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lifeisbutadream444 · 4 months ago

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Playing Games - Part 2

Aaron Pierre x Reader

Summary: After finally committing to a monogamous relationship, distance, fame, and the ever-watchful public eye put cracks in the foundation of what was once unshakable trust.

Warnings: toxic af, smut, angst

Aaron is in New York. You are in L.A. And for the first time since taking the leap into a monogamous relationship, you’re waking up alone.

You tell yourself it’s fine. That this is normal. That this is what happens when you date someone just as deep in the industry as you are. There will be press tours, there will be events, there will be distance. You both knew that. You both prepared for it.

But that doesn’t make it any easier.

Especially when your phone screen is flooded with images of him with her.

The first time you see it, you’re on set, tucked into your trailer between scenes. It’s innocent enough at first—a random post on Twitter with a grainy shot from a gala, Aaron seated next to her. You scroll down, trying not to care, but then the clearer pictures appear.

She’s whispering in his ear. He’s laughing. Their heads are close together, her hand resting lightly on his arm. Then, worse—posed photos. Beautiful, perfectly lit shots of them standing together, her hand resting lightly on his chest, his arm grazing her back. And then the Instagram post:

A night well spent with the one and only @AaronPierreOfficial. More to come.

More to come!?

Your stomach twists as you stare at the post, your thumb hovering over the screen. Your first instinct is to check his account—to see if he’s posted her too, to see if there’s anything, any indication that this is just PR, just networking, just a fucking coincidence.

Instead, you see something worse.

They’re following each other now.

You lock your phone and throw it across the trailer like if it burned you.

——————

For the next few days, you do everything in your power to ignore it. You tell yourself not to be that girl, the insecure one who starts a fight over social media when you know—deep down—you have nothing to worry about. Aaron has been nothing but perfect during his time in New York. Loyal. Devoted. He calls you when he can, always with a tired but eager voice, always telling you how much he misses you. He’s never out longer than he needs to be, only focused on work.

But he doesn’t mention her.

And then, a few nights later, it happens again.

Another event. Another flood of pictures. Another Instagram post—this time a carousel of professionally shot photos of them at a fashion show, laughing, posing, her head tilted toward him in a way that makes your blood boil.

This time, you don’t ignore it.

You see the post as you’re lying in bed, your script abandoned on your nightstand. The moment your eyes land on the images, your entire body stiffens.

Your phone is in your hands before you can talk yourself out of it, fingers already dialing before your pride can stop you.

Aaron picks up on the third ring, his voice warm but tired. “Hey, sweetheart.”

There’s a pause. A deep inhale.

Then—flatly, coldly—“So you and that bitch are a thing now? Thanks for letting me know.”

Aaron sighs. Actually sighs. Like this conversation was inconvenient.

“Oh, come on, babe, not you too.”

The sheer casualness of his voice makes your irritation flare. “Not me too? Are you fucking serious? I’ve been sitting here trying to be the perfect, understanding girlfriend while the internet is convinced you’re already replacing me!”

“You know that’s not true.”

“Do I?” Your voice wavers, and you hate it. “Do you have any idea what that’s like, Aaron? Watching someone else with their hands all over you while I have to sit here in silence, pretending it doesn’t bother me?”

Aaron exhales sharply. “You’re acting like I have control over this.”

“You do! You don’t have to pose with her, you don’t have to entertain whatever the fuck she’s trying to do. And you sure as hell don’t have to follow her on Instagram to give her even more validation. Why are you trying to stay in touch with her?”

There’s a pause. Then, voice lower—“I followed her back because I didn’t want to make things awkward at the event. That’s all.”

You laugh bitterly. “Oh, well, as long as she’s comfortable, who gives a fuck about me, right?”

Aaron groans. “Come on, don’t do that.”

“Don’t do what, Aaron? Have feelings? Be pissed that my boyfriend is being treated like some eligible bachelor while I have to sit here and keep my mouth shut?”

Aaron exhales sharply, the frustration clear in his voice. “I can’t believe we’re even having this conversation.”

You let out a bitter laugh, gripping your phone tighter. “Oh, you can’t believe it? Try sitting on my end, watching the whole world act like you’re single while I have to pretend none of it matters.”

“Pretending I’m single? You know that’s not true.”

“Then why does it look like it?” The words come out sharper than you intended, but you don’t care. “Do you have any idea how humiliating this is for me? Seeing you all over the internet with her—”

“Oh my God, we were just talking.” His voice rises, defensive, impatient. “Do you seriously think I’m fucking other women when I spend every minute of my free time with you?”

You hesitate, your chest tightening. “No.” Your voice is quieter now, but the anger hasn’t left. “But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt, Aaron. That doesn’t mean it’s not messing with my head.”

He lets out a humorless chuckle, and something about it makes your stomach drop. “You know, for someone who’s always saying she trusts me, you’re really fucking bad at showing it.”

Your pulse spikes, and before you can think, you snap, “And for someone who claims to love me, you’re really bad at acting like it.”

Silence. Thick, heavy, suffocating.

You can hear his breathing through the phone, hear the way he’s trying to rein himself in. But you don’t take it back.

Finally, his voice comes, low and tight. “I don’t have time for this.”

Your heart clenches, but you force yourself to match his tone. “Yeah, but you probably have time to fuck other bitches.”

And then, just like that before you can finish your sentence, he hangs up.

You stare at your phone, your pulse ringing in your ears, your chest aching in a way you haven’t felt in a long time.

For the first time since choosing him, you wonder if you made a mistake as you cry yourself to sleep.

———

You should stop looking. You know you should.

But the moment you wake up, the ache in your chest still fresh, you reach for your phone out of habit. And there it is. Everywhere.

A new interview with her.

The headline alone makes your stomach twist:

“Pop Star Dodges Question About Rumored Romance with Aaron Pierre – ‘We’ll See’”

Your heart pounds as you press play, the video loading instantly. She’s sitting on a talk show couch, all smiles, dressed in something sleek and effortless. The host leans in, grinning.

“So, I have to ask—you and Aaron Pierre. The internet is obsessed. Is there anything going on there?”

She laughs, tilting her head. “Aaron is such a gentleman.”

Your stomach churns.

The host pushes. “So, is he your man or what?”

She smirks. “I mean… we’ll see.”

Your blood runs cold.

We’ll see?!

Not a denial. Not a correction. Not even a casual “Oh, we’re just friends.” Just enough mystery to keep the speculation going, to keep the headlines spinning.

You lock your phone, your hands shaking.

But it’s not over. Because not even an hour later, another clip starts circulating.

This time, it’s Aaron.

A red carpet interview, all flashing lights and polished charm. The reporter brings her up, because of course they do.

“So, you and Sophia Saturn, is there any possibility for a romance”

Aaron huffs a small laugh, shaking his head. “Ah, man.”

Your chest tightens as the reporter pushes, eyes gleaming. “Come on, give us something. The people want to know.”

Aaron shifts, rubbing the back of his neck. “Look, we’re not together,”

Your shoulders sag slightly. Okay. That’s… good. That’s—

Then he shrugs, smiling a little. “But she’s cool, man. I’ve got a lot of respect for her.”

That’s it. That’s all he says.

Not a strong denial. Not a “No, I have a girlfriend.” Just vague enough to let the rumors keep going.

The interviewer grins. “So you’re saying there’s a chance?”

Aaron laughs. And you feel like you might actually throw up.

———

You don’t hear from him that night.

Or the next day.

You don’t text. You don’t call. You refuse to be the one to reach out first.

But the silence kills you.

You cry yourself to sleep again, torn between heartbreak and fury. Between wanting to believe in him and wondering if you’ve been an idiot this entire time. You feel like one.

———

The following night, you wake up to the sound of knocking.

At first, you think you’re dreaming, the dull thud thud thud blending with the haze of your half-conscious mind. But then it comes again, louder, more insistent.

Your heart lurches.

You stumble out of bed, barely processing, your body moving on instinct. You open the door—

And there he is.

Standing on your doorstep, hoodie pulled over his head, bags under his eyes, looking tired as fuck.

Your breath catches. “What are you—”

Then, voice low, hoarse, like he hasn’t slept, he murmurs, “I came back early.”

You scoff, crossing your arms over your chest. “Congratulations.”

Aaron sighs, running a hand down his face. “I needed to see you.”

You shake your head, your chest tightening. “Funny. You didn’t seem to need me when you were laughing about your maybe relationship with another woman on a red carpet.”

His brows furrow, jaw flexing. “It wasn’t like that.”

“Oh, really?” You let out a bitter laugh. “Because it looked like that.”

Aaron steps forward, voice more urgent now. “Baby—”

“Don’t call me that,” you bite out, your voice breaking slightly. “You don’t get to come here in the middle of the night and act like a few apologies will fix this.”

Aaron exhales harshly, raking a hand through his hair, frustration evident in the tension in his shoulders. “I fucked up, alright? I know that. But you’re blowing this out of proportion.”

Your head jerks back, something inside you snapping. “Out of proportion?” You let out a sharp, humorless laugh, rage searing through your veins. “You let the entire world think you were single, Aaron. You let her feed into it. You sat there laughing, smiling, making me look like a fucking idiot while you act thirsty as fuck over this bitch. And I’m blowing it out of proportion?”

Aaron clenches his jaw, shifting on his feet, but he doesn’t argue.

You take another step back, shaking your head. “You don’t even know how to be in a real relationship.”

His eyes darken, something unreadable flickering across his face. “That’s not fair.”

“Am I wrong?” Your voice wavers, but your anger doesn’t falter. “You’ve spent years doing whatever you wanted, being with whoever you wanted, never once worrying about how it affected someone else. That’s who you are, Aaron. You don’t think about anyone but yourself.”

His entire body tenses, his fingers curling into fists at his sides. “That’s not true.”

You scoff. “No? Then tell me—when did you think about me these past few days? Was it when you let some other woman act like she had a claim on you? Was it when you barely denied it? Or was it when you ignored me for two fucking days because you were too pissed to face what you did?”

