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dilemmaontwolegs · 1 year

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Already Gone || MV1 {5}

Pairing: Max Verstappen x spy!fem!reader Summary: It’s a quick trip to Red Bull Racing Headquarters but expecting a job interview would be too simple. Warnings: more illegal activities (expected by now) WC: 2.2k

F1 Masterlist || One || Two || Three || Four || Five || Six

The room was tense as you took a seat beside Max on the couch opposite his Team Principal. No one had spoken since you were escorted into the building with half a dozen security officers and, try as you might, you couldn’t stop the smile playing on your lips. You saw the escort as a compliment, but Max didn’t see it quite the same way and was clearly irritated as he shut the door in their faces.

Christian sat back in his chair and linked his fingers over his pressed shirt. “You have your meeting, so tell me, why should I hire you?”

You were grateful he didn’t want to waste time on small talk, the sooner you sort this out the better. “Because I am clearly smarter than the people you currently have to protect your interests, and quite frankly I’m not going anywhere so you should get used to me.”

“Liefje,” Max warned softly, knowing threats weren’t the way to endear Christian to you.

“You say you are smarter, but we caught you.”

A short laugh escaped before you could contain it and you looked at Max to see his lips twitch in amusement. “You didn’t catch me,” you corrected. “I should have been gone weeks before you ever knew it was me, there was only one reason I stayed.” You squeezed Max’s hand and gave him a small smile. “He caught me.”

“How cute,” Christian commented dryly.

You ignored the remark since he was clearly still irked by the fact you had stolen from him so you moved on as if he hadn’t spoken at all. “Needless to say, I feel responsible for how the season is going and I want to fix that. You see, I have connections with people in very low places and some of them owe me for saving their asses. Turns out it doesn't take much to convince a handful of key investors of Scuderia Ferrari into dumping a large percentage of their stocks…they are just waiting on my call.”

“And you’ll only make that call after I have hired you.”

You shook your head and pulled your phone out, placing it on the table. “The call is just an olive branch, it’s up to you if you take it or not. But it would be hard for their team to afford to make upgrades when their stocks plummet.”

He reached over his desk and took the phone that was all set to make the call to the unsaved number on the screen. “So why should I hire you if hitting this button solves my problem?”

“That doesn’t solve your problem, it just solves this problem. Your facilities are still lacking any serious onsite security, you’ve invested money into cybersecurity but next to nothing internally. I could walk in here tomorrow and do it all over again.”

“Babe,” Max chuckled nervously.

“I’m not,” you assured him with a shrug. “I’m just saying I could.”

“Actually,” Christian said as he held up a finger. “Do it. Do it successfully and you’re hired.”

His eyes returned to the phone in his hand and his thumb hit the small green button before putting it on speaker as he pushed it closer to me.

The line connected but no one greeted you as was expected when organising illegal activities. It would be quite damning to answer the phone with your name if the phone was tapped.

“Greenlight for the pony drop,” you said as you held Christian’s stare over the device. “Your debt is paid.”

The call disconnected and you reclined back in your chair as you slipped the phone back into your pocket. “I suppose I will see you in the morning.”

The long mousy brown wig almost blended into the beige pant suit that was two sizes too big. Both colours were so absolutely mundane that no one would take a second look and the lack of shape was practically an invisibility shield from the eyes of the men working security. They paid absolutely no mind to you as you walked through the front doors and towards the metal scanners.

At 8.30 in the morning it was the busiest time for people arriving at work and two out of the three lanes leading to the scanners were for foot traffic coming in. It was a simple act of slipping a coin into the pocket of the woman in the lane beside you and waiting for her to step through. All eyes turned on her the moment the alarm was set off and you used the distraction to pass your small cargo around the outside of the scanner as you stepped through, the machine remaining silent.

You were already halfway down the corridor before they had finished waving the wand over the woman’s clothes and they were none the wiser with who had just entered the building. There was no doubt that more security roamed the halls than before and you slipped into the bathrooms on the next floor as another pair made their way towards you on their rounds.

As soon as the door closed, you pulled off the suit jacket and turned it inside out so it was now a white lab coat similar to the other workers in the tech labs on this floor. Next you pulled on a pair of glasses with a hideously bright frame that both drew attention and did not match your face shape because secondhand embarrassment was the simplest way to defer attention away from you.

From all your interactions with Christian you had quickly determined he was a very disciplined man that always stuck to his schedule. There was no reason that wouldn’t he wouldn’t take his 9 o’clock walk to the cafeteria, take his double shot espresso and spend a few minutes out on the glass balcony while reading the sports section of the Sun.

He expected you to sneak into the labs like you had last time, but he had no clue what you really planned.

You left your safe spot in the bathroom when the hour ticked over and took the back stairwell to the top floor where the large office sat empty. You hadn’t even told Max of the plan, you had merely kissed his lips and told him not to worry when he asked you about it in bed last night. He could have pushed it and you would have told him but he was trusting you and that meant everything.

The thought of Max waiting in the hotel where you left him half asleep was almost enough to distract you but you took a deep breath and pushed your airpods into your ear and dialled the landline number saved. Across the hall, Christian’s PA answered her office phone with a polite greeting and you checked your watch.

“Hi Janine, Charlotte from DHL here,” you spoke sweetly as you watched another minute pass and knew you were short on time before Christian returned. “I have an urgent package for Mr Horner from Oracle Head Office but security won’t let me inside. Is it possible Mr Horner can come and collect it from the front desk?”

Keys rattled and a chair squeaked as the PA stood up, the landline tucked between her head and shoulder as she slipped on her heels she had kicked off under her desk. “Mr Horner doesn’t have time to waste collecting mail,” she said. “I’ll be down in a minute to sign for it.”

She slammed the phone back on the receiver before setting a quick pace to the elevator and pressing the button repeatedly until it arrived. As soon as those doors closed you were moving to the office, armed with a print of Christian’s thumb you had lifted from your phone screen. Maybe the olive branch wasn’t as much a gift of goodwill as you made him believe.

The scanner turned green and you grinned to the camera above the door as you turned the handle, the other hand pulling the wig off your head.

You were bored by the time Christian finally opened his office door to find you reclining in his chair with your ankles crossed over his desk.

“Janine, did you let Y/N in here?” he called out to his PA who had been busy working away since she returned empty handed from reception, oblivious to your presence across the hall.

“I haven’t let anyone in, Sir.” She stood up and peered through the glass walls before her eyes widened with surprise when you waved your fingers her way. “Shall I call security?”

“No need, thank you,” Christian said before stepping inside and closing the door behind him. “How did you get in here?”

“We can talk through the security shortcomings once I’ve signed my contract,” you said with a smile as you unplugged the thumb drive that had been set up with an auto-run program to scan through all the files on Christian’s computer and you tossed it to the stunned boss. “You’ll probably want to destroy that.”

Christian stared at the small piece of tech that had just tethered your futures together and he sighed as he pushed your feet off the desk. “No one sits in my chair. Scoot.”

You jumped to your feet with a mocking salute before making your way to the chair you had sat in only yesterday. “Yes, boss. Oh, and I took the liberty of downloading the security feed, for educational purposes of course.”

“Of course you did,” he groaned and rubbed at his temples. “So what name am I putting on the damn contract?”

You reached into your pocket and pulled out your ID and a letter with your tax details before sliding them over to him. “Do you know how much harder it was to get a passport in my bona fide birth name? That seems crazy to me.”

A quick rise of his eyebrows was the only indication he agreed with you as he scanned your documents and sent them to HR. “It’ll take them a little while to put the document together.”

“That’s fine, Max will probably still be in bed,” you replied as you lay down on the couch to get comfortable.

Miraculously, the contract was sent through only five minutes later and you borrowed Christian’s fountain pen to sign your name on every line after speed reading through the standard clauses.

“I’m not your enemy, Horner,” you said as the nib hovered over the final page. “I really am here to help protect Max, and I’m the only one who knows the lengths desperate people go to in this business to win.”

For once he seemed to find your words sincere as he sat back in his chair and sighed, a look of guilt and regret in those tired blue eyes. “You’re not the only one.”

The moment hung heavy as you understood what he was admitting before accepting it with a nod. “Then you know why we have to do better.”

Max looked like he was still waking up when you stepped into the room a little after 10am. He really wasn’t a morning person and you smiled as he blinked up at you from where he hugged his pillow, his hair sticking up at all angles from tossing and turning.

“Good morning, baby,” you greeted him, placing his coffee order beside the bed before sitting at the edge.

