#seriously guys better public transportation

[thats-very-like-a-whale]

i don't think people realize that like, 70% of the ‘solar punk’ aesthetic is just investing in better public transportation. like literally. no air pollution? invest in better public transportation. no cars? better public transportation. more walkable cities? better public transportation. greener urban areas? better public transportation. more bike lanes? better fucking public transportation. come on guys.

[guinevereslancelot]

getting spam ads for online jobs....its that bad out here

[shall-we-die]

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{Knock knock...

it's Period time~}

In the middle of the night, they wake up by the smell of blood and realize that your period has started.

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↬[Fandom]•⊰ {Jujutsu Kaisen}࿐

↬[Characters]•⊰↴

{Gojo Satoru || Megumi Fushiguro}࿐

↬[Warnings]•⊰ {mention of blood (a little)}࿐

☰[Main list]•⊰────┈┈{0006}┈─╮

╭───────┈┈┈┈┈┈───────╯

╰┈➤Likes/Reblogs are appreciated࿐

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• Trust me, even the strongest Jujutsu Sorcerer would have panic over the sudden sight of blood.

• When he opens his eyes and looks around, seeing the blood, he can't think deeply enough to realize that it might be because of your period... (sleepy people's IQ are surely low)

• (He secretly has a phobia of seeing his loved ones bleed)

• He quickly sits on the bed and tries to wake you up.

• When you finally wake up, you realize the mess you've made and run to the bathroom.

• He'll sit behind the door, brings you anything you need if you call his name.

• (As you know how he sits... the legs are wide open. he's a jerk in public transportations)

• Of course, it's not like he's acting too dramatic, because his face is completely normal, he's still sleepy, but he puts his hand on his heart and takes a deep breath to relieve his stress.

• Maybe if you told him that you are on your period on a normal day, he would try to help you with a smiley face. But you don't know what happens in his dreams (nightmares)

• So... seeing the blood stains on the white sheets, it makes his face more serious and colder than ever.

• When he's sure you don't need help, he gets up and walks over to the bed to change the bloody sheets.

• He will help you without talking too much until you get back to bed.

• He very seriously and quietly gives you painkillers and brings you some extra pillows or food you like.

• You, who are surely writhing in pain, think that because he's still sleepy, he doesn't feel like talking.

• As you lay together on the bed, he hugs you tightly from behind and rubs his head against your neck while caressing your stomach.

• Surely this period of yours will be a bad memory for him.

• This boy knows that women experience something called period.

• But surely we all know that he has never seen this with his own eyes, and he certainly wasn't curious enough to want to know what was going on...

• I must say that if your first period starts like this after starting a relationship with him, it will be the most unforgettable memory of his life. (In a bad way for sure...)

• The smell of blood? Well, it's a good reason for a guy who's sleeping next to you (for the first time in his life) to quickly open his eyes and sit up.

• Because he couldn't sleep at all, he's not so sleepy and confused that he doesn't understand what's going on. So he slowly wakes you up.

• Are you stressed? Do you feel bad because you've made a mess on his sheets? There's no problem at all.

• He tries to express his affection and tells you that it doesn't matter as he gently wraps his arms around your waist.

• Do you need pads? Well, before you ask him to go and buy some pads for you, it's better to tell him to search the name of sanitary pads on the internet for once...

• Are your feet numb and in severe pain? Are your hands shaking and restless? Well, he starts massaging your legs, hands and back.

• He asks you whether it's better to go to the hospital. And you, who see his pure confused face, have to explain to him why a "monthly painful seven-day" it's not that important to makes you go to the hospital...

• He still doesn't want to know too much about it, but he has to. Because he can't tell you that your nags about it will only make him more stressed.

• He will certainly help you more in doing daily life works, he'll not allow you to walk a lot or carry heavy things.

• And (maybe) he has to hug you to sleep.

• The scariest possible scenario for him during your periods? Certainly when you suddenly burst  in to tears...

• He might have to call Nobara and ask her how to calm you down.

[inhibited-irregularity]

Since the voting was truly abysmal and the real winner was robbed by the corrupt juries, might as well make a "they deserved better" list including both semis and the grand finale and considering both juries and the general public. So, in an attempt to be as objective as I can, here's my

☆♥︎THEY DESERVED BETTER♥︎☆

In no particular order:

🇩🇪 Germany, Lord of the lost - Blood and glitter: I admit that I wasn't a fan in the beginning, and even made a post about how I wish that the rock entries went harder and that LOTL should either commit to hardcore or be more silly with the song. I found the cheesy lyrics delivered in such a serious and dramatic manner cringey, BUT, after their performance last night, changed my mind completely. First of all, I ADORE the lead singer's vocals (and he seems like a cool guy), and the song itself has some seriously good moments, not to mention how freakin catchy it is. Their energy was through the roof, the performance was flawless, and in spite of my initial reaction to the song, I bought it and genuinely loved it. It felt like watching a concert by one of my favorite bands. Not my winner, but I was really disappointed with how low they scored.

🇪🇸 Spain, Blanca Paloma - Eaea: ROBBED. Over the years, the juries projected an image of people that look for all things *artistic* in a song (even though it usually translates as a pretentious kid in art college with no real taste picking the thing they think their 50yo profesor would approve of). Well, they be blind, since Blanca Paloma brought IT, and they failed to recognize. Outstanding vocals, stunning visuals, the power of the entire performance, and all the emotion and significance packed into a seemingly simple concept. It was more like a movie scene than a musical competition entry, she transported me into another dimension and unlocked something ancient and wonderful. All the people I've talked to had different favorites, but they all had strong, immensely positive reactions to Spain. I literally teared up and had a spiritual experience with Blanca Paloma's performance, and the energy she exuded was undeniably healing, freeing and over-all cathartic. While I knew that her chances of winning were slim and I didn't count on the public vote, she deserved SO MUCH MORE from both general public and the juries.

🇦🇹 Austria, Teya and Salena - Who the hell is Edgar: One of my favorites from the very beginning. A quality pop song with a bop-y rhythm and ingenious lyrics. Under the guise of random and silly, there's quite a few things implied - the obvious criticism of the music industry and the more subtle "people are readier to believe that a ghost of a famous writer possessed me than that a woman can write quality lyrics and have a sense of humor" (shout-out to generations of men claiming Kurt Cobain wrote Courtney Love's songs and lyrics, work on your reading comprehension) While that might be a personal observation, here's what absolutely stands. They're adorable, funny, had a fun choreography, a catchy song, the lyrics that are fun even if you don't analyze them, great personalities, solid performance, perfect delivery and the right amount of quality with a dash of random that matches Iceland's Dađy Freyr and that y'all claim to respect. Shame on the audience; the jury can't recognize talent anyway.

🇸🇮 Slovenia, Joker out - Carpe Diem: Not much left to say. Good song, good vibes, all the charisma in the world. They had Måneskin's synergy, they had a good time, the audience had a good time with them, and they were confident in a non-pretentious manner. Special mention for Bojan, the lead singer, who's shown such sportsmanship, was truly an example of a perfect esc. representative. The entire band seems very fun to hang out with, and while they're goofy, they seem very smart with how they manage to balance witty and respectful in interviews. Members aside, their music is refreshing and perfect for people that find mainstream pop repetitive but aren't into anything too heavy. Perfect for a summer music festival or a feel-good playlist.

🇵🇹 Portugal, Mimicat - Ai, coração: you know she's something special when her entire home country shows such support and excitement. I wasn't a fan at first when I saw the national performance, it seemed a bit out-dated and frankly a bit too weird for my taste, but she changed my mind as soon as she took the stage in the first semi. In my opinion, a Broadway-worthy performance, and such personality! Fun aunt vibes, and one of the coolest people this year. When I grow up, I wanna be her.

🇭🇷 Croatia, Let 3 - Mama, ŠČ: The juries are such cowards, honestly. I was familiar with some of the band's history and not everything they did was exactly my taste, but what else to expect from a band so unhinged. I had some misgivings, but they won me over quickly. The punkest thing Eurovison has seen in recent years. That's how you do anti-war, Switzerland. Satire on point. Weird, meaningful, fun, grotesque. How something like that didn't do better in Eurovision is beyond me. But leave it to the cowardly juries that left Italy's Ermal Meta and Fabrizio Moro with almost no points to do just that. I'm still butthurt.

🇷🇸 Serbia, Luke Black - Samo mi se spava: Listen, I was NOT a fan. All the homophobes aside, everyone in the country and their mom was gushing about how original and unique the song is, which can be annoying to someone who's as exposed to various aspects of pop culture as I am (humble,I know), and I still think his singing could be better. At first, he was a bit awkward and seemed pretentious during the national selection. However, the performance did stand out, he amped his energy and put such effort, and there's no denying the flawless staging and production and how well it suits him, and over time, he's proved to be a funny, likeable and down to earth guy (with flawless fashion sense). I'm proud of him and how he represented the country, and he definitely didn't deserve to be at the bottom of the list.

