#our previous president was one of them

[lawyerkin]

people who defend politicians actually deserve to be punched in the face real hard maybe it would knock the stupid out of their brains or something.

[writingwithcolor]

Sri Lankan Fairies and Senegalese Goddesses: Mixing Mythology as a Mixed Creator

[Note: this archive ask was submitted before the Masterpost rules took effect in 2023. The ask has been abridged for clarity.]

@reydjarinkenobi asked:

Hi, I’m half Sri Lankan/half white Australian, second gen immigrant though my mum moved when she was a kid. My main character for my story is a mixed demigod/fae. [...] Her bio mum is essentially a Scottish/Sri Lankan fairy and her other bio mum (goddess) is a goddess of my own creation, Nettamaar, who’s name is derived from [...] Wolof words [...]. The community of mages that she presided over is from the South Eastern region of Senegal [...] In the beginning years of European imperialism, the goddess basically protected them through magic and by blessing a set of triplets effectively cutting them off from the outside world for a few centuries [...] I was unable to find a goddess that fit the story I wanted to tell [...] and also couldn’t find much information on the internet for local gods, which is why I have created my own. I know that the gods in Hinduism do sort of fit into [the story] but my Sri Lankan side is Christian and I don’t feel comfortable representing the Hindu gods in the way that I will be this goddess [...]. I wanted to know if any aspect of the community’s history is problematic as well as if I should continue looking further to try and find an African deity that matched my narrative needs? I was also worried that having a mixed main character who’s specifically half black would present problems as I can’t truly understand the black experience. I plan on getting mixed and black sensitivity readers once I finish my drafts [...] I do take jabs at white supremacy and imperialism and I I am planning to reflect my feelings of growing up not immersed in your own culture and feeling overwhelmed with what you don’t know when you get older [...]. I’m sorry for the long ask but I don’t really have anyone to talk to about writing and I’m quite worried about my story coming across as insensitive or problematic because of cultural history that I am not educated enough in.

Reconciliation Requires Research

First off: how close is this world’s history to our own, omitting the magic? If you’re aiming for it to be essentially parallel, I would keep in mind that Senegal was affected by the spread of Islam before the Europeans arrived, and most people there are Muslim, albeit with Wolof and other influences. 

About your Scottish/Sri Lankan fairy character: I’ll point you to this previous post on Magical humanoid worldbuilding, Desi fairies as well as this previous post on Characterization for South Asian-coded characters for some of our commentary on South Asian ‘fae’. Since she is also Scottish, the concept can tie back to the Celtic ideas of the fae.

However, reconciliation of both sides of her background can be tricky. Do you plan on including specific Sri Lankan mythos into her heritage? I would tread carefully with it, if you plan to do so. Not every polytheistic culture will have similar analogues that you can pull from.

To put it plainly, if you’re worried about not knowing enough of the cultural histories, seek out people who have those backgrounds and talk to them about it. Do your research thoroughly: find resources that come from those cultures and read carefully about the mythos that you plan to incorporate. Look for specificity when you reach out to sensitivity readers and try to find sources that go beyond a surface-level analysis of the cultures you’re looking to portray. 

~ Abhaya

I see you are drawing on Gaelic lore for your storytelling. Abhaya has given you good links to discussions we’ve had at WWC and the potential blindspots in assuming, relative to monotheistic religions like Christianity, that all polytheistic and pluralistic lore is similar to Gaelic folklore. Fae are one kind of folklore. There are many others. Consider:

Is it compatible? Are Fae compatible with the Senegalese folklore you are utilizing? 

Is it specific? What ethnic/religious groups in Senegal are you drawing from? 

Is it suitable? Are there more appropriate cultures for the type of lore you wish to create?

Remember, Senegalese is a national designation, not an ethnic one, and certainly not a designation that will inform you with respect to religious traditions. But more importantly:

...Research Requires Reconciliation

My question is why choose Senegal when your own heritage offers so much room for exploration? This isn’t to say I believe a half Sri-Lankan person shouldn’t utilize Senegalese folklore in their coding or vice-versa, but, to put it bluntly, you don’t seem very comfortable with your heritage. Religions can change, but not everything cultural changes when this happens. I think your relationship with your mother’s side’s culture offers valuable insight to how to tackle the above, and I’ll explain why.  

I myself am biracial and bicultural, and I had to know a lot about my own background before I was confident using other cultures in my writing. I had to understand my own identity—what elements from my background I wished to prioritize and what I wished to jettison. Only then was I able to think about how my work would resonate with a person from the relevant background, what to be mindful of, and where my blindspots would interfere. 

I echo Abhaya’s recommendation for much, much more research, but also include my own personal recommendation for greater self-exploration. I strongly believe the better one knows oneself, the better they can create. It is presumptuous for me to assume, but your ask’s phrasing, the outlined plot and its themes all convey a lack of confidence in your mixed identity that may interfere with confidence when researching and world-building. I’m not saying give up on this story, but if anxiety on respectful representation is a large barrier for you at the moment, this story may be a good candidate for a personal project to keep to yourself until you feel more ready.

(See similar asker concerns here: Running Commentary: What is “ok to do” in Mixed-Culture Supernatural Fiction, here: Representing Biracial Black South American Experiences and here: Am I fetishizing my Japanese character?)

- Marika.

Start More Freely with Easy Mode

Question: Why not make a complete high-fantasy universe, with no need of establishing clear real-world parallels in the text? It gives you plenty of leg room to incorporate pluralistic, multicultural mythos + folklore into the same story without excessive sweating about historically accurate worldbuilding.

It's not a *foolproof* method; even subtly coded multicultural fantasy societies like Avatar or the Grishaverse exhibit certain harmful tropes. I also don't know if you are aiming for low vs high fantasy, or the degree of your reliance on real world culture / religion / identity cues.

But don't you think it's far easier for this fantasy project to not have the additional burden of historical accuracy in the worldbuilding? Not only because I agree with Mod Marika that perhaps you seem hesitant about the identity aspect, but because your WIP idea can include themes of othering and cultural belonging (and yes, even jabs at supremacist institutions) in an original fantasy universe too. I don't think I would mind if I saw a couple of cultural markers of a Mughal Era India-inspired society without getting a full rundown of their agricultural practices, social conventions and tax systems, lol.

Mod Abhaya has provided a few good resources about what *not* to do when drawing heavily from cultural coding. With that at hand, I don't think your project should be a problem if you simply make it an alternate universe like Etheria (She-Ra and the Princesses of Power), Inys (The Priory of the Orange Tree) or Earthsea (the Earthsea series, Ursula K. Le Guin). Mind you, we can trace the analogues to each universe, but there is a lot of freedom to maneuver as you wish when incorporating identities in original fantasy. And of course, multiple sensitivity readers are a must! Wishing you the best for the project.

- Mod Mimi

[robertreich]

How Trump is Following Hitler's Playbook

You’ve heard Trump’s promise:

TRUMP: I’m going to be a dictator for one day.

History shows there are no “one-day” dictatorships. When democracies fall, they typically fall completely.

In a previous video, I laid out the defining traits of fascism and how MAGA Republicans embody them. But how could Trump — or someone like him — actually turn America into a fascist state? Here’s how in five steps.

Step 1: Use threats of violence to gain power

Hitler and Mussolini relied on their vigilante militias to intimidate voters and local officials. We watched Trump try to do the same in 2020.

TRUMP: Proud Boys, stand back and stand by.

Republican election officials testified to the threats they faced when they refused Trump’s demands to falsify the election results.

RAFFENSPERGER: My email, my cell phone was doxxed.

RUSTY BOWERS: They have had video panel trucks with videos of me proclaiming me to be a pedophile.

GABRIEL STERLING: A 20-something tech in Gwinnett County today has death threats and a noose put out saying he should be hung for treason.

If the next election is close, threats to voters and election officials could be enough to sabotage it.

Step 2: Consolidate power

After taking office, a would-be fascist must turn every arm of government into a tool of the party. One of Hitler’s first steps was to take over the civil service, purging it of non-Nazis.

In October of 2020, Trump issued his own executive order that would have enabled him to fire tens of thousands of civil servants and replace them with MAGA loyalists. He never got to act on it, but he’s now promising to apply it to the entire civil service.

That’s become the centerpiece of something called Project 2025, a presidential agenda assembled by MAGA Republicans, that would, as the AP put it, “dismantle the US government and replace it with Trump’s vision.”

Step 3: Establish a police state

Hitler used the imaginary threat of “the poison of foreign races” to justify taking control of the military and police, placing both under his top general, and granting law-enforcement powers to his civilian militias.

Now Trump is using the same language to claim he needs similar powers to deal with immigrants.

Trump plans to deploy troops within the U.S. to conduct immigration raids and round up what he estimates to be 18 million people who would be placed in mass-detention camps while their fate is decided.

And even though crime is actually down across the nation, Trump is citing an imaginary crime wave to justify sending troops into blue cities and states against the will of governors and mayors.

Trump insiders say he plans to invoke the Insurrection Act to have the military crush civilian protests. We saw a glimpse of that in 2020, when Trump deployed the National Guard against peaceful protesters outside the White House.

And with promises to pardon January 6 criminals and stop prosecutions of right-wing domestic terrorists, Trump would empower groups like the Proud Boys to act as MAGA enforcers.

Step 4: Jail the opposition

In classic dictatorial fashion, Trump is now openly threatening to prosecute his opponents.

TRUMP: if I happen to be president and I see somebody who’s doing well and beating me very badly, I say, ‘Go down and indict them.’ They’d be out of business.

And he’s looking to remake the Justice Department into a tool for his personal vendettas.

TRUMP: As we completely overhaul the federal Department of Justice and FBI, we will also launch sweeping civil rights investigations into Marxist local district attorneys.

In the model of Hitler and Mussolini, Trump describes his opponents as subhuman.

TRUMP: …the radical left thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our country…

Step 5: Undermine the free press

As Hitler well understood, a fascist needs to control the flow of information. Trump has been attacking the press for years.

And he’s threatening to punish news outlets whose coverage he dislikes.

He has helped to reduce trust in the media to such a historic low that his supporters now view him as their most trusted source of information.

Within a democracy, we may often have leaders we don’t like. But we have the power to change them — at the ballot box and through public pressure. Once fascism takes hold, those freedoms are gone and can’t easily be won back.

We must recognize the threat of fascism when it appears, and do everything in our power to stop it.

[bachiras-toaster]

the student council president’s girlfriend : ̗̀➛

RIN ITOSHI x f!reader

content. rivals to lovers (?), suggestive remarks

wc: 4.5k

synopsis. you’re marked by the student council president as a frequent slacker. after being caught skipping school multiple times, rin itoshi threatens to get you expelled. however, you find yourself to have been given a golden opportunity to dodge this punishment if you pretend to be his girlfriend. while you did hate the man, you figured that you could make the experience entertaining if you agreed, making it your one life’s-goal to piss him off.

Your fruitless attempt to leave the school to skip had been thwarted once again by the relentless determination of the Student President, who spared no mercy as he had grabbed you by the wrist and dragged you into the room of the Student Council, kicking out the remaining members who still lingered inside.

“Out." Rin's cold voice pierced the casual buzz of conversation in the room between Nagi and Reo, sending a shiver down your spine as you realised how serious he was now.

The two lingering Student Council members didn’t need to be told twice before fleeing, passing the President as he dragged you into the door of the room. Rin's grip on your wrist tightened with a seemingly unshakable irritation due to having his day ruined yet again by your continuous inconvenience. His fingers dug into your skin with a vice-like grip that threatened to cut off your circulation, and there was little mercy to be found in his steely gaze.

“Jeez, you could be a little more gentle!” You proclaimed, snapping your wrist away once they had reached the room and backing yourself against a desk to move away from his towering figure.

"You're lucky I'm treating you with this much mercy to begin with," Rin retorted, his tone filled with scorn as he looked down on you with a disapproving glare. His harsh grip on your wrist had left a bright red mark where his fingers had dug into your skin, a testament to his strength. “Most other student council presidents would have already had you expelled from this school by now given your track record."

“So I miss a few classes… Big deal.” You rolled your eyes, massaging the mark he had left on your flesh.

"The big deal is that you've cut classes at least three times this week alone," Rin replied angrily, his tone sharp and harsh. "A few classes would be like missing one day or two. At this point, you're borderline a truant."

“Oh, I forgot I was speaking with the President of Punctuality.” You grumbled, crossing your arms as you tensed your shoulders. “Can’t you just let me off?”

"I can't 'let you off' knowing that you'll just continue to skip classes if I do," He spat back, maintaining his harsh tone. "You need to face the consequences of your actions for once and learn to start attending your classes regularly. Missing a few days here and there is acceptable since life can get in the way, but you've been cutting class far too often and this sort of behavior is unacceptable."

“I authorise my absences most of the time!” You argued.

"Most of the time?" The man scoffed. "Keyword, most. Which means that there's still some cases where you haven't authorized your absences and ended up just skipping school. Besides, I can guarantee you that the student council didn't authorise your absence today considering that I had a list of students who would be absent and your name was most definitely not on it."

“God, why are all the student council so strict” You huffed under your breath. “I swear you’re more strict than the actual professors!”

"Because it's literally our job to ensure that students are actually being responsible and attending their classes instead of skipping out on them to do whatever it is that you troublemakers do," His response portrayed his tone as still cold. "And if you think we're strict then you have no clue how much more lenient we actually are compared to some previous student council presidents. There are others who would have had you expelled from this school by now, believe me."

“Oh, right, you’re so kind.” You rolled your eyes, not helping but facing away.

"I am giving you more kindness than you deserve at this point. The fact that you even still going to this school instead of being expelled and sent to some reform school is a testament to just how lenient the student council and the teachers are. If it were up to me, I'd have tossed you out of school ages ago, but my hands are tied by the whole 'you can't just expel students' rule."

“Because you can’t. Just because daddy’s money is keeping you in the position you’re at now, doesn’t mean you hold any kind of power.” You turned to him with an equally threatening glare, your words piercing into him with such direct accuracy that made it seem like you had always been hoping for a moment to say those words. “You student council folk are all the same. You just sit on your thrones and act better than everyone else.”

"Oh, really?" He snapped, a cold stare boring into her eyes as the temperature in the room seemed to drop significantly. "You think that I got my position because of my dad’s money? Listen closely because I'm going to say this once and only once. I can assure you that I definitely worked my ass off and earned my position fair and square."

