she sat up from her chair and roughly pushed it against the table.

The entire table rocked as some of the empty glass cups were shattered onto the floor.

"I have had enough of dealing with you, and your husband." her tone was low, but you could feel the venom seeping through her words as her fists were balled, knuckles turning white.

It was time for her dramatic exit, Miyeong nodded her head one last time before taking out something that she was sitting on, papers. She gave one last look at the papers, then to the woman in front of her before finally throwing them to her face.

The old couple sitting at the table was stunned, they had never expected that their 'daughter' was capable of doing something like this. They had always thought of her as someone weak and emotional when facing herself or others.

Miyeong didn't dare to look back, she walked away from the table and headed towards the front door, as expected, her bag was on the floor, right beside her shoes. The brunette hurriedly put on her shoes and slung her bag over her shoulder, she didn't even know if she ore her shoes right, but that was not important.

Her hand made contact with the doorknob, and without even thinking back, she twisted it and opened the door, walking out of the darned house before slamming the door shut behind her.

Now all she could do is run, even though she might have planned this for 23 years, she didn't know she would get this far, she didn't know where to go.

She wanted to get lost, so she wouldn't get found by them ever again.

She will never go back.

Miyeong made sure, throughout planning her escape, that she wouldn't get caught by them again.

And nothing will stop her from getting what she wants.

The 23-year-old kept running through the streets, she was running for only a couple of minutes, but it felt like hours.

Her throat was becoming dry and cold, she wasn't taught to build her stamina. Ever since she was young she was homeschooled, her 'parents' haven't even bothered to give her PE classes.

The brunette kept looking back, she was terrified of them following her, she needed to look back to make sure they weren't there.

The bag on her shoulders was very heavy, it was putting so much weight on her, but that was not going to stop her.

Miyeong took the first left she saw, it looked like an apartment complex for rich people.

The people who kept her isolated for 23 years were definitely rich, the man who called himself her 'father' used to come home wearing suits every day, while the woman who called herself her 'mother' would always wear designer bags, shoes, clothes... Anything that she can get her hands on.

She diverted her sight to the main entrance, two bodyguards guarding the front while two other bodyguards were situated near the main gate.

Without placing any suspicion upon herself, the girl managed to swiftly walk over and sit on the bench. She took her bag off of her shoulder and placed it beside her, the heavy pressure she felt on her shoulders was instantly lifted, and she sighed in relief.

Miyeong didn't expect any company, she knew no one, she wasn't allowed to own any type of electronics, and she wasn't allowed to go outside.

Communication was definitely not her strongest skill.

The sound of the main gate slightly screeching open caught her attention, her head instantly turned to observe the vehicle approaching. The brunette raised her head to take a look at who was inside, the windows were very tinted. She barely saw their faces, but they definitely saw hers.

A woman was sitting in the driver's seat, she had long dark hair and an almost petite figure. On the other hand, a male was sitting in the passenger's seat, his hair was obviously short, and he was biting the nail of his thumb while resting his arm on the window. He looked really annoyed about something.

But other than that, Miyeong was curious to know more about him. By just barely looking at him once, she felt like she has known him for centuries, but maybe even then, he could be a rich clueless dumbass that she could rob. After all, aren't all rich people clueless and dumb?

The white car was heading for the garage, Miyeong stood up from the bench and approached the main gate, in order not to look suspicious, the brunette approached the secretary's desk and asked her if she could borrow her phone to 'make a call', while giving the secretary and excuse that her phone 'ran out of battery'.

The secretary didn't think anything of it and gladly handed her the phone, Miyeong smiled followed by a short bow.

She pretended to dial someone's phone number and placed the phone to her ear, "Hey Unnie! I'm in the building right now but I forgot what number your apartment is..." she proceeded to walk towards the elevator, nodding, and humming a few yeses. Miyeong averted her eyes and stared at the floor number above the elevator going up.

"Unnie, which floor are you on again?" The number above the elevator stopped, "Ah the 6th floor? Alright I'll be right there!" she 'hung up' the phone and returned it to the secretary. The girl quickly walked over to the elevator, and pressed the 'up' button several times, as soon as the elevator opened, she hurriedly walked inside and pressed the number 6 button.

The elevator closed and started to travel up, she tapped her foot against the floor anxiously, she was overthinking the situation now.