🇮🇸 Iceland, Diljá - Power: I'm OUTRAGED that it didn't qualify and can only call lesbophobia idk. I mean, Im not familiar with her sexuality, but if I've ever seen something that doesn't give a damn about the male gaze, this would be it. Still, it's beyond me how she didn't qualify. One of the best vocals this year, not to mention she sung FLAWLESSLY while running and jumping all over the stage with zero breaks. The track itself is meh to me, but should be something that Eurovision fans enjoy; that being said, the vocal and performance can make or break a song with such a track, and she ATE. Power indeed, I was blown away. Her being super-cute is just a bonus. She has my heart and my votes ♡ Too bad people didn't agree.

🇷🇴 Romania, Theodor Andrei - D.G.T: Ok, I can't shout that he deserved to qualify, I knew the chances were slim and the song had some ways to go, not to mention the hot mess of a national performance. However, he doesn't deserve ANY hate that he's getting, and in my opinion, he was the best male vocal this year. I'm in love with his voice and he doesn't lack charisma either. I loved the re-vamp with the acoustic guitar, but at the end of the day, the stage was a bit empty. I will add D. G. T. to my playlist though, and I wish him a wonderful career and a powerful return.

🇱🇻 Latvia, Sudden Lights - Aijā; Well, this one hurts. I know it wasn't a fan favorite, but I was rooting for it so much and still think it deserved to qualify over some *questionable* entries. While it was something straight out of my high-school playlist, I didn't find it derivative and it was warm, touching and comforting. And beautiful, goddammit. I get how it's not everyone's cup of tea, but come on.

🇵🇱 Poland, Jann - Gladiator: Was this a jumpscare? Lol. No need to write a huge paragraph, the entire world knows that he was robbed. I've never seen someone so charismatic and meant to be a performer, and I enjoyed both the song, the lyrics and the delivery, even though I immediately noticed a similarity with Judas by Lady Gaga. However, I feel obliged to say that he should work on his vocals and that y'all wouldn't be so mad if he didn't look the way he looks. Still, the true choice of Poland, and I have no doubt he would've done great in the final.

AND FINALLY .....

THE ONE TRUE WINNER

💚💚💚💚🇫🇮🇫🇮🇫🇮💚💚💚

Käärija (my beloved) - Cha Cha Cha:

Ok, he didn't lack the love or the appreciation. But the RIGGERY. The ROBBERY. THE AUDACITY.

First of all, the song is a banger. It mixes industrial rock, techno and eurodance perfectly, with flawless transitions, while managing to catch the ears of people that aren't into any of those genres. Great intro that pulls you in immediately, and the pacing done just right. Now onto Käärijä himself. He's a fucking star. A legend. It's impossible not to like him. Every video of him I've seen was so much fun. Performance wise, great energy, great delivery. The song manages to appeal so many people with staying unique and checking all the boxes. Want something for the angst? He got you. Want something upbeat? Cha cha cha motherfuckers. Want weird? "My name is Kääärijää", there's our green man. Want quality production? Boy from Vantaa's got it.

The only possible criticism I can see him receiving is something along the lines of "it's gimmicky", which is frankly a ridiculous thing to say about a Eurovision entry (insert the Maryl Streep from Devil Wears Prada meme) and if it were gimmicky, he wouldn't have become the only artist to ever have his name chanted by the entire audience while Sweden gets points, and I wouldn't have replayed it so many times since it came out without getting bored. Honestly, one of the rare songs that puts me in a good mood, cos it has that "starting from anger and angst and acknowledging bad feelings and THEN bringing you to upbeat and happy" thing going on. Eh. Fuck the jury.

This concludes my list. Special mentions.

Not my cup of tea, but deserved the praise - Norway, Italy, Australia, Armenia

Deserved more public votes, undeniable quality, but faded into the background compared to my other favs - France, Czechia

Not for me but I get it- Moldova, Estonia, Georgia

+ Acknowledging Malta for pulling that performance and getting everything possible out of a song that relies entirely on one catchy hook. Most improved entry since the nationals, good show, likeable group, fun staging.

[stra-tek]

Lower Decks' cheesy museum exhibit Voyager was pretty much as I imagined the Starfleet Museum years ago when I wrote my forever-in-progress I Survived Kirk

There are multiple Fleet museums, one in San Francisco, one around Pluto, another at Memory Alpha, one at Copernicus, one at Andor etc.  We walked the San Francisco one.  I got to visit Enterprise NX-01, which had been equipped with little plaques everywhere giving backstory to everything from the mess to the warp reactor to what the Captain liked to watch in his quarters.  The plaques all had buttons which played various Captain’s Log excerpts.  The staff wore period-appropriate Starfleet uniforms (navy blue boiler suits with Enterprise patches on the shoulders), which I questioned the legality of since they’re not Starfleet officers.  I was told it was okay because they were period costumes, not actual uniforms.

I’d buddied up with Morgan Bateson.  I really liked his sense of humour.  And neither of us knew our fathers, although Morgan was pretty convinced he’d meet his in space one day, perhaps as head of some evil empire or other.  Oddly specific and statistically impossible, but weirder shit would happen in my time in Starfleet.

We visited the engine nacelle the crew hid in during an ion storm, the mess hall where they ate sandwiches and watched a movie every Friday night. The Captain’s Quarters where Admiral Archer probably masturbated a thousand times, a section of corridor where the chief engineer died in what they called a heroic act of self sacrifice but read more like a suicide, the sickbay where the captain’s dog was treated when it contracted an alien disease (and upon the underside of one of the cabinets, someone had crudely engraved “BR+DS 4EVA” which I doubt was part of the recreation), and the decon chamber.

Oh god, the deacon chamber.  Before transporters had biofilters (which screen out potentially harmful stuff and prevent us from bringing back deadly diseases), the crew had to strip down in a room and rub antibacterial lotion (which smelled like a mint julep, there was a sample for us all to sniff) all over themselves and/or each other’s bodies.  Sounds nice and wholesome and definitely didn’t fuel my sexual fantasies for the rest of my academy tenure and adult life.

Engineering had the second most little plaques with buttons after the bridge.  Most of them were about the warp five engine and how revolutionary and amazing it supposedly was.  Of mild interest was a video clip of an old Zefram Cochrane made shortly before his disappearance, where he said what became the Captain’s Oath.

The bridge was spammed with plaques and buttons, which played countless audio clips of the crew doing crew-y stuff.  The communications officer speaking Klingon slowly and awkwardly, the helmsman had exactly one soundbyte: “aye, sir” (seriously, couldn’t they get anything better for that guy?) and the Captain saying heroic-sounding things which sounded weird out of context.  The captain’s chair was actually missing, being repaired after a member of the public broke it.  Instead there was just the mounting pole sticking up in the middle of the room, which we all made obscene comments about sitting on.

The Captain had a tiny ready room just off the bridge, which had a century-old game of water polo playing on loop on a TV, a desk, a stack of music minidisks and not much else besides lots more buttons and soundbytes. There was a single cargo transporter nestled halfway along a corridor.  The crew used it to beam themselves to and from alien ships and worlds believing it to be safe, but it really wasn’t and many of them suffered sterility and health issues in later life.

It was a fun little excursion.  I didn’t learn much more than I’d already absorbed as a kid growing up, but actually being on the iconic vessel-turned-tourist-trap made it all seem real.

[sanctum-of-ramshackle]

please i am on my knees begging for more of the TWST boys reacting to some of the SCPs from Researcher!MC’s world /nf

OOC: Hello! I’m the creator of SCP!MC/Yuu, and the one who also created the MC/Yuu from Hazbin Hotel (Demon Lord!MC/Yuu or Static Demon!MC/Yuu). Sorry to keep you waiting for some time.

God, they are plenty of anomalies that SCP!MC/Yuu forbid the boys to interact with. Such as SCP-173 (The Sculpture) (Peanut looking-ass who hasn’t clean its booty for some time) or SCP-682 (The Hard-to-Destroy Reptile).

SCP!MC/Yuu: We lost many lives trying to contain that oversized lizard. It didn’t help that Floyd wanted to squeeze the subject when I told him numerous times “no”. Did he listen? Of course not. Many field agents had to restrain him from entering 682’s chamber.

Don’t get me started on SCP-2386 (Pink Ladies). Those parasitic hoes are nasty insects, especially towards the male species.

SCP!MC/Yuu: Agree. I had to pull everyone back when D-Class subjects were transferring some for testing. When the anomalies saw them, they looked ready to tear them apart and kept banging against the indestructible glass that made up their container.

I mean…The guys look like they can attract anyone, especially the female audience.

SCP!MC/Yuu: Not funny. Fortunately, none of them had to experience such troubles as I told my colleagues and other foundation members to look after them. However, they have met some with good intentions.

[SCP-999 a.k.a. The Tickle Monster]

SCP!MC/Yuu would introduce the TWST Boys to 999 at its pen.

At first some were unnerved by the entity as it seems nothing but a sentient pile of orange goo with beady black eyes.