His hands curled into fists to showcase his broiling resentment, but that only forced the next words out of your mouth even quicker when you realised how threatened he was.

“You and your older brother are both nepo babies.” You muttered, almost like you were scared to say it due to the possible repercussions. “It’s no coincidence that both of the Itoshi brothers managed to be Student Council President back to back.”

The insult sat in the atmosphere for a long while, before Rin’s eye finally twitched and he found the courage to respond with a higher level of disgust.

"...What did you say?" He asked, his tone dangerously cold as he looked towards you. "Did you just call me a nepo baby?"

“Yeah. Because you are. Am I missing something here?”

"If you think that I got my position because of my brother or dad then you clearly don't know what you're talking about." The president angrily, his aura even more menacing as he took a step forward. "I don't just sit around doing nothing. I do stuff. Serious stuff. I manage the schools budget, I make sure that everything is running smoothly, I deal with students like you. There's a lot that I have to do. You think that I got all that handed to me thanks to my family?"

“Whatever.” You turned your head away to look towards the ground, not bothering to take anything of what he was saying in. "Are we done here?”

"Not even close," He replied, leaning forward a little more and narrowing his eyes in disdain. “Did you seriously just think that you could go around insulting me like that after you were caught red-handed and that I would just let you off without any punishment?"

“What are you gonna do? Give me a detention?” You snorted, humoured by his attempts at intimidation. “Big deal. I’ll just sleep.”

"More than detention. Since you’ve been caught ditching on more than three occasions now, you’re out of free passes. You’re dancing on the road leading to a suspension.” Rin darkened his stare, his tone hinting at a looming threat. “And once that suspension hits your permanent record, I doubt any future schools or universities would even wanna look in your direction.”

Your face actually seemed to fall a little at the threat, and you leaned back against the surface of the table to hide your slightly trembling hands. Having your whole future ruined just because you skipped a few classes?

"However, I might be willing to spare you that fate... Provided that you do something for me." Rin quickly added, looking away towards the wall so he wouldn’t have to make eye contact with you as he put in his request.

You narrowed your eyes.

“The Student Council President taking advantage of an opportunity for his own gain? I didn’t know you were so corrupt.” You spat back teasingly.

"Don’t sink me down to that level... But I do have a proposition for you… It's simple, really. You fulfill this simple request and I’ll revoke all of your strikes.”

“Depends on what.”

"So you're at least somewhat reasonable then.” He turned back to you, lightly itching his face a little as he attempted to find the words to ask— Like he was embarrassed. "…Do you have a boyfriend? Or maybe a girlfriend? Or even a partner of any kind?"

You suddenly felt your eyebrows furrow a little with curiosity as your tensed shoulders dropped the smallest bit.

“…No…” You said shortly. “The hell does that have to do with anything?”

Rin’s cold glare just got even more stone-faced as he continued speaking, hues of red threatening to shine through the skin of his cheeks.

“…I want you to play the role of a girlfriend for me.” He announced to you simply. “It'll only be temporary, just long enough to convince people that we're dating."

“What?” Your jaw was set agape, waiting for him to reveal that it was all some sort of prank. However, his face remained stoic and dead-serious like always. “Why?”

He cleared his throat, going to scratch the back of his neck as his furrowed brows framed the embarrassment on his face even more. He finally cast his eyes towards you, and you could see how humiliatingly genuine his pupils looked towards you.

"For the sake of maintaining my reputation and pleasing my parents. Because he’s certain that me and my brother are going to continue the legacy of our family, he’s trying to set me up with someone surprisingly even worse than you." Rin replied coldly, his tone matter-of-fact. “Since you're always skipping out on class and getting into trouble, rumors about you have been spreading through the school. If you help me and pretend to date me, it’ll make people think that I've managed to reel you in and turned you into a properly behaved student."

“Seriously?” Your expression emphasised your disdain for the suggestion.

"Yes, seriously. My father has been breathing down my neck and insisting that I find someone to date. That's why I need someone the role of my girlfriend." He let out an annoyed huff, folding his arms. “It'll be easy. All you need to do is stick by my side like a regular girlfriend would and convince everyone that we’re dating. I'll do the convincing on my end. I'll make sure that everyone sees us as a couple and is left with no doubt that we're together."

“And why ask me, huh? Why not some other girl?”

"Because you're the perfect candidate. And for a number of reasons," he replied, his tone still serious but also carrying a touch of bitterness that made it almost sound vindictive. "One, you’re not exactly a key figure of the school, so seeing you beside me will likely be the first time students have ever paid attention to you— Which means hopefully our relationship won’t draw as much attention as opposed to if I dated an equally successful girl.” He held one finger down, listening down the reasons. “Two, because of this, dating you won't affect my popularity among students and won't tarnish my 'image'. I'll come out looking like a hero for dating you. People will expect that I'll be able to 'control' and 'tame' you. People will think that my mere presence is enough to get you to behave, and it would then improve your reputation.”

You felt your jaw unhinge a little, shocked— insulted that he would say such a thing.

“For your information, I don’t even bother involving myself in stupid social shit like that. I could care less about reputation.”

"Maybe so, but people still know who you are." He replied. "That alone gives me a leg to stand on with convincing people that I've managed to 'reform' you. Besides, you don’t really have that much of a choice. From where you’re standing, it’d be best if you’d just take the easy way out instead of getting suspended."

Your jaw ticked as your eyes narrowed at him.

Dating him? What a joke. You were practically rivals at this point after he had caught you bending or breaking the rules so many times.

“Suppose I do agree,” You suddenly said, “how long would we need to keep up this whole ‘fake dating’ scheme?”

"A few months. Just until the term ends. We’ll tell everyone that we’ve been dating since the beginning of the year but kept it a secret, and then we can pretend that we had a really sad break up, meaning I can’t date any time soon and my family from pestering me." He explained, shoving his hands into his pockets. “After that, you can go off and do whatever the hell you want— Provided that you still follow the school’s rules. Just stick with this for a little while and I'll be able to get my dad off of my back and keep up my reputation as a great Student Council President."

You pondered the possibility for a moment. In exchange for having all of your strikes wiped completely clean and not having to be suspended, it was a short request, wasn’t it? It was backed up by sound logic and you didn’t exactly lose anything— Except a bit of your dignity after having to pretend to date one of the people you despised most in the world. But you were sure you could at least make it a little entertaining for yourself.

“…Okay, fine.” You nodded in agreement.

"Good. I'll do the convincing on my end and I'll make sure that everyone buys into our fake relationship." He sighed, a stoic tone masking his relief. "Just make sure that you keep up the act and play the part of a good girlfriend when you're out with me. I'll handle the rest."

“Will do, Mr President.”

For the sake of maintaining the idea as Rin’s girlfriend, you actually began showing up to school again. He had explained to you that you had to try and drop the truant nature and be a good student. He made it clear that these demands got into your head as he practically drilled the orders into your brain the night before the next day.

Of course, you nodded along to everything he said, knowing dann well you certainly weren’t going to make it easy for him.

As Rin was walking down the halls, his deadpan expression stretched across his face as he glanced between the students that he passed by, you screamed his name, dashing down the corridor in an attempt to draw as much attention as you could to yourself.

“Rin, there you are!” You giggled, plunging forward to clutch his sleeve tightly, watching as his ice-cold face was laced with shock.

"What the—“ He exclaimed, his cold, neutral expression transforming into a surprised one as he was taken off guard by your sudden approach and her grasp on his arm. He had expected this fake relationship to require minimal interactions between them outside of school as he had planned, but it looked like a certain someone had other ideas. “Huh- Y—Yeah. I'm here. What is it?" He let out an accidental stammer, his voice filling with a hint of irritation and confusion as he tried to come up with an explanation for this sudden behaviour in his mind. He saw almost immediately that your intentions were not pure, and that you were planning to take advantage of the opportunity to try to embarrass or inconvenience Rin while they you were faking the relationship.

“Nothing! I was just lookin’ for you, that’s all.” You batted your eyelashes lovingly, holding him tighter as you pressed your cheek against his sleeve.

He wanted to swat you away with every bit of frustration he had, but when he began to notice how other students around you two began to whisper towards each other, he ceased all desires to yell at you right then and there.

“Who’s Rin Itoshi with?”

“Didn’t you hear? That’s his girlfriend! Apparently they’ve been dating for months now already!”

“I heard it from Igaguri, they’re like— Official!”

Rin remained silent, his icy expression now transformed into a slightly annoyed one as the crowd began gesturing in your general direction with stares of awe. Even though he had expected that people would start to gossip about the two of you, to the point where your 'relationship' would almost seem real, he wasn't prepared for just how much attention you were going to attract

"Well, you found me. So now can be on your way, right?" He replied, trying to gently pull away from you as the whispers continued to grew louder and more curious by the minute.

“Don’t say that!” You whined, holding him tighter now. “You’re not busy, are you? You wouldn’t shun your girlfriend, right?”

It was almost sickening to yourself how close you needed to force yourself against him, but you bit your tongue and just played into the bit even more. You quickly leaned up to whisper mischievously in his ear, pulling him down by the tie to ensure that he would hear what you said.

“Play into the role, that’s what you said, isn’t it? Want people to believe we’re dating? Then act like a boyfriend.” You muttered harshly before leaning back down and fluttering your eyelashes innocently at him, as if you had just whispered a harmless secret.

"I... um..." Rin felt himself lag, his expression turning beet red as you leaned up to whisper in his ear and began to use the innocent act to your advantage. He was completely taken off guard by this sudden new act as his mind ran a million miles an hour trying to catch up. Rin’s irritation was slowly turning into confusion and then, almost against his own will, his face broke out into a frown as he realized he had no choice but to play along with her little game.

“Let’s walk to lunch together!” You suggested gleefully, holding your hand out for him to take.

"...Alright.” He eventually replied, feeling like his words were being twisted out of his control as he reluctantly agreed to your suggestion, placing his palm atop yours.

It was clear that just from the action of hand-holding he was awkward and ill-educated, as he didn’t even hold your hand like a couple would. His palm was simply placed into yours.

It was a good thing he had you leading the way, right?

You irritatingly corrected the action, shifting his palm so that the two of you interlocked fingers instead, clutching his hand tightly to lead him down the hall.

As he began to walk alongside you, he could practically feel all of the eyes on you. It was then that he realised just how effective your act really was. After all, he wasn't the one who was playing the role in this fake relationship. You were too. He had made casual attempts to spread the story of you two dating by subtly slipping the fact into conversation, but it wasn’t nearly effective as what you did— Which was full on public displays of affection. Any outsider would believe that you were just desperate to publicly love your boyfriend after the news of your love had been let out.

However, as annoying as you were, Rin was pleased with how quickly people believed that you were his girlfriend.

The contrast between you and Rin was the most surprising though. Having the cold, icy-glared student council president with a chatty and supposedly reformed slacker attached to his arm was sure to stir up conversation.

“No way that’s Rin Itoshi with (Y/n).”

“Wait, who?”

“She’s the one who never shows up to class, remember?”

“That’s (Y/n)? What the hell is the Student Council President doing with her?”

It became even more clear that you were just emphasising the role just to annoy Rin when you sat down to eat because when you did, you continued to lean on his arm and gush at every little thing he did like an obsessed puppy.

“I had no idea you two were dating.” Isagi, one of Rin’s friends say at the table, smiled as he looked between the two of you. “I didn’t even know you two knew each other.”

"...Yeah, that's a surprise to most people." Rin replied with a dismissive shrug, hoping not to dwell on the topic too much, only for you to cut in and say your piece.

“Yep, we kept it secret until now for privacy reasons, but I’m glad I’m finally able to brag about my prize boyfriend!” You beamed, earning you an eye-roll from Rin. After your constant clinging and gushing, you could tell thathe was already tired from the whole shtick. It was only the start of the day, for Christ's sake.

“Honestly, I didn’t even know you’d associate with someone like her… No offence.” Chigiri said blankly, turning to you.

“None taken.” You giggled, continuing to clutch Rin’s arm. “If you’re worried about my bad studentship tendencies to rub off on him, you shouldn’t worry anymore. I’m leaving my troublemaker past behind! Can’t be tarnishing my boyfriend’s reputation, hm?”

Although it was annoying, he had to admit that you were doing a pretty convincing job at playing the role of a reformed 'girlfriend' with a bit of an obsessive streak. It was getting harder to even stay mad at your behaviour as people around you began to get wrapped up in your little 'love story' and take it as real. Rin only grumbled to himself as he continued to endure the constant teasing and taunting from you, hoping that nobody else at the table would question it.

“When did you two even start dating?” Isagi asked abruptly. “Igaguri said you’ve been dating since the beginning of the year.”

“About seven months.” Rin didn’t even hesitate when answering this question, like he had been practising saying it in the mirror. “We went on a few dates for about a month before we actually made it official though. So we’ve been boyfriend and girlfriend for about six months.”

Of course, none of that was true. You had only agreed to play this fake role just yesterday, however it was crucial for the act that he made it come off as though you had been seeing each other for longer than that. Rin had even been repeating these kinds of questions to himself when he was alone, unbeknownst to you, so he could answer any queries seamlessly.

“I see! You two are a cute couple! Never thought I’d see Mr Stuck-Up with a girlfriend.” Isagi commented with a smirk.

“Right? But he’s just the cutest!” You grinned widely. “He’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me! It’s like I’ve changed for the better because of it!”

"Let’s not go too far…" Rin scoffed irritably. “You don’t have to act like I’m the best thing since sliced bread...” He replied with a slight hint of impatience as the friends around him continued discussing why he would begin dating a 'slacker like her'. Although the whispers weren’t explicitly said to you two, you could still hear every one. In spite of this, Rin kept up the act, continuing to pretend to be like a 'doting boyfriend' who's just as obsessed with her as she was with him.

Though, it seemed that everyone took notice of his irritability, so you quickly swooped in to justify it.

“Oh, we know Rin always acts cold, but trust me— He’s got a soft side for me!” You reassured the rest of them at the table, gaining herself a suspicious look from Rin. “When we’re in private, he’s so loving! You’d never believe it!”

His friends seemed to be a little disbelieving. Rin? Loving?