He sat up with a groan and shifted so he was leaning against the headboard before pulling you onto his lap and burying his face in your neck. “Nothing’s good about mornings,” he murmured. “How did it go?”

You leaned back into his embrace and pulled out your phone. “Want to see?”

“After,” he said as he took your phone and placed it next to his coffee. “I missed my morning cuddles.”

You turned in his arms so you were straddling his hips and you could mirror him, resting your cheek in the curve of his neck. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” he replied before he rolled with you in his arms and nuzzled his face into the valley of your breasts, getting cozy as you combed your fingers through his hair. “Move in with me.”

Your finger caught in a knot and he winced as you tugged free of it but you had been caught off guard. “You want me to move in with you?”

“I wouldn’t have asked otherwise,” he stated with his blunt sense of humour that made you smile. “Unless you like breaking in.”

“I mean,” you shrugged nonchalantly before he prodded your ribs and a laugh broke free. “There is a certain thrill to some B&E, spices up the relationship don’t you think?”

“Just say yes so we can celebrate and go home.” Max’s hands slipped under your shirt and his thumbs drew circles over your ribs as they climbed higher. “Say yes.”

“Yes, Max,” you giggled as you wrapped your legs around his waist and captured his face in your palms. “I’ve never had a real home before.”

He pushed himself up until his entire body covered yours and his blue eyes stared into your soul as you shared the same breath. “You do now.”

Click here for part six.

Tagging: @octaviareina @omgsuperstarg @mvclff1 @alwaysclassyeagle @icantcomeupwithamusicalname-blog @laneyspaulding19 @booknerd2004-blog @mimimarvelingmarvel @chonkybonky

#max verstappen x reader #max verstappen fanfic #max verstappen imagine #max verstappen x you #max verstappen x y/n #f1 imagine #f1 fanfic #f1 rpf #formula one imagine

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tiredsurvivoronmain · 10 days

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Wesker ensuring Chris survives in RE1

It's interesting that Wesker goes out of his way to save and protect Chris when he made it clear that his team was now expendable. (gonna ignore the plot/plot armour and all that here for a sec)

Waiting a second or two and Chris would have been out of the picture, one less member to worry about. He could have also fired and missed to pretend he was making an attempt to save Chris.

Then there's the gun left in the main hall (which was Jill's). Why would Wesker just leave it there and not take it with him? Surely it would have been smarter to take it with him and leave Chris defenceless and vulnerable. He must have known Chris could comeback to look for them (if he hadn't been killed by a zombie). Chris somehow lost his samurai edge as he was running to the mansion, Wesker would have noticed. When he takes Jill captive he left the gun for Chris to find and use.

Leaving notes, items and ammo for Chris outside safe rooms/areas as Chris progresses to help him survive would mean he may have known his whereabouts constantly or left them there on the off chance Chris would pass through the area. One thing in particular is something that has ?? me for a while; if Wesker was trying to be discrete/laying low and avoid his betrayal being known, why even let Chris know it was him helping? Could he have somehow pretended it was Jill leaving the items and make it seem she was okay? "Look for a way out." + "Make sure you can get away." why even write that? He didn't have show concern/pretend to care to keep up appearances, yet he seemed to want Chris to survive or escape instead of simply letting Chris die to a zombie or by Wesker himself killing him. And going out of his way to fix doors for him? That's just encouraging Chris to continue his investigations and survive.

Then the scene with Enrico. It only occurred to me much later that Wesker had actually saved Chris from being shot. Wesker had an opportunity to take them both out, or wait for Enrico shoot Chris and then take care of Enrico himself. It wouldn't have been hard for him to kill them both then and there.

Why go through all the trouble of keeping Chris alive long enough for him to find out the truth? Why want Chris in particular to survive long enough to see the Tyrant and his true motives? Ultimately I believe Wesker had faith in Chris to survive up until the lab moment, I don't think he saw Chris as expendable like the majority of his team and team bravo. If he was he would have made more of an effort to get him killed and wouldn't have helped/saved him. It was important for Chris to see Wesker's true colours. We don't really have much to go on in regards to what their relationship was like before the mansion incident, only by what the novels say and bits and pieces. One thing for sure is that Chris befriended Wesker and they were casual enough with each other for Chris to disregard Wesker's title as captain and calling him by his last name instead of 'captain' or even 'sir'.

Random thing I noticed but liked; in the opening cutscene there's a shot of Wesker aiming his gun to the right then it switched to Chris just after who's aiming his gun to the left, like they're aiming at each other.

#chris redfield #wesker #albert wesker #chrisker

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slytherinshua · 1 year

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SMITTEN

genre. fluff. warnings. kisses. pairing. joshua x reader. wc. 635. a/n. i'm struggling with writer's block just a little bit, but hopefully i can still write and post regularly.

"Good morning..." You heard a soft, tired whisper into your ear while strong arms encircled your waist. You smiled as Joshua sighed in comfort, enjoying the hug and the warm cinnamon smell that came from the frying pan.

“How late did you get back?”

“Like… 3 am.” He said, eyes closed and head resting on your back.

“I’m making french toast.”

“So I smell.” He smiled.

“Maybe it’ll wake you up more.” You said, flipping the bread to see the beautiful golden brown colour on the other side.

“Maybe… I’m still half asleep right now.”

“You could go back to sleep if you want. You don’t have anything scheduled today.”

“But the bed is cold without you.” He whined, hugging you tighter.

You hummed, “That seems like a grievous issue… What about breakfast in bed instead? With me there, of course. Wouldn’t want to let my baby get cold.” You said. He nodded in agreement, but refused to leave the hug which made you giggle.

“Are you going to keep clinging to me until I finish making breakfast?”

“If you let me.”

“You’re cute.” The comment made him smile, and you were completely enraptured by his sweet, sleepy state.

You finished frying the last 2 pieces of french toast, trying to manoeuvre around the kitchen to get plates and forks with Joshua still refusing to leave the hug. But you knocked him off eventually with the promise to take the food to your bed if he just let you prepare it without breaking something.

When you came into your bedroom with the food, you realised Joshua had changed his clothes. He was now wearing a pyjama set that matched yours and you giggled. Whenever he was this adorable, it took you by surprise.

“Here’s your toast, cutie.” You smiled, sitting next to him on the bed and placing the tray down.

“You’re amazing, Y/n.” He said, a smile blossoming on his face. “I love you.”

You turned to him, those 3 words still making your heart flutter even though you had said them countless times.

“I love you more.” You offered, giggling at the offended expression that Joshua gave you.

“You can’t possibly love me more than I love you.”

You shrugged, “Tough luck. That’s just how-” You suddenly felt his lips against yours, stopping you from finishing your thought. Blush spread on your cheeks from the action. Even after 4 years, Joshua Hong still had the same effect on you.

“I was just suddenly reminded of our first kiss, so I thought I would make it more obvious.” He said, fighting back a smile and starting to eat his french toast.

“But when we had our first kiss, we were fighting.”

“Were we not fighting just now?” Joshua asked teasingly.

“It wasn’t the same at all.” You defended.

“It was, because I kissed you to stop you from talking back then too.” He explained, “Back then… If I had let you continue what you were saying, you would’ve won that argument easily cause you’re smarter than me. So I thought ‘What can I do to make her stop talking?’ and then I kissed you.” He laughed.

Your jaw fell a little upon hearing this for the first time, “That was the reason?” You asked in disbelief.

He nodded, “Just to shut you up. It was totally similar to what just happened.”

“I never really thought about why you kissed me that first time… I was too fixated on the fact that you actually kissed me.”

“Really?”

You hummed, “I was so smitten by you back then, I thought you would only kiss me in my dreams.”

“Are you not still smitten by me now?” He asked, pouting.

You leaned in to kiss him again, “I’m still smitten by you. Always.”

He smiled, “Good.”

↳ svt taglist: @kangtaehyunzzz,, @yeonjuns-bluehair,, @syrxiee2

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aernx · 11 months

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⌕ CUPID’S REFLECTION ✶ 종성

[ 09 ]﹒₊﹒almost as if we're meant to be

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Jay stopped on his tracks as he saw your figure against the door. You were yet to notice him, your eyes linger on the cellphone you held, seemingly typing something on your phone, focus fully averted.

Jay took a second to admire his said enemy. With your eyebrows forming a small crouch and the way your finger settled on your lips made it look like you were thinking.

A light breeze was like a soft blow to your hair, displaying your cheeks to the sunlight as he noticed the peachy colour of the blush you wore.

Maybe Jay would never admit it but, he always seem to notice every little thing about you. You wear a different liptint? He notices. You use a pinker shade of blush? He sees the way it compliments your visage.

