#most punchable face in America

[rejectingrepublicans]

If only we could monetize this. We could provide free breakfast and lunch for every student in America for decades.

[tomorrowusa]

A good postmortem on Joe Biden's State of the Union by Tim Miller and Will Saletan at The Bulwark. Also, near the beginning Tim speaks with White House Communications Director Ben LaBolt.

Will had some of the more memorable comments.

I'm somewhat paraphrasing, but he made the point that fighting MAGA Republicans is essentially defending America.

He regarded Speaker "MAGA Mike" Johnson as a metaphor for what's happened to the GOP. Tim had commented on MAGA Mike's punchable face. So by implication, MAGA GOP as a whole is quite punchable.

The most fun part of the podcast was saved for last with discussion of Sen. Katie Britt's rather surreal GOP response to the SOTU. Will Saletan observed that she has "redefined bad State of the Union responses".

[republicansaredomesticterrorists]

He’s rivaling Cruz for most punchable face in America.

[ebonyforged]

Ebony is now a fully independent OC and honestly very little of significance has changed:

The Demon King 'Mundus' is now 'Moros', with Jon Hamm as faceclaim (for his punchable face). He still sucks and we hate him.

Ebony is 400+ years old instead of 300+ just because I had been planning to do that for some time and now seemed like the right moment. Because of this, Ebony didn't migrate to America until some time after she runs away from home.

There are way less Demons just freely living on earth than DmC had us believe, and while there's a small hub of them in Limbo City (coney island), there aren't nearly as many just hiding in plain sight. Limbo has more, but 95% of them are minion Demons with minimal intelligence. Most Demons are in Hell.

Limbo is still the same, but the way I wrote it was already so far from what little canon DmC provided us with that I have no issues yoinking it for myself as is <3

[daddyzingbot]

I take back anything nice I’ve said about pooch and stand by Kyle having the most punchable face in America

[kikwibird]

When JoHn WaLkEr said "stay outta my way"...

Yes, do that Sam and Bucky, stay the hell out of his way...

so that he can get himself killed and you can take the shield. It's a win/win.

[imgoingtofreakoutnow]

Confrontation

Summary: You and Bucky have been together for some time now, so hearing he got himself arrested (again) makes you panic, to say the least

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x reader

Other characters: Sam Wilson, Christina Raynor. John Walker

Warnings: nothing really... maybe face touching? A bit of fluff towards the end

A/n: Just a quick rewrite of a scene from 1x02 of TFATWS with the reader. I kept most of the dialogues from the episode so there will be ¡¡¡SPOILERS!!! Anyway, hope you enjoy!💗

You entered the police station with your breath heavy for the run. You stood there, in front of the door, many people walking past you and bumping in your shoulders as you weren't there, but you didn't care. Scanning the room you finally noticed a familiar face a few rows from you, looking at his phone.

"Sam!"

Hearing your voice, Sam shot up from his seat, a second before you threw your arms around him. "Y/n, what are you doing here?”. He rubbed your back. “I told you there was nothing to worry about"

You let him go, glaring at him. "My boyfriend has just been arrested and you call this nothing to worry about?"

"Someone has already assured his release, you really need to calm down". A playful smirk appeared on his face. “You didn't even have the time to miss him"

A brief smile tugged on your lips before your worry showed on your face again. With a huff, you crossed your arms on your chest, glancing at the door you imagined led to the jail. "Do you think he's okay?"

"I'm sure he's seen much worse than this...”. Sam gave you a reassuring smile. “He'll be fine"

"Sam". You both turned to a woman with dark hair and a serious look on her face. "I've heard a lot about you”. She held his hand towards him and Sam shook it. “I'm Dr. Raynor. I’m James' therapist"

"So nice to meet you"

She then moved her gaze towards you. "You must be Y/n, right?". You nodded, shaking the hand she now offered you. Her grip was much firmer than what you expected. "James told me a lot about you as well. I hope everything's good between you two"

"It is” you smiled at her. “It's a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for everything you’ve done so far with him during your sessions"

"And thank you for getting him out"

At Sam’s words, she took a deep breath in before clicking her tongue and stirring her mouth in a thin smile. "That was not me"

You frowned. "Then who-"

"Christina!"

You stopped mid-sentence, turning towards the door, where the noises of flashes filled the air of the room. A blonde man dressed in red and blue, colours that a few weeks ago still meant something to you, stood there, taking selfies and shaking hands.

Sam asked something to Bucky's therapist and she answered, but their moving lips were silent to you. All you could hear were those fucking flashes and your blood roaring in your ears; an unknown and thunderous rage, that kept building up inside you more and more with every step John Walker took in your direction.

"I heard you were working with Bucky,” - you tried not to twitch when that stranger called him like that - “so I thought I'd step in" he said, plastering on his lips the most punchable smile you'd ever seen. "Bucky's not gonna be following a strict schedule any longer"

What?

"We haven't finished our work" Christina said, shaking slightly her head. "Who authorized this?"

“Yeah, who the hell was it?”

“Um...” Jack stopped his gaze a moment on you, before a smug grin appeared on his mouth and he pointed towards himself with a pleased look on his face.

“Oh, so you’re the genius behind this brilliant idea” you snapped, your voice dripping in sarcasm, before your brain had the decency to stop you.

John finally gave you all his attention, a hint of annoyance in his perfect Captain America’s facade. “I’m sorry, I don’t think I know you”

“Well, for that matter, I don’t think I know you”

John chuckled but stopped immediately when he realized you weren’t joking. “I’m John Walker, the new Captain America. I thought you had noticed. I mean, it’s not like the shield blends in with the crowd...”

You nodded, unimpressed. “And?”

He snorted, an amused look on his face. “And? What more do you need to know?”

“Do you really think a name, a shield and a suit could help me understand who you are?”. You took a step closer to him, your fire gaze locking in his. “You’re no one to me, John Walker, and you’re definitely no one when it comes to decide what is better for someone whose mental health has been threatened many and many times in the last decades, and who still struggles with it”

“He went on a mission literally yesterday...”

“That doesn’t mean he’s completely recovered! Just because someone looks fine to you, it doesn’t mean he’s not going through his personal hell!”