"Really?" Isagi seemed to reply with raised eyebrows, not quite buying into the idea of Rin being genuinely gentle behind closed doors. "It must be something special. He's never been like that to anyone else."

"Oh, honestly!" You interjected again. "I never thought that he had a kind side until I saw it for myself." You then leaned up to Rin again as you whispered mischievously in his ear, "right?" And this time, your tone felt almost taunting as you waited for him to respond.

"…Yes." He replied, trying his best to sound convincing even when he was getting irritated by the whole spiel. “It's kind of amazing, really. I usually feel so closed-off, but with (Y/n)..." His voice went a bit softer and kinder as he spoke of you. "There's a whole different side to me that she's able to bring out. I feel so comfortable with her."

“That’s so sweet!” Isagi gushed.

“Yeah, it’s almost unbelievable.” Chigiri stared back with a surprised expression.

“Believe me, he treats me in ways I know no one else would treat me.” You said, almost flirtatiously, as you looked towards the others, falling back on your own, annoying tricks. “It’s almost shocking how… Passionate he can be.” You said, tracing your palm slowly over his chest, still staring at his friends.

Rin's expression grew more conflicted and his face turned even redder than before when your hand began lingering over his chest instead of just holding onto his arm. You were being too touchy. Too flirty. Too talkative— Even more so than before.

"(Y-Y/n)..." He mumbled, trying his best to stay calm and not let his irritation show.

”Yes, dear?” You asked, batting your eyelashes towards him, your hand still placed on his chest.

“Stop being so touchy.” He told you quietly, a hint of frustration leaking out. It was starting to get under his skin just how well you were acting out the role… And how strangely you were playing it.

“Oh! My apologies!” You drew your palm away and glanced at the others. “I realise that they shouldn’t know what we get up to in private.” You giggled, which only annoyed him more. Now you were leaving too much to the imagination, especially for your pretend relationship.

"Yeah..." He mumbled, trying his best to stay composed as he noticed the others begin to wonder what exactly he and you were getting up to outside of school now. “Yeah, they shouldn’t…”

Because of the way you were acting, Rin was seriously doubting even bothering with this whole ‘fake dating’ idea. Not because he was seen with you, but because of how your entire dynamic seemed to shift. You had gone from two polar opposites hating each other, to begrudgingly acting alongside each other, but with a clear objective in mind. He hated the falsehood of it all, and he hated how well you played the role.

[wilwheaton]

On August 11, day 102 of the 11,500-person Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike, which has largely shut down the film industry coast to coast, aided by below-the-line workers respecting picket lines and bolstered by 160,000 members of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), who initiated their own strike on July 14, the studios finally returned to the bargaining table. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), the organization that bargains on behalf of the major studios, offered counterproposals, a long-awaited response to the WGA’s proposals. The two sides met the following week and continued to exchange proposals. Then, on August 22, day 113 of the WGA strike, the two sides met again, but with an important addition: previous negotiating sessions had been led by AMPTP president Carol Lombardini, the studios’ hired hand, while at this one, the bosses who make the decisions were in the room. Disney CEO Bob Iger, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, and NBCUniversal’s Donna Langley came to the table to face the WGA’s elected leadership in the room outside of the AMPTP’s Sherman Oaks, California, headquarters where the negotiations have taken place. Workers, suffering the devastating effects of a months-long strike, hoped that the studios might finally offer counterproposals that meet their needs. Instead, the bargaining session led to further unraveling. “We accepted [the] invitation and, in good faith, met tonight, in hopes that the companies were serious about getting the industry back to work,” wrote the WGA negotiating committee in a message to members following the meeting. “Instead, on the 113th day of the strike — and while SAG-AFTRA is walking the picket lines by our side — we were met with a lecture about how good their single and only counteroffer was.” The two sides had agreed to adhere to a media blackout, vowing not to leak information about the proposals to third parties. Yet immediately following the August 22 session, the AMPTP publicly released a document highlighting elements of their counterproposal. “This was a meeting to get us to cave,” said the WGA leadership, “which is why, not twenty minutes after we left the meeting, the AMPTP released its summary of their proposals.”

The Hollywood Studios Still Aren’t Serious About Ending the Writers’ Strike

These sociopath CEOs are hearing it from shareholders, who want us to get back to work. The shareholders are making it clear that the psychopath CEOs can release the LESS THAN ONE PERCENT of their compensations to get us back to work.

So the sociopath CEOs put on a big show of coming back to bargain and work this out ... and when the WGA sits down to bargain, these sociopath CEOs have the fucking nerve to just lecture the WGA about how great their absolute garbage offer is. The offer WGA rejected because it didn’t address any of the issues on the table.

These sociopath CEOs are the problem:

Disney CEO Bob Iger, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, and NBCUniversal’s Donna Langley 

These sociopath CEOs are greedy and entitled. That any one of them thought that lecturing WGA, then gaslighting members (in violation of not just the agreed upon media blackout, but likely in violation of labor law) would move us any closer to getting back to work tells you everything you need to know about who the problem is.

Fuck these scumbags, fuck their greed, and fuck their gaslighting.

[fashion-runways]

hi!! new pinned post, because the last one had gotten long again-- if you want to read previous posts, here's the first one, here's the second one. the tl;dr from those is that my dad got wrongfully imprisoned abruptly, our place was raided, the cops broke a bunch of shit and took a bunch of our things and still haven't returned them, they left all the broken things for us to spend money in repairing, we had to spend money on a lawyer, trips to visit him, new clothes, medicine and food for him in jail, etc. it was a mess, way more details in both posts. he's back home now, with an ankle monitor because technically his case isn't being investigated yet, they haven't done anything about it at all, the case hasn't moved one ounce lmao it's great, always trust the judicial system and cops!! ugh, anyway!

we found a therapist for my dad who can help her deal with all the stuff he had to deal with while in prison, all the bullying, the depression, the starving, the separation, etc. he needs to get a bunch of other medical appointments, has to get surgery, among other things, but for now things are much better on that front. that being said, he did lose his job and my old redbubble account got suspended without a warning months ago, plus argentina's economy is... really bad right now. food prices rise every day, public transportation prices went up like a 200% in a couple of weeks, salaries are low and stuck there, subsidies are gone, the local peso keeps falling, we have an absolute psychopath as a president who spends more time insulting or threatening anyone who oppose him than caring about people. it's a disaster. for updates on argentina in english, this person on twitter makes very good informative threads if you're interested.

anyway, i used to make around 30/40 dollars a month in redbubble, and that used to help adding up to the donations i got here, and it got suspended, so now i make like 1/2 dollars on teepublic monthly. so... it's a huge loss. there's a lot of things me and my mom are in charge of paying-- groceries, power and water and gas, medicine (she's diabetic, i have some sort of chronic sinusitis), our dog and cat's food and medicines, wifi, phone bills, public transportation, healthcare, my dad's new therapist... so, you know, i really need anything people can donate. even if it's just a single dollar, literally any amount helps. i love fashion so much and i love this blog, i work really hard on it even when my brain says no, and i really appreciate how much you guys love it too. i love seeing people discover new styles, new designers, new things to be inspired by. so, yeah... i'm never going anywhere, but i do need help to basically stay afloat.

as usual, my kofi link is this one: https://ko-fi.com/fashionrunways and my teepublic link is this one: https://www.teepublic.com/user/dinah-lance. thanks for being around and sharing and reblogging my posts, thanks for asking questions about fashion, and of course thanks for helping to the ones who can, and thanks to the ones who can't too, i know how that feels like, don't worry about it. love you 💖

[wonijin]

DOWNFALL

you just wanted more budget for the soccer team. unbeknownst to you, karina wanted more. and before you know it, you were both knee-deep in a dangerous game of sweet lies and bitter emotions.

TAGS: enemies to less than enemies lovers. 3.2k words. thick juicy sexual tension. slight smut at the end.

WARNINGS: manipulation and sexual themes

the sea of students part as karina walks through. you follow her long graceful strides with your fast march.

“come on, karina. aren’t you supposed to be the president here?” you complained lowly in karina’s ear. people are already whispering because of the unusual sight of you and the student body president, you didn't dare attract more by arguing with her publicly.

“i am. that’s why you’ll regard me as president yoo.” karina replied without sparing a glance at you, her cold eyes trained forward.

“well then, president yoo. the soccer club needs more funds. as the captain, i’d like you to raise our budget just a teensy weensy more.”

this exact line has left your lips too many times these past few days. but who could blame you, the girl beside you refused over and over, leaving you no choice but to insist.

“how many times have i told you? we can't. the budget has already been decided so you’ll have to do with what you have.” you both reached an empty classroom and you closed the door behind you immediately.

“fuck that. we missed championship last time because of your shit budgeting. you think i’d stand for the same shit twice.” your hands flew up in the air in frustration, inhaling a deep breath. karina points her icy glares toward you, freezing you in place.

“if you think you can just get whatever you want, then you’re dead wrong. i’m not like my predecessors who bends to every single one of your whims.”

your brows furrow at her words. before you could reply, she had already opened her mouth.

“so i suggest you either give up or you find another way to get to championships.” with that, karina slams the door shut, leaving you fuming and glaring at her back.

karina knows you. she’d seen firsthand your effect on people. she’d watched you break peoples heart. she’d witnessed your charm work to the previous presidents. only to be reduced to tears when they realize they are but a means to an end.

in her eyes, you tarnished the student council’s reputation. they were branded as your puppets. one word from you, and the most respected students karina knew heeded. all because they found you endearing. oh, how it broke the ever so hard working girl.

but karina won’t turn out like them. she refused to be. in fact, she’s on a mission to get revenge. for her friends and for the council. a mission to restore the student council to its former glory and to destroy you.

this is either the stupidest idea you ever cooked or the cleverest.

the school parking lot was flocked with students despite the scorching weather. while cars of all shapes, color and sizes lodged aimlessly.

“everybody! thank you for coming today!” you shouted at the top of your car, holding a megaphone in one hand. “welcome to the soccer team’s sexy summer car wash! where we wash your car in ways both you and the car will enjoy!” cheers erupted through the crowd. you peer among the people gathered and you think just how much you’ve earned from the participation fee alone.

“let’s get this party started, shall we?” you put down the megaphone beside you. the crowd goes wild as you remove your shirt. your team members followed after. and the parking lot is in chaos.

the party is in full swing with more and more people appearing by the hour.

“i didn’t think washing cars would be this fun.” winter giggled beside you as you fill up buckets of water. it was safe to say winter liked the attention. after all, many are already lining up to take her home tonight.

“of course, when have i ever had a bad idea?” you grinned.

“every idea of yours is bad,” winter’s nose scrunch, remembering all those times you got the team in trouble. “speaking of, are you sure karina won’t just pop up suddenly? i mean look at how many people there is, she’s gonna find out.”

“then, let her. we’re students and this is our school.” you shrugged but both you and winter know it isn’t as simple as that. at least not when it comes to yoo jimin.

“she already thinks you’re the devil who have sex with everyone in exchange for favors. this would only make shit worse between the both of you.” winter’s words rang true to ears. unfortunately, you were chose to deaf to reason and consumed by your hatred for the president to heed her advice.

“she can do whatever she wants and i could care less, winter.” if karina wants to paint you as the villain, so be it. those girls, her friends and the past council members, they slept with you willingly. they tried to give you what you want in hopes of winning your heart. but they didn't and so they wept.

“and would you really stop all this just because theres a chance little miss president will come?” at that, both you and winter come back to the heart of the mob.

the team didn’t really have to try to be suggestive or anything. walking around shirtless and flexing your muscles every now and then is enough for this sexy car wash to be sexy. after all, who wouldn’t be satisfied with sweaty six pack abs.

you were washing the hood of someones volvo while the owner was flirting with you.

suddenly you hear a murmur ripple through the crowd. you craned your neck to see the sea of people part.

a koenigsegg jesko pierced the population of teenagers. its engines roar over the hush whispers and its ivory skin reflecting the awe-struck faces of the students.

the luxurious car stopped behind you. everybody fell silent and you stood up, each one eager to know who is the driver.

the door opened and everybody broke out in gasps and distinct whispers. you looked at her with wide eyes as you stood frozen in place.

karina sauntered over to you. confidently and slowly, like she owned all the time in the world. strangely, there was no hint of anger in her gorgeous face. but her eyes held something you couldn’t fathom.

imaginary electricity prickle your skin. the air around you gets more charge every step she takes. you try to school your expression once more.

karina stopped in front of you.

“karina-” you started. but her gaze kept your mouth from saying anything further. she raises her hand and a slender finger met your lips delicately. “shush.”

you quietly observe as she face the car you were washing. she inspects it silently. she traced the hood with her fingers without a word. bubbles gathered at the tip of her fingers. she lifts her hand once more and in a blink of an eye she flicked it over to you. the bubbles landing on your cheek.

“what the fuck?” before your hand can wipe your cheek, her hand stopped yours. the other landed on your cheek gently. you feel your throat get clogged up as your wide eyes meet her brown ones.

you inhaled sharply, shakily as she moved her thumb to remove the white foam. her face closer to yours than before, giving you the chance to admire her features. it was nothing short of perfection.

although you were more than certain the foam had long since left you face, her soft hands stayed perched on your face.

“what are you playing here, karina?” you growled lowly. karina smirks at your frustration. how entertaining to see you crumble.

she leaned impossibly closer. expensive perfume invaded your senses. your eyes closed for a second as you gulped. “you forget. this is my parking lot you’re standing on.”

“we’re students here, we’re allowed to use this space.” as if coming back to your senses, your back straightened as your hand flew to her waist. her smile faltered for a blink of an eye but you caught it. and your lips widened at the sight.

“my, why are you so defensive?” she giggled beside your hear. melodious as it sent your bare spine shivering. if that wasn’t enough, she brought her other hand to your abdomen. “i’m not here to stop your fun. i just dropped by to say hi to my favorite student.”

her body pressed against yours. so close, you can feel her ample chest. should your hands go any lower, it would meet her ass.

“what are you playing here, karina?” you ask one more time.

“i’m playing your game. so try not to lose,” each word left her mouth with diction and it registered onto your brain slowly. just as you were about to make a comeback, her lips planted a kiss onto your ear. you feel your body go red, your mind on haywire.

and when her spell has left your system, she was already in her car revving her engine.

the student body president had declared war. and so far, she’s winning.

