#there's also a bit where michael says that it's nice for the group to have complete full ownership of something

[monarchisms]

so this is the unintentional part two of that summary post i made with geoff talking about the end of achievement hunter. for this post, i'm going to try my best to sum up what michael, trevor, and joe (but not alfredo because he was sick at the time 😔) have said about what will happen in the future on the penultimate episode of off topic, #403. there won't be a transcript this time as i am busy with schoolwork and stuff, so i'll try to make this summary as filled with as much accurate information as i can to make up for it :)

so basically,

trevor starts off by saying they'll be doing the last of various series to wrap everything up. he also notes that some of these finales will be "more nostalgic"

one of the series finales that's up right now is vs episode #150: joe vs BK. the game they played is cooking mama!

after the series finale of off topic (#404 lol), the final AH video ever will be a let's play in the remastered version of burnout paradise, and the cast will consist of geoff, jack, trevor, and michael. this is a callback to the first ever AH video they did back in 2008, and it's already been filmed! trevor says it was more emotional then he thought it would be :')

michael explains that the video will essentially be a ~70-minute podcast. in it, they'll talk more about the end of achievement hunter, where the cast members have went/what they've all moved on to, and new projects that they'll working on. he also says that he thinks that people will call this video "cathartic" while comparing the vibe to their old gta v series, sunday driving

not as important, but michael said that he was mindlessly driving and turning in burnout paradise in the same way that he'd run and jump in minecraft because he "fucking hated" playing minecraft lmfao

as said before, they decided to close AH and start something new with dogbark instead of continuing like they used to. michael acknowledges that in the last few years, most of the crew had already left rt in some way or moved on to other stuff within the company, leaving just michael, trevor, alfredo, and joe as the most consistent on-screen talent by the end. *bonus bit that wasn't mentioned until later, but alongside these 4, jarren from the post team will be their channel manager for dogbark :)

as this group makes videos for dogbark, michael says that their stuff will be both "tonally different" and "very fluid" as they're still figuring it out as they go, noting that they were balancing it and AH/let's play content at the same time

michael also talks about how he's been doing what he's wanted to do at AH for a long time, but there were some things he still couldn't do within the constraints the AH crew had put on themselves

while there will be some gameplay stuff on the dogbark channel, as mentioned in this episode and the channel trailer, they will primarily focus on live action content. trevor makes a point by saying that the style/theme in the trailer will "not be pervasive throughout the entire brand", and michael adds on to that by saying the trailer "is at 100, but every video won't be at 100"

michael and trevor make a point by saying that there will be more variety, as in "a dozen little formats", not necessarily like the shows/series they made at AH, with joe saying that they're not trying to "tie themselves down" to strict uploads and such, like they were when they were previously fitting into a mold at AH

trevor says that he has seen achievement hunter, and rooster teeth as a whole, having a unique challenge ahead of them. he refers to making content that appeals to an audience who had been following them since the early days while trying to also find new faces, both out there in the audience and internally at the company, in order for AH to stay around

he also points out how difficult it is to do that with a long-standing brand that has had different eras of content, since there would be an audience with differing expectations for them. with that, it became hard for the AH crew to balance said expectations with the authenticity they tried to show in the content they created. the crew has changed as people alongside their audience, and the stress that came with it was challenging

michael stresses that the group not only chose to make a new channel completely, they also had to fight for it for a while, and wanted to slow down on AH content before properly closing/archiving the channel to create dogbark. beyond the struggles of creating something new from scratch, they now have the challenge of preparing the audience for the jump from AH to dogbark while thinking about all the pros and cons before going forward

this week (the week of september 18th) and next week (the week of september 25th) are the last weeks of new AH content. after that, there will be a 1 or 2-day break before dogbark properly starts making new content on october 2nd. trevor feels like people will get a better idea of what dogbark is after a month or two of them uploading content

finally (subject to change, of course), they want to aim for full uploads every monday and friday, with patreon-like exclusive videos with rt first every wednesday and saturday. one of the confirmed things to expect is a first-exclusive podcast. the first week dogbark officially starts, all that content will be public as a sample of what to expect, and every week after that will follow that schedule

[massiveharmonytiger]

So I was rewatching Saltburn and I had an epiphany!

Farleigh is in love with Oliver.

Like, embarrassingly, stupidly, head over heels.

I mean, I knew he had a thing for Ollie, with the jealously telling Felix about him and Venetia, the Richard III would put in the work line followed by him being completely disarmed when Oliver suggests that he fucks him, and then the actual Oliver seducing him scene, but I only just realized the extent of it and how far back it goes.

First of all, Farleigh notices Oliver before Oliver sees Felix for the first time.

Yes, I got the script because I'm complete Saltburn trash at this point. So when Farleigh is introduced, the script describes him as beautiful and pansexual, walking among a group of alpha hotties. So in the film, he's with two hotties, a guy and a girl. He has his pick. There's no reason for him to point out Oliver or what he's wearing to them, unless he's trying to impress them, but why would Farleigh Start need to impress them? He's already the centre of that group. Sure the script also describes him as an imp with a cruel streak, but after rewatching I feel like that's a blatant misdirection. I mean, he got expelled for sucking off teachers. Nerdy prep is exactly his type.

He says, "Hey cool jacket," to Oliver. If you interpret that line as being delivered by the beautiful and pansexual Farleigh Start, not the impish and cruel Farleigh Start, it's pretty much a come on. I'm mixed race like Farleigh and it kind of reminds me of those back-handed compliments white people give you when they think you're hot or cute 'for a brown person.' It's kind of hilarious to see it subverted like this, but obviously Oliver is less amused. Why would he interpret it as anything other than more bullying? Which it kind of is, so fair enough. But it's the kind of bullying people do when they get a crush they don't know how to handle. A little boy pulling on a girls pigtails. And it's obviously worked for Farleigh before. Why would he need to try any harder than that?

After Farleigh's comment, Oliver sees Felix for the first time. Farleigh is also there, but Oliver's already smitten and doesn't really notice him beyond, "Oh, it's that jerk from earlier and he's next to Felix, where I should be." Then you get a few other bits that wreck me. Oliver ducking from the window when Felix looks up, Oliver trying to sit at Felix (and Farleigh)'s table at the mess hall, but being unable to, Michael causing the disruption, but it doesn't even interrupt Felix and Farleigh's conversation. (Which ties in nicely to my theory of how the original Oliver wouldn't have gotten Felix's attention even if he screamed, he had to mold himself into what Felix wanted just to get noticed, but one theory at a time).

Next up, we have the tutor session that Farleigh is late for. Before Farleigh gets there, Oliver is humiliated and belittled for completing the reading list, which dooms Farleigh even more when he shows up and the tutor starts fawning over him. Oliver doesn't know Farleigh and Felix are cousins yet. He's just the guy that was snide to Oliver when he first got there. The guy at Felix's side that Oliver keeps measuring himself against. So yeah, Oliver is pissed off before Farleigh gets there and that cute little knee touch isn't going to change anything.

Yes, Farleigh, I also count the amount of times my crush uses a word in their essay despite still being hungover from last night's party, just so that I have something to talk to him about… Oh wait, no, that's just you.

The way he looks up at Oliver with those big brown doe eyes when he says, "I counted". The way he keeps looking up to gauge his reaction to all his comments. The way he's looking at him, period.

And Oliver doesn't fall for his cuteness and charm because he's just convinced that the intent behind his words is malicious. Poor Farleigh. He must have been so confused. People usually fold but here's this guy, meeting him blow for blow. He's never had to "put in the work" like this. What the hell.

The tutor sessions with Oliver and Farleigh (where Farleigh is framed lower than Oliver) actually serve as a nice parallel to a lot of the scenes where Oliver and Felix are together (and Oliver is framed lower than Felix). We don't really see that when Farleigh and Felix are together. They're usually at a similar height in those scenes.

Then we have the scene in the bar where Felix calls Oliver over and Farleigh has that panicked, "Oh shit, my crush is here," look on his face before it settles into resignation as he realizes Oliver is, "another one of Felix's toys". Finally the mystery is solved. This is why Oliver didn't fall for his charms at the tutor sessions.

So, Oliver prefers Felix to him, huh. That's just fine. He'll deal with the rejection by giving Oliver a hard time about buying the next round. That should push him away from Felix…oh shit, it brings them closer together. And now he looks like the douchebag.

Then there's this bit where Farleigh is looking at Oliver and Felix (mostly Oliver, the prior shot establishes which side of the room he's on, which happens to be where Farleigh's looking) and his party hat horns mirror the minotaur/how Oliver looked when he confessed his love to Felix later on. Oliver, you need to see how much Farleigh fucking loves you. Look at him, Ollie. Just look at him. (He can't, he's too busy looking at Felix)

Anything to get Oliver to notice him. Anything.

Cut to Oliver's arrival at Saltburn, where Oliver joins the rest of them in the library and Farleigh loudly cuts off Elspeth gossiping about Oliver and his parents because hearing, "We were just talking about you" would be better than hearing whatever was going to come out of Elspeth's mouth next. And I mean, he's already the asshole. This is actually so sweet.

And we all remember this scene. This clearly made his day.

But then we get the encounter with Venetia and Felix and Farleigh both being equally pissed at the breakfast table. And yeah, everything goes downhill from there. It's the reason Oliver seduces him and gets him thrown out for what's literally just another desperate attempt to drive a wedge between Oliver and Felix.

No, Oliver, he's not going to behave. God, yes. Don't stop.

Farleigh was down so bad he literally got honeytrapped and framed. Twice.

Between Felix, Oliver and Farleigh, there are really no winners. They really all got wrecked by love, huh.

[vintageshanny]

Waiting for Love - Part One

He’s a Married Man

I felt inspired and started a brand new series! It’s a bit different from anything else I’ve done, and I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback! ❤️

Content: Story starts in summer of 1970, marriage problems, infidelity, smut (lighter in this first chapter but still there), fun Elvis-y things, 18+

Early July 1970

Vivien walked slowly past the Graceland gate on her way home from work. She always told herself that if she didn’t actually stop and wait, she wasn’t one of those crazy obsessed fans. She was just a normal curious person. Who walked five blocks out of her way every day in a pathetic attempt to catch a glimpse of Elvis Presley. There were a few other fans milling about, but it was too hot for a huge crowd. Right as she was about to cross over the driveway entrance, a big black car came roaring down the street, barely slowing to turn into the drive where the gate was starting to open. Vivien’s jaw dropped open as Elvis himself leaned out of the passenger window with a big smile.

“Hey, honey, didn’t mean ta scare ya. Got a crazy driver here,” he said, pointing a thumb over at the stocky man behind the wheel. Elvis gave Vivien a quick glance up and down and smiled again. “Were ya waitin’ for me?”

Vivien smoothed out her knee-length skirt and quickly glanced down to make sure none of the buttons on her short-sleeved blouse had popped open. She was always having trouble with that third one down. The one that would reveal the most, of course. So far, so good. “Oh, um,” she stumbled over her words. “I, um, was walking home from work, but it is nice to see you though.” Her face turned red as Elvis chuckled.

“It’s nice ta see you too, honey. It’s too hot ta be sittin’ out here talkin’, but why don’t ya come to the movies with us t’night,” he said it as more of statement than a question. “A group of us are goin’ to the Memphian. Just come in the side door at 10:00 and say Joe invited you.” The driver rolled his eyes at this, but neither Vivien nor Elvis seemed to notice.

Vivien tried in vain to keep her cool as she exclaimed, “Oh, wow, okay, I’d love to.” As she pushed her glasses up on her nose, she made eye-contact with Elvis right as he was also adjusting his own tinted glasses. They both laughed, and Elvis gave her a little wink.

“Okay, honey, I’ll see ya t’night,” he called out as the car continued up the winding driveway. Vivien was pretty sure her smile was lighting up the whole city as she continued her walk home.

As soon as she got inside her apartment, she picked up the phone. “Roxanne, I need you to come over right now. It’s a fashion emergency.” Ten minutes later, her best friend arrived at the door from her apartment two buildings down, panting and out of breath.

“I got here as fast as I could! What’s going on? Hot date?” Roxanne asked as she barged in and flopped on the couch.

Vivien bobbed up and down excitedly as she squealed, “I’m going to the Memphian with Elvis Presley!”

“What?! When?!” Roxanne exclaimed, jumping up from the couch and then sinking back down onto it in shock.

“Tonight! I told you my walking by the gate every day would pay off eventually,” Vivien announced triumphantly. “And you have to go with me! I’m sure he wouldn’t mind; he said it would be a big group.”

Roxanne’s face dropped a little bit. “I can’t tonight!” she wailed. “Michael made us reservations for this fancy anniversary dinner, and he’ll kill me if I bail on him. Especially for another man. I’ll just have to live vicariously through your stories about the night,” she sighed dreamily.

“Has it been one year already? I didn’t know you had it in you,” Vivien teased.

“Oh, very funny, goody two-shoes,” Roxanne retorted. “At least I’ve had something in me.” Vivien blushed at that dig. She’d always been holding out for something really special. “Speaking of that,” Roxanne continued, “are you gonna try to hook up with him tonight?”

“Who? Elvis?” Vivien asked with shock.

“No, the pope. Of course Elvis! He invited you personally, he probably thought you looked cute in your little secretary outfit,” Roxanne said with a knowing wink.

“N-no, he-he’s a married man,” Vivien sputtered out. “I’m just excited to be around him and maybe talk to him. I bet he’s so interesting to talk to.”

“Hmm,” Roxanne tutted disapprovingly. “Well, I think you should go for it. I heard that marriage has been on the rocks since the beginning anyway,” she said as Vivien shot her a look. “I’m just saying, you could be waiting in the wings. Now let’s find you something to wear.”

*************************************************

At 9:55pm, Vivien stepped off the bus two blocks from the theater, feeling severely overdressed in a low-cut sparkly cocktail dress and red kitten heels, her wavy dark brown hair pulled back off her face with a jeweled hair clip. Well, that’s what she got for asking Roxanne’s advice. She should’ve known she’d be sent out into the world looking like a good-time girl. Roxanne also told her, in no uncertain terms, that she was not to wear her glasses. Despite the fact that she wouldn’t be able to see the movie, or probably even recognize Elvis from across the lobby, she followed the advice and tucked them in her purse before heading toward the side door of the theater as instructed.

A red-headed man was acting as some sort of security guard right outside the door. Vivien told him she was invited by Joe and he held the door open for her to go in. She was surprised to find that the side door led directly into the darkened theater. Patton was just starting. She squinted down the aisle looking for any familiar faces but found nothing, so she nervously sat down in an empty seat, wondering if she would even see Elvis at all. Her nerves, plus the fact that everything on the screen looked fuzzy, made it hard to even focus on what was happening in the movie. She decided to sneak out to the lobby and see if the concession stand had anything that might settle her stomach, which had been doing flip-flops since she stepped off the bus. She rose and quickly scurried down the aisle, trying not to block anyone’s view of the movie.

Vivien pulled her wallet out of her purse to pay for her 7-Up and noticed she had brought a copy of Khalil Gibran’s The Prophet, one of her favorite books. She decided maybe she’d just find a spot to sit and read until the movie was over. Maybe she could catch Elvis’ attention on his way out. She wandered the little lobby looking for a spot to sit and ran right into Elvis coming out of the bathroom. His driver from earlier was standing next to the door. Vivien thought maybe she imagined it, but it looked like Elvis’ face lit up when he saw her.

“She is here!” Elvis turned to Joe and glared at him. “I told ya ta bring her ta sit with me when she got here.”

“I told Red to let me know when she got here! I said she had long dark hair and glasses…” Joe’s voice trailed off as he realized Vivien no longer matched his description.

Elvis started laughing as he realized what the problem was. “Why’d ya take your cute glasses off, honey? How’s anyone supposed ta find ya?”

Vivien smiled shyly. “Bad advice from a friend, I guess,” she said, fishing in her purse for her glasses. “Plus I didn’t know you’d be looking for me.”

“Hey, whatcha got there? The Prophet?” Elvis asked excitedly, noticing the book peeking out of her purse.

“Oh, yeah, I never go anywhere without a book,” Vivian admitted, feeling silly. Elvis looked at her, his eyes literally twinkling with delight.

“That’s one of my favorite books! You should come visit me tomorrow, I’d love ta talk to ya about it.” Elvis had now moved so close that their arms were touching. Vivien could hardly breath, so intoxicating was his presence.

“Are-are you sure?” she asked. “I mean, I’d love to talk to you more, but I don’t want to impose.”

“It’s no imposition, honey, I’m always up for some good conversation. Plus the guys’ll be busy tomorrow, right, Joe?” Elvis gave him a pointed look, letting him know they should make themselves busy. “I’ll be wantin’ some company. You don’t want me sittin’ there all lonely, do ya?” Vivien felt goosebumps raise on her skin as Elvis ran the backs of his fingers down her upper arm.

“No, of course not,” she whispered, suddenly unsure of exactly what he was asking. “I’d love to keep you company.” She felt embarassed at how flirty she was being with this married man, but she also couldn’t seem to stop smiling at him. It was all so surreal. Elvis pulled her in a for a tight hug, his arms wrapped all the way around her so that his fingers were brushing along the sides of her breasts. The affection he displayed had her weak in the knees.

“I’ll see ya tomorrow, honey. Come by around three. After breakfast,” he smiled and gave her a peck on the cheek. He started to walk away and then quickly turned back, asking, “What’s your name, dear? In case ya try ta go incognito again.”

“Vivien,” she said with a smile. “What’s yours?” Elvis tilted his head back and let out a loud burst of laughter before walking away. Vivien was floating so high that she almost didn’t wonder why he no longer wanted her to come sit with him. She supposed he’d found a new seat mate when he thought she wasn’t there. Maybe his wife?, she wondered. But then why would he be looking for me?