Aaron’s nostrils flare, his frustration boiling over. “I didn’t ignore you because I didn’t care—I ignored you because I do! I knew if I called, we’d fight, and I’d say some stupid shit, and I—” He cuts himself off, exhaling harshly. “I knew I fucked up, okay? But I didn’t know how to fix it. And I needed time to think.”

You shake your head, a bitter laugh bubbling up. “Right. Because you needed time. And meanwhile, I got to sit here, spiraling, watching everyone talk about how you have a new girl, feeling fucking delusional for thinking I ever had you in the first place.”

Aaron flinches. His lips press into a thin line, his gaze flicking to the floor.

You step forward now, your fury rising like a tidal wave. “You don’t know how to consider someone else’s feelings before your own. I should’ve known better. I should’ve fucking known that I was just another woman you’d make feel special until it got inconvenient.”

His head snaps up, his eyes burning into yours. “That’s not what this is.”

“Then what is it?” Your voice cracks. “Because right now, it just feels like I’m another woman who thought she could change you.”

Aaron’s face hardens, his jaw ticking, but he doesn’t speak.

Tears sting your eyes, but you refuse to let them fall. Not in front of him. Not when he still can’t say what you need to hear.

You inhale shakily, taking another step back. “Just leave me alone, Aaron. You apparently don't have a problem with that.”

You reach for the door, pulling it open, your voice barely above a whisper. “Go home, please”

But he doesn’t move.

He stands there, staring at you, chest rising and falling unevenly, his jaw tight. His entire body radiates tension—like he’s forcing himself to stay still when every part of him is screaming to do the opposite.

“No,” he says, voice rough, unwavering.

You blink, anger flaring. “Aaron—”

“I’m not leaving.” His tone is low but firm, his blue-grey eyes dark with determination. “I’m not letting you push me away like this. Not after everything.”

Frustration bubbles in your chest, but there’s something else too—something warmer, deeper, something that makes your stomach clench. Because this is who he is. Stubborn, relentless, unwilling to let things break without fighting first. And even now, when you’re furious with him, when your heart is still aching, you can’t pretend that doesn’t mean something.

“Aaron,” you start again, voice shaking, “I told you, I don’t even want to see you right now.”

His gaze softens slightly, but the determination never wavers. “Then don’t look at me. Just listen.”

You exhale sharply, gripping the edge of the door, fingers digging into the wood. “I’ve been listening to you for days, Aaron. Listening to you not deny her hard enough, listening to you brush everything off like it’s not a big deal, listening to nothing from you when I needed to hear from you the most.”

His expression tightens, like every word is a punch to the gut. “I know I handled it wrong. I know I should’ve done more, said more, made it clearer—”

“Then why didn’t you?” The words burst out of you, raw and desperate. “Why didn’t you just say what you needed to say when it mattered?”

Aaron steps closer, closing the space between you, his presence overwhelming. “Because I’ve never done this before,” he admits, his voice quieter now, rough with something vulnerable. “I’ve never had to think about how my actions affect someone else. Never had to protect something real like this.” He exhales, eyes searching yours. “But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to.”

Your breath hitches.

Aaron shakes his head, jaw clenching. “I don’t know how to be perfect in this, but I do know I love you. I know I can’t fucking breathe knowing you’re sitting here thinking I don’t care, thinking I’d risk losing you for a goddamn headline.” His fingers twitch at his sides, like he’s resisting the urge to reach for you. “And I know I’m not leaving until you believe me.”

Tears prick at your eyes, but you blink them away, your walls still up, still guarded.

“I came back early for a reason. I came straight here for a reason. Because if I wanted to take the easy way out, I would’ve. But I’m standing here because I don’t want easy. I want you.”

You swallow hard, your breath uneven. “I don’t know if that’s enough, Aaron.”

His jaw tightens, his hands balling into fists. “Then tell me what is enough. Tell me what I have to do, and I’ll fucking do it. I don’t care what it takes, I don’t care how long it takes. If you need me to shout it from the rooftops, I will. If you need me to cut off every single woman in my life, consider it done. Just tell me what you need.”

Your throat tightens, because this is what you wanted, isn’t it? For him to fight for you. To prove that this is different. That he’s different.

And God, you believe him.

But you’re still hurting.

You look away, exhaling shakily. “I think I just need some space.”

“Sweetheart,” he murmurs, stepping closer, his voice dropping to that low, rich tone that always turns your brain to static.

Your pulse stutters. “Aaron—”

“You want space?” His fingers graze your hip, just barely, the contact so light it makes you shiver. “Then why haven’t you stepped away?”

You should. You should push him off, make him suffer, make him work for the privilege of touching you.

But you don’t move.

Aaron smirks, like he knows, like he’s already won. He leans in, his breath warm against your skin, lips hovering just above your ear. "You missed me," he whispers, his voice so deep and smooth it nearly undoes you. His nose skims along your jaw, slow, teasing. "Just admit it, sweetheart. You missed me, so now you’re acting out."

Your breath hitches. "I—"

But then his hands are on you—gripping your waist, tugging you against him, stealing the breath from your lungs.

Whatever argument you were about to make dissolves into a shaky exhale.

Aaron hums, his lips brushing the shell of your ear. "That’s what I thought."

You want to fight him, want to hold onto the anger that still simmers inside you. But then his lips find your neck—slow, deliberate—his hands sliding down to grab your ass.

"I can make you forget all of this," he murmurs, voice thick with promise. Then, his grip tightens, his breath hot against your ear. "You can be as mad as you want, baby," he rasps, his voice low, rough with hunger. "You can hate me, curse me, swear you’re done��but we both know you’ll still end up right here."

His fingers dig into your hips, owning you. "Because no one makes you feel the way I do. No one ever will."

Your stomach clenches, heat pooling low in your body. “Aaron…”

“Shh,” he soothes, kissing his way down to your collarbone, his hands gripping your hips tighter, grounding you. “Let me make it up to you, baby.”

And then he lifts you effortlessly, his soft, thick lips crashing onto yours, stealing every last bit of resistance you thought you had.

You should make him earn you, make him wonder—just for once—if you’ll ever let him have you again.

But as he presses you against the door, his tongue sliding against yours, his body solid and hot against you—you don’t want to.

You’ve always been powerless against him. And he knows it.

He groans into the kiss, one hand tangling in your hair, the other gripping your thigh tightly as he holds you pinned against the door. He pours all his regret, all his love, into the heated caress of his lips and tongue against yours.

“Mmm, you taste even better than I remembered, he murmurs huskily as he breaks the kiss, trailing his lips along your jaw and down the column of your throat. “I missed you so fucking much, baby. Missed this. Missed you.”

He nips at your pulse point, soothing the sting with his tongue before suckling hard, intent on leaving his mark on your skin. His hips grind against yours, letting you feel the evidence of his arousal.

“Tell me you missed me too, sweetheart. Tell me you forgive me.”

You whimper and arch into his touch, your hands fist in his shirt, torn between pushing him away and pulling him closer. “I... I did miss you. So much.”

He captures your mouth in another searing kiss, “Fuck, baby, I needed to hear that. Needed to feel you.”

His hands roam your curves greedily, mapping out every dip and swell he's missed so desperately.

“I'm sorry, sweetheart. So fucking sorry for hurting you, for making you doubt me. You're the only one I want, the only one I need.”

He starts walking you backwards towards the bedroom, never breaking the kiss, his body hard and insistent against yours.

Breathless and dizzy with need, you let him guide you, stumbling into your bedroom.

He lays you down on the bed, covering your body with his own, pinning you with his weight. He gazes down at you with dark, hungry eyes, a wicked smirk playing at the corners of his mouth.

He slowly puts his hand down your silk pajama shorts, your slick heat coating his fingers as he teases your sensitive bud, groaning approvingly. “Damn, baby. You're fucking dripping for me already.”

He circles your clit slowly, deliberately, reveling in the needy whimpers spilling from your lips. “Was my greedy girl imagining me touching someone else? Wondering if I’d touch her like I touch you, make her beg the way you beg?”

Aaron hums, pressing a slow, teasing kiss to your throat. "You know better, sweetheart. No one else ever comes close. Even when you try to push me away."

Aaron's fingers continue their maddeningly slow circles around your clit, stoking the fire building low in your belly. He chuckles darkly at your needy whimpers, clearly enjoying the effect he has on you.

"No, baby girl. You're the only one who gets to experience this," he purrs, punctuating his words with a particularly firm press against your sensitive bundle of nerves.

"The only one who gets to scream my name in ecstasy." His other hand slides down to grip your hip, holding you in place as he sinks two long fingers knuckle-deep inside your dripping heat, pumping them steadily.

"Aaron!" you gasp, hips bucking involuntarily into his touch. He just smirks, knowing exactly what he's doing to you.

"That's it, sweetheart. Let me hear you." He purrs as he curls his fingers just right, hitting that special spot inside you that makes stars explode behind your eyelids.

"Please, I need…I need…" you babble incoherently, too far gone to form proper sentences. All you can focus on is the exquisite torture of your fingers and the overwhelming ache between your thighs.

Aaron groans at the desperate, needy sounds falling from your lips, his own arousal skyrocketing at the evidence of your desire. He loves reducing you to this state - pliant, wanton, completely at his mercy.

"What do you need, baby? Tell me," he coaxes, voice a low, seductive rasp. His fingers never cease their torturous movements,. He returns to circling and pressing and rubbing your clit until you're a writhing mess beneath him.

Aaron dips his head to capture one pebbled nipple in his mouth, sucking hard as he laves the sensitive bud with his tongue. His teeth graze the tender flesh, sending shockwaves of pleasure-pain straight to your core.

"I've got you, sweetheart. Gonna give you everything you need," he promises darkly, releasing your nipple with a wet pop.