Sure you were his enemy and vice versa. But that doesn’t mean he can’t admire your beauty right?

But still your beauty seemed to irk him. Gosh, why were you so pretty? Hating you would be easier if you were at least a bit ugly.

Jay considered himself as a smart student, sure not smarter than Jake but he could solve complex mathematical equations with no issue. But why was it when it comes to you, the answer always remain blurry, as if covered by a thick fog.

Maybe Jake was right. Maybe he was secretly falling deeper. Nah he wasn’t. It’s just that he’s weirdly attracted to you that’s all. You’re just pretty, yeah that’s it.

But for a second, Jay let himself get lost in your view before snapping out of his daze, clearing his throat, making his presence known.

Your head snapped towards the vibration that rung on your eardrums, a sight of Jay ahead of you opt you to lock your phone down before putting it inside your shoulder bag.

“So why’d you call me here?”

“Are you dumb or dummer? If you haven’t notice, Jjongsaengie. Our two friends are awfully head over heels for each other.” You paused before continuing, your hand pointing between you and him.

“So it’s our job to leave the two alone.”

Jay wasn’t dumb, of course he wasn’t. In fact he was one of the top students. The present scowl gracing his lips only made you let out a little chuckle. “You’re not very good at this aren’t you?”

Your words triggered Jay to roll his eyes. “You know you ruin that pretty face of yours with your foul mouth. You should try this thing called shutting up.”

“Really, you think so?” You tilted your head, feigning a little pout. “Other guys seem to really like my mouth, though.”

A bush of roses bloom on the apple of Jay’s cheeks, his eyes shot up, clearly not expecting those words of yours.

A small smile crawled to the end of your lips, curving it upwards. Cute.

“Uh-uhm so.” Flustered, he cleared his throat, attempting to change the topic. “When did you realize that I was getting them together too?”

“Ah that.” You squinted your eyes, thinking of a response.

“At first i didn’t know why you wanted to talk to Karina, but then i see the way Heeseung is literally all heart eyes around her and I see the way your always there pushing him to do something about it.”

Jay hummed at your response before saying, “Ah, always the observant Jeon Yn. So I’m guessing that’s also the reason why you wanted to talk to Hee?”

You nodded your head slightly, letting go a little ‘mhm’

“Well, I’m sorry I broke one of your cupid arrows.” A small apologetic smile kissed the tip of his lips.

“Nah it’s don’t worry about it.” You waved your hand in a dismissive way before continuing, “I’m just getting started, baby.”

Hell yeah you were. You were determined to get Heeseung and Karina together no matter what. It was clear that they both held infatuation towards the other and she did not want to let go of such a golden opportunity.

“Oh and I’m not sorry I slapped you by the way.”

A laugh erupted from his throat. “Ah typical lotus.”

Lotus? It has been years since Jay had referred you with that. A flower you’ve always dreaded. You hate lotuses and Jay knew that very well.

But right now at this moment, why does that nickname triggered the smile instead of a frown on your lips. Maybe you missed the way he called you that. Sure you said you hated it, you really do. But you can’t help but notice that it had grew on you just a little bit.

“Same for you right? Seems like I’ve been a hindrance for you to get a chance too.” You joked a little.

“Since when are you not a hindrance? Last time I checked you’ve always been a hindrance to me.” Jay raised one of his eyebrows, his expression telling you that he was just playing.

It’s been a long time since the two of you got to talk like this. Just talk, no war between words. It would be embarrassing to admit it but maybe, you did kinda liked it.

“Anyways we need a plan.” Jay started causing you to tilt your head, motioning for him to continue.

“We need a plan to get Heeseung and Karina together.” As you can tell they are so dense.” He said, emphasizing on the ‘so’.

You placed your finger on your chin, wondering. “Aren’t you famous for failing at cupid, Jongseong?”

But that doesn’t bring him down. “Aren’t you famous for getting people together by accident? Isn’t that perfect, Yn? It’s almost as if we’re made for each other.”

You knew he was joking in the last part he said. It worked, you were now giggling at his words. “Wow if I didn’t hate you so much I would’ve swooned on your last sentence.”

“Who knows maybe you might soon enough, after all I’m just getting started, baby.” Now you didn’t know who this was or what happened to your Jongseong. Was he seriously flirting with you right now?

“What’s with this 180 degrees shift of personality? You’ve always been an ass around me.” You squinted your eyes, suspicion looming behind those ireses.

And with that Jay was back to serious mode. “It’s true, I still don’t like you. But I love Heeseung more than I hate you, you know? I want him to be happy. And if being with Karina makes him happy, then I’m willing to do anything to get them together.”

You relate with what he said and actually put his words in your thoughts. It’s true, you and Jay were never in good terms. But for now, for Karina, you would do it.

“So, what do you say?” He offered once more.

You look up into his dilated pupils, looking through them for a few seconds before saying. “Yeah, let’s do it.”

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AERINOTES ⟡ we’re finally on to the main plot 😗 also jay n yn’s rivalry aren’t that deep. It’s actually kinda funny now that I think about it. Well this smau isn’t that srs so i hope u guys aren’t dissatisfied hehe (bc it’s js all 4 giggles am i rite)

TAGLIST + open ! send ask/comment to be added in

@kazmura @reivrze @hanniluvi @luvkpopp @lunavixia @iadorethemskz @yswon @luvistqrzzz @writingmeraki @143lele @thea-herondale @chaewon-slays @voguewonye @viagumi @linyki @flwrshee @miercerise @star4rin @ashy1um @arwn-yng @143won @yizhoutv @en-dream @mikaymee @sieuneo @moonmoongi @wonqr @sunnyglower @jayujus @donghyckl @teddywonss @haechansbbg @beomsbeanie @youmenotyummy @misoxhappy @chaerybae

nets ! @k-labels @hyfenet @kflixnet @enhanet

#⌕ cupid’s reflection ˖ ♡̷̸⁩#k labels #enhanet #enhypen x reader #enhypen smau #jay x reader #enhypen imagines #enhypen x you #enhypen fanfiction #park jay x reader #park jay x you #jongseong x reader #enhypen jay x reader #enhypen ff #jay imagines #park jongseong x reader #jongseong imagines

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pink-sparkly-witch · 8 months

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The One That Got Away - Chapter Twelve

Warnings: nerves, first date, fluff, angst, Dean’s insecurities raise their ugly head.

Word Count: 1.7k

Pairing: Firefighter!Dean Winchester x Female Reader

A/N: I didn’t have a beta for this, so all mistakes are mine.

You can catch up here!

My Masterlist AO3 Ko-Fi

Dean hadn’t told her what they were doing for their date, only to dress casually. As she was putting the finishing touches to her hair and makeup, there was a knock at her door, and she felt her nerves build. As she walked through the apartment, her heart beat wildly, and the nervous energy coursing through her made her feel like she’d take off at any second.

Stopping at the door, she grasped the handle and took a few deep, calming breaths, desperately trying to calm her racing heart and the butterflies swarming in her stomach.

Opening the door, the sight of Dean made Y/N’s knees go weak. She could tell he was just as nervous as she was by the way he was shuffling from foot to foot, and she couldn’t help but grin at how adorable he was.

“You look beautiful, Y/N,” Dean swallowed nervously. “These are for you.” He held out a bouquet of her favourite flowers with a shy smile.

“You remembered?” Y/N asked in awe.

“Of course I did! I’d never forget my girl’s favourite flowers.” Dean blushed as soon as the words left him and looked down at his feet, and she swore her heart skipped a beat.

“They’re beautiful,” Y/N smiled bashfully and leaned forward, smelling the fragrant blooms. “Thank you, Dean. Come in while I put these in water.”

“I love what you’ve done with the place,” Dean said as he followed her through the apartment. “It’s nice to see colour on the walls rather than the usual beige.”

Y/N frowned in confusion, wondering if he knew one of Jody’s previous occupants.

“I help Bobby get the place spruced up and ready for the next person. Despite what he says, he’s not as fit as he used to be!” Dean chuckled.

“If you value your life, don’t tell him that!” Y/N laughed.

“Oh, I’m smarter than that, Princess!” Dean’s amused smirk became much softer as he watched Y/N fill a vase with water and place it on the dining table. She carefully put them in the vase and leaned towards the blooms, inhaling their scent one last time.

“Alright, let’s go,” Y/N said as she walked towards him. “Where are we going, anyway?”

“That is a surprise, sweetheart,” Dean smirked.

“Dean,” she scowled at him.

“Y/N,” he grinned.

“I hate surprises!” she groaned and pouted.