Others were already feeling happiness to seeing 999.

Grim, the ever-loving menace he is, despises 999 because he was pushed back by SCP!MC/Yuu that one time. (Don’t worry. They apologized and gifted him tuna cans.)

SCP-999: *Crawls over to Kalim and hugs him*

SCP!MC/Yuu: Awww…He likes you already.

Kalim: Aww! You are such a cute slime monster!

Cater: *Pulls out his phone* Gotta put this on MagiCam!

SCP!MC/Yuu: Whoa, hey! Cater, you can’t do that.

Cater: Why not?

SCP!MC/Yuu: All photos, videos, or audio recordings are prohibited within the foundation without authorization because that would risk the staff members and the object itself from the public being exposed. This includes your world’s public.

Ace: Seriously? Your job is lame.

SCP!MC/Yuu: I’m sorry you can’t collect memories, but you can always visit the foundation if I’m around.

Deuce: At least we can see you and others personally.

[999 crawls over towards everyone and hugs everyone.]

SCP!MC/Yuu: See? This is better than MagiCam and whatnot.

[SCP-5094 a.k.a. Miss J’s Whiz Kidz Schoolhouse]

Dr. MC/Yuu would pull out a disc and insert it in an older desktop computer model.

SCP!MC/Yuu: I granted permission to borrow this specific CD from Junior Researcher Xenia Chau. Now we can finally meet Miss. J.

When the desktop computer finally opens up, it shows a 2D character of a colorfully pixelated teacher named Miss. J (Which her name varies like Miss. Joy.)

Dr. MC/Yuu introduced themselves to the teacher and then the TWST Boys.

They explained that the boys were also their case and still running tests on the coffin that transported people to their “Wonderland.”

Most of them seemed fascinated by Miss. J while others were suspicious of the anomaly. Especially to a certain genius otaku.

Idia: *Perplexed by Miss. J and how she functions* You don’t seem to have any programs advanced enough to be sentient… *Mumbles under his breath* What are you?

SCP!MC/Yuu: Idia, that’s rude.

Miss. J: It’s quite alright, Dr. MC/Yuu. To be honest, I have no idea what am I. All I want is to educate children with knowledge of various fields and be engaged to learn more.

SCP!MC/Yuu: *Nods* That’s true to your nature. To be honest, I had a copy of you back when I was still a little kid. I didn’t know you or the others were alive and I wish I had kept mine for good memories. You- I mean, the other you kept me to be more open about everything.

Miss. J: *Smiles through the screen* It seems she did a great job teaching you to become a great person.

[SCP-2295 a.k.a. The Bear with a Heart of Patchwork]

Dr. MC/Yuu already filled some paperwork and contacted Dr. Gergis to have access of meeting Kairos.

The permission was granted and now everyone can see the little bear.

SCP!MC/Yuu: Kairos! *Picks up the patchwork teddy bear and hugs him*

Jack: What’s special about a stuffed bear?

SCP!MC/Yuu: Kairos has anomalous properties who detects major trauma to an organ within a two meter distance of a human. Then he would recreate that said organ (SCP-2295-1) with materials like fabric and stuffing. He then replaces the damaged organ with the one he fashioned and despite it not being biologically and chemically matching with the original organ, it still functions naturally.

[Then Kairos leaps out of Dr. MC/Yuu’s arms and rushes out of the room.]

SCP!MC/Yuu: Follow him!

[Everyone follows the patchwork bear to the infirmary where a young D-Class is exhibiting collapsed lungs. Kairos was by the patient’s bed and pulls out his needles, threads, and a fabric scissor. What was missing is leftover fabric and stuffing.]

SCP!MC/Yuu: Wait, wait, wait! *Yanks off their lab coat and tears it apart*

Riddle: What are you doing?!

SCP!MC/Yuu: Chill. I have spare coats. Kairos needs materials for his operation. *Rushes into the ward and passes their ruined coat to the bear* He needs stuffing, ASAP! *Commands a technician to gather nearby stuffing*

[After the materials are brought together, Kairos quickly fashions a new set of lungs with mismatched patterns and within a second, the new organs disappear in the D-Class’s chest. The patient is now breathing steadily and it seems the operation is a success.]

SCP!MC/Yuu: *Leaves the infirmary with Kairos in their arms* Good job, buddy. You saved another life. *Hugs the bear*

Riddle: *Jaw dropped* How…?

SCP!MC/Yuu: Oh, right. Your family is involved with the medical field back in your world and this is unlike what you would have expected. I wish I can explain more about the little one’s abilities, but unfortunately there’s no reports or records of where the faulty organs disappeared to. It’s still ongoing though.

Riddle: *Hesitant to ask something*

SCP!MC/Yuu: *Notices* Well, Kairos doesn’t hold any malicious intentions. You can hold him until we reach back to his chamber. I already hogged enough cuddles for today. *Passes the bear to Riddle*

Riddle: *Carefully holds Kairos in his arms*

SCP!MC/Yuu: We should get going. We don’t want Dr. Gergis to be worried about his anomaly subject.

[All the TWST boys and Dr. MC/Yuu then starts heading back to the chamber. Without everyone acknowledging Riddle at the time, he gently hugs the bear.]

Riddle: *Hugging the bear* You did a good job.

Cater: *Recording the whole time* Oh Great Seven.

Riddle: *Blushes hard of embarrassment* AHH! NO VIDEO RECORDING WITHIN THE FOUNDATION!!! Cater, delete that video. Delete it! If you don’t delete that video, it’s off with your head!

[thepalmofyourfreezinghand]

I don't think we can expect much out of a fandom who goes out of their way to quote his Twitter fan accounts and mock him for using public transportation cause apparently that's something a poor person does. And then keep going about how awful it is to lose private jet privileges, which ironically is offensive to Taylor too. There's people out there that are actually poor and struggling to live and here we are making fun of him as if being poor is even an insult to begin with and makes you a bad person. Even better is that they justify it as a joke, it's giving M*tty Healy vibes where every shit you say it's fine if you don't mean it.

It has been months and every day this fandom is still beating the dead horse about him not being on tour or whatever other bad thing they think he did. And how he will never find someone better than her, how he will regret for the rest of his life etc etc. It's exhausting tbh

I agree, it’s exhausting. The comments about him not attending the tour were funny back in April, now they’re just stupid.

I used to casually date a guy in my friends’ group who’s objectively a catch: handsome, smart, well-read, outdoorsy, attentive, great taste in books… he wanted to make it official but I didn’t: there was nothing wrong with him, I simply wanted to stay single. My mum (this was a few years back) was appalled by my decision and she kept saying that I should date him and that I was gonna regret it for the rest of my life if I left such an amazing guy go. And I HATED those comments. They completely deleted both my agency and the guy’s, they reduced him to a cardboard cutout, and they didn’t take into considerations my wishes and my needs. Btw, I never regretted my decision and seven years later I still don’t.

I adore Taylor as much as the next person, and for large portions of my life I’ve considered her to be close to perfect. I also consider her to be one of the most attractive women ever. I really adore her. And I can jokingly say that it’s his loss and that she’s bejeweled and he’ll regret it forever and whatever.

But I’d never seriously say those things, because that would mean I stop seeing Taylor as a woman first and foremost (which is what she’s herself said she wants from a partner). She’s amazing! But to say that everybody wants her and that everyone who loses her will forever live miserably comes really close to dehumanizing her.

[setagaya-division]

Yorii's Thoughts on Suginami Division

Ryuko Umemoto

"Ah, Mr. Big, Bad Animator, himself!" Yorii laughs at Ryuko's photo. "Would you all believe me if I told you I had to work with this guy once? Apparently, he and his team were doing some animated version of this highly-acclaimed manga. What was it called again... oh yeah! Red of the Ambitious, I think. I took a gander at it. It was alright, but once you've read one isekai manga, you've read them all. They're all the same, really. Some hero or heroine dies a sad death, they come face-to-face with their Maker or the God of that universe, get transported to a new world where their abilities are a lot better than they were in the old world. Same-old, same-old."

"Anyway, apparently one of the characters had my size and build, so they asked me to act as something of a model." Yorii then shows Ryuko's photo again. "And guess who was in charge of that. Boy, I had some fun teasing this guy. It was fun seeing his expression, and knowing he couldn't do much about it since he'd get into a lot of trouble! But still, I decided to cut him some slack at the end and do my parts correctly. ...For the most part, anyway."

"After that, we were both paid a hefty sum and went about our separate ways. I wouldn't have bothered with him after that, but I hear he works as a sort of babysitter for Kanra-chan and one of her friends. If so, I'll have to find a reason to bug him again!"

Maki Umemoto

"Maki-sensei? You mean he's joining this rap tournament too? Huh. Like Mina said, I'm surprised, but at the same time, I'm not. I mean, seriously, if you could hear some of the things this guy says about the government. I tell you, if he ever got tired of teaching, he could have a career as a public speaker or something. ...But still, for all his talking, you'd think he'd do less of that, and more action, you know? I mean, it's all well to talk about doing something, but if you're not actually putting your words to good use, then what good are you?"