John sighed, rubbing a hand on his neck. “Look... maybe as a citizen you don’t understand how valuable of an asset Bucky is but-”

“He’s not an asset.” You spit out that word as it was acid on your tongue. “He’s a human being! You can’t just use him when and how you want, because if you do, you’re no different from Hydra”

As you mentioned it, John’s clear blue eyes darkened as a stormy sea. “I just want him to be useful, and he can’t be if he’s tied up”

You squinted your eyes, sliding your hands in your pockets. “Useful to whom, if I may ask? To the world or to you and the corrupted government you work for?”

“Y/n” Sam gripped your arm, not enough to hurt but enough to ground you. “You can’t just say things like this”

“It’s the truth, Sam, and you know it”

“Even if I did, this is neither the time nor the place to make a scene” he whispered, his tone gentle but decisive. His eyes shot to the people surrounding you, all holding their phones up, recording what was happening.

With a grunt, you shrugged off his hand from your arm but remained silent, to the delight of John, who had already plastered his Captain America’s smile on his face again.

“Just do whatever you got to do with him, Christina, then send him off to me. Got some unfinished business, him and I. You too, Wilson. I’ll be outside.”

He turned to leave but then changed his mind and fixed his eyes on you. “It was a pleasure, Y/n”. You tensed at hearing your name escaping from his mouth. It felt... wrong. Almost as a threat. “Even if you don’t like me, believe me when I tell you I’m not the villain here”

“Perhaps... but you’re not the hero either”

John shook his head, a grin on his face, as he walked out the police station, taking with him all the rage you felt inside.

“I must say: that was pretty hot”

When you heard his voice, your heart skipped a beat. You turned towards Bucky, leaning against the reception desk. "But do you think it was smart to push like that one of the most powerful man in the-"

Before he could finish you were in his arms, pressing your nose against his neck and gripping him as tight as you could, afraid to let go. Afraid he could disappear.

“Hey, I’m okay” he whispered, his low voice flowing like water in your ears. “I’m okay...”

“I was so scared for you...” you muttered against his neck, taking in the slight scent of shaving cream.

“I know, I’m sorry...”

“Don’t be”. You cupped his face in your hands, stroking his cheeks with your thumbs. “It wasn’t your fault”

"Well, I did miss my session so it kinda was my fault..."

"Whatever" you rolled your eyes with a smile. You placed a kiss on his forehead. "All that matters is that you're okay"

"I am because you're here". Bucky covered your hand with his gloved one. "Thank you for sticking with me all this time"

"Thank you for letting me"

He smiled, a loving look crossing his eyes, before closing the gap between you two. You grinned in the kiss as he lifted you up. His lips never felt so soft.

Taglist: @hellotvshowtrash @elijahs-wife @elijahswife @mikaelson-emma @imaginearyparties (if you don't want to be tagged, let me know💓)

[thisisarcanereverie]

Should’ve Known Chapter 7

DISCLAIMER: I don’t own Wanda or Steve they are owned by Marvel, I don’t own the gif either I just got it from Pinterest,

WARNINGS:Angst, Swearing, the stages of grief, loss, dark themes, 18 + from here on out. Also mentions of potential abortions.

WORDS : 2,329

SUMMARY: You are detained and questioned by S.W.O.R.D. Wanda reality is breaking and Vision is acting differently than she remembers.  

In case you missed last chapter

series masterlist 

ULTIMATE MASTERLIST 

You stared at the plain and depressing wall in front of you. If anyone saw you they would say you were staring into dead space but that wasn’t true. 

Your thoughts were consumed of Wanda and the baby. 

You didn’t plan on giving up on Wanda, she had woken up, it wasn’t long until her reality came crashing down on her and you needed to be there for her. You needed to help her with the pieces that were going to be left behind. 

Your hand rested on top of your stomach, gently brushing a thumb over the shirt. You didn’t know what the doctors did to you while you were unconscious, but you were certain that eventually they would find out if they hadn’t already. You still had mixed feelings about this pregnancy. You knew deep down it was likely the only time you will be pregnant and you can’t lie, already you felt a connection with the child even though at this point they were only a little clump of cells. 

This kid would be special, you felt it oddly enough. You immediately wanted to apologize even though it couldn’t hear you. You wanted to apologize for the life that they might have to live if that were the case. 

You remembered all the somber nights at the Avengers Tower and Compound. All the nights Steve told you he sort of missed being that boy from Brooklyn who always picked a fight he couldn’t win. He told you if he had known what would happen when he accepted the role of Captain America. He probably still would have done it, but still live on to regret it. 

Wanda had told you that she could never truly let go, she can never fully release all the emotions she kept bottled up. That people got hurt. That if she could go back and never sign up for HYDRA’s experiments, she would.

None of them wanted the life that they were forced into. Yeah some of them had volunteered like Wanda and Steve, but they didn’t fully realize the consequences of such actions then. 

Nat and Bucky never wanted this life, never signed on for it. 

Your child would be forced to the same fate if you allowed the pregnancy. 

You considered aborting the fetus, maybe it was better for it to never live than be born into this world. 

Were you even ready to be a mom? You had money saved up but that was for rent and the last of Steve’s avenging money that he had left behind. 

Steve. 

The kid would never know their father. Steve would always be that blank figure to them. That blank figure would be filled with so many questions and doubts. Everything but him. 

You didn’t want your kid to look at that blank spot and only think of what might have been or hate. You didn’t want them to think their dad left them because they didn’t love them. 

You thought back to the chair splintering under your hand when you remembered the pregnancy. 

You could easily hurt them and the thought alone terrified you. 

There were so many reasons on why you shouldn’t keep it, how maybe it was better this way. 

On the other hand you wanted to keep it. 

You wanted to be a mom. Or at least give it a shot, at least for this kid. Maybe you would break the cycle of abuse that either your parents or grandparents started. 

There was no maybe about it. 

You would. 

You had to. 

Rationally you knew you wouldn’t be a perfect mom and the kid wouldn’t have that perfect life you always wanted, but that didn’t matter. This kid would have their own life to live, their own adventures, their own highs and falls. This kid would have something that you didn’t receive and that alone would make all the difference. 

They’ll have their mother.

