#white hub caps

[visionade]

[streetmatt]

Still life on roof.

By Matti Merilaid.

[onemanandhismustang-com-blog]

Magnum 500 Centre Caps

There are numerous types of hub caps for wheels these days. My Magnum 500s are no exception, mine are 1969 15″ x 7″ version. They aren’t period correct for the car, as my car had steel wheels originally and full faced hub caps, the original wheel I still have in my trunk. I always wanted chrome wheels with a classic five spoke in each corner, for me the only option was the Magnum 500s. Not a…

[rafeyscurtainbangs]

Frat Prez - Rafe Cameron Blurb

+18 Minor DNI

Frat!Rafe x Girlfriend!Reader

⭐️ republished ⭐️

+18 Minor DNI

📖 “We scrapin’?” Wrestling with bf rafe couldn’t possibly turn into more *cue the 🌽hub theme*

🪄 warnings: Play fighting, roughish sex, unprotected p in v, spanking, choking, swearing, pet names

✨ “Where are you goin’? Huh?” Rafe shouts, giving you just enough room to flee. You crawl away, only for Rafe to grab for you, pulling you back as well as your shorts off your body. He smacks your bare ass, holding you in place as he yanks his sweatpants down. ✨

1k

Reader’s POV:

“RAFE STOP. JESUS,” you shout, pushing him off as he smiles at you wickedly.

“What? Thought you liked when I played with your tiddies,” he asks as he wraps his arms around your waist, squeezing you tightly, only to let his hands creep higher, doing it again. You throw back your elbow, jabbing him in his stomach, his abs making your act of aggression laughable.

“I’m trying to study, Rafe. C’mon,” you whine as he wraps you up a little tighter in his arms?”

”At a frat house?” He asks through a teasing laugh. “Lookin’ this fine?”

“Leave me alone, or l’m gonna kick your ass.”

“Woah… Wait, doll. We scrappin’?” He chuckles through a gravelly laugh. “You’re gonna kick my ass?” He asks as he points to himself, with a taunting smile.

“Yeah… And, l’d win too,” you sass, knowing there’s no way he’s gonna let this go, playing into his game. You stand up from your chair chest-to-chest with Rafe, looking up at him. “So, are you gonna do anything, Cameron? Or, are you just gonna stand there like a bitch-” He cuts you off, lifting you over his shoulder, walking with you up the stairs as you put up a fight.

“What’s up your ass today, princess?” He chuckles before reaching up, cracking your skin with the palm of his large hand, leaving behind a sharp sting. “Not me. Not yet at least,” he snickers.

”You wouldn’t get it, Rafe. You don’t give a shit about school,” you sigh.

“Well, that’s just not true. You’re talkin’ to the Frat Prez, pretty. ‘Course I care.” He kicks his bedroom door shut, slamming the lock with a smirk before flicking his backward cap to the side.

“I said school, Rafe. Not the frat.” You mumble as he lays down on his fluffy area rug, beckoning you to straddle his lap. You sit on top of him, resting your hands on the chest of his crisp white t-shirt.

“Kick my ass, baby doll. I’ll even give you a headstart.”

“How are you already hard?” You tease as you circle your hips on his rock-hard bulge through his gray sweats.

“I got hard when you elbowed me,” he answers with a boyish smile, making you roll your eyes as a blush creeps across your cheeks. “So, are you gonna do anything, ma, or are you just gonna sit there like a bi-” You cut off his words with a decent slap to the cheek, making his mouth fall open in disgust.

“That hurt,” he spits.

“And, your spanks feel great,” you retort, delivering another slap, causing him to gasp playfully.

“Didn’t think you had it in you, kid,” he taunts. Reaching around, smacking your ass rougher than ever, making you scream. Your hands bind around his thick throat, squeezing tightly, making him return a crooked smile.

He quickly rolls you to your back, your hands still firmly wrapped. The veins in his neck protruded, that same smile still slicked on his lips. He grabs your wrists, pinning them against the carpet with a bruising grip.

Rafe releases his hold, sitting on top of you, giving you his full weight as you wriggle and protest. “Damn, baby. You’re kind of a pussy,” he rasps as he moves his hands up your body slowly, landing on your neck, taking his turn choking you.

You release a choked moan as he starts to grind himself into you, nudging your clit with each roll of his hips. His hands trail back down your body, rising slightly on his knees as he plays with the band of your shorts.

“Where are you goin’? Huh?” Rafe shouts, giving you just enough room to flee. You crawl away, only for Rafe to grab for you, pulling you back as well as your shorts off your body. He smacks your bare ass, holding you in place as he yanks his sweatpants down.

“Rafe!” You squeal, fighting away from him with minimal effort this time, hoping for this outcome all along.

“What?” He snickers. “I won. Just claiming my prize.” He groans as he clutches his hard cock in his fist, running the tip through your soaked folds.

“Prizes? Don’t remember talkin’ about that – RAFE!” You scream as he slams his long, thick dick deep.“

“Well you’re gettin’ this cock, baby. Maybe you’re the winner. Hmm?” He snickers at his own stupid joke as he throws his hips into you rapidly.

“Too much, Rafe,” you whimper.

“You tappin’ out, princess?” He grunts. “We just got started. We gotta toughen you up a lil bit.” Rafe throws you to your back, quickly ripping off his shirt. Your eyes follow the indentations of his abs to his deep v-lines, so distracted by his body that you gasp again when he ruts himself in again. “Fuck. You’re so tight, y/n,” he moans, lowly.

You can feel him stretching you out; a sharp pressure between your thighs. He continues pounding you into the floor, breasts bouncing with each thrust. He lifts your t-shirt exposing your tits before giving one a slap.

“Ouch, Rafe!”

“Please-” he chuckles as he sees the want in your eyes.

Rafe moves his hands under your neck, propping your head up so you can see. “Bet my lil slut wants to watch. Don’tcha?” He teases, but he’s right. You watch as your soaked cunt swallows up his dick, hitting the right spot each time. “Fuck, y/n. Look at you taking me so well,” he burns, his slick bangs and forehead pressed against yours.

“Can’t take me in a fight but you can take my cock like a champ,” he bullies, running his tongue along his plump bottom lip.

A familiar heat builds inside you. You close your walls around him, gripping him harder. Rafe’s brows knit tight.

“Mmm… I love when you do that,” he moans. His lips crash into yours, messy kisses as the two of you fight for air.

“You know if you cum before me, Rafe, I win,” you pant against his lips, feeling him smile along yours.

“And, when has that ever happened, sweetheart?” He breathes as his fingers meet your clit making your thighs tremble uncontrollably.

“You’re gonna cum. Aren’t you?” He groans. “I can tell.”

“M’not”

“You’re not?” He teases as he moves his fingers quicker.

“Fuck, Rafe,” you moan, arching your back as your orgasm washes over your body. Rafe pushes even deeper, flooding you with his climax. His fingers dig into your hips, mucles clenching as he fucks out the last bit of his pleasure and yours.

“Fuck, baby,” he groans. “I won.”

[xxanaduwrites]

much ado about nothing, major

ii. bluell & blue skies

the main hub

pairing: john “bucky” egan x (ofc) maude “blue” bluell

warnings: this story will contain mature themes, descriptions of injury, blood, sexual content, swearing, as well as, physical and mental illness. proceed with caution.

— ii. some inappro-pro jokes courtesy of curt & mentions of beating a dude up, that’s all i got folks !

word count: 5.5k

there must be something or nothing at all.

The sound of clinking glasses, chattering men, giggling women, and tapping feet amongst the beat of swinging jazz filled the Officer’s Club and the ears of one Maude Bluell at roughly around 2100 hours.

The newly polished nurse of Thorpe Abbot’s infirmary leaned rather uncomfortably against a nearby wall with her fellow colleagues observing the function. Now changed out of her more suitable work attire, she stiffened like a board in the confines of her neatly pressed Red Cross issued uniform. Already becoming rather used to her usual loose white ward dress and cap, the fitted material of the more proper wear seemed foreign to her. Too foreign to be a uniform worn just a week prior, in route for base transfer.

The more she spent in the infirmary, the more time was proving itself to be heavier conceptually speaking and lighter actuality speaking. The truth of the matter was that Nurse Bluell witnessed enough loss in one week that could very well add up to more than whole lifetime.

So maybe — just maybe the Dirty Shirley Q was attempting to shove into Maude’s hand — wasn’t such a bad idea after all. “‘S not all that bad, Blue. Just a cherry little thing with a pinch of alc. ‘S like sucking up straight candy.” Susie slurred and the bright red liquid swayed like a wave in a storm trapped in glass.

“Not everyone wants to rot out their teeth and stain their tongues red like you, Q.” Lottie pointed out and grimaced at the concoction with a sweet cherry on top. To prove her point further, the blonde took a sip of her less colorful drink — a simple gin and tonic.

If the concept of “two sides of the same coin” could be defined by people, Maude was certain Lottie and Q were the perfect definition.

It became quite apparent early on that Lottie upheld a more serious and resolved persona, taste aligning simplistic and rather blander than her bubbly and eccentric colleague Q who flourished in a rather colorful nature.

In an odd way, even though the two could get into the occasional spat over their differences, they overall leveled each other out in a way where Blue wasn’t sure where she exactly fit in. How she found fit into such an established dynamic.

“And not everyone wants to deny every name on their dance card, but here you are,” She countered, clearly commenting on something Maude was unfamiliar with. Something that spiked a nerve in Lottie. The red headed nurse noticed the newbie's confusion drawing prominently in her features. “Lots has a look but no touch policy,” She explained, the drink flailing about even more dangerously as she exasperated, enough for Maude to accept this drink from her without a word.

Crossing her arms over her chest, the all work, no play blonde ignored her former colleague and turned to her new one. “It’s not entirely true. You see, I look at it this way. We touch men all day long –” Sue promptly cut Lottie off with a well timed snort, and Lottie sighed but continued on, “rotating between check-ups, wrapping wound after wound, and seeing them in their most vulnerable states…I just – I don’t know, something about it doesn’t sit right with me,” she shrugged nonchalantly, not knowing that her words laid heavily on Maude’s own chest.

“But, there’s no denying that the girl lovesssss to look!” Sue chirped in, nudging her friend’s shoulder who’s mischievous grin was hidden behind the rim of her gin and tonic. “Speaking of, has anyone caught your eye yet, Blue? See anything you like?” She mused, fishing for the hot gossip as she liked to do.

Had anyone caught her eye? Well a very certain major who had waltzed his way into the infirmary just this morning had, but could she admit such a thing when she was trying to convince herself otherwise?

“Oh I – I dunno,” Maude finally spoke up and blushed madly, cheeks promptly dusting pink.

She suddenly felt grateful for the Dirty Shirley and took a sip, the tart yet sweet mixture coating her tongue in a delightful way. The condensation of the glass felt cool against her now heated skin, and she prayed it would cool down her unease in the current conversation. If not, at least she could simply blame it on the drink. Not that she knew very well what it was like for herself. She wasn’t much of a drinker to begin with, but she had been around enough functions with family and friends alike to know how flushed face one could get on a glass or two – worse with a few more added into the mix.

“Give the girl some time. She just got here after all and we haven’t given her a run down yet on who’s who.” She noted. “Wait, have we?” She asked, turning to Blue for confirmation to which she shook her head in a delcarative no. “Oh then, this’ll be a thrill. Perfect timing then, ain’t it Sue.”

“Absolutely! You’re in good hands Maude Bluell. Can’t go wrong with Lots full boring government names in conjunction with my fun nicknames for the full effect.” Sue added.

“It’s not boring, it’s official and makes our job a whole lot easier.” Lottie reasoned. “At least I can identify each pilot by their title and rank efficiently with no hiccups on their health charts.”

“Hey! It was just one time, and in my defense it’s not my fault that two Majors decided to have the same goddamn nickname, and it’s no help when Croz only refers to them as the “two Buckys” in conversation.”

“Two Buckys’?” Maude questioned, rather perplexed.