"Besides that, Maki-sensei is... an okay teacher. I've noticed he gets a little bit nervous when it comes to teaching a large number of students, which doesn't bother me then. The more time he works up the nerve the teach, the more time I get to chill in the back of the classroom, playing on my phone and browsing PROFILE!"

Shuu Edogawa

As the singer looks at the photo of the detective, Yorii bursts out laughing. "Really?! Are you kidding me?! This guy?! I can't believe it!" Yorii starts laughing again, but manages to calm himself down. "Oh geez... sorry, sorry. I guess I should explain myself, right? Well, here goes. See, before I met Kanra-chan, you all know I liked to flirt and hang out with girls, right? Well... as it turns out, some of the girls I spoke too may or may not have been together with someone else at the time. And as it turns out... seeing their girls with a guy shorter and younger than them was bound to piss some guys off. But instead of doing the jobs themselves, they decided to hire this guy to get proof first!" Yorii points to Shuu's photo.

"Ever since then, he and I have been engaged in a rather fun game of 'Cat and Mouse'. There have been several times he's actually caught me, but it doesn't really do him much good. Know why? Simple. This is why."

Yorii then opens his mouth and starts singing an enchanting song, which makes the camera black out for a bit. As he finishes, you are left wondering what you were just doing and why Yorii is sitting smiling at you innocently, as if he has a dirty, little secret...

山茶花 Zombeez

"Do I need to say it? I like all of the guys from this team! ...Or rather, I like messing with all of the guys from this team! I mean, hey, can you blame me? They make it too easy! Especially Mr. Investigator here!" Yorii says, laughing out loud again. "Oh man, I cannot wait to face these guys in the tournament! It is going to be a barrel full of laughs for everyone involved!"

[bonesandthebees]

Alright Askers, grab your weapons we’re going out to hunt! (/j don’t actually go looking for the comment).

No but seriously that’s unbelievably rude and clearly written by someone who has never written anything in there life, let alone something as good or as long as your fics because when you’ve gone through the effort of writing something like that you don’t just go and point out ‘flaws’ in other people’s work (and really it’s just their opinion because a lot of your works have bittersweet endings, which is what makes them good in my opinion but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, especially for fan fiction). If they can think of a (subjective) ‘better’ ending, that can go and write their own damn story.

Anyway, I always like the endings to your fics, long or short, a lot of the Askers here do too. That’s why we always come scream at you. Don’t let one person with bad ao3 etiquette ruin your day.

P.s. I still need to read the QSMP hunger games thingy and I’m so excited, but I just straight up haven’t had the time yet. Also, I’ve seen the movie and it was good, but the book has been laying on my shelf for at least two months and I feel like it’s giving me a side eye every time I walk past.

P.s.s It snowed here on Wednesday. Like decent snow for once. And now the entire public transport system is struggling because most of it has yet to melt because of the cold. (This never happened it feels like it’s been at least 5 years since we’ve had snow this decent.)

-🌲

yeah I mean more than anything my issue with the comment was just that they decided to put it in my comments. like, you can have whatever opinion on my stories you want to have. but if you disliked it that much, go talk about it with your friends. don't put it in my comments where I'll literally get an email notif for it.

but thank you spruce I can always count on you guys to reassure me about things like this <3

and don't worry it didn't ruin my day. it just pissed me off for about 10 minutes which is when I made that post (which has now, uh, breached containment a little bit I think. oops.) I understand that this fanbase is young, and many of them genuinely haven't learned ao3 etiquette yet. not everyone is constantly on tumblr or twitter and knows what's going on on the author side. the commenter seemed to genuinely think I wouldn't see the comment, which makes me want to give them the benefit of the doubt that if they knew I would literally get an email with that comment in it, they wouldn't have said that. of course I don't know that for sure, but that's what I'm choosing to believe for now.

ooooo whenever you read my fic lmk I had a lot of fun coming up with the story and everything for it :) also you should definitely read tbosas book. I finished it last week and it's SO good. I really enjoyed the movie, but I enjoyed the book even more. it gives you so much insight to be able to hear coriolanus' internal monologue at all times

YAY FOR SNOW!! NOT YAY FOR STRUGGLING WITH PUBLIC TRANSPORT :( hope things get fixed with that soon!

[igotanidea]

Gritty - sweetbitter fanfiction (Jake x OC) : chapter 4

masterlist

chapter 1 : Welcome to new York

chapter 2 : If we ever meet again

chapter 3 : Bruises

Chapter 4

Get out of my life

Just because I say that I miss you Doesn’t mean that I should ever see you again Though we have some similar issues But that don’t mean we’re friends Get out of my life, Little Hurt

Travelling in New York is always a challenge. Public transport is a menace and crowded streets doesn’t make it any better for those who choose a car. Therefore, the best and sometimes the fastest way to get to your destination point is simply on foot or by bike. However, you need to remember that the fastest doesn’t equal the safest.

It was my fourth day in Howard’s restaurant and the week was almost over. According to Will surviving those first days without drama was quite the accomplishment. I guess he spoke too soon.

On this particular day, which was unusually warm and sunny for this season of the year, I made a decision of retrieving the bike from the basement and remind myself how to use it, since it’s been a while from my last trip. Of course, safety came first so all dressed up in my bike shorts, helmet and a pair of shin pads I got ready to get to work. Weaving between the pedestrians, cars and every other possible obstacle I did my best not to be late, but it was hard because of all the stubborn lights, that changed way too fast for my journey to went smooth. In conclusion, I had to pick up the pace and completely forgot to focus on the environment and surroundings. The only thing in my mind was making it on time.

“Watch out!” before I could do anything I found myself on the ground with unpleasant and painful pounding coming from my bottom and back.

“Ouch” I muttered desperately trying to look dignified and to massage the hurt part of my body.

“Are you all right?”

“What do you think I am?” I felt humiliated and what made it even worse was that the whole accident happened in front of my workplace and Sasha (of course, who else) was just outside, smoking, so had perfect vision of all that happened “why didn’t you pay attention?”

“Me?” the guy asked “I’m sorry princess, but you were the one to get lost in your mind and cut in. Do you have any idea on how to travel through New York?”

“Listen, you…..” I started taking a step towards him, but then felt something hot dripping from my temple “Oh, shit”. Upon closer inspection it turned out that my helmet, which was supposed to protect me worked the other way round. During the hit it tilted and hurt my head to the point when it started bleeding “you see what you did, you idiot! You just caused me a health issue….”

“Hey, Mystery!” Sasha evidently had enough of this shit show and took the action “That is enough, dear, let’s get you inside and patched up, before you draw blood in retaliation”. He grabbed my hand trying to pull me inside.

“Let go off me Sasha, I am not done with him!”

“You are, honey. Come with me, I don’t want to hear any no coming from you. As for you” he turned to the guy “go before she becomes a beast.”

The biker just shrugged and was quick to follow Sasha’s advice leaving me angry and disappointed.

“You know I was handling this shit” I entered the job place with hands crossed over my chest.

“Mackie? Oh my god, what happened to you?”

Shit. Of course that with my visible injury I was a second before turning into a daily event and a subject of talk between the entire stuff.

“I am fine, Will. Really, it’s nothing”

“You know, you keep saying that all the time, but….”

“Mackie” – Tess looked above Will’s shoulder, squinting her eyes “are you ok?”

“Guys, seriously…..” I whined hiding my face in hands in embarrassment. Being the center of attention, how I love that.

“Everyone just let the girl breathe.“ Sasha waved his hand  trying to make some space “we got a casualty here”.

“Casualty?” Will took a step forward “are you dizzy? Concussed? Look me in the eyes.” He commanded and I had to follow. What I saw in his gaze was pure concern and care and sympathy. I swear, if he wasn’t after Tess I would still him for myself. I had a deficiency of nice guys in my life.

“Sasha is overreacting” I patted his arm reassuringly, almost like he needed it more than I did “I just need a minute and I’m ready for work, I swear”.

“Let’s get you cleared up then” Simone appeared out of nowhere with a first aid kit “Just not here in plain view. We don’t need unnecessary drama”

“Sasha seems to be enjoying it” I muttered

“Are you?” Simone eyed me carefully.

“You know I hate being the first fiddle, Simone”

“Oh, yes, that I do” she laughed wholeheartedly and for a second she was the girl I remembered her from the past. Free of all the drama, understatements and the tension.  “Come with me to the back, I’ll help you”

“I’ll do it” Jake was faster, intercepting the kit from her hands leaving us both surprised. “You coming or what?” he nodded his head urging me to move forward. Why did I have the feeling like this would turn to be the talk of the stuff? “Just act professional.” I thought to myself.

“Mackie.” Will stepped in front of me before I crossed the door “If you don’t want to with him…. “

“Cut the protectiveness Will, ok? I’m a big girl, I can handle myself”

“But if….”