After the movies were over, Vivien hoped to say goodbye to Elvis again, but he was surrounded by fans, and she felt silly interrupting. She observed that he was affectionate with almost everyone, and worried she had read way too much into their conversation. Does he even really want me to come over? Since he had insisted, she decided it would be rude to not show up, but she tried to get her expectations in check. Plus, he’s a married man, she reminded herself.

*************************************************

The next day was Saturday, thank goodness, because Vivien had given no thought to her work schedule when agreeing to these outings. She wondered if Elvis even kept track of the days of the week like normal people had to. She had already decided not to call Roxanne until she got back from Graceland later. She didn’t want anyone else’s thoughts getting in her head; she was confused enough on her own. Unsure of what to wear or how fancy she should look, she decided to just be comfortable in some black capri pants and a red and white striped shirt that hugged her body in the way she liked. She slipped on some sandals, grabbed her book and purse, and headed out the door.

It was much more pleasant outside than it had been the day before, which was a relief. Vivien thought how awkward it would be to show up with sweat dripping down her face. Whoever was at the gate must have been expecting her, because they opened it right away and told her to just knock on the front door. Elvis answered the door himself, wearing crisp white pants and a satin-y red shirt with arm garters. His feet were bare, which made her heart flutter for some reason.

“Vivien! Perfect timing! I just finished gettin’ dressed,” he smiled. “Come on in.” He led her into a beautiful living room with a massively long couch. She noticed a framed photo on the coffee table of him, Priscilla, and their cute little daughter.

“You have a beautiful family, Elvis,” she commented when he noticed her staring at the picture.

“Oh, thanks,” he said, sounding a little dismissive of the compliment. “‘Cilla’s out of town right now. She went to visit her parents with Lisa.” He seemed to be answering a question that had been hanging in the air, unasked. Vivien just nodded and tried to look like this fact didn’t both excite and worry her.

“I brought my book. Is there any particular chapter you wanted to talk about?” she asked, hoping to guide the conversation away from absent spouses.

“All of it!” he said excitedly. She noticed he had a copy sitting on the coffee table as well. “Sit down and make yourself comfortable, honey. You can take your sandals off and just set your feet here.” He indicated the space on the couch next to him. Feeling a little self-conscious, Vivien curled up so that she was leaning slightly away from him but her bare feet were next to him. While they talked, Elvis would occasionaly rest his hand on her ankle or rub his fingers absent-mindedly over the top of her foot. It was very soothing. He didn’t seem to be aiming for anything more, just a soft, gentle affection. When the phone rang, he excused himself and said he’d be right back. He seemed slightly agitated when he returned.

“What’s wrong? Is everything okay?” Vivien questioned, noticing his tense demeanor.

“Yeah, honey, ever’thing’s fine,” he drawled. The butterflies in Vivien’s stomach flew into overdrive at the way the word “honey” always dripped off his tongue like the sweet sticky substance itself. Elvis sighed and continued on without any prompting, unable to keep his frustration to himself. “It’s jus’ ‘Cilla, she’s always got-got-gotta be so suspicious of me,” he vented, his irritation clearly growing. “She c-c-can’t believe I’d jus’ be talkin’ ta someone about books and stuff that she’s not even interested in. It’s always gotta be somethin’...nefarious with her,” he emphasized each syllable of “nefarious” and rubbed the back of his neck as he leaned back next to Vivien on the couch.

She swallowed nervously and nodded, trying not to be distracted by the way his chubby penis flopped loosely against his thigh when he leaned back, clearly uncontrained by any underwear. She actually wasn’t sure if it was chubby, but it looked like it would be, and she’d been sneaking enough glances at it to feel like she had an idea of what it would look like if he exposed it to her…Vivien was pulled out of her less-than-wholesome thoughts by the realization that Elvis had followed her eyes down to his lap and seemed to be reading her thoughts as if they were comic strip bubbles showing next to her head. Instead of the bravado he sometimes exuded, Vivien was surprised to see him blush and rest his hand on his lap in a way that blocked her view.

“W-w-where were we?” he stuttered, thumbing through the well-loved pages of The Prophet, pretending not to notice the way Vivien’s racing heartbeat seemed to make the whole couch shudder with desire.

“Don’t be too hard on her,” Vivien blurted out against her better judgment, causing Elvis to look up in surprise, his mouth slightly agape. “I mean,” Vivien began to ramble nervously, “if I were, um, if you and I, I mean,” she fought back at the tears of embarassment that were welling up in her eyes and started again. “If I had you, I wouldn’t probably like you talking to another woman much either,” Vivien cringed at her awkward wording. “I’d want you all to myself all the time, especially to talk about things you’re so passionate about,” she finished with a whisper, looking down nervously at her red-painted fingernails.

Elvis nodded his head slowly, considering her words. “W-w-well, ‘Cilla ain’t like that though. She ain’t interested in these things. Sometimes I feel we have nothin’ in common…” his voice trailed off sadly as he seemed to be contemplating all his life decisions in this moment. Then his soft lips tugged up into a crooked smirk and he looked over at Vivien slyly. “How often do ya think about havin’ me?” The bravado was back.

Sneaking just the tiniest peek back down at his crotch, Vivien racked her brain for a witty answer that wouldn’t sound ridiculous and came up with nothing. “It sure looks nice out,” she quickly changed the subject with a glance out the window.

“It sure does, honey,” Elvis chuckled. “We should take a break from the book and go for a swim.” Vivien flushed at the thought of seeing Elvis’ body in just some swim trunks.

“Oh, um, I don’t have a swimsuit with me,” she explained as he sized her up appraisingly.

“That’s okay, dear, I think I have somethin’ for ya,” he said, jumping up and hurrying upstairs. He came back five minutes later with a beaming grin and a little red and white polka dot bikini. “I bet this’ll fit ya okay.” Something in his cheeky grin told Vivien that he wouldn’t be too upset if it didn’t fit quite right. It looked very tiny.

“Oh, Elvis, I can’t wear your wife’s swimsuit,” Vivien protested, but he had clearly already made his mind up.

“It-it’s fine, honey, she ain’t gonna miss it. She had ten of ‘em up there, brand new, I jus’ cut the tags off.” Elvis grabbed her hand and pulled her along to the room leading out to the pool area. He nodded to the changing area and told her to just meet him out at the pool when she was ready. Vivien wriggled herself into the little suit and nervously eyed her reflection in the full-length mirror. Everything essential was covered, but a soft little roll of skin was squeezing out from the suit bottom, her butt felt too exposed, and her breasts were spilling out slightly from the molded cups on top. She bit down on her lip, trying to make a quick decision. If she got right in the water, the ill-fitting suit wouldn’t be too noticeable. She decided it would be much more embarassing to have to get dressed again and go tell him that the suit was too small.

Elvis let out a low whistle from his lawn chair as soon as she stepped outside. So much for sneaking right into the water, Vivien thought as Elvis jumped up and circled around her. Her heart started racing at the sight of him in little red swim shorts and a striped shirt. She sinfully wondered if there was any chance of something flopping out the bottom of the shorts.

“Damn, baby, I like the way you fill that suit out,” Elvis murmured as his eyes stayed a second too long on her overflowing bikini top.

“It’s a little too small,” Vivien couldn’t stop herself from pointing out.

“Nah, honey, it looks perfect.” That crooked smile sent the butterflies on another flight. “Now the rule is, to enter the pool, ya have ta go off the diving board,” Elvis announced with a mischievous smile.

“Oh, I don’t know if that’s a good idea,” Vivien responded, thinking of all the body parts that could come flying out of her suit upon impact with the water.

“C’mon, Vivien,” he teased, giving her bare sides a little tickle with his long warm fingers. Her skin felt on fire from his touch. “Don’t be a party pooper. I’ll even go first!” He peeled off his t-shirt, causing a strange tingle to shoot through Vivien’s core, tossed it aside, and sprang into a messy dive, his long legs flailing a bit in the air. He surfaced, spitting water in the air like a fountain and beckoning her to come in. Vivien set her glasses on a little table by the chair, walked gingerly until her toes were at the edge of the diving board, took a deep breath, and plunged in, hoping for the best.

As she came up for air and pushed her dripping wet hair out of her face, she caught the flustered look on Elvis’ face that made her realize that her fear had come true. She glanced down to where his eyes were fixated on her chest, his lips hanging open slightly as his tongue subconciously slipped out and licked them. Vivien let out a little yelp when she saw that one of her nipples had escaped out of the bikini top and she quickly moved to tuck it back where it belonged. She covered her face in embarassment as Elvis swam closer to her. He pulled her hands down from her face and drew her into a gentle hug.

“Hey now, honey, ‘s okay. I wasn’t even lookin’...too much,” he said, trying to stifle a laugh as Vivien swatted at him.

“It’s not funny, Elvis, I’m embarassed,” she whispered, unable to look him in the eye.

“Aw, honey, you ain’t never gotta be embarassed around me. And it’s jus’ us here, okay? Good thing all the guys had errands to run today, ‘cuz I want ya ta save that show only for me, okay?” Vivien finally smiled a little at that and nodded. “Would it make ya feel any better ta see my nipples?” Elvis joked, pushing his chest out in an exaggerated fashion. Vivien laughed and blushed as she eyed his torso, willing her eyes not to keep going down further, but that little trail of hair leading down past his belly button was just so enticing. “Hey, my nipples are up here,” Elvis teased, catching her under the chin with his tanned fingers. Vivien’s head was swimming at how flirtatious things had gotten since she’d admitted that she had thought of… “having him.” He’s a married man…hold it together, Vivien, she whispered inside her head. As if sensing her nervousness, Elvis quickly changed the subject, pulling her over to lean against the wall of the pool. “I’ve been talkin’ your ear off all day about my problems. Tell me somethin’ about you, honey.”

“Um, well, I’m 21, I work as a secretary at a law firm, I was named after Vivien Leigh,” she started out tentatively, wondering how much Elvis was really interested in anything about her life.

“Really? Vivien Leigh?” he exclaimed, his rapt attention giving her the confidence to continue.

“Yeah, my mom really loved Gone With the Wind,” she said with a laugh. As she talked about her family, Vivien took note of how Elvis’ eyes and nose crinkled up so cutely when he laughed, how the drying hair of his sideburns curled up and tucked into his ears, how the hint of gray at his temples sparkled in the sunlight. As he reached over and brushed a stray hair out of her face, a little shiver ran through her body.

“Is the wa-wa too cold, honey?” he asked, looking concerned. “Lemme help ya onto the ledge here so you can warm up in the sun.” He lifted Vivien onto the ledge and leaned in between her legs as he sat her down. “That better?” She nodded and her breath caught in her throat as she stared down into his sparkly blue eyes. “Vivien, you are beautiful,” he whispered as he leaned in and pressed his pillowly lips to hers, slipping his tongue gently into her mouth. As he moved his lips down to the soft skin of her breast that was spilling out of the bikini top, her brain was screaming at her to stop him, but she couldn’t stop her body from responding to his every touch. He pulled the cup down a little bit, popping her nipple back out into the warm sunshine. Vivien let out an involuntary little gasp as he touched his tongue to her nipple and then sucked it into his mouth. As he rubbed his thumb over the saliva he left on it, he whispered, “See you ain’t gotta feel bad around me at all, honey. I ain’t gonna hurt ya.” He tucked it back into her top before leaning his head down and kissing her thigh. “Mmm, honey, you are drivin’ me crazy in this little suit. I see your cute little beaver wants ta come out and visit me,” he murmured as his fingers traced up Vivien’s inner thighs and rubbed gently at the dark wiry hairs escaping from the elastic of the bikini bottoms. Elvis hooked his long index finger into the elastic and tugged it to the side. He let out a groan as he slipped his fingers through the wetness. “You’re glistenin’ for me, Vivien,” he said with a smile.

“Elvis, I, um, ohhhh,” Vivien let out a load moan as Elvis slipped a finger inside of her. He tried to pump it, but her whole body seemed to tense up and his finger was meeting too much resistance. “Elvis, I’m sorry, um, I’m,” she started to explain her embarassing lack of experience, but Elvis shushed her gently. He straightened her suit out and pulled her back into the water, into his arms.

“Shh, ‘s okay, honey. You’re a good girl ain’t cha? I can feel it,” he whispered as he rubbed her back soothingly. “We ain’t gotta do anything you don’t wanna do.”

“It’s, it’s not that I don’t want to. It’s just, um, I care about you Elvis. I don’t want to be something nefarious for you. I want to be something good.” Elvis looked a little shocked and - delighted maybe? - that someone would care enough about him to reject him, in a way. There was a warm glow on his face as he looked at Vivien tenderly.

“Can we jus’ be friends for now then? I really love talkin to ya, honey,” he said softly. “And, like I said, we ain’t gotta do anything you ain’t ready for. I jus’ want your company.”

Vivien nodded and looked up into his eyes. “I’d love to be friends. I think you’re a really special person,” she added, causing Elvis to blush.

After they were dressed and saying their goodbyes, Elvis promised to give her a call to come back and talk about the book some more. He leaned down and pressed a soft sweet kiss to her lips. “Not nefarious, just friendly,” he whispered as he pulled away with that lopsided smile. Vivien smiled and nodded, even as the gentle poke from something firm and definitely chubby below his belt told her that wasn’t quite true. And next time, she wasn’t sure she’d have the wherewithal to stop him from exploring her in any way he wanted. She walked away from the mansion feeling giddy, confused, thrilled, and terrified.

Tag List (please let me know if you want to be added or removed): @whositmcwhatsit @lookingforrainbows @arrolyn1114 @thatbanditqueen @missmaywemeetagain @ellie-24 @be-my-ally @from-memphis-with-love

[puckgoss]

Okay great! Same anon from before. BTW, love your blog! The others seem to have a clear bias but I love how you keep it real over here. Super interesting as well! Now with the real deal...

CELEBS:

Justin Bieber is super nice, he seemed genuinely honored and happy to be there. Him and Mitch Marner are sooo cute, Justin was so supportive of him all the time and cheered backstage so much. He's also cool with Crosby apparently, saw them talking a lot. Met Hailey briefly and not surprised, just classic model behavior, glasses on inside, didn't say hi to anybody just a slight smile. It's fine I guess but compared to Justin who was a ray of sunshine seemed kinda odd. Michael Bublé did not 'accidentally' take a huge dose of weed, he was joking about how high he was and laughing about smoking more afterwards. Will Arnett is like a drunk uncle but not drunk. Both nice. Tate McCrae is soo sweet! I felt her because we were only like 5/6 women backstage and she was the only female captain, also with an ex who is an NHL player so already has that "puck bunny" reputation, so her being there was cool to see. Her BF was also backstage, but I don't think the players knew it was her BF haha, a colleague and I noticed at least 15 of the guys walking up to her and chatting it up. Ones I remember that looked flirty are Sway, the Hughes (they talked throughout the whole weekend and they're all around the same age so may have been friendly but you know how men are), Elias Lindholm, Elias Petterson, & Mat Barzal. She obviously talked to a lot of people but these I remember looking more like them trying to get somewhere with her. Her and her BF are so cute though! He was very touchy with her. Saw her talking to Boone Jenner for a while, but he seemed just friendly. He is also her ex's teammate so wonder what that's about.

PLAYERS:

Auston Matthews is actually really charismatic. At one point the whole dressing room went quiet and we heard him singing "Baby" by Justin Bieber. We all cracked up haha. The Hughes brothers had a fight the first day, don't really know about what but Jack walked in upset and Quinn wouldn't even look at him. Both with their frowning RBF. McDavid had the same attitude as Hailey Bieber LOL. He softened up a bit when talking to other players but otherwise he is super cold always. Pasta and Travis Konecny also seemed to lowkey hate each other. Colleague told me Travis doesn't like Pasta at all but can't 100% confirm that as I didn't hear it directly, just an interesting rivalry. The Canucks players were like a group of mean girls, they literally stuck together the entire weekend, even if they were drafted to separate teams. Vincent Trocheck flirted his ASS off with several women, myself included. Found out later he was married. Swayman is truly a nice person, I think he and Boone Jenner were the only ones who said hi to the whole crew and also goodbye. Also saw him and Georgiev have a bro-hug after they lost the game and he said something to him that made him really laugh, it was very cute. The Hughes also seem to not like Suzuki, avoided him all weekend. Cale Makar is like a doll haha he is so awkward all the time and everytime he speaks his face looks like he immediately regrets it.

That's all at the top of my head, but if there's anything else you want to know LMK!

ahaha ty ty! i def have my biases when it comes to teams but i try pretty hard to keep it neutral and not give my biases away 😭 as for players i don't have any faves or rly think any are angels so i have no preconceptions there

omg there is so much to unpack here idek where to begin

justin bieber - he did seem so happy to be there the whole time lol he loves hockey and the leafs i think that was all 100% genuine! so sweet

hailey bieber - sounds abt right lol

michael bublé - lmaooooo tell me ur from vancouver without telling me ur from vancouver.... iconic he was so funny that whole weekend

tate mcrae - ya i forget her bf's name but i was aware he was there n they do seem v cute together! love all the wifed up guys chatting her up ahaha except barzy n petey they get a pass. another anon on here was telling me all the CBJ guys & wags liked tate a lot so doesn't surprise me that boone & her were friendly

hughes brothers - jack n quinn having a fight is soooo funny omfg i can't. also being bitchy towards suzuki like 😭 funny bc they're so tight w cole caufield (esp jack) n suzuki n cole are teammates and besties

mcdavid - you comparing mcdavid to hailey bieber is fucking sending me dsiofjdskghdfjklgh he is so awkward...

TK - TK having beef w pasta is soooo funny

canucks - canucks players "like a group of mean girls" i'm dying omfg 💀 lindholm was drafted to a separate team ya but he was only traded to the canucks like a few days before that so that was the first time they were really meeting him

trocheck - flirting his ass off with multiple women dsfknadslfkjgfng his kids were literally on the ice watching the skills comp w him that's soooo bad

swayman & jenner - being sweethearts aw that is nice to hear

cale makar - "like a doll" "awkward all the time" "every time he speaks his face looks like he immediately regrets it" perfect no notes!!!