-

-

-

Wanda didn’t know when all of this started. The endless pit of nothingness consumed her and that was it. She remembers everything thus far, the black and white changing into colors. You support her through it all just as you did before. 

She wished she didn’t have to send you away but she had no other choice. You brought her back, made her remember that none of this was real. 

Wanda made a different version of you, it was simple enough, it was a simple illusion. You were there, but not there. 

This version of you was happy all the time, was her closest confidant, all the things she wanted you to be. Like how you used to be before Steve had left. 

Steve did a number on you just like Vision did with her. Steve left you in a different manner than Vision left her but the emotional toll it took was very much the same. 

Steve left you on his own terms, he was selfish and left everyone who was counting on him to return. For that Wanda would never trust Steve, real or not real, again. 

Vision didn’t have a choice, Thanos had taken that choice away from him. 

Wanda could feel her blood begin to boil at the thought of Thanos, wishing that she could have finished what she had started on that battlefield then. 

Avenging Vision. 

Wanda recalls the nightmares she had when she came back, the image of Vision's eyes turning milky white and the stone being ripped from his head and the way his head caved in. You would always hold her, you would always assure her that you were fine and that she hadn’t hurt you during the nightmares. She knew you lied but the thought that you cared enough that you didn’t mind her or getting hurt in the process helped a lot more than you would ever know. 

After the funeral Wanda didn’t know she was going to bring you back to her apartment. She didn’t know how more precious you would become to her after living with her. Wanda came to depend on you a lot more than she intended. At first she wanted to be kind, she knew the pain you were going through and didn’t want you to be alone. You didn’t deserve to be alone. 

Then you began to heal together, you sat with her while she was on the other end of the phone lines waiting for answers and filling out paperwork she needed to sign to legally locate Vision. You hugged her during her nightmares, even though her powers had more than once flown something dangerously close to your head. 

Wanda had held your hand when she helped you move out of the apartment you and Steve shared. She was simply there when you needed her to be. 

Wanda grew curious easily, after the first few nights she was tempted to look into your mind. She had mastered the art of doing it without anyone knowing. However, she wanted you to tell her, she promised herself to never use her powers on your mind. 

Now she had broken that promise and made you play your part in this reality, the best friend. Wanda didn’t read your mind but she had played with it. She had played with something so fragile and even when you woke up from her illusions you didn’t care about that. You had only cared about comforting her, about bringing her back from the waves. 

Wanda had no idea what she could possibly have done to deserve someone as loyal as you were in her life. 

But now she’s sent you away, like she did with Garladine. 

She walked into her home that she shared with Vision, her heart filled with something so bitter and so sweet when she looked at him. Like she was seeing the sun after a whole week of only rain and snow but knowing tomorrow there would only be more rain and snow. 

Vision turned around upon hearing the door close, Wanda was expecting to see him with that light and lovely look in his eyes just as he’s always done. She nearly stopped in her tracks when she saw instead nervousness and caution. He didn’t look at her the way Vision had always looked at her, or hell even how you looked at her. 

He looked at her the way that everyone else has looked at her before. 

Like she was going to hurt him. 

“Vision,” she called her voice as sweet as honey, “is everything alright.” Her husband flinched back when she tried to reach for him as though her touch had become poisonous. 

“I spoke to Norm,” He said his arms were crossed over his chest. His face contorted into a neutral state. Wanda felt unsettled, she felt him become reserved. 

“Oh?” she said not knowing what about talking to Norm would make him act this way. 

“I unearthed the man’s suppressed personality and I spoke to him free of your oversight.” 

-

-

-

“Hello Miss. (L/n),” You didn’t bother looking away from the wall, already whoever came in here was on your nerves. 

‘Miss. (L/n) we need you to answer some questions about the Hex.” You looked over and saw a man with the most punchable face you’ve ever laid eyes on. His tone may be nice but you met enough men like him to know how to spot them a mile away. 

“Only if you answer a few of my own.” You retort, you saw how the man stiffened. 

“I don’t think you're in a position to be demanding anything Miss. (L/n)” 

“You wouldn’t have come to ask me anything personally if you didn’t need to. Unless there was something that I may or may not know that could benefit you and even then you wouldn’t have come yourself, men like you have people get the answers for you, no you would only come yourself if it was something vital. Something that no one else on this base knows about.” You cock your head to the side and smile, feeling empowered as you see his hands tighten into a fit at his side. You apparently hit the nail right on the head. 

“So I feel like an exchange is in order,” You say standing up from your sitting position. The guards on either side of the man raised their guns at you. The man told them to stand down. 

“I answer 5 of your questions and you answer 6 of mine.” You held out your hand. 

“Miss. (L/n) why do you get to have more answers than I do?”

“Simple, you want something from me and me alone. I can ask any other agents around here my questions and not make a deal with you at all.” 

His hands flex and ball themselves back into fists and his jaw clenched in anger. You really were getting on his nerves. 

“I agree,” he reaches for your hand and shakes briefly. 

“I’ll go first,” he says. 

“How long were you in the Hex?”

“I’m not too sure of that but it’s safe to assume that I was there since it happened.” you responded, memories of the Hex were confusing and the memories of that day were blacked out almost completely. 

“My turn,” you say. 

“Who are you?” 

“I’m Director Tyler Hayward of S.W.O.R.D.” 

“My turn,” he says in a slight mocking tone.

“How did Wanda create the Hex?”

“Wanda’s powers are tied to her emotions; it's probably connected to that” You state. “What is S.W.O.R.D.” 

“Sentient Worlds Observation and Response Department.” He responds. 

“Someone really wanted your divisions to be named Sword and Shield really badly didn’t they.” 

“Yes,” he said, “How long were you aware of the Hex while in it?”

“I was subconsciously aware the entire time, although I wasn’t completely aware until the Hex was in color and a hag gave me a notebook.”

His expression was puzzled but he dismissed it. 

“What did my lab results come back with?” 

“Why do you think we took blood from you while you were unconscious?”

“You're a powerful man who set up a meeting with me in secret to ask me a question you don’t want anyone else hearing. It’s not beyond you to secretly steal some blood to run secret tests on it.” 

“Touche,” he admitted, “however badly I would want that Agent Rambeau interrupted me before I could give the order.” 