"Please Aaron, I can't take it anymore. I need you inside me." You're practically sobbing with need, too far gone to care how desperate you sound. All you can think about is having him buried deep inside you, claiming you, owning you in the most primal way possible.

Aaron's eyes darken with primal hunger at your desperate pleas, a feral grin spreading across his face. He finally removes his clothes, settling between your trembling thighs.

"Such a perfect little slut." he groans, voice rough with barely restrained desire.

With a powerful thrust of his hips, Aaron sheathes himself fully inside you, stretching you deliciously around his thick length. He hilts inside you, grinding his pelvis against your sensitive clit.

"Ahhh, shit! So fucking tight," he grits out, fighting the urge to move.

You moan loudly, your walls clenching greedily around his thickness. "Yes, yes, please! Fuck me hard!" Lost in a haze of lust, you wrap your legs tightly around his waist, heels digging into the small of his back to urge him deeper.

Aaron sets a punishing pace, hips snapping against yours with bruising force as he pounds into your welcoming heat. The obscene slap of skin on skin fills the room, mingling with your wanton moans and his guttural grunts of pleasure.

"Yes, fuck! Take it, baby." he snarls, angling his hips to hit that special spot inside you with each deep thrust. Each powerful thrust sends shockwaves of pleasure radiating through your entire body.

"This pussy belongs to me, understand? No one else gets to have you like this." One large hand grips your hip hard enough to bruise, holding you in place as he rails you relentlessly. The other tangles in your hair, tugging your head back to expose the column of your throat. Aaron latches onto the sensitive skin, sucking a vivid hickey into the flesh - marking you as his.

"Yes, all yours! Only yours, always!" You babble deliriously, too consumed by sensation to filter your words. You can feel your release barreling towards you like a freight train, your inner walls starting to flutter and clench around his pistoning cock.

"Please Aaron, I'm so close! Don't stop!" You keen desperately, your hips meeting his thrust for thrust.

Aaron feels your walls starting to quiver and squeeze around his shaft, signaling your impending orgasm. He wraps his hand around your throat, applying just enough pressure to heighten your pleasure while still allowing you to breathe.

"That's it, baby. Come for me." he commands huskily, his hips never faltering in their relentless rhythm.

He leans down to capture your lips in a searing kiss, swallowing your desperate cries as he drives into you with renewed vigor. The hand on your hip slides around to rub tight circles on your clit, pushing you closer to the edge.

"I've got you, sweetheart. Let go for me,." Aaron murmurs against your lips, his own release coiling tighter in his gut.

With a keening cry, your body convulses in ecstasy as the most intense orgasm of your life crashes over you. Your vision whites out momentarily, waves of pure bliss radiating from your core. Your walls clamp down on Aaron's cock like a vice, rippling and squeezing as you come undone.

"AAARON!!" you wail, not caring who hears your rapture. In this moment, nothing exists except the feeling of him moving inside you, prolonging your high. Tears of relief and overwhelming emotion leak from the corners of your eyes.

Aaron groans long and low as your velvet walls spasm around his cock, milking him expertly. The feeling of you coming apart beneath him, crying out his name so beautifully, proves to be his undoing.

"Shit, I'm gonna... Ahh, fuck!" His words dissolve into a guttural moan as his orgasm slams into him like a tidal wave.Aaron buries himself as deep as physically possible, grinding against your cervix as he empties himself inside you. Thick ropes of his hot seed paint your insides, marking you as his from the inside out.

He collapses on top of you, careful not to crush you with his weight. Panting heavily, he peppers your face with soft kisses - your forehead, your cheeks, the corners of your mouth. "God, I love you."

Aaron rolls to the side, pulling you with him so you're draped across his sweat-slicked chest. He cards his fingers through your hair soothingly as you both catch your breath, basking in the afterglow.

"That was... incredible," he murmurs, pressing a tender kiss to the top of your head. "You're amazing, you know that?" His hand traces idle patterns on your back, occasionally dipping lower to squeeze the curve of your ass possessively. Even in the aftermath, he seems reluctant to let you go.

You nuzzle into his chest, relishing the strong arms wrapped around you and the steady thrum of his heartbeat beneath your ear. A contented sigh escapes your lips as you savor the feeling of his skin against yours after being apart for so long.

"I love you too," you murmur softly, placing a feather-light kiss over his heart.

The air in the room is thick, warm, humming with the remnants of everything he just did to you—everything you let him do despite your best intentions to stay angry.

You groan softly, tilting your head against the pillow as his lips trail up to your neck, slow and teasing. “You’re annoying as fuck.”

Aaron chuckles, low and satisfied, his fingers tracing idle patterns against your bare skin. “Mmm, is that what we’re calling it now?”

You roll your eyes, still dazed, still trying to regain some semblance of composure after the way he wrecked you. “You think this fixes everything?”

He hums, his mouth grazing the shell of your ear. “No. But it definitely helped, didn’t it?”

You exhale sharply, biting your lip to keep from smiling. He knows it did. But you refuse to let him get away with everything so easily.

After a pause, you shift slightly beneath him, your fingers trailing up his spine as you murmur, “I’m starting to think you like making me jealous on purpose.”

Aaron chuckles, his thumb tracing a slow, lazy line along your hip. “I like reminding you that no matter how mad you get…” He leans in, lips grazing the shell of your ear. “You’re still mine.”

A sharp shudder runs through you, your body betraying you as you press into him without thinking.

Aaron hums, satisfied. “See?” His breath is warm against your skin, his fingers slipping beneath the hem of your shirt, fingertips brushing over your bare waist. “All that anger, all that fire—burning just for me.”

You hate how easily he unravels you, how he can read every little reaction like he wrote the script for you.

Your breath is unsteady, your nails digging into his chest. “You’re insufferable.”

Aaron grins. “And yet,” he whispers, lazily pressing a kiss to your jaw, “here you are.”

You should stop this. Make him beg for forgiveness. Make him pay for how easily he plays you.

But then his teeth scrape along your pulse point, his hands sliding up your ribs, his body pressing even closer—

And just like every time before—

You lose.

#aaron pierre #aaron pierre fanfic #aaron pierre x black reader #terry richmond x black oc #terry richmond smut #terry richmond fic #aaron pierre smut #aaron pierre x reader

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cantfindadecentalias · 8 months ago

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"Breaking News"

It started with a slight flicker, so small that no one would notice it unless they were looking. But no one ever did. Every night at Global Network News, the broadcast would open with the same polished professionalism: smiling anchors, the gleam of expensive sets, the hum of urgent, breaking news. The faces behind the desk—bright, engaging women—delivered the day’s events with poised clarity. No one in the audience could have guessed that they weren’t in control of their own words anymore.

Alison McNeil, the blonde lead anchor, had been with GNN for over a decade. Her presence commanded attention; she had the charisma of someone who could hold a room in silence without saying a word. But lately, there had been whispers behind the scenes. Production assistants noticed her demeanor changing, almost imperceptibly at first. She had always been fierce in her editorial decisions, pushing back against sensationalism and refusing to be a puppet for corporate interests. But now? Now she simply nodded, smiled, and read the prompter without protest, no matter the message. It was as if something had switched off inside her.

It wasn’t just Alison. The entire newsroom had felt it. Reporters and anchors who once brought fire to the stories they pursued seemed to be drifting, detached, smiling when they shouldn’t, eyes distant. The network’s top journalists were women—strong, brilliant, and independent. But now, they seemed unnervingly... compliant.

Katie, a junior reporter, had noticed it too. She hadn’t been in the industry long, but something felt off. It wasn’t the stories themselves—those were still hard-hitting, still leading the ratings—but there was a slickness now, a subtle, glossy uniformity to the way the news was being reported. The sharp edges had been softened. The passion, the unpredictability, had dulled. The anchors all had the same soft, unwavering tone. The same fixed, unblinking smiles.

The change had come a few months ago when the network had undergone a mysterious rebranding. New ownership, they said. New technology in the control rooms, new state-of-the-art equipment. They’d even revamped the prompter system—smoother, faster, easier for the talent to read. The female anchors were at the heart of this relaunch, their faces now featured on billboards across the city. The audience grew. Viewership skyrocketed. But beneath the surface, something far darker was at play.

Katie had stayed late one night, prepping for an early morning segment, when she heard the strange hum. It came from the tech room—a low, droning sound, rhythmic and almost hypnotic. Curiosity piqued, she slipped down the hall, pushing open the door just a crack. Inside, she saw a series of monitors. On one screen, the image of Alison McNeil's face, perfectly still, was framed in eerie green light. Her lips were slightly parted, her eyes glazed over. Behind her, a technician was muttering commands into a small microphone.

Katie's heart raced. She watched in disbelief as the technician, a young man she'd never seen before, adjusted the audio levels. "Alison, repeat after me: You will follow the script exactly. You will smile. You will deliver the news. You will not question the narrative."

Alison's lips moved mechanically, repeating the words in an empty, monotone voice. The control room was bathed in the soft glow of technology—sleek machines, humming, sending their signals to the anchors’ earpieces during every live broadcast. The voices they heard in their heads weren’t just instructions for the next segment—they were commands. Subtle, undeniable, and inescapable.

Katie pulled back from the door, her breath shallow. She had heard rumors—whispers about the rebranding, the new technology. The anchors' sudden shift in behavior. And now, it was clear. They weren’t just reporting the news anymore. They were being controlled, their minds rewritten with every segment, reshaping how they thought, how they spoke, how they obeyed.

The next morning, Katie watched as Alison took her place behind the desk. Her eyes were bright, her smile warm, but there was nothing behind it. Her voice was smooth, confident, as she delivered the day’s top headlines. But Katie could see it now—the stiffness, the slight delay before Alison spoke, as if waiting for a cue only she could hear. The same unsettling calm had spread across the newsroom, affecting every woman behind the camera and in front of it.

And the viewers? They adored it. Ratings had never been higher. No one questioned the sudden uniformity, the flawless broadcasts, the way each story seemed to fit into a seamless narrative.