[666writingcafe]

RIP MC's Ass

Scenario: On another night where Luke is staying with Michael in the Celestial Realm, the brothers, royals, and remaining Purgatory Hall residents decide that it's only right that they get to slap MC's ass after they slapped theirs. When approached with the proposition, MC has no choice but to accept.

Inspired by the following tags on @delphi-dreamin's reblog of my post about MC slapping everyone but Luke and the new characters' asses: who gets to slap mc's ass? hopefully they all take turns <- rip mc's ass but also hell yes

Also inspired by @leavesandflowers' reblog (which I didn't see until I had finished writing this post).

I hope you don't mind me using one of the tags as the title of this post. I just couldn't resist.

This will probably be a bit more NSFW than my first post addressing ass-slapping, so if any of you are not in the mindset for that kind of content, you are more than welcome to continue scrolling or look for something else to read. For everyone else, the actual post starts under the cut.

First up for the revenge ass-slapping is Belphie. He guides MC to the nearby dining table and positions them so that they're facing the group with their arms resting on the actual table. Then, he gets behind MC and waits a moment before delivering a solid hit on their butt. MC doesn't give him the satisfaction of making any noise, but that doesn't really matter to him. At least, that's the message MC gets when he whispers in their ear that he'll make them scream later that evening.

Asmo nearly skips his way over to MC and comments that they look like a student at the start of certain pornographic videos on DevilHub. Unfortunately for MC, any fantasy they might have had about this particular situation ends the moment his hand connects to their butt, for the hit--if you can call it that--is nothing to write home about. Let's just say that it's obvious that he's received a lot more ass-slaps than he's delivered.

"Allow me to give you a quick little lesson," Diavolo tells MC when he positions himself behind them. "While you didn't do too bad, you certainly could have gone harder. It all starts with a little build-up." He demonstrates this by hovering his hand over their butt and moving it back and forth a couple of times. "Then, while using your free hand to support the other person--" He does this by resting just below MC's chest. "--you bring your hand as far up as it will go and then bring it down with as much force as you can muster." The intensity of his hit makes MC yelp, although their feelings wouldn't be entirely hurt if they got to repeat the experience again.

To everyone's initial surprise, Mammon walks right past MC and seemingly leaves the room entirely. Just when they think that he's too scared to hit MC, Mammon casually strolls back in and greets MC by calling them babe before delivering a quick hit on their butt. "Nice ass," he remarks as he walks back to the group. If it weren't for the blush settling in on his cheeks, he would have come across as completely confident.

It takes a while for Levi to muster enough courage to slap MC's ass. You see, he has to conjure up a roleplay situation in his head that would justify him hitting them in this way. Once he gets in the proper headspace, however...oh boy. He growls to MC, "How dare you," before hitting them rather hard. Not as hard as Diavolo, but enough for the hit to sting. Who knows what scenario Levi created in his head? Certainly not MC.

"Perhaps I should go easy on you," Lucifer states when he approaches MC. "After all, you've been hit pretty hard by a couple of us already. I wouldn't want you to be too sore once this is all said and done." At this, he smirks. "Then again, this--" He brings his hand down swiftly on MC's ass with enough force for them to scoot the table forward. "--is a lot more fun."

Beel silently walks over to MC. He repositions the table back to its proper place before turning his attention to them. Going behind them, he squats down and examines their butt. He's more of an ass-eater than an ass-slapper, so the idea of doing this isn't exactly his cup of tea. However, everyone's watching him, so he has to do something before they start questioning or taunting him. Standing back up, he mumbles an apology to MC before quickly bringing his hand down.

Satan knows that everyone expects him to get revenge on MC for hitting his butt. However, he really doesn't want to. Since he has an aversion to people hitting him, he doesn't feel comfortable hitting anyone else just in case they have that same aversion, for he doesn't want them to suffer the way he has. He actually is the first one to back out of slapping MC's ass. MC tells him that he can get back at them some other way in order to help him feel better about the situation.

"You don't get a table," Solomon tells MC as he moves them to the center of the kitchen. "You made me nearly lose my balance, so I'm going to make sure you lose yours." Sure enough, as soon as his hand connects to their butt, MC stumbles forward and nearly faceplants on the floor. He walks back to the group with a big smile on his face, proud of his accomplishment.

Barbatos delivers his blow in a rather methodical, calculated kind of way. It's not enough to cause MC too much pain, but it is enough to get his point across. Just what one would expect from a demon butler who's been trained in this sort of thing as a means to entertain his young master by punishing troublemakers.

Finally, it's Simeon's turn. He walks around MC in a circle, trying to determine whether he should deliver an angel's blow or a devil's blow. One would be a playful hit, and the other would deliver some damage. He goes with the safe option (even though there's a part of him that wants to see just how hard he can hit MC's ass), leaving the group with a rather disappointed (but expected) ending to the whole ordeal.

[linuseer]

Nah I gotta say it. It’s so pitiful when I see people upset about John Mulaney having a kid now because once upon a time he said he didn’t want one–yeah and he also said something like “I don’t know never, people change” about it but nobody seems to remember that part?? And yet somehow people feel enabled to go under his instagram posts and call both him and the baby names. How much of a piece of shit do you have to be to vomit bile on a damn baby?? Where his parents and their friends and the rest of the online world can perfectly see it?? Like where is your dignity

And on the cheating thing–this too is pitiful. Mostly because it’s people crusading about two adults sorting their own problems out. The official timeline is that they separated before his intervention and she wasn’t even there, finalized the divorce and each went on with their lives. Unless you believe tabloids and reddit over the people themselves. Get over it. Find some grass.  “Oh but we’re upset because he based his whole persona on being the nice wife guy” lmao no what you’re upset about is that the persona is exactly that, a character built upon fragments of personal stuff that was glaringly obvious, but somehow people now remember only the wife bits and not the blacking out drunk bits or lying to doctors to get xanax and how he clearly referred to her as bossy and pushy (while still standing up for her when Seinfeld (?) mocked her confidence btw) and all the other things said very explicitly on stage in the same way he said the other bits. But I ain’t gonna sum up all the videos you can find on your own.

“bUt tHe dRugS” nope not even gonna start on that.

The only issue I have is the ch@apxelle thing. Like yes wtf was that. I remember posts where he said he was giving all profits of a show to an lgbt+ legal group (lambda legal I think). I remember him doing a joke with Nick Kroll in favor of trans kids when they hosted an awards show. That stint with c#app3ll3 confuses me. 

I like the new special btw. Yes it’s all about the drugs experience. No I don’t think he should’ve talked of his own relationship events, it was actually nicer of him to not grab the mic and turn events that intimately involve other people into jokes but rather stick to his own solo jokes. No I didn’t find it monotonous, it was still shorter than the theatrical stuff I usually watch. I like the “new vibe”, he feels more real now while still reminding people to keep their damn distance–he outright says so in various ways and it’s so satisfying. Also Michael and Minerva are definitely Mickey and Minnie of the Mouse no you can’t change my mind on this.

[knightyoomyoui]

The 1% Of Chances  | TWICE Jeongyeon x Male Reader: CHAPTER 3

The next day, all of the managers assigned to each member of TWICE, including you, assembled in the dormitory building lobby.

This was your first gathering with your new coworkers, and it was both intriguing and awkward for you to be among these new faces. "Guys, listen up first, we have our new addition on our team here to join us today and so on," Sadness grabbed everyone's attention to her. She placed her hand on your shoulder and silently signaled you to take the turn. "Hello, my name is YN/LN. I'm a newly employed in JYPE and under Division 3 for TWICE's Management Team. I'm also the new personal manager for TWICE's Jeongyeon. I hope we can get along pretty well." you bowed softly at them. The other managers nodded and clapped as your introduction with their faces plastered with awe and gladness for you. "Nice to meet you, YN. Welcome to the family!" they all exclaimed at once before walking forward one by one to welcome you and introduce themselves. "Perfect. Jihyo just chatted me. They're about to come here," Sadness said, peering at her phone she'd been holding since before all of you walked in here.

After a few minutes of waiting and engaging in some small conversation to bond with your coworkers, the elevator doors opened, revealing all TWICE members, with the leader herself, Jihyo, leading the way.

You all enthusiastically welcomed your respective members before they returned the favor with a warm smile and the same message. As you took Jeongyeon's handbag and paper bag from JYP, the 6 other members noticed your unfamiliar presence, which piqued their interest in you. They already assumed you were Jeongyeon's new manager based on how quickly you approached the idol entrusted to you, but they also wanted to learn more about you as a person... They did the same thing as their other managers, whom they initially met in prior years. They all boarded the first black van, while the management team boarded the second, and both drove straight to the JYP Entertainment headquarters.

Placing the car on one of the vacant spots of the parking lot, all hopped out before everyone entered the place, being greeted by the kind lady receptionists.

Through groups, all of you took the elevator to reach the 5th floor which is where the Michael Jackson Dance Practice Room is located. This is where TWICE is also scheduled to have their dance choreography today for their upcoming comeback.

As the other managers stepped out to go somewhere around the place first while TWICE is preparing to do warm ups, Sadness and Jeongyeon both noticed that the rest of the members keeps on stealing glances at the newbie which is you.

Jeongyeon walked towards you and grasped your arm. "We're complete this time, you can meet the other members now."

"They've been wondering about you already since the ride, YN. Go on.", Sadness encouraged you.

You nodded minimally before Jeongyeon shouted at the girls, her loud voice echoing around the room which effectively had their heads turned at the source of it.

"Oppa here has to say something for yall to listen guys.", Jeongyeon said as she pointed at you. Their pair of eyes are now landed at you, which makes you a bit shy knowing that you're literally about to talk in front of MORE THAN ONE WORLDWIDE-FAMOUS IDOL this time.

It feels like a dream it is to step in the center of a room you thought you will never ever got a chance to be in it, standing along with people that you never even expected to meet them not only personally... but very closely.

No other fans for them to see, just you all alone; waiting for you to speak and to learn who you are not just as a ONCE, but to serve another purpose for them too.

"Hello everyone, I'm YN/LN. I am a newly hired personal manager for Jeongyeon here. It's really an honor to meet and to work with such very talented and highly popular members of one of the biggest girl groups ever existed in K-Pop industry. I hope we can get along really smooth together as how I can definitely can say for me on what I can do also for you girls.", you bowed respectfully at them.

Mina and Jihyo just smiled widely at your good introduction that's probably better than what they got yesterday while the others especially Chaeyoung who is known with her very expressive self, gasping at what they heard from you.

"Hello, manager YN oppa! Pleasure to meet you too and please take care of us well!", they waved their hands simultaneously at you and bowed in sync, keeping that adorable pure smiles in their faces that didn't failed to melt your soul.

Nayeon, Momo, Sana, Dahyun, Chaeyoung and Tzuyu came forward to shake hands with you while Jeongyeon, Mina and Jihyo gave you a thumbs up before they proceeded with the warm-ups to prepare theirselves for another tiring day.

Minutes afterwards, they began playing "Ready To Be," their new single from their next album, and as an ONCE yourself, you can't help but feel absolutely thrilled to be the first to hear what bomb of a song they're about to put in the world soon.

You were organizing Jeongyeon's upcoming schedules for tomorrow and the following days this week in your tablet as they made a barrage of stomping sounds in the dance floor as they moved so energetically and with full cooperation with each other while the banger played in the background as they danced through its rhythm, you were organizing Jeongyeon's upcoming schedules for tomorrow and the following days this week in your tablet.

They reached their limit of time for them to get their deserving break for a moment, you were still had your eyes stuck in the wrestling match playing on your phone that caused you to be unaware of Jeongyeon slowly approaching your side.

She poked your side and you tilted your head at her.

"Oh hey Jeong."

"We're on a break now oppa."

"Good. Rest well, okay?"

"Yeah, but... we're going to the JYPBOB to eat and I want to ask if you... want to join us there?", Jeongyeon requested.

Your eyes dilated at what Jeongyeon said. It shocked you that you're about to eat with the girl group you're heavily stanning all by yourself.

If this ain't called luck, you don't know what to describe this unreal moment anymore.

"M-me?"

"Yeah. Was there any YN in this room too?", Jeongyeon ridiculously looked at you, smirking as her eyebrow raised. You scratched your nape apologetically at your dumb response.

"We just want to get to know you more, oppa and ofcourse for them to have you as their new friend from work."

"U-uhh sure, I don't really have a problem with it's just... I'm not completely processed the fact that I'm working with you girls and this company.", you chuckled sheepishly.

"I'm still in disbelief, you know. Now i'm here again, on the second day of my work; just got spoiled by your new song and the next one is me about to eat with you girls in one table."

Jeongyeon giggled at your dreamy look. "It's fine, YN. You'll get used to it someday. But you know, I would like it more if... you'll get along with us not just as a fanboy but just as being yourself you know.

Let's set aside the music, the industry, work. Everything. Just us, having close connections to one another like what friend's typically have between."

You nodded, agreeing at Jeongyeon's point. "That's my intention, Jeong. I don't want those to be the only thing that revolves around us. I would rather live a life with you girls just minding our own happiness and how related we are on many other things than that."

Jeongyeon smiled, relieved at what you admitted. "We're even then. Let's go, Momo's probably whining now below because they're ain't allow to eat yet while we're still not joining them.", she gestured you to follow her and you did, placing back your tablet at your bag.

Entering the JYPE's famous eco-friendly, cozy and healthy cafeteria; you saw the 8 other members talking at each other before they got interrupted with you and Jeongyeon's apperance.

Momo who's always excited to eat, sighed in gratefulness that both of you still had a plan to include yourselves in their group lunch.

All of you prayed with Dahyun leading it, sending thanks to God for having a  delicious and healthy meal for today before everyone began devouring each other's foods.

During the whole lunch, each of them urged you to start a conversation with them, setting a beginning of constructing a strong and closer bond of friendship with every single one of them.

JYP and Sadness noona didn't lied. They sure are keeping their real personality even when the cameras are all filming and recording them for their projects, news, interviews etc.

What you learned from them when you were once doing a research about each members after you newly stanned TWICE in your early days of being a ONCE was the same as what you experienced to them while talking with them.

Nayeon being the most hyper, teasing target of Jeongyeon and Tzuyu and the member who gets easily sulk and grumpy whenever they do that. That was the reason why she was given the nickname "granny" not only because she's the oldest of the group.

She even proposed a collab with you just to help her get protected from the teasing she's getting from her bestfriend and her little maknae, which Chaeyoung agreed at that idea and yes you all witnessed it in your own eyes... and it surely had you found it funny and cute.

And as for other members, you also observed some new qualities of them too that you never able to figured it out when you were once watching them only from everywhere.

Momo surely does eats a lot and it makes her really quiet when food is in front of her. She barely even spoken throughout the whole break. Just one curious question from you and she's done.

She did laughed and reacted with them tho, but that's where she can only do already when she still has a yummy food to beat first.

Sana is undoubtedly the most bubbly. She laughs a lot. A LOT. And her small girl voice whenever she unleashes such an adorable sound like that easily makes you also share the same mood as her.

Jihyo is the most matured one but she also joins not only with the flow of Nayeon and Jeongyeon's crazy doings but as for the other members too; with her intention to guard and monitor them just in case things won't go well.

She's like a mother who's managing to keep her kids entertained while at the same time to maintain their well controlled and stable state, hence that's why the leader position was given to her.

Mina is surely the most silent one. If Momo can't speak because of her food... well, that's only because she has something that is distracting her, unlike Mina... it's already a part of her personality along with being such a gentle and elegant lady. Maybe she didn't like speaking that much only if it's needed, you guessed.

Dahyun is the one who spits out some jokes or random funny moments she experienced, Chaeyoung being protective over her Nayeon unnie as she tries to lure away the member that's disturbing her big sister which is Jeongyeon and Tzuyu being... Tzuyu. You were stiffling a laughter whenever you see Tzuyu rolling her eyes and twitching her face in disgust or weirdness at her unnies' antics, like for example... Nayeon's aegyos.

But the precious thing about Tzuyu is that even though she may be acting as the tough, matured, and serious girl; her weakness and soft spot will always be her unnies' loving and caring treatment for their one and only giant baby of their group.

Ofcourse, how could you forget also the last but not the least.

Jeongyeon is well... you don't even need to confirm your speculations because you already saw the glimpse of who she really is in real life yesterday. She's so entertaining and fun to be with.

They were right, it feels very different and lacking if one of them are absent on having a special moment like this.

It was once occurred from Mina's hiatus back from 2019... and this time you were very sure that it was the same as Jeongyeon's absence in 2020 because you are right here with them to realize it. It feels so good and a glorious sight to see them complete.

It makes you feel thankful to the Gods that despite all of these challenges, it won't prevent them still from tearing apart. They will remain as 9 and complete as long as they want.

It's definitely their fate to be together forever, because they're not just a k-pop group anymore... this right here, is a family.

Your time with them really went smooth and a lot of fun, enough to energize yourself to become active through the rest of the day in your duty.

TWICE will always be your rest and your source of happiness and peace indeed, you said to yourself.

Nighttime struck by and it's been hours since they've been practicing really hard for their choreo, finally it's been officially wrapped up by their dance instructor as they did the final repeat of the whole song very clean.

All of us clapped in respect and impressiveness for TWICE's hardwork and being the humble and kind idols they are, they bowed and chanted thankful greetings for us too while joining also the wave of applause roaming the room.

You are currently staring at the back of the seat of the chair where Mina is sitting, mind full of random thoughts or should I say... summarization of everything that transpired in your whole day.

Jeongyeon who just stopped playing JYP Superstar game, side glanced at you and noticed that you might be spacing out.