Finally he reached the last question, the question he wanted to ask all along. 

“How did Wanda reboot the Vision?” 

Vision, he was after Vision. Somehow this made you uneasy, why would he care how Vision for rebooted unless...

“You have Visions body don’t you.” It wasn’t a question, his body gave him away. For a man who was running a semi secret organization he wasn’t that good at hiding his body language. 

“I believe you didn’t answer my question Miss. (L/n), “ he pointed out, “I guess that means one less answer for you.”

You rolled your eyes, you would let him have that. 

“I don’t know how she rebooted Vision, much less without a body, I don’t remember much of the day it happened.” His eyes hardened, upset that he had hit another dead end he went to leave. 

“I still have one more question Haybitch!” You called out, his feet stilled and he turned to you, eyes wide and offended at the nickname. 

“What are you planning on doing to Wanda?” That was the question you wanted to ask. His eyes crinkled as he gave you a sarcastic smile. 

“I don’t know,” he said, “I don’t remember much of that meeting when it happened.”

He then left you to wallow in your own thoughts. 

You knew he had a secret he didn’t want anyone else finding out. 

You knew Wanda knew it. 

You knew he wasn’t going to let her talk. 

You knew whatever his plan was involved her not being able to speak again.

[echo-three-one]

Whatever It Takes

A sequel to "A Forgotten Memory"

Alex is once again tasked to continue his mission in pursuing the threat that had caused hundreds of missing persons turn up dazed the next day. But now he isn't alone, join him along with the elite Task Force 141 as they hunt down Nero, discover the secrets behind his plans and put an end to this memory erasing nightmare.

Chapter 1 to another story made by Ray (echo-three-one) Comments and Reviews appreciated! I hope you enjoy! Love you all ❤️

"Resurgence"

"Alex"

CIA Warcom

Boracay Island, Philippines

Alex basked himself on the warm sandy beaches of the Philippines. He wasn't able to enjoy his vacation after the Nero mission, because he was sent immediately to Urzikstan and Verdansk immediately followed. And now that all of those were over, he now laid down on a beach chair and let the ocean breeze blow on his relaxed state.

Philippines was a nice country, the people were hospitable, the food was delicious and unique and the scenery was beyond amazing. Despite his metal leg, people still looked up at him the way they look at tourists and he was all of the hospitality and attention from his fellow Americans who are also on vacation to locals who were just amazed on how the leg works.

It's been a lot of months ever since Samantha forgot him, but he couldn't shake the feeling that they'll meet again, that's why no matter many women try to show interest in him, he shrugs them off politely by pretending he has a girlfriend. A simple lie that he built for himself in hopes of a miracle of meeting her again.

He always brought her letter with him, some edges of it got burnt from the time he manually detonated a C4 explosive to destroy a gas factory, It was almost torn and faded, but he couldn't leave it somewhere safe. He wanted it to be with him wherever he goes. 

'Don't you dare forget about me'

His phone rang. He quickly fished it from a small pouch he bought that the locals made and immediately answered.

"This is Alex speaking." he chimed.

"I'm sorry to bother you at this time of day Alex, but I have a feeling you'd want to jump in on this." a British accent so familiar informed him over the other side of the line, It was none other than Captain John Price or Bravo Six, a comrade he once fought with back in Urzikstan.

"I'm all ears." he said, sitting up straight and letting his metal leg sink in the sand.

"Looks like your boy Nero is back on the grid. That Sneaky bastard kidnapped the Daughter of the Head of Defense, again." Price relayed.

Alex's heart thumped faster, his breathing became quick. He wished to meet her again but not like this. Not her being in harm's way all over again.

"Shit. Count me in. But.." he hesitated. He wanted to help but remembered he disobeyed CIA orders back in Urzikstan, making him unable to provide support.

"I've talked to Laswell. She's creating a special assignment for you."

"What does that mean?"

"It means welcome to the 141, Alex." Price said as he cut off the call, followed by a message regarding his departure to their base.

~

Alex can't help but worry about Samantha's condition. They've played with her memories multiple times and he thought that it would all be over after she decided to alter everything about them. Guess the enemy didn't know and they're still after her.

The soldier leaned on to the small circular glass pane as he looked at the clouds pass by. His hands were fidgeting each other while his non-metal foot bounced up and down at a fast rate. His seatmate, who happens to be a teenager, noticed his distracting leg movement but ignored it as rock music blasted from his ears. He was a completely different Alex right now and he believed that he'll be back to normal as soon as he sees Samantha safe and within his grasp.

When you have a heavy metal stick as a leg, customs is going to be the most annoying place in the world. Everyone looked at Alex as soon as he passes the metal detector and everyone else's eyes were on him. Of course with a few more safety checks and a whole lot of explaining, Alex was good to go. 

"So, you're the one they call Alex" the heavily British accented driver mused, breaking the silence of their ride to the 141 base. He was looking at him via the rearview mirror, chewing on what Alex hoped to be gum.

"Yep. That's me." he replied, turning to the view of the British streets which confused him a lot as it was the opposite of American or even Global streets.

"Heard they thought you were dead back there. In Georgia." he added. He was quite the chatterbox but CIA Agents are all about the information.

"Yeah. Tried to manually detonate the C4. After that… I just ran for my life." Alex answered, his head was realizing why he did it. What pushed him to think that he could make it out alive. Was it because it's for the greater good? The idea of freeing Farah's country from the harm of the gas? The idea of a chance to meet Samantha all over again? Or something he couldn't explain.

"Well, we're glad to have you back, Alex. But it's a shame it's no longer in the CIA." the driver waved as Alex opened the door and unloaded his stuff.

"As long as it's still about saving the world." he replied, making the driver smile. 

"That's what we do, right?" he agreed as he entered in his car leaving Alex in front a quiet gray building, the Task Force 141 Base, his new home.

Alex pushed the heavy doors open revealing a large hall, multiple round sofas were embedded to the ground and a huge staircase that split left and right greeted him. Multiple heads turned as he opened the said door and slowly walked his way to the nearest person who happened to be panting from exhaustion by the sofa. His metal leg clanked on his every step as the soldiers begin to recognize him. They smiled as soon as Alex's eyes met theirs and some even waved, Alex met them from several missions from the past, some were from the Demon Dogs and his previous designations, Delta Force.