The brunette had no fighting skills and extremely poor communication skills. A 'ding' sound reached her ears as the elevator opened, she peaked her head through to make sure no one was in the hallway, once she confirmed that the coast was clear, she walked out of the elevator and proceeded to look for the guy's apartment.

It's like he knew she was going to rob him, or that he forgot to close his own door. Maybe he is that stupid.

Miyeong quietly approached the open door and she made the open gap a little bit greater so she could fit through.

Once she was through, she looked around his apartment, of course, it was very modern, and everything looked brand new and spotless, this man owns the latest models and versions of everything!

Out of her own curiosity, Miyeong slowly started heading for his kitchen, looking around in awe. She stared at his fridge, opening it slowly as she put some of the stuff inside in her bag, carefully closing the fridge, Miyeong stalked towards the living room.

It had two pairs of sofas, and a big TV against the wall, and a table in between with a vase full of red roses.

The apartment itself was very quiet and dark, the only source of light was coming from the kitchen. How could he just disappear after going inside, was he pranking her?

Miyeong made her way to the bedroom, she looked to her right to find a closed door with the light on.

'He must be taking a shower or something, I should probably hurry.' she shrugged and walked inside his room, she looked for anything that might contain some money or anything she could sell.

She stopped in front of a closet, extending her hand out to open it, but she felt a strong grip on her shoulder, turning her around and grabbing her by her neck, placing her in a chokehold.

The girl's hands immediately gripped the person's wrists, trying to pry their hands off of her, she looked up to see them.

Of course, it was him.

"Why did you break into my house?" his glare could burn a hole between her eyes as he spoke with a harsh tone, his grip slowly tightening on her neck.

Miyeong let out a small yelp as she coughed out her answer, "You left— your door open—" She was trying so hard to loosen his grip, but he was too strong.

His strength was abnormal, possibly too strong to even be human.

The man was raging, his question wasn't being answered and he definitely didn't seem like a patient type of person.

Miyeong was slowly losing air, she could barely breathe with the grip he had on her,

She had tried to speak, to give him an answer, but it was of no use.

The girl harshly closed her eyes as the grip on his wrist lightened, and when she opened her eyes again she felt lightheaded.

When their eyes met the male widened his in shock, his lips slightly disconnecting from each other.

And he immediately let go of her.

[ariadne-mouse]

Finished the first season of Netflix's Avatar the Last Airbender live action adaptation - and I enjoyed it, despite it being imperfect in many respects. I liked that you can really tell the creators were trying to capture the animated show (in comparison to the live action movie which felt almost completely alien to the source material). It felt earnest. And that's what kept me watching. Yes, the pace felt rushed, the dialogue clunky at times, and in condensing the story for the format some key aspects of character arcs were glossed over or changed. But it has its moments, and I still cried in the finale. They still got me.

[raconteur-multiverse]

Twisted Wonderland server JPN Episode 07 Diasomnia Main Story (1/3)

It was a normal morning in Night Raven College after Overblot Idia and Ortho cases. MC wake up from it dreams of Maleficent backstory in "Sleeping Beauty" story. MC remember of Maleficent word "In other words, only one friend is left out...?". Grim greets MC after he awake, MC suddenly went from Ramshackle dorm in hurry to Seven Great statue. Grim thought MC must be forgotten homework or something since MC didn't answer him.

MC stare at Maleficent statue, MC remember all happens due Overblot cases. Seems this will be last Overblot or something. Grim whining at MC why he left him alone. Both of them stare at the statue Maleficent while ponders, suddenly Malleus appear along Silver and Sebek on explanation of Maleficent story.

"A thorn witch who reigns over the Magic Mountain. Manipulating thunderclouds and thorns, it possesses magical powers that cannot be overthrown by anyone. A noble witch who loved loneliness even though she had many subordinates." Malleus said. Malleus seems happy can meet MC again and MC still call him "Tsunotarou'. Causing Sebek scold MC for calling Malleus like that, but Malleus didn't mind it.

Silver scold Sebek don't be harsh to MC and Grim like that since Malleus isn't angry at all. Malleus notice MC is interested to Maleficent statue lately, Malleus would love to explains to MC if MC want to know more. MC did ask about why Maleficent being called "The Outsider"? Sebek did warning MC again but Malleus will explains it. He sounds serious but calm.