GNN had become more than a network. It was now a tool, a finely tuned machine, shaping not just the news, but the minds of those who watched—and those who delivered it. The anchors were no longer just the face of the broadcast. They were the voice of the system, speaking not from their hearts, but from the unseen hands that controlled them.

Katie knew she had to act quickly. But the more she looked, the more she realized how far the influence reached. GNN wasn’t just a newsroom anymore; it was something much more powerful. Something unstoppable.

As Alison smiled into the camera and wrapped up her segment, Katie couldn’t help but wonder how long it would be before she, too, fell under its spell. In a rising panic she fled the studio and ran for the safety of the green room hoping not to draw any attention to herself…

----

An amount of time had passed and Katie sat in the room hiding behind one of the sofas. Her mind was still reeling from all that she had witnessed and she tried so hard to rationalize it all away. The implications of what she had just seen. Alison McNeil, the most respected anchor in the business was being controlled. She kept seeing the lips of her esteemed colleague repeating the script with a blank, almost robotic expression on her face.

Then suddenly the door to the room creaked slowly open. She could tell without looking that whomever had entered the room had done so deliberately, and stealthily. Katie’s heart pounded as she tried to make herself smaller, and not to let out a yelp.

“Katie?” Alison’s voice called softly from behind her.

Katie froze. Her blood ran cold as she appeared slowly from behind the couch, her eyes locking with Alison’s. The older woman stood in the doorway, her usually warm expression unsettlingly vacant. The smile was there, but it didn’t reach her eyes. They were glassy, almost hollow, and behind them, Katie could sense something darker at work.

“Katie,” Alison said again, her voice impossibly calm. “What are you doing in here?”

“I, uh…” Katie stammered, trying to find the words. “I was just finishing up work, I—"

Before she could finish, Alison took a step forward into the room, closing the distance between them with eerie precision. Katie instinctively backed up, but almost fell back over the couch. Alison’s movements were unnaturally smooth, her smile unwavering, and the kind of serene expression that should have been reassuring was now sending a chill down Katie’s spine.

“You weren’t… eavesdropping, were you?” Alison asked, her tone as sweet as honey, but with an underlying menace that Katie couldn’t ignore.

“N-No, I was just—”

Alison tilted her head, her eyes narrowing slightly, as though she could see right through the lie. “Katie, we’re all part of the same team here, right? We look out for each other.”

Katie’s throat went dry. She nodded numbly, trying to gauge her options. She could make a run for it, but Alison was too close, and something told her that the older woman wouldn’t let her go that easily.

Suddenly, Alison’s hand moved. Katie flinched as she reached into her pocket, but instead of pulling out a phone or some other device, Alison calmly held up a pair of small, wireless headphones.

“You look confused, Katie,” Alison said, her smile widening just a fraction. “Why don’t you let me help you understand?”

Katie’s eyes flicked to the headphones and then back to Alison’s face. Her heart skipped a beat. She had seen what they were doing to Alison in that room—how they used technology to manipulate her, control her thoughts. And now, Alison was trying to do the same to her.

“No, I’m fine,” Katie said, her voice shaky as tried to maneuver around her and head for the door. “Really, maybe I’m just going to head home.”

But Alison’s hand shot out with startling speed, grabbing her wrist with a firm grip. Her smile didn’t waver, but her eyes flashed with something that sent a wave of terror through Katie.

“Let me help you, Katie,” Alison whispered, her voice impossibly soothing, almost like a lullaby. “You’ll feel so much better once you stop worrying. Just… listen.”

Before Katie could react, Alison pressed the headphones into her hand, forcing her to hold them. Her grip was surprisingly strong, and Katie felt a sinking dread in her chest as she realized she might not have a choice.

“Katie,” Alison’s voice softened even more, dripping with a hypnotic cadence. “All you have to do is put them on. Just for a moment. You’re stressed, I can see it in your eyes. Don’t you want to know the truth? Don’t you want all that confusion to melt away?”

Katie tried to pull her hand back, but Alison’s grip was like iron. The headphones felt heavy in her palm, almost pulsing with the promise of something terrible. She opened her mouth to protest, but Alison’s other hand was already at the back of her neck, gently guiding her closer.

“It’s okay,” Alison cooed, her breath warm against Katie’s ear. “You’re safe with me. Just… let go.”

Katie’s pulse raced, panic rising in her throat. She had to get out. She had to resist. But Alison’s touch was so… calming. It shouldn’t have been, but it was. The older woman’s thumb brushed the back of her neck with a feather-light touch, and Katie felt her muscles involuntarily relax. Her thoughts, once frantic, began to slow, like her mind was being wrapped in a soft blanket.

Alison brought Katie’s hand, still clutching the headphones, up to her ears. “Just listen, Katie. Trust me.”

“No…” Katie whispered weakly, her resistance crumbling as Alison’s voice sank deeper into her thoughts.

Without realizing it, Katie had brought the headphones up to her ears, her fingers trembling. Alison’s eyes softened, her smile warm and encouraging now, as if Katie were a child being comforted.

“Good girl,” Alison whispered. “Now… just let go.”

Katie’s hands moved on their own, sliding the headphones over her ears. The moment they slipped into place, she felt a subtle hum, like a vibration deep inside her mind. It was barely noticeable at first—a soft, rhythmic pulse. But then, a gentle voice came through, low and soothing, weaving into her thoughts.

Relax, Katie… You’re safe… You’re home.

Katie’s vision blurred slightly as the words melted into her consciousness, her eyelids growing heavier. Her heart slowed, her breathing evened out. The voice in her ears was everything now, smooth and inviting, easing her mind into a quiet fog. Alison’s hand remained at the back of her neck, guiding her deeper into the trance.

“You feel it, don’t you?” Alison whispered, her voice barely audible now. “The calm. The peace. No more questions, no more worries.”

Katie’s body sagged, her will slipping away like sand through her fingers. The voice in her ears was the only thing that mattered now, each word wrapping her in a blanket of soft, obedient surrender.

You will listen… You will obey.

Alison’s hand gently stroked the back of Katie’s head, reinforcing the rhythm of the words in her ears.

“You’ll be like us now,” Alison said softly, her voice tender. “You’ll understand soon. This is where you belong, Katie. You’ll help spread the truth… just like I do.”

Katie barely registered Alison’s words, her mind sinking deeper into the warm, pulsing sound in her ears. The last vestiges of her resistance faded, replaced by a deep, overwhelming need to listen. To obey.

The voice whispered one last command, and Katie felt herself nodding in agreement, a soft, blank smile forming on her lips.

Alison smiled, satisfied, as she stepped back and released Katie. “Welcome to the team, Katie. You’re going to love it here.”

#hypnotised #mindless #brainwashed #hypnok1nk #mind control #hypnotized #brainwashing #mindcontrol

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waitforyrlove · 7 months ago

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˙ . ꒷ introducing personal trainer ! drew . 𖦹˙—

meeting personal trainer ! drew for the first time.

he was everything, the kind of face you only see on screens, plastered across the internet, his name etched in the credits of blockbuster movies. He was untouchable, a admiration you could only admire from afar. But then, like a joke, the universe aligned in the strangest way. Through some twist of fate—or your mom’s ability to network with his mom—Drew wasn’t just a distant person anymore. He was here, in your orbit, as a personal trainer assigned to you.

it was the kind of collision that could split universes.

you arrived at the gym, your heart thudding like a bad drum solo, the weight of it all pressing heavier than anything. The place was nearly empty, a quiet stage set for an encounter that felt both surreal and terrifying. He wasn’t just the guy from your screen anymore, he was in flesh and bone, waiting for you in a space where every little thing could happen.

you gripped the door handle and paused. This wasn’t just a meeting. This was like stepping into a parallel universe.

you stepped inside, the cool air of the gym hitting your face like reality itself. The place smelled of fresh rubber mats and faintly of sweat—you scanned the space, your breath catching when you spotted him.

he wasn’t posing for a camera or performing. He was leaning casually against a weight rack, scrolling through his phone, his jawline sharp enough to cut through your nerves. His hair was tousled in that effortlessly perfect way. He looked up as you entered, his face breaking into a smile that made him seem… normal, almost.

“You must be my new client,” he said, his voice warm and inviting. Not rehearsed. Not scripted. Just real.

you nodded, suddenly hyper-aware of every move you made. Did your gym clothes look okay? Were your sneakers too scuffed? Could he tell you’d Googled him for hours last night, trying to prepare yourself for this moment?

“Don’t be nervous,” he added, as if reading your mind. “Everyone starts somewhere.” He motioned for you to join him, his tone as casual as if you were old friends meeting up instead of a star and some random gym-goer linked by their moms’ ability to link.

you walked over, still trying to believe this was happening. He picked up a clipboard and scanned it like he’d done this a hundred times before, but you couldn’t help wondering what was going through his mind. Was this just another gig for him? A break from the spotlight? Or did he see this as a chance to be… normal, even for a moment?

“All right,” he said, looking up at you with a grin. “Let’s start with something easy. How’s your stamina?”

you almost laughed out loud at the question. Not great, you wanted to say, considering it had taken all your emotional reserves just to show up today. But instead, you nodded and stammered, “It’s… okay, I guess.”

Drew’s grin widened, and he grabbed a pair of light dumbbells. “Let’s warm up. And don’t worry, you’re in good hands.”

you didn’t know if it was the charisma, the absurdity of the situation, or the way he spoke like he actually believed it, but for the first time, you let yourself relax. Maybe, just maybe, this collision of worlds wasn’t as terrifying as you thought.

the warm-up was harmless enough—light weights, stretches, and a jog on the treadmill that had your legs feeling slightly wobbly. he kept it professional, guiding you with the calm authority of someone who knew exactly what he was doing. Still, every time he brushed past or adjusted your form, you felt like a live wire, your body hyperaware of his presence.

the came the squats.