"Where's the briefing room in this huge building?" he asked the soldier in a black t shirt drenched in sweat as he spun his towel trying to keep up with his breathing. He didn't speak but he nodded in acknowledgement and pointed to the hallway on the left. Alex left him a thanks and he walked his way to the direction where he pointed.

Just a few steps after the beginning of the hallway, the people from the main hall cheered and laughed, this made Alex turn around and he saw a young blonde man with spiky hair dash across him, he looked like he's on his way to your destination as well.

"Excuse me! Sir!" he yelled and Alex immediately halted. The young man panted in front of him and took a few seconds to breathe before he countinued his words.

"I'm Gary Sanderson, and I was supposed to guide you to the briefing room. You must be Alex." he reached out a hand and Alex shook it, quietly making your way to the room.

The huge door slid open and they found themselves in a dimly lit room, a huge screen loomed just by the wall and chairs were placed around a long circular table. Alex could spot a few familiar faces, faces he once saw and fought alongside with in Verdansk. There was the balaclava boy, Ghost, the Mohawk Man, Soap, their Captain, John Price and a few big heads from the United States. There were also new faces like Gary, who was now discussing something with another new soldier, a female soldier who sat by Price and a few new more who were already sitting on the chairs. There's also someone missing, Kyle Garrick, he pondered where he was.

The former CIA quickly saw Gary rush to Price's seat and whispered something causing him to lean on his chair, stand up and walk to his side. 

"Glad to see you back in the fight, Alex." he muttered, patting Alex's shoulder.

"I won't skip out on this mission, this one's close to home." he replied, patting his back in return.

"Yeah, heard this was your last mission before the Russian Gas." 

"Yeah. It's a loose end on my side." Alex nodded, crossing his arms.

"Good thing Shepherd had some sense in him. Not unlike your CIA heads, huh?" 

Alex nodded. He remembered he did an illegal thing against the CIA, and that was siding with Farah's forces, who were reclassified as global terror groups at that time. He silently thanked he could still step back in the fight along with the good guys even after that event.

"Yeah. I might have to thank him soon enough." Alex murmured and Price guided him to the briefing which was about to start in a few minutes.

~

"Before we start our mission briefing, I'd like to welcome each and everyone of you to the 141. A group of the most elite warriors from around the world tasked to eliminate terrorist threats lurking in the shadows. One of which, goes by the name Nero…" General Shepherd's voice was deep and serious, while the screen showed a photo of the guy they're after. His face looked punchable, as manifested by the way Alex clenched his fists while he stared at his soulless eyes.

"… whose goal is still unknown. He poses a threat as he has been out in American soil, which we believe is the one behind the multiple missing and reappearing person cases across the country." he continued, eyeing Alex. He knew a little bit about the case, maybe because he read his report.

"Since he poses no evidence of terrorist activity as of now, we are assigned to rescue and locate the daughter of Richard Coleman, America's Head of National Defense. We don't know why she was kidnapped but we believed it is or ransom or threatening purposes." The general explained, pacing back and forth, his shadow covered the screen.

Alex wanted to say something. Something about the details surrounding the case. It was written on his report. But then again, maybe the general already knew about the alteration, and since Samantha doesn't remember any IP Address, it was no longer worth noting.

Samantha's face was projected on the screen. Alex's heart began to beat faster, she looked different now, a little chubbier, longer hair and her smile felt happier. It was heartbreaking that she got caught in the crossfire again. After all those efforts of making her life normal.

'If our paths would cross again, I hope you'll remember me the way I remembered you before I take this operation, A good memory that's supposed to last forever. '

'Don't you dare forget about me.'

Her words echoed in his mind, using the same voice she had when they were together. 

"I will save you again if I had to.." he promised to her mentally, as he tightened the clench he was already doing.

"Our intel reports that twelve hours ago, local informants spotted an unknown flying vehicle just by the Georgian Border, local authorities confirmed that this wasn't one of their aircraft and we believe it could be the getaway vehicle of Samantha Coleman and her captors… We are still looking on to this so for the meantime I want each and one of you to be fully alert and ready for deployment."

Everyone else fell silent. It meant they agreed at what the high ranking official said. A few more words were exchanged such as new additions to the team, aside from Alex. He didn't seem to focus much on the second part of the brief as his mind worried a lot about Samantha. If his instincts were right, she's probably sedated once again, taking a trip down her own memory lane.

Chapter 2 : F.N.G.

[theunremarkable]

This is 100% gonna be Bucky finding out about America's Most Punchable Face New Captain America

[einsteinsugly]

I'm off! And I'm formulating some basic political stances for As the World Burns...

It's 2001, and you know what that means. Unavoidable political stuff! Yay. War in Afghanistan: This one is the most nuanced, and contains the widest range of opinions. Hyde's outright against it. Donna's mostly against it, but understands the impulse. And thinks that special forces may suffice. Eric's ever so tepidly for it, but with a notable get-in and get-out asterisk. But Donna thinks he's being too idealistic, and compares it to Vietnam. Eric: But Vietnam was a false flag attack, and even back then, you could see that it was a false flag from a mile away. This attack, like the one on Pearl Harbor, should get the spidey senses tingling. And we can't just wave a white flag, Donna. Then the villains would win.

Donna: But by definition, America hasn't always been the hero...

Eric: Well, it should be. Jackie and Kitty are mostly for it, but Red's super for it. He has that "let's get those bastards" mentality about it, and it's a difficult sentiment to shake. Even as shit hits the fan. More broadly, the War on Terror: Red's the only one that's really for it. Everyone else is walking on eggshells around him. Especially Kitty, who tries to avoid politics like the plague. Especially when her opinion deviates from Red's. Iraq War (2002): All four are against it. Kitty's tepidly against it, but doesn't know how to vocalize her opinion when Red's so...well, for it. As long as it goes through the proper constitutional channels, Red's for it. If he lives long enough to see the general, long-term utilization of the War on Terror (see above), however, he wouldn't be too happy about it. Red: It's like they're wiping their damn snotty noses all over the constitution. And tossing it in the trash.