“watch me get the highest bid. everybody wants a piece of this, no doubt.” giselle twirled, showing off her curves.

“i doubt anyone would even bid at you. they’ll be too busy putting their money on this.” kazuha replied, flexing her muscles.

everybody lined up back stage for the team’s charity dating. in truth, you’ve raised more than enough money for the team. however, you wouldn’t let the threat by the name of yoo jimin pass so easily. and everybody knows when you cross y/n l/n, you cross the whole soccer team.

so you made the perfect stage of revenge for your humiliation. that little scene from the car wash spread like wildfire, everyone who had a mouth were talking about it. good and bad.

“thanks. i owe you and the team.” you pat winter who is fixing her makeup in front of you. you were the last ones in the line.

“what do you mean? this would’ve happened sooner or later, with or without intervention from miss president.” winter laughed. she put down her mirror and turned her body towards you.

“it’s already too late to talk you down whatever insane plan you come up with. so i wish you luck instead” she smiled at you. winter already knew it will work, there wasn’t a time it didn’t. *captain never fails*, that’s the line the team holds onto.

then you heard her name get called on stage. not soon later, loud chants filled your ears.

and you were left with your own thoughts.

you knew karina was somewhere among the crowd. she’d bid for you until she wins. the night starts with the two of you. and that’s where your game begins. your favorite game, the chasing game.

you’ve never lost at this game. and you have no plans to.

“please welcome! consecutive season MVP for three years and of course captain of the soccer team, y/n l/n” the crowd roared your name. it echoes throughout the whole venue. adrenaline pumps throughout your body.

you smile and the crowd goes wild. “okay. we’re starting off 7K WON.” not a bad start, your pride tells you.

“12K WON.” could be better. your eyes scan the crowd. a woman like karina wouldn’t be hard to miss. no matter how many people are here.

“100K WON.” a gentle voice spoke up. everybody turned turned their heads towards the source. a woman holding the number “7” with a gloved hand.

there she is. sitting elegantly, dressed in white that shows of her milky shoulders. her hair down, her eyes piercing and her lips painted red. she looked ethereal just by sitting in a chair.

the crowd murmured as they watch karina throw the highest bid of the night. you were sure another wildfire had just been brought to life.

“going, sold! a date with miss l/n for 100K WON” the announcer clapped and the audience followed.

“well, folks. this officially ends the soccer team’s charity dating. thank you for coming. for those who won a date, enjoy. for those who didn’t, there are other ways and many more chances.”

you walk down the stage to where karina is standing. she patiently waits for you to reach her, eyes never leaving your figure.

“you must like crashing our parties.” you greet. you both know there’s no need to be hostile, for now at least.

“of course. like i would pass up the chance to see your miserable face.” she links your arms together. you hummed in response. “let me buy you a drink then. for bidding 100K WON for this miserable face.”

you let her guide you to the bar where she orders an expensive drink. figuring you wouldn’t be able to go through the night this sober, you settle for a beer.

“barbaric. just like how i imagined you.” she huffs through her nose. what a priss you thought.

“its a classic” you correct.

the bartender passes you the bar. without missing a beat, you drink some and leave some on your mouth. then, you press your lips to karina and passes the beer to her mouth.

the president makes a disgusted face that makes you chuckle. you see her throat bobbed up and down.

your eyes fly back to her face, “tastes better when its from my mouth, yeah?”

you invade her space until her familiar perfume invades your senses again. “you wanna play my game, karina? sure. i don’t mind.”

“but what i don’t understand is what you’re breaking your heart for?” you say like you already know she’s the one who’s going to end up in tears.

“break my own heart? as if you can get even close” she scoffs.

“because your friends cried over me? please, they knew what they were getting into. it was their fault for not paying attention enough.” you ignore her. and while your words ring true, she still felt anger bubbling in her chest.

“or is it because the past council treated me like a queen?” you look at her in the eyes and laugh lightly in disbelief. her brows furrow in a blink of an eye, but it was gone the moment it appeared.

“i didn’t tell them to do anything. everything they did, they did on their own accord. maybe that’s precisely why it pisses you.i just butter them up a little and suddenly all my wishes come true.”

you had struck a nerve. it was why she’s in this crusade to end you. she worked hard for her seat in the council, fought for her reputation and earned people’s respect. meanwhile, you didn’t do anything and people still kiss the ground you walk on.

people fail to see you. the true you. manipulative and toxic. only she does and it frustrates her.

“but that’s why i like you. while others were blind, you saw reason. they were too busy winning my favor but you were plotting my downfall.” you tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear.

suddenly, she grabbed you by your tie and crashes your lips together. her lips were soft as they looked. they contrast her aggressiveness. for a moment, both of you were list in your world full of hatred and anger for each other.

your teeth clashed and your tongues intertwine. when you pull away, a string of saliva connects both your lips.

karina takes your hand and lead you outside the venue where her expensive car is parked. both of you wastes no time getting in.

you don’t know how long the drive took but when you did arrive at her mansion, you were drowning in your own lust. in the blink of an eye, you were pinned in the door of her room.

your hands roam all over her, feeling every inch. her lips move from your lips to your jaw to your neck. while her hands reach lower and lower until she’s palming you. you throw your back.

“you think you’re so mighty.” she bites the skin beneath your ear.

“know what i like about being president?” she asks you even though shes aware you’re head is stuck in ecstasy to answer. “i get to put people like you in their place.”

karina rubs circles through your pants. your body burns at her touch, like there’s flames at her fingertips.

“why don’t i show you what your friends saw in me?”you breath out and she laughs at how stupid you sound. how could say that while you writhe under her fingertips.

“after all, you paid for a good time. let me show what your money is worth.” you you reach on to her back for the zipper of her dress. you pull it down, leaving her in her undergarments. your eyes feasts upon everything before you.

“like what you see?” she puts a finger on your chin, forcing your eyes to meet hers. she smirks before kissing you again, slowly this time. her hands quickly unbuttons your shirt and you shrugged it off, not breaking the kiss. you were about to remove your tie but she stops you. “keep it on.” she says firmly.

karina grabs you by the tie and pushes you onto her bed by your shoulders. she climbs onto top of your abdomen. her once more before she pulls away and puts hand on your chest to keep you down. with one hand, she takes off her bra. her boobs spilling for you too see. your eyes meet as her hands massages her voluptuous tits, moaning. she bit her lower lip and threw her head back, just to tease you.

unable to resist any longer, your hands reach out to touch. but her hands were faster, she removes the tie around your neck and binds your hands. “you can touch next time.”

“right now. all of you is mine.” her lips attack your neck until they’re red and purple. hands explore your body until they stop at your chest. squeezing them before removing your bra. her lips move onto them next. she pinched, sucked and you ached for more.

next, she removes your pants and your panties, leaving you bare before her. she admires and for the first time you feel your face flare from someone looking at your body.

as if testing the waters, she puts her knees between your thighs and raises them until her knees barely touch your bare core. “fuck.” you let out a breath.

“don’t worry. i won’t make you beg.” this time, the unsaid words hang on her tongue.

“i’ll give you everything you want tonight. until you’re too drunk to remember anything else but me.” your breath hitch as her hands rub circles on your thighs.

‘by the end of the night, you’re going to be wrapped around my finger’ the thought makes karina smirk.

she gives you one last kiss before diving down, disappearing between your thighs.

[kitscutie]

snow and roses: part III (coriolanus snow x fem!reader)

pairing: coriolanus snow x reader

warnings: none except the nature of the Hunger Games franchise! later on in the series there will be hints to dark!coriolanus snow and lots of angst so be prepared!

summary: you and coriolanus have been dating in secret for months, all it takes is one songbird for everything to come into the light.

a/n: part three is finally hereee! sorry it took so long i've been dealing with some shit and doing a lot of work as life's just gotten very busy but don't worry - nothing will be left undone and trust me when i say i already have the ending for this series planned out :)

im sorry to say guys but i will have to close my taglist as the size has began to affect my posts and tumblr keeps glitching out, sorry!

word count:2k

find parts one and two in my masterlist!

After the incident the previous day between Brandy and Arachne as well as the suggestions from Coriolanus taken on board, the mentors had been allowed one hour with their tributes to discuss tactics.

It was good yet bad all at once. You wanted to give Wovey advice, a fighting chance but yet you knew no matter how hard you tried, no matter how much help you gave her, she stood no chance compared to people like Reaper and even Lucy Gray.

She was small and innocent, young.

"In spite of yesterdays - tragic events, our president has decided that the games must go on. Show everyone the Capitol is unafraid of such acts of terror, to which I and Doctor Gaul wishes you to preview the arena this afternoon - with your tributes. Later this evening, there will be a specialised television presentation of each tribute to our audience to, well get to know them. You will have an hour to discuss strategy. You may begin." Dean Casca Highbottom spoke into the echoey room, so large it was almost comical.

All of the tributes had been chained to the tables like animals and it made you sick to your stomach. You were aware they may harm you but at the same time such treatment would drive anyone to violence, it wasn't simply because they were District.

"Hi Y/N." Wovey smiled, so innocent. So naive.

"Wovey. I was thinking about how you might approach the games and I figured what might be best is to hide. You're small, an advantage that the other tributes don't have. I'm sure we can find some spaces this afternoon that might prove useful?" You suggested, not wishing to make this conversation more painful and personal than it had to be.

"Sure." She murmured, gaze positioned on the chains around her wrists.

"And if you wait until it's dark and everyone is sleeping you could go to the middle - collect whatever weapons they have left, just in case but otherwise I recommend waiting it out. If they can't find you they can't kill you." The sentence left a bitter taste in your mouth, you had never pictured yourself recommending a child to wait her death out in your life. The Capitol Academy was sold to you with visions of wealth and power, and now you has gone from student to mentor.

"I don't want to kill anyone." She frowned. She didn't even care that she could die, only fearing harming others. You felt your heart ache and yet, you could do nothing. No words would be good enough to reassure her, no actions would be able to save her. For once, you were useless.

"Wovey-" You began your sympathetic speech though Casca cut you off.

"Snow, Y/N. Let's go." He said as peacekeepers arrived to escort you to Doctor Gaul.

You rose without another word to Wovey, aware nothing you could say would be of any help at this time.

You knew it was about Coryo's proposal which you had not helped in and yet you weren't too upset about it. You didn't need the Plinth Prize nor did you need Doctor Gauls' approval and so you set out to let her know of your lack of involvement in this task.

"How is your tribute?" Coriolanus asked after minutes of silence.

"Her name is Wovey and she's fine. A little frightened but aren't we all?" You said, you were hesitant to tell him too much of Wovey's weaknesses and you didn't know why. This was Coriolanus. Your best friend of over ten years and your boyfriend of a few months and yet, you had a feeling whatever you said would be used against you.

"I suppose." He answered. You supposed his tone was meant to come off charmingly but all you felt was unease.

"This proposal. I haven't done it." You let him know, it was the least you could do before facing the psychopath known as Head Gamemaker.

"We have. I handed it in this morning." He answered with a hint of pride. Impressed with himself that he had taken initiative, helped you.

"I thought I made it clear the other day that I wanted no part in this plan to profit off of peoples lives, Coriolanus." You muttered, increasingly angry with his dedication to the Games and what they stood for.

"Well if you want to help Wovey, I suggest you don't tell Doctor Gaul that." He smiled, holding the door to her office open for you in a feign attempt at being a gentlemen.

As you walked into her office you couldn't help but feel disgusted. It was littered with mutants, clearly created to kill, all sat in glass jars on shelf upon shelf. Stacked all the way up to the ceiling.

"Mr Snow, Miss L/N. Come and see my new babies." Gaul said as she appeared at the back of the room. Where she had been hidden, you had no clue.

You did as she said, never one to disobey your superiors, climbing the snake tank alongside her.

"Is there a point to their colour?" You asked curiously. The snakes were surprisingly beautiful, chromatic as they shifted around on top of one another.

"There's a point to everything Miss L/N. Or to nothing at all, which brings me neatly to your proposal. Which one of you actually wrote it." She asked, as if to catch you out but you felt no remorse in admitting it wasn't you.

"Coriolanus, Doctor." You answer, sensing Coriolanus' hesitation in baiting you out.

"Well, how shocking. I expected more of a conflict." She replied, as though she were annoyed by your honesty as she reached into the snake tank, pulling Coriolanus' proposal out. "They're good your suggestions. I'm going to recommend my team implement as many as possible for tomorrow. Now run along you have an arena to promote, and Miss L/N I must say - I am most disappointed by your lack of involvement in these brilliant ideas."

"Well thank you, Doctor Gaul for your offer but, I thought Mr Snow had it safely under his control." You smiled politely before you both left to 'promote' but more so survey the new arena. "Wait." You said stopping Coriolanus before you got into the truck. "I don't know what has become of you Coriolanus Snow, but I want the little boy who fought to provide for his family while also caring for others back. You are turning into one of them, and I'm not going to be there to watch the world burn beneath your feet." You spat, leaving him to think as you sat in silence for the rest of the journey.

It seemed Coriolanus felt spiteful towards your words as he too ignored you up until this very moment as you walked into the arena.

You smiled reassuringly down at Wovey who looked just so scared. You were only three years older than her and yet you felt a motherly protection towards her, one you couldn't shake off.

Infront of you was Coryo and Lucy Gray. At first you pitied the girl, coming from twelve must be hard as they were food deprived and worked to the bone and yet now, as she stood holding your boyfriends hand in her beautiful rainbow dress, you loathed everything about her.

Your eyes rolled as far back as they physically could, your disgust clear to anyone looking but only one person was. Sejanus. He looked at you with pity and for once, you appreciated it. You decided he must know about you and Coriolanus and seeing as nobody else did they all whispered about him and Lucy Gray, how sweet they seemed.

You walked around alone before he appeared at your side.

"You deserve better, Y/N." Sejanus said, eyes never meeting your own as you continued to survey the arena, never even noticing his eyes stuck on his watch.

"Debatable." You chuckled, feeling a sense of self responsibility for getting with a man as dangerous as Coriolanus Snow in the first place.

"I wouldn't worry. If there's anything I've learnt about Coryo it's that he likes shiny things, new things - and she's definitely a spectacle." he chuckled to himself, it was safe to say Lucy Gray's ability to impress a crowd hadn't been missed by anyone.