“Yes, see the blonde over there. Strong cheekbones. Full lips. Bright blue eyes,” Lottie ��� as loud as Maude could hear over the blaring music and as subtly as she could, a good two gin and tonics in — pointed to the definition of such a man seated right in front of the Officer’s band.

Maude followed her eye and nodded in confirmation.

“That’s Major Gale Cleven,” She said in her left ear.

And on her right side Sue added in, “Buck, or in other words — if you couldn’t tell — the man Lots was fawning for before she found out he’s got a girl back home.”

Lottie shot her a look.

“What? Made it real obvious with those detailed descriptors. I’m simply stating facts.” Sue regarded Lottie while fetchinf the cherry out of her own Dirty Shirley “Anyways, Name’s Marge. Short for Marjorie. High School sweethearts from Wyoming or something like that.

Major Gale “Buck” Cleven — Maude repeated over in her head, trying to commit it to memory.

“Couldn’t help it. He’s a real gentleman. Quite reserved but extremely smart. Doesn’t drink. Doesn’t smoke. Doesn’t gamble. Doesn’t dance with a single girl. It intrigued me.” Lottie concluded and then continued on, “next to him, to the right is Major John Egan.” Lottie trained Maude’s gaze just where she wanted her and just where Maude herself had not expected to be.

Major John Egan. Major Egan. The man Lieutenant Payne had mentioned in his demotion and replacement from today’s mission. The man who walked right into the infirmary at 0900 hours and churned something deep inside her, yet to be deciphered.

Out of his flying gear and signature sheepskin jacket, she took in the sight of Major Egan in his more formally pressed uniform, and her breath hitched. There was no denying how handsome he looked all cleaned up, but she wouldn’t make that known to them. Not now and especially not here.

“That’s Bucky.” Q was back in her right ear, and Maude wondered if this is what it felt to have an angel and a devil on your shoulders, whispering different things. “Confusing, aye?”

“Bucky,” she repeated aloud, a small laugh escaping the nurse as she twirled the straw around in her drink. “So it’s Buck and Bucky then, not the Buckys.”

“Technically, yes.” Lottie nodded.

“Quite redundant.”

“Precisely, but for good reason I suppose. Sue can explain that one further.”

“Oh yes!” She lit up. “So apparently, Major Egan has always been known as Bucky back home and when he first saw Major Cleven, well he couldn’t get over how much he looked like some fella named Buck from Manitowoc, Wisconsin — also his home — and they’ve been stuck like glue ever since. All in good word from Curt of course who filled me in on all this business.”

“Right…and oh! Over here is Captain Bernard Demarco.”

“Benny.” Sue cut in again.

“He’s the one that has that sweet pup Meatball running around, and….” Lottie kept the flow going, canning the conversation on the redundant nature of the Buckys.

Maude tried her best to stay attentive, taking in the passing faces and attaching them to their respected names, yet she couldn’t help but draw her gaze back to Major Egan who’s long fingers were tapping against the arms of the chair he occupied to the beat of smooth jazz as he spoke to his friend next to him. She attuned her bouncing stare to the drink starting to take effect in her system, but also to her remembrance of why she truly pulled up to the function — to find Lieutenant Crosby and properly congratulate him on his promotion.

Yet, through the whisking crowd of people, the target of her mission became indetectable.

At some point Katherine “Tatty” Spaatz, daughter of Lieutenant Carl Spaatz, and Helen — both Red Cross volunteers for the Clubmobile circling the Eighth Air Force’ First Air Division — joined in on the conversation, greeting the nurses, and meeting the new addition to their circuit.

Tatty recounted stories to Lottie of countless pilots trying to get in her good graces just to secure a promotion from her father. It never worked, while Helen continued to help Sue familiarize Maude with the crew on base. Helen was in the middle of trying to point out another pilot to the nurse when the band started playing a new song — a popular song that not only Sue knew very well, but Maude too. Blue Skies by Irving Berlin. Maude hummed it to herself the past week any chance she got. Any time she was feeling rather blue so to speak — ironically enough. And Sue — well Sue wasn’t one not to be observant.

“Blue!” She interrupted Helen’s tagging game by latching onto Maude’s arm. “It’s your song.” She proposed excitedly.

Maude, taken aback for just a moment, collected herself enough to correct the notion and Helen’s sudden raised brow. “Oh — I — ‘S not my song. I just like it.” She shrugged.

“But your Bluell. Blue. Blue Skies!” Q slurred shirly as ever. “Come on Blue. Sing for us.”

“Oh no I — I don’t sing,” The shy nurse mumbled out, not lying so to speak but not telling the truth either. Sure, Bluell sang, but only when she was alone. When no one else was present. When she had a good sense of privacy. Humming was one thing, but singing no — singing was a whole other ball game.

“‘S not true. I’ve heard you.” She assured, making escaping this proposition even more impossible.

Maude gasped. “When?”

“Just the other day. When you were out hanging the sheets up on the line,” the red head recalled, not giving up by any means.

As a newbie of sorts, Maude was appointed to hang up the freshly washed sheets outside to dry before the beds were made back up — neat and clean in preparation for the inevitable return of injured pilots. Q usually came out with a basket to collect the dry ones, and on one particular day, she had caught the nurse there — singing away in what she assumed to be a rather private area. Instead of making herself known, Q took a moment to listen to the newbie's voice, connecting to what she could only imagine to be what fluffy clouds would sound like if you could hear them in one’s ears, if clouds could in fact sit in such a way — soft and airy on a summer’s sunny day.

“My, well I —I” Embarrassment dusted Maude’s features as she found herself at loss for words in being discovered.

“Yes, she has quite the voice!” Lottie suddenly overheard the conversation, added in, piquing the interest of the Clubmobile girls.

Maude silently wondered if her colleagues and newfound friends were really her friends at all.

“Oh! Now I must know. Would you sing for us?” Tatty asked, absolutely intrigued by this information and ever-so slightly tipsy herself.

“I – I dunno,” Maude replied shyly, her fingers reaching up to the edge of her collar, tugging the material away from her now heated skin.

“It would boost morale,” Helen reasoned, actually considering the state of their boys and how music seemed to ease their souls.

Especially one Major John Egan who, little to Maude’s current attention, was absolutely fizzing with delight just across the way.

“Do you know what this is missing?” The Major probed suddenly to the blonde Lottie described in heavy detail only moments prior.

Buck, knowing his friend and exactly what he would be up to whenever music was involved did not hesitate in replying. “Nothing.”

“Vocals.” John announced, totally disregarding his friend’s input on the matter.

With a sigh, Gale reiterated, “no, it’s not.”

“I’m gonna sing.” John proposed, as if it was not already obvious enough to Gale.

Already ten steps ahead of his antsy friend, Gale’s reflexes proved to be on par and he eased John back down in his seat just as fast. In complete conjunction as one Nurse Maude Bluell was being eased herself. Right in front of the band and the lone microphone propped on a stand next to the conductor. A conductor who found himself rather confused with the sudden presence as well as the rest of the club when she nervously tapped it with a cherry red nail, freshly done up by Q. A necessity as the red head liked to say in her chain of convincing for the night. A chain that Maude had found herself unmistakably tied to for the rest of the evening with a reasoning of Biddick’s MIA on center stage.

“Looks like a lady has beat you to it.” Gale hummed in complete amusement. An amusement not reciprocated by his friend, slouched in defeat with his arms crossed over his chest in utter disappointment.

The nurse cleared her throat suddenly, trying to stifle her nerves and block out the faces that were drawn to her every move. So much so that she even had one Major John Egan attuned, eyes glued to her like a hawk catching their prey.

A twinge of familiarity washed over him as he took in the young woman with full red lips and pinned up hair, a complete contradiction to the nurse he saw in scrubs just a few hours prior attending to Lieutenant Joseph Payne. Yet, what captivated him, what really set in that sense of recognition were her eyes. Those hazy green eyes that had almost rendered him speechless in completing his promotional tasks for Croz.

“B—Blue Ski —“ the raven haired woman’s vocal chords betrayed her rather quickly leading the men — with a lack of better judgment enraptured with booze filled minds — to laugh at her mishap.

“Learn your place sweetheart!” Someone hollered far away. Too far away for Bucky to attach a face to voice so to speak, but close enough that he could make out every single syllable, every single word clustered in a sentence that made his blood boil tenfold.

He was no singer himself — hell he couldn’t carry a note for the life of him, but that wasn’t the point. The point was that singing — singing your heart out was freeing. It was fun. It was a way to forget the truth of it all. The truth of this reality, adhered to a war wrapped in violence and a future of uncertainty. A future only men lucky enough could promise.

Instead of jumping out of his seat, finding the man, and beating him to a pulp like he really wanted to for speaking to a lady in such a disrespectful manner — he decided on a different approach. An approach that would ease the clear embarrassment of the pretty raven haired nurse in front of him.

“Jack,” he whispered over to the pilot on his left, cringing at the scene. “should I sing?” He asked him, hoping to gain a better sense of backup clearly not tuned to his level headed friend.

To Bucky’s misfortune, Jack was with Buck on this one. “No.”

He tried again, this time with another colleague adjacent to buck. “Should I sing?” He motioned again.

And again. “No. You’ll just make it worse.”

John sighed. “Alright, you’re right. You're right.” He feigned a nod in agreement, putting on a facade that did not last long enough to see the light. Looking back at the nervous nurse caged in laughter of no good nature, John knew there was no shot in hell he’d leave her there imprisoned. Whatever bit of jealousy had set him off as he saw her hit the stage of sorts was long gone.

So, he hyped himself up, readying himself to take flight just as he did every time in a B-17, and tapped his fingers against the wooden edges of his chair. Letting out a breath, he finally stood up and danced his way over to the mic, leading Gale to send him a classic knowing glance of his that was reserved to him alone anytime he whipped up an antic.

“It’s my song, Buck!” He reasoned to his best friend just before turning around and coming face to face with the green eyed goddess.

Completely surprised, Maude nearly gasped at the sudden intrusion but collected herself enough to follow his gaze as he fitted himself behind her.

“May I?” The Major whispered against her ear, his arm brushing against her hip as he reached for the microphone in front of her.

His touch proved to be magnetic — electric even, and it shot something within her enough to keep upright and reply ever-so carefully. “My yes. Of — Of course, Major.” She went to step out of the way, but a warm and gentle hand wrapped around her waist and pulled her up against John’s side.

She could have melted then in his embrace, fitted so perfectly next to him as he grasped the mic and stared down at her as he began to sing….

Never saw the sun shining so bright

Never saw things going so right

Noticing the days hurrying by

And then, just as she was starting to feel comfortable being serenaded, but considering the prospects of a duet, Major Egan’s hand flexed at her side, signaling the tilt of the mic close enough in her direction that they could sing together.

Yet, to her surprise he let her have her moment alone.

When you’re in love. My how they fly.

And the lines came out clear — clearer than she could ever imagine, but that was all she would contribute. She’d let the Major take the reins on the rest of the song with a simple nod of encouragement.

Blue days

All of them gone

Nothing but blue skies

From now on

With a final flourish, he dipped the young nurse. Her heart dropped to her stomach at the sudden movement, sending shock waves throughout her whole body in a reminiscent way. One that reminded her of her childhood. It brought back memories of the very first time she ever rode the Coney Island Cyclone with her father. The creeks of the wooden structure probed nervous jitters as the roller coaster went up, up, up — only to bring sweet relief as the cars swooshed down, down, down. And down she was now with Major Egan’s charming features in her direct line of sight. Pretty pearly whites, deep blue eyes, and large warm hands leaving her breathless yet grounded in his embrace.

If it wasn’t for the cheers that rounded out amongst the ladies and the hardy laughs that echoed from the men, the Major and nurse could have very well been locked in their own world — where it was just the two of them, alone. But they weren’t alone. They were surrounded by a bubbly crowd of fellow airmen and red cross members alike who were now making their way to the floor to dance out their newfound excitement.