According to Sebek and Malleus,The thorn witch possessed magical powers that were second to none and a noble spirit. "Because" Maleficent once a good witch before she become the most feared among fairies. Still, Sebek keep loud voice since he think MC isn't respect to Thorn Witch (Maleficent) and Malleus at all. Grim also argue to Sebek saying don't be so mean just because him and MC just want to know more about Maleficent.

Suddenly, Lilia running rush to them in hurry. Malleus did ask him what's going on? Lilia almost wake up late because of play online games last night. Silver scold Lilia that he has been try wake him up 3 times in early morning. Malleus chuckles and tease Lilia for not wake up early like usual, Malleus always first one who's wake up in their dorm.

Beside of it, today all students 3rd year gather in auditoriums for important meetings. Something called "Off Campus Program". Every year, the 3rd year students begin their off campus on every month of September, before they enter to 4th year classes began.

Until then, Malleus tell MC to come visit to Diasomnia dorm. He'll be there if MC want to know more history of Thorn Witch. Then he left after say "See you soon.". As usual, Sebek still keep remembering MC to never forget of Malleus's kindness to MC.

The other students is gossip about Malleus behind his back, everyone knows Malleus is the top 5 among powerful magician in Twisted Wonderland...but why he's 'Enroll" again in Night Raven College?

All students 3rd year already gather in Auditoriums by Dire Crowley, unfortunately there's no 4th year students. Dire Crowley gave a important documents for them once they in 4th year class soon.

The training starts in September, almost at the same time as the promotion. The training period is about 3 months per season. They can choose up to three training destinations in one year. It would be nice to go to a different training site for each season and have a variety of experiences. The training destinations are companies, research facilities, foundations, etc. Most important is take a note that the training destinations they can choose will differ depending on their elective subjects, credits earned, grades, etc. In addition to interviews, there are also cases where applicants are not hired unless they pass a special test.

This is same now we going to university by do test IQ, gather all our grades results graduation from Elementary to Senior high school to know which faculty we'll get that fits our result knowledge.And for report studies if everyone in 4th year classes, is same how we make a final thesis script in our campus and college report. Do it in individual or groups, before we graduate.

Cater is still frustrated on choose which application for him on 4th year classes soon. There's too many destination training in that document, Trey says these applications are not on a first-come, first-served basis, and are determined by interviews and tests. Popular training destinations are said to have higher ratios. He means just follow by your own knowledge you got and your talents that fits on destination soon.

As for Trey, he actually want to get a job for experience. But still he wanted to go to other college. He is planning to get a national patissier license, unfortunately it will block his time to studies in other college too. And Cater, he choose entertainment company since he is really good on make a photography selfie and objects for virals.

Trey remember that Ace's brother chose that company as his training destination and got a job right away. Maybe Cater could ask help from him. After this, both of them checking others doing.

Vil still interested in researching magic medicine, but his not thinking about going on to higher education at the moment. After three years since Vil entered Night Raven College, Vil has saved his job and devoted himself to his studies. Vil dream is to express what he think is the best beauty. That's why, from the second season onwards, Vil going to choose a training destination that will help him achieve his dream.

Rook is thinking of an archaeological research facility. He is interested in archaeological research. Rook says, archeology is a discipline that requires patience, like water drilling through stone. But still obsessed with the idea that there may be countless "beauties" that are sleeping/hidden.

Leona, who just awake up from napping during gather Auditoriums. Even Vil is tired to keep reminding him to stay up all day every classes time. He choose A research lab for a mining and energy company in the "Sunset Meadow".It is said that there is an enormous reserve of resources in the vast expanses of the sunset grassland.

[princesspastel8]

Chapter 61

Third POV

Christmas morning, full of cheer and glee. After years of heartache during the holiday season, Eboni is finally given reason to smile. Her family demise will happen soon. She's still planning, having woken up early to study the map and get dolled up.

Eboni does her makeup, wearing strawberry lip balm, sparkling eyeliner, and mascara - though her lashes are already long. She decides to flat iron her hair, wearing the same white fuzzy headband as before. She puts on white thigh-high stockings with white garter belts with hearts in the middle. Eboni then slips on white knee-high platform boots. Afterwards, she puts on her dress, her long white dress has a split on her left side- exposing her thigh. The dress has pearl beads stitched along the waist and bra lining. This dress was a gift given by Tiffany out of guilt.