“I know, I know. We’ll talk later ok, I promise. Unless you really do want me to faint?” I smirked and with that he let go of my hand. “Good boy.”

***

“Sit” Jake pulled forward the chair using his foot.

“Charming” I muttered rolling my eyes 

“You know I’m not. Never was.”

“That is not what I remember”

“Then what do you remember?” he crouched in front of me, using hydrogen peroxide to clean m wound and the sudden sting made me hissed “Sorry”

“Don’t mention. I’m not used to this, you know”.

“Yeah, I know” – he lifted right corner of the mouth “I recall you running away every time I tried to dress your cuts when we were ….. “ he didn’t finish the sentence letting the rest hang between us like an axe.

“Right, when we were ….” I hang my head, trying desperately to avoid his gaze.

“Hey” – he lifted my chin with his index finger forcing me to look up “what do you remember from….”

From the time when we were together. That was what he was going for. What do I remember? Both too much and not enough. After our breakup I spend a lot of time trying to wipe off the memories, but funny thing about them is that they are carved inside your brain and just a simple gesture like a smile or touch of hand can bring them all back. Did I want it? Absolutely not. Definitely not. Maybe not….. Or maybe….

“I remember Cape Cod” I said “our favorite spot on the pier, the wind in my hair and how carefree we were at that time. Guess it’s true what they say about time changing people, right?”

“Kestrel, I …. “

“No, shh, don’t. Don’t say anything, please.”

“But I …..”

“Jake.” I warned “I don’t need a trip down the memory lane. And neither do you. It’s gone, all right?”

“Right. If that’s what you want.”

“Work relation, ok?”

“Sure” he shrugged “whatever”

“I’m glad we have that clear. Thank you for your help. Now I have to go back to my duties” I stood up a bit to abruptly and loose my balance nearly falling to the floor. “You are a bad nurse, Jake” I smiled lightly which caused him to snort.

“Get out Mackie, go back to Will. Surely he will keep you busy.” was that jealousy in his voice?

“What do you mean?” I tilted my head not sure what was his intention

“Nothing” he muttered passing through me and getting back to the bar without another glance.

“ You are still an asshole, you know?!” I called after him making sure it was loud enough for him to hear it.

***

The service was crazy. Crazier than usual. Rumor has it that we had a surprise visitor in the person of culinary critic who could either take the restaurant to the next level or put the skids under us. Scott was frantic, yelling at everyone in the kitchen, his mind spinning and his perfectionism getting the best of him. It was nearly impossible to work with him today.

“Service” he yelled at Ari, who clearly was also struggling with something

“Oh, get lost Scott. Why is it always me you are yelling at? Maybe the star of the show should take my place since you think of her so greatly?!”

“Maybe I should!”

“Than do so!”

“Guys! Calm down, stop screaming at each other” Tess tried her best to pacify those two

“I don’t know what is happening here, but the echoes of your conversation can be heard at the front” well, if Howard decided to pay us a visit we surely were in trouble “cut it. Now.”

“Sure, Howard” Ari smiled with the widest grin I have ever seen in my entire life “I will cut it. Provided you tell this asshole to loosen his pants” – with an angry scoff she grabbed the plate and rushed off to the guests.

“What is wrong with her today?” Tess asked Heather who was just passing by.

“I honestly don’t know. And I don’t have time for it now, Tess.”

“Perhaps she forgot to take her pill” Sasha interposed.

“I think I need a minute. I feel a bit overwhelmed with everything.” Tess looked at me, her face pale.

“Go, Tess. Take a break, I can handle this for a while. Take some air, a few deep breaths and be right back.”

“Thanks, Mackie.”

She was quick to take a back door leading outside and I could hear her uneven panting. Poor girl still had so much to learn about dealing with stress and work pressure.

“Mackie. Drop the dishes for a second, and come with me” Howard grabbed my elbow from behind “I want your opinion on something”.

“My opinion? What happened about no special treatment? And what happened to warning while standing behind someone?”

“Behind you” he rolled his eyes not paying much attention to what I was saying “You are like the smartest person here, so we still stick to that rule, but I need you. Come on”

He lead me out of the kitchen towards the front, making me stand by the bar and motioned his head towards our special guest, who was being taken care of by Ari and Heather.

“What do you think of her behavior, Mack?”

“I’m sorry?”

 “You can read most people like an open book, so tell me, does she like it here or not?”

“I….” – honestly I felt like suffocating. I mean, I was capable of reading body language and face movements, observe and draw conclusion, but not with Howard demanding it right on the spot. All of a sudden everything just seemed like too much. All the noises, voices, demands, the pace, the expectations of me. A panic attack was the last thing I needed at this moment. “I….” I gasped desperately trying to draw breath “I think…..”

“Breathe, Mackie. Just breathe” before I realized Jake was behind me, whispering softly and touching my hand “you can do this. In and out.”

“I know.” I exhaled deeply, secretly grateful for his sudden support. Another memory came right to me.

Flashback

“I’m scared. What if I can’t do this?” I was standing in front of the classroom where in a second I was about to start writing an admission test. This was supposed to determine whether I will get a scholarship or not and that single though made it harder to breathe.

“Of course you can do this. You have been preparing for this for like half a year, Mack. Why sudden doubts?” Simone asked in confusion

“Jitters, I suppose”

“Hey, look at me” she firmly grabbed my arms “you can do this, ok? I believe in you. And you should do the same. We will be waiting for you here when you are done with it, all right? Keeping our fingers crossed. If you get scared or nervous just try to think about our intangible and undying support. I’m going to save us places, we are not the only supporters here. Coming Jake?”

“In a second” he didn’t move the slightest, eyes fixed on me, even despite the fact I was looking at the ground.

“Right. A kiss for good luck, isn’t it?” she smiled “good luck , Mackie. Break a leg”.

“Why do I have a feeling like she really want me to break a leg?” I turned around, my back to Jake so he wouldn’t see me shaking a bit.

“That’s bullshit, Mack” – his hands sneaked over my waist from behind pulling me close to his chest. The warmth coming from his body enveloping me and calming me down a little. “And even if so, you still have me” – he whispered into my ear, mouth brushing over my cheek “Breathe, just breathe. It’s gonna be fine….Follow me. Inhale” I took some air into my lungs “and exhale. Good girl.” Oh, shit. He only called me that in some specific situations and this was not calming me anymore. If anything I felt the fire taking over my whole body and my shirt made it even worse as his fingers swiftly moved the hem and  brushed over my bare skin.

“Stop it” I tried to yank myself free of his embrace “that is not helping.”

“I think it does” he smirked not letting go “your energy just went somewhere else.”

“You are an asshole, Jake, you know that?”

“Your asshole.”

“Still. An asshole. I think I will have to take action to prevent such behavior in the future.”

“Well, can’t wait for that” he whispered in a low voice his eyes darkening “and now, just breathe.”

“Thanks for reminding me of that. But what about my kiss?” I pouted

“With people watching? I though you weren’t a fan of PDA?” - he mocked

“Since when do you care about the audience?”

“I don’t.” he spun me around and crashed his lips on mine, literally making me forget about the people, the place where we were, the stress, the test…. Everything. It was just him and me. My body started acting on itself and I wanted him closer and closer and closer. He took a step forward and I was now caged between a wall and his body. This was like the sweetest trap I have even been in and truly, I never wanted to get out. His hands moved a bit lower grabbing my hips and playing with the hem of my shirt, occasionally touching bare skin and making me shiver. And since two could play the game I fiddled with his hair, a little gesture that always turned him on. I could stay like this forever, not that he was intending of letting me go. Unfortunately, one of the teachers finally notices our little “good luck kiss” and broke it without any warning.

“Miss Wilson! What do you think you are doing?”

“Nothing.” the rebel in me didn’t even bother to acknowledge her.

“This is not the time. Or, more importantly, the place!” she exclaimed “now, fix yourself, the test is about to start” she pulled me by the hand “and you, young man, I suggest focus on school instead of distracting our most prominent student.”

Jake just smirked, his eyes sparkling with this too-appealing “bad-boy” attitude. Too bad he had a bad reputation in the neighborhood. I couldn’t hold back a smile but hid it with biting my lower lip and knew well enough the sight made his blood boil.

“Break a leg, Kestrel. We will celebrate later.”

Oh, just let me start and finish the test and I’ll show you the definition of the word.

End of flashback

Inhale and exhale.

“Well?” Howard was growing impatient in anticipation for my answer

“Honestly, it doesn’t take a genius to read through her. If you weren’t so uptight you will see it yourself.”

“Mackie!” Howard scoffed me, now angered “don’t play with me!”

“Fine. She’s got an open posture, you see, her shoulder are back and she’s facing Ari and Heather. No crossed arms or possibly ankles, but I cannot quite see it from the distance.”

“Anything more?”

“Yes, but I think Jake should get back to work and not hover over my shoulder. It’s annoying.” I turned my head to look at him and Howard was quick to follow my gaze. Clearly his tunnel vision made him omit this little detail that one of his bartenders halted the job.