Yet, the caging of it all felt rather intimate to Maude — who was now being pulled right back up by Major Egan. With a bit of a stumble and a trip of a heel, he caught her before she could trip — a strong arm wrapping around her lower back, urging her upright like a straight torpedo.

Her cheeks reddened ripper than the deep shade of lipstick coating her lips as her hand subconsciously found itself situated on Egan’s chest. Palm fizzing against the eloquent beat of his heart.

“Hi,” he mused, eyes sparking in delight as he took in the small frame of the nurse in front of him — her lack of height noticeable at this newfound proximity.

His prominent figure towered above her, forcing her to crane her neck back and head upward to look him in the eye. It wasn’t surprising. Truly it wasn’t. His stature became apparent the moment she first saw him. But now, standing right in front of him, practically caged over his towering presence was intimidating. “H-Hi.” She managed out and then tumbled in a frantic frenzy. “Bucky — I mean J— Major.” She sighed in an effort to compose herself and settled on, “Major Egan.”

Maude’s fumble did not fail to surprise the Major. It struck a pitch of laughter out of him instantly.

A pitch that Maude didn’t catch as a reaction to his sudden charm of her. “My apologies.”

So John, well he would swing until he got a home run. “No need to fret, doll.” He reassured her. “‘M not a formalities type anyways. Nothing good comes out of being a tyrant in team sports.”

“You’re an athlete then?” Maude questioned, trying to annunciate her words as loud as possible considering the boisterous music in the room.

Bucky chortled and matched her. “Far from that. Much more enjoy being an observer. A listener. More of a reader nowadays to keep up with the score.”

“Understandable.” She nodded, tilting her head ever-so subtly to get a better reading of him. “And what team has the pleasure of your devotion, Major?”

“Bucky. Please. Call me Bucky.” He corrected her. “And baseball. The New York Yankees,” he replied and her eyes alit with a familiarity John picked up on without fail. “You like the Yanks, doll?”

“Yes — well no. I mean being from Brooklyn it’s only customary for me to be a Dodgers fan. But you — you’re not a New Yorker, so I’ve heard.”

“That’s right. You’re fairly acquainted with me, ain’t yuh? Yet, I can’t recall the same for you. No shot in hell would I ever forget a gal quite as pretty as you.”

“That’s rather kind of you, Maj — Bucky.”

“Got a name, doll? A nickname even? Rank?”

“Maude. Maude Rue Bluell. American Red Cross Nurse for the 100th bomb group. Just touched down last week. But, I’ve found myself replying to the call of Blue. Quite redundant in name. I know. Yet, I have a bit of suspicion that it’s more complimentary of my mood as of late,” she revealed, more than she intended. More than she even expected. Usually — in matters such as this one — she’d find herself to be rather shy and timid. Especially in the presence of such a devily handsome man as Major Egan himself.

But something — something in the way he spoke to her was easing. His teamwork mantra proved to be a strong suit in his personality. She could tell he was a good leader just by his attitude and stance — equalizing himself against a woman in such an untraditional light. Subconsciously, it made Maude more drawn to the young man in uniform.

The edge of his lip curved up in a smirk. “Blue, huh?”

Bluell only had a second to nod in confirmation before the Major grabbed her hand, spinning her in a circle in accordance to the music. He pulled her back just as fast, her back aligning perfectly against his broad solid chest. A strong arm wrapped around her stomach, slender fingers taking shelter against her hip.

He leaned over then, the combination of his lips and mustache tickling the delicate skin of her ear quickened the pace of her heart. “Seems I’ve found myself my very own Blue Sky then,” he whispered.

She let out a laugh. A real genuine one. Lips perking up in a sweet smile.

“Smooth, yeah?” He mused, his lips still close enough to brush a smile against her ear a second time and his voice still low yet husky enough to warm up her insides.

“Mhm,” she hummed simply, rolling her emerald eyes playfully in an attempt to conceal her affections. “Out of the park.” She mused, swaying back and forth in his hold.

“That’a girl!” He chirped as she spun out of his hold.

Their hands puzzled right back together instantly, feet tapping to the beat as they danced with the rest of the pairings on the floor. There they were, forgetting all their troubles in the heat of the party. Just as the other girls intended. Just as John intended. Maybe for once, Maude could admit that the Club was the best medicine for her troubles, even if it would wear off come morning.

John and Maude danced well off into the night, until the nurse’s heels left blisters on her soles and a sheen of sweat dusted the curls on Bucky’s forehead. The Major was one to take notice, channeling his inner gentleman as he excused himself to fetch the two of them refreshments from the bar.

Alone, she moved out of the boisterous crowd to meet the girls but stopped short once she noticed Lieutenant James Douglas approaching them.

Meanwhile, John was situated at the bar next to Buck when a call came through for them. “Buck. Egan”

“Sir.” Buck replied as John took a swig of his drink, waiting patiently for Maude’s to be fixed up.

“From who?” Bucky asked intrigued.

“Operator, I have Majors Cleven and Egan…” Red murmured before passing the phone to Buck.

Buck took it with ease, a chorus of his name ringing out of the speaker from a far too familiar New York accent. “Yup.”

“Ayeeee Buck is that you?” Lieutenant Biddick exclaimed on the line just as John was leaning over to listen in on the conversation.

“Curt.” Buck confirmed, leading John to follow suit an octave louder in a Bucky like fashion.

“Curt!” John banged his fist on the table, pleased to know Curt had made it.

Susie being nosey as she tended to be, did not fail to excuse herself from the flirting attempts of Douglas on Helen. She whipped across the floor in an instant, locking a careful arm around Bluell, dragging her to the bar with her. “It’s Curt!” She chirped, beaming from ear to ear.

“Buck! Buck!” Curt repeated as the girls found themselves at the bar. Q fitting herself right next to Gale on his right – Maude sandwiched between her and Red.

“Yeah, it’s Buck and John. Susie’s here too. Where’d you end up?” Gale spoke for the two of them.

“Ughhhh, that’s a very very good question, but we’re safe and sound ‘er.” Curt replied amidst his own boisterous surroundings. He pulled the phone away for a moment to ask, “Hey! Aye, wh – where am I?”

“Where are ya?” Someone asked far away. Too far away for John or the girls to grasp, but close enough for Gale to catch the tail end of.

“Where am I?” Curt repeated.

“In the devil’s dope son!”

“Ugh–ah we made a wee bit of a mess up ‘er.” Curt explained. “Well – the people are really swell and they’re looking after us. It turns out they don’t like the English much either, but they like me because I’m Irish!”

Again muffled voices took over. “You’re not Irish.”

“I’M IRISH!” Curt yelled, brushing smiles across the faces of Buck, Bucky, and the girls.

“No you’re not.”

“Hey, my family's Irish.” He was still going on, the group trying their hardest not to burst out in laughter. “I told ya I’m an American but anyways… Buck – hold on, hold on.” A rustling sound took over for a moment as Curt resituated himself. “Ugh, I wanted to call you and to let Sue know I’m ‘ight but…Thank you Buck…Thank both of you for saving our asses. I mean it.”

“Yeah, well alright you just get back here soon, Curt.” Buck replied.

“We miss you Curt. We’re glad you’re still with us!” John yelled.

“He’s okay. He’s really okay!” Susie bit back a smile.

“He’s quite alright.” Maude assured, resting a gentle hand on her friend’s shoulder.

“Eh – John said he misses his little spoon.” Buck joked and Sue laughed.

“Heyyyy I’m the big spoon ‘er remember?” Curt chided. “Just ask my Sue. Where’s my Sue?” He asked, unraveling the lollipop she supplied him earlier.

“It’s gonna be cold tonight Curt!” John added.

Curt’s voice became muffled as he shoved the petite treat in his mouth.. “Gotta tell ‘er I’m sucking ‘er cherry rye now.”

“W–What?” Buck’s eyes widened up in surprise and embarrassment at the rather inappropriate and unexpected joke.

John did not fail to miss the twist of Gale’s features. He picked up on it rather quickly, his interest peeking instantly. “What he say? What he say?”

“Nothing.” He cleared his throat uncomfortably. “You know what Curt. Lemme pass the phone. Sue, Curt wants to talk to you.”

She squealed excitedly and grabbed the phone. “Hi baby!” Soon her fingers were wrapped around the cord, mirroring how wrapped up she was in conversation with her man.

Maude watched her friend beam with a newfound sense of radiance. Her joyfulness bounced off of her like bright sunbeams, warming up Bluell just as much.

She was so stuck on the picture of her friend, she didn’t realize John had weaseled his way next to her until he was nudging his shoulder with hers. “Doll..” He pushed a glass of water across the table in front of her.

“Thank you.” She hummed. A smile was still plastered across her face as she took a sip.

“So much for being blue, huh?” John mused, completely infatuated with her smile. “Nothing but blue skies…from now onnnn…” He sang in her ear.

Her cheeks began to sting from smiling so much. “You're something else, Major Egan.”

“Well – I’d hope so. Rather be something than nothing at all, you know?” He replied thoughtfully, so thoughtfully that his simple yet profound words settled deeply within the confines of her chest.

“I –” She began to say something, anything really but lost her train of thought in an instance when a fellow pilot interrupted across the Club to make an announcement.

“Come on everybody! Bike race in the mess hall – who’s in?”

“I am.” Bucky stated.

“Me too.” Buck agreed.

And that was that. It was settled. The boys would be racing and Maude and the rest of the ladies would be pulled along to watch.

John grasped Maude’s hand then to do just that, but stopped her in his tracks as he leaned over to whisper, “wait – don’t I get a good luck kiss?”

His forwardness took her by surprise, and even though his charm was very well infectious, she found herself hesitant to appeal to his wishes. “I wouldn’t suggest pushing your luck, Major, but I’m not the kind of lady to oppose a reward in the face of a victor.”

“Ah,” He held their conjoined hands up and kissed the back of hers, sending goosebumps across her fully clothed skin. “More reason for me to win then, hm.”

“Precisely.” She hummed in agreement, right before he took off, dragging her along. Leaving her in a fatal attempt of matching his long strides as she giggled and yelped out his name.

Before she knew it, she found Lottie and the rest of the girls in the Mess, perched and ready to watch the race along with Croz who was mounting a bike not too far away. She congratulated him in passing, and he was happy to see her. It was all a frenzy of fun and games, absolute excitement – until it wasn’t. Until the boys were just reaching the finish line, – Bucky right behind Buck – and the alarms were going off. Alarms that reminded them of the war they were truly in. A war that kept them on their toes and left them taking shelter. Left John without his kiss and Maude running dry of her medicine.

There would be more blue days than blue skies for Nurse Maude Rue Bluell and Major John Bucky Egan – but this night – this very night proved to be the catalyst of something new for the two.

Something that would become much ado.

iiii!! idk how i feel about this but enjoy peeps. feedback would me amazeballs. also curt is wilddddddd 👀🍒🍭

love ya’ll,

xanadu

tag list:

@rubberpsyche

@luminouslywriting

@justheretoreadthxxs

@karmasloverrr

@precious-little-scoundrel

@hellfirequinnie

@yorkshirekiwi

@beingalive1

@andreakz

[karaloza]

Legend of Zelda Theme Park - Castle Town (UPDATED)

As guests move along the walkway at the back of the Welcome Plaza, the noncommittal park ambience is gradually overtaken by facades of old-fashioned half-timber houses, and then masonry castle walls. Finally they arrive at a grand archway with ornate double gates flung open to welcome visitors. Atop the archway sits a picturesque train station, and beyond it is a bustling medieval(-ish) market square of cobblestones, storefronts, gaming booths, and more. In the center is a large marble fountain bearing a sculpture of the Triforce, and on the far side of the square, opposite the entry point, is Hyrule Castle at the end of an avenue lined with trees and statuary. To the right of the castle from the point of view as you enter the area, a cathedral-like structure can be seen rising behind the rooftops. The area music loop consists of a collection of “main town,” shop, and minigame themes from across the franchise.