Eboni did say that white on white can cause a headache, but today, Eboni will be adding a splash of color not only on her dress but throughout the overly white mansion. It's six in the morning, and everyone is still asleep. The girl walks out of her room and into the kitchen, noticing many maids rushing to make breakfast.

"Excuse me." Eboni calls out, drawing everyone's attention.

The maids look at her, waiting for her to speak. "Why are you all here? It's Christmas. Don't you have any families to spend it with?"

"No, Ms. Eboni. Our job requires we don't have any family so that we spend our holidays here." One maid said.

"Yes. We all live here as well." Another maid said.

"Mhm...do you get rewarded for all of your hard work?" Eboni asks kindly.

The maids all share a look that pretty much answers Eboni's question. They didn't want to tell the truth in fear she'll report to Tiffany, but at the same time desperately wanting a break. Eboni sighs, shaking her head.

"Loosen up. I'm not gonna tell my bitch of a aunt. I know what it feels like to be treated like a slave. Tell you what, I'll make breakfast and make you all some as well. Go back to bed, I'll bring it to you." Eboni offers with a smile.

All the maids gasp, eyes widening. "Are... Are you sure? There's so many of us, and your family is so huge... It'll be too much for just one person..." one maid said.

Eboni chuckles, reaching to put on an apron. "My mother, Amara Brown, was one of the best chefs in the United States. She took me on so many trips. I watched her have to cook for over one hundred people all by herself since the team she was given flaked on her. I'm sure I can handle cooking for a handful of people."

The maids nod their heads, having known and met Amara a handful of times. All memories of the woman were pleasant and heartwarming. In fact, Amara did the exact same thing, offering to give the maids a break for once and handle all the cooking & cleaning.

"Thank you so much, Ms. Eboni!" All the maids said in unison while walking out of the kitchen and towards their respective rooms- located all on the highest floor, the third floor.

Eboni grins, setting the first stages of her plan in motion. She isn't going to poison her family, no- no that would be too easily, to 'amateurish'." The first step is to put all 'the help' to sleep. It would be troubling for Jeff to sneak in with lurking eyes around or a maid wondering the halls.

Eboni begins singing as she dances around the kitchen, preparing breakfast like a pro. She missed this, cooking that is - for others. It is a secret passion of hers that only Jeff is aware of. It's why she was so eager to cook Thanksgiving for the proxy mansion.

When she finally finishes cooking, the girl prepares everyone plates - setting up the dining table as well. Once done, Eboni grabs a rolling cart and places all their plates on the cart as well as a long tray containing glasses of orange juice that has been spiked with sleeping pills.

It's a shame such sweet maids will never wake up from their little nap. She does have to give something for Jeff to work with. Besides, a little blood is needed throughout a mansion full of greedy monsters. Speaking of them, the family all walks into the dining room with shocked expressions.

"Merry Christmas!" Eboni cheers with mock happiness.

Everyone stares at her, cautiously sitting at the table. "Where are all the maids? They should be cleaning." Veronika huffs.

"It's Christmas. They shouldn't be working but resting. I know they don't have family to go back to, so this is the least I could do. I made them breakfast, too."

"Why do such a thing, child? You didn't have to. It must've been exhausting." Grandma Abigail said, staring at her food.

"Not at all. It was quite fun." Eboni said, "Go ahead and eat. I'll be back. Gotta deliver their breakfast in bed."

Eboni pushes the cart towards the elevator, pressing the third button, marking the third floor. When the doors open, she steps inside the door, closing behind. She hums to the Christmas elevator music, a ding signaling the doors to open. Eboni would knock on their doors, opening them and greeting them with their plate of food and glass of orange juice. When all the food is given, she pushes the cart into the elevator and rides back down into the dining room.

The teen raises a brow, smirking at how no one has dared to touch their food. Eboni laughs, moving to pull her plate out of the microwave, unwrapping the plastic wrap around it. Who's to say they didn't dump more poison in the food in hopes she would make her plate with the leftovers. She sits down in the only seat that's ironically between Abbie & Kenneth.

Eboni begins eating her food, glancing around. "What? Think I poisoned it?" She said jokingly.