“Okay,” Drew said, grabbing a barbell and loading it with what looked like a manageable amount of weight. “Squats are all about form. It’s not about how much you can lift—it’s about doing it right. Otherwise, you’re asking for an injury.” He turned to you, his smile teasing. “And trust me, I’m not letting that happen, yeah?”

you nodded, trying to focus on his words rather than the way his fitted shirt clung to his chest, his abs more predominant than ever. He positioned you in front of the squat rack, stepping closer than before. “I’m going to check your form,” he said, his voice low and deliberate, “so don’t freak out if I adjust you a bit.”

your pulse quickened as you slid under the barbell, your hands gripping the cool steel. You tried to focus on the instructions—feet shoulder-width apart, core engaged—but it was impossible with Drew standing so close, his presence magnetic.

you lowered into the first squat, your movements stiff and uncertain. “Not bad,” he mutters, his voice warm. “But you’re leaning forward a bit too much. Here.” He stepped behind you, his hands lightly grazing your hips. The contact sent a jolt up your spine.

“Relax,” he said softly, his tone soothing. “i’m just helping you align.” His hands guided your hips back slightly, his fingertips firm but careful. He was so close now that you could feel the heat radiating off him, his breath brushing the back of your neck as he spoke. “Imagine you’re sitting down in a chair—hips back, chest up. Got it?”

“Y-yeah,” you stammered, your voice barely above a whisper. You dropped into another squat, this time following his adjustments. His hands lingered for a moment, steadying you, and you swore you felt his thumbs press slightly as if to reassure you.

“Perfect,” he whispers, his voice dipping just enough to make your stomach flip. “you’ve got it now.”

you straightened, trying to calm the pounding in your chest, but he wasn’t done. “Let’s do a few more reps,” he said, stepping even closer. “and I’ll spot you to make sure you stay balanced.

you swallowed hard and lowered again, the weight pressing down on your shoulders. This time, Drew’s hands hovered near your waist, ready to catch you if you wobbled. His voice was steady, guiding you through each movement. “Nice, controlled. That’s it.”

with each rep, the air between you seemed to grow heavier, charged with something unspoken. On the last squat, your legs trembled slightly, and Drew’s hands quickly caught your waist, steadying you before you could stumble.

“Hey, I’ve got you,” he said, his voice close to your ear now. His grip was firm, his fingers pressing against your sides just enough to ground you. For a second, you were aware of everything—his strength, his scent, the way his body seemed to align perfectly with yours.

you straightened up, the barbell returning to the rack with a loud clang. Drew stepped back, giving you space, but the look in his eyes lingered—a flicker of something that wasn’t entirely professional.

“Nice work,” he said, his smile back, though his voice carried an edge of something deeper. “you’re a quick learner.”

you tried to play it cool, wiping your palms on your leggings, but your heart was still racing. Maybe it was just the workout. Or maybe… it wasn’t.

his words hung in the air, laced with that playful undertone that made it impossible to ignore the tension building between you. He stepped forward again, just enough to breach your personal space, as if testing an invisible boundary. His eyes searched yours, a glint of mischief sparking behind them.

“I bet I can push you just a little more.”

your breath hitched, was he still talking about training?

before you could answer, Drew reached past you, his arm brushing yours as he adjusted the barbell on the rack. His proximity sent a shiver down your spine. “How about we finish with one more set?” he suggested, his voice dropping an octave. “This time, we’ll add a little more weight. You up for the challenge?”

“I… think so,” you managed, though your voice came out shakier than you’d intended.

“Good,” he said, stepping back with a sly smile. “But we’re doing this together.”

your brows furrowed. “Together?”

he nodded, already removing his hoodie to reveal a snug tank top that clung to his toned frame. “A little extra motivation goes a long way.” He gestured for you to get into position under the bar. As you did, he stepped behind you once more, closer than before.

“This time,” he murmured, his voice low and intimate, “i’ll hold the bar with you. Don’t worry—I’ll take some of the weight if it gets too much.”

your heart was hammering in your chest as you slid your hands back onto the bar. You felt his hands move next to yours, his grip firm and steady. His body was so close now that you could feel the warmth radiating off him, his chest just barely brushing your back.

“Ready?” he asked, his tone making the word feel loaded.

“Yeah,” you whispered, though it came out more like a breath.

“Good,” he said, leaning closer, his breath grazing the shell of your ear. “now let’s make this count.”

as you lowered into the squat, Drew followed, his body moving in perfect sync with yours. His hands remained firm on the bar, but you couldn’t ignore the way his chest seemed to align perfectly with your back, his presence both steadying and electric.

“That’s it,” he said, his voice smooth and encouraging. “keep your core tight. I’ve got you.”

when you rose, your legs trembling slightly under the weight, Drew didn’t let go. Instead, his hands shifted subtly, his fingers grazing yours. “You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for,” he murmured, his tone carrying a hint of something more than just encouragement.

you glanced back over your shoulder, catching the flicker of heat in his gaze. For a moment, the gym seemed to fade away, the sounds of clanging weights and distant music muted by the intensity of the moment.

“You okay?” Drew asked, his lips curving into a smirk that was equal parts concern and challenge.

“Yeah,” you said, your voice a little steadier now. “Let’s do one more.”

his grin widened, his eyes never leaving yours as he leaned in just a fraction closer. “That’s what I like to hear.”

you weren’t sure whether it was the workout, the proximity, or the way his voice seemed to wrap around you like a promise, but as you lowered into that final squat, you knew one thing for sure—Drew wasn’t just pushing your limits in the gym. He was blurring the line between professional and something far more dangerous.

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ryanguzmansource · 9 months ago

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September 27, 2024

Ryan Guzman is currently filming his next thriller: Midnight and, in his talk with Xmag, he takes a tour of his professional career. Despite his current international projection as an actor, Ryan Guzman did not plan to dedicate himself to acting at first. The American actor and model began to get interested in mixed martial arts when he was only seven years old and, after winning his first black belt when he was ten, he was a mixed martial arts fighter in Sacramento until 2010. A shoulder injury prevented him from continuing with his dream and he redirected his career working as a model in various magazines and brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Affliction and Reebok. Everything completely changed when he got his first starring role in Step Up: Revolution. “It changed the direction of my life. It was as if I was launching myself into a world that I had only seen in the distance.” The dance franchise was an international success and Ryan tells us about the process he followed for the films, which, according to him, has always been the same over the years. “I try hard at something new without fear of failure. I do it this way because I know that I can fail at the beginning of anything I try. The goal is to learn from my failures and be open to new ideas when it comes to acquiring and perfecting a skill.”

His career as an actor continued in 2015 with the psychological thriller The Boy Next Door, which as Ryan explains, gave him "an invaluable perspective on the business side of the entertainment industry.” In the film, he shared the limelight with Jennifer Lopez and Ryan tells us about his experience working on the film and what it was like working with her. "Jennifer's life is something that most people won't be able to comprehend because it involves A LOT. She's a superstar. He has a million things going on at the same time. I had a great time collaborating with her and the director, Rob. They both made me feel very comfortable. It was so much fun playing the bad boy!” From a psychological drama about a woman who falls in love with her younger neighbor, Ryan jumped to play Eddie Diaz in the police drama series 9-1-1, which tells the story of a Los Angeles rescue group willing to attend to any emergency. The series underwent a big change after its transition from the FOX network to ABC and Ryan explains how that has affected his character. "Eddie's character has evolved a lot since his introduction into the 9-1-1 universe. As in any great evolution, destruction must occur in order to rebuild something new. The transition from FOX to ABC came at a perfect time for my character and I was able to represent that evolution through destruction just before another defining event in Eddie's life. Season eight is about Eddie making peace with his demons and finding self-love.” Being a series that deals with extreme and challenging situations, Ryan describes how he prepared physically and psychologically for those moments. "Empathy is the key. I draw from what I've experienced and my understanding of it; then I use the truth of those encounters to connect with the character. As for my physical fitness, I keep practicing martial arts." Recently, one of his latest projects has been the fictional comedy The Present, starring Isla Fisher and Greg Kinnear. Ryan explains that the possibility of working with these two actors was one of the reasons I chose this film. “The moment I saw that Isla Fisher and Greg Kinnear were involved in the film, I joined the project. These are two actors I've always wanted to collaborate with. Working with Isla was a dream, she gave me a lot of love and knowledge and Greg is someone who I have always enjoyed watching perform. Also, the theme resonated deeply with me, as I was going through a divorce at the time, which made the story especially relatable.”

Right now, the American actor is involved in the filming of the thriller Midnight. "I received the script from writer Lamont Magee and when he asked me if I would be interested in one of the roles opposite Rosario Dawson, he didn't have to say much more to capture my interest. 'Midnight' was an opportunity to show action in a way that I haven't been able to do as much as I would like as an actor.” According to Ryan, the thriller promises to be an intriguing story and one that will surprise the spectators. "I think seeing Rosario Dawson come face to face with Mila Jovovich is intriguing enough, but then you add the layers of her sister's character, played by Alexandra Shipp and the truth is that the audience is about to discover a lot of twists and surprises.” As immersed as he is in his work, Ryan ends the interview by expressing how grateful he feels to have a community of fans and followers who have always been supporting him. “I cannot fully express the depth of my gratitude to those who have found my work entertaining and have continued to support my career over the years. THANK YOU!”

#ryan guzman #xmag #september 2024 #📰#🚒#9.27.24

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okwonyo · 2 years ago

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them playing your love interest in a drama.