"He'll grow tired eventually. I was his precious rose once." You sighed as the reality of the situation finally settled in.

You soaked in the silence for a few moments before you realised Sejanus' lack of response, turning in annoyance to see his eyes following the hand of his watch clock closely as he mouthed a countdown of the minutes.

"What are you-" You began.

"We've got to go." He said, grabbing your arm and beginning to walk towards the exit cautiously, not catching the attention of any guards.

"What do you mean? Sejanus?" You asked as he would not slow, not for anything. You looked around, seeing everyone else still stood stationary as they calmly conversed.

"Just follow me, Y/N." He said, still attempting to stay calm but you noticed his wide eyes.

You walked in silence, your heartbeat getting louder in your ear with each step until you hearing went completely silent, vision going black as both you and Sejanus were thrown to the floor in a cloud of smoke.

It took a few moments for you to be brought back to reality as you sat up, dazed hearing the yells of people around you. Once again before you could even figure out what was happening Sejanus' grabbed you, pulling you to your feet as you ran out of the door. 'Enjoy the show' now sounding muffled.

"What about Coryo?" You cried out in desperation, no matter what he put you through he was your first love and you had always pictured him to be your last.

"If we go back now, Y/N, we'll die." Sejanus replied as he continued dragging you until you reached the fresh air outside. Your charred lungs welcoming it.

As you looked back through the doorway you saw nothing, no one. Simply black smoke. You felt guilty and yet still - deep down - your heart yearned for the death of Lucy Gray.

It had been five hours now, sat around Coriolanus' bed alongside Sejanus and Tigris.

He hadn't so much as twitched and it had your heart racing with panic, if he died, you knew a part of you died with him.

Tigris comforted you as best she could in her own worry, noting how his chest continued to move up and down steadily and that the doctor only mentioned an injured arm, not that he was at risk of death.

The appearance of bright blue eyes caught everyone's attention as you rushed to be by his bed.

"Coryo." You said, a large smile on your face. You watched as his eyes flickered around in confusion, landing on you for a few moments. You don't know what you expected, a look of love? What you most definitely didn't expect was one of disgust.

"Lucy Gray, is she-" He stated, looking to Tigris for an answer.

"She's alive." Tigris responded through gritted teeth as she looked to you with sympathetic eyes. Her reply was lost to you as the ringing in your ears after the explosion returned. Your heart beating loud in your chest. You placed a hand over it, feeling it pound against your palm.

Your eyes glazed over as you walked away into a secluded corner, waving Sejanus off as he attempted to follow you.

It felt now more than ever so official, so real without a doubt. You had lost Coriolanus Snow. He no longer loved you, cared for you or even worried for you.

The cage that was his heart had opened wide, setting you free and instead capturing something new and desirable. A songbird.

TAGLIST: @savannahsteen, @shine101, @tfimherewhy, @iloveyou3000, @summerli-u, @coconut-dreamz, @serrendiipty, @zucchinimalfoy, @mus-tbe-a-weasley, @-ice-heart, @aza-writes, @bellstwd, @kaitlyn2907, @wheepsworld, @sarahskywalker-amidala, @velvet-spider, @gloryekaterina, @prettyinsatiable, @bduchrnskei, @riddlerloveb0t, @girlalwaysathome, @thegoldenskies, @runningfrom2am, @riordanness, @charmed-asylum, @suvgs, @podiumprincess, @annaelise, @mywitchycat, @italiekim, @darkestbeforethedawn16, @stelleduarte, @leafydinosaur, @witheringawayagain, @clementinechatsshit, @lokidala, @notyourwildestdream, @prettyppetty, @motley-baby, @taylvvrr, @autistic-deer, @gamorxa, @jakesguitarpick, @pepperonipastas, @sbrewer21, @emma-andrea1, @nekee-lilac02, @tabea3, @im-sidney, @rosarosse, @jenifer0305, @Idontwanttobeehere, @chiyopipi, @coisas-da-dani, @sunnydays-funnydays, @italiekim, @andrew-garfield-is-bae, @rororo06, @soulessjourney, @upwritingallnight, @kierramofficial, @cellui, @xav-ie, @Stwoosevens, @LightVo1d, @lilanna34, @pinki-minki, @annaelise, @alexameliamg, @gloryekaterina, @bia-wayne-west, @hinata7346, @yunloyal, @perks-of-being-jojo, @iheartfike, @lucygreene, @utopiakys, @ennycutie, @eggmia, @malayawr18, @chess1ca, @the-girl-wh0-cries-w0lf, @elynswan, @siriusly-rem,

@justacaliforniandreamer, @http-ilysm, @touyasside, @camilleverreault, @maraalo, @allcheesemelts, @-ice-heart, @sunghoonsbakery, @onlyangel-444, @geeknerdanseverythinginbetween, @Chmerkovskiy-chmerkovskiy, @tfimherewhy, @loxbbg, @th3-archer, @yazmunson, @buckysmainhxe, @puppyminnnie, @winkevm, @czarinera,

[evilminji]

NOT DC for once! But DP none the less!

And out here asking the Questions That Are Haunting Me (o.o ) as I sit and Ponder(TM)

Danny. Our babiest of boys. The feral Racoon of our hearts. WOULD HE? Get... stuck? If he possessed someone with one of those Haunted By The Previous Holders Protagonist McGuffins?

I am thinking specifically in this case Izuku Midoriya. Deku.

With his probably GRABBY AF Stockpiling Quirk. Which? Probably would want to get it's clingy little raccoon hands ALL over Danny's Ecto like? SIR!? Excuse me, SIR DESIST!!! *smacks with newspaper*

Not to MENTION? You go to hide, because crazy spandex weary people in armor, which... Fair. And? There are like? 8 to 9 people...already IN here? Uuuuuuuh? Hi? Well, this is awkward.

Wait, wait, WAIT! NOT THE FACE! *sounds of Shimura violence, because Nana don't play that "possessing my boy's baby boy" bullshit*

And like? Could he even LEAVE? Or would he have to literally make a Fenton Dream Catcher to split his Ecto from the person he's in? Presumably and HOPEFULLY before he, you know, POISONS THEM.

Because he accidentally picked the one dude who's body would try and ABSORB the very much NOT SAFE and very much DEADLY, highly corrosive, radioactive, substance known as Ectoplasm? Which was perfectly safe when only connect to HIM but NOT when leeching into his "host" as it were.

Oh! And people are super jumpy about him taking control of this random adolescent boy for a few hours a day to build the Catcher... for some reason. Like? Full squad of Professionals watching his every move, type jumpy. What? Is this kid the Japanese President's son or something? DOES Japan have a President? Hell if Danny knows. He's in a foreign dimension! So, maybe!

At least the kid is have the time of his young life, harra- I mean CHATTING with his... heeeead mates? Yeah, Danny has no idea what's going on there and doesn't feel like asking. This place is WEIRD.

Also! No NASA! OR space programs! So clearly, the WORST timeline/dimension! And Danny is trying not to be RUDE? But what the fuuuuuck. Unholy! Heathens, all of you. He wants his Space(~☆) back. And less..... This *offended hand motion*

@hdgnj @hypewinter @the-witchhunter @nerdpoe @ailithnight

[rayne-astrophile]

Special oneshot before Valentine's Day ends :D

Buttons - Rayne Ames x F!Reader

Notes - inspired by a comic I read when i was a child where japanese students give their shirt's button (the one in the same level as their heart) to their crush because it kind of means they give their heart to them!

- highschool!au & ooc rayne

You have a crush on Rayne Ames even before he becomes the Student Council's president. He might not remember you, but he had helped you with your homework when you first attended Easton.

Since then, you fell in love with him.

And today is Valentine's day. Students start to give their shirt's button to their crushes.

You grip yours in your hand. You want to give it to Rayne, but you're still considering it. What if he doesn't accept it? What if he doesn't like you? What if he doesn't remember you at all?

But you have promised yourself to confess your feelings for him today, on Valentine's day. It doesn't matter if he rejects you, you just want him to acknowledge your feelings.

In the end, you come to a conclusion to give him your shirt's button.

It is lunch break when you try to find Rayne. You look around the school, and finally you catch a glimpse of half blonde and half raven hair behind the class building.

Your eyes lit up as you take a step forward, but-

"Please take my button," You widen your eyes when a girl's voice reaches your ears. You immediately hide yourself at the other side of the building as you listen to the girl's confession for Rayne.

Your heart aches in pain, as the possibilities of him accepting the girl's confession still exists. You peek silently from the other side.

That girl is the student council's vice president, Judy. She is the beauty of the school, and she didn't get that title for nothing. Her blonde hair and her ocean eyes... she's just perfect. She also performs well in academics, adding to her popularity.

You're doing well with your academics, too, but you're more low key. You always hate attention.

Despite both of them being the dream partner, the students can't help but ship them. "Perfection is for perfection", they say.

That makes you ponder,

What if Rayne accepts her? Do you have no chance at all? Does he---

"I appreciate your feelings for me," Rayne's smooth voice cuts you off from your train of thoughts. "But I can't accept it. I'm sorry," he apologises as Judy slowly retreats her button. "It's fine, Rayne." She smiles as she puts her button into her pocket. "I just want to get over this feeling and focus on studying." She runs a hand through her hair.

Judy lets out a sigh as she looks at Rayne. "So, who's the lucky one? I see you already took off your button." She asks in interest.

Her sentence makes your heart shatter into pieces. You lower your head and your feet finally take you away from the scene as you put your button into your pocket.

Rayne stays silent as he looks to the side; at your previous hiding spot.

"I'm going to give it to her now."

You enter the empty class, while the other students are busy giving their buttons to their crushes. Everyone is laughing and smiling, while you're alone, doing your own things.

It is not long after that you hear the door of the classroom being pushed open.

What you do not expect is your crush walking in.

Your heart skips a beat as your eyes meet his golden ones, which you immediately look away. Even so, you can see him entering the class from the corner of your eyes.

"Why are you here? Don't you want to give your button to your crush?"

You raise your head to look at him as he is already (surprisingly) in front of you. You look around the class before pointing to yourself, "You're asking me?"

Rayne visibly frowns. "Who else would I be talking to if it's not you? Do you see anyone else in this class, (Last name)?"

You gape your mouth, "Y-You know me?" You ask in disbelief. His frown darkens as he furrows his eyebrows. "What's that supposed to mean?" He mutters. "We've been classmates since our first year."

You look away timidly as you brush a strand of your hair to the back of your ear, only for it to fall back. "I didn't think you'd remember me," you whisper softly, which is audible to him.

"And why'd you think that?"

Is he always this talkative? You are already screaming on the inside.

"I..." you trail your eyes away from him. "Have... have you given your button to your crush?"

His frown is even more visible when you change the topic. He lets out a sigh, but he wants to get over it anyway.

"I was going to give it to her," he murmurs. "Do you think she'll accept it?" His question makes you confused. Why would he want your opinion?

"Of course she will. You're everyone's crush, you know?" You mumble, your voice is barely above a whisper.

But he still can hear it.

"Is that so?" He asks, and you can barely see the corners of his lips lift up as he reaches out his fist to you. "Then, you'll accept this, right?"

He opens his fist, revealing a button in his palm. Your eyes widen as you look at him in disbelief.

"W-What?"

Rayne trails his eyes away from you. "It's okay if you don't want to. I see you, too, have taken off your button." He lowers his hand, only for you to take it into yours.

"N-No! I..." you stutter as you take out your own button from your pocket. Hesitantly, you put the small object on his palm. "You can take mine. I-I can't possibly take yours,"

Rayne stares at the two buttons on his palm before locking his eyes with yours. "Why not?" You lower your head as you fiddle your hands on your lap. "I-I just can't believe it. You can't possibly have feelings for someone like me-"

"Let me prove it to you, then."

You flinch when his warm hand cups your cheek and lifts your head up to face him. Before you knew it, his soft lips pressed against yours, taking your breath away.

He moves his lips with a gentle, delicate movement as his other hand rests on your nape, allowing him to deepen the kiss. You find yourself lost in his kiss as you grip the hem of your skirt, your cheeks burning and your heart beating faster than ever.

Seconds feel like eternity for you until Rayne finally pulls away. His tongue runs on his lower lip as his golden eyes stare into yours.

"Is that enough?" He asks breathlessly, his own cheeks heating up as you are already as red as a beautiful rose. "I-I..." you stutter, struggling to arrange your words.

"It's still not enough, I see."

You gasp, "Wait-"

Before you can finish your sentence, he presses his lips against yours once again. His hands move from your nape to your waist, pulling you closer, earning a gasp from you, and he takes advantage of your parted lips to slip his tongue into your mouth.

He tastes every inch of your mouth as he turns your bodies around so that your back is against the desk. His hand on your waist moves onto your desk, trapping you as he kisses you passionately.

After what seems like forever, he finally pulls away. He looks over to the door before looking back at you. "Seems like the other students are still not coming back," he hums. "I've been waiting to do this since our first year," he mutters, his thumb brushes against your lower lip. His eyes stare into yours as he leans in, hungry for more.

The moment the sentence escapes his lips, you figure, that him, too, has fallen ever since your first encounter.

BYE

[olekciy]

    A short reminder that Russia is imperialist, has been imperialist for a long time, and there's no way around that fact.

Sections of the Western left have developed a narrative according to which Russia has been gradually surrounded by NATO and that supposedly "provoked" Putin. It's increasingly difficult to sustain the notion that Russia is simply "defending itself" after 24 February 2022, but the thing is - the invasion did not come out of the blue. One needs a different narrative to understand what Russia actually is: an aggressive imperialist power alongside other imperialisms.

So, a different narrative:

- 1994: Russia, with US support, acquires Ukrainian nuclear arsenal in exchange for the assurances to respect Ukraine's territorial integrity

- 1997: Russia acquires the Sevastopol naval base and almost all of the ships (82%, to be exact)... in exchange for the assurances to respect Ukraine's territorial integrity!