“I know,” Dean smiled, “but I promise you’ll love this one.”

“Fine,” Y/N huffed as she locked the door and carelessly threw her keys into her purse.

“You haven’t changed a bit,” Dean laughed at her overdramatic reaction.

“Neither have you. Still trying to piss me off at every turn. You think you’re so funny, don’t you?”

“I think I’m adorable!” Dean grinned boyishly, knowing by the glint in her eyes that she was messing with him.

“You’re insufferable, Winchester! This surprise date better be good, or there won’t be another one!” Y/N winked at him before turning and walking down the corridor towards the elevator.

He knew he shouldn’t; he was better than this, but he wasn’t, not really, and he couldn’t help it and let his eyes drop to her denim-clad ass and groaned quietly in appreciation as it swayed away from him.

“Get a grip, man!” Dean mumbled to himself before jogging to catch up to her.

Dean was the perfect gentleman, holding open doors for her and helping her slide comfortably into Baby’s worn leather seats. The drive out of town was familiar and comforting for Y/N. She recognised the road and landmarks through town. As the city turned to country, she recognised farmhouses and trees, grinning when she realised where Dean was taking her.

“Perry Lake, huh?” Y/N said as she glanced at Dean and giggled at his shocked lock.

“I didn’t think you’d remember this road,” he smirked.

“Come on, Dean, really? We must’ve come up here a hundred times when we were kids. Of course, I remember the road.”

“Yeah,” Dean chuckled, “we had some great times up here, and I thought parking Baby at our spot, having a picnic on her hood, and watching the sunset, might be a nice second first date,” he shrugged as if it was nothing, took her hand in his and raised it to his lips pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles.

“Sounds romantic,” Y/N grinned at the sweet gesture. “You always did know how to sweep me off my feet!” she chuckled.

“I hope I still can!” Dean laughed. “I, uh, also thought it would be good to be somewhere quiet and private.”

“Do you think you’re gonna get lucky tonight or something?” Y/N's teasing tone made Dean laugh.

“That is not… no… I mean, I wouldn’t say no… I’d have to be crazy to do that. I mean, look at you, you’re gorgeous and sexy and perfect, but no, sweetheart, I’m not expecting that. I’d never expect that.”

“I know, Dean.” Y/N smiled at him fondly and settled back in Baby's front seat, content to ride out the rest of the journey in comfortable silence with Dean next to her, lost in her memories of Memorial Days, Independence Days, and Labor Days at the lake.

Dean’s picnic date was perfect. He’d picked up burgers and fries from the diner they’d had their first first date, along with two slices of pie and a six-pack of beer from the store. He placed a large woollen blanket over Baby’s hood to make them more comfortable and handed her a smaller blanket in case she got cold. They had some small talk about their day while they ate, and as they waited for the sun to set, the conversation turned to the only thing they hadn’t covered in the few weeks Dean had been recovering.

Relationships.

Y/N had already told him about Ross, the guy whose proposal she turned down, but he didn’t know much about Taylor. So, she told him how they met and how he’d snuck out on her after their first night together – even though it was his apartment.

They’d then met again in the same bar, with the same thing happening for a second time… a third… and a fourth. On the fifth, they’d come to an understanding with one another and started a friends with benefits arrangement that lasted for three years until she left Chicago.

In return, Dean told her about Lisa. They’d had a whirlwind romance the year after Y/N left for college that ended when Lisa moved to Kansas City. She came back years later with a son in tow whose age lined up with the time he and Lisa had been together. They hit it off again and started dating.

Dean told Y/N that he genuinely thought Ben was his son. He was heartbroken when he found out he wasn’t because he’d always wanted kids. But he was also relieved because when he thought of having kids, he always thought of Y/N being their mother.

Dean and Lisa went on to have a relationship for a year, even living together and him becoming a father figure to Ben. Then, Lisa started talking about getting married and having more kids, and Dean realised he couldn’t give her those things.

After that, Dean spoke to Lisa and explained that although he cared deeply about her and Ben, he’d never be able to give them more than what they had and that, through no fault of hers, she’d never have his heart, not when there was a chance, however small, that Y/N would come home.

To jeopardise a happy life with a loving partner on a “what if” was bittersweetly romantic to Y/N. Both had good people who loved them and wanted to marry them, but both had walked away from that, never knowing if they would ever be with who they really wanted to be with.

It made her glaringly aware that their feelings ran much deeper than even she knew. That they truly were still in love with each other. They were made for each other, and nothing and no one could ever come between them.

The icing on the cake for Y/N was when Dean dropped her back at her apartment and said goodnight with nothing more than his boyish smirk and a kiss on the cheek. For some reason, it meant the world to her that he’d started and ended their date as a gentleman. Not that Dean wasn’t usually a gentleman, it was just that after their history, and the few weeks of getting to know each other again, she expected he’d want more than a sweet kiss on the cheek.

Grinning like a lovesick teenager, Y/N moved around her apartment, getting ready for bed. Her phone chimed with an incoming message, and she knew Dean had safely made the drive back across town.

Dean I had a great time tonight. I can’t wait to do it again. Goodnight, Princess xx

Dean’s message had been left on read all night. He wasn’t worried at first, knowing Y/N had come off a night shift rotation just yesterday morning. He’d suggested they postpone for a few days, but she insisted they still went out last night.

As the day went on, he was glad he was working. Having a busy shift meant he wasn’t constantly checking his phone for a reply. But as the emergency calls eased into the evening and all the drills and housekeeping tasks had been completed, he found himself without distractions.

Secluding himself in his office under the guise of paperwork, Dean could feel the insecurities creeping in. Maybe Y/N had a terrible time on their date and was only being polite when she said otherwise. Maybe she’d changed her mind and didn’t want to try again. Maybe last night proved to her that he wasn’t good enough for her.

The flashing red light, alarm bells and the operator calling his engine to a structure fire were a blessing. It instantly pulled him out of his head and put it straight in the game. The walk to the turnout gear racks was therapeutic. As he climbed into the fire truck with his helmet in his hand and slammed the door behind him, all thought of why Y/N hadn’t texted back was left behind at the firehouse.

At least for now.

Next Chapter >>

Tags: @acitygrownwillow @akshi8278 @ashbatz @candy-coated-misery0731 @chriszgirl92 @deans-baby-momma @deans-spinster-witch @deansbbyx @deanwanddamons @duncanhillscoffeecups @foxyjwls007 @giggles1026 @globetrotter28 @hobby27 @hoboal87 @impala67rollingthroughtown @iprobablyshipit91 @jackles010378 @jamerlynn @jc-winchester @k-slla @kazsrm67 @kmc1989 @lacilou @ladysparkles78 @leigh70 @lyarr24 @maliburenee @michecolegate @mrsjenniferwinchester @nancymcl @negans-lucille-tblr @nelachu2423 @octoberclidan @perpetualabsurdity @roseblue373 @sandlee44 @sexyvixen7 @snackles87 @spnbaby-67 @spnwoman @stixnstripesworld @stoneyggirl2 @suckitands33 @synmorite @tristanrosspada-ackles @twinkleinadiamondsky @waters-2567

#the one that got away #firefighter!dean winchester x reader #au dean winchester x reader #tw: child abuse #tw: alcoholism #tw: physical abuse #tw: verbal abuse #firefighter!dean winchester #dean winchester x reader

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siriannatan · 1 year

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Prep & Punk - Flower Husbands

AU by @vyeoh, it's really cool and stuff and all their art is really good

AO3

[Treebark thingy from this AU]

Jimmy would literally rather be anywhere but where he was now. In Scott's bedroom. Trying to focus on maths. With only him and Scott in the whole house. Completely unable to focus.

Why was Jimmy spending his weekend with Scott and not Grian and Joel? As much as studying wasn't a 'bad boy' thing, almost failing most his classes was apparently even less so. So their math teacher assigned Jimmy a tutor - Scott apparently volunteered to spend his time trying to get some information into Jimmy's head. He had no idea why after their last rather messy break up and the whole Tango thing... jimmy tried really hard to think about geometry and not that. It wasn't all that hard. But quite frankly focusing on anything right now was a bit difficult.

In the past three months, he spend pretty much ignoring Scott's existence he forgot about a certain habit Scott had. He liked to wear skirts. Not a bad thing in the slightest. Jimmy was all for everyone wearing whatever they wanted. He, Grian and Joel had their leather jackets. Cleo, Scar and Bdoubs their weird old people shades, and Tango and his friends had their ties. Scott and Martyn had Pink. The capital 'P' is not a typo. Literally every Wednesday the two showed up in pink. And back when Jimmy was dating Scott he himself would wear something pink to fit Scott better.