"A penny of your thoughts, YN?", she pinched your nose, compressing the airway which cancelled your breathing for a second.

You choked and coughed a little while Jeongyeon laughed hard as she also tried to compose her volume not to disturb her other members and the managers riding with them in the van too.

"W-what the heck, Jeong...", you cupped your nose as you watched Jeongyeon almost getting red from laughing too much.

"S-sorry... I-I just wanted to try waking someone back up from reality in a different way.", she said in between her laughter that has been slowing down in disapperance atleast.

"You're crazy Jeong.", you clicked your tongue and ruffled her hair which caused a groan and a pout from her.

"Okay stop stop I'm sorryyy!.", she said, begging you to stop it. She presented a grin again on you.

"You've been staring at Mina's back of her seat for I don't know how long, you got any problems occupying your mind?", Jeongyeon asked, sincerely asking you like as a true friend she is.

"Ahh, is that so?", you innocently said. "It's nothing, still the same as what we talked before we joined the girls at the cafeteria. I can't help it, Jeong. I'm sorry. It's very surreal, you know?

I can't believe I'm literally friends now with the people I've been idolizing a lot and wishing so bad I could meet people like them, and it was all granted for me... yet it literally brought you all guys in my life also as the people i'm referring to instead.

I guess it's safe to say that it only does mean that you guys are unique of a kind. Unmatchable and irrepleaceable. There's nobody like you, Jeongyeon. You are the one and only.", you said as you looked directly into her shimmering eyes, delighted again at your words of compliment you have stored solely for her this time.

Jeongyeon looked away from you as she hid her forming blush in her cheeks, watching the surroundings of Seoul behind the window passed by the moving van both of you are in.

Her heart beats rapidly and she ain't lying that this is the first time she had this kind of extraordinary feeling in her entire life mainly caused by you.

What's even more impressive from her is  that, she just literally met you for only 3 days so far.

Same experience, same confusion.

It arises the questions appearing in her head, thinking as to why is it that only a guy like you can make her feel this way.

Can she call it something else referred by many as love?

No, it's not possible, she thought. She just met you for a short time and she knew to herself that she's a very hard to get type of lady when it comes on earning an opportunity for a man to have her in a romantic relationship. You still have a lot to give for her, she believes.

She sweeped off the delusional possibility before she returned her eyes back at you.

But her tongue got stuck for a few seconds because she sweared that she saw you differently as her view recovered from your figure.

You looked somehow... more interesting in her eyes.

She blinked rushly and rubbed it with her palm. Noticing that she's acting strange, you checked up on her.

"Jeong, you okay?"

"Yeah yeah, i-i'm ok.", Jeongyeon excused. "My eyes got dry a little bit, that's all."

"The only thing I can say for you YN is that, I understand that you're sharing the same wish as what every fans of us wants to have, and that is to be on your position right now. Surely, they even imagined what is it like to be a manager of us too that's why I said that.

Watching us as a fan on performing the dance we've been trying to keep as a secret before the day we're planning to release it, eating together with us, talk, and even sit beside me. I can name it all.

Like what you said... fate has a meaning why it was blessed for our lives to cross with.

And for me, your situation right now only means one thing.

You're the luckiest supporter of us, most importantly... mine, YN.

Based from what I can see within how you interact and treat me also, you deserved it.", she held your hand and patted it while smiling sweetly at you.

You were heartwarmed by Jeongyeon's inspirational message she shared from you, seething the fresh, comfortable atmosphere she created that was enwrapping both you and her at this very touching moment.

Now arriving at the dorm, you escorted Jeongyeon; following her from behind on her way back to her dorm with Mina and Jihyo.

Before she enters the elevator, you gave the belongings to her as you bid goodbye and good night greeting for Jeongyeon, Mina and Jihyo.

Just as when the two other fellow managers of yours instantly went back to their dormroom...

"Wait, YN!"

You rotated your body around to face Jeongyeon again.

Only to watch her walk slowly at you and engulf you in a hug.

"You did a good job today, oppa.", she whispered in your ear as she rubbed the palm of her hand in circles on your back.

"You too, Jeong.", you returned the kind, motivating and ensuring message to her because she earned it too.

You saw Mina and Jihyo who's holding the elevator door open from the distance smirking and squinting their eyes interestingly at the sight of you and Jeongyeon hugging together.

Thankfully, Jeongyeon released her hug immediately as she waved one last goodbye off you before she walked back to her members in the elevator.

You waited for them to close the door and reach their floor. When they did, you returned back in your dorm bringing a blush and fluttering heart from your idol's gesture.

[ljblueteak]

Paul McCartney on Sgt. Pepper. Photos by Michael Cooper

(transcribed below)

I came up with the title and went to Robert with some drawings for the idea of the cover. I had come to the conclusion that The Beatles were getting a little bit safe, and we were a little intimidated by the idea of making 'the new Beatles album.' It was quite a big thing: "Wow, follow that!" So to relieve the pressure I got the idea, maybe from some from friends or something I'd read, that we shouldn't record it as The Beatles.

Mentally we should approach it as another group of people and totally give ourselves alter egos. So I came up with the idea of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and the song 'It was Twenty Years Ago Today', and I started mentioning this to Robert in our late-night talks.

The original concept was actually a little bit different from how it turned out. I'd always liked those floral clocks that they have at seaside towns; they have a little green bank and put flowers in the shape of a clock. The original idea was that it was going to be a presentation from the Mayor of Middlesbrough or somewhere. There'd be this floral bank and there'd be us there and then at other parts of the cover we were going to have all the band's heroes--they were going to be on a photo, maybe behind the wall or something.

So there were these two ideas that eventually got pushed into one and then I said to everyone, 'OK, who are your favourites?" Marlon Brando was one of the first choices, and James Dean, Monroe--all those obvious ones and then other suggestions started to come in. George came up with all the Hindus, Babaji was his, and then there were things like footballers from our youth, you know, we had little joke things--Albert Stubbins--he's a footballer and so he was in and then it kind of snowballed.

I took all these ideas, the floral clock, the kind of presentation by a mayor, these heroes of ours, and Robert and I went with them to Peter Blake. Peter had all these sculptures of little people around, because he was married to Jann Haworth at the time and Jann was doing all those surfers and things like John Betjeman as a teddy bear and all that, so they crept in there.

The famous flowers that started off as the floral clock then became a guitar and the word 'Beatles'--they weren't marijuana leaves, they just looked like them--and so the Americans thought "Wow, well, this is it, it's all happening." We started shooting the cover and people would say, "Oh, can I come, can I come?" and we let more or less everyone come along, but eventually it got to the point where we had to say, "That's enough!"

So Robert would get all this and he'd show all the Indian stuff to George; and there'd be H.G. Wells and Johnny Weissmuller, Issy Bonn and all those people, and Burroughs would have been a suggestion probably from Robert, and there were a few kind of LA guys that Robert had slipped in. He'd slip in people that we didn't even know but we didn't mind, it was the spirit of the thing.

I don't know how many nights Michael spent on it but we were only there for that one night, the last night. They did all this without us. It was very nice when we turned up and it was all done, but not as impressive as when I saw the cover; just actually looking at the set wasn't as impressive as seeing the finished cover.

Jesus and Hitler were on John's favourites list but they had to be taken off. John was that kind of guy but you couldn't very well have Hitler and so he had to go. Gandhi also had to go because the head of EMI, Sir Joe Lockwood, said that in India they wouldn't allow the record to be printed. We said "You're kidding, they'll love it," but he said no, so that was something the lawyers made us take off. There were a few people who just went by the wayside.

We went to Burman's, the theatrical costumiers, to have all our outfits made up and the Stones did the same for the Satanic Majesties album.

It was great. The main centrefold was originally going to be a drawing by The Fool--Simon Posthuma and Marijke Koger, Dutch artists who'd produced some surrealistic work. They depicted us all up in the clouds and it was all very very acid, everything everywhere, lots of colours--but Robert didn't like it as art and so he vetoed it. We said "No man, it's really good. We love it, we love it."

The shoes were made by Anello and David, which was the first place we came into contact with, and we got our lovely handmade Beatle boots there.

Robert and I went down to Peter's house and Peter developed it all from there. The lists were his idea, and all the cut-outs instead of using real people, and then the floral clock got changed around; but basically it was the original theme.

The 'Welcome The Rolling Stones' was something they put in. They sort of asked us if we minded and we said, "No, no, not at all." Peter organized a fairground painter to paint the drum as that was someone that he used to hang out with.

From Blinds & Shutters

[littlegodzilla]

One more! It goes a little rough for our people.

Let's see what will happen!

Thanks for reading and reblogging my story, it means a lot to me.

I hope you'll like this chapter too.

Enjoy!!

*********************

Our Story.

Daryl Dixon x Wife / Daryl Dixon x Reader.

Part 11.

Masterlist

Warnings: Fluff. Slow burn. Fighting. Some angst and drama.

Words: 4400.

Summary: Merle is here again and Daryl... he chooses his brother... again.

******************

Chapter 11. Merle Dixon.

You get up early that morning, leaving Sophia to sleep, she hasn't slept a wink all night sobbing in her dreams. You carefully pick up the baby who is also starting to wake up and look for Beth to help you. She stays with her while you go to the watchtower to change shifts.

Maggie and Glenn rush out, a little heated, Glenn mumbles something and you shake your head, amused to see his cheeks redden as his girl takes him away. You're happy for them, it's nice to see them so close, like they're living a teenage love, you just wish things continue to go well for them and that they spend many years together. You grab a chair from inside as you leave the door open to let the cabin air out a bit and sit outside, you leave the bow leaning against the railing and cross your arms looking out. 

Your mind can't help it and travels back to the memory of the day before, so much has happened that some of it is still sinking in. You can't believe that T-Dog and Carol are gone, that Lori is gone too, that little baby as the newest member of the group. You've seen Rick for a moment before he disappears back inside the block. He hardly even wanted to look at his daughter, he made sure Carl was okay, that you had everything under control and disappeared again. You would like to talk to him, try to comfort him, talk to him about your own experience of losing Michael, sometimes you still have nightmares of that day, but your grief was not as radical as his. It reminds you of Daryl, how the man closed himself against everyone after losing your sister, you put it down to the fact that they were still very young, that knowing how to manage that pain, that loss, was complicated and he protected himself against it as best he knew how. 

You shake your head trying to dispel the archer from your mind. It's always there, even if you don't realize it, your thoughts always end up directed towards the younger Dixon. You swallow hard rubbing your arms. He's your friend, it's normal to worry about him.

You become alert when you hear accelerated footsteps on the metal stairs. Instinctively you reach for your bow, but you relax as you see Daryl appear, but your heart instead races even faster.

"Daryl? Is something wrong?" You look at him in surprise.

"Come. I need you." He says without giving much more information.

You stammer trying to search in your head for the right question, but he holds your hand tightly, lifting you out of the chair and runs downstairs. You hold his hand too, following in his footsteps, keeping up with his pace to get back inside the ward. You want to ask again what's wrong with him, but you clam up when he makes you look inside one of the cells, Hershel is there.

And Carol.

"Oh my God." You gasp covering your mouth with your hand, holding back a sob even though your eyes fill with tears.

Daryl lets go of your hand, you hear in the distance as he runs up the stairs to the top of the block.

"Sophia!" He call out to the little girl. "Sophia!" He enters the cell where she was sleeping, she looks at him worriedly and he helps her down from the bunk. "Come with me, honey." He says taking her hand and they hurry down as well.

The reunion is almost so touching that when they were reunited at the Greene farm, Sophia throws herself on her mother crying loudly, hugging her, Carol looks weak, but she squeezes her little girl against her so she won't let go.

"I found her in one of the isolation cells, she must have run from some son of a bitch and hid there." Smiles Daryl proudly.

"She's a little dehydrated, but otherwise she's perfect, she just needs rest." Hershel says carefully getting up.

"We're so glad to see you again." You tell her and hug her, careful not to crush Sophia.

"I'm sorry to have worried you." She says in a breathy whisper, but you shake your head.

"Don't talk nonsense, try to rest." You tell her, stroking her cheek. "I'm going to fix you something to eat." You propose, she nods and you leave the cell.

In the main room you have a small kitchen where you can prepare something for Carol. You look through the rations you have taken from the cafeteria, you will prepare her a hot soup and some canned meat. Daryl peeks through the door, accompanied by Hershel and Beth who has the baby in her arms, Rick is also there, everyone has stopped by to greet Carol, and you are relieved to see him there.

"Need a hand?" the archer offers, but you decline.

"No need." You smile stirring the soup. "You didn't give up, you kept looking for her like you did Sophia."

"It was a fluke... An infected had her knife stuck in, there was a door that kept banging and when I opened it to see what the hell was going on, I saw her lying there." He shrugs. "It wasn't anything heroic. Just lucky."

"Don't care, I'm glad."

"You keep insisting." He rolls his eyes. "We're just friends."

"That's fine with me, Daryl. You're a big boy, you can do whatever you want."

He watches you intently, chewing his lip several times, you concentrate on your task without being aware of his eyes on you. He doesn't understand why you have that idea about Carol and him, he hasn't really looked at any of his mates that way ever, at camp he was too busy watching Merle, Andrea and Amy reminded him too much of you and your sister, always together, sometimes arguing, but always leaning on each other, he always thought Jacqui had feelings for Jim, Carol always terrified of her husband... later at the farm he didn't pay attention to the Greene girls either, besides you....

You...

"Daryl." He hears Rick's voice and his thoughts are nipped in the bud.

He looks at you again, you have a small smile on your mouth, he swallows and trails off feeling his heart pounding in his ears.

*******************

The day passes calmly, within the eternal whisper of the Walkers moving up and down the prison fence, you spend several hours eliminating several of them, you pick them up and take the corpses away to burn them. In the distance you see Hershel pacing the courtyard, you frown slightly at the sun and walk towards him curiously.

"Hershel." You call out to him, the man turns around smiling under his beard. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, yeah, just walking around... I was thinking about using this part of the garden to prepare the land and grow some crops."

"That would be great, if we get you growing we won't need to go out so often." You think and he nods. "Do you think we could find animals to raise?" You look at him curious.

"That would be really good too." 

"Count on me for whatever you need." You assure him and he laughs.

"First I want to talk to Rick to find out what his plans are."

"How is he?" 

"He still needs some time to fully recover, the pain makes him feel vulnerable, but he'll be back to his usual self soon, don't worry."

You nod and walk back with Hershel towards the pavilion, the heat is starting to get hotter and it's better not to be outside. The atmosphere is nicer in the block, Carol and Sophia are talking while the older one holds the baby, Beth is preparing a bottle for her. Maggie and Glenn have gone out to get more supplies and Rick had taken Daryl to finish cleaning an area outside the building.

What you don't expect is, when Daryl and Rick come back inside, after taking the bodies away, they don't come alone, a black woman accompanies them, she's carrying a sword, a unfriendly gesture and a shot in the leg.

"W-who is she?" you ask surprised.

"We don't know, she hasn't opened her mouth, but she brought this." He says leaving a basket of diapers and powdered milk on the floor.

"Glenn and Maggie? Where are they?" you look at her with concern.

"He took them... the same bastard who shot me..." she mumbles through her teeth.

"Why did they shoot you? Where did they take them?" Rick asks, but the woman falls silent again. "I asked you a question!" He insists squeezing the wound on her leg.

"Don't touch me!" she shouts letting go and looking at him menacingly.

"Okay, okay!" you step in between to look at her. "You came all this way for a reason, you brought us everything Glenn and Maggie had collected...why?" you stare at her, she looks uncomfortable, but less defensive than with the men. "There has to be a reason..."

"I want to take that son of a bitch out."

"Right, and us finding our friends. Which means we're on the same side..." You look sideways at Rick who nods very slowly, tensing his jaw. "Why don't we help each other and then we can each go our separate ways?" You offer, she seems hesitant and then accepts. You smile and introduce yourself. "This is Rick and Daryl."

"Michonne..." She whispers, though she's still not convinced of what she's doing. "There's a town, not too far from here, it's run by a guy with charm, he calls himself "The Governor". His hound dog must have taken them there..."

"A whole town?" You hesitate for a second, not giving credit.

"They live well, their inhabitants don't know what they're doing in the shadows, but he's a dangerous man."

"Alright, we'll go there when it starts to get dark, it'll be easier to get in without being seen." Rick begins to speak. "Daryl you're coming with me, you too." He looks at Michonne.

"Let me come with you." Oscar offers. "You'll need more people if you want to get out of there alive."

"I'm coming too." You say then, but Daryl shakes his head.

"No, not ya."

"This is no time to argue, I've proven more than once that I can help, that I know how to fight."

"That's not the point, we need someone to stay here too." He steps closer so as not to raise his voice too much. "Without Maggie and Glenn there aren't many of us to defend the prison from the dead." He tries to make himself understood. "Hershel, Beth, the kids can keep watch, but we need someone here who can shoot, who can fight..."

Well, okay, that's as good a point of view as any, you can't deny it, but you also want to save Maggie and Glenn, they're your friends, your family. You grit your teeth in frustration, but nod crossing your arms.

You hate to be left out.

"We'll be fine, we'll get back to them." He promises and hugs you tightly, you snuggle into his arms, resting your forehead on his chest.

You trust him, Daryl would never lie to you, not again, or at least you want to believe that with all your might.

"I thought about calling her Judith." Carl says as you prepare the car they're going to drive up to Woodbury with.

"Judith...it's perfect." Rick smiles. "Take care of her until we get back."

"Sure." He nods helping to put the last of the supplies in the car.

"I really could..." You start to speak when you feel Daryl grab the back of your neck, giving you goosebumps.

"Stop it, we've been over this; you love teaching Carl and Sophia how to fight, keep teaching them." He gives you an option of something of what you could do in his absence and you sigh.

"Be very careful." You ask and he smiles a little. "Get back with Maggie and Glenn in one piece."