- 2004: Russia meddles in Ukrainian presidential elections, fighting hard to force an undemocratic fraudulent outcome, but fails

- Mid-to-late 2000s: As punishment for Ukraine electing Yushchenko, Russia uses energy blackmail, a form of economic coercion not very different from the IMF and World Bank lending and conditionality

- 2008: NATO refuses to adopt a roadmap towards Ukraine's membership and in effect postpones the decision indefinitely. Ukraine's security is in no way guaranteed, while Russia has already demonstrated the propensity to use coercion to force Ukraine to do its bidding

- 2009: Dmitry Medvedev, then president, writes to Yushchenko that "Russia does not pose and cannot pose any kind of threat to Ukraine", so seeking NATO membership is stupid. Yea, sure

- 2014: Russia, which "does not pose and cannot pose a threat to Ukraine"... annexes Crimea. Really, Dima?? I thought you were for real??

Of course, by annexing Crimea Russia not only makes all the previous statements that it "can never pose a threat to Ukraine" a ridiculous lie, but also breaks the 1994 memorandum and 1997 treaty. "We are the Kremlin. Our word is worth nothing"

- Crimea's annexation provokes armed separatism in Donbas that Russia supports and coordinates, including direct military command and control, and then completely subordinates Donbas "authorities", in effect occupying the region

- Ukraine's still not in NATO, its security is still in no way guaranteed, and the supplies of US weapons only begin in 2018. They are kept to a minimum... out of fear of provoking Russia!

- Nevertheless, on 24 February 2022 Russia launches a full-scale invasion to establish 100% control over all of Ukraine in one way or another. There is literally no military development on the ground that could have provoked the invasion. On Russia's part, it's a war of choice in exactly the same way the invasion of Iraq was a war of choice for the US in 2003.

Now, this is only the general outline. One should add Russia's drowning of Ukraine with spies and agents of influence, money to corrupt Ukrainian politicians and massive acquisition of Ukrainian assets to impose economic and political dependency.

These are well-known facts, but so many on the left refuse to see the story behind them. It's a story of decades of imperialist aggression, culminating in a war that cost 150,000 lives in 2022 alone. Any discussion of left-wing internationalism should begin with recognizing the reality of what Russia is and what it did.

[hotvintagepoll]

Propaganda

Myrna Loy (The Thin Man, Manhattan Melodrama, Mr Blandings Builds his Dream House)—Started out a slinky silent screen vamp. Became a screwball lead who had a blast drinking, being married to William Powell, solving mysteries, and taking her dog everywhere in the Thin Man Movies. Broke our hearts in The Best Years of Our Lives and played a string of dream wives. Remained hot the entire time. Decades of hotness.

Gracie Allen (A Damsel in Distress, Honolulu)— The funniest woman who ever lived, she was the brains behind an absolutely brilliant radio show that she did with her husband George Burns. The radio show was later turned into a television show (which you can find on Youtube) but during the radio days, it was announced that Gracie would be running for President of the United States for the year of 1940. She was running for the Surprise Party, and refused a Vice President as, according to her, there would be no room for vice in her white house. Her slogan was "Down with common sense -Vote for Gracie Allen." [more about this beneath the cut]

This is round 1 of the tournament. All other polls in this bracket can be found here. Please reblog with further support of your beloved hot sexy vintage woman.

[additional propaganda submitted under the cut.]

Myrna Loy:

Myrna Loy excelled at playing coy women, so common in screwball comedies in the 40s. She batted her lashes, and shrugged with grace, and made her costars look like foolish heels next to her. She charmed with sneaky elegance, well-placed pouting, and repartee. Besides, she was sultry AF.

While Myrna certainly looked hot in some her earlier vampy exotic bad girl roles, I think shes hottest when her comedic chops got to be displayed. Her dry wit, comedic timing, and subtle facial expressions make her the queen of deadpan snark.

She's just very Mother

So beautiful and popular she was crowned Queen of the Movies in 1936, Myrna Loy was also an amazing actress. She's best remembered for The Thin Man and sequels, where she gets to show off her comedy skills, adding irresistible impish charm to her classic beauty and dancer's figure.

THE SASS

One of the few actresses who managed to successfully transition from silent to talkies, never won an Oscar but was at one time the highest paid woman in Hollywood. Advocated for better roles and pay for Black actors in the 1930s, so passionately anti-Nazi in the 40s she made Hitler's blacklist, spoke out against Joseph McCarthy during the Red Scare, and advocated for fair housing in the 1950s and 1960s, all while being hot as fuck opposite William Powell, Clark Gable, Cary Grant, Spencer Tracy and a whole galaxy of the Hot Vintage Men Poll all-stars.

Cute as a button with so much RIZZ! She and whatsisname in The Thin Man are relationship goals.

She was literally called the Queen of Hollywood! She is so sassy and funny in the whole Thin Man series. Absolutely hot in those, and who doesn’t love a woman who can laugh? She had the sultriest gaze and that style! Also before she was a star she sat as the model for an iconic statue for a school (representing “Fountain of Education”).

the glamour!! the banter!! the comedy!!

She's got this cute kinda scrunched up face AND shes funny AND shes got a bangin body.

Gracie Allen:

Continued from previous propaganda: "We don't want to get rid of men entirely," Allen said, according to a story in the April 22, 1940, Indianapolis Star. "All we want to do is make them unconstitutional and keep them out of circulation, but have them handy when there's no place else to go."

On the Neutrality Bill pending in Congress: "If we owe it, let's pay it." On recognizing Russia: "I don't know. I meet so many people." On which political party she was affiliated with: "I may take a drink now and then, but I never get affiliated.""

She did have to drop out eventually, with World War 2 being on and all, but thousands of people still wrote her in anyway, even if the FDR won the popular vote in the end.  (https://www.jsonline.com/story/life/green-sheet/2016/03/31/that-time-a-comedian-won-the-wisconsin-presidential-primary/84944806/)

[jae-bummer]

For You, the World

Request: "You and your bias run into your ex." This with Bang Chan please? 🥺🥺

Prompts:

15) You and your bias run into your ex.

Pairing: Stray Kids Bang Chan x Reader

Genre: Angst/Fluff

.

"Baby," Chan hummed, resting his palm on your hip. "Quit fidgeting."

"I can't help it," you grumbled. "I don't want to be here."

"That's not what you said when you bought the tickets," he smiled, pressing his forehead lightly against your temple.

You took a deep breath and allowed his presence to calm you. "I know. When I got the tickets, my intent was to make my enemies rue the day they ever underestimated me."

Chan let out a full laugh as he pulled away from you again. "I thought you said that you wanted to look hot and successful in front of your high school bullies?"

You rolled your eyes. "Same difference."

He was right. You had been excited to buy the tickets to your high school's alumni event. The opportunity to flaunt how well your life was going was too tempting to pass up. Now that you were here though, you just felt queasy and defeated. What if the same people who had made you feel so small were in the position to do so again?

You wouldn't give them that power. You couldn't.

Making your way up toward the fold-out table where you would exchange your tickets for name tags, you shuddered. The previous class president and head cheerleader sat side by side.

Sensing your unease, Chan's hand immediately found yours and gave a tight squeeze.

"Name?"

"Y/N," you croaked, looking anywhere but at the two people sat in front of you.

"Y/N..." the cheerleader cooed, sliding her finger down the iPad in front of her. "Oh my gosh, Y/N!"

Looking down in surprise, you immediately clocked the malicious joy in her smile. "Yeah, hi."

"You look soooo different!" she purred, making a show of looking you up and down. "And look at that, you lost some of that baby fat! Well, I guess it wasn't really baby fat if you still had it at graduation..."

"You lost weight too," you muttered, lifting a brow. "About 160 lbs worth I believe?"

"What?" she gasped, her hand fanning across her collar bone.

"I believe his name was Steve," Chan piped in with a flawless smile.

You looked over with wide eyes.

"I have Instagram, I know things," Chan said so only you could hear.

"Stevie and I are still close," the cheerleader insisted. "We just couldn't make long distance work."

"It was probably hard to make your sidepiece work in the relationship too," you sighed. "Tough break."

She spluttered, looking from you to Chan. "I don't know what you mean."

"Sure, you don't," you nodded. "Can we get our name tags please?"

Glaring, your old classmate thrust a sticker in your direction. "One for you-"

Turning to Chan, she narrowed her eyes, giving her best attempt at being sultry. "And one for...Chris?"

"Thanks," Chan deadpanned, taking the sticker from her extended hand.

"I don't remember you in our class," she said breathily. You could only roll your eyes. She sounded ridiculous.

"I wasn't," Chan said simply, tugging you along.

You couldn't help the zap of victory as you began to walk away. Not only had you owned that entire exchange, but you had your amazing boyfriend by your side, assisting in the shutdown. That couldn't have turned out any better.

"Thank you for coming with me," you said quietly, allowing him to escort you to an open area where old classmates had begun mingling.

"You don't have to thank me," Chan said happily. "I've got you."

Smiling weakly, you prepared yourself for whatever else was to come. Logically, you knew the evening wouldn't be that bad. After all, you did actually have some friends when you were in school. Just because you imagined yourself to be a social pariah at the time didn't mean that was the actual truth.

Settling in at a table toward the back of the room, you were content with people watching for a while. You felt entirely in your element as you gave Chan the backstory of every person that came across your path. Chuckling and gasping at the appropriate times, you knew your gossipy partner was enjoying the evening as much as you were.

"Are you thirsty?" he finally asked after you had finished a particularly long story about the school mascot getting kidnapped by the Latin club.

"If I plan on talking more shit, I could probably use a beverage," you grinned. He smiled in response and nodded. Untwining his fingers from yours, he hopped up from the table and headed in the direction of the bar.

Humming along to the music pumping through the background of the room, you continued to casually watch the people around you. It was surprising to see just how far everyone had come in the few short years since you had all known each other. You had been such a tsunami of emotions as a teen, it was an odd feeling to see these people through a different lens.

While you had mentally prepared to face friends and foes alike, you had not factored in the continued existence of ex boyfriends. Sure, you had social media stalked plenty of people you had dated in the past but having them here in the flesh was another endeavor entirely. It didn't take long for an entire body shiver to overtake you as you locked eyes with someone you would prefer to have never thought about again.

Jun encompassed everything you wanted to forget about high school. If you toted around words like "high school sweethearts" that would have been the apt description for the two of you. While you spent quite a lot of time falling head over heels for him, he had been busy fostering relationships with at least a handful of other people. He made you into a joke and you would never forgive him for that.

But of course, he was making a bee-line in your direction.

"Why is he even here," you muttered. He had supposedly moved to a different country after graduation. With absolutely no social media footprint, you just assumed he wouldn't be easy to contact.

"Y/N," his familiar voice sighed, a few tones deeper than it once was.

"Jun," you acknowledged stiffly.

"Can't I get a hug?" he asked, his arms slightly extended.

For as good looking and smart as he was, he sure couldn't read the room.

"Depends, do you have any communicable diseases I should be made aware of?" you muttered, glaring up at him.

"Come on," he chuckled. "You don't still have hard feelings, do you?"

You blinked in shock. "Hard feelings?"

"We were kids!" he smiled. "Can't we leave the past behind us?"

You opened your mouth to respond, only to close it again.

"I couldn't have been that bad," he prodded, taking a step toward you. You sat in horror as he began to close the space and wrap his arms around your shoulders. Pulling you into a weird, seated hug, he spoke quietly. "I don't remember the specifics of why we broke up, but I do remember how much I cared about you."

Groaning, you pushed at his chest to untangle yourself. "We are not getting into this right now."

Setting a cup down a little too hard on the table, you watched what you assumed to be Coke Zero slosh onto the white tablecloth. "Is he bothering you, Y/N?"

You breathed a sigh of relief at Chan's appearance. He had crept up behind you. Assuming he had heard the bulk of the exchange, he had likely stepped in when he felt it to be the appropriate time.

"No," you ground out. "He was just leaving."

"Jun," your ex said, ignoring your comment and sticking his hand out toward Chan.

Chan grabbed it a little too tightly, causing Jun to wince. "Chris."

"Is this your new guy, Y/N?" June asked, tilting his head. "Thought it would be someone taller."

Chan let out a small scoff of a laugh. "You don't have to be jealous, mate."

"I've gotta have, what, at least 8 inches on you?" he continued, trying to goad Chan.

"I'll give you that. I'm short," Chan sighed, letting his palms rest on your shoulders. "But ugly is kind of a dead end. What do you plan on doing about it?"

"Enough," you groaned, surging to your feet. "Jun, please crawl back into whatever dark hole you have emerged from."

"Aw baby," he grinned. "Don't be like that."

By his simple statement, you were transported back to being a teen, getting gaslit when the word hadn't even been popularized yet.

"I'm not your "baby,"" you choked, frustration dangling you close to tears.

"You didn't say that when we were in the backseat of my Mazda," he continued. "Or did you forget about that? We made so many good memories together, Y/N."

It felt like something foreign had taken over your body as white, hot rage filled your senses. He was not only trying to embarrass you, but make Chan feel uncomfortable as well. How fucking dare he.

Swinging your arm back, you landed a harsh smack across his face.

Turning on your heel, you stomped off in the direction of the exit. At the edge of your hearing, Chan spoke sternly. "Don't you dare even breath in Y/N's direction again. Understood? You'll wish a smack was the least of your worries."

The feeling in your chest didn't let up until you had pushed your way through the door and felt the cold night air hit your burning skin. You didn't realize at what point you had actually began crying, but your cheeks were wet.

"If you want me to go back in there and make him regret ever attending high school with you, tell me now," Chan said, not far behind you.

"Chriiiis," you moaned, turning to face him. "That won't help anything."

"Who says?" he chimed. "You'll feel better, I'll feel better, and he'll feel worse. It's a win-win-win."

You chuckled, wiping at your eyes. "I appreciate the offer, but no."

"Well, just know, it still stands," he sighed. "I wouldn't hesitate to burn down the world if it meant you felt better when I was done."

"Noted and appreciated," you sighed, collapsing into him. "But I think we can keep the matches tucked away for now."

Wrapping his arms around you, Chan rocked you slowly from side to side. "I am so proud of you," he whispered into your hair, tightening his grip around your waist.

"For what?" you sniffed. "I lost my shit."

"There was nothing wrong with your behavior, love," he cooed. "I'm proud of you for being brave in the face of adversity."

"I'd hardly call running into old schoolmates "adversity," Chris," you groaned, tucking your face even further into his chest.

"I would," he said definitively. "And I won't hear any arguments about it."