Grian and Joel still poked fun at him for that.

No. The skirt was neither nothing new or a problem in itself. The problem was how much of Scott's legs it exposed, making Jimmy's brain unable to think about anything but that. And suddenly realise he's missing Scott. But who could blame him? Scott was damn pretty and smart and... just Scott. And that maybe his marks were better when he'd sit around Scott and Martyn - very unhappy that Scott would explain everything to Jimmy at least three times - studying. Jimmy was no Grian or Joel, just hearing about a thing during the class was not nearly enough for him.

A sudden flick to his forehead had him looking up at Scott's face. It was no less distracting than the skirt. "Eyes up here Jim," he chuckled and Jimmy felt a weird pang. He never called him back when... "Have you heard a single word of what I just said?"

"Juliet's potion only made her look like she died?" Jimmy tried to scrabble together something they talked about in the past hour. He instantly knew he was wrong by the sigh Scott let out.

"We're at maths, Pythagorean theorem," he said but did not sound the slightest bit angry. Just a bit disappointed and maybe sad. "You didn't use to be that bad, Jim, no matter how short of a skirt I wore in the past. What happened?" he asked, pushing some hair off of Jimmy's face.

Jimmy just shrugged. He was not about to admit he didn't really study without Scott there. "I don't know," he shrugged instead and tried to focus on the pale pink, full of colourful side comments and sticky notes page of Scott's notebook. Scott's notes were always so clear and easy to understand. Jimmy sat through more than one session of Scott working on them and technically understood how it worked but was still beyond impressed. "I guess I was busy with other things..."

"I know I'm probably the least 'bad boy' person you know but you know you can always come and ask me if you don't understand something?" Scott sighed, leaning back and gently kicking Jimmy under the low table they were sitting on a fluffy carpet by. "I know you probably like Tango better... I can see when I've lost but... I don't want you to fail school. Not when I know you're smarter than that," he said, looking away from Jimmy, all slumped and sad and Jimmy felt mildly like a jerk.

He broke Scott's heart with a damn text. Managed to stay together with Tango for only like a month until they both realised they are too different. And then spend two more months avoiding Scott and admitting his own feelings. And throwing all the studying Scott practically dragged him through away... "No... Me and Tango... We weren't all that compatible... Not that way. He's cool to hang out with but most of the time I have no idea what he's talking about, it's damn hard to keep up with him..."

"Jim... please don't..." Scott protested and pounded the table. Glaring at Jimmy with teary eyes.

"I'm not," Jimmy stopped him and gently took his and in both of his. "I've spent three months being an idiot and I'm frankly done with that. I missed you. I missed carrying your bag. I missed you leaning on me when there are no free chairs or we're stuck in a line. I missed sitting silently while you study. I even missed Martyn's grumbling. But mostly I missed listening to you talk and just being around you... I missed you Scott," Jimmy really hoped he managed to express what he just realised. That his grouchy and angry phase was just him denying he was missing Scott playing with his hair and playing with Scott's hair. "I miss you so damn much..." he added, barely a whisper, not daring to look away from Scott for even a second.

"You promise... you promise it's all true and nothing but?" Scott sniffed, staring at his held by Jimmy's hands.

"I do, Scott," Jimmy nodded. He was never so sure of anything he's ever said.

"So it'd be okay if I said we should have a break and maybe a nap?" Scott asked with a pout.

Jimmy had nothing against a break and a nap. Maybe ended up texting home he'd be staying over at Scott's and not at all telling Grian and Joel where he was the whole weekend. And maybe Scott wore Jimmy's leather jacket the whole Monday. And maybe there was a bright pink hairpin in Jimmy's hair.

#my stuff #my stories #fanfic #fanfiction #trafficshipping #traffic smp #limited life #limited life shipping #flower husbands #jimmy solidarity #scott smajor #punk x prep au

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cherryfennec · 2 months

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hot take: the bosses in super paper mario permanently damaged any chance of the game ever getting rpg mechanics, it would make the rpg mechanics feel cheap and the bosses feel boring, especially super dimentio

abandoning the flippage and making the game be fully 3d like sm64 would be a good move though

Super Paper Mario stands out in the Paper Mario games especially because of the fact that the bosses aren't turn based. The fact that they mixed RPG and platformer elements was interesting, in the end some of them hit while some miss.

The bossess definitely have quite a lot of charm from being in full motion and not locked to turns, you get to see personality through movement like O'Chunks being a little slow to react, Dimentio and Mr.L being hard to catch and Bleck taking advantage of the background. A few that especially benefit are: Fracktails entire battle, Mimi climbing the ceiling midfight (and also her and Dimentio being able to flip after you), Brobot L-type or even Super Dimentio like you mentioned.

Despite this I have to admit that some fights might feel underwhelming gameplay wise. Getting personality is awesome but if it's at the expense of difficulty or unfun mechanics then it might be better to not push it. Especially with the problem of BIG open spaces. Chapter 4-4 boss room is super open and super empty which feels a little anticlimactic while Mimis boss room is super small and has little wiggle room. Mimi was in fact harder than Mr.L just because of the fact i couldn't jump or evade her as easily.

This doesn't mean that everything should be crammed into a small area but it is a little cheesy seeing the AI struggle to attack you in the few ways it can. (again with Mr.L, he makes mighty leaps in this large room and with how slow he descends and predictable the landing spot is you can just. walk under.)

When it comes to making it 3D sm64 style it would be conceptually interesting but personally? I think it should remain paper style. A story like this would be difficult and very time consuming to execute in the mainline 3D Super Mario style, especially considering the time it released in. The main focus here was clearly the lore and dialogue which a lot of people agree is the best thing about it. It's cut like a story book, which ties with being Paper Mario, and the idea that these characters are already doomed by the narrative.

But that's an entirely different discussion so I won't delve deeper or else we'll be here much longer.

If I could personally offer any changes to SPM it would be:

The timer on the FLIP ability sucks, either extend or remove completely. I want to see all these beautiful assets and bosses in 3D which are already fully programed but the timer is actively discouraging me from doing so because of the damage penalty. "Mario is getting nauseous that's why he can't stay there long" is a cool in-universe explanation but it's not fun gameplay wise.

Personal design nitpick but some areas could use some retouches. What do you mean you associated the colour of the Pure Heart to the worlds palette only in 4 Chapters? What about the rest? Please keep going!!

Increase the difficulty a little (aka make the AI somewhat smarter). Personality and struggle is what makes a character memorable in games. (really big detour but for example take Malenia from Elden Ring, she has lore that is optional to learn and yet theres a big chance you'll remember her anyway because she's a super hard boss)

This ones more of a 'what if' but I've been trying to imagine for a while the possibility of: normally everything is 3D/with depth like the other Paper Mario games and when you FLIP it becomes 2D (basically reversing the effect). I know this ruins Fracktail and would require more work with sculpting the environments but I like the thought of the hub being 3D. If not that at least add more assets to the environment when you flip. A lot of the time every tree and rock is in 2D while 3D is just so empty. Also consider just for a moment how little people FLIP during bosses and areas, probably forgetting they even can, and missing out on these cool models. Either that or they're aware that when they do FLIP they won't see anything because the cameras obscured by a wall (looking at you chapter 4).

In conclusion I think this take has stable ground and in the end I agree to an extent! There are some rather specific cases that I feel would work better in a turn based system but overall a lot of them are good as they are!

Making the game like sm64 sounds fun but could be difficult to execute without loosing any of the beautiful charm the Paper Mario format/style provides to it's stories.

#spm #super paper mario #askbox

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azure-cherie · 2 years

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𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒅𝒂𝒎𝒏 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒍𝒚

Pac Intuitive reading ♡︎♡︎♡︎

Use your intuition and choose one of the pictures above , take what resonates and leave the rest !

𝑃𝑖𝑙𝑒 1 ♥︎

You're working towards your goals so that you can lead a better life, someone here is a little bit frustrated with a feminine figure, but you wanna be so good and do the best so that the feminine figure is proud of you .

Someone here does really cool photography or maybe art , maybe you have submitted a portfolio as well , some of you are working on it , it will give fruitful results.

You're removing your throat chakra blockages and planning to speck up for the one in need , when younger you may have been shunned a lot now you are speaking up against those who did you wrong.

Someone learns martial arts here , or maybe weight lifting I guess , or maybe you exercise, recently you achieved a goal or managed to pull up a lot of weight.

You are decorating your room making it a sanctuary, that is so good ! A beautiful place gives us so much more creativity!