"Don't worry, the happy couple will be back as if nothing happened." He assures you and you feel him kiss your head.

You laugh at the name he used, but let him leave with the others when everything is ready. You open the doors and watch as the car slowly pulls away. You still don't like what you're doing, but there are no other options. You sigh and go back inside the prison to make sure everyone is okay.

*******************

You've never been the leader of anything, you've never had the ability to lead a group, neither at school nor at work, you've always preferred that other people take that role, although stubborn and protesting, you've always been more submissive, you've always been more comfortable following others. 

But now it's your turn to take the reins, like when you were alone on the road, like when you found Sophia. You know it's a temporary thing, that when Rick and the others return you will regain your position, in your line; but now you are in charge of several children and an old man. You don't count on Carol, that woman is strong and stubborn like you or even more. God, you're sure she's a lot more stubborn than you. And much stronger. She's busy keeping Axel away from Beth, you know or think, she doesn't mean it, she hasn't seen a woman in too long, but her insistence makes both of your hair stand on end.

"Understand." He tells you when you call him on it and let him see your disapproval. "I know she's just a little girl, I don't mean anything, just talk, there aren't many women around here and Carol is a lesbian and you're with the guy with the crossbow..." He tells you lowering his head in sorrow.

"I'm not a lesbian." Carol laughs.

"I-I'm not with Daryl..." You struggle to say with your voice shaking and feeling your heart racing.

"No?" He looks at the two of you with surprise. "Really? It's just that since you're always together and he seems to care so much about you..." He starts to say, then looks at Carol. "Are you sure you're not a lesbian? With that short hair and..." But Carol just laughs. "Well, well, then..."

"Then nothing." Carol cuts him off, but is still amused by the whole situation. "Stay away from Beth or Sophia, or her." She points at you and you look at her. "She may not be with Daryl, but if he finds out you touched her, it'll be the last thing you do." She assures him and the prisoner swallows.

"Understood, ma'am." He stammers and hurries away.

"You didn't need to scare him, Daryl didn't..."

"Daryl would do anything if he knew anything happened to you." She cuts off your excuses. "You may not be a couple, but he clearly feels more attachment to you than to anyone else."

"That's not true!" You try to defend yourself as your cheeks heat up. "He's always with you, I've noticed in how you joke around and how you take care of each other."

"Are you jealous?" he taunts you.

"O-Of course not!" you almost squeal as she doesn't stop laughing.

Carol doesn't insist and you decide to run away from that conversation. It is possible that you feel something for him, you will not deny it, but it is only love and affection, like so many years ago. For you, he will always be your best friend, the one who took care of you when you were a child, the one with whom you could talk about your things when your sister wasn't around, the one with whom you tried weed for the first time, you never told your sister, but you were sure she knew, but she never said anything. You had shared many things together, both good and bad, you leaned on each other, at least until he decided to walk away, you try not to think about it, but it still hurts.

You shake your head reaching for your bow when you hear shouting down the hallway inside the block. Carl and Sophia who are in the entrance hall look at you as you run over. You hear some voices in the distance, some grunting and panting. It's someone having trouble.

Without thinking too much, you run to help them.

Maybe Rick wouldn't have liked the idea of having intruders in his prison, but they needed help. Donna is injured, nothing can be done for her anymore, she will transform at any moment. Carl wanted to do it quickly, but you stopped him, it doesn't belong to him to do it, his family must say goodbye to her. Sasha and Tyreese seem more sensible than Allen and Ben, you understand their loss, but they seem too nervous. You don't want to endanger anyone else, they all lock themselves in the cell area and Sasha doesn't look happy.

"Let us in! Hey!" he yells banging on the door.

"Hey, calm down, there's a baby who needs to rest." You tell Sasha who is still nervous. "Understand that we have our own processes for accepting someone in here or not. We've lost a lot of people along the way and we've run into people who weren't very friendly."

"We've lost people too, but we're not a threat."

"That we haven't decided yet, escort me out, you'd better bury his body as soon as possible."

You cast a glance at Carol and the children and walk out with them into the courtyard, carrying the body of that woman, Donna, so they can bury her.

****************

You go over in your mind, over and over again, the speech you have prepared for Rick, convincing, reasonable, safe and optimistic for the prison, you want to convince him, you want Tyreese and Sasha to stay, they are good people and could help protect the prison from more Walkers, help you clear more blocks and expand the safe zone, bring in more good people looking for help. Yes, no doubt that's what you want to tell him and you're not about to waver, you're not going to take 'no' for an answer until he's heard you out.

Your heart races as you hear Carl's alarming voice, they're on their way back, after two days of anguish, with no news, they're finally back. You can't hide the huge smile that decorates your face at that very moment. You gesture to the brothers to wait there and hurry out to greet the rest of the group.

You see everyone arriving, getting out of the cars, Glenn and Maggie don't look good, Glenn's face is damaged from the blows he may have received in that place, Maggie has a defeated and sad look in her eyes, something, more mental than physical has happened to her, but she tries to keep herself whole for the team. Rick looks upset, Oscar is gone, Michonne is back with them. Daryl is gone.

Your smile diminishes at the same moment you realize that detail. Daryl is not back with them, something has happened, but the archer is not with the rest of the group. Carol looks stricken when Rick tells her, you can't hear him, so when he comes to your side you ask again.

"W-where's Daryl?"

"He didn't..." He starts to say and you feel your heart slowly breaking.

"There was Merle." Glenn says and there is so much anger in his voice. "Merle captured us and tortured us... Daryl went with him." That's all he says, but for you it's enough.

The world around you crumbles. There are no tears. You can't. No more. The pieces of your heart have turned to dust, your throat hurts from the rage you want to scream, but you hold back. You nod your head several times and step back, you want to go back inside, take refuge, think of nothing.

"Hey, hey, listen..." Rick tries to speak, holding your arm, but you let go.

"No!" you shout. "No! He's decided to leave, fine, I don't care anymore, I'm sick of running after him pointlessly. This place, these people are more important. Fuck the Dixon brothers." You roar with all the rage you feel and speed back inside the prison.

*****************

"What are we going to tell Carol?"

"She'll understand..."

"And her?" When Rick said your name Daryl felt a bitter taste in his mouth.

"She knows what a shitty person I am, she's strong. She'll pull through." It was all he could say before he left with his brother.

It wasn't the first time he had left you anyway, so he wasn't going to feel any worse than he already did.

Again he had put his brother above the family that offered him a place in his life. The world is different now, but the mistakes are the same. Still, Daryl continues to move forward at Merle's side. After what happened in Woodbury, after having to fight his way out of there, even Merle has fallen victim to them, but that doesn't seem to discourage him, he's always been a tough guy, one way or another.

"Still thinking about them, little brother?" her voice goes through his brain like a drill. "You're better off without them, they made you weak." He keeps talking. "Now it's you and me again."

"What a comfort." He thinks, but bites his tongue in time.

With every step they take further away from the group, further away from the Prison, Daryl doubts whether he's done the right thing, whether he should turn around and go back, let Merle do whatever he wants from there, but try as he might he can't leave him to his fate.

He is not like that.

He has, however, failed you. Again. For the second time. His steps stop then, you were his family too, you are the sister of the one who was the love of his life, the one he thought would be his partner forever, you were his best friend and he let you go, he hurt you, and now he has done it again. Why is he able to run after his brother without hesitation and not able to stay by your side? Why does it scare him so much? Why does he always end up turning his back on you?

Your thoughts are nipped in the bud when you hear someone screaming and shooting in the distance. He runs to find out what's going on and discovers what looks like a family on a bridge, surrounded by Walkers, there's a woman inside a car next to a baby, crying inconsolably.

"Shit." He growls running over there.

"What are you doing, let them solve their problems!"

But Daryl ignores her stupid comments by running toward the bridge. He doesn't hesitate to help the two men fleeing the dead, shoots several arrows and shoves another.

"Use your gun!" he yells at one of them. "In the head!"

They manage to shoot down all the dead that were threatening the family, even Merle has joined in to help, but as soon as they're done he starts searching through his things for anything worth taking, the woman is still inside the car trying to protect her baby and Daryl thinks only of Judith. And you again.

"Get out of the car." He growls at his brother. "I won't say it again. Get.out.of.the.car." He threatens him and Merle slowly gets out seeing that Daryl doesn't hesitate to point his crossbow at him.

"What the fuck are you doing, little brother?"

"Leave them alone." He looks at the two men and nods to them. "Get the car and get the fuck out of here. Now!"

They're back in the woods, Merle doesn't stop talking as Daryl doesn't stop, he has to go back, he has to go back.

"You earned all that on your own!" he yells sick of all his protests.

"I can't go back! I almost killed the Chinese guy, they won't let me stay!"

"That's not my problem." He growls. "But I have to go back to where I really belong..." He makes it clear to her and suddenly stops. "And it's Korean." he corrects him, walking away.

"Who cares!"

*******************

Getting to the prison isn't complicated, Daryl knows the way by heart, no matter how far it is, he always knows how to get back, but this time it's late and what awaits there when he arrives overwhelms him. The main fence gates have been knocked down, the dead have entered the huge main courtyard, you are all fighting them off to keep them at bay. Daryl spots Rick outside the compound, fighting one of those walkers, he quickly reloads the crossbow and fires. His gaze crosses that of the former sheriff who nods, grateful for his help, but sees his gesture harden as he realizes that Merle is with him.

It's certainly not the welcome he was expecting, he's not even sure if he was expecting a welcome, but as the three of you walk through the doors of the block, you go straight for him.

"No, no, no. You have no right." You say pointing your finger at him. "You decided to leave, so get out of here!" You throw in his face as you punch him in the chest, over and over again.

"I'm sorry..." He whispers but doesn't try to stop your blows.

"Sorry, my ass!" you yell again and then slap him. Your companions have two different reactions, some take a step forward to stop you, others step back. "You took off again! You left me again! When will you realize that family doesn't end in blood! You're an asshole, Daryl Dixon!" You keep yelling and when the anger doesn't seem to subside, you simply push him away and walk away inside the pavilion.

"Wow, I didn't remember the little dead fly being so feisty." Merle laughs.

"Now's not the time, man, shut up." Glenn warns him. "You're here for Daryl, don't think any of us are amused to have you here."

"Wow, such kindness." He says wryly again.

"What are we going to do?" Glenn asks Rick.

But Daryl is no longer listening to the conversation, nor does he care what might happen with Merle. He feels pain in his chest, his cheek burns, his ears ring, and his gaze is pinned there where you've gone. He takes off his crossbow, puts it aside. He doesn't even know if anyone is noticing what he's doing, he doesn't care. Unarmed, he shakes his hands in his pants and walks away, gets lost down the same hallway you disappeared before.

His chest hurts from the blows you've given him, but his heart is pounding because he's come back to see you.

*********

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To be continued...

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See you in the next chapters.

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Taglist: @green-eyedladywrites @minervadashwood @livingdeadblondequeen @bringinsexybackk69

Thanks for your support, always!! ❤

[katenepveu]

Museum for Art in Wood (Part 3)

This is the section where I talk about the museum's curated bits (which, as you may recall from my first, ranty post, are extremely limited), and also the places where I most desperately wanted curation.

Here is a very nice explanatory label, which is alas not in the website's information on this piece:

The Museum Collection originally consisted of lathe-turned objects, but today it features pieces that represent a wide range of processes. From ancient tools like the lathe to modern computer-controlled CNC routers, technical skills are at the core of artistic work.

Ron Fleming in Earth Offering (OBJ 1010) masterfully combined techniques: the traditionally turned bowl is upheld by a dramatically carved base of leaves. Fleming's piece exemplifies how artists utilize technical processes to create striking displays of craftsmanship and ingenuity.

There was a small grouping of things for kids (I don't remember the actual title, sorry), which was fun. Among the highlights were these two pieces, which were next to each other: Frog Bowl by Michael Brolly; Hippo - Two Bowls Joined by Robert Trout.

This grouping felt very Seussian: Which Way To Grow by Dina Intorrella-Walker; Hurdy-Gurdy by Jean-François Escoulen and Mark Sfirri; and Clarinet-A-Kazoo by C.R. (Skip) Johnson.

There was a grouping featuring works from immigrant artists. I really liked this Shell Form Series by Graeme Priddle, though it looks puzzlingly different in color in the catalog from my picture.

And this plate, and also the small sculptures to right, by Michael Korhun from Ukraine:

I thought this was amusing: Hat, Hats Off to Woodturning Series by JoHannes Michelsen from Denmark.

Moving away from the intentional and labeled groupings, the person I went to the museum with pointed out this much more confusing grouping:

A potato masher and a strainer, both of unknown date and maker, highly functional, next to ... an untitled sculpture by Jean-François Escoulen. I am entirely happy to have functional objects in an art museum, though I can't say that I entirely understand why those.

This functional object, on the other hand, is very pretty! Rays (Cutting Board LS39) by Lincoln Seitzman.

There were also the occasional forays into meta woodworking pieces that I would dearly have loved explanation for.

For instance, there was Sanding Disk by Kevin Burrus, made of "Ash, Wood Turning Center brochures": has it actually been used as a sanding disk? What is a sanding disk?

Similarly on the deliberate meta, also on display was a Pre-Turned Wood Object—at least that's what it says on the top. I'd love to get the joke? But I don't. (By Garry Knox Bennett.)

Or this shelf: why is there a pile of papers on the left? Is that a chalk board on the right? Is the shelf a collective exhibit of some kind?

I looked up object number 4 (the only one there) and found the very useful: Large Mallet. This is apparently a whole section of things from the John Grass Wood Turning Company, judging from the papers, on which that name is visible, and the item underneath, which is a Bundle of Balusters, but: why those pieces? Why is there a beat-up baluster on top of some new ones? What is happening here???

This, on the other hand, is just as meta and historical, but doesn't actually need explanation and I found it very charming: The Itinerant Turner's Toolbox by C.R. (Skip) Johnson.

Sculpture next.

[bratshaws]

goodness gracious 78. brb x oc

a/n: *sprinkles some shit in this chapter because I am just feeling like it * also this week might be a bit rough for me but I will keep uploading daily. If I don't I'll let you guys know, just send some good vibes my way peeps I think I'll need it.

check out the fic's playlist made by the sweet @wiipes !!

pairing: plus size!oc x rooster

warnings: fluff??, Bea's brothers (esp Michael ) being a gd menace

chapters:

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12/13/14/15/16/17/18/19/20/21/22/23/24/25/26/27/28/29/30/31/32/33/34/35/36/37/38/39/40/41/42/43/44

45/46/47/48/49/50/51/52/53/54/55/56/57/58/59/60/61/62/63/64

65/66/67/68/69/70/71/72/73/74/75/76/77

(pls let me know if you want to be added to the taglist!!)

taglist: @mirandastuckinthe80s @roosterschanelslut @wiipes @lcahwriter @shrimping-for-all @gretagerwigsmuse @frenchtoastix

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@peachiicherries @mak-32 @lizziespidiepridie @roosterswifey @ollyoxenfrees @piceous21 @sqrlgrl22 @hofficoffi @lexhalstead3 @lorilane33 @legendarydreamersharkparty @luckyladycreator2 @emilybradshaw @j-6o @louisahale @leobabbyyy @kulicny @winter-run @ktjmac @graciereads

-

Beatrice keeps her eyes on her brothers as they run after the pilots, it was almost comical how both Michael and Guillermo literally stood out from the group by being so immensely tall, with an average sized Leonardo right behind. It wasn’t so bad, at first, they all worked together really nicely, avoiding being tackled just by leaping away.

That is until Guillermo remembered that he was a quarterback and he had a lot more power than most of the guys. He could trek through the others so easily, holding the ball above his head with his face so blank it was like Michael Myers decided to play. The others tried everything, jumping to grab the ball, Coyote even dug his feet into the sand only for Guillermo to just drag him forward when he walked.

It was hilarious.

And a bit worrisome.

Beatrice couldn’t sit down, she kept pacing in front of the seating area about to step in if Bradley got hurt - she didn’t think her brothers would hurt him willingly, but it was still something to think about. He seemed to be having fun, laughing and avoiding Guillermo’s huge frame by skidding to the left like she told him to do, but the ball remained in between her oldest brother’s hands.

Every once in a while, Rooster looked over to where she was just to let her know he was fine, he wanted desperately to walk over and kiss her just to prove he was okay, but he could. The game was still going and her brothers were there, well, he knew Michael and Leonardo wouldn’t mind but Guillermo was a bit of an enigma to him still.

The oldest of the Schiavoni siblings was the quiet brooding type, but he knew he always softened when it came to Bea. Even if Bradley was now accepted into the family, there were still other things he had to deal with along the way…he wondered how they’d feel once they found out they were going to live together.

She wanted to tell her parents last, but said nothing of her siblings. He didn’t know if there was a time where it’d be easier to let them know…but until then, he could handle this. They already got a place! They just had to make it public. 

They didn’t know how long they stayed there, but there was a point where Guillermo stepped out saying he was done. He put on his shirt and grabbed the keys from Michael’s pocket when his brother was distracted, telling him he’d be waiting in the car but not before he got closer to Bea and kissed her forehead, giving her the smallest yet kindest smile that dropped back to the neutral line as he nodded to the other women and walked back to the car.

Then Leonardo stepped back too, pressing two fingers on his wrist to check his heartbeat, “Fucking Christ,I’m old.”

‘You are one year older than Brad, Leo.”

Leonardo grumbled, “Yeah, don’t remind me.” he mutters, tapping his shirt free of sand before he puts on his top as well, groaning in pain when he lifts his arms, “My joints feel like granite.”

“I think you are exaggerating.” her brother just glared her way, playfully shoving her shoulder with a small smile. The male pilots were drenched with sweat, panting like old dogs that could no longer hunt while Michael was beaming, skin flushed red and just as covered with sweat, but he looked nothing like the others. He looked younger than he was, the hair he usually kept in his half bun falling in front of his eyes, “He looks happy.”