"Fine," you swallowed, leaning back to look at his face. His eyes were warm as he assessed you. Reaching up, he wiped a wayward tear cascading down your cheek. "Why do all of my emotions have to be directly attached to my tear ducts?"

"Just lucky like that, I guess," he smiled. "How are you feeling?"

"Tired," you croaked. "My social battery is reaching critically low percentages."

"Let's get you a reset then," he nodded. "Couch nest and take out?"

"You know my love language so well," you hummed. "Thanks again for being here tonight."

"For you, the world, Y/N."

[cherrycola27]

Red, White, and Rooster

Series Warnings: Language, alcohol consumption. Frenemies to lovers, relationship of convenience. Political situations. Allegations of affairs, military and political inaccuracies. Smut. 18+ Minors DNI. Banner Credit: @thedroneranger

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Chapter 17: Safe and Sound

Your leg bounced nervously as you and Bradley sat in the private room of your OBGYN office. It had been eight weeks since you had been rescued, and you were currently waiting for the doctor to come and do your anatomy scan to find out the gender of Baby Bradshaw. You had been going weekly for checkups, and each time, the doctor assured you that everything was fine, but you couldn't shake the anxiety.

You had both hands resting on your bump, which was now definitely visible. After your kidnapping, you'd taken a break from the public eye. However, the two of you were planning on announcing your pregnancy via White House social media today. Jaycee was patiently waiting for you to call her to tell her which announcement to post.

Bradley rested his hand over yours. "Everything is fine. We don't have anything to worry about. Soon, we are going to find out what our little peanut is, and then we will be on our way to a much needed vacation in Rhode Island." Bradley told you. "And a late birthday celebration for you." You reminded him.

You grimaced at the memory. It was a few days after you had gotten home from the hospital in North Carolina when you were laying in bed with Bradley, and the two of you had heard the fireworks for the 4th of July celebration. When you realized what day it was, it took the better part of an hour for Bradley to get you calmed down after you'd come to the realization that you had been missing om his birthday. Honestly, it hadn't even occurred to him.

You immediately made him agree to a getaway for the two of you once your broken arm held and your bruises had faded.

He swiped a stray hair from your face and smiled at you. He didn't miss the slight flinch in your features. You were still having nightmares, and it broke his heart that this had happened to you. He tried every day to lift your worries and make them his, but much to his chagrin, there were some battles he just couldn't fight for you.

"Alright! Who's ready to find out what the First Baby is going to be?" Dr. Park asked as she came into the room. You and Bradley both told her you were ready.

Bradley helped you onto the exam table and held your hand as Dr. Park squirted the cold jelly on your stomach before swirling it around.

"So, you're twenty weeks and two days today. Hopefully, the little peanut is turned where we can see what they are." Dr. Park smiled at the two of you.

Her eyes were locked on the screen. Suddenly, she frozen. "Oh!" She gasped.

"Oh?!" You and Bradley both said in unison. "What, 'oh'? Is that a good 'oh' or a bad 'oh'?" You asked, sitting up a little.

Dr. Park smiled. "Well, I know you want to know one gender, but would you like to know both?" She asked you with a coy grin.

"Both?" You asked her with wide eyes.

"Both." She affirmed as she turned the monitor towards the two of you. "It doesn't happen often, but it seems like Baby B has been hiding behind Baby A these past few weeks." She tells you. "Looks like it's twins." She states.

"T—twins?" Bradley sputters out. You turn to look at him. He is as white as a sheet with a cold sweat across his brow. "Twins." He repeats just above a whisper. You look at him with concern, afraid he might faint. "Bradley. You're the president. You run a country, but us having twins is what freaks you out?" You tease him.

He swallows and takes a deep breath. "Okay, everything's fine, just a little shocked is all." He states to no one in particular.

"Well, are you ready to know?" Dr. Park asks after the initial shock has passed. Both of you nod your head eagerly.

"So it looks like Baby A is a—girl." Dr. Park smiles at the two of you. "Aww, a little girl." You tear up. "And Baby B is a— ah, a boy. I guess he got tired of hiding behind his sister." Dr. Park laughs. She takes a few pictures before leaving to let you get cleaned up.

"We are having twins. Twins!" Bradley exclaims once the two of you are alone. "I swear, Jake wished this on me."

You chuckle at your husband. "Dearest, you are in charge of a nation. And before that, you flew multimillion dollar aircrafts. I'm sure you can handle being a father to twins. C'mon Daddy, you've got to toughen up." You chuckle at him. "Now be a dear and help Mommy u—oh!" You gasp.

"Sweetheart, are you okay?" Bradley asks as he grabs your hand. You don't respond. He continues to talk, but you shush him. He tries to protest, but you grab his hand and place it on your belly. He looks at you confused before he feels it.

"Wa—is that—are they—" He trails off as you both feel it again. "One of them is kicking." You whisper, afraid it will stop if you speak too loudly.

"Is this the first time you've felt that?" He asks you with wide eyes. "I've felt the peanut—well I guess, peanuts, move around a little, but this is the first kick I've felt.

"Hi there, you two." Bradley says before placing a gentle kiss on your tummy. "I'm your Daddy." He says. But as soon as the kicking started, it stopped.

You both sigh as he helps you off the table. "Alright, Daddy, let's go. Mommy is hungry and is eating for three, apparently. Also, I need to call Jaycee and tell her she's going to have to make another announcement." You say as you grab his hand. "And I have to call Jake and tell him that everyone technically one the bet." He sighs.

"Bet?" You ask him. "There was a small betting pool amongst some of the staff as to what the gender would be." He shrugs. "You two hear that? Uncle Jake is already causing trouble." You laugh.

Once back in the car, Bradley informs Dante that he needs to make a detour two to the nearest burger joint. You tell him that the twins said "tell Daddy we want french fries and a chocolate shake."

Bradley shutters and attempts to adjust himself. He isn't sure if it's the excitement of it all, the fact that the two of you haven't slept together in weeks or just how it sounds when it comes out of your mouth, but something about you calling him "Daddy," has him hard as a rock right now.

Dante quickly secures the food, and you thank him. Bradley attempts to steal a fry, but you smack his hand away. Dante chuckles before asking, "So, boy or girl?"

"Both." Bradley says. "Both? Twins? Wow, congratulations. Maybe everyone will get their money back, considering we were all technically right." He laughs. "You bet on the gender too?" You ask him.

"Guilty." Dante shakes his head.

You both laugh at him before your phone rings. It hit you that you hadn't called Jaycee yet. You were sure that she was chomping at the bit to hear the news.

"Hello." You said into your phone.

"Hello, madam First Lady." Jaycee says. "Hi, Jay." You chuckle.

"Well?" She prods impatiently. "Twins." You tell her simply. There is a pause on the other end of the line. You check to make sure the line is still connected, it is. You are about to say something else when she screeches "TWINS?! Babe! Did you hear that?!" She yells to whom you presume to be Jake. "I did. Holy shit!" He calls from the background.

"Wait, boys, girls, or one of each?" Jaycee asks you. "A boy and a girl." You tell her with a smile.

"Ohhhh, this is so exciting. Have fun on your vacation, I have a new post to make!" She cheers into the phone before hanging up.

.............

Soon, Dante is pulling the SUV into the air field and up to an Air Force One jet. He helps load your bags before sending you and Bradley off on your "baby-moon" as some had taken to calling it. In a few short hours, the two of you would be relaxing in a cottage in Newport, watching the sun sink into the ocean.

The two of you had been flying for about an hour when you both got the alert about the post made on the official White House social media channels. Jaycee had chosen a patriotic them, obviously. The post was simple. A letter board surrounded by red white and blue objects, two sets of baby shoes, an American flag, and a small F-18. The letter board read: "Red, White, and Due! Baby Bradshaw One and Two Coming Soon!" The photo was caption about how the two of you were excited to announce that you were expecting twins early next year.

By the time the two of you landed, it was late afternoon, and you were exhausted. Bradley settled your bags in the bedroom of the cottage the two of you would be staying in for a few days. Dante and the rest of the security team settled into the bungalow next door.

After getting unpacked, Bradley tugged you to your feet, insisting that you join him in the shower. You protested, but when he held you close and pressed feather-light kisses along your jaw, you were putty in his hands.

He undressed before carefully peeling your sundress over your head and tossing it to the side. He pulled you into the large shower, adjusting the stream of water in was gliding over the both of you. He pulled you flush against him. His toned chest pressed against your back as he held you for just a moment. Your hands rested over his as they splayed out over your rounded tummy.

You sighed and sank into him as he peppered kisses along your neck and shoulders before reaching for soap. He lathered it onto a loofah before running it over every inch of your body, giving special attention to your stomach. He loved seeing how you had grown in the past few weeks. He remembers the first time your baby bump was clearly visible to him, when it couldn't be confused for anything else.

He was in awe of the fact that you were growing a life, well now he knows, two lives inside you. Two lives that he had helped create. Ever since then, he had such a hard time keeping his hands to himself. He wanted to touch you and your belly all the time. Almost every night, he found himself falling asleep with his hand on it, and every morning, he would wake up just the same. Bradley was so lucky after everything to have you in his arms, and he thanked his lucky stars everyday.

"Where's your head at Daddy? Having a deep conversation with them?" You ask him. He snapped back to reality, realizing that his head was pressed against your stomach. You smiled at him as he stood back up and kissed your nose. He walked you backward until your back pressed against the cool tile of the shower wall.

He cupped your face and kissed you, using his tongue to split the seam of your mouth to deepen the kiss. You moaned against him as he kneaded your breasts in his hand. They were firm and soft, getting bigger now because of the pregnancy.

His mouth left yours to wrap around one of your nipples, licking and sucking until it formed a stiff peak before switching to the other. He continued his trail downward before you stopped him.

"Bradley, you don't have to." You whispered to him.

The spray of hot water cascaded over the two of you as Bradley sank to his knees in front of you. "Come on, Mommy, let Daddy take care of you." Bradley said as he draped one of your legs over his shoulder.

You were helpless when it came to resisting him. He may have been the one on his knees right now, but yours were the ones that were weak. You reached out to steady yourself. One arm braced against the wall, the other clinging to his shoulder as his skilled tongue swept through your folds.

You tossed your head back as his plush lips wrapped around your clit and sucked the taught bud into his mouth.

"Fuck, Bradley!" You cried out already so close after just a few minutes of his face buried in your heat. The internet said that pregnancy sex could be some of the best sex of your life, but you really thought Comso was exaggerating.

Boy, were you wrong. Everything felt more sensitive. Each sweep of his tongue, each nip of his teeth on the inside of your thighs, each curl of his finger had you barreling head first towards a release.

"Right there, oh my God. Right there!" You screamed as an orgasm washed over you.

Bradley didn't stop, holding your thighs steady as they began to tremble around his face while pleasure washed over you. He coaxed you through your high until you tugged on his roots when it became too much. He carefully eased your leg off his shoulder and stood up to hold onto you.

You collapsed against him, boneless from your high.

He reached out and turned the water off. "Let's get out and get dried off so I can take care of you some more." He whispered hotly into your ear. You mumbled a reply into his chest as he helped you out.

"You're too good to me." You told him as he dried you off with some fluffy towels.

"On the contrary, my love, you're too good for me." Bradley smiles at you before kissing your head.

"These two are going to be so lucky to have you as their mother." He says as he strokes the top of your stomach. "They are going to be even luckier to have a Daddy like you, Bradley." You tell him. He groans before tossing his head back, sighing and stepping away from you.

You hop off the counter with a wide look in your eyes. "Bradley Bradshaw," you begin, "Do you like it when I call you Daddy?" You ask him with a smirk. A blush spreads from his chest to the tips of his ears. He looks down at the floor, not sure how to respond.

You snicker before reaching forward and grabbing him by the towel that's tucked around his waist. "How about we head into the bedroom so I can give Daddy a late birthday present?" You whisper against his lips before tugging him into the bedroom.

You usher him to sit on the edge of the bed, pushing him down by his shoulders until he is right where you want him.

You kneel down on the plush carpet in front of him, placing a hand on each of his knees and urging him to part them for you. Bradley takes in the sight of you.

The lamp in the room has you washed in a golden glow. Your hair is still slightly damp and hangs down as it wildly frames your face. One strap of your baby pink nighty has slipped off your shoulder, almost as if in purpose. The silk of the material strains against your breast as your hardened nipples peak through it. It cascades down your body, hugging the curve of your midsection before ending at your thighs. Your lips are parted lightly, and a pink blush has spread across your cheeks.

He groans as you move forward to wrap one hand around his cock. You begin to slowly stroke him before placing a wet kiss on the head. Your tongue peaks out to swipe up the few beads of precum that are leaking from the slit.

A growl leaves his chest when you stick out your tongue and tap the head of him on it a few times before wrapping your lips around him.

One of his hands leaves the bed and tangles in your hair to pull it out of your face as you suck him. You have one hand braced on his thigh, the other wrapped around the part of him that couldn't fit in your mouth. You drop that hand and take a deep breath before taking all of him. You sigh around him and hollow out your cheeks, as you pick up speed. You take your free hand and cup his balls, rolling the soft tissue in his palm. It almost sends him over the edge.

Abruptly, he pulls you off of him. You lean back on your knees and wipe the saliva from your face as you look up at him.

"Bradley, you didn't—did I do—" He cuts you off by pulling you into his lap for a hungry kiss.

"Felt so good baby, but when I cum, I want to cum in you. Please. Can I?" He begs.

"Well, I've never told you no on that matter before, have I?" You chuckle as you pat your bump. He snickers before tugging your nighty over your head and laying you down on the pillows.

He hovers over you, supporting his weight on his forearms. He leans down to press a gentle yet filthy kiss to your lips. A groan vibrates in his chest when you card your finger through his hair and scratch his scalp.

He grabs his length, pumping himself a few times before sliding into your warm, wet center.

He groans when once he is fully seated in you, grabbing on your your hips and digging his fingers into them as he withdraws and pushs back in. He keeps a steady rhythm that has you mewling under him. Your head lulls to the side as he hits a particularly sensitive spot inside you with his stiffness. The pleasure begins to overwhelm you, but before it can cloud your judgment, you decide to test out your little theory from earlier.

"Oh, Bradley. Shit. Feels so good—Daddy." You moan, dropping the name from your lips.