"No - no child, we just -" Grandma Abigail begins to say, but Eboni cuts her off.

"Yeah, right." She said, reaching over and taking some eggs from her plate and eating them. She smiles, shaking her head. "See? Besides, that would be a bit amateurish, don't you think? I had a foster mother try to kill me that way. It's why I don't eat food anyone prepared for me. Now hurry up! I'm sure Abbie is just dying to open her gifts. Right?"

Abbie nods her head eagerly, now scoffing down the food in front of her. Everyone does the same, surprised at how good and well seasoned it is. After everyone has finished their meals, they gather in the living room. They take their sits while Eboni volunteers to pass out the gifts. This game Eboni is playing with her family is for her to willingly involve herself in anything they do before they have a chance to ask.

Eboni watches everyone begin opening their gifts. She forces herself to smile despite the pinching pain in her heart. But it'll be fine soon. The girl will be able to smile fully once everyone is on their knees, pleading, begging for mercy.

Surprisingly enough, Grandpa Clarence calls Eboni over- holding a small box in his hand. "Yes, Gramps?"

"This is for you, dear. I wanted to give this to you sooner, but I was never given the chance. So when my wife said she found you, I was beyond overjoyed. This was your father's. He would've loved to give this to you himself."

Eboni takes in his words with a weighted heart. Maybe this old man had no idea how much of a greedy witch his wife is. Or he does and chooses to turn a blind eye - even at the choice of his own son. Either way, she'll get her answers soon enough.

Eboni opens the small box, eyes widening at what's inside. It's a locket, a golden one that looks oddly familiar. She opens the small locket, gasping at the picture inside. It's a picture of her parents, a bit more youthful and a small baby in their arms. A one year old Eboni Brown. The girl closes the locket and turns it around to read the tiny engraving.

"My girls....for life..." she whispers, keeping her tears at bay. "How long have you had -"

"Since the funeral. I wanted to give it to you, but Veronika had already given you to the social worker. I couldn't find you....no matter how hard I tried." Grandpa Clarence said while glancing at his wife nervously. "I apologize...for the hell your life has put you through. I hope we can start over."

Eboni gulps, allowing her grandfather to put the locket necklace on her. "Y-Yeah....I hope so too..." she whispers, fighting the small voice in her head.

Thus, voice has been bugging her all morning. Trying to convince her not to go through with her plan. But she has to, they deserve to pay. They deserve the hell they put her through. They deserve death for taking her parents away...for taking the only ones that loved her away. It's too late for them to feel remorseful. All trances of the Brown family will be erased no matter what, and nothing will get in the way of that - certainly not a tiny voice of reason.

"Thanks, Gramps. I think your wife needs you for something. She's been eyeing us the moment you called me over." Eboni said, now walking away.

She feels sorry for her grandmother. A weak man ruled by a dominating woman. Maybe he knew about their plan but was forced to keep it under wraps. That makes him all the more guilty than them. The family begins dancing or drinking along to Christmas music. Eboni sighs, moving to the kitchen to begin cleaning and putting away leftovers.

She secretly has a plate away for Jeff in the microwave before placing all leftovers in the trash. They wouldn't need it anyway. Eboni sighs, hearing Kenneth entering the kitchen. The male watches Eboni, his predatory grin on his face.

"You look n-"

"I know. What do you want? Water? More alcohol? Already drunk, so drunk and the day just started? How gross." She said, beginning to wash dishes.

"Don't give me bite back, girl. I'm still pissed at what you did last night."

"You mean stopping you from raping me? Oh, I humbly apologize - I should've cut your dick off instead!"

"You little bitch- come h-"

Eboni grabs a glass and fills it with dishwater. She turns and splashes the water all over his shirt, which looks pretty expensive. He grumbles angrily, storming out of the kitchen while calling Eboni all the names in the book. His wife comes into the kitchen, confused.

"You know what he does, yet you stay with him. Are you that desperate to live the rich lifestyle?" Eboni questions, not bothering to look at her.

"N-No, that's not it at all! I-I just-"

"You just what? Partake in his threesomes too?"

The woman doesn't speak, lowering her head in shame. Eboni laughs, shaking her head. "Fucking disgusting. Now go run to your husband like you did last night. I don't need your help here."