“Why are you here, Jake? Don’t you have guest to serve?”

“I’m learning ” he spat

“Since when are you so eager on getting any knowledge?”

“Since now “ he frowned ready for confrontation. Knowing both my ex and my uncle this could get ugly. The best chance I had was getting Nicky’s attention. Even though I normally don’t do this, a desperate person resort to desperate measures. Using my injury as an excuse, faking another wave of dizziness I quickly reached the other bartender under false pretense of getting a glass of water.

“Nicky, I need a favor” I muttered taking a sip.

“Sure, what’ up kiddo?” of course, the nickname made me grind my teeth, but it was not the time for it.

“See those two?” I motioned toward Jake and Howard “at dagger’s drawn”

“Nothing new. Their relation was always intense, Jake’s not exactly Howard’s favorite.”

“Yeah, do tell” I mocked “Why they don’t like each other?”

“Don’t like? That’s an understatement. I’ll tell you about it if you want.”

“Not now, but later - gladly. Can you just make Jake busy while I occupy Howard?”

“ No problem. Even if I don’t think Howard will take any action in front of the guests.”

“I’d rather hedge my bets. “ I shook my head “Thanks Nicky, I owe you one”

***

“You good?” Jake asked when I came back

“Yeah, yeah, sure, I think Nicky needs you, so off you go” – I pushed him towards the other end of the bar.

“We’ll discuss this later, Jake” Howard fixed his glasses

“Can’t wait” the other man hissed.

I’m working with a bunch of kids of a men.

“So, anything else about our guest, Mackie?”

“Well….” I wanted to point out a couple of traits but once again was interrupted. Did I mention how I hate when someone cut my train of thoughts “Oh, what now?!”

“Howard…..” this time it was Heather, possibly the only reasonable person here, so how could I be angry at her? “She wants a words with you”

“She?”

“The critic”

“That’s all she said?”

“Yes. And I can’t quite tell what this is about. She is a complete mystery. Just like this one here” she smiled at me.

“Well, let’s see if you were right with your predictions, Mack” Howard fixed his tie and walked towards the table.

“You are a future-teller now?” Heather eyed me with indescribable look

“Sorry, what?”

“Howard mentioned something about your predictions, so that made me wonder”

“Are we playing 20 questions now?”

“Why are you like that? Every time someone tries to be nice to you, you turn into sandpaper. Is being suspicious in your nature or something rubbed off on you”

“I’m suspicious by nature” I squinted at her “but you may be a bit right”

“Maybe?” she raised an eyebrow “a bit?”

“Ok, fine. You are right. What are you now, a mind reader?”

“A would-be lawyer.” She smiled lightly

“Really? Then why…?

“Long story, but to cut it short let me just say that living and studying in NY is a challenge so .....”

“I’ll drink to that” I raised my water glass “and about your question I have some experience in psychology so Howard asked me to read our guest body language and tell him what the outcome of the visit may be.”

“And what does it tell you?”

“I’m just hoping for the best. Shouldn’t you go back to the customers?”

“Yeah, maybe. But I’m too curious of what will happen.”

“One way or another we are going to find out from tomorrow’s review, right?”

***

Howard didn’t spoke a word for the rest of the evening. At least not to me. However, I suppose he had quite a discussion with Simone in his office since when all the stuff were leaving I could hear their raised voices. It did not sound like they were arguing but something were going on.

“Are you eavesdropping?!”

“Jesus, Tess! Don’t sneak out on me!”

“Sorry.” She smiled widely

“Well, aren’t you happy. I guess your nervousness is no more?”

“I got some help. From Will. And Jake. They are both … supportive.”

“Jake? Supportive?” I was taken aback for a second but then realized that in some cases it was true “I guess. If he want to.” Did he help her the same way he used to support me in distress?

“He gave me an oyster to try. Have you ever eaten one?”

“Mhm. I did.”

“Those are so, so delicious.”

“I know.”

“And Will? He is always there for me, ready to jump in. He’s such a nice guy.”

“He is.”

“I think I’m gonna ask him for some help with learning the dinnerware… You know, the order of placing and all this stuff…”

“Yeah, right. That’s an awesome idea, Tess.” I muttered my mind elsewhere.

“You are not listening to me, Mackie.”

“What? Of course I am listening. Jake, oysters, Will, dinnerware. All of it.”

“Are you girls talking about me?” Will emerged from the support area, changed into his normal clothes.

“Of course we are. Number one matter here” I rolled my eyes

“Hey, what’s with the attitude, Mack?” Will was slightly confused “I thought we were friends?”

“Sorry. I’m just tired and ….”

“How is your head after the accident?”

“Good.” I answered

“Good” he retorted and for a couple of seconds we just stood there in awkward silence.

“Are you eavesdropping” Ari came right after Will, smiling widely with a smile that did not reach her eyes “anything interesting coming out of boss’ office? Is Simone there with him or is she sneaking out with Jake? Only two places for her, anyway” she smirked

“She actually seems nice. Why are you talking shit about her?” Tess eyed Ari

“Oh, new one, you have no idea about so many things.”

“Like what?”

“I think it’s time to go, Tess. If you still want to learn about the dishes that is”

“Sure. I do. Let’s go”

“See you tomorrow, Ari, Mackie” Will bid his goodbye

“See ya, Will” Ari scoffed “he’s going to go down on her, don’t you think?”

“Don’t know. Don’t care” I turned around in my best intention to leave, but she didn’t let me.

“Oh, come on. You are so… stiff and intense. Relax a bit Miss Perfect. I can help you with that, you know” she reached into her tiny purse and retrieved a single blue pill “Do you wanna?”

“Seriously?”

“Yeah, why not? You look like you could use a bit of letting loose”

“Unbelievable” I shook my head “I don’t want it”

“Your loss” she put the pellet in her mouth and swallowed it quickly. “So, do you think he’s gonna go down on her or now. Given my experience…..”

“Good night, Ari” I rolled eyes at her and left the kitchen hoping everyone would just leave me be so I could go home and rest by myself. With all my thoughts running.   

“Mackie!” Oh god damn it, who wants what now? “Are you ready for that story now?”

“Nicky …..” I had the strongest urge ever to refuse him and disappear but it turned out to be impossible since he wouldn’t take no for an answer. “Fine… just make it quick, all right? Don’t you have kids to get home to?”

“I’ll keep it brief but you need to know what’s happening around you.”

“You know, human contacts were never really my strong trait”

“I’ve noticed” he scoffed handing me a glass of wine “come on, try it, it will make you feel better.” I took a sip and have to give it to him that he was an expert in his profession. “Anyway, this whole conflict started when Jake get the attention of one of the hostesses, Jenna was her name. And let me say that Howard likes younger girls”

Ok, so now Jake’s innuendo from before made sense.

“So that’s it? It was just about the girl?”

“Not just about the girl. Jake finally got what he wanted – he always does and Howard got mad.”

“He turned this personal? Dumbass” I took another sip of wine and Nicky chuckled

“Be careful how you speak of your boss”

“He’s not only my boss, he is….” My eyes widened and my mouth flew open before I could finish. I almost spill the secret. Nicky tilted his head and narrowed his eyes.

“Kiddo? What did you got yourself into? Do you have some sort of trouble with Howard?”

“No. No. It’s nothing like that. I promise. Can you please continue, so I can go back home?”

“Like I said, Howard got mad and basically wanted to get rid of Jake for sleeping with the girl, but ….” Nicky hang up waiting for me to ask. However I did not formulate the question “but Simone  talk him out of it”

“How do you know so much about everything?”

“Oh, you little naïve one, you’ll learn soon enough that there are no secrets here. Everything comes to light and being at the front makes it so much easier to gather information”

“I wouldn’t think you to be gossiping type”

“I’m not, but sometimes it’s worth to know about what’s happening backstage”

“I’m not really interested in that. But what happened to the girl?”

“She was moved to another restaurant and Howard hired new one, Becky. You’ll get a chance to meet her tomorrow. She is probably your age so you know…”

“Wait. Let me recap: Howard fired a girl because of some sexual tension?”

“Isn’t that the most controversial one?”

“I’m sorry Nicky but this is just wrong and absolutely jerk-like”

“I’m just letting you know you should be careful. Standing between this two can be detrimental. And I’m 100% sure Simone will not protect you the way she did with Jake. Even if you used to be friends in the past.”

“I don’t need heads up Nicky, I know how to handle myself, but thank you I guess. See you tomorrow?”

“Yeah, night, kiddo”

My head was pounding, the only though on my mind being my bed. Too much happened today and all the human drama practically drained me. I knew if I drove home by bike I would probably end up under a car so decided to left it at the restaurant and instead call a cab. As I reached for the car and almost got inside someone rushed off the restaurant. No, no! It was so close. I thought the urge to jump behind the bushes so that they would not see me.