Some things you might relate to : Cola , faraway, dancing in the dark , retro , queen , monster, ping pong , interviews , double roles , Polaroid , heart eyes , rose blush , buildings, Aries , Scorpio in 2nd house , destiny , life was a willow and it bend back to your wind , paper cups , plastic dolls , wind chimes.

𝑃𝑖𝑙𝑒 2 ♥︎

You're studying and putting efforts day and night, an exam maybe coming up , you're going to ace it ! But hey please take care of your health you don't have to be so hard on yourself!

You are practicing journalling and trying to stay away from social media as much as you can which is great , you're curing addictions.

Some of you had anger issues or vengeance towards someone , you are understanding that the person is no longer your concern and you deserve the best .

Some of you are interested in the acting industry or modelling industry and you are practicing wholeheartedly for it . Someone here writes as well, maybe fan fics you're improving at it

You are accepting your sexuality, and letting go of guilt related to it , your sacral and heart chakra is in a healing phase .

Some things you might relate to : smiles , papers , coloured rooms, boxes , Darlin darlin stand by me , the colour purple, pride and prejudice, oath , light academia, money plant , island , dolls, fifth house stellium or Libra stellium, Birkin bag , chanel perfume , pearls , stuffed toys , pepperoni, burgers, delusion , fracture , mountains .

𝑃𝑖𝑙𝑒 1 ♥︎

Some of you are working on improving your spiritual abilities, Intuition, your trying to shift , your shifting will be happening if you keep putting efforts , do you own a shell keychain or something?

You're reading books to get smarter , not academic books but the ones to save yourself like "dark psychology" to save yourself from manipulation.

You might have been passive for a long time , now you are not taking actions but observing people around you so that you can get the best shot .

You're getting into your dark feminine energy, becoming coquettish, siren like . You are balancing your root chakra as well.

Some of you are doing charity or maybe helping your friends, feeding the poor or donating clothes , let me tell you, they are blessing you so much because of your kind heart .

Some things you might relate to : toxic boyfriend, bridges , tools , fire , thunder , potion, Fenugreek , horses , butterflies , prominent asteroid Neverland , Willy Wonka , sci-fi , retro futuristic aesthetic, sparkles , the colour turquoise, translucent, barista , crush by Richard Siken .

You know the only rule tell me if it resonates ꒰⑅ᵕ༚ᵕ꒱˖♡

Thank you so much have a beautiful day/night ahead ♡︎

#tarot community #intuitive tarot reading #intuitive readings #pick a deck #pick an image #pick a pile #pick a card reading #pick a card #pac tarot

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criolla-star · 2 months

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Overwhelmed(Vinny x Garmadon)Part 27

(I suggest you check out parts 1-26 if you haven't already)

Vinny stayed sitting up in bed, not being able to go back to sleep how could he? Some weird figure that's he's never seen was in here watching him sleep and probably the reason for that awful nightmare. The cameraman reached for a bottle of water and drank from it. He stood up and wobbled slightly before going over to the bathroom. Vinny stared at the mirror and washed his face, "It wasn't real....then who was that...?" he thought as he looked down at the sink his hands holding onto both sides of it.

"Should I tell someone....? I can't tell Garm...he'd freak out....Nya? No....she'd tell Lloyd and I don't want that...." Vinny said as he splashed water over his face a second time. An idea popped in his head, "Wu! He'd probably know what to do....he won't tell anyone.....hopefully..." Vinny said before realising something, "Where's all the others...it's the only 6pm and how didn't they see that person come in....then again it did just disappear as well..." Vinny said as he continued talking to himself.

"Holy shit...I really have lost it haven't I....I'm probably seeing things....I'm just tired.....but I don't want to go to sleep..." Vinny said as he looked back at the mirror. He jumped back in surprise, to his surprise he reflection was looking back smiling it's eyes were a different colour they were now dark red..... Vinny grabbed a toothbrush to try and defend himself even though it would do nothing. "Are you scared~?" The reflection said as it grabbed the toothbrush from Vinny. the cameraman was really shaken up.

"You-You're not real.." Vinny whimpered out fearfully. "Yes I am...I'm as real as you, as Lloyd, as Nya as all the ninja and I'm as real as Garmadon~ He's real isn't he~ actually here's a bigger question! Are you real~!" The reflection asked Vinny stumbled back, "Y-yes...what kind of dumb question is that!? If anyone no, anything isn't real it's you!" Vinny said in a panicky tone before quieting his tone since Garmadon was sleeping.

The reflection smirked, "No need to worry about waking your boyfriend~ He won't be able to hear you~" the reflection teased as if swung the toothbrush around, "I don't know what you are....but are you even real?" Vinny asked, the reflection turned to him and smirked, "Of course I am~!" the reflection said as it stuck its head out of the mirror and grabbed Vinny by the collar. Vinny tired pulling away, but couldn't, "Even if you are real you're not me!" Vinny hissed as he dug his nails into the 'things' hands causing it to flinch its hands back.

The room changed colour from a blue and white scheme to a dark red and black scheme as the reflection climbed out of the mirror. "You know...I really thought this was gonna be easy...but he was right you really are smarter than you look~ Let me help you" The reflection spoke out as it went closer to Vinny and grabbed his cheeks making him look at it. "The fuck is that supposed to mean?!" the cameraman hissed. Trying to pry free of its grip, "Wow so much more aggressive as well, all bark not bite~" The reflection teased.

"Y'know....I saw the way you looked when you found out Misako upset Garmadon....I know you can kill....say how about we go after Lloyd and Nya~!" The reflection teased before summoning a dagger from thin air and placing it in Vinnys' hands. The cameraman looked at his hands and tightened the grip on the dagger. "What about your little boyfriend~ Well he isn't exactly little he's like twice your size, but, why don't I go hurt him...make him feel miserable...make him feel like he really hasn't changed and is still just a monster!" The reflection shouted before getting stabbed in the stomach by Vinny.

"Heh...good...perfect just what I wanted.." The reflection said before taking the dagger out which was covered in blood. "And wow did you stab hard...." it said as it twirled the dagger around, poor Vinny was so tired and sick of this. "Like I said before he was right about you being smarter...and more aggressive than you look..." the reflection chuckled before disappearing into thin air.

"What the fuck...?" Vinny said as the room returned to it's original blue and white colour scheme. "Who was that...who the fuck were they talking about..?" Vinny said as he began panicking and left the bathroom. "Fuck...all in my head..." the cameraman said as he sat back down on the bed.

"If it's all in my head why'd he know so much...." Vinny thought as he rested his face in his hands

(DAMN I'M TRAUMATISING HIM BUT I LOVE THIS CHAPTER IT'S MY FAVE SO FAR AND GARMADON JUST SLEEPING THROUGH IT MAKES ME DIE OF LAUGHTER)

#fanfiction #ninjago #survivalshipping #vinnyxgarmadon #garmadon #vinnyofngtvnews

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poolsidescientist · 1 month

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I generally believe in free speech and leave signs and stickers be but someone put up some fancy "Palestine" stickers in my neighbourhood and I'm just tired of the bullshit so I peeled them off the lamp posts and thew them away. It's probably a kid at the nearby high school who thinks they're clever and spends too much time on social media. They were high quality stickers, a graphic designer had put a lot of time and effort into them with bright ink for the famous watermelon (originally a symbol used to promote kibbutz products), a map of the Israel/Palestine region (all in one colour of course), and a QR code.

Some were across from my Ukrainian neighbour's house, I know she didn't put them up. Her and my mum who is also of Ukrainian descent are both panicking trying to get everything ready for Easter. It got me thinking. Sometimes she has a Ukrainian flag outside her house. My mom occasionally puts one up too. There's no coordinated movements aside from some online fundraisers and like, trying to inform ourselves and others about what is going on. Any movements I've seen are grassroots. No fancy stickers or QR codes on our end as far as I know. Ukrainians want Russia out of Ukraine. They don't want to kill every Russian on planet earth.

I think of the fancy anti-Israel stickers, and more importantly the student encampments and misinformation campaigns that have sprung up in recent months. These are not grassroots movements but well funded and coordinate efforts built on old prejudices in a modern package. The war is horrible. All wars are. The sooner it ends, with the most lives saved the better. But this "activism" does not reach the people of Gaza, at least not the civilians who need it the most. Dehumanizing jewish and Israeli people is nothing new, but the ability to spread misinformation through social media is. Peace is not the goal here. That's not where the resources are going. Putin does not want peace either. Only domination. As do Hamas and other islamic fundamentalists.