“I’m sure he does.” Leonardo groans, “I think I need some first aid.”

“Oh shush.” Beatrice playfully swats his bicep, then turns her attention to Bradley who looked downright delectable shining with sweat and flushed such a lovely red color. His chest heaved with his breathing, wiping the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand, but his lips immediately turned into a smile when he met her eyes. “Not too hurt,right?” 

Her question earns a soft laugh out of him, “No, not hurt at all, to be honest.” he looks back to where Michael is, putting on his shirt and buttoning as low as before, “It was really fun.” he could see those green eyes brimming with worry, even if she smiled, it was obvious she wanted to know if he was alright without asking. He smirks, “I’m fine, I promise.”

“Okay.” she replies with a sigh, nodding towards him with her hands clasped together.

Michael is all smiles, grinning so wide it’s like his head was going to get split in half with how happy he was. He clapped Leonardo’s shoulder, tugging him to his chest and earning a ‘ew your wet chest hair is all over my face!’ which the promptly decided to ignore, keeping his brother close, “That was really fun, wasn’t it Leo? Of course it was.” Leonardo rolled his eyes with a frown, seeing that his brother answered his own question, “Anyway, let’s do that again, I moved back and I think it’ll be good for the old bones to get back into sports.”

Beatrice arches one eyebrow at him, “You are a boxer, Michael…and you are forty one, you are not old.”

“Maybe, but I’m getting there.” he chuckles, a deep humming sound that comes from within his chest, “At least we’ll live close by, huh Bea? We’ll be almost neighbors.”

Oh.

Beatrice opened her mouth to speak but the words were stuck in her throat, something that Bradley noticed, placing a hand on her lower back to comfort seeing how anxious she was starting to get. Beatrice’s body relaxed once she feels his huge hand touching her back, thumb following the line of her spine soothingly, the repetitive movements helping her nervous heart ease down, “Well–”

“Oh, you moved close to their new place? That’s pretty cool!” comes Shells voice from the side, unaware that her siblings had no idea she planned on moving in with Rooster nor that they already got themselves a place to stay. Michael and Leonardo slowly turned their head to their little sister, the oldest of the two with his hands on his hips and his smile turning confused.

“Wait, moving in? I wasn’t told of that.” comes Leonardo’s voice, breaking the silence and looking over his shoulder to see if Guillermo was coming back. He wasn’t, thankfully, because that would only turn this situation a lot messier than they thought.  But both Michael and Leo were a lot more attuned with Beatrice’s feelings than their older brother, and one look at her was enough to tell him that she was very nervous to say that, “...but you don’t need my permission! You are almost thirty and no longer a child! I’m very happy for you!”

Beatrice blinks up in surprise, her worried façade melting into a relieved smile as she hears her brother’s comforting words to her. Of course Michael would be supportive, he was the…rebel of the family, he’d be all for a sudden chaos or a break in the common family chain. Leonardo’s smile…she isn’t sure if it’s because of pain or because he’s happy as well - maybe both - followed by his weak thumbs up because he couldn’t lift his arm higher than that, was heartwarming too.

Unfortunately they couldn’t stay, a short but loud horn vibrated from the front of the bar, which meant Guillermo was telling them to speed it up. Michael scoffs, muttering to himself about how he was a ‘spoilsport’ before he turns to Beatrice and kisses her forehead before messing her hair with one of his hands. She whines out a complaint, slapping his bigger hand from her head only to earn a deep chuckle, before hitting knuckles with Bradley as a goodbye.

Leonardo did the same, albeit with more groans and moans of pain, having to be escorted out of the little seating area by his older brother picking him by the shoulder and carrying him forward like a toddler. Beatrice waved them both goodbye, easing out a nervous breath she didn’t even notice she was holding, turning her head back to Rooster who had his lips tilted in a small smirk, “That wasn’t so bad.” she mutters once her brothers are both far from sight, “I expected…I don’t know what I expected.”

“Well, we both know sometimes our expectations aren’t what we end up with.” he replies casually, leaning down to kiss the top of her head as the officers behind them talked amongst themselves, “We better go back home, I need a shower. I’d hate to come back to the bar sticking with sweat.”

“Yeah, that’d be terrible.” she giggles, grabbing his hand that dropped from her lower back, interlacing their fingers together, “Penny would probably kick you out.” she whispered the last part since the bar owner was sitting just a few steps away with Pete by her side, “You know she hates when people come smelling to the bar.”

Bradley laughs softly, agreeing with her before he grabs his white tank tee he left folded on one of the seats. Both of them wave their goodbyes, the officers telling Bea to ‘invite her brothers again whenever she wanted’ and she laughs with the promise she’d do that, knowing that Michael would be more than happy to come. Leo, not so much. He’d probably be still soaking his muscles in hot water by the time they play another game.

-

She didn’t know how it happened, but she and Bradley were now walking Jolene past midnight around his neighborhood after her shift at the Hard Deck. Maybe it was because the weather wasn’t too cold that night and the heat would be dealt with by walking close to the shore, but it was very nice.

“I half expected Michael to show up at the bar.” she says as she sits on the sand, Jolene a bit ahead of them sniffing a little mound that undoubtedly had a crab inside that wasn’t stupid enough to come out, “With him here and all now, he’d be the type to surprise visit me.”

Bradley chuckles, leaning back on his hands as they watch the waves crash against the sand quite strongly, but they were at a safe distance from the ocean. “I don’t think it’d be so bad if he did, the others liked him.” he shrugs, “He’s fun, a bit crazy, but fun.”

“I know he is fun…but the crazy part is also true. My brother has the alcohol tolerance of a purebred horse, I’ve never seen someone chug so much alcohol and not be affected by it.” she mutters, bringing her knees up to her chin so she could hug her legs,  holding them close to her by clasping her wrist. But she had a smile on her face in the end, “But I love him, I know I complain about my siblings a bit but I love Mike. I’m glad he’s back.”

Not to mention that having him back meant she’d have more help when it comes to getting a new car. Her father knew cars like the back of his hand, but his knowledge of modern vehicles was limited and his interest wasn’t really the best, preferring everything before her birth and backwards. Michael however, was the one that knew everything about cars and motorcycles, not that she’d get a motorcycle but it’s good to have that type of knowledge.

Silence takes over them after a while, the wind hitting their faces and Beatrice lowering her lips to prevent them from getting dry,”You know,” she begins, shaking her head with a smile, “I’ve been thinking about it and…I mean,I…” shr shrugs, still trying to find her words, “A lot has happened before I turned thirty. And…I don’t know I guess it’s more than I ever expected.” he turns his head towards her in questioning and Beatrice drops her hand to the sand to draw with her fingernail, “I think the main one is well,I met you.”

She looks at him with her face red, seeing his lips curl up into a pleased smile, “And ever since then, I guess…my life took a turn for the better. I was really stagnant,Roos. I was part of a routine that never changed: wake up, have breakfast, take Jolene on a walk, get back, do yoga, spend, I don't know how long, worrying about stuff, go to the bar, repeat. I don’t regret it, it wasn’t a bad type of routine it was just…you know? The usual thing every day. And probably wallow in my own self pity and anxiety until I could no longer understand what was reality and what was a figment of my imagination.” 

Bradley hums, scooting closer to her so their shoulders touch, grabbing the hand that was currently drawing on the send to lift to his lips, kissing her knuckles with a smile. “Well, you know when it’s real or not now, right?” her cheeks redden but she nodded. He looks down at her fingers, especifically her ring finger with interest, rubbing its length with his thumb much to Beatrice’s obliviousness. He knew it was dumb, but he was trying to figure out her size with his own fingers - which were bigger than hers by a good amount.

He couldn’t get to the jewelry box she keeps in her room to check for other rings, so he was improvising right now. Beatrice didn’t stop him, she just leaned her head on his shoulder as both watched the waves.

“You know what makes me really excited about all this?” she asks, enjoying the caressing to her fingers with a smile, “We have similar decoration styles.”

He stops, furrows his eyebrows then relaxes them with the realization, “Wow, we do. I never noticed.” Of course Beatrice had the pop culture mixed in, which he doesn’t mind but their whole ‘aesthetic’ per se was very minimalist and neutral colored, modern too. “I guess that makes it easier for us to figure out how to arrange the house how we like it.”

God they had a house. Fair, it was rented but they had a house. He was now slowly starting to notice that this was a real deal, that Beatrice and him were going to really live together. He knew there were things that he couldn’t control, like whenever he was deployed - which thankfully there were no talks about it yet- and she’d be pretty much alone in their house with Jolene. And while Jolene was a pitbull, she was never aggressive, she was actually a bit of a scaredy cat most of the time.

But that could wait until they moved in, he didn’t want to think about being deployed now, fearing that just thinking about it would make it happen sooner than later. It was his job but that didn’t mean he wanted it to happen before they moved in and she had to do everything alone. God he hoped it’d take a little while longer for him to actually go.

“Yeah, and there are rooms in the house where we can put one of the couches. And we have a guest room too.” she explains, breaking him out of his worried thoughts, “So we can put one of the beds. I think we’ll use the space really nicely, don’t you?”

“Well it is a lot of space.” he chuckles, “I think we’ll do good.”

“Yeah.” she whispers, her head lifting from his shoulder with her lips forming an ‘oh!’ “Oh, so I was thinking, for my birthday,” he slowly turns his head towards her, arching one eyebrow, “Maybe we can go karaoke and go eat out somewhere! What do you think? We can invite some people too.”

Bradley tries his best to keep his face neutral, pursing his lips with a nod “I think I can do that.” He hopes she couldn’t see in his face how he already had everything planned, settled and ready to go for next week. Thank God for Evelyn’s amazing organization skills, because neither he or Shells would be able to pull half of the things she did. She had a whole file where she put down everything needed for Beatrice’s surprise birthday party, “I don’t see why not.” Her brilliant smile was enough to make his heart turn into goo, she looked so happy just by the thought of having their friends and himself on a little get together.

Oh if only she knew what was going to happen, “I mean, I could ask some of my family members to come too. My parents wouldn’t join, they aren’t very…tech savvy, but Michael,Leo and Cyn would.” he hums, agreeing with her, keeping in mind to send them a message before he forgot, “But it’ll be fun!”

“Of course it will, we are going to celebrate you.” he replies smoothly just so her cheeks turned crimson and her eyes softened as she looked at him. When the wind started to pick up, Jolene rushed to their side and launched herself in between them, curling against their bodies trying to shield herself from the wind, “I think it’s better if go back,” he says already pushing himself upwards, helping Beatrice up and smiling down at the pittie who remained in between the two “Jojo is ready to leave.”

“Howling wind does make her a bit nervous, come here baby.” she coos, picking the dog up so she could carry her like an actual child, with Jolene’s huge head nestled on the curve of Beatrice’s shoulder. She follows Brad to the Bronco, still holding Jolene tight to herself but blinks when she feels the furs on her back suddenly stand to an end, “Jojo?” the dog’s head is directed somewhere else, her throat vibrating in a quiet growl that makes both of them stop and look at her, “Jojo, what’s the matter? Maybe there’s a cat.” Beatrice answers Bradley’s confused stare.

Both of them jump at a loud bark breaking the silence, something that Jolene never does and that makes both of the humans with her stare into the darkest part of the street. Rooster’s narrowed eyes try to see something, anything, but it was too dark for him to see, so he steps in front of Beatrice in hopes he could have any idea why Jolene suddenly got mad. He hears Beatrice gently calming Jolene down, the low growling still present which meant that whatever was bothering her was still in the direction they were all looking at, “Brad?” Beatrice’s soft voice calls, which promptly makes him hold a hand back for her to be quiet for a bit, moving his eyes around but not being able to see anything.

There is a noise from beyond, the clatter of a trash can’s lid falling to the ground making Jolene bark one more time, except this time Bradley can see what was actually bothering her: a raccoon. “Oh my God,” Beatrice heaves out a sigh, watching the small animal scurry away from there and disappear into the night “God that scared me.” Jolene ‘boofed’ towards the gray critter in warning, “It was just a raccoon, Jojo, it’s all good.”

Bur Bradley wasn’t convinced. He didn’t know why but his eyes remained in the same direction, Jolene wouldn’t bark even for squirrels, why would she bark for a raccoon? He was starting to get the same feeling from when Damon was not following them. Something in him was on high alert, something in him got closer to Beatrice, gently ushering her to the car with his narrowed gaze back to the dark area. If there was someone there, a mugger or something of the sort, they didn’t step closer.

Unless it was, God forbid, Chloe…but she already fucked her career enough, she wouldn’t try to pull any bullshit like that. He hesitated on going back, only moving when Beatrice calls him and he walks to the driver’s side with his eyes still on the same direction, getting into the car to see Beatrice looking back as well, since Jolene supported her huge head on the top of the back seat, “Do you think there’s something else there?”

He kept his eyes on the rear view mirror, trying to see if there was something moving or any light that would turn on the second they got to the car, but there wasn’t, “I don’t know, maybe there’s more raccoons. I can’t be sure.” 

“A person?”

Bradley inhales, turning the car on, “I’m not sure, baby.” if there was, they were really well hidden in there, so well hidden he couldn’t see anything, “It is past midnight, strange people roam around this time. Can’t be too careful.” she agrees, leaning back against the seat to sigh softly, placing her interlaced hands on top of her thighs. While still a bit nervous by Jolene’s sudden aggressive behavior to whatever it was hidden in the dark, they managed to get back to his apartment safely.

Beatrice chews her lower lip once inside, running her hands through her hair as she thinks about what just happened minutes ago. It was strange, and a bit scary, but neither of them were hurt so that’s always good. She sighs, kicking off her sneakers and putting her bag on the coat hanger before she meets Bradley in the kitchen, pushing herself to sit on the counter top as he pours himself some water, offering a glass to her, “Thanks.” she murmurs, sipping the cool drink slowly, swinging her feet back and forth.

“You are welcome.” he says back, kissing her cheek and leaning his lower back on the counter’s edge, trying to ease his mind from what happened by thinking of anything but Jolene’s weird behavior, “So, when do you want to check the car out?”

“I’ve looked some stuff up and probably on monday.��� she says, holding the glass with both hands, “I can ask Mike to help me out, so you don’t have to worry. He’s really good with cars and whatnot…and well, he has a lot of experience with cars and motorbikes and such.” she shrugs, giving him a small smile, “And well, yeah,I think that’d be good.”

“I’m okay with that,” the pilot replies with a little smile, drinking his own water slowly, “It’ll be a long week, but I’ll be calm enough for your birthday on Saturday.” he grins, kissing her forehead when she gave him a thankful smile, dropping his lips to the tip of her nose then her mouth, “I think around…eight would be a good time to go, huh?” not because that was the scheduled time Evelyn managed to get them, but Bea didn’t have to know that.

“I think so! It’s usually open around seven, so yeah!It’ll be fine!” she grins, still swinging her feet, “Did you ever go to a karaoke bar?”

Bradley chuckles, “Have I? Yes, absolutely.”

“And what’s your go to song?” she asks with genuine interest, placing the empty glass in the sink, “Any Jerry Lee Lewis ones?”

“While I love his music, very few karaoke bars have them.I had a bit of everything, and I’m not telling you yet, it’ll be a surprise when we go there.” he finishes his sentence by taking a slow sip of his water.

Beatrice stares at him for a while, her smile widening, “It’s Backstreet Boys isn’t it?” he chokes, placing a hand under his chin to hold back the dribble as he tries to calm down his shocked coughing. He didn’t know how she figured out so easily, he wasn’t exactly ashamed of liking Backstreet Boys, they were a good band, but it wasn’t something he shared with everyone, “I’ve heard you humming to I Want it That Way one time in the shower when you thought I was asleep. It was really cute, Roos.”

Bradley licks his lips and wipes his chin, his coughing diminishing until it is finally gone, “It’s a good song.” she just giggles, mentioning it was cute no matter what and Bradley’s cheeks warm up just a bit, just enough for him to look away. He honestly preferred them to think about him singing Backstreet Boys by the top of his lungs than what happened close to the beach hours before. “What about you, what is your favorite song?”

Beatrice shrugs, “I don’t have one. I think. I can never really choose, I get a bit…over excited when I see the options.” 

“I thought you were going to say Great Balls of Fire but,” he shrugs, with a little pout, looking away from her, “I’m not hurt by it.” Beatrice laughs, which in turn makes his lips quirk up in a smile as he steps closer to her, her legs parting so accommodate him better, “But seeing you singing it was really good for me.” he mutters with his lips on hers.

Beatrice however, blinked, her lips just brushing his as her head recoiled in surprise, “Where did you see me singing it?”

“Shells sent me the video when you guys went there, when I was deployed.” Beatrice’s face slowly lost color, little by little the usual light peach coloring turned lighter and lighter, “It was really cute, you don’t have to be embarrassed.”

“Oh my God, that’s why she was recording!! She just said to keep it for prosperity!!” she covers her face with both hands, whining into her palms, “That’s so–”

“Cute and adorable and probably sexy too since it’s you we are talking about.” he smiles, hugging her shoulders when her forehead pressed on his chest, “You know it is. And you know I loved seeing you singing it.” Beatrice whines again on his shirt, her face so hot he could feel it through his top, “And you can sing it again at a…later time…when we are alone and less clothed.”

Her swat to his arm was light but enough to sting a bit, lifting her head just enough to glare at him playfully,”You are terrible.” she’s still blushing a violent shade of red “But I’ll consider.” she yelps out in surprise when he picks her up by the legs, laughing when he travels all the way back to his room, kicking the door behind him.

[makima-s-most-smile]

Trigun Maximum 4 (part1)

I am not late! You are just early!

01: Count down

Ugh, Jessica and her weird puppy crush. I… just do not get it. It is creepy. Good on Vash having reinforcement.