“Mackie” Simone smiled “it’s dangerous for a girl to walk the streets at night alone”

“You should know that by now” Jake smirked with a clear reference to what happened last nigh

. Come join us, we’ll walk you home. You live nearby, don’t you.”

“I do” I hissed through gritted teeth “just a couple of streets and I can walk by myself….”

“Nonsense. We can’t risk you getting hurt. Come on” she took my arm so I was now squeezed between her and Jake. He moved away instantly.

Thank god my place was close, because thanks to that I didn’t have to deal with Simone talking and Jake grumping. Unlike the woman, he did not say a single word, hands fixed in the pocket of his jacket, slouching with directly fixed gaze. Almost like I was invisible to him.

Jake’s POV

Of all the diners and restaurants in New York she had to come here? Fuck! I had enough trouble as it was and she was just messing around, destroying my life. When Simone asked her to join us in a walk I almost hissed and told Mackie to go to Hell and get out my life. I didn’t want to see her, hear her or feel her around. Clenching fist inside of my pockets I focused solely on the though how much I needed her gone. And there was one simple way to do that.  

@pinksirensong @meganmayhem89 @anastacia-lynn @wardlow @queenshelby @j@juxtaposeddreamer @dees-newest-obsession @amandarobertsboyce

[sullustangin]

Fluffy February Day 19: Loop

Fandom: SWTOR

TIme:  Intro to the Smuggler story (landing on Coruscant)

Pairing: None (gen fic)

Words:  ~700

~~

Eva Corolastor glared up at the public transport listing at Coruscant spaceport.

Corso watched the pilot as she got more annoyed at the constant delays.  He’d only known Eva for a few days, but he knew she had a temper on her.  Granted, some guy had just stolen her ship, ditched her on Ord Mantell, and nearly got her cat killed when the critter abandoned ship to go to his master.

Hylo the Cat sat on his haunches, also glaring up at the public transport listings.  Unacceptable.

Eva seemed to reach the same conclusion.  Eva turned to Corso abruptly.  “You got a speeder license?”

“Yeah, been drivin’ farm vehicles since I was … ten?  Got it all official the day I –”

“Great!  You got a criminal record yet?” Eva startled him with her enthusiasm as well as the follow-up question.  

“Uh…no?” Corso barely had enough time to reply before Eva grabbed his arm and dragged him over to the speeder rental booth.

“Viidu had a deadman’s switch, so I got some credits from him – bet you did too,” Eva said.  “And I’d rather spend it on actually getting somewhere in this city rather than waiting around for some old converted garbage scow.”

~~

“Move over.”  Eva motioned to Corso.   As if to add emphasis, Hylo jumped on the dashboard, right in front of the steering yoke.

“Seriously?”  Corso said, not moving out of the driver’s seat yet. “I’m the legal driver of this here vehicle – you didn’t want to get your chaincode scanned –”  Then something struck him. “Hey, you didn’t get scanned at the port authority – you had Hylo snatch that guard’s lunch and then the pair of you chased him all over the port –"

“--I’m the better driver,” Eva cut him off as she opened the speeder door on the driver’s side.

Corso looked at her as if she was crazy.  “Now how do I know that?”

Eva gestured to herself with open hands.  “Did I not dodge that separatist blockade?  Did I not land under fire?”

Corso shook a finger at her. “Now hang on here – that’s a starship, this is a speeder –”

“If I’m good at the big stuff, don’t you think I’d be even better at the small craft?”  Eva squared up to him, hands on her hips.  “Or is this a ‘the man should drive’ situation, because that’s sooooo last century and is an expression of your latent insecurities.”

Corso worked his jaw a couple of times. “Ain’t got nothing to be insecure about!  The swoop’s in my name and I’m responsible for it –”

“And don’t we have a meeting with that Darmas?  Isn’t he busy?”  Eva pointedly looked at her chrono on her wrist.  “Don’t want to miss the opportunity to catch Skavak.”  

Corso squeezed the steering wheel in his hands.  Then he made a disgusted noise.  “Just don’t total it.”  Then he moved over to sit on the passenger side.

~~

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAY VVVVVVAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!”  Corso stared ahead at the oncoming freighter, howling the entire time.

Eva let out a whoop as she pulled back on the yoke and weaved back into the correct lane of traffic. “Kriff, the exit to that sector is back up there.”    Her eyes bounced between the lane in front of her and the review mirror, where the exit sign now was.    

Then she reached to pat Hylo.  “You might wanna hold on tight.’

With a mreep, Hylo jumped off the dash and sank his claws into the carseat.

“Ah, come on, you two, the speeder is in my NAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAME ---”

Eva had executed a loop in order to get herself into the upper lane going into the opposite direction.

Except now they were flying upside down.

And that’s exactly how they entered into the speeder port, with Eva flipping them back over at the absolute last second.  

Eva and Hylo jumped out of the speeder as if it was no big deal.

Corso remained hunched over in the passenger seat for a few minutes.  “Eva,” he finally said as he sat up.  He let his hand hang over the side of the speeder door and motioned for her to come over.

Eva meandered over, some smug expression on her face.

“Give me the keys, woman. We ain’t doin’ that again.”

....but they absolutely did it again.  A lot of times.

And Corso missed it when they didn’t.

~~

@fluffyfebruary @ayresis @starlightcleric @bluephoenix1347 @ermingarden

[actuallyanansi]

Do all of them except you switch two answers and don't say which ones

ask and ye shall receive

Yellow: i want to live somewhere with decent public transportation, a large public library, and an international airport nearby, ideally with few cops and fewer natural disasters.

Orange: when i'm not in bed, i usually want to be in bed. when i am in bed, i usually want to still be in bed, but at a nice hotel.

Lilac: my dream is to be in an unfamiliar city with striking features, good food, and a long history, alone, with an internet connection and enough english or french to get by. barring that, a beach resort is fine.

Beige: picture it: two guys, curly hair, perfect smiles, and i was making out with both of them surrounded by soft white linens. people kept walking through the background and interrupting, but they never stayed too long.

White: he was a vegan jock i met sophomore year on a local campus app, and his roommate had just moved out. because i lived at home, way off campus, and never hung out with anyone, our hookup was the first time i had actually seen a dorm room at the college i attended. i remember vividly that his mouth tasted like wet dirt, and i lied to my parents about where i was a lot over the week we spent together—not because it really mattered, but because i could. our whatever we had ended...poorly, but what a rush those first few days were. after he ghosted me, i downloaded grindr.

Purple: he was almost miraculously kind (and also very cute), he took my concerns about covid safety seriously, he bought me dinner on j*ff b*zos' dime, and he let me subject him to the incredible pinoy drama gaya sa pelikula (the best limited television series of 2020, argue with your mother). we still talk daily, and i'm so thankful i met him ☺️

Tangerine: physically, i don't have much of a type. i tend to like guys who are grounded and even-keeled, but interesting enough to keep up with me in conversation. guys who can translate those conversations into making out on the couch. guys with rich inner lives who enjoy my attention without needing it, who enjoy giving me attention in a way that isn't just compulsive. guys who are smart when i am stupid

Gray: he was kinda dumb and probably toxic, and i tell myself i didn't know better at the time, but i did! he also gave me strep 💜 (and i still went back 💜)

Green: i was in the car with my aunt and my dad. he was driving us home from visiting nana in hospice. there was a rainbow over I-75 that lasted for miles. they discussed the details of her car insurance, the will we couldn't find, how my uncle, my dad's twin brother, was supposed to inherit her little house. we were still pretending to hope she would wake up; we were no longer pretending to hope she would wake up. my dad pulled off the highway to stop at a wendy's. we had gone without food for most of the day. the three of us ate in the car and spent a few minutes talking about the new strawberry frosty. my aunt had used a coupon to get hers for free. at some point, we kept driving. there was nothing left to talk about. the rainbow was gone by then.

Gold: he was a friend of a friend, and we spent a few weeks carefully circling the elephant in the room before we finally admitted we were into each other. it was extremely goofy how long it took us to work up the courage to even kiss, but i also don’t regret it. he was a sweetheart, and it’s hard not to think back on it fondly ☺️

Black: as a child, for some reason i knew how to pronounce the word nazi before i knew how to spell it. for some reason after i learned how it was spelled i assumed people had been pronouncing it wrong, and i tried to "correct" it while talking to my mom. the way she laughed…i will never recover, i fear 😔

Blue: i cannot remember the last time i spoke to someone i knew in elementary school. baruch hashem 💜

Magenta: around the age of eleven or twelve, i used to legitimately wonder whether my brother would grow up to meet the requirements for the antichrist, and then i'd feel intense guilt about it

Red: i write poetry against my better judgment. i read, sometimes. i watch video essays. i play piano. i cook, i bake, i listen to podcasts, i doomscroll. i start new obsessions and drop them.

Violet: bestie i didn't even plan on attending the college where i did four years of undergrad, so i'm really not pinning too much hope on any specific school in the future. that being said, i am begging all wealthy potential patrons to make grad school feasible. so mackenzie scott, if you're reading this,,

Brown: our culture puts so many expectations around traditional relationships that it's hard not to feel exhausted, and historically i'm also fairly bad at them. fwbs usually offer less risk and more reward, but also i'm trying to move beyond the idea that either of these has to look like anything in particular.