Having a scapegoat or enemy responsible for all the ills of society is seductive in turbulent times. So many of us are isolated and anxious, making us vulnerable. I've seen people much smarter than me fall into hatred and conspiracy theories. These are not new. I'm not immune and neither are you. But we share the world. And each of us has a right to be here regardless of where we're from or where we live. And I'm not going anywhere.

#such is life #antisemitism #kinda #mainly a collection of thoughts I don't want to put in the main tags #because they're not really cohesive #but I suppose that's what a blog is for

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gorogues · 8 months

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Fictober 2023

Prompt number #25 Fanfiction Fandom: Flash Rogues Rating: T – Teen and up Warnings: Profanity.

Day Twenty-Five: “Do I look like I knew that?”

“Can’t wait to see their place, mate. I bet it’s all in a ridiculous green and yellow striped colour scheme, and probably has ice skates all over.”

Len was in a far less chipper mood than Digger, but was nonetheless glad to have someone tagging along for backup during a visit to his sister’s house.

“No. It looks pretty normal, but still…he lives there.”

The duo parked their car down the street and walked to the house, but Len suddenly stopped when they stood out front and could see partially into the living room window: there were indoor growing lights inside the house.

“What the hell..?” Len exclaimed in outraged disbelief. “Is that motherfucker growing weed in the place he shares with Lisa?!”

“I think he’s more like a sisterfu—” Digger began, but Len’s head whipped around to glower at him before he could finish, and he quickly went silent.

Len ran to the front door and rang the doorbell more times than was necessary, and Lisa soon answered with a happy smile and an attempted hug. “Lenny!”

But Len was on a mission now, and not interested in any social niceties. “Where is he, and where are the drugs?”

“He’s in his lab, and what drugs?” she said with a very strange look.

“The weed he’s growing in your living room! I thought you two were smarter than that, Lisa!”

She began laughing and gestured for the others to follow her to the living room. There, she pointed to a grow-op which looked nothing like cannabis nor any other kind of substance they were familiar with.

“He learned about the existence of spinning top peppers recently, and has gotten very into them,” Lisa said with a slight rolling of eyes. “You know what he’s like when something catches his interest, but it’s all pretty innocuous and I think it’s kinda cute.”

“Come again? Spinning top peppers?” Digger asked with confusion. “That’s a euphemism, right?”

“They’re actually called that, because they’re shaped like miniature tops. Check it out.”

Len leaned over to look at the plants and growled under his breath, because the peppers did in fact look like tiny tops. “Goddammit. Him and his fuckin’ tops.”

“You have your quirks, and he has his,” Lisa shrugged, though this didn’t improve Len’s foul mood much, as he hated any and all comparisons with his nemesis.

“I’d be careful with those, because they’re actually fairly spicy,” she warned as Digger not-so-subtly tried to pick one. “Roscoe’s also been trying to crossbreed peppers to make them even hotter, though we don’t know if the experiments have worked yet.”

“Speak of the devil,” Len muttered as he heard footsteps coming up from the basement, and Roscoe soon peered around the doorway. He was wearing goggles and some kind of protective cover-all suit, and was clearly looking for something.

“Is he here yet?” Roscoe asked cautiously.

“Yes, sweetie, and he’d love to see what you’ve been working on!” she replied cheerfully.

“Nope,” Len said, but he was ushered down into the basement by his sister, and he was only mostly certain she wasn’t sending him there to be murdered by a guy in a strange kill suit.

“Put these on,” Roscoe told them as they descended the stairs, handing them several pairs of goggles which hung along the steps. They could smell his work before they reached the basement, or more accurately, could taste it: both Len and Digger coughed a bit from the volatile pepper oils in the air.

“What the hell is all this, you lunatic?” Len demanded, though Roscoe didn’t seem offended.

“I am purifying capsaicin extract for various purposes, both offensive and culinary.”

“He means he’s making spicy liquid from the peppers,” Lisa explained helpfully when the others looked confused.

“Oh great, he’s one of those guys who makes his own hot sauce,” Len muttered to Digger, who chuckled loudly.

“Not just for eating. I am also creating a payload for a line of pepper-based tops, which will spray capsaicin extract when deployed. It’s non-lethal, but I would like to see the Flash keep running with liquified capsaicin sauce or pepper spray in his eyes,” Roscoe said with boastful pride. “If I can’t increase the intensity of the spinning top peppers, I plan to develop a custom mix with spicier peppers for maximum impact.”

“Well, okay,” Len replied, genuinely impressed by one of his nemesis’ pet projects for once. Not that he’d ever say so.

“I dunno, mate,” Digger said, picking up a nearby top to squint at it. “Can you really get that stuff in Flasher’s eyes while he’s running?”

Roscoe’s eyes widened under his goggles. “Don’t touch that!”

Without warning -- as far as Digger was concerned, anyway -- the top suddenly exploded in his face, spewing hot sauce everywhere. His own goggles protected him from the worst of it, but some of the pepper extract splashed into his mouth and nose and he shrieked with distressed anger as he flailed aimlessly in pain.

“Why would you touch it?! I just explained the entire concept to you!” Roscoe shouted as he and Lisa searched for towels to clean him off, and everyone coughed from the fumes.

“How was I supposed to know that, you blighter?! I like picking things up!” Digger protested, spitting out everything he could expel from his mouth. His eyes ran with involuntary tears from the heat of the sauce, so Lisa led him up the stairs to get fresh air and some milk for his burning tongue.

“Not bad, Dillon,” Len said as they hurried behind them, which was the most complimentary he would ever be towards his de facto brother-in-law. “That’ll stop the Flash right in his tracks, at least if he’s stupid enough to get his head near it…so I give it a fifty-fifty chance.”

“Thank you,” Roscoe replied in a crisp tone, trying and failing to keep his own eyes from watering from the intense pepper oils. He turned his face away with the faint hope that Len couldn’t see any tears.

“But I’m gonna warn ya, and you need to listen carefully,” Len said seriously. “As soon as Mick hears about all this, you’ll never get him out of your house.”

#fictober23 #Captain Cold #Golden Glider #the Top #Captain Boomerang #fanfic

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leechjuice · 3 months

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i was passed an open tag from @cruelflesh cause she knows i love these little games, and in honour of finishing up the first draft of my religious literary thriller, THE MAGNOLIA CLUB, i thought it a perfect time to share some with all of you.

⇢ my words are rust, ember, damp, breath & teeth

♰ " RUST " ♰ — THE MAGNOLIA CLUB, CHAPTER 21

Waylon idled below, framed inside the porthole window like an octopus swept through a current, dressed in his best whites, held together solely by a string of other people’s graciousness. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows but nothing saved them from the reddening soil—his fingertips were stained with it, his cuffs a keen shade of tetanus rust. He’d been in the garden since Mrs. Gaskill and her two middle-aged daughters finished setting out refreshments, long enough for the frankincense to burn clean out, well past when the hinge cover on the casket had been gently, quietly shut. She was out there now, a reflective floral entity on the beige lawn, pressing him to come inside. He did—only after driving the rest of a bruised belladonna tangle into a plastic garbage back and smoothing back the wilting hair from his lightless eyes.

♰ " EMBER " ♰ — THE MAGNOLIA CLUB, CHAPTER 9

“Easy,” warned Arthur, a cooling ember. “We’re not callin’ anyone.” Edith straightened from Midge’s side, taking a lengthy assessment of each of them where they stood; mismatched chess pieces on a muddy board. She tossed a sweeping hand towards the road, a dense wall of smoggy breath rising from her tense lips. “We’re goin’ on a ride. So’s she.” “Now?” Jeri intercut, her fear reeling her closer, trembling in the cold dark. “All the way out to that ol' highway? At this hour?" “Please,” Edith begged, “spell it out for all us morons.” The blonde took towards the parking lot and left Midge at Arthur's mercy, and he came quickly to her aid in a terribly familiar, jacket-donning way that made her fear for the imminent end, certain that the Lord would strip them each away from her before she was ever ready. “If you’re right, an' some fella's layin' out there on the road, havin' done this to her—then I wanna make sure the cunt’s good an’ dead.”