This is a cute scene. Beyond being a used car salesman in the open, he is an awkward, but incredibly direct and honest person with people that are “close”. His curious question is kinda endearing. Good on tackling his assumptions about others in such a direct manner. And Brad accidentally digging his own grave by insulting Jessica by putting words into Wolfwood’s mouth is hilarious. I love how Wolfwood’s hair bristles visibly as the confrontation goes down. The ghibli-cat-shiver that Stampede WooWoo does seems to be Trimax canon, too! Let him bristle! It is cute!

Brad, Wolfwood is an orphan who lived with mere necessities and even less. He won’t criticise any grub he gets to eat. Free food is free food. 

Adding to that, this scene. Did I say that I love this homely feeling those scenes have? Just characters working off each other by their personality without stakes, but we get hella lot of character- and worldbuilding. 

Wolfwood is not a dumb person. Well, he is an idiot, but that is his behaviour, behind that is a very attentive, intelligent man. What he does not have is an education due to his upbringing. I think radio transmission is also done by satellite on No-Man’s-Land. (But I have to say that this may have been a line from a fanfic *coughs*) Anyway, the Great Fall led to a massive loss of technology and knowledge. The people of Home have the privilege of not trying to survive daily, of having resources to save the technology and use it. Outsiders haven’t. And I like the discrepancy between those two groups that is shown here.

I also love that Vash understands Wolfwood and that he kinda bullies the defensive baby into looking at the machinery. He meets Wolfwood at Wolfwood’s level. And that is just really a nice move.

Because it gets us there. The cynic has to deal with a new emotion growing. Hope. It really makes my heart ache. Wolfwood believes so thoroughly that he cannot be saved, but hopes so desperatedly that he can at least lessen the burden on the kiddos. Here he receives hope for ALL.

Wolfwood is bitter, but being a realist. He knows about the state of the world, it makes his whole being. And here he is with a bit of hope blooming in his chest begging God that he may keep it. That they may keep it. It shows Wolfwood being incredibly humble.

We next to never get to see Wolfwood really speak to God. His moral dilemma is exactly that, moral and ethical. There is no church in it. It is not about religion or belief. It is his own morals not something that was instilled into him from the outside. In ‘98 Wolfwood being a man of God is a running joke ‘til episode 23 in the church. Even in Trimax it kinda is. But here, in this quiet moment where Wolfwood watches his friends and with new hope blossoming, he has no other choice but to beg a higher power to grant them some grace. Because Wolfwood knows that his hope, the message reaching Earth and them getting an answer is completely out of his control. 

And it looks like his prayer gets answered.

The handshake is incredibly cute. Did they just invent it in the spur of the moment?

And damn, Luida reminiscending Doc. How she allows herself a moment of respite, but still is the responsible leader even in this.

I snorted at the Knives’ pic. Dude being grumpy. Someone needs to make Knives' "Did you just shoot me?!" face over this. Please. Vash feels Knives' power surging and a glass breaks. Why only that glass? O.O I know it is for the atmosphere of the scene, but lemme be nitpicky.

Knives that looks like really bad constipation and his fart cuts the planet in half. *inserts one punch man ok face*

Uh, biblical. Knives as archangel Michael with his sword, ready to cut Satan from the sky and weighing the souls on judgement day. GOD! I SLEPT BETWEEN CHAPTERS AND JUST REALISED! EYE OF MICHAEL! They are judges of humanity, so to speak, and the sword of the Lord. I think that is especially meaningful about their workings in Stampede, really.

It is interesting that Wolfwood’s prayer was answered with an affirmative sign, with real reasons for hope, but it is Knives who intervenes and destroys the hope again. It could be read as Knives interfering with God/Vash destroying the hope that Vash gifts to the sinner Wolfwood.

:/ Vash… Let Brad tell the others. You’re patronising again! I know people need hope and all, but you let them hope a lie just now. Let people decide for themselves, let them have the agency to do so!

I know he knows that I know that he knows that I know that he knows-Situation. Wolfwood inserting himself as Vash' companion. If Vash wants to or not. Buddy is along the way. He needs to.

But I like that Wolfwood already knew that Vash would run away again and awaited him. Considering that we know that Vash won’t zoom in on Knives and will get distracted again, this here reads less than “I need to deal with Knives!” but more like “Vash runs from connection again”. Does Wolfwood know about the satellites, too? Or does he still have his hope unaffected by Knives?

02: Killer Horn Blues

Hi, Hornfreak! You evil Wolfwood!

Hornfreak is interesting. In the chapter before Knives was shown like archangel michael, but now Hornfreak flips the image and makes Knives the devil. 

Also, the perfect pitch is a superpower!

Hoppered is so cute y-y. I love their banter.

Not gonna lie, Knives is extremely cute in this pic. I wanna squish his cheeks and tell him he's baby. Too bad he does evil supervillain poses on the next pages.

Hornfreak is much like Wolfwood. Their clothing style is similar but colours inverted, both are bitter, cynic realists, but while Hornfreak is mostly about his own gain and benefit, Wolfwood is selfless. We haven’t seen Wolfwood on the job, but considering his reaction to Keele, we can at least assume that Wolfwood does not go on killing sprees like this. I like how this little flashback stresses the differences between them, too. We don't see Wolfwood on killing missions, but Wolfwood killing innocents is just too out there. Midvalley is cruel and coldblooded. He doesn't care about human life at all.

… He looked into a mirror and practiced that. I JUST KNOW IT! This line makes me cringe so hard. Lol, I am Millions Knives, herpaderp, I collect knives. Hehehehehe. Not gonna lie, I would not survive a meeting with Knives. I would laugh at him. I'd die. Even if I was a useful knife for him.

The gun ho guns are Knives’ knives. I like the reminder that “Chapel” is part of them. It could be Wolfwood’s arm, too. But he is missing the cross cufflinks in Trimax. So it could be OG-Chapel. It would make sense, since Knives “collected” his knives personally and no one knew that Wolfie came instead since Knives was… uh… occupied with being… uh… in the womb at the fifth moon incident.

Hornfreak does not seem to suffer under being an assassin, he does not really care that he kills or who is killed by him, he cares for his own life. Hornfreaks focus is completely on the being that has him under “its” thumb, Knives. Like Wolfwood, Hornfreak is a guy between a rock and a hard place and both don’t kid themselves about what will happen to them as soon as Knives wins. But Midvalley is all about himself, while Wolfwood is about the orphanage and its future.

I pity Legato. Especially in this exchange. Here is this being that he devoted his whole existence to and it brushes his service and really his whole loyalty off like it means nothing at all. Legato is his main informant about how Knives’ machinations are working, he helps Knives as much as he can, hell, he even made sure that Knives has a body at all. And he is taken for granted! He is not even privy to such information like: “Yeah, well, change of plans. Chapel is now a babysitter for my little bro. Just letting you know! For reasons, too!” Knives cannot be bothered to spare Legato a crumb of attention or respect. Someone else said that Knives and Legato are Vash and Wolfwood just completely unhinged. I agree. I need to say something, but that goes into spoiler territory. Someone remind me in a few volumes to go into the similarities and the main difference.

I like how Knives does not even tell Legato Wolfwood’s real name or anything or that Wolfwood has tried to kill him. Nah, not important to him at all. All according to keikaku. (Newsflash, it is not going to keikaku at all, friend!)

Interesting, too, that Midvalley had the same reaction like Wolfwood had to Vash' "aura" at his first meeting with Knives. Fear. He knows that Knives is a monster, immediately and without a doubt. His friends on the other hand were unable to feel it and thus Knives cut them up when they showed aggression to Knives. 

Midvalley muses how easy it would be to kill Knives with a well timed toot. But instead he breaks down at the memory of Knives' killing his friends! He cannot do it. There is no option to fight even in theory. And the focus at the end of the scene onto Knives tells me at least that he is very aware that Midvalley listened in and thought about killing him. I am not sure, but it seems like he feels sad? Apathetic? Not completely sure. Like he reserved himself to believe that this is all that humans feel towards him. Selffulfilling prophecy, though… If Knives only shows himself as a monster, people treat him like one.

Counter this with these idiots and the humans treating Vash as an equal, an equal idiot. While Vash being not human is still unspoken, Wolfwood hints more and more at it that he knows and Vash shows a bit more of his inhuman senses to him. 

But then Milly and Meryl kick in the door and, damn, Meryl is fucking spiteful!

03: Bottom of the dark

And the spite continues! Meryl is livid that the guys just left them. But letting them nearly die is harsh.

You nearly killed your idiot friends out of revenge for them leaving, gurl! While I don’t like the extreme it went to for jokes, I like that it happened. I like that we get to see the insurance women being angry for being left behind. I would be, too. (Too many manga women get just sidelined by the dudes deciding: Things are too dangerous for our fragile, female friend. We go without them for their safety!) It is a constant rejection, really.  

Uh, 13th bride? Not the 13th wife? Oh… No… It got worse. And it started out bad with just the assault.

Thank you for showing us that the insurance women are fucking capable on their own! More of this, please!

I understand that Meryl may hate having to rely on a gun. But that is really the state of the world they live in. Even Vash as the glaring break of tradition has to carry one. I’d like to know more about Meryl’s relationship to that man. Is it her mentor? Her dad? When did she get the weapon from him?

“It may be small, but its power is sufficient” could be about the weapon, but it could also be read about Meryl as a whole.

EWEWEWEWEWEWEEWWWWWW! Zazie, body horror supreme!

How can it be that those two dumbos nearly died by drying up and are just up and on the go again?! As much as the vials were a last second addition, Wolfwood surely is not human if he is on his two feet again. I get Vash! We were shown that he has a supreme healing factor by his body pushing out a bullet as Eriks. But Wolfwood...

Who is saying the pain in the ass-part? I think it is Vash? 

I’d also be a bit stinky if I just nearly died because my companions were petty.

And Wolfwood is doing what I just criticised Vash often does… Deciding for others for their safety without informing them. Both boys are so good at this >:3 *cocks gun* Sure, I would not want to have my companions die, either, especially when they are not a fighting monster like I am… But fucking talk to them about it! Don't just do the ditcheridoo! Wolfwood being pissy about their “stunt” does read more like him putting on a front, to give a reason more to ditch them and keep their relationship at arm's length. He cares. If he didn’t care, he wouldn’t care about them tagging along.

I’d say Wolfwood is more of a realist, considering what happened in Home. The guys are in danger and there are more crazy mofos coming after them. Meryl and Milly can take care of themselves with normal humans. Though, I don’t think Wolfwood is asking/reflecting himself. I take Wolfwood’s comment more about relieving his conscience if Vash agrees to the decision of ditching them. So he does not carry the burden of hurting them by leaving on his own.

It gives way for another thought for me. If they ditch the insurance women for their safety, why wouldn't Vash do the same for Wolfwood?

I… I don’t believe that. They get that people are trying to kill Vash. Milly gets much more, maybe. But I do not think Meryl does. It is not like Vash told her what and who he is in the cold chamber. Or why he is hunted down. Or by whom. This will bite him in the arse. So badly. And fuck Vash, he deserves the bite. But Meryl does not.

The gun ho guns have their own sandstreamer with a skull at the front. How loaded is Knives? I made a joke a bit ago that Vash would not be the wealthy twin even with his lifespan, because he lives hand to mouth, but Knives would go into stocks and become rich.

I love Hoppered’s and Midvalley’s talks. Hoppered gets him. He looks stupid, but he has Milly-attention. And damn, if Revenge does not forebond a tragic ending for Hoppered. But can they really say that they chose this path? Midvalley had to decide between dying then and dying on a mission, but he may get an opening out if he choses the latter. Hoppered, we will see. Revenge says that he has a personal vendetta against Vash and that makes his decision an active one and not one between pest and cholera.

But… how does Midvalley hop from: “I want out and survive!” To “Imma gonna kill Vash even though then Knives will hunt me down personally!” That… is counterproductive to Midvalley wanting to survive, really… I get Hoppered with his revenge, but I don’t get Midvalley. Why doesn’t he just up and leave now? I don’t think Hoppered would make him stay. The fight is senseless. And as soon as it commences, Midvalley’s options go from: Die or run to die and die.

And… why would Hoppered ask for Midvalley hiding his remains? Is it a request for a burial?

I don’t understand, either, Zazie. Oh, they meant that our protagonists have split, not whyever Midvalley agrees to kill Vash.

Milly hears something to distract her and Meryl gets yeeted by a fucking swarm of insects. I… I think I’d black out if a swarm of mosquitos snapped me away.

[ovaruling]

@gynoids-over-androids putting under a cut bc i have a lot to say as always lmao

well i should start by saying i’ve never been to any gym or class in my life outside of the ones i did in my own home by myself (Pahla B on youtube for low-impact, most of Jillian Michaels’s filmography so far, Chloe Ting on youtube), so i was really nervous taking it outside of my living room so to speak

esp since i do have a few really odd-to-describe disabilities from my surgery aftermath that i always worried would make me feel like i had to explain everything to an instructor if i ever went to a class so as not to disrupt anyone. my life has been very small bc of those disabilities for about 10 years and i don’t have much interaction with large groups of people so i was also a bit nervous abt that bc i’ve been struggling to find a foothold in society since my last surgery.

that said, i have been working out for a few years, so i’m going in with what i would call a very good level of fitness and endurance already, and my plan was always that—to assure myself that i could build functional fitness at home over time by myself before setting foot in a class bc of my unusual bodily situation (? not sure what else to call it). so i can’t personally speak to if someone is going in from 100% sedentary, but as someone who’s pretty fit and never ever had instructors or community experience w exercise, so far i am loving it.

everyone there is so so nice and accommodating and there’s just no pretentiousness that i can sense at all. most of my fears have been allayed—i haven’t had to explain anything abt my disabilities to anyone and after trying out 2 places i really like the facility i chose. people of all ages and body types and fitness levels (there is an elderly man there who i swear to god looks like if the monopoly man was both shredded and yassified. same wax-styled mustache and everything), moms lifting and snatching massive barbells w their kids chilling in the stroller next to them. extremely casual atmosphere, but also so much control and structure and help.

and i’ve never had access to high quality equipment before, but the learning curve has no pressure on it so far. my very first day, the instructor made sure i was comfortable with everything and answered every single question i had and integrated me step by step into the rest of the class’s workout at my starting level to get familiar with using a barbell. it was really helpful and made me feel like i was part of the flow already.

i had to stop several times to make sure i wasn’t hurting myself (i have widespread nerve damage that means sometimes my lower body just. glitches and shuts down the connection to my brain’s intent and spasms for a bit and doesn’t do what i want it to do, and i lose all feeling so i panic bc i cant gauge where my body is—the litany goes on but basically i have many issues that crop up frequently during prolonged motion) but even when that happened it proved zero problem at all and no one noticed and i collected myself and got back into it and it was fine. modifications can be made for every move, which is something i learned with Pahla B workouts years ago, and applies here just as well, and i am stubborn in that optimism.

i was even feeling myself so much i wanted to try a box jump so i asked the instructor what the proper form was. she had me start by jumping on progressively higher stacked barbell plates just laid on the ground. and then i tried the box and i got it! and a bunch of people congratulated me or complimented my successful efforts and stopped after class to chat and introduce themselves which made it feel more team-like to me.

vibe seems to be: just do what you can, ask for help and guidance if you need it (i’m still new so i don’t know all the lingo or all the form cues yet but no one is looking at you making you feel scrutinized, everyone is just there to do their thing and they’re also super helpful if they walk by), and know that you’ll get better at everything you’re attempting w consistent attempt. which is just my basic philosophy anyway.

and ok yeah i’ve never been to a traditional gym before—well, i have a few times, and just never went back cuz i felt it was too polished for the likes of me lol (where i live is veryyyyy pretentious). the high gloss attitude truly just never appealed to me. works for some, just not me. in my area at least, everyone in traditional gyms are in some kind of coordinated outfit and are on their phones and taking videos and stuff (i really don’t like that aspect—i don’t consent to showing up in someone’s gym tiktok lol). so yeah especially these days, the feeling that there’s an image to be achieved in gyms just makes my skin crawl. and if i’m going to shell out for the price of any kind of gym membership, i’d rather it not be a place i get self-conscious in that i’m gonna be filmed or creeped on or something (my terror of men in gyms is well-founded).

so i opted for crossfit bc i’ve had family members who were sedentary and went and loved it and saw amazing gains. and everyone at the place im at is way too busy to be filming or creeping (so far). and i do def already feel like it’s built for functional improvement toward accomplished strength, not merely an image of strength. like, i played outside constantly as a kid and it reminds me of that feeling lol, not least bc of the open-air-warehouse-unit concept. i think im too scrappy to ever be a traditional gym person, but crossfit is totally my vibe so far. no one cares enough to judge what your deal is, which is prob #1 on my ranking of important qualities for a fitness facility.

and while my level of general fitness is what i would call really good, i’m still a total beginner to crossfit kinds of work, work with equipment at all, and i’ve NEVER done group gym classes. so my nervousness about not being amazing at something immediately (huge impediment in my life generally) was a biggie but has proved to be baseless. crossfit seems to has no time or attention for individual compulsive fears or momentary embarrassments. which i absolutely love.

but to answer your original question TL;DR—i think it’s tougher than anything i’ve ever seen! grizzlier by far if nothing else—definitely no frills (it’s refreshing to see no makeup yet!). everyone seems to be of a same kind of no-nonsense grit—dunno how to describe it. what i’m observing the experienced crossfitters doing looks wicked hard, but it’s still very accommodating for all levels of fitness to hone. as in, it looks like some of the hardest shit i’ve ever seen anyone do, but that’s what i will be working toward at my own pace, and it’s exciting.

one of the moms i mentioned earlier was snatching thee heaviest barbell weight in the entire class, even more than the men (i checked), like it was nothing and then she went checked on her baby in between like it was all nbd. i was like god damn girl that is so metal. where else are you gonna see that

so. that’s just my first impressions so far! i signed up for 10 classes to see how it goes so i will report back :)

[abbatoirablaze]

Down The Rabbit Hole, Chapter 16

Word Count: 2k

Warnings: mention of violence, sexual harassment/assault, anger

“Archie DeCoste,” you groaned as you sipped on your morning coffee and spoke with your boyfriend, “Dean Pelton wants us to go and impress him on the walkthrough they’re doing today and I-“

“I know,” he smiled, walking around the island to press a kiss to your cheek.  You all but preened when you felt his hand on your lower back in an attempt to soothe you, “I agreed to help Annie, Britta, and the dean on the tour today.”