Castle Town, besides having plenty to do in its own right, serves as the “hub” area of the theme park, with walkways leading directly to three of the other areas (besides the Welcome Plaza) and indirect paths to the others via a ride.

Attractions

Spirit Train Grand Central Station: The Spirit Train is a handy and scenic way to get around the theme park, encircling the central portions on an elevated track, with several stops along the route. Some of the sights in Hyrule can only be seen from aboard the train!

Carnival Games: Most of the central portion of Market Square is occupied by game booths, evoking the numerous “mini-games” found in most LoZ titles. The games themselves are of fairly standard types, but the paraphernalia are all themed like items from the franchise—as just one example, instead of throwing a mere baseball at a target, you throw a “Cucco” (even if it is just a baseball with a chicken face and wings printed on it). Rather than paying cash to play, guests pay “rupees” from a debit card they can get from a vending machine, and the more you put on the card, the more bang for your buck you get—say, five dollars gets you 100 rupees, but twenty gets you 500, and higher amounts net further price breaks. The games themselves cost anywhere from 25 to 100 rupees per play. Prizes are the usual small plush toys and cheap trinkets you would expect, but you can bank wins on your “rupee wallet” card and redeem them for better things if you so choose.

Link and Zelda Meet-and-Greet: What theme park would be complete without an opportunity to meet the star characters? The Hero Link and Princess Zelda can be found in dedicated meet-and-greet spaces on the ground floor of Hyrule Castle. Both characters have undergone many design changes over the course of the series, but by default they appear in something close to their classic, iconic looks. Link gets his green tunic and stocking cap, white leggings, and brown leather arm guards, with a bright but not glaring color palette and more fine detailing than most video game hardware can consistently render. Zelda’s look varies a lot more from game to game, but common features include a white underdress and pink or mauve pinafore-like outer layer with gold embroidery, as well as long blond hair and a distinctive tiara. The objective is to present the theme park itself as an installment in the franchise, with its own story (that you, the guest, create as you go) and details, and its own incarnations of the Hero and the Princess.

Hyrule Castle Gardens: Across from the meet-and-greet spaces, archways lead out into a peaceful courtyard space of flower beds, benches, fountains, and topiary sculptures of familiar creatures from the games, backed by a soft music loop of leitmotives for the game series’ many princesses, love interests, and other gentle, feminine characters. This attraction serves the vital function of relaxation, giving guests an opportunity to take a load off for a while in a tranquil setting.

Temple of Time Theatre: In the back corner of Castle Town, alongside one of the walkways leading to Death Mountain, is a sizable performance venue. The daytime program consists of 30- to 45-minute plays summarizng the plots of actual games, both for entertainment and so non-fans can get some idea of what the big deal is. “Here at the Temple of Time, we can see all across the history of Hyrule and beyond and tell you the legends as they actually happened!” While waiting for the show to begin, guests can enjoy a musical playlist alternating the Temple of Time theme with the score from various “telling a story/recapping a legend” cutscenes. In the evenings, some of the seating area is converted into a dance floor and the plays are traded for mini-concerts by local folk rock bands (and of course, each set includes a cover of at least one iconic LoZ score piece).

Shops

6. Pictobox Shop: If you got your picture taken by a park employee near the main entrance, you can swing by here later in the day to buy prints, perhaps in a nice souvenir frame, or installed in a commemorative keychain.

7. Curiosity Shop: The one in Clock Town may be an outlet for goods of shady provenance, but here, it sells a variety of interesting knickknacks and curios, all guaranteed to be above board.

8. Coro’s Lantern and Oil Shop: This cozy shop offers a selection of wax and LED candles, oil lamps and fuel, scented oil diffusers, and even a unique line of Legend of Zelda-inspired scented soy wax jar candles.

9. Enchanted Kingdom Treasures: Another knickknack shop, this one more targeted to fantasy fans. Some of the items here, from dragon figurines to sword-shaped letter openers, are LoZ-branded, while others are more generic.

10. S*T*A*R*S: Inspired by a minigame in Twilight Princess, this dimly lit tent sells a number of light-up souvenirs, laser-cut crystal sculptures with LED-illuminated stands, and similar tchotchkes.

11. Madame Couture’s: Hytopia’s #1 couturier has her own shop branch here, where guests can buy anything from a simple souvenir tee-shirt to a luxurious fantasy gown, and much, much more!

12. Happy Mask Shop: Named for the innocuous shop in Ocarina of Time that became the founding premise for an entire sequel game, this shop sells licensed masks, hats, and other costume pieces to enhance each guest’s heroic adventure.

13. Badge Market: A shop to buy and trade collectible enamel pins, based on the one of the same name in in Hyrule Warriors. Rather than the endless rows of character images one might expect, pin designs in this theme park focus on iconic emblems from the game franchise, such as the royal crest, symbols of the different peoples of Hyrule, medallions and shields, etc.

Eateries

14. Food Stalls: Interspersed among the game booths in the central portion of the square are booths selling the kind of quick bites you can find at carnivals and farmer’s markets.

15. Potion Hut: A juice and smoothie bar/service counter. Choose from among a wide array of bottled beverages—from common soda brands, water, juice, tea, etc. to unique blends labeled as “health potions,” “energy elixirs,” and other in-universe concepts—or have your own favorite mix made to order!

16. Stock Pot Inn: A buffet restaurant with a menu of hearty soups and stews and flavorful salads.

17. Royal Banquet Hall: An elegant table-service restaurant located on the upper level of Hyrule Castle. It’s pricey and requires a reservation, but it’s worth it for the Breath of the Wild/Tears of the Kingdom-inspired menu served in a regally appointed dining room with spectacular window and balcony views of the park. The interior décor features tapestries, paintings, and stained-glass windows depicting iconic LoZ scenes rendered in genuine medieval and Renaissance art styles.

Miscellaneous

After dusk, the Triforce fountain in the center of the area puts on a little light show every 15 minutes.

Paths to the other themed areas in the park can be found in the side alleys encircling Market Square, but that’s not the only reason to explore them! They contain many secrets, some of which are related to the phone app-based minigames.

[autisticrosewilson]

here to ask about Spencer and Mae

pls may I have some knowledge on them 👀

YES!!! Okay so Mae'rot is my character, she's a part of a team of characters that came from me thinking about if there was a Lantern team that was full of magical girls! Spencer was made by @andi-dromeda and he's technically a part of the flash fam, but he spends most of his time with the Lanterns.

CW for Death, bugs, body horror, ect. My characters are freaks guys

Mae is a part of a made up species of fungus people and she's the black lantern! I did rewrite the lantern lore a little because I thought what they did with the Pink and Black Lantern's specifically were stupid and boring.

The Pulchra Putredo are a people that worship death, although they themselves cannot die in the traditional sense. See they inhabit the land of Pulput, a floating island that was all that's left of an older, long forgotten planet, home to a piece of the Black Lantern's reactor core. No one knows where the Pulchra originated from but the first recorded records were of them turning the dry barren soil into a bustling hub of foliage, this is because though their bodies breakdown they become a part of the land. Which makes Pulput a living planet crawling with the overgrown bodies of everything that's ever died there.

It's easy to see why they grew to revere the concept of death, as this beautiful unattainable thing that they all reach for with open arms. Despite how much they all love death because they have no true concept of mortality none of them can wield it.

Until Mae. See she was originally Kryptonian but when the Pulchra came to collect what was left of the planet, they found a lone baby girl. And this was exciting, because she was born from death, and while she would live a long time she could die. She WOULD die, eventually. They take her to their planet, very far from any sun at all, and make her one of them. They do this basically allowing their roots and mold and whatnot to spread to her, inside and out she is overtaken by moss and spores. She's raised by a family of Ink Caps, which are the first mushrooms to begin growing from her skin which is weakened by the lack of sunlight.

The Pulchra are also a hive mind species! They all have something of a mental link to each other and Mae is included in this, although she's born only linked to her family instead of the entire species. She has to manually collect the others by becoming infected by their spores, and she can give this link to others by giving them hers!

Because she's so far from any kind of sun she's very sickly and weak with almost none of her Kryptonian powers and very little connection to her roots, and she has no desire to explore it. Because she's always on death's door with her health the lantern core reacts to her but she can't control it, mostly it just overwhelms her with the voices of the dead when she's near it. She's almost like a prophet to the Pulchra as the spirits come from past, present, and future and they can give her messages that she passes on.

It's only when she's older that she gets her ring, she dies on an excavation into a planet's ruins and is reanimated by the ring after rot and decay has had time to set in. She's stronger now ironically, no longer shambling about half unconscious, although now she's being consumed by multiple insects from her planet (a great honor, if death is their holy spirit, the land is their father, and the insects are the son) and she needs to feed on dead things to survive.

Her hobbies include gardening, rock collecting, learning dead languages, and grave robbing! She's close with my Yellow and Pink lanterns, she has a crush on the Indigo, and she's got a homoerotic rivalry with the White lantern (of which I also changed the lore for because these are magical girls and I have a theme here).

She now has a lesser version of the core's powers, so while she can control ghosts it's only ones that have died recently. She can reanimate things but they'd just be mindless puppets, not truly alive. She can cause people to age/decay rapidly (usually this acts like a bad sickness) and she can manipulate shadows instead of light. Along with the flight, strength, and durability the rings give all their users. While near gamma radiation she can access her Kryptonian powers but doesn't really like them so she uses Kryptonite to weaken herself.

Is she a horrific mass of maggots and rot? Yes. Does this exclude her from a magical girl transformation or sparkly outfit? Of course not!! I'm actually so mad that all the lantern suits are so boring like you can literally make them look however you want and you all look the same. I know the meta reason is because who wants to draw that many different suits but I don't care, all my girls are slaying.

All of the girls have three core motifs and a mix of different aesthetics that I'd draw from if I had artistic skill. Mae's are plague doctors, ink, and fungus and she prefers looser baggier clothes to make room for all of the creatures and plants growing out of her skin. She would prefer not wearing shoes at all, but because she's one big contaminant she has to wear very thick gloves and boots when interacting with people of Earth, and she usually wears her mask too because her appearance is generally pretty off-putting.

The other Kryptonians...well let's just say they're not super fond of her, and she really doesn't like them. They're insistent that she's an abomination, something that needs to be fixed, mostly they just feel bad for her, for her whole existence. Mae doesn't take kindly to their pity, this is everything she's ever aspired to be. She feels equally bad for them! It must be terribly lonely, isolated within their own flesh and mind, islands onto themselves, unfathomable even to each other. It's her worst nightmare and she tries to avoid them where possible.

Her people are pacifists so she only uses her abilities defensively and honestly isn't much for combat anyway, she believes that death is a gift that should come to people through natural means only, but this changes the longer she's on the team. As her character progresses she gradually decides some people should have to earn their death, and she's the person who should make them. This is the only time she uses her rapid decay powers. She rarely uses the ghost powers as she doesn't like disturbing their rest but she can be convinced by people she's close to, so she usually relies on shadow manipulation during battles.

Growing up with a species that only communicates through a mental link means she never learned how to talk! Her ring usually speaks for her, although she eventually learns some ASL the longer she's on earth. It has the default AI voice at first but when she learns how to change it I think she'd sound like Drusilla from Buffy the Vampire Slayer!

I won't say too much about Spencer but he's one of the people she's closest to, and the only person on earth who shares the link with her and her family. They have an obsessive kind of queer platonic relationship, where although they love each other it's not explicitly romantic and there's definitely nothing sexual about it. Not in human terms at least, the Pulchra have sex and relationship dynamics the likes of which we couldn't comprehend. They're the definition of soulmates and unfortunately I am obsessed with them.

[maddieautobot273]

Silk & Cologne (56)

A Miguel O'Hara x OC Fanfic - link to AO3 (X)

Chapter 56: Support - previous chapter (X)

Pairing: Miguel O'Hara x Female !Spidersona OC

Words: 3K+ words

Warning: PG for brief flashbacks

Summary: Miguel and Lisa both struggle figuring out what to do next.