ᙏ̤̫ 엔하이픈 ♡ female reader & idol/actor au fluff + cw. not proof-read kissing skinship 0.5k | ( bookshelf )

heeseung would be so sweet, the most caring person ever. he'd ask you how are you doing after every scene together, “are you okay?.. are you sure?”. also loves when you praise his again acting performance; such as when you are saying that another actor looks cool in a scene he is also in, he'd say “what about me?” and when you'd say “you are the coolest.” ─ he'd wear that pretty smile of his.

jongseong would be so gentle with you; comforting touch when you are nervous, reassuring you when you forget your lines, buys your favorite snack when he thinks you might be hungry. you can even notice his gentle contacts on screen, which are not scripted, but it's okay ─ it adds something to the show.

jaeyun would tend to be extremely giggly or smiley. he really has no other reason to smile that hard if it wasn't for you. during some scenes together, where his character is supposed to just smile, he'd just giggle and hide his face in your shoulder claiming that it's “to be more domestic”.

sunghoon at first, would stumble over his words and often forget his lines as he is completely mesmerized by your beauty. ─ it won't only happen when you are filming but also off set, he just get so nervous when he he is around you. however, when he gets used to you, he'd joke around you and would tend to get a little flirty. he'd even suggest more kiss scenes ‘just because’.

seonwoo would be the sweetest ever. cheers you up after each one of your scenes and makes sure to be there when you are filming a scene where he is not in, even though it's his day off. would occasionally make you laugh when your gaze lock, off and on set, there is just something about him that makes you giggly.

jungwon would try to stay as professional as possible at first. but will quickly get lost in your beauty. during kiss scenes, he'd make the kiss last longer, he'd make his character hug yours more frequently ─ same with hand holds. also, when you are filming without him, he'd record you from behind the cameras, keeping proofs of your breathtaking beauty.

riki would not even talk to you off set, well only at very beginning. he'd just stare at you with his scary gaze from afar and after will claim that “i just really wanted to be your friend”. but when he'd get comfortable, he'd joke around you a lot and even tease you. he'd always have the brightest smile around you.

...

@manooffline @ibsysbsfsunsbs @nwjws @lilriswife4life @alaezasmystery235 @teddywonss @tyussday @cholexc @icydawon @yuviqik networks @kflixnet @k-films @/k-labels

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1111jenx · 2 years ago

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what are underrated fame indicators?

This is a lot of fun! Lets dive right in:

Some Underrated Fame Indicators:

Cancer Rising: To me personally, this is an extremely underrated fame indicators. With their MC being placed in Aries, people may forget that these people are HUGE trend-setters, go-getters and can attract attention effortlessly. Especially if their Moon and MC ruler is well aspected! Cancer Rising to me just simply radiate this influential yet ethereal and very relatable energy, this is the aspect where these people, despite being famous, doesn't feel out of reach to their audiences and can easily gain the masses' love. Cancer is often associated with nurturing, mothering, and caregiving. A Cancer Rising individual might exude a protective and caring aura, making them approachable and trustworthy in the eyes of the public. This can be especially beneficial for roles or positions that require a sense of reliability and trust.

Pisces Rising: Pisces is ruled by Neptune, the planet of dreams, illusions, and spirituality. This gives Pisces Rising individuals a mysterious and ethereal quality that can be very alluring. Their presence might be felt more as an undercurrent rather than an overt display of charisma. Pisces is often associated with the arts, especially music, film, and dance. Many Pisces Rising individuals have a natural talent in these areas, and their unique perspective can lead to groundbreaking work that captures the public's attention. Unlike more fiery and assertive rising signs, Pisces Rising individuals might not seek out the spotlight aggressively. However, when they do find themselves in it, their genuine and unassuming nature can be a refreshing change and draw people to them.

Venus 3rd House: Ahh I have discussed this before but the 3rd house, another social house, is soooo underrated comparing to the 11th house haha! The 3rd House also relates to one's immediate social environment and connections. Venus here can indicate favorable relationships with peers, neighbors, and especially siblings. These positive relationships can provide support, opportunities, or collaborations that lead to public recognition. Venus is also associated with the arts. In the 3rd House, this can manifest as a talent for writing poetry, lyrics, or any form of artistic communication. Such individuals might have a knack for creating beautiful prose or scripts that resonate with audiences. While some astrological placements indicate worldwide fame, Venus in the 3rd House might bring popularity or recognition in one's immediate community or local environment. This can be through local media, community events, or social networks.

Mercury sextile/trine Venus: This blend of communication and aesthetics can lead to success in media-related fields, such as journalism, broadcasting, or acting. The individual might have a knack for presenting information in a way that is both informative and aesthetically pleasing. Mercury sextile or trine Venus can also indicate an ability to learn languages with ease and grace, which can open doors to international fame or recognition!! Venus bestows a natural sense of social etiquette and grace. When linked harmoniously with Mercury, this can translate to excellent networking skills, allowing individuals to build beneficial relationships in their professional fields.

Pluto-ASC harsh aspects (conjunctions, square, oppositions): This is a very fascinating one to me! As individuals with this aspect often undergo significant personal transformations throughout their lives. These transformations can be public and can captivate an audience, leading to increased attention or fame. Going back to that idea, Pluto's energy, especially in hard aspects, can sometimes be associated with controversy or taboo subjects. While controversy can be challenging, it can also bring fame or notoriety. Pluto's association with power can make these individuals influential in their fields. They might be seen as trendsetters or as people who bring about change.

Aquarius Sun: Not sure if you guys expected this haha but I think it should definitely be discussed!! Aquarius is known as the sign of the humanitarian. Many Aquarius Sun individuals are drawn to social causes and activism. Their dedication to making the world a better place can lead to public recognition and respect. Those with their Sun in Aquarius might be at the forefront of technological advancements or digital trends, leading to fame in these sectors as well. Interestingly, instead of traditional media, Aquarius Sun individuals might find fame through unconventional means, such as viral internet content, niche communities, or unique platforms. While they might not seek out the spotlight aggressively, once Aquarius Sun individuals gain a following, it's often fiercely loyal. Their genuine and consistent nature can create a dedicated fan base or audience:D

Sun opposite Moon: The opposition can lead to a profound emotional depth and self-awareness. This can be channeled into creative endeavors, making their work deeply resonant and relatable to audiences. This creates a dynamic and multifaceted personality. These individuals often possess a captivating duality that can draw attention and intrigue. The struggle to balance and integrate opposing parts of oneself is a universal experience. People with this aspect might openly grapple with this tension, making them relatable and authentic in the eyes of the public. Point blank being extremely comforting for others!! The Sun represents the public self, while the Moon represents the private self. This opposition can lead to a life where one's private matters become public or where there's a significant interplay between public and private life, often seen in the lives of celebrities:D

Mars in water houses (4th, 8th, 12th): Mars in water houses gives individuals a deep emotional drive and passion. This can be channeled into their work, making it deeply resonant and impactful. Their creations, whether in art, music, or other fields, can touch audiences on a profound emotional level. The water houses are often associated with hidden or subconscious themes. Mars here can indicate a hidden reservoir of strength and resilience, allowing individuals to overcome challenges and rise to prominence against the odds. The 8th house, in particular, is associated with transformation and rebirth. Mars here can lead to intense and transformative conflicts or challenges that, when overcome, lead to significant growth and public recognition. With Mars in the 4th house, there's a strong drive related to home, family, and roots. This can translate into public ventures related to real estate, family businesses, or anything connected to one's heritage or background. Mars in the 12th house can give an individual a mysterious allure. Their actions might be behind the scenes or not immediately visible, but when they come to light, they can captivate the public.

Sun aspecting Neptune: The combination of the Sun and Neptune can give an individual a dreamy, mysterious, and ethereal charisma. They often possess a magnetic allure that can't be easily defined, drawing people to them. In the world of film, theater, or any profession where "illusion" or "make-believe" is central, these individuals can excel. They can effortlessly slip into different roles or personas, making them exceptional actors or performers. The visionary qualities of Neptune combined with the Sun's drive can make these individuals ahead of their time. They might introduce ideas, trends, or concepts that are initially misunderstood but later gain widespread acceptance. Neptune's compassion and desire for unity can drive Sun-Neptune individuals to champion humanitarian causes, leading to public recognition for their efforts.

Here are some that I can think of on the top of my head:D Thank you for such a great question beautiful!

love,

saint jenx

#astrojenx #astrology #astro notes #astrology observations #astrology notes #leo venus #leo #astro community #astrology community #gemini

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whetstonefires · 9 months ago

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After seeing your weatherbugapp reblog i installed duckduckgo and tried it.

I don't know much about technology tbh but i downloaded this app less than 30 mins ago and in that time google tried to track me 112 times?? And they tried to collect finger prints? And my first and last name? And my gender? And my country, state and city? My gps coordinates? My postal code? My network carrier? My fricking battery level for whatever reason? Can you please tell me if this is normal at all, because i'm freaking out right now. I just turned 18 and started using mobile banking and stuff and this shit scares me

Why tf does it need to know my screen density???my system volume????my charging status????? What tf are they cooking

Now it's at 476 tracking attempts bro???? barely 5 mins passed.....

I condensed your three asks into one for readability!

And yeah, I'm very far from an expert about any of this, but as far as I know that's just. Normal. That's the normal amount of spying they're doing on your phone. I assume the numbers we see are to some extent because having been foiled, a lot of these scripts try repeatedly, since I can't imagine what use thousands of trackers per phone would be even to the great aggregators.

Tracking the phone stuff like screen resolution and battery level is because (apart from that definitely not being considered remotely 'private' so it's Free Real Estate) in aggregate that data can be used to track what phone use patterns are like on a demographic scale and therefore. Where the smart money is.

Almost all of this is getting sold in bulk for ad targeting and market analysis. This does presumably make it very hard to notice when like. Actually important stuff is being spied on, which is why I feel better about Having Apps with the duckduckgo app blocker thing.

My bank's app reportedly sells data to a couple aggregators including Google. Not like, my banking info, but it's still so offensive on principle that I avoid using the app unless I have to, and force stop it afterward.

The patterns that show up on the weekly duckduckgo blocker report are interesting. Hoopla attempts about two orders of magnitude more tracking than Libby, which makes sense because they're a commercial streaming service libraries pay by the unit for access, while Libby is a content management software run by a corporation that values its certification as a 'B' company--that is, one invested in the public good that can be trusted. The cleanness of their brand is a great deal of its value, so they have to care about their image and be a little more scrupulous.