Bradley stops, stilling inside you. You're worried that maybe you had read the situation wrong. But when you meet his eyes, you see that only a thin band of their honey-brown color is visible around his blown pupil. He pulls back and slams back into you. You let out a strangled cry as your arms wrap around him.

Your nails dug into his shoulder blades as his strong hands gripped your hips. One of his hands left its perch to sweep over the taught skin of your bump, cradling it before moving to your rear. He grabbed the supple flesh there, pulling you closer to him, driving him deeper inside you. You met his dark eyes as he growled—"Say it again."

"Daddy." You breathe out. "Louder." He grits. "Daddy!" You cry out at a louder volume this time as the head of his cock attacks your g-spot, hitting it over and over again, causing you to see stars.

"Louder!" He commands as his hips drive even harder into you. He hikes your leg higher on his waist, allowing him to drive deeper into you. With each thrust, your clit meets his pelvis which only increases your pleasure.

"Fuck, Daddy— fuck me, I'm going to cum!" You shout as your nails scrape down his back. He feels your walls tighten around him as you reach your peak.

You arch up off the mattress, pressing yourself into him.

He continues to drive into you as he praises you. "That's it—Cum for Daddy—Good girl."

His praises only add to your pleasure, and you can't hold back the rush of wetness that comes out just as Bradley finished deep inside you. He guides both of you through your orgasms before gently pulling out and laying beside you.

Your eyes are closed. Your lips are parted, and your breath is coming out on shallow pants. You can feel your mixed release leaking out of you and onto the sheets. You can also feel how damp the sheets are from when you finished.

Bradley strokes your hair and pulls you close to him. "You alright, Sweetheart?" He asks you with a raspy tone.

"Yeah. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to, I didn't know I could—" You ramble as you gesture to the mess you've made.

Bradley lets out a small chuckle. "Don't apologize for that. You have no idea how much that strokes my ego. Can't wait to make you do it again." He admits.

"So a Daddy kink?" You let out a breathy laugh once you're coherent enough to turn on your side and face him.

He shrugs, unsure what to say. "I should have known. You have always had a thing for titles in bed— Mr. President." You joke with him. He laughs before tucking you under his chin. It is peaceful for a few moments before you break the silence.

"Bradley, I need to pee. And I'm hungry." You grumle against his neck. He sighs dramatically before helping you up. You grab your nightgown and slip it over your head before waltzing into the bathroom.

"What are you and the little peanuts in the mood for. I'll text Dante to send out one of the guys for it.

"Some pizza would be great right now. Oh, and some wings and some cheesy bread with some sauce, and maybe some ice cream." You say.

Bradley shakes his head as he types out the message. "Don't forget to tell Dante what you want, too." You remind him as you look for some new sheets.

"I thought we could share." He says as he grabs some off a shelf in the closet. You shoot him a skeptical look before laughing. "I guess I could let you have a slice or two and a couple wings. But the cheesy bread, that's all mine.

.....................

Hours later, the two of you have your bellies fully. You're splayed out on your back, sleeping peacefully. Bradley is curled up beside you with his head resting on your stomach. His hand runs over it as he presses wispy kisses to your growing skin. He whispers promises to his unborn children about how he is going to keep them and you safe for as long as he is alive.

He stays up half of the night telling them stories about his parents and his days in the Navy. He tells them about their aunts and uncles and their Grandpa Mav, who is so excited to meet them. He tells them about you and how much he loves you.

When he runs out of things to say, he starts softly humming "Great Balls of Fire" and tells them he'll teach it to them on the piano one day like their Grandpa Goose taught him.

Soon, his eyes finally become heavy, and sleep fills his bones. He slides up next to you. You instantly curl into him, resting your head on his chest.

He lets out a long sigh before giving in and letting the need to rest take over. He knows that tomorrow will bring new challenges for the two of you, but he also knows that nothing is so great that the two of you cannot over come it.

Bradley presses a final goodnight kiss to your temple before closing his eyes and dreaming of you and his children and the family that the four of you will be.

Wow, this was a long one, but worth it. Thank you always for reading!

Taglist: @daggerspare-standingby @shanimallina87 @teacupsandtopgun @hecate-steps-on-me @roosterscock @roosterbruiser @roosterforme @seresinsbabe @startrekfangirl2233 @soulmates8 @xoxabs88xox @avengersfan25 @blackwidownat2814 @loveforaugust @mak-32 @cottagecori @amysteryspot @heyimmadisonn @princess76179 @bradshawseresinbabe @sunlightmurdock @lewmagoo @cassiemitchell @die-cunt @shipinabluebottle @malindacath @violyn20 @imawkwardlysoc @books-for-summer @blackroseboulevard @recordblues @desert-fern @luckyladycreator2 @katieshook02 @samhapner6 @sebsxphia @roosters-girl @diorrfairy @je-suis-prest-rachel @mizzzpink @a-linabean @amklibrary @gretagerwigsmuse @jstarr86 @actuallyazriel @krismdavis @bradshawsbaby @wkndwlff @dakotakazansky

[antiquarianfics]

Taken pt. 7

If Bucky Barnes could time travel, he would go back to that morning. He would hold you a little tighter in his arms, and he would kiss you a little deeper. He would pull your daughter in between the two of you, letting her giggle as loudly as she wants whilst her parents kiss her cheeks and tickle her belly. If Bucky Barnes could time travel, he would have told you not to go to the park—to go anywhere else. But Bucky Barnes can’t time travel, and his wife and daughter are gone.

a/n: we’re halfway through!! I’m sorry this part is shorter, but things are about to pick up!

warnings: swearing, blackmail, mention of murder, themes of conspiracy, canon typical violence.

note: I do not own the character Bucky Barnes or any other Marvel affiliated characters. Any and all characters are a work of fiction and any likeness to real persons is wholly unintentional.

You do not have permission to copy, translate, or repost my work; however, feel free to like, comment, and reblog.

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“What do you want me to do”

Morozov grins, pulls a paper out of a manila folder next to his laptop, and slides it across the table to you.

“This list contains the names of people who are keeping HYDRA from its full potential.

“Eliminate them.”

You cautiously pick up the paper Morozov slides to you, letting your eyes wander meticulously over the list of names presented. Your eyebrows shoot up in surprise as you read.

John Atkins, President of the United States of America

Elizabeth Fitzgerald, U.S. Secretary of Defense

Antonio Smith, U.S. Director of Homeland Security

Nick Fury, Director of SHIELD

Phil Coulson, SHIELD

Steve Rogers a.k.a. Captain America, Avenger

Your head begins to ache as you try to comprehend the names in front of you—the targets you’ve been given.

“You’re insane if you think I’m going to kill these people for you,” you say, bringing your attention back to the monster sat in front of you.

Morozov sighs dramatically.

“Again, Mrs. Barnes, I remind you HYDRA has eyes on your family. Each of our undercover operatives are trained snipers and combatants. Do you really think I’m bluffing when I say I’ll have your daughter killed? Your husband? Your friends?”

You purse your lips tightly.

“The names on that list belong to the people who consistently prevent HYDRA from realizing its mission. If I am to accomplish what our forefathers couldn’t, I need to eliminate any potential threats.”

“And what are you trying to accomplish?” You ask petulantly.

Morozov stands, letting his hands rest clasped together behind his back.

“I thought you’d never ask!” He sings out. “You see, eons ago, the ancient inhumans banished the all powerful inhuman HIVE to the planet Maveth. HYDRA has lost its way over the years, but our purpose is to bring HIVE back to Earth so that he may purify it.”

You scoff and Morozov glares at you.

“Steve Rogers, SHIELD, and the American government have foiled HYDRA’s attempts to bring HIVE back to Earth too many times. The HYDRA leaders who’ve come before me didn’t have the gall to eliminate such prominent leaders. That’s why I will be the one to bring HIVE home!”

“I reiterate, you’re insane,” you spit. You can hear the venom in your own voice.

“I reiterate,” Morozov mocks, “I will have everyone you love killed.”

Morozov presses a key on the laptop and a camera switches to whom you assume is one of the undercover HYDRA agents at the Compound. Morozov hits another button and speaks.

“Agent 0412, go to standby.”

You watch as the agent nods subtly before pulling out a gun, turning off the safety, and walking towards the Avengers living quarters. You suck in a breath. While you’ve been acutely aware that Morozov isn’t joking around, you hadn’t quite felt the weight of your own choices until this moment. You note that every choice you make will directly impact the next choice Morozov makes.

“Fine,” you concede. “Call him off and I’ll do it.”

Morozov grins before calling off the guard.

—

You’re sitting on a jet heading back towards the states. You wish you were headed home, but you choose to take some comfort in the fact that you’re at least leaving Siberia.

You check your gear, taking inventory of each gun and knife you have hidden in your suit and strapped to your body. Then, when you’re comfortable enough with your gear, you pull out a crumpled piece of paper that has the names of Morozov’s targets. You’ve chosen to move down the list so that you’ll start with President Atkins and end with Steve. You only hope you manage to break free from HYDRA before you actually have to kill anyone.

“Agent Barnes,” a gruff voice states, and you look up to meet the burly man speaking.

Ever since you formerly agreed to Morozov’s conditions of your family’s safety, you’d been treated more fairly and addressed more respectfully.

“Hmm?” You hum, having taken to speaking as little as possible.

“Hold out your arm, please,” the man says as he comes to kneel beside you where you’re sat. It’s then that you notice the metal case he holds.

Cautiously, you hold out your arm, and you watch as he pulls a large syringe out of the case. The man picks up a small device and loads it into the syringe. He then rolls up your tac suit sleeve and injects the device into your arm. You grimace. It hurts going in, and you can see a bulge in your arm.

“The fuck was that?” You ask incredulously.

“Your tracker,” the man responds dryly. “Dr. Frost asked me to remind you that you’ve nowhere to run. One move in the wrong direction and he orders the kill shot on your family.”

With that, the man leaves and you sit in silence for the rest of your flight towards DC.

»»———-———-———-———-———-———-———-««

ko-fi

»»———-———-———-———-———-———-———-««

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[starlightshadowsworld]

Bsd except Francis adopted Atsushi. It was originally for Fyodor's plans and his own to find the book.

But as time went on Francis grew to care for Atsushi as his son.

The day he fled with Atsushi and disbanded the Guild was the day Francis saw what Shibusawa was doing to Atsushi.

Atsushi spent the next years growing up in a modest cottage on the outskirts of Yokohama. It was sometimes lonely but his parents were always around and Atsushi loved them dearly.

Zelda was very protective over Atsushi. He was her sweet boy, her light in the darkness. She taught him how to play piano, how to map out stars.

Her darling daughter was everything to her and so is her dear son.

Francis adored him, he taught him how to shoot and self defence. He encouraged Atsushi's love of reading and always bought him a treat whenever they went out.

Both of them were concerned about Atsushi getting a job at the Agency. Especially after hearing how he met Dazai.

Money wasn't an issue of course but both agreed Atsushi couldn't stay inside with them forever. And he really wanted to join the Agency.

Learning about the Presidents ability definitely helped. Prior to that Atsushi spent full moons in a large old barn with his father nearby.

Things went okay for a while, Atsushi was happy and visted home often. Telling his parents about his friends and his adventures.

And while, they were concerned at times they were happy for him. That was until news Atsushi had a bounty came out and it was set by the Guild.

Now Atsushi knew about the Guild. Francis had told his son everything after they left. Even the original reason for his adoption, feeling nothing but guilt and remorse.

To his suprise Atsushi just hugged him and said he was glad because now he knew for sure his dad really cared about him. He hugged him back "I do, I always will."

So news his old organisation was trying to kidnapp his son angered Francis immensely. And hell hath no fury like Zelda Fitzgerald, Francis she was going to kill Fyodor herself.

What a woman.

Atsushi was terrified and his parents reassured him no one was going to dare take him from them.

Francis decides to meet with Fukuzawa, knowing the Agency are investigating this and wanting to help any way he can.

"Apologies, but given this concerns one of our members I'd prefer if everyone was present. Is that alright with you?" Asked Fukuzawa and Francis nodded, taking a seat.

"Of course, it's good to know my son has made such good friends."

"Wait this is about your son?" Asked Dazai making Kunikida sigh loudly. "Dazai, did you not listen to me earlier?!" Dazai grinned widely "nope."

Before Kunikida strangle him, Francis snorted and both turned their attention to him. "So you're Dazai, that definitely explains a lot. And you must be Kunikida."

He went and pointed out each member, correctly identifying them from his sons descriptions. And well, he'd met Kyouka a few times because Atsushi bought her over for dinner.

She waved at him and he waved back.

"And I leave the best for last, my dear boy Atsushi." Atsushi ducked his head "daaaaddd not infront of my friends." But they both knew he didn't mean it.

"Ohhh do you're Atsushi's father" Said Dazai as Kunikida facepalmed. "That I am and proud to be" Said Fitzgerald before becoming serious. "The organisation known as the Guild was one I lead for a number of years."

He told his story, how he went in search of a guide only to find a child. One that wormed his way into his heart and how he'd fled with him.

"I dont know Fyodor's plans, but whoevers running the Guild now is definitely working with him. His organisation is the Rats in the House of Dead."

Kunikida was writing this all down. "Does anyone in your previous organisation keep in contact with you?"

"There's Alcott, Poe as well." At that Ranpo looked up, curious. "That wouldn't happen to be acclaimed author, Edgar Allan Poe would it?"

Francis nodded, suprised he figured it out. "Friend of yours?" Ranpo smirked "something like that."

The meeting soon came to a close, everyone promising to keep Atsushi safe and Francis hugged him goodbye. "He's in good hands" Said Fukuzawa when it was just them.

Francis nodded "I know, I just..." He watches Atsushi smile and laugh with his friends. "I lost one child, I can't bare to lose another."

"And you won't" Said Fukuzawa, something about that made Francis believe him. "If you find the bastard know my wife has dibs on clubbing him in the head."

Fukuzawa chuckled "I'll remember that."

Elsewhere Atsushi shows his friends a picture of him and his parents.

"... So Atsushi are you in need of another father?" Asked Dazai with a smirk. Atsushi beat Kunikida to the punch and shook his mentor fiercely.

"Dazai if you ever ask my mum to commit double suicide with you. I will burn your signed copy of the complete guide to suicide."

"Ah! Not my darling, alright alright I won't."