////////

Miguel’s P.O.V. 

“Anything yet, Lyla?” 

Miguel was scouring every inch and corner of the Web of Destiny, the map that outlined every link and dimension of the multiverse. After multiple attempts of waiting for her to contact Lisa again and interviewing multiple other Spiders he knew of who had interacted with her in the past, Miguel still couldn’t find any trace of Madame Web’s whereabouts. Before he was getting frustrated, now he is becoming increasingly irritated. 

“Nothing,” Lyla shook her head in dismay before falling flat on her back, hovering in the air, appearing exhausted. “It’s like she’s a ghost!”

Miguel scowled, a frown on his face as he scratched off another sector of the multiverse, or as he calls it the arachno-humanoid poly-multiverse, or the spiderverse as Lisa once called it not too long ago. The corner of his lips curled upward at the memory, but it was short lived as he deactivated the projection of the webs. 

He watches as the webs retract and turn back into branches, shriveling back as the beautiful white tree that sprouted shrinks down to the floor and the spot flickers like a drop rippling in a pond. As it’s happening, one of Lisa’s questions echoes in Miguel’s mind and it only seems to fuel is irritation. ‘Why hasn’t she been helping you with all this anomaly stuff?’ 

He hated that he didn’t know, and he hated that he felt like he couldn’t tell her. 

He hated that he couldn’t communicate with Madame Web like some of the other spiders could, because it reminded him how different he was from the others. 

He hated how she hadn’t reached out to him, wondering if she couldn’t connect with him because he wasn’t bitten by a radioactive spider or simply because she didn’t want to see him. 

Especially after their first and last fateful encounter just over a year ago. 

He still recalled doing one of his gizmo test jumps. Stumbling into her hub, her throne room. He still got shivers crawling up his spine thinking about it, and that slick, thin, smile. 

“Miguel?” Lyla’s voice plucks Miguel’s thoughts back to the present and only then does he realize that he had been squeezing his fists a little too white before he relaxed them.

“I need a break.” Miguel sighed deeply, turning to leave. “I’m gonna go work out, blow off some steam.”

/////////

Lisa’s P.O.V. 

“Your muffins don’t have the little sugar cubes on top?” Spider-Woman Canada gasped, the eyelets of her mask widening as she slipped off her fur-hood in surprise. 

“Did your Ice Caps at any point taste like peanut butter?” I asked her in turn. 

“Um, no?!” She recoiled, hand over her chest. “Lord have mercy, what happened?”

“An American company bought the company and changed the recipes.” I shrugged in defeat before stuffing a Tim-Bit in my mouth. 

“I think that sounds pretty tasty.” Hobie grinned over at me. 

“Not when your nation is having a peanut allergy problem.” I retorted. 

I was hanging out in one of the secluded gymnasiums of the training center with the usual gang. Gwen, and Hobie chilled while Spider-Woman Canada came by to say hi and brought me a little get well gift. A bag full of goodies and signature ice cappuccinos from her dimension’s Tim Horton's. 

After Spider-Doc cleared me to walk again, I’ve been visiting HQ a lot more now. Although I have yet to be cleared by Miguel for active duty. There hasn’t been any activity from Earth-1997, by either Harry Osborne, Dr. Octavious, or any of their goons, but Miguel had been playing it safe these last few days. Incredibly safe. 

As much as I was happy to be able to see all my spider friends on the regular again, I missed helping them out. I wanted to start going on missions again. I wanted to contribute to protecting the multiverse, Miguel’s glorious purpose. 

One day, when Miguel lightens up a bit. 

All of us were watching Pavitr as he rehearsed some dance steps as the music played softly from a boombox. I made conversation with Spider-Woman as I watched him, until he fumbled a step and huffed in frustration, stomping his foot. “I mess up on the same step every time!”

“Whoa, whoa, it’s okay, Pav,” I reached a hand out, gently reassuring him as I stood up from my spot on the floor and approached him. “Run it by me one more time.”

Earlier today Pav texted me via gizmo that he wanted my help practicing a dance. It had come off as a surprise to me because as much as he enjoys music, I didn’t peg Pav for a dancer. Until he explained why he needed my help. 

“I keep coming in too fast on the spin and messing up,” Pav groaned, anxiously running his fingers through his luscious hair. “I’m never going to get this dance right for Gayatri!”

Gayatri was Pavitr’s MJ back in his dimension of Mumbatthan. She was an honors student at their high school, Visions Academy, and was a well known teen model. A ‘classy teenager’ according to Pav’s description of her. 

“Easy, Pav, try not to stress too much,” I gently soothed him. “Other than figure out that step, you’re still doing great, fantastic, even!”

“Can’t you just enchant me with your power and make me do the dance perfectly so I don’t embarrass myself?” Pavitr asked, pointing his fingers together like an innocent kid. 

I crossed my arms over my chest, giving him a disappointing glare. “Pavitr!”

“I don’t know what else to do!” Pav slouched, appearing defeated. “The dance is tomorrow after school!”

“Why don’t I try dancing it with you so we can figure it out together?” I suggested. 

“Please! I will literally get on my knees and beg if you don’t!” Pav clapped his hands together, pleading desperately. 

“Alright, alright, let's take it from the top.” I gently patted his shoulder, ushering him back into starting position. “Gwen?”

“I got’cha.” Gwen reached for the remote of the boombox, restarting the song from the beginning. 

“My man, you got this!” Hobie exclaimed, raising an encouraging fist to his young friend. 

“Deep breathes,” I nodded in agreement as I glanced over at him. 

Pavirtr smiled softly at me as he took a breath and then the music started to play. 

[Lyrics: English translation of FLOWER by Jisoo of BLACKPINK]

Fingers snapping along with strong cords of a bass vibrated our bones as we moved. 

“Eh-eh-eh-ehEh-eh-eh-eh~”

I moved with the beat, changing poses, and then Pav followed and copied me. I shot him an encouraging grin and then the two of us started to move in sync. 

“A-B-C, Do-Re-Mi

I was as nice as that.” 

Pav’s movements were so fluid and smooth. Whenever I’d be practicing my powers and sparring with him, I’d learn about his fighting style, a technique that is inspired by Kalaripayattu, an Indian martial art. He had great balance and synergy, all he had to do was practice and apply that same technique to dance. 

“That’s it, Pav!” I smiled with strong words of affirmation. “You’re doing great!”

“That view has changed completely perhaps

This is also a side of me~” 

Pav showed me some photos of the costumes that they’d be wearing for their stage performance prior to starting our dance practice. I noticed ribbons and cute flower ornaments on their hands and wrists, so I tried suggesting moves that made his body move more gracefully and to move basically with the same flow as the ribbon. Like a flower blowing in the wind. 

Our friends cheered and offered their own words of encouragement, Hobie even snapping his fingers to the beat to help Pav stay on tempo. 

“I fly away like a blue butterfly

It's all on you, you didn't hold on

Even the times that we were in full bloom

To me were a lie, lie, lie!” 

As that last verse ended, our hands descended down with the rhythm of the words. Then when the chorus started to kick in, my footsteps were light as I stepped out of the way, allowing Pav to take center stage. Briefly, we were like ballerinas as we took our places. 

“You and I, crimsonly burned down

I'm okay, would you be as well?

On a beautiful day without a single cloud–” 

This was where the dance would really kick into high gear. It was also coming up to the part where Pavitr kept fumbling. I glanced over at him, seeing his chest beginning to rise and fall heavily as he took deep breaths to keep himself focused. Then he bowed his head. 

“There was nothing left but the scent of a flower~” 

We both shot our hands out, our fingers stroking the air left and right as if they were flower petals as our hips swayed to the beat. Then we sidestepped and twirled before reaching out and guided our hands in a delicate pattern as if we were holding and twirling a ribbon. When we made it to twirl again into the next step, I instead twirled out of Pav’s line of sight and knelt to the floor and watched him as he continued the dance by himself. 

The young teen looked like he was glowing. He took the steps in stride, and when he did the last spin, he planted his feet on the ground, nailing it as he shot his hands up. There was a bright smile on his face as he registered hitting the move perfectly as Hobie and Gwen cheered him on, Spider-Woman Canada applauding while holding a donut. 

Pav struck a pose as the chorus ended and the music faded. 

“There was nothing left but the scent of a flower~” 

We all cheered him on as the song ended. Pav had a bashful flush on his cheeks as he looked at his friends, and when his gaze fell upon me and realized I wasn’t dancing with him, the flush of his cheeks turned darker. “What are you doing over there?!”

“I was letting you have the spotlight.” I grinned.

For a brief moment, my vision flickered and I felt like I was back in the dance studio back in my dimension. I missed seeing Kasey, Hannah, and the twins, Toya and Touga. I missed dancing with my friends. I hated that I had to fake my injury for another two weeks to appear as a normal person without spider powers and an intense healing factor. 

My vision blurred again and suddenly I found myself in the past. I sat in my practice uniform, in one of the practice studios of the idol company I stayed with in Korea. I looked out at the faces of the other aspiring idols and trainees. Some were smiling, others were sizing each other up. 

“How would you feel about flying down to Korea for a few days? To see him?” 

My mother’s question rattled my mind as I shook my head and I found myself back in the present. 

Pavitr laughed softly as he rubbed the back of his neck, that bashful flush still evident on his cheeks. Hobie and Gwen got up from the floor and approached Pav, congratulating him on his practice. I watched them all with a proud smile, and then I suddenly got the urge that we were being watched as I looked over to the archway of the gym. 

Miguel stood against the entryway, arms crossed over his chest as he looked on with a ghost of a smile. When his gaze landed on me, the smile brightened ever so slightly. He offered me a wink before pulling away from the arch and disappearing into the hall, most likely heading for his afternoon workout.  

I hadn’t really seen him all day, and suddenly had the urge to follow after him as I felt an ache in my chest seeing him leave. 

He looked stressed, the wrinkles on his face and along his forehead being more apparent than usual and his eyes looked a little tired. Had he been working more again? I should go check on him. 

“Miss Lisa?” Pavitr’s voice snapped me back into reality as he stood before me, offering a hand to help me up. “Would it be alright if we did the dance again but can I record it on my phone? So I can look at it later for practice back home?”

I offered Pav a sweet smile as I took his hand, allowing him to help me up. “Sure thing.”

////////

Miguel’s P.O.V. 

After running laps and lifting weights, Miguel was still  feeling tense from his failed attempt at tracking Madame Web. He needed to do something more. So he started doing pull ups on a bar that was connected to a dangling ceiling platform a couple feet from the floor, and when he thought it was too easy, Petra, Cyborg-Spider, helped him tie a chain around his waist and wrapped a tire at the bottom of it. 

“No pain, no gain!” Petra cheered with a deep booming voice. 

Miguel could feel his body struggle a little as he continued the routine, feeling how the muscles of his arms pulsed, the veins popping. This was exactly what he needed. He got himself into a rhythm, taking it steady to not overwork himself but his eyes flickered from the spot he was focusing on the wall when he detected movement below him. 

Before it was Cyborg-Spider and Jess watching him and his heart hammered when he took in Lisa’s figure as she approached them. 

“Hey,” She offered the duo a friendly wave. “Busy today are we?”

“Boss man is really ‘pumping the metal’ as they say.” Petra beamed proudly, even going so far as to saluting Miguel. “It is inspirational!”

“Inspirational is certainly a word to describe it.” Jessica grinned as she crossed her arms over her chest. 

“How long has he been at this for?” Lisa asked her. 

“Up there? Just about 10 minutes.” Jess nodded. “He refuses to come down unless he’s drenched in sweat.”

“I’ll come down eventually!” Miguel groaned in a partial teasing and annoyed manner as he did another pull up. 

“Old habits die hard it seems.” Jess shot a glance over to Lisa, rolling her eyes as she stepped away. 

“Do you want to take a break?” Lisa called out to Miguel as she turned to look up and face him. 

Take a break? 

Take a break from the work out, or take a break from finding Madame Web?