Peach: i've never taken a class from her per se, but mariame kaba has had a greater impact on my education more than just about any other individual person. as far as actual professors go, dr. jen cohen was a pretty good one, and the only econ professor i had who told the truth about how capitalism worked. (thanks for letting me sit in on your class when i wasn't really supposed to!)

Pink: anansi has such a vast mythology and is kind of an aspirational figure in a lot of ways. (not the part about being a spider.) it's about the subversion of the presupposed order of things, the capacity for gracious failure and the potential for unexpected success, the shaping of a story through its telling and retelling...

[bigtimesinsmallspaces]

Post 8: A Tale of Two Zephyrs Part Two

We loved Glenwood Springs so much we wanted to stay another day. But the train for the next day was booked so we wearily (yet happily) proceeded to the station. It’s hard to predict the ridership on a train. The Zephyr we stepped off of the day before was only half full. It was readily apparent this was going to be a different experience. The line for boarding was long and confusing. PG and I had a challenging time getting seats together but the conductor assisted us and we settled in.

One of the most fascinating aspects of this segment was still before us. The Moffatt Tunnel opened in 1928 and at that time was the longest tunnel in the Western Hemisphere and topped out at over 9,500 feet. At 6.2 miles it shortened the distance between Denver and Salt Lake City by over 170 miles. About 15 trains a day still use the tunnel. It takes about 12 minutes to get through the Moffatt as it crosses through the Continental Divide, and about the same amount of time to clear the tunnel of fumes before the next train can proceed We were told when we were approaching and the conductor asked that everyone remain in their train car to avoid any opening doors that would allow fumes into the train.

The ride on into Denver was quite enjoyable because Conductor Cody provided very informative commentary. He also spent a lot of time in the Observation Car striking up conversations and asking about how your travels were going. It was obvious he loved his job. There was also a rail club traveling and listening to them talk with one another and with Conductor Cody highlighted for me how little I know about trains. The opportunity to hear from the Conductor was definitely a highlight of the trip. Many years ago I remembered on certain routes there were volunteer docents who boarded at particularly scenic or historical spots and provided wonderful commentary along the route. Similarly, folks on social media often relate that they strike up engaging conversations (friendships?) with conductors and train personnel. With the exception of Conductor Cody on this trip we had to make do with books found on Amazon, which actually served us well to explain what we were seeing along the way.

There is always the low point of a trip— especially one this laden with expectations. So it was, that as we pulled out of Denver for yet another overnight on the train, with no further tunnels and the most majestic of the Rockies fading behind us, PG and I hit that point. This epic trip was coming to an end and we were missing that sense of anticipation that had been with us through both the planning and the experience of the trip itself. It did not help that the old man beside us was drunk and loud and playing a mandolin (badly, two chords over and over); and the young guy in front of us was drunk and demanding that the car attendant not sit anyone with him (on the sold out train) because he wanted both seats to himself. As can be expected these types of situations don’t get better on an overnight train in a full coach car careening toward Chicago with a long night ahead.

It is important to remember that train travel is a form of public transportation. Riding the rails is a trip with your fellow humans from all walks of life loaded into a big tube that shoots through the night. If you cannot see the joy, or at least some of the humor in these experiences, it is not likely the train is for you. Seriously sleep deprived with an aching back, even my patience for snoring strangers and smelly food and feet was nearing its end, and the Zephyr was losing her shine.

Or maybe it was simply time to start looking forward to something else— something like going home. Maybe, after all, it was the perfect confluence of happenings.

Video Below: Leaving Glenwood Springs and the Colorado River

Pictures Below: Leaving Glenwood Springs, a ranch, watching the scenery from the observation car and modeling my train earrings from my friend Kathy, the beautiful Rockies, the train at Galesburg, Chicago in the distance.

[peupeugunn]

honestly the saddest part about there being a serial killer in the city I live in is that i can't use public transport cause this guy's dumping dismembered body parts into trashcans around train stations and metro lines and seriously does this guy not understand that public transport is literally the only way i get to places when i actually get out of the house i am fuckin livid seriously find a better dumping ground thank you

[anthonysstupiddailyblog]

Anthony’s Stupid Daily Blog (353): Sun 5th Mar 2023

As soon as the morning meeting was over I got told to go to outbound shipping. This is the best process to be put in because it’s the least amount of work and there’s no interference or monitoring from team leaders. However it’s it’s also the most boring work too because all it involves standing at the bottom of a troth with lists of chutes above it from which packages slide down and you have to walk up and down waiting for the packages co no img down and then place them into a trolley which get taken to the trucks for delivery. Throughout the course of a typical day there’s maybe two or three busy periods where there’s loads of packages dropping own but for the most part you get maybe one every two or three minutes so you really have to rely on your imagination to distract you from the sheer boredom. Sometimes I finish a shift and have no idea how I’ve managed to pass a full 10 and a half hours just by talking to myself without going insane. Then I remember that throughout the previous 10 hours I didn’t have to talk to any fuckwits on the phone and that usually makes me feel much better. Speaking of cunts after work I got the number 4 bus to the bus station, arrived a full 19 minutes before my connecting Number 56 was due to arrive…and the cunt never turned up. I was stood walking around the bus station in the freezing cold for a full 30 minutes before the next bus arrived. Seriously fuck the bus company. If Vladimir Putin visited the Uk and for whatever reason had to use our public transport I think he’d be straight in the phone telling his troops to get the fuck out of Ukraine and to start firing shells at the Stagecoach headquarters instead.

Tuned into the New Japan Cup Night One. The first match of the tournament was Tetsuya Naito vs El Phantasmo. I've really grown to like Phantasmo. When he first debuted I thought he was an indyrific geek who was nothing special in the ring but his in ring has really improved as has his trash talk. He never misses an opportunity to taunt the crowd or his opponents. He's not as good at it as Jay White but he's still a major highlight in New Japan these days. There was a cool moment where ELP went for a cartwheel into the corner and Naito got his feet up just in time. Another impressive spot was where Naito countered a powerbomb into a DDT. The finish came when Naito quickly countered CR2, ELP's cross armed Styles Clash and rolled him up. Just before this ELP kicked out of Naito's finisher which was cool as he was able to look strong even in defeat. I love Naito but I've been getting serious boredom vibes from him over the last two years. He looks like he's realized he's done everything worth doing in New Japan and is just going through the motions at the moment until he's got enough money to retire. The main event was Taichi vs Sanada. Since the breakup of Suzuki-Gun, Taka Michinoku, Taichi, Douki and Kanemaru have remained together under the name "Just 4 Guys" which sounds like a knockoff hair re-growth foam. I'd always hoped that one day Taichi would get his own heel stable but I meant being passed to torch by Suzuzki to lead "Taichi-Gun" not Suzuki-gun going bust and Taichi being saddled with the three jobbers (Actually that's not fair Taka and Douki are very good). I've just realized that Sanada is Japanese Wheeler Yuta. Taichi dominated the opening bulk of the match but got too cocky, constantly taunting and patronizing Sanada which sent him into a rage and ended with Taichi being pildriven on the floor, evening the pace of the match. Sanada ended up getting the win after hitting his new finisher which is a swinging reverse STO into a DDT. Sanada finally has a finisher move that doesn't look fucking stupid.

[crotchety-old-blogger]

This Too Shall Gas

I find it mildy ironic that people will complain up and down about gas prices being ridiculously high, but nobody takes a stand and says, "F*** this, I'm using public transportation."

I have been using the city bus, (no, I don't think I'm better than you) and let me tell you - what a relief it is to here road rage, car wrecks and not have myself involved in the damn mess. That's out there. Me? I'm in the air-conditioned bus, got myself a fairly cushioned seat, with my feet up (which isn't allowed😒).

Sure on board there's a guy talking to himself, but he's minding his own business. Unless he makes trouble then the driver stops and asks him to step out. My problem? Hardly.

I've traveled 30 miles to my doctor's office and back all for $5. How much did you pay for a 60 mile trip? $80? $120? Ha-ha-ha!

And for all of you health-obsessed peeps, you get good cardio when you're walking to, or running towards the bus stop before you miss it.

Now, most of you are probably wondering "what if I get bored on the bus?" Just play my little game, it's called "Whose the Crazy On the Bus?" Most of the times it was me. But I know where I am on the looney totem pole. You might find you are the one who's the one that is a few craisens short of a salad. Or you can just look at your cellphone and make no eye contact with anybody, which is highly recommended.

And all you who live where the buses don't roam . . . . Dude! I'm sorry you have to drive into town. No doubt you probably don't get out much anyways. Perhaps it's well worth it for you to spend the gas to get into town, and live in the mountains. Seriously, I get it.

Well that's all for now. Stay tuned when I break the sound barrier using my mind! JK