Kitty (with an awkward laugh): Thank goodness you don't watch Fox News with all the other old, grumpy men at...

Red: Fox News is filled with a bunch of dumbasses, Kitty. Sean Hannity has the most punchable face I've ever seen.

Kitty: Didn't you say Ted Cruz has the most punchable face you've ever seen?

Red (with a swift nod): Remember when the Republican Party wasn't filled with a bunch of dumbasses? Remember when Reagan...

Red rambles on and on, as Kitty lets out a dramatic sigh. Patriot Act: All are against it, especially Hyde. Holy crap, especially Hyde. He tries to stay the fuck out of the weeds sometimes, especially when it comes to politics, but he can't help but (rightfully) spout and shout. It's such a blatant violation of the constitution, and just validation that the (current), the US government doesn't operate on its own ideals. And has it ever? Hyde: So the government just wants to have another excuse to fuckin' spy on us.

Jackie (awkwardly, because she knows Hyde's about to rant and rave): It's not very patriotic, is it?

Hyde: No fuckin' way. Watching its citizens like a fuckin' hawk. There's something in the constitution about unreasonable search and seizure, and...

Hyde rambles on and on, as Jackie lets out a dramatic sigh. However, Red's on the fence. He's leaning against it, though. It's so blatantly unconstitutional that he can't avoid the hypocrisy, but he's still hesitant. America's been attacked, like on Pearl Harbor, and something has to be done about it. It's just that the Patriot Act has too many flaws to truly work with.

[hi-yukio]

MARVEL I SEE YOU SETTING UP DEPTH AND SHIT FOR WALMART CAPTAIN AMERICA AND I AM TELLING YOU NOW THAT NOTHING WILL EVER MAKE ME LIKE THIS MAN HE HAS THE MOST PUNCHABLE FACE I HAVE EVER SEEN

[bereft-of-frogs]

1 4 5 17!

4. are you likely to blush when a sex scene comes up or can you read/watch it with a straight face?

It definitely depends on how it’s written and if I’m expecting it! I’m definitely the type where like, I can read porn with a straight face but if I’m reading/watching something unrelated and a sort of awkward sex scene comes up out of nowhere I might blush/cringe a little. I think it’s more about expectation/preparation than the content itself. It’s much better than secondhand embarrassment though. Even an awkward sex scene I’m usually fine with, a character is making a fool of themselves or is about to get in trouble? Oh my god I cannot watch it.

5. [answered!]

17. are there any tropes you wished were used less often?

I don’t know if this is just the weird mood I’m in, but like...honestly most romance tropes with the exception of a few. I think this is just a product of me being in a really weird place re: romance. Absolutely more power to shippers, it’s great, I just wish there was a little bit more gen relationship appreciation. (And there are a couple upcoming canon things that I’m just like...kneeling down before the fandom gods being like ‘....please don’t give them a romance subplot in this please don’t give them a romance subplot.’)

The big one that I hate and would love to never see again is ‘Accidental Baby Acquisition’. Well I’m not sure it’s that exactly. Like, I don’t love kidfics in general but it’s the, male character comes back to see ex-girlfriend/one night stand and ‘surprise you’ve got a kid I never told you about!’ stuff. I avoid it like the plague in fanworks and I physically cringe when it’s in canon works. This is so specific. The only example I can think of right now is the episode of Supernatural in season 4 or 5 where he goes back to see Lisa and learns about Ben and while I came around on their characters by the end of season 5 (when I stopped watching), the whole episode’s subplot was centered around the ‘wait is this Dean’s kid?’ mystery/tension and I remember being viscerally uncomfortable the whole time. That was in like 2008 and I still hate this very specific trope.

I also feel like this depends on the fandom because there always seems to be one trope that just takes over a fandom and you have no idea until you’re staring down the ao3 tag being like....so can I find a fic that doesn’t include this trope? Like the joke is ‘you never know which fandoms got absolutely taken over by A/B/O like some sort of invasive plant species’. I feel like so many fandoms have this where it’s like. Enough. I mean, I support you to create whatever you want but...maybe branch out a little. (Looking at you, Star Wars fandom and time travel fix-its...) (Like again, I support you writers but oh my god there are so many of them.)

[fandom asks]

1. is under a cut for spoilers for Falcon and Winter Soldier:

1. if you could hit any character without repercussions, who would it be?

Oh my God, discount Captain America. Off-brand Captain America. Walmart Cap, I believe I saw someone call him? I saw that face for 2 seconds at the end of the first episode and God, I just wanted to punch him in the face. I remarked to several people that the MCU casting directors have achieved true brilliance once again in casting the man with the most punchable face. (No offense intended to the actor! He’s doing a great job but like....his job is to make me hate him and it’s working.)

[owlsoldwritingcorner]

Honey and Oats (Chapter 2)

Pairing: Agent Whisky x Reader

Warnings/Troupes: Not much rn except Age gap relationship for future. + Enemies to lovers. Two cowboys cant flirt for shit.

A/N: This is a bit shorter cus the next one is gonna be a bit spicy, so i wanted to give more room for that chapter!

Summary: “Mucous membrane.” Eggsy’s face scrunched up at the first thought that came to mind as he looked at the two of you. 

“That’s like up the nose, isn’t it?”

“What the fuck am I gonna to do? Stick my finger up…”

.

.

“It’s not just inside the nose, is it?”

AO3 Link

{First/Previous} {Next} {Masterlist}

And then there were two. 

Eggsy had to say goodbye to his girlfriend and get the tickets from his contact first before the three of you could hit the road. And because that damn cowboy refused to take literally any other vehicle, you were stuck in the trunk like a sack of potatoes. If you fell off the car, it’s your fault for not holdin’ on.

The stretch of silence was long and awkward between you two. You didn’t bother saying a single word to the man. Why would you? Boring holes in the back of his head with your stare was much more preferable. 

Just as the silence was starting to become insufferable, Whiskey honked his horn to tell Eggsy to hurry the fuck up already. Another second and there won’t be any more Statesman agents on the job. Soon after, Eggsy finally came back out. Three passes right on hand.

“Got the passes from my contact. You’ll love Glastonbury.” 

“Well that’s the easy part kid. Take a look in the glove box.” The younger agent opened the compartment to reveal the chip. And here comes the jokes about the finger condom.