“In a minute,” Miguel huffed, taking in a breath as he spared a quick glance down at her. “I’m barely breaking a sweat yet.”

“What did I say about you taking care of yourself?” Lisa gently reminded him. 

Shock, I’m in for it now. 

Lisa uses her web sling to yank herself up to the bar, grabbing hold of it facing Miguel whose face reeled back in surprise. “Dios mio, Lisa, what the shock are you doing?!” - My god 

“You said this wasn’t challenging enough. So I’ll help you make it challenging for you.” Lisa grinned, her mind reeling as Miguel could see the gears turning in her head as she thought of a plan. 

“What are you— Oy!” Miguel looked upon Lisa, stunned as she wrapped her legs around his waist tightly, securing her grip on him by wrapping her arms around his shoulders for support. 

His face blushed a light shade of pink at the sudden contact. Feeling her warmth clash of the heat that radiated from his body, feeling the way she clung to him. The icing on the cake was her faint smile and the tightness of her legs around his waist. 

There’s a pulse of warmth in his lower body as Miguel quickly blocks out the ungentlemanly thought that was creeping into his mind. 

“Go on, do a pull up.” She encouraged with a side tilt of her head. 

Miguel narrowed his eyes curiously at Lisa before his muscles bulged as he did a pull up. With Lisa’s combined body weight along with the tire and metal chain, it did add more weight for Miguel to work with, but he was still able to relatively do a pull up with ease. His head pulled up above the bar and Lisa’s head followed suit on the opposite end. “Satisfied?” 

Without saying another word, Lisa leaned forward and pecked Miguel’s lips with a soft and sweet kiss. His cheeks flushed and for a second his grip on the bar wobbled. Lisa’s lips curled into a smile. “Every time you do a pull up, I’ll reward you with a little treat.” 

Oh shock, karma, the universe, whatever deity is listening to me, what did I do to deserve her? 

Miguel’s face morphed into an eager and playful expression as his gaze sparkled, a cocky grin on his lips. “Game on.” 

They were up there for over half an hour before Miguel finally came down. He kept Lisa secured with one hand, while he freed himself from the chain with the other. His lips tingle and more puffed than usual with a playful smile as he looked down at Lisa. 

“You cheeky little minx.” Miguel pecked her lips again.

“Feeling better now?” Lisa asked him as she adjusted herself slightly, straightening her back. “You seemed a little stressed?”

“Much better, in fact,” Miguel’s smile turned as his other arm wrapped around her to hold her closer to him. “I’m gonna keep you right here with me while I finish the rest of my work.”

Lisa’s eyes widened, gasping a little. “Miguel, you’re not seriously–”

“Yep!” Miguel is already on the move as Lisa squeals in surprise, her grip tightening around her. 

“Miguel O’Hara, put me down!” She laughs softly. 

“In due time, mi Mona Lisa.” Miguel smirks as he carries Lisa out of the training center, not even bothered by the looks of the other spiders watching the spectacle as Lisa hides her flushed, embarrassed face into his neck. 

A welcomed distraction. 

////////

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[hirocimacruiser]

VOLK Racing Wheel

TE37 TYPE

●Color: White, bronze Custom color ¥3,000UP ・Accessories: Valve ●Sold separately Center cap ¥2,600 (for 15, 16 inch and 17, 18 inch P.C.D.100)

Note

Center cap ¥2,000 (excluding P.C.D.100 for 17 and 18 inches)

Please contact us as there are some car models that cannot be fitted with center caps.

Center caps and hub rings cannot be installed on 15×6.0JJ +45. 19HEX duralumin nut (blue, red, black) ¥600/piece 17HEX chromoly racing nut (black) ¥550/piece Hub ring ¥500 Long adapter ¥350~

super lightweight

competition specs

FORGED MAG

FORMULA-NIPPON.Volk Racing forged magnesium wheels boast an overwhelming market share and track record in GT500. The ultimate road wheel with its reliability and performance. - VOLK RACING TE37 MAG.

●Since it is intended for competition vehicles, it may protrude or interfere with the fender depending on the vehicle it is installed on. Please modify fenders and suspension as necessary. ●Only 15&16 inch center caps can be installed on sizes marked with *. ●The size/offset in parentheses is the size of TE37MAG.

http://www.volkracing.co.jp.

■Distributor Rays Co., Ltd./Head Office 5-80 Nagata Nishi, Higashiosaka, Osaka 577-0016 TEL 06-746-1010 (Main)/Sapporo/Sendai/North Kanto/Tokyo/Nagoya/Hokuriku/Osaka/Hiroshima/Fukuoka

20 years with racing wheels Rays Forged Wheels

RAYS ENGINEERING

[Manufacturer: Rays Engineering Co., Ltd.

[valpogossip]

VALPOGOSSIP TEACAP: APRIL 2024

You lot sure have be busy the last month. If I was of lesser mind or simply someone with something better to do, I would have resigned myself to my silence and let you all carry on. But business pays. And unfortunately for you, it's yours that pays me, and you're all not going to believe this.

It's always the ones in the most denial that scream the loudest and Abril is a banshee. While at La Fiesta De Vindimia, Abril confronted our favorite blonde bombshell, Mallory Jade, about song she assumed was about her. Now theres something about a fight over a song like Pretty Girls ending in a kiss that just doesn't feel all that... straight to me. But Abril was quick to prove all of us wrong by locking in with Giovanni !

Speaking of Giovanni, the timing of this is quite suspicious considering he had a bit of his own meet-not-so-cute with a Yazmin. The two getting off on the wrong food but helping each other find the right one another and getting all cozy enough to take a nap outside. I don't about you all, but I don't think i've ever been that comfortable. Wonder with Yazmin thinks of this. Or Abril for that matter.

We could also ask Aivryn for her opinion on the matter considering how upset she was when Abril's new beau launched to the world to see. Apparently, even as her best friend, Aivryn found out at the same time everyone else did. I can't help but wonder why that is.

In more confusing but entertaining news, Omar and Dante are going on a date to decide which one gets to take which...one... on a... date ? I think I'm reading that correctly. Yes, bowling date. Loser takes other on date. No, yeah that's right. Well, whatever love looks like for you. Whenever there's a Dominguez-Herrera involved we're sure it'll be healthy and sane.

Maybe it's the bowling date nerves that led Dante to break Drew's nose? We hope that's healing up just fine.

Every month we hope Alba will stand up, and this month they came really close ! It was much of a hunch, but hey we'll take it. After a cold war, Milani raised the first white flag but all it took was one. You'll get there Al, we believe in you !

The festival seemed to be a hub for rekindling kisses, as Arlo and Esme were spotted liplocked on one of the benches. Sad thing about Leia bearing eye witness. Has anyone checked on her? What is it about good wine that makes you want to relive the past? Maybe they can go on a double date with Mallory and Abril and relive the past together.

Speaking of rekindling, but this time no kisses, exes Elijah and Sariyah, and Luna and Enzo were both spotted with frowns on their faces and eyes that were looking everywhere but each other. What conversation has you guys that deep in thought? Maybe you should take a drive, we here that helps.

If you're looking for a palette cleanser from all the mess, look no further than Jasper and Hunter. Gentle conversations and cutely planned dates. We wish them nothing but the best and maybe they could teach our many ( many ) confused couples a thing or two.

We hope that's enough to hold you over until next month. And if I missed anything, don't hesitate to send in a little tip to us via our anon box.

Here's some things we're keeping a close eye on for next month:

Ysla and Adem seem to be getting extremely close to little Emmie. Is it all just for her benefit? Astrid and Kaito already have the perfect starter for next month's tea cap, I wonder what else they'll get up to. What's the history there? How is Sariyah involved? Why does vic hate birthdays so much and why does esme suddenly care so much about his? Ximena and Bryce seem to also be spending a lot more time together. Aksel and Sarah's dinner table keeps getting bigger and bigger whole Luna's looks to be getting smaller, why is that? Will Drew ever get his double date? Is Luna like... okay?

If you didn't make this rounds teacap don't worry, we're still watching closely.

[beevean]

Not counting the hubs, which level in SA1 would you say got the most butchered visually in DX? The immediate one that comes to mind for me is Ice Cap, since there's a lot of subtle lighting that's no longer present, and some textures like the tunnel leading to the snowboard section have been replaced with empty white walls.

I agree, Ice Cap lost its frosty atmosphere and Big's level is no longer at night which is so disappointing, it was such a cool attention to detail.

bro, it's called Ice Cap, not Hospital Room Cap.

Final Egg, though. It was meant to be a rusty base, but in SADX it's just a bland green:

This is supposed to be tense. The PC version is way too bright. It seems like a small detail but the atmosphere in SA1 is fantastic for its time, and to think that the version of the right is the one I had to experience for years, the absolute injustice.

And the way my jaw dropped when I first saw how disgustingly low-res the textures are in SADX, let me tell you:

What the hell happened? You ruined that cool "running down the tubes" sequence, and for what?

And this is just embarrassing.

Speaking of which, special shoutout to the "dark" room in Lost World that is anything but dark in the PC version, confusing lil old me who didn't understand the point of the challenge :')

And this unique glitch that only happens in the same version. port.exe

[fountainpenguin]

"But does he know you call me when he sleeps? Or does he know the pictures that you keep?" (x)

---

New Dog's Life chapter today! ~ 3rd Life series fan-season

Chapter 36 - “Watcher 2 (BigB)”

❤️ Read on AO3

💛 Start from Chapter 1

💚 More Pixels Imperfect fics

---

With Bdubs and Martyn missing in action, drama goes down at the phantom flock. BigB listens in. He and Grian discuss their relationship… and Grian's new "necklace."

Also, several people beg Scott's blessing to go aboveground. It's like they've forgotten it's anarchy out there…

(First 1,000 words under the cut)

---

bigbst4tz2 - Moth (Ex-Illusioner)

Status: Always listening

City inspector, private investigator, and town crier

🖤  🖤  🖤

This is a flock dynamic BigB's never seen before. He sits on the coffered beams of the pergola, watching the empty dance floor and two distinct groups below with his chin cradled in his hand. Antennae lifted, of course, because there's a lot of yelling going on and BigB always listens. Jimmy sprawls across the beams beside him, chin cupped in his hands, feet swinging back and forth in the air. "I hope our side wins," he whispers, and BigB gives him a glance without comment.

The phantoms are pushing the line. Bdubs lost his rank. Martyn lost his life. False is acting captain right now, shirtless and everything to flaunt the places her wing muscles meld with body, but that's not going over well. No surprise, when you think about it. It's a full moon night and New Star Station's hosting refugees. Once the Fox Dragon's captain caught word their flock dropped down to the third in line, she just did what any cap' would do. She's getting them under her wing. She might even think of moving in.

He can see Pixlriffs and iCam from here, standing with False as she tries to shepherd the lower-ranked flockmates together. There's a lot of pretty words spilling from the foreign captain's mouth. BigB never did get her name, but she last respawned as the red variant… and those bright wings are attracting a lot of attention. "Down here, you're bound by contract," she's saying, and phantoms are listening with pricked-up ears. "If you follow me, you can try all the flavors you want. No more waiting for online activity to tick low just to find out these guys are logging off with portals. Up there, we eat like royalty. In fact, with illagers on the menu, we might BE eating royalty!"

Hmm. This should be interesting…

"HEY! HEY, break it up!"

BigB flicks up his antennae. That's Bdubs. So he did get off the farm server before the hub's core went down. When BigB turns his head, there he is- Here comes Bdubs tearing through the streets, face flushed blue and mossy shawl flapping at his neck. The hood's fallen back. A rush of white sparks stream from the back of his neck and wrists. Grian's right beside him, looking startled and lost. He's got a green sweater on and a funny cap with a bill on both ends. Is that some kind of cosplay? The sight's a bit much. BigB glances off, fighting down the blue sparks crackling up his own skin. He bends one antenna and chews the fluffy end.

"What's THIS? HEY! Stop charming my flock!"

"I mean, it's her right," Jimmy murmurs, lips squished in his hand. "She may not have a banner, but she's the captain, y'know?"