The woman lives quickly, no longer wanting to hear Eboni's degrading remarks. Now frustrated, she is ready to get things moving. She's itching to finally get the answers from the horse's mouth after so many years. Eboni dries her hands after finishing cleaning.

She pulls out her phone and puts an airpod in her ear. "BEN."

"Yes ma'am?" The demon answers with a grin as he takes in Eboni's appearance.

"How long will it take you to get here?"

"Hm... about ten minutes tops. Another five to hack into everything and cut the power. Want me to head over now?"

"Yes. Yes, it's time to get shit rolling."

BEN's grin grows wider. "See you in fifteen." He said before cutting the line.

Eboni walks into the living room, looking at Abbie. "Ready to play?"

"Yeah...and you were right. Santa isn't real, but at least I have all the gifts I want."

Eboni rolls her eyes but smiles. "Yeah. Now, let's play hide and seek. Hide on the first floor, though, okay? I'll come and find you, though it may take a while."

"Ok! Then we can play with my new toys?"

"Sure... now run along. I'll be counting slowly."

Abbie nods happily, running to go hide. Eboni looks down at her phone, shooting Jeff a long-awaited text.

E: in fifteen minutes. I have food waiting for you too. All the maids should be asleep. Do with them as you will. Take it as...a little Christmas gift from me😘

DD🖤🗡: fuck you're something else....see you in a few princess

It's about time for things to begin, for the fun to start.

Time to bring this game to a close.

[hearthandheathenry]

Hi I just saw your post and was wondering if I can get a 1-card reading from you. My question is what kind of energy should I incorporate in the content with my sister on social media? We’re leaning more into being an influencer but it’s hard to create content that gets people engaged and interested in us.

Hey there! I totally get the frustration on content creation, I think all content creators feel it! Truth be told, I've heard that the algorithms are designed to make your first few posts successful, then it's a little harder to get views, so they keep you hooked and trying to make the next viral content, so that you keep pumping out content for their website! I don't know if it's true, but I've noticed that taking the stress off your shoulders and posting what feels authentic to you, and actually enjoying your content creation, tends to give the most insight and helps the process feel more successful! There's nothing better in content creation than seeing something you're proud of and love get the attention you want! Rather than things you hate making. Other tips I can think of is definitely utilize hashtags and SEO as those things help your content get seen in the first place. And definitely find your niche! There's no rush, so play around with what you like and see what takes off. For example, the witchy stuff on this blog gets the most engagement, but I still enjoy posting about cooking and such!

As for your card pull, the King of Pentacles popped out for you!

Literal meaning: "The King of Pentacles is an honest, generous leader who has worked hard and achieved great success. He upholds his duties and traditions, and respects his ancestral heritage. He is kind, but has high expectations of others and believes they should have the same work ethic as he does. He is humble and self-reliant."

Pentacles also represents earth, winter, and years. It represents money, work, talent, reputation, achievement, stability, and the material realm. The court cards tend to represent people, so the King is most likely a representation of you.

My interpretation of the card: The king is a representation of you or who you need to be to achieve your success that you're after. Keep in mind the qualities that it is describing, as these are most likely the type of energy you need to put forth to gain what you want. Hard work, honesty, generousness, self-reliance, humbleness, and respectfulness of traditions. Success takes work and the good type of success will take honest and kind work. No one gets famous overnight, and many influencers have done some shady things to get to the top. If you want genuine engagement and success, this is telling you to keep at your goals, to not rely on others but your own efforts and merits (as in not expecting others to do everything for you, but theres nothing wrong with help and collaborations), to be kind and generous to others as you climb to your goals, and it has an additional message of tradition, so maybe there is something in your ancestral lineage or heritage that can inspire you in your work. Perhaps its educating others on something from your history, or maybe its a lesson learned from the past. It says that he also expects others to have the same work ethic, so in regards to working with your sister, make sure she is on the same page of hard work and other qualities in order to reach your success together. Since the pentacles represents years, achieving your goals may take years instead of a shorter amount of time, so again, don't expect instant success. With it representing winter, perhaps something will happen in winter that will bring you good news on your success, or that may be the season you reach your goals. Stay diligent, learn the tricks of the trade, and find your niche and what you enjoy creating. You'll get there! The king is the highest card of the suit, so you will definitely reach your success in the end!