Which doesn't mean not being a little bit spyware, because everything is spyware now. Something else I've noticed is that in terms of free game apps, the polished professional stuff is now much more invasive than the random kinda janky thing someone just threw together.

Back in the day you tended to expect the opposite, because spyware was a marginal shifty profit-margin with too narrow a revenue stream to be worth more to an established brand than their reputation, but now that everyone does it there's not a lot of reputation cost and refraining would be sacrificing a potential revenue stream, which is Irresponsible Conduct for a corporation.

While meanwhile 'developing a free game app to put on the game store' is something a person can do for free with the hardware they already have for home use, as a hobby or practice or to put on their coding resume. So while such apps absolutely can be malicious and more dangerous when they are than The Big Brand, they can also be neutral in a way commercial stuff no longer is. Wild world.

But yeah for the most part as far as I can make out, these are just The Commercial Panopticon, operating as intended. It's gross but it probably doesn't indicate anything dangerous on an individual level.

#answers #womadfem #ask #hoc est meum #data privacy

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the-most-humble-blog · 5 months ago

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The Great College Lie: Why Degrees Don’t Mean Success

For years, we’ve been fed the same script: Go to college, get a degree, and the world will roll out a red carpet to your success. Sounds simple, right? Except, for many, that “red carpet” feels more like a never-ending hamster wheel of debt, underemployment, and job applications that go straight into the void. So, what happened? Did college lie to us, or did we buy into a dream that was never designed to include everyone?

Let’s dissect The Great College Lie—why the degree doesn’t guarantee success, and what you can do to thrive despite the system.

1. The Promise vs. Reality

The Promise:

College is marketed as the “great equalizer.” They told us education would unlock the American Dream: a steady career, financial security, and a house with a white picket fence. And sure, for some, it worked. But for many others, here’s the reality:

The Reality:

Student Loan Debt: The average college graduate in the U.S. owes $37,000+ in student loans, which can take decades to pay off.

Underemployment: Over 40% of college graduates work jobs that don’t require a degree (hello, barista jobs with a philosophy major).

No Guarantees: That diploma doesn’t protect you from layoffs, market crashes, or a rapidly evolving job market that now demands experience over credentials.

2. Why Degrees Don’t Equal Success

1. It’s About Who You Know, Not What You Know

Networking often outranks education. Studies have shown that up to 70% of jobs are never even posted publicly—they’re filled through connections. Translation? You can have a degree from Harvard, but Chad with zero qualifications might get the job because his dad plays golf with the CEO.

2. Degrees are Losing Their Edge

A bachelor’s degree used to set you apart. Now? It’s almost like having a high school diploma. Everyone has one, which means the competition is fiercer, and employers are raising their standards to include master’s degrees and certifications.

3. The Skills Gap is Real

A piece of paper doesn’t always mean you have the skills employers need. A 2021 survey revealed that 46% of employers feel recent grads aren’t prepared for the workforce. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world experience often trump textbook knowledge.

3. The Student Loan Scam

Let’s call it what it is: a scam. The system was designed to profit off your dreams. Here’s how it works:

Colleges Overpromise: They lure students with flashy marketing, luxurious dorms, and vague promises of a “bright future.”

Loans Trap You: The government and private lenders make it easy to borrow, but repayment terms keep you financially enslaved for decades.

Inflated Costs: College tuition has skyrocketed over 1200% since 1980, far outpacing wage growth. So, you’re borrowing more but earning less.

4. “But College is Still Worth It, Right?”

It depends. For some fields—like medicine, law, and engineering—a degree is non-negotiable. But for many careers, it’s becoming clear that skills and experience matter more than credentials.

Here’s the Shift:

Trade Schools and Certifications: Electricians, plumbers, and tech professionals often earn just as much (or more) than degree holders—with a fraction of the debt.

Freelance and Entrepreneurial Skills: The internet has opened doors to self-taught careers in writing, design, coding, and more.

On-the-Job Learning: Companies like Google, Tesla, and IBM no longer require degrees for many positions—they value skills instead.

5. So, What Should You Do Instead?

1. Learn Marketable Skills

Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Khan Academy offer affordable (sometimes free) courses on coding, graphic design, marketing, and more.

The ROI on these courses often far exceeds a traditional degree.

2. Network, Network, Network

Attend local events, join LinkedIn groups, and connect with mentors in your field.

Remember: Jobs often go to those with connections—not just qualifications.

3. Embrace Lifelong Learning

The job market evolves constantly. Staying ahead means continually updating your skills, whether through certifications or self-study.

4. Question the Narrative

Don’t blindly follow the “go to college” script. Ask yourself: What do I want to do, and is college the best path to get there?

6. The Humble Truth About Success

Here’s the real kicker: Success isn’t tied to a degree—it’s tied to your grit, adaptability, and willingness to hustle smart.

Degrees can help, but they aren’t the golden ticket we were promised.

Building real-world skills, learning to market yourself, and forming relationships will often get you farther than any diploma can.

What They Don’t Want You to Know

The Great College Lie isn’t just about the myth of guaranteed success—it’s about the systems that profit from your hopes and dreams. College can be a valuable tool, but it’s not the only path to success.

The sooner we stop glorifying degrees and start valuing skills, effort, and innovation, the better off we’ll all be. In the meantime, let’s admit one thing: We were all sold a dream. But it’s not too late to wake up and rewrite the story.

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metalhoops · 2 years ago

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There are lots of modern aus with rockstar Eddie, and actor or professional sportsman Steve but I propose professional wrestler Steddie. I know this is niche, but hear me out. Wrestling is the perfect mix of sports (Steve) and drama/ camp (Eddie).

You have a baby face Steve Harrington, who the crowd adores because he’s charismatic on the mic and not afraid to get a little bloody in his matches. Then you have heel Eddie who the crowd loves to hate. He’s got a Lost Boys-style vampire gimmick going on, heavy metal entrance music and has adopted the habit of walking in through the crowds. He’s amazing in tables matches and will take any opportunity to do a choke slam through the announce desk.

The two don’t face each other in the ring often because Steve’s in a longtime feud with Billy Hargrove, whose a hell of a heel but downright dangerous in and out of the ring. He often refuses to sell for Steve and to make matters worse he’s a fan of not pulling his punches.

Eddie and Steve don’t talk much in the locker rooms, they run in different circles and Eddie has the sneaking suspicion Steve is a stuck-up asshole (he’s not).

They end up in a Royal Rumble match, where thirty-odd competitors get in a ring and fight to be the last one standing. Eddie’s sticking to the script. He keeps close to the guy he’s in a feud with until he catches Steve take a bump out of the corner of his eye. Billy’s on him and he’s not pulling his punches. Steve’s nose is gushing. The producers will be pissed because the T.V. network is getting squeamish about showing lots of blood. It’s not the 80s anymore. People don’t do that.

Against his better judgment, Eddie decides to go off script. He takes Billy by surprise and manages to get him over the top rope. He wasn’t supposed to win anyway, so it wasn’t like they were going to dock his pay. He might get hazed in the locker room but that was a worry for another day.

To Eddie’s surprise, Steve looks at him and shoots him a brilliant smile, his teeth filled with blood, his eyes shimmering with mischief. Someone tries to grapple with Eddie from behind but Steve intercepts, saving his ass. Eddie wasn’t meant to win the match either but he wanted as much airtime as he could get. He hates to admit it but he and Steve make a good team. Viewers seemed to agree.

The next day Eddie is approached by his manager, telling him the higher-ups want him and Steve as a tag team. Which means one of two things. He and Steve were going to see a lot more of one another, and for once, Eddie was going to have to play the role of the good guy. It ends with them getting up way too close and personal in practice and pining hard over one another.

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kitkatt0430 · 2 months ago

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Free software recommendations for various things:

LibreOffice - A full home office suite comparable to Microsoft Office. Easy to use and you can choose the UI layout from several types; it can handle docx and other Microsoft Office document formats; it still does not include AI unless you specifically add that extension on purpose, so unlike other office suites it's not shoving AI down your throat.

Calibre - Ebook manager bundled with an ebook editor and ereader software. It can follow news feeds, downloading them into epub format. Convert ebooks from one format into (many) others. Run a server to make access your books from different computers/phones/tablets easier. And so much more... without even touching on the additional functionality that plugins can add. With plugins it can be used for DRM stripping (which can still remove DRM from even Kindle ebooks, if you have a kindle that you can download the ebook to and use to transfer to your computer). It can also handle downloading fanfics and their metadata using the FanFicFare plugin. (Which I've written tutorials about.) There are officially supported plugins (like FanFicFare) that are easy to install and unofficial plugins (like the DRM stripper) that take more work, so it's extremely customizable.

Syncthing - Want to host your own local file backup system? Have an old laptop that you can reformat with a linux distro? And maybe a spare hard drive? Perfect, you have what you need to set up a home file backup system. Reformat the computer with the new operating system, install syncthing on that computer and on the computer you want to back up files for and the two installations of the software can sync over your home network. Put it on your phone and back up your photos. The software is open source, encrypted, and you can turn it off so that your computer (or phone) is only running it on a trusted network. You control where the synced data lives, which computers on your network those synced folders are shared with (allowing for sharing between multiple computers) and even what type of file backups happen if data is, say, accidentally deleted. (File recovery!!!)

Plex or Emby - Both are free to install on any computer, point at any movie/tv show/audiobook/music files you've got sitting around, and bam you've got a home media streaming server. Both have paid tiers for more features (including tv tuner integration to act as a DVR), but what they can do for free is already impressive and well handled. Both have easy to use UI and it largely comes down to personal preference as to one is better than the other.

Notepad++ - A notepad type program that can also serve as a decent lightweight code editor. I use it for noodling around with code scripts and snippets, writing lists, and various other small tasks. It's not something I'd use for my professional code writing but it's great for just messing around with something on my own time.