"I guess?" It's easier to look with the F5 eyes up. BigB stays where he is atop the pergola, hidden above the hanging lanterns. No one's really glanced at him or Jimmy yet, or at least not called him out as being here. He didn't exactly draw attention to himself. And Jimmy's only here because he followed BigB from movie and macaroni night at Ren's. Not much point in sticking around once Ren slipped out. Not with four foxes who only want to watch cartoons and slasher stories.

Jimmy looks up then, his eyes dark brown without their online glow. He's smiling without a care. BigB gazes back without twitching so much as a wing. Does Jimmy know how many people envy the private world he lives in, with his quiet thoughts? Somehow, despite dating Scott years ago, he dodged around politics and charmed everyone with words and deed. Jimmy just gets people. He draws them into his parties, greets them warmly, and introduces them to all his other friends. And he talks, and he laughs, and he lights every room.

What I wouldn't give to talk to people like you can. I just… They tire me out. And it's so hard to get excited about New Star Station and its messy politics (its rules) when your days are long and you've been flying back and forth and you are so, so tired… and there are Roblox hubs to slip away and rest in instead.

Bdubs slows to a jog, taking position next to False, iCam, and Pixlriffs. False holds up one hand, trying to move back in front. Bdubs pushes her back with a hand on her bare flesh, growling low. "Rosejoy, stand down. MY team."

"Have you been drinking invisibility potions? You're missing some wings, 'Captain.' And eating out of turn, by the looks of it."

Jimmy chuckles. Bdubs grits his fangs. He's definitely twitching, rolling his shoulders in imitation of the wings he doesn't have. He's letting off thick waves of white sparks. Even his own flock are staring. Grian's off on the side now, resting his hands on his waist as he surveys the whole thing. BigB knows he shouldn't look. He doesn't really want to know. But he does check. And Grian's not wearing any courtship favors.

Huh. Does Bdubs not actually have a claim on him?

Never mind. It's not important. There's a whole argument breaking out now. False is mortified, struggling to pull the last shreds of respect she has together, pushing Bdubs out of the way. Martyn's not around. Bdubs is pushing- breaking rank. Rosejoy watches this, loosely swinging her tail and showing her wings, as the rest of her flock watches in silence behind her. Everything's a mess right now.

And Rosejoy's anarchy. Phantom hybrids don't really need portals- if a hub starts going under, the phantoms are the first to ditch. And it goes the other way, too- a hub without a phantom flock to break up fights, clean people's code, or feed energy through the system and into the hub flower can go real bad real quick. You gotta watch for warning signs. BigB knows this because he always listens.

What a mess. Shirts are off. "Where is Martyn?" BigB murmurs against his knuckles. Rosejoy definitely pushed at him on Monday, basically sniffing the edges of his turf and nipping to see how hard she could bite before he lashed out. From what BigB heard, Martyn held his own.

But Martyn isn't here right now. So Rosejoy is testing False.

And Bdubs isn't letting False stand her ground.

[Full chapter on AO3 - Link at top]

[audioaujom]

(10) Why Do Living Things Need Feelings?

LTWF Hub, < prev, next >

Hello hello! I’ve nothing to say to go along with this update except: enjoy. Perhaps things will look up. We’re getting close to the end, afterall. ((:

Word Count: 1230

--

Meanwhile, Virgil was attempting a very, very risky plan.

Well it wasn’t risky necessarily, but it wasn’t a very good idea. He was fresh out of good ideas, though. They ran out with his patience approximately two minutes after waking up several days ago, kidnapped in a basement.

For now, he resigned himself to sawing at the tape binding his hands with the cap of a plastic water bottle Janus had left him with, finally splitting the wrapped tape enough that he could yank it apart with just his strength—or what was left of it.

It had taken him far too long and far too much energy to do, praying he wouldn’t be too late to stop Janus from fucking around with Logan any further.

Even the basement of the Engineering Building was familiar from all the days he'd spent trekking through it, legs shaking but supporting him on adrenaline alone as he passed maintenance door after maintenance door, forcing himself up two flights of steps to the floor with his lab on it.

Even if the professor was out, maybe he could put something together with his tools.

Or find his phone and call… the police?

None of his plans were finishing themselves, unhinged ideas swirling into an incoherent mess as he half-walked/half-dragged himself down the hall to finally reach the door to the lab—which had all of the lights off. The lab itself was nearly deserted when Virgil finally got the door open and stumbled inside, the suspicion in his gut settling into a hard stone of dread as he saw Logan idling beside Professor Villarehal’s desk.

“Shit.”

“Oh, hello.” Logan turned to glance at him as he came in, smile empty. “Do you work here?”

Grabbing several tools off his work station and limping up to the front desk, Virgil bit back his sarcasm. “Yup.”

Janus must've done a factory reset, Virgil decided, grimace morphing into a grin. But that's nothing I can't fix.

——

Logan, to be entirely honest, had no idea what was going on. 

After the strange student had stuck the tools into his neck the metal casing of his head started squeezing in a strange way—and it wasn’t supposed to do that. He knew he was online the way he was supposed to be, but everything felt… off. He couldn’t actually see anything and all he could hear was a high-pitched ringing as he tried to force himself to the surface of whatever weird fog had invaded his programming.

What… happened?

Parsing through his memory didn't yield anything at first, until he managed to pull up something seemingly from before. His memory only started from this morning, but this one was dated as the night before.

He was standing in Professor Sanders’ classroom, surrounded by several kids. Their names were hazy, but he felt a distinct change in his attitude as he recognized one of the faces in front of him.

“Oh, please. Stop struggling, this won’t hurt.” Janus had commented with a proud sneer, pausing a little before correcting, “Maybe. I wouldn’t know.”

Logan was being held down by the students, unable to stop Janus as he stepped around behind him and pried the panel on his neck open.

Everything went white.

The fog still wasn't clearing, but some things were starting to make sense. The student—Virgil. His name is Virgil, he's one of Patton’s friends—must've found a way to redownload everything that Janus had tried to destroy from the reset.

Oh, but Patton…

Something in his memory of the boy’s bright smile and auburn bangs had his head squeezing again, synthetic oil rushing through the pump placed perfectly center in his chest in oddly rhythmic stuttering contractions.

He blinked once, watching the darkness cross his vision before disappearing—not taking any of the static in his vision with it. He tried blinking again, once again only getting a brief wash of darkness. 

Why can’t I see anything?

As old memories continually resurfaced—in no particular order—he tried to use one of his hands to see if something was obstructing his eyes, only for his hand to barely twitch. For some odd reason, he couldn’t seem to move or see except for whatever weird glitching continued to spaz in his body.

What was going on?

His attitude shifted again, memory full of images of sitting alone with Patton in the classroom. He couldn’t seem to stop thinking about their conversation about the stars, the pump in his chest stuttering again.

Was he… nervous?

As soon as the word appeared in his head everything started making sense, the nervousness jittering in his body shifting to panic. He didn’t need to breathe but he felt his chest stop and his memories turn to fuzz, his twitching hands falling back to his sides, still. Heat rushed over his cheeks, his mechanical joints aching like the bones they replicated as the colors in front of him began slowly merging into actual shapes in front of his eyes.

“Logan? Are you with me? Logan!” Virgil’s voice finally pulled him through the last of the haze, blinking rapidly to focus in on the concerned brown eyes in front of him. Virgil snapped again in front of his face, Logan reaching up a heavy hand to push it back down.

“Virgil… I—” He mumbled, the familiar classroom sending both a wash of relief and fear through him. His head hurt. That was what was wrong, and it didn’t seem to be going away.

“I know. Janus reset you, but he's a dumbass.” Virgil shook his head, Logan’s eyes catching the movement in a way he’d never really before. He noticed the way his face was sunken in, dark bags under bloodshot eyes and above a dry and cracked smile. 

All in all, Virgil looked beat to hell and exhausted. 

“Are you… back?” 

“Yes, but… if he really reset me, then did I…?” Logan trailed off at the telling look on the engineering student’s battered face, shoulders slumping. “Oh no.” 

“It’ll be okay as long as you find Patton now.” Virgil’s adrenaline appeared to be waning, him leaning heavily against the desk behind him. “Janus probably wanted to catch him after resetting you. I'm not sure how long ago that was.”

“I understand. But in the meantime, you should seriously consider a hospital.” Logan advised, a little unnerved by the wave of concern inside him.

Were emotions supposed to move this quickly? This strongly?

Virgil waved a dismissive hand, cracking a small smile at the easily-readable expression on the android’s face. “You go, I'll handle me.” 

“Understood. Thank you, Virgil.” Logan said sincerely, turning and jogging out of the lab and back towards Professor Sanders’ classroom.

He still didn’t understand what was going on with him. He knew he was feeling, but none of that made any sense. When did this start to happen? How did his default become so… emotional?

He let the questions in his mind go unanswered as he frantically searched the hallway of students for any glimpse of Patton, spurred on by a squeezing anxiety that had him hearing a fast, artificial heartbeat in his ears.

He could worry about what all that meant later. For now, he needed to find Patton.

——

Finally slumping down to the floor as his weakened legs gave out, Virgil laughed to himself in the empty classroom. “Yeah… Roman’s going to kill me.” 

[jessicajagg]

Why I love Sonic Adventure

Picking favorite video games has always been a challenge for me. There are so many games that I like that narrowing it down has always proved difficult. However, there are a select few that always spring to my mind without fail whenever the subject comes up. And one of those games is Sonic Adventure.

I didn't always love it, as a kid my first 3D Sonic was Sonic Adventure 2 Battle on gamecube. I held it's Sonic speed stages in very high regard which only grew when I got older and became nostalgic for it. So much that I initially dismissed Sonic Adventure upon playing the PS3 port, simply because it was not SA2. But I eventually grew out of that bias and upon revisiting SA1 with a more open mind, I found a game that I would grow to love more than any other in the series.

What immediately springs to my mind when I think of Sonic Adventure are the zones. Alot of Sonic games will usually have "that" level I'll dread revisiting but in Adventure there's not a dud in the bunch. I love the sky road in Windy Valley, the snowboarding in Ice Cap, the Nights pinball machine in Casinopolis and ofcourse the iconic run down the side of a building in Speed Highway.

Emerald Coast in particular has a special place in my heart. It's bright blue skies, white sand, it's hard to describe but I can't help but smile whenever I think about it. It genuinely puts me at ease somehow and I think about it alot when I'm feeling stressed or overwhelmed.

Something I didn't find appreciation for until recently were the hub worlds connecting these zones. I used to think they were a bit of a nuisance, especially unlocking the next zone can sometimes be cryptic. It was only after a recent playthrough where I decided to slow down and take everything in that I found them to be really chill spaces to just hang out in.

Alot of the NPCs have their own little stories that progress as you make your way through the game. They're small but really cute and amusing. I got way more invested in them that I thought I would and honestly I think you're not getting the full SA experience if you don't talk to everyone.

Among the Sonic games that shuffle between multiple characters and play styles I think Adventure 1 did the best at structuring it all. Each character has their own campaign so if you only feel like playing speed stages you can just do Sonic's story and be done with it.

Tails is handled best here than in any other 3D game, I love the idea of having you play levels again with an OP character that just breaks them.

The three playstyles that differ the most from the core Sonic gameplay, Knuckles, Amy and Big are the shortest campaigns. Which keeps them from getting too monotonous, especially when it comes to Big's unfortunately clunky fishing controls.

Ofcourse every moment and stage in this game is punctuated with one of the most memorable soundtracks in the entire franchise. I'm not much of a music gal, so all I can say is that the music fucking rules.

I know as a game there's alot wrong with Sonic Adventure. The presentation, the voice acting, the odd physics, re-using content but none of it really bugs me. If I fall down the floor, I just shrug in an "oh you" kind of way and continue on. It's one of those games where I'll plow through the entire thing in one sitting on a whim.

In the end all I can say is, I love Sonic Adventure.