You turned to look at him, surprise lacing your features, “you what?  Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I wanted to surprise you,” he smiled, shrugging his shoulders, “see…I can help out Greendale.  I mean, it’s given me a lot over the years.  An education…a group of misfit friends who really, it feels like I’m a guardian for…and you.”

“Greendale is making you soft,” you teased, leaning into him, “why am I just hearing about it now, though?  I thought that you wanted to go to Banana Republic and have a mall day on your off day.  You were practically having an orgasm at the idea last week.”

He shrugged and lifted your mug of coffee to his lips, taking a sip, “what can I say…maybe my girlfriend is the one affecting me, and making me want to be a better man.  Also, Craig said that you were going to help out on the later part of the tour…”

“I have an eight o’clock class, so I won’t be able to help out until after nine thirty.  I’m supposed to meet them somewhere near the cafeteria.” You admitted, only processing the underlying meaning behind his words after your admission came out.  You turned to him, eyes slightly widened, “are you only helping out because you heard that I’m helping out?”

“ME?  Doing something that benefits myself?” he asked, feigning a hurt tone, “Well I would never…”

“Sure you wouldn’t!” you teased.

“Maybe I just want to spend some quality time with my girlfriend,” he shrugged, “and if we happen to be winning some white whale for Greendale, maybe she’ll want to celebrate after!”

“Oh…so there are ulterior motives?” you asked.  He smirked, and turned your head and leaned up, pressing a kiss to the corner of his lips, “and you’re alright with the idea of wasting your only free day this week helping out Greendale?”

“I guess you’ll find out…”

“You’re on, Winger…” you smiled, “and who knows…if you’re a good boy during the tour, maybe you’ll get a special treat when we ‘celebrate’ the win.”

“Well then, I guess I’ll see you there, Professor Michaels.”

You turned around in his arms and wrapped your arms around his neck, “do you mean to tell me that you’re going to be doing the whole tour now?  Not just helping out for a little bit?”

“Oh yeah…I’m just that much of a nice guy!”

“This new Jeff Winger is getting me revved up,” you admitted in a purr, “helpful.  Kind.  Wanting to make Greendale better…this wouldn’t have anything to do with me offering a little something special afterwards, now would it?”

“Oh, it has everything to do with that being your place of work and my special perks!” he grinned, pressing a firm kiss to your lips, “I’ll see you later?”

“Yes, you will!” you smiled, pressing another kiss to his lips, before slipping out of his arms.  You giggled when you felt him playfully smack your ass on the way past, “JEFF WINGER!”

“Tawney Michaels,” he smiled in response as he took another sip from your cup of coffee.  You slid your heels on and ran back over to him, pressing a sweet kiss to his cheek, while stealing your coffee, “HEY!  I was drinking that.”

“Mine first,” you teased, sticking your tongue out playfully as you started towards the door, “love you!”

“Love you too!”

‘Hey…where are you?’

Jeff rolled his eyes as he looked over to Pierce.  Typing his reply, he shut his phone, only for it to buzz once more. 

‘Took me to the barbershop,’ he texted Annie, ‘text me the second I can ditch him.’

“You know, Jeff, I thought you were ignoring me.”

“Things have just been really busy with me and Tawney lately…and then class-“

“Oh yeah…you’re dating Tawney…still.  How’s that going?”

“Really good.  We moved in together at the end of the last school year.  So, we’ve just been getting situated.”

“Take it from a man who was married seven times before, Jeff…sometimes you just have to let a woman take control of the house.”

“Did you do that with your ex-wives?”

“No, no…but I can see something when I see you and Tawney on campus.  You two will last!” he smiled as he sipped on his brandy.

“Thanks….” He said unenthusiastically as he continued to scroll through his phone, seeing if he had a message from you, “hey Pierce…you know I can tell why you like this shop.  It really is special.”

“Well, if you really like the place so much, why don’t you gay marry it?’ Pierce joked.  Jeff couldn’t help but laugh with the rest of the guys, “you probably didn’t notice it, Jeff, but I’ve subtly been trying to get us some alone time.  I mean…so that we could talk, guy to guy.”

“I might have picked up on that.”

“I’m no stranger to father issues,” Pierce began, as he swirled his drink, “so I know that confronting your dad couldn’t have been easy, and I just wanted to say that I’m proud of you.”

Jeff leaned back into the chair as he let the moment sink in, “well…if you’re so proud, why don’t you gay marry me?”

The shop started laughing once more as they cheered. 

“Oh hey, your phone’s buzzing,” Pierce smiled, picking up Jeff’s phone to look at it, “oh and it’s from Annie you sly dog.”

Jeff’s eyes went wide as he looked at Pierce and reached for his phone, “Pierce, no-“

“Need more time.  Keep Pierce busy!” he read, “keep me busy?”

“Look, the group is giving the big shot some tour,” he explained, “so it’s my job to keep you busy.  You know you get jealous.”

“So that’s why you spent the day with me?” he asked, “you drew the short straw.”

“Well, that’s how it started. But then I really did end up having a good time.”

“Yeah, I used to regret not having a son to bring here,” he mused, “I’m glad I didn’t have kids.  They just end up disappointing you.”

Jeff sighed as Pierce got up and left. 

“Shit…”

“DELTA CUBES!  DELTA CUBES!  DELTA CUBES!”

“Why does the dean have his pants down?” Jeff asked as he walked into the aftermath of the party in the cafeteria, “and what is going on?”

“Hey, who’s the hottie?” Archie asked, a smile gracing his features as he all but lit up, looking at you.

“Excuse me?”

“Professor Michaels, this is Archie Decoste, the newest Greendalian!”

“Wait, she’s a professor?” Archie grinned, “What does she teach?  Hottie 101?  Oh, please tell me you teach it in a bikini!”

You looked over to your boyfriend, the grip on your waist getting a little tighter as he found himself getting upset over what Archie was saying.  You put your hand on his chest, “Jeff…”

“I’m going to get us some coffee!” Jeff said firmly, not wanting to dig himself a hole, “Do you want your usual?”

“Thanks!�� you smiled, giving him a gentle kiss. 

“Hey…what do you say you leave Seacrest and get with me?” Archie smirked, “my dad is loaded, and I have a jet ski…well I will, when I go buy a new one.  I sank the last one.”

You grimaced, “pass!”

“Awww, come on!” he smiled, “I just agreed to go to your school.”

“Good for you,” you offered, a faux smile gracing your face as you looked to Annie and Craig, “I think I’m going to go get my coffee with Jeff.”

As you were walking away, you squeaked, jumping from your spot. 

Archie had pinched your ass as you walked past. 

Your eyes went wide.

Jeff had forgotten your coffees, and was launching himself towards the new student, his fist flying. His hand collided with the smug rich kid’s face, and your eyes went even wider.  You gasped, your hands rushing to cover your mouth, “OH MY GOD, JEFF!”

“ARCHIE!” Dean Pelton gasped, going for the now on the ground student, “oh my god, are you okay, Archie?”

“WHAT THE HELL?”

“JEFFREY!” Dean Pelton yelled, “What did you do?”

“Hey, hey, HEY!  It’s Sophie B Hawkins!”

Britta’s jaw nearly dropped as she saw Sophie B. Hawkins and her band following behind her into the cafeteria.  You stopped with Pierce at the door to the cafeteria, your boyfriend glancing at you in disbelief.

“Tawney…she totally Britta’d it,” Jeff laughed as he shook his head, “she was going on and on about ignoring gender stereotypes, and she thought she was trying to talk about Susan B. Anthony, not Sophie B. Hawkins.”

You looked between your boyfriend and back to your phone, where you’d just had a phone call with a very distraught Britta, “Jeff…I’m sure that you don’t need to rub it in.  She probably feels horrible about it!”

“Of course I do,” he grinned, “she was so headstrong about it.  I mean, I would have just let it go if she admitted that she was wrong and messed it all up, but she kept acting like it was her intention.  And now she’s stuck planning a party around the singer who’s most famous song was ‘Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover!’  It’s irony at it’s best.”

“Jeff-“

Jeff’s brow furrowed as he watched your expression, and how you were not finding enjoyment out of it like he was, “don’t you think it’s funny, Tawney?”

“I think you’re being really tough on her.”

“You can’t be serious,” he groaned, “I mean, how would you think I was being too tough on her if-SHE CALLED YOU!”

You frowned, looking away from your phone once more, “yeah…okay.  Maybe she did…”

“Tawney…she’s not telling you everything.”

“So, you guys didn’t make fun of her for it and practically push her into planning a dance around someone when she made an honest mistake?”

This time Jeff frowned, and he sighed, “Tawney….”

“Have you guys ever realized that sometimes you have the tendency to really bully some people into things, Jeff?” you asked sadly, “not just you, but the whole group.  And it’s not just Britta…she’s just the most recent target of it.”

“What?  No we don’t.”

“Need I bring up the Germans again?”

Jeff scowled, “that was one time…”

“The whole campus was mad at you guys, Jeff.”

“Well…I can’t go apologize to Britta!” he admitted after a second.

“Why not?”

“Because….she…we…I just can’t…okay…”

“So then, you would be okay if I helped her?”

His jaw nearly dropped, “oh don’t tell me that she conned you into this too!”

“She didn’t con me into anything, Jeff…I’m helping a friend.”

Britta stepped down off the stage, and everyone began cheering as Sophie introduced herself and the band before playing.  You made your way through the cafeteria and to Britta.

“How did you-“

“I had help!” you admitted, pointing to Pierce.  He gave a nervous smile but stayed in his spot.  Jeff walked over to the two of you, disbelief crossing his features.

“Did you do all this?’

“If it’s possible to make something happen by willing it to happen then yes, I did!” Britta said in her own state of disbelief. 

Jeff looked at you over her head, ‘you?’ 

You only smiled at him.

Then out of nowhere the music stopped.  You looked back up to the stage to see Abed had grabbed the microphone and was scanning the crowd, “I have something to say.  I met a girl here tonight.  Her name was Rachel!  I met her and it was very pleasant.  And I made a mistake.  And now I’d very much like to continue this conversation in private.”

He left the stage and Sophie sighed into the microphone, “Wow…viva lost love!”

A bunch of people cheered as she began the song once more. 

Jeff held his hand out to you, but looked at Britta, “do you mind if I take my girlfriend for a spin on the dance floor.”

“Go for it!” she smiled, gesturing between he two of you.

“Mr. Winger?” you asked, taking his hand in yours.

“Miss. Michaels…” he smiled, pulling you into his arms.

Chapter 17

Tag List:  @lohnes16, @mckeeee-1

[five-nights-of-protagonists]

“Come in guys , quicken up the pace. Lil mike is coming any minute now “ William said carrying some spiky and metal things in some boxes to a safe room and locking it after everyone puts in different boxes of stuff. “Okay that’s all the dangerous things, sun do you have all the baby things?” “Right-o! Diapers, pacifier, plushies , food, powder, chewies, toys, rocker and more!” Sun says holding some baby formula and other things for their special guest. “Okay, you are all done baby proofing the place and having the instrument hit and ready for show? “Vincent says pointing at the animatronics leaders of each group which they nod cheering. “Don’t forget the schedule so you don’t fight over the baby like last time” Vanessa says drinking a bit of coffee as vanny just snoozes off on her shoulder. “We won’t, no worries, thankfully we all agreed on the night before with sticks. Okay, 5 minutes left, kids go to the designated spot where we are to receive the little one also get the gifts as well.” Margaret says calmly as she helps sun carry some stuff and making sure everything is working as intended for the final time. Liz, mike and Evan nod and carry 3 small gifts and going to where Vincent told them they would meet the other variants of their friends.

“You got the big hugging hands ready ev?” “Yup, nobody resist the bear hug” Evan says making his arms change to his nightmare muddy bear once for carry baby mine better. “Feels weird still having a smaller me here.” Mike says with the gifts and turning his illusion disk. “Well , it’s nice seeing how cute you are when you were small , still adorable as an adult when your disk is on” Liz says and mike blushes out of embarrassment. They stop and wait for the variants to appear.

(Halo28RP)

A slight glow came from one of the doors. It was the very same door that the other William used to enter their dimension, but, even he wasn't sure how he got it to work. After a few seconds, the door finally opened with William, Margaret, and the little Baby Mikey walking through, Mike quickly waddling faster with her arms raised. "Bubbas! Sissy" He called out, seeing them first, which caused Margaret to giggle. "Be careful, Michael." She told him, carrying a bag that had his blanket, binkie Captain Foxy and, most recently, Roxanne Wolf plushies in it. "He's just excited to see them again, Mar." William told his wife, the big bag of Michael's clothes for the week slung on his shoulder. "They are practically his family as well with how often we visit them."

Michael waddled up and hugged his other self's leg first before turning to Evan. "Beaw huc, beaw huc!" He cheered, loving how soft and warm the hugs were.

[jtl07]

jt (finally) watches warrior nun - s1 e2

Another interesting episode - today, I have thoughts on:

Ava and Mary's parallels

Duretti, and some filming irks

More Beatrice thoughts lol

Okay, about Ava and Mary: such an interesting choice, to have these two particular storylines run parallel to each other. Both are diving deeper into things they don't understand, trying to find some sort of closure/answers; both quite unstable and at times, desperate. Idk I feel like that bit where Mary's torturing that dude and Ava leaves JC to find Michael (who was creepy af ngl) was an interesting parallel at what they're both capable of: Mary leaving behind her humanity, Ava leaving behind what's been her first semblance of comfort and safety.

Also, again, have to give props to both Alba Baptista and Toya Turner because their scenes could have fallen flat, but their acting choices were brilliant. Also, a nod to JC's character too - I think if he wasn't written so sympathetically (and if Emilio Sakraya didn't play him with such kindness and sincerity), it wouldn't bring out Ava's different moods (and Alba's reactions).

Let's talk a bit about Duretti - fascinating how they portray him in both cinematography and dialogue as the quintessential baddie - and also how that characterization immediately makes us want to be sympathetic to Vincent (again, setting up for his betrayal later). My only beef so far are the scenes between Duretti and Kristian, and then Duretti and Jillian, mostly for the trite "religion vs science" dialogue and the uninspired cinematography.

I say the latter only because we've seen really beautiful cinematography for Ava, so I'm assuming it was a conscious choice, but still I'm not sure what it brought, just having close face shots the whole time. It would have been really nice if they used the setting a bit more - for example, if they had the lighting play a role, maybe during that standoff between Duretti and Jillian, have the camera a bit wide at times and have the light swing back and forth between the two, maybe even time it to light a character when they have the upper hand in the argument.

In that standoff between Duretti and Kristian, I think the writing could have been improved by being more aware of the audience they have. To have to be indirect about things not only would have added some tension to the exchange but also force the audience to think a bit more. For example, that scene where Ava gets all excited about the wheelchairs and she says "I always wanted one of these!" - the others are a bit confused about it but we the audience can make the connection that oh, right, because of when she was paralyzed. Again, this might have been a choice, maybe to not force the audience to think so much? idk

Okay now my favorite thing, analyzing Beatrice lol. Three things stuck out to me (outside of the fact that for a "seemingly" minor character, she's present quite a bit) - first, how she does the research on the tarasks herself. So, in the military and larger organizations in general that have a similar hierarchy and specialist teams, leaders would typically assign other people to do that kind of research. Which makes me wonder: Did Bea just want to do it herself? Does the OCS not have folks who specialize in research? I feel like the latter wouldn't be true (though we don't really have any evidence otherwise) and more that it's the former: I'm willing to bet that Beatrice doesn't see herself as much of a leader though she carries herself as one (see my notes on the first episode here). Though now I've just had a thought: I wonder if this is her also trying to keep info close to only the core group? Mm that doesn't quite work because Camila's there, and it would've been easy to assign her as the junior person to research things. Anyway, I just see this as an interesting choice of Beatrice doing the work herself.

Second thing is the tranquilizer gun. Note how this was hidden beneath her robes - she has to put away the weapon she was holding to then reach for it:

This makes me think two things: 1) she figured there'd be a lull and she would have the time to get to it, showing again her incredible foresight and strategic thinking, and 2) she was hiding it from the others. That latter is really interesting to me. I don't think she was hiding it because she felt ashamed of it, but rather it being an extension of the first point above: Beatrice does the work herself. Additionally, this is her working off of her own conclusions from the conversation with Vincent - she didn't receive a direct order from Vincent, they just talked about Vincent wanting to "give her [Ava] a choice" and she went with that. So this is her acting on her own but because she was convinced by/agreed with Vincent. (Side note: This makes me wonder what action Beatrice would have taken if she hadn't had that conversation with Vincent - again, fascinating to think about what Beatrice is capable of).

Third and last, there's that flippant comment "I had a feeling she'd be a handful." Two things here again: 1) this kind of ability to make light of a shitty situation (in contrast to Lilith's exasperation) reminds me again of the military, where dark humor is really one of the only and best ways you can cope sometimes, and 2) it's also Bea kinda making light of her own abilities - her ability to foresee and plan (and follow, in a way). Again, this is Bea not seeing herself as a leader or extraordinary.

Alright, well I've got some travel planned this weekend but hopefully I'll get to episode 3 before that, but no promises.