“Fucking hell, bruv. Thought everything was supposed to be bigger in America?” Eggsy looked at you both with an amused expression. “Is that why you overcompensate with these massive cars?”

“Well, Whiskey’s dick is the exception to that sayin--”

“Shut your trap, Rum. It goes on your finger,” Whiskey sticks out an index finger to emphasize his point. “The surveillance tracker is on the tip. Apply light pressure for three seconds to release it,” The cowboy then shoves his said index finger in your face. 

“And you. What do you have against Jack jr.?” Before you could say another snarky comeback, Whiskey snapped his fingers and shoved the index in your face again. “You wanna ride ole Whiskey horse don’t ‘cha? Young girls like you always got trouble articulatin’ whatcha’ want.” The whole time, he just kept waving that damn finger in your face! Just right when you were about to chomp it right off, he pulled it quicker than any man’s pull out game.

“Not fallin’ for that one again.” He placed his hands on the wheel, looking at you via the rear view mirror with a triumphant smile as if he’s got you all figured out.

Okay.

You had to admit. Whiskey looked really fucking good for his age. You’ll never say it to his face though. It’d be both a hit to your pride and a major boost to his ego. Any bigger and the old man’s gonna pop. But really? It’s just too fucking bad that all that eyecandy ain’t got a good center to match!

“Now, just admit that all this pent up frustration, is cuz you’re into ‘old man’ Whiskey here?” 

“In yer fuckin’ dreams.”

“You’re right. You’re less of a god damn brat in them.” He muttered as he turned the key to start the car’s engine. 

Ugh. He always acts all cool and oh-so suave as if his back isn’t ready to break the moment he picks something up from off the--

Wait a fucking second.

“Whiskey, did you just-- Oh fuck!” Just as you moved closer to the drivers and passenger’s seat, you were knocked right on your ass. The familiar damn chuckle coming from the driver’s seat. That fuckin’ hillbilly practically kicked the fucking gas pedal just to laugh at your pain!

“You should really hold on kid. There ain’t no seatbelts back there.”

“And whose choice do you think it was to ride this fuckin’ car?! Achhkuot sbanh!”

“Getting the Cambodian out on me already? I’m flattered, querida.”

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

During the whole trip, Whiskey’s words echoed through your mind.

You’re right. You’re less of a god damn brat in them.

Did… Did he mean for it to sound that way? Like, did he ever actually… Have those kinda dreams starring you? 

You tried to mentally wave it off as him just trying to shut you up, but his fucking voice kept popping up in your head.

You’re less of a god damn brat in them.

That buttery smooth, low voice of his accompanying those words. You couldn’t help but overthink what he said. 

Sure his glances are a bit longer than what’s considered a normal glance, but that doesn’t mean anything!, and when he gives you a pat on the back after  and whenever you’re up in his face, he licks those fuckin’ kissable lips of his like he’s thinking of something he shouldn’t--

Wait.

Did you say kissable?

You meant to say punchable. That cowboy’s face is just… The most murderable, most stabbable, most lickable--

Goddamn it! 

What the fuck’s gotten into you?! The guy admits to having, for all you know, one fuckin’ sex dream about you and you’re just readdy to turn to putty in his hands?

Just as the three of you arrived at the concert, you jumped out of the back of the trunk and quickly headed into one of the porta potties. Eggsy looked mighty confused at your disappearing figure as he got out the car.

“Do they know the concert is this way?”

“Well, considering this is a special kinda mission, I’d just say she’s dolling herself up.”

“Why? The target is straight, so it’s just going to be the two of us doing the work.”

“Yeah. But, she really hates it when she ain’t got nothin’ to do on the job.”

Eggsy just shot him a confused look until he saw you come back out from the porta potty. Then everything just clicked into place like a puzzle. 

Instead of your previous much cuter looking appearance. You were (admittedly) quite handsome after your change of clothes and other fixings. You wore more masculine looking clothes, cleaned up a bit, and you--

Oh.

You did an extra step.

The three of you showed your bands to the bouncers and waltzed right in. 

“According to her Instagram feed, Charlie’s ex-girlfriend is up at the VIP bar. Which one of us is gonna plant the tracker?”

“I say we both make an approach. Whoever gets it on best, goes for it.” You rolled your eyes at the suggestion. Getting a girl in bed really shouldn’t be played like a game.

“Well, it doesn’t have to be a competition, bruv. Why don’t we just go up to her-- shake her hand, pat her on the back, whatever, you know, Job done.” 

“Well, as nice and easy that would be, Eggsy. Last I checked, our hands aren't a mucous membrane.” You sighed.

“Neither is the back. They teach you anything at Kingsman?” Whiskey added with an incredulous tone to his voice.

“What are you talking about?”

“Our trackers are designed to enter the bloodstream.” The agent put up his middle and index fingers and made an… Injection motion. 

“If the trackers were attached on the back or something, that’d risk getting damaged in case the target decides to do the ole’ late night tumble.” You added.

“They circulate harmlessly, providing full audio and GPS.” 

“Mucous membrane.” Eggsy’s face scrunched up at the first thought that came to mind as he looked at the two of you. “That’s like up the nose, isn’t it?” The three of you stop a few feet behind the target.  

“What the fuck am I gonna to do? Stick my finger up…” Eggsy paused once he stuck up his finger, similar motion Whiskey did prior. His face contorting into realization as to where else the tracker can be placed.

“It’s not just inside the nose, is it?”

“No, Eggsy, it ain’t.” The oldest agent let out an exasperated sigh as the British man let out a just as annoyed ‘fuck’.

“All right, I’ll take the first crack.” 

“You sure you won’t croak in the middle of it?” Whiskey finally popped his lid on that final quip from you.

“Know what? Since you’re so sure of yourself, you get first go.” You raised your hands in faux defeat as you walked backwards towards the target. You heard Eggsy give you a little ‘good luck’.

“My pleasure.” You quickly turned around and placed your elbows on the bar top beside the woman.

“I am so sorry to bother you little missie, but I just have to say you are the most ethereal being I have ever seen in my life.” 

“Oh? Is that so?” You’ve gotten her attention at least, she’s skeptical but it’s a start.