♰ " DAMP " ♰ — THE MAGNOLIA CLUB, CHAPTER 17

The incomparable black of Ruby's backwoods midnight made a joke of her; the tangles of bony, low-hanging willow and marshy soil didn’t help. She'd never have the time or awareness to duck if a branch swung at her; staggering the suffocating blindness, tramping like panicked hunting dogs through damp carpets of kudzu, all that came to Midge were spatters of static colour, dressed by her anxieties—Audrey, sallow and freckled, her corpse torn sloppily in two. Two dusky blue eyes pointed lazily at the sky, her painted nails locked into clawing fists at her throat, purple around the corners of her slack lips. Now beneath the hum of crickets, Gage was a wild thing in among the weeds, his eyes just two light-bouncing plates in the dark, black holes of electric lunacy. Now, he had a knife the size of a small pie server in his oily hands. Now he was grinning, skulking behind a nearby tree, stinking with adrenaline. Now, something was eating her. Now, something was tearing her apart. They’d let her go—that always kickstarted problems. The moment someone stepped out of Midge's sight, they were good as—

♰ " BREATH " ♰ — THE MAGNOLIA CLUB, CHAPTER 4

“Well, it ain’t about that damn veteran and you know that, ‘cause you’re smarter than me, and you’re smarter than them,” said Jonas, casting a finger in the same direction Midge’s gaze only just shrank from, “which means you know I love you whether I’m away or not. An' you know I care about what y'think, and how y'feel, and how folks around here see you. ‘Cause I get it—Midge,” pled Jonas, in the terrible, doting way she'd only ever suffered from others, “I try to get it, and if I don’t, I let you be. But they won’t even try.” It hurt more than usual to love her brother that night. To see even under hallway shadow the deepening bruises around his hazy eyes, sure to be yellow-rimmed by morning, his eggs and bacon set in doubles with duplicated plates and silverware. “That's why you didn’t come home?” fell Midge’s words like a dead bug on a sill, cut right from her breath. “You’re embarrassed of me?”

♰ " TEETH " ♰ — THE MAGNOLIA CLUB, CHAPTER 16

The darkness caught Midge's wrists and slid her through the split in the door, drawing her into a well of warped shadow which sluggishly took shape and meaning; a half-shredded bookshelf and pool of books, a molehill of plastic bags stuffed with sewing supplies and skeins kissed by velvet mold, tongues of outstretched Halloween decorations, a desaturated spectrum of sweaters and tarps, old milk crates, swaths of spider silk, dead termites—decay. Midge staggered through a sole walkable path, fenced by canyons of old worth, and the house devoured the whisper of her sneakers on its warped barnwood floor. What had narrowed the entry was the great, many-fingered hand of a tree, jammed against the backside of the door, its paint scraped into an illegible language by years of eager winter wind gushing through the swollen gash in the building's left side. Its roots burrowed deeply between the separating planks, coiling around the blackened teeth of an unused fireplace, smothered by sheddings of bark and a surmounting pile of rot-sweet crabapples.

i love you @cruelflesh so u have to do it now, and i'll leave an open tag for anybody who sees this and wants to join!

♰ your words are soil, shy, bleed, needle & spirit ♰

#writing #txt #victor ivan #the magnolia club #original writing #writeblr #horror authors #indie author #southern gothic literature #religious horror #queer author #find the word tag

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queenofalpaca · 5 months

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I doubt anyone even reads my posts but just in case someone stumbles across this one, here it goes.

I watched Strange World today. I saw a trailer for it at some point and thought it looked cool, but I completely forgot about it because my brain doesn’t latch onto things before they’ve been slapped in my face three times in a row and Strange World has criminally little promo, which every person on this website who’s seen the movie will also tell you, so I’ll refrain from reiterating a point smarter people have made far more eloquently than me.

What I wanna write about is the fact that I love this movie (and no, it’s not just because my current favorite actor is in it and that’s why I was reminded of the movie’s existence today lol). It’s so colourful and just absolutely beautiful, visually. I could look at this movie for hours. The world design and creature design is also just amazing and I loved the extras that go a little more in depth on them. The whole comic introduction section immediately stole my heart, cause I am a slut for that stuff.

Storywise, it may be predictable in hindsight (but I didn’t actually see it coming the first time around until right before the reveal) and it doesn’t really do anything you haven’t seen before, but as a complete movie, it’s absolutely better than the sum of its parts. In regards to themes, it touches on the same environmental stuff a lot of contemporary movies do, but I personally have never seen it presented quite this way. In addition to that they also managed to fit generational trauma and the journey of discovering who you are in there which are two topics near and dear to my heart, especially in the way it’s presented here (Searcher trying not to be like his father and being so much like him sure is. uh oh. *eyes my own pile of daddy issues*) And just as an extra sprinkle on top a little something on monocultures and agricultural practices.

And all in all you end up with, probably, my favourite Disney movie ever. Not that I’m terribly in love with most of them, but this one’s just perfect for me specifically. Which is why I made my mum watch it too as soon as she was home, heh. And if whoever stuck around this long to read my post feels like watching a movie sometime, I definitely recommend this one. I really enjoyed it, it definitely deserves way more attention than it got and if it’ll convince you, yes, it has a gay protagonist and the representation is perfect (he’s just gay. It’s a fact of life, it comes up a few times, and it’s handled exactly the way I hope we can treat all queer people in the future. A little optimism never hurts)

So yeah :) I had a good day

#strange world #if anyone has fanart of this movie please show me #I am begging you #yes I am in love with Searcher #and the entire aesthetic of the movie #and the comic parts #and EVERYTHING #sue me about it

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rikebe · 10 months

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hii if you're still accepting asks about the akihiro x bobby ship meme, could you explain in detail the trust/jealousy/etc scales? also is bobby canonically 5'4" bc 😳❤

I WISH BOBBY WAS THAT SHORT IN CANON </3 unfortunately that's just my hc bc i'm so much smarter and chaddier than all of marvel :/

BUT here's the scales!

bobby:

trust: i def see bobby as having a bit of a cynical streak, so i think he takes a while to warm up to trusting. he has a way of internalizing shit and overthinking and is very neurotic, and i think he can absolutely overthink himself into mistrusting his partner on a wrong day even if he knows he's being irrational :(

jealousy: pretty much the same thing, plus i think growing up as the baby-faced dweeby kid of the x-men doesn't really give you a huge amount of self-confidence. i think he can really struggle w seeing himself as like, hot enough or good enough and project that on other people through jealousy, especially if he has such an objectively sexy partner as akihiro. again i think this is something where he'd KNOW he's being unreasonable but he can't help feeling that way

horny: LISTEN. YES he dresses like the assistant manager of a gamestop. YES he's a boring account. but i know. when i look into that unassuming, boring little face of him i know he's a horndog. if he wasn't he wouldn't have fucking bothered with the little song and dance akihiro and him have, because let's be real, akihiro's a pretty big shithead to him consistently and still bobby's like teehee! let's waltz! teehee! oh no let me kiss that death seed away teehee! that's classic horny for villain behavior. you can't hide behind those cargo shorts, bobby drake. i know what you are.

clingy: to me he's a pretty big relationship guy and is really attached to his partner, which is great if you're on mutual terms but i think can come off as pretty clingy if the other guy's looking for something a little more casual lol. def the type to keep texting a few times after getting ghosted before he gets the hint. oops

akihiro:

trust: BIG HUGE MAJOR trust issues. this guy spent his entire adult life seeing interpersonal relationships as entirely transactional and only started getting into this "unconditional love and trust" shit like five years ago. it's a learning curve. he's the guy in a sitcom who thinks their partner is cheating and starts stalking them

jealousy: see trust. same thing. if some guy is talking to bobby at a bar akihiro WILL stand menacingly close by and then be really annoying about mentioning that thats his BOYFRIEND and they're DATING. the guy asked bobby for the time

horny: controversial BUT: i don't think akihiro is very horny. he's been shown since his first appearance to be very liberal about sex, but in almost all instances these interactions are about control and power. akihiro uses his inherent appeal and other people's attraction to him to get what he wants in his never-ending ploy for power and evil-doing. to him, sex is transactional, it's just something he does just like he lies and pretends to be something he's not. ive seen some interpretations of him as asexual, which i think is really interesting and cool and a great take! i don't know where exactly on that spectrum i see him, i think he does enjoy sex but it would be a really different thing for him to sleep with someone he actually cares about, to the point where i could see it causing whiplash when he's being shy about it all of a sudden :')

clingy: i put him pretty high on the "needs attention" scale which i explained in another post, but i don't really see him being all that clingy. i think i might have coloured it in a little high here even since i think it's a hard thing to define, but basically i think that IN a relationship he would be a little clingy and want to be around his partner a lot, once he gets to a point where he can comfortably express those feelings, but he would never run after someone or try to cling to a partner that's dumped him. he thinks too highly of himself to debase himself by showing that he cares about another human being. this is about SAVING FACE, damn it

#i love talking about these two so much you guys. its so much fun #darkice #bobby drake #daken akihiro

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