#freeware of various types and flavors

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chaussonsauxapples · 20 days ago

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not my drunk self soft-pitching Matching Kawasaki Z as a short film idea the other night like it’s not based on a Joshler fic I wrote. just. casual. just a “yeah we could totally shoot this, it’s all vibes, bikes, longing glances. I’ve got the script somewhere.”

and then without thinking I go, “Victor and Jules you’ll be my—”

immediate panic. face rebooting. neural network failing to compute.

almost said “Tyler and Josh” out loud. almost exposed myself as the unhinged fangirl I truly am.

also: they immediately said yes to kissing one another.

“for the sake of the characters,” they said.

“we’re professionals,” they said.

👀👀👀

anyway I’ll keep you posted if this fever dream gets shot, but just know I’m about to heavily edit this script so it reads “inspired by” and not “stolen from my own private fanfiction archives.”

#fanfiction #joshler #god if i can put Vic in a tight biking suit #i might die #matching Kawasaki Z

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cyberstudious · 10 months ago

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Tools of the Trade for Learning Cybersecurity

I created this post for the Studyblr Masterpost Jam, check out the tag for more cool masterposts from folks in the studyblr community!

Cybersecurity professionals use a lot of different tools to get the job done. There are plenty of fancy and expensive tools that enterprise security teams use, but luckily there are also lots of brilliant people writing free and open-source software. In this post, I'm going to list some popular free tools that you can download right now to practice and learn with.

In my opinion, one of the most important tools you can learn how to use is a virtual machine. If you're not already familiar with Linux, this is a great way to learn. VMs are helpful for separating all your security tools from your everyday OS, isolating potentially malicious files, and just generally experimenting. You'll need to use something like VirtualBox or VMWare Workstation (Workstation Pro is now free for personal use, but they make you jump through hoops to download it).

Below is a list of some popular cybersecurity-focused Linux distributions that come with lots of tools pre-installed:

Kali is a popular distro that comes loaded with tools for penetration testing

REMnux is a distro built for malware analysis

honorable mention for FLARE-VM, which is not a VM on its own, but a set of scripts for setting up a malware analysis workstation & installing tools on a Windows VM.

SANS maintains several different distros that are used in their courses. You'll need to create an account to download them, but they're all free:

Slingshot is built for penetration testing

SIFT Workstation is a distro that comes with lots of tools for digital forensics

These distros can be kind of overwhelming if you don't know how to use most of the pre-installed software yet, so just starting with a regular Linux distribution and installing tools as you want to learn them is another good choice for learning.

Free Software

Wireshark: sniff packets and explore network protocols

Ghidra and the free version of IDA Pro are the top picks for reverse engineering

for digital forensics, check out Eric Zimmerman's tools - there are many different ones for exploring & analyzing different forensic artifacts

pwntools is a super useful Python library for solving binary exploitation CTF challenges

CyberChef is a tool that makes it easy to manipulate data - encryption & decryption, encoding & decoding, formatting, conversions… CyberChef gives you a lot to work with (and there's a web version - no installation required!).

Burp Suite is a handy tool for web security testing that has a free community edition

Metasploit is a popular penetration testing framework, check out Metasploitable if you want a target to practice with

SANS also has a list of free tools that's worth checking out.

Programming Languages

Knowing how to write code isn't a hard requirement for learning cybersecurity, but it's incredibly useful. Any programming language will do, especially since learning one will make it easy to pick up others, but these are some common ones that security folks use:

Python is quick to write, easy to learn, and since it's so popular, there are lots of helpful libraries out there.

PowerShell is useful for automating things in the Windows world. It's built on .NET, so you can practically dip into writing C# if you need a bit more power.

Go is a relatively new language, but it's popular and there are some security tools written in it.

Rust is another new-ish language that's designed for memory safety and it has a wonderful community. There's a bit of a steep learning curve, but learning Rust makes you understand how memory bugs work and I think that's neat.

If you want to get into reverse engineering or malware analysis, you'll want to have a good grasp of C and C++.

Other Tools for Cybersecurity

There are lots of things you'll need that aren't specific to cybersecurity, like:

a good system for taking notes, whether that's pen & paper or software-based. I recommend using something that lets you work in plain text or close to it.

general command line familiarity + basic knowledge of CLI text editors (nano is great, but what if you have to work with a system that only has vi?)

familiarity with git and docker will be helpful

There are countless scripts and programs out there, but the most important thing is understanding what your tools do and how they work. There is no magic "hack this system" or "solve this forensics case" button. Tools are great for speeding up the process, but you have to know what the process is. Definitely take some time to learn how to use them, but don't base your entire understanding of security on code that someone else wrote. That's how you end up as a "script kiddie", and your skills and knowledge will be limited.

Feel free to send me an ask if you have questions about any specific tool or something you found that I haven't listed. I have approximate knowledge of many things, and if I don't have an answer I can at least help point you in the right direction.

#studyblrmasterpostjam #studyblr #masterpost #cybersecurity #late post bc I was busy yesterday oops lol #also this post is nearly a thousand words #apparently I am incapable of being succinct lmao

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joysmercer · 10 months ago

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okay I’m so curious about the short fic you posted yesterday

can I ask how in this universe nina dies? And does eddie too?

(it’s mask of anubis on main btw)

ooh fun questions!! i was hoping someone would ask cuz i couldn't figure out how to work it in. also i added way too much info that you didnt ask for so now it's under the cut :D

first of all, this au is a much darker take on how i think nina's life "actually" played out – I think she'll always have random spirits coming up to her etc, but in this au, it's pretty constant and can get very dangerous very quickly. on the flip side, she sees a lot more fame for her "irl" work than she does "in canon" (see below).

somewhat ironically (given how guarded nina becomes from the constant barrage of gods forcing her to do things), she makes her living off of writing movies about her experiences. i think she does this in canon too, but here she really throws herself into it, almost like a form of therapy since there isn't really any professional she can process things with, you know? she eats, sleeps, breathes her craft – whenever she has downtime, she's writing, editing, networking to get her words out there. she's so fast and so talented with it that she graduates university in three years with honors, by which time the chosen one (season 1) has already been picked up by a major company and has started filming; she wins her first oscar two years later, and the next two each year after that.

(actually, all four scripts got picked up at the same time, which is why the turnaround was so quick – but they didn't announce the sequels until after the oscars because at that point she was a relatively unknown person)

(also i know this isn't how these things work irl but just work with me here. maybe she called in a favor from a random god and had things sped along idk)

anyway, the point im trying to make is that she spends her whole life balancing what she wants to do (her work) with what she has to do (paragon shit) and has a weird sense of self-worth as a result (she knows she's good at what she does, but wants to hide it from the world at the same time (out of fear). she hates that she needs others to keep her safe and refuses to believe they're doing it out of kindness, even though she also knows that they genuinely love her. it's weird) (also she and fabian make up sometime during their uni years so all is good there)

anyway, they (amber + KT) set up a rota of all ex-sibuna members (+ willow as she learns about it pretty quickly post-grad) to spend time in the states for a couple months out of the year each. this essentially made sure there was always 1 other person on the mission with her and 2 people nearby who knew where they were going, should things go wrong and they need rescuing or something. but for small/random tasks, nina would just do those alone.

her last mission (that fabian alludes to) had taken months to complete: three formerly-benign ghosts had been "turned" by a magician up in canada, released from the underworld, and, driven mad by the magic (and confusion of being back in the real world), had started a series of freak thunderstorms across the american midwest. together with jerome, she had to figure out how they got released, stop the magician, construct the device necessary to trap the spirits and send them back, and use said device to stop the storms. the effort had completely exhausted her (so much so that she – making headlines – decided to take a step back on touchstone production, instead of hanging out on set like she did for the other three)

(that's why tor is the way it is. with her dropping off of the face of the earth, someone decided – while she couldn't argue against it – to absolutely slash the budget, which lead to a mess of a story (screenplay is the only oscar it wins)

nina's death (as alluded to in the article) really seemed out-of-the-blue. basically, she was on a mission – alone – that suddenly and very unexpectedly turned dangerous. but when she was found (by KT and amber together) it looked like she just collapsed at home – there was no indication of any foul play or anything, really, of how she died.

also alluded to in the article, but a lot (but not all) of KT's "investigative journaling" was her covering up the consequences of nina's missions with theories that would make sense to the general public. nina's last request of her was to halt any investigation into her death prematurely as she knew things would unravel pretty quickly otherwise

joy's role in nina's life was mainly to book her for enough public-facing events/etc so that people wouldn't question where she was when she "disappeared" for a month or two, as well as act as her social media manager/"source close to her" to tabloids during extended absences so people continue to think she's okay. this was especially important given nina's monumental rise to fame (and as a screenplay writer, at that! usually it's the actors/directors who get most of it!) and her relatively young age, which meant she got herself a fandom very quickly…and we all know what the rumor-spreading capabilities of stan twitter are like. there were quite a few times nina came back from a mission to find several "new" pics on her instagram or that shes going viral for something she doesn't "remember" saying lskdjf

amber's role was to media-train the hell out of nina so she never gives any indication that a) there's an element of truth in her work; b) she lives a double life; and c) weird things keep happening in the cities she happens to frequent (eg random buildings falling, artifacts disappearing, etc). we all know this girl can't lie to save her life…amber is nothing but a miracle-worker in that regard lol

as for eddie – his death is basically the reason things are so awful, now. he actually dies at the end of tor, and not only does osiris himself blame nina for it (using "logic" that can rival senkhara's in s2), but it also leaves nina terrified since she no longer has a protector – something all the other gods/spirits quickly take advantage of (threats/blackmail/etc) for the first few years, by which time word of her willingness to do anything spreads and she can't get rid of the constant requests. it doesn't help that his death also proved to them that nina (like her counterpart) can, and will, sacrifice herself to save the world, if it came down to it, making her the perfect pawn in a lot of schemes.

#asks #your-favorite-fruit #house of anubis #i love love love getting questions like this thank you!!!#my writing #myposts

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