“Course! Out of all these stars playin’ today, you seem to be the one outshining them all.” 

“You should get better glasses then, it’s only daytime.”

“Are you suggesting the view is even better at night?” You mentally winched at that one. Yeah… Not your best hit.

“Nope,” She popped the ‘p’ before taking a quick sip of her drink. “I am saying that you are clearly blind. You’ve been looking at the sun for too long.” She then turned her head, all ready to ignore you. You rolled your eyes and looked at Whiskey, who looked more than ready to be tagged in, and signaled for him to come over by moving over to give him some space. 

Whiskey practically had a pop in his step as he waltzed over to take your place. 

He can finally rub a victory in your fucking face! You won’t steal anymore of his targets from him in the future! Take that you sexually confusing minx!

Wait that came out wrong--

“Now, I don’t wanna pester you…” Quickly distracting himself from the confusing thoughts, he got to working his charm.The woman turned her face to the new voice trying to get her attention. “But, I just had to know, what time are you playin’?” She let out an awkward chuckle. Whilst Whiskey kept her busy, you ordered yourself a Blue Long Island cocktail and not so discreetly listened in on their conversation. 

“I’m not in a band-- Oh god, who did you think I was? Please don’t say someone ghastly.” she hid her face in embarrassment at the thought. Great, you can see Whiskey’s dumb smirk loom over you now.

“God damn it, now I feel like a fool.” He got a bit closer to the blond and you shivered at the husky tone his voice switched to. 

He was supposed to be seducing her, not you! Get your head out of the fuckin clouds! 

“I just assumed a woman with your charisma… Well, she just had to be somebody.” 

Well… He tripped the landing a bit. 

“Right. Thank you.”

“No, it’s okay. I know you didn’t mean to make me feel like a dumbass. So I’ll let you make it up to me by letting me buy you a drink,” Wow, gettin’ a teensy bit aggressive there Whiskey. The blond then rolled her eyes as she stuck up an index finger.

“Follow my finger.” Oh boy. She then swiped her finger to her left twice as Whiskey followed, confused. Wait, was that--

“What are we doin’?”

“Swiping to the left,” You almost let out an unattractive snort. She indeed did what you thought she did. “What, you don’t do Tinder in America?”

“Tinder what?” Whiskey still had a dumb smile on and was as confused as a bat during the daytime. God, he seriously is an old man.

“You know what? I think it’s a generational thing,” Eggsy smoothly cut in and leaned against the bar on the woman’s other side. Oh just in time! 

You were just about to leave from the painful cringing you felt from both Old man Whiskey and little miss Tinder over here.

“It translates as,’Go away, old man’.”

Whiskey paused just before uttering ‘Be good, be cool’. Yup. You could see the biggest hit to his pride on his face yet as he walked off to a sitting bar at this outdoor concert. He just looked so pathetic and sulky you just needed to do something to fix that. Without realizing, you were already right behind the man and Champ’s words echoed in your head. 

“One job together ain’t gonna kill the two of you.”

You mentally wince at what you were about to do for the rest of the day.

You gave the sad man a firm pat on the back, he turned around with hope in his eyes only for that to be extinguished when he saw you.

“C’mon Weepin’ Willow,  I’ll play bartender.”

Taglist: @mxndoscyarika​, @engineeredfiction

[sleepynegress]

About  Netflix’s In the Shadow of the Moon...

It’s getting good reviews and I’m baffled by that.... Well, honestly, not really. I think it has a lot to do with the reviewers *not* being black women.

The love seems to be coming from a very white liberal place.

As for me, however the film is...

Frustratingly slow (a character doesn’t even mention time travel until HALFWAY through the damn movie)

Cleopatra Coleman is barely in it.

The dialogue is stupid. Nobody asks the right questions and people are vague and non-specific in places where clarity would make more sense and ease objectives.

There’s not nearly enough action. The white male lead (the same bland one who added to the suckage of the recent Predator reboot movie) is AWFUL and has the most punchable face I have ever seen.

What’s most frustrating is that the twist and idea *could have been* amazing, handled well.  Tighten the action, shorten this thing. It could have been an excellent Twilight Zone episode It a took little bit of the updated spirit of the Vic Morrow spot (RIP) in Twilight Zone: The Movie.

They kept vaguely alluding to America’s racism without actively dealing with it in any meaningful way (and yes, the twist is about that which is a good thing, if only it had been handled well) i.e. still containing all the old movie racial cliches, that black viewers roll their eyes at while supposedly this whole thing is about... Well... This is getting too spoilery so cut!!

The whole thing is about Cleo’s character traveling back in time to execute white nationalists and those recruited before they spark a civil war that kills millions. And that sounds super-cool and topical for where we are right now, right?   I imagine that’s why these white liberal reviewers love this. ...but AGAIN. It moves molasses slow, the dialogue is stupid, the acting is bad, the white male lead is bland af, the black guy sidekick dies stupidly (of course) (Bokeem Woodbine, you deserve a better career my dude, you could have lead this better TBH).

And the plot relies on unfolding the way it does because people give cryptic answers instead of doing the easy obvious thing and simply telling the right people. i.e. ‘You have no idea what you’re interfering with’. *me at home watching: “Well then tell me and be specific, DAMN!”*

It sucks because this premise is awesome. And in better, more capable hands this could have been the tech noir thriller sleeper, the filmmaker was going for with the spot on for the times, edge it hinted at, i.e. the random black women being pulled in for questioning because the time traveler is a black woman, and the protests from black people over the killing of the time traveler (hit by a train in the trailer in one time-stream) because of a cop. There is one last twist I’m not revealing because it may be a good one or a bad one depending on your tastes.  I personally rolled my eyes extra-hard. Still, despite all of this, it’s decent 2-star watch.  No, not enough to gain a rec. But I am tough on things like this. But go in with low expectations.  Sometimes low-budget is good for genre (The Terminator), and other times, everything about it, from soundtrack to dialogue feels like bargain-bin cable fare.   As it does here, for me. *P.S. There should have been many more high profile politicians, billionaires, legacies, cops or something hinting that they would become that.  Because we all know it wouldn’t just be the demo they hinted at that are primary in these acts.