[astronomical-bagel]

I want to know about the mushrooms tell me more about mushrooms

AGFHGJN YESSSSSSSSSS I WILL SHOW YOU MY TOP 5 FAVORITE MUSHROOMS. FEATURING: LOTS OF EXCLAMATION MARKS AND ABOUT 957 WAYS TO MISSPELLL MUSHROOM!! THIS IS ALSO VERY LONG. SORRY. IM NOT ACTUALLY SORRY THIS WAS SOOOO MUCH FUN.

Okay okay okay first of with the most popular one: you know amanita muscaria? the fly agaric or whatever? the one that is THE mushroom? this one?

its like. SUPER deadly. itll give you a high, but it also comes with thinhs like involontary muscle spasms, general stomche problems, amnisea, and can even put you in a coma! and also it will Just Kill you. i like that such a loved and well-known mushroom is actually one of the most deadly. idk exactly why i liek that abt it its just like. not a lot of people realize. even though its so popular.

and the NEXT one is the devil's tooth fungus! it has a lot of names but thats the one im going to call it rn. It does this funkt little things called gluttation, which as far as i know is just the mushroom pushing out excess water. but the COOL thing about it s that hte moisture is thick and sticky due to an anticollagen (helps things not clot) that is a DARK RED. this mushroom is literally so metal it literally looks like its bleeding.

unfortunality it does set off my trypophobia so i cant really look at it for long. but its FUCKING COOL. i also like it EVEN more because, color-wise, its the exact opposite of amanita muscaria! And i like it EVEN MORE because while the amanita is like. thought to be the cutsey mushroom and all that but is SUPER FUCKING DANGEROUS, the Devils Tooth LOOKS all scary and halloween-y but is actually pretty harmless! I mean, it tastes bad and kinda stinks too, but its like. (and youll have to excuse me for anthropomorphizing mushrooms) its like a PERFECT narrative foil to amanita!!! AJGNGGH GOES INSANE!!

the next mushroom, and youll probably recognize this one, is the inky cap mushroom!! this mushroom is another SUPER popular one-- or, at least, its popular in 1. mushroom circles and 2. goth cottagecore circles. my perspective might be a little skewed LMAO. anyways this is also called the "shaggy cap" mcuhroom because when its young it has a pretty white cap with little ruffles on it!! buT! when it gets older! it starts to look like its liquifying, and it starts dripping black "ink"

ISNT IT SOOOO COOL??? this mushroom is my favorite-- at least in terms of aesthics (though devils tooth has GOT to be like. my second favorite bc that is too cool) This muchroom is actually edible! Tje website has it written down as a "nutty, mushroomlike taste" which. tells me absoltuley nothing. But also, and i just found this out 2 minutes ago, appearently you cant drink alcohol for 3 days after eating this!! the effects can go from a stomache ache to a heart attack, dependign on how much of either youve consumed. because of this, its also called 'tippler's bane", which i think is hilarious.

The next mushroom is the ZOMBIE FUNGUS. I was first introduced to this fungus via a nature documentary. it gave me nightmares for weeks and started at LEAST 2 debilitating phobias, but also at least 2 special interests so. i guess?? it evens out?? anyways i LOVE this fungus even though it still terrifies me to this day. This mushroom is called the zombie fungus for good reason: when ants digest it, it takes over the muscle system gradually over the course of a few days, and walks the ant over to a leaf for it to bite onto (exactly 25 cm off the ground, apparently) and then the ant flowers, making another hub of fungus to infect other ants and start the cycle anew. But i need to be absolutley clear here. this ant is still like. alive. its brain is active, but its muscles are moving without its permission. it has literally described by scientists that the fungus was controlling the ant "as a puppeteer controls as a marionette doll". this thing is both corruption and the web. the ant is STILL IN THERE. and one!! how the FUCK is the fungus smart enought to do that?????? What the shit??? How does the fungus tell the ant to move its legs???? hoe does it tell it whre to go??? how is the fungus in the ant communicating with the original fungus?? this mushroom is so scary to me in so many ways but one of the most proniment is that it almost??? seems to be ??? sentient???? i dont know. idk. but i do know is that its SCARY AS FUCKK. im not including a picture of this because i cant stand ants and also. the image of bugs with mushrooms squeezing past their exoskeletons and shooting out of their head is kind of. terrifying.

the last mushroom of the day is called the bitter oyster mushroom! this one is SOOOO cool!!! its special gimmick is BIOLUMINESCENCE, BABEY!!!!!!

ive been obsessed with biolumiencnce for FOREVER, because 1. its fucking cool. who wouldnt be obsessed honestly, and 2. Avatar (2009)!! theres not much more to say on why i like it honestly. its glow in in the dark. its automatically awseome. this mushroom in the daytime is a nice creamy orange color, and grows in shelves along trees and logs! not every strain is bioluminecent, in fact the biolumicent strain specidically does not live on the pacific coast :((((( but ill get to see it one day. one day....

anyways THANK YOU SO MUCH for inviting me to ramble, and ummmm congradulations if you read all of that LMAO. This was a lot of fun and resolidified the fact that I LOVE MUSHROOMS SO MUCH. ok thank you byeee

[karaloza]

Legend of Zelda Theme Park - Castle Town

Before I jump in, I want to issue a disclaimer of sorts. These maps are going to get more elaborate from here on out, but I gotta be honest--I have no experience with architecture, or construction, or cartography, or even model building (unless you count LEGO sets). These are not intended to be accurate schematics, more like an idea about what could be included in a Zelda theme park and how it might all fit together. I have no idea to what extent any of this would be physically feasible IRL; at the bare minimum I probably have the scaling wrong on a lot of things.

Cool? Cool.

As guests move along the walkway at the back of the Welcome Plaza, the noncommittal park ambience is gradually overtaken by facades of old-fashioned half-timber houses, and then masonry castle walls. Finally they arrive at a grand archway with ornate double gates flung open to welcome visitors. Atop the archway sits a picturesque train station, and beyond it is a bustling medieval(-ish) market square of cobblestones, storefronts, gaming booths, and more. In the center is a large marble fountain bearing a sculpture of the Triforce, and on the far side of the square, opposite the entry point, is Hyrule Castle at the end of an avenue lined with trees and statuary. To the right of the castle from the point of view as you enter the area, a cathedral-like structure can be seen rising behind the rooftops.

Castle Town, besides having plenty to do in its own right, serves as the "hub" area of the theme park, with walkways leading directly to three of the other areas (besides the Welcome Plaza) and indirect paths to the others via a ride.

Attractions

Spirit Train Grand Central Station: The Spirit Train is a handy and scenic way to get around the theme park, encircling the central portions on an elevated track, with several stops along the route. Some of the sights in Hyrule can only be seen from aboard the train!

Carnival Games: Most of the central portion of Market Square is occupied by game booths, evoking the numerous “mini-games” found in most LoZ titles. The games themselves are of fairly standard types, but the paraphernalia are all themed like items from the franchise—as just one example, instead of throwing a mere baseball at a target, you throw a “Cucco” (even if it is just a baseball with a chicken face and wings printed on it). Rather than paying cash to play, guests pay “rupees” from a debit card they can get from a vending machine, and the more you put on the card, the more bang for your buck you get—say, five dollars gets you 100 rupees, but twenty gets you 500, and higher amounts net further price breaks. The games themselves cost anywhere from 25 to 100 rupees per play. Prizes are the usual small plush toys and cheap trinkets you would expect, but you can bank wins on your “rupee wallet” card and redeem them for better things if you so choose.

Link and Zelda Meet-and-Greet: What theme park would be complete without an opportunity to meet the star characters? The Hero Link and Princess Zelda can be found in dedicated meet-and-greet spaces on the ground floor of Hyrule Castle. Both characters have undergone many design changes over the course of the series, but by default they appear in something close to their classic, iconic looks. Link gets his green tunic and stocking cap, white leggings, and brown leather arm guards, with a bright but not glaring color palette and more fine detailing than most video game hardware can consistently render. Zelda’s look varies a lot more from game to game, but common features include a white underdress and pink or mauve pinafore-like outer layer with gold embroidery, as well as long blond hair and a distinctive tiara. The objective is to present the theme park itself as an installment in the franchise, with its own story (that you, the guest, create as you go) and details, and its own incarnations of the Hero and the Princess.

Hyrule Castle Gardens: Across from the meet-and-greet spaces, archways lead out into a peaceful courtyard space of flower beds, benches, fountains, and topiary sculptures of familiar creatures from the games. This attraction serves the vital function of relaxation, giving guests an opportunity to take a load off for a while in a tranquil setting.

Temple of Time Theatre: In the back corner of Castle Town, alongside one of the walkways leading to Death Mountain, is a sizable performance venue. The daytime program consists of 30- to 45-minute plays recapping the plots of actual games, both for entertainment and so non-fans can get some idea of what the big deal is. “Here at the Temple of Time, we can see all across the history of Hyrule and beyond and tell you the legends as they actually happened!” In the evenings, some of the seating area is converted into a dance floor and the plays are traded for mini-concerts by local folk rock bands (and of course, each set includes a cover of at least one iconic LoZ score piece).

Shops

6. Pictobox Shop: If you got your picture taken by a park employee near the main entrance, you can swing by here later in the day to buy prints, perhaps in a nice souvenir frame, or installed in a commemorative keychain.

7. Curiosity Shop: The one in Clock Town may be an outlet for goods of shady provenance, but here, it sells a variety of interesting knickknacks and curios, all guaranteed to be above board.

8. Coro's Lantern and Oil Shop: This cozy shop offers a selection of wax and LED candles, oil lamps and fuel, scented oil diffusers, and even a unique line of Legend of Zelda-inspired scented soy wax jar candles.

9. Enchanted Kingdom Treasures: Another knickknack shop, this one more targeted to fantasy fans. Some of the items here, from dragon figurines to sword-shaped letter openers, are LoZ-branded, while others are more generic.

10. S*T*A*R*S: Inspired by a minigame in Twilight Princess, this dimly lit tent sells a number of light-up souvenirs, laser-cut crystal sculptures with LED-illuminated stands, and similar tchotchkes.

11. Madame Couture's: Hytopia's #1 couturier has her own shop branch here, where guests can buy anything from a simple souvenir tee-shirt to a luxurious fantasy gown, and much, much more!

12. Happy Mask Shop: Named for the innocuous shop in Ocarina of Time that became the founding premise for an entire sequel game, this shop sells licensed masks, hats, and other costume pieces to enhance each guest's heroic adventure.

13. Badge Market: A shop to buy and trade collectible pins, based on the one of the same name in in Hyrule Warriors. Rather than the endless rows of character images one might expect, pin designs in this theme park focus on iconic emblems from the game franchise, such as the royal crest, symbols of the different peoples of Hyrule, medallions and shields, etc.

Eateries

14. Food Stalls: Interspersed among the game booths in the central portion of the square are booths selling the kind of quick bites you can find at carnivals and farmer's markets.

15. Potion Hut: A juice and smoothie bar/service counter. Choose from among a wide array of bottled beverages—from common soda brands, water, juice, tea, etc. to unique blends labeled as “health potions,” “energy elixirs,” and other in-universe concepts—or have your own favorite mix made to order!

16. Stock Pot Inn: A buffet restaurant with a menu of hearty soups and stews and flavorful salads.

17. Royal Banquet Hall: An elegant table-service restaurant located on the upper level of Hyrule Castle. It's pricey and requires a reservation, but it's worth it for the Breath of the Wild/Tears of the Kingdom-inspired menu served in a regally appointed dining room with spectacular window and balcony views of the park. The interior décor features tapestries, paintings, and stained-glass windows depicting iconic LoZ scenes rendered in genuine medieval and Renaissance art styles.

Miscellaneous

After dusk, the Triforce fountain in the center of the area puts on a little light show every 15 minutes.

Paths to the other themed areas in the park can be found in the side alleys encircling Market Square, but that's not the only reason to explore them! They contain many secrets, some of which are related to the phone app-based minigames.