#10/10 met expectations and surpassed them

[fandomination666-blog]

Thinking about how Camp Half Blood is named after the campers/demigods whereas Camp Jupiter is named after a god (and the shittiest one, at that)

And how in HOO Percy notes (specifically Son of Neptune) that the Greeks fight in a more individualistic style whereas the Romans rely on strength in numbers

And I can't help but think it's bc the Greek demigods are trained to think about themselves as a person (thanks Chiron) whereas the Romans are trained to think of what's best for the group/the gods

#percy jackson #percy jackon and the olympians #camp half blood #camp jupiter #heroes of olympus #son of neptune #jason grace #remember piper saying jason was “too good” #yeahhhhh #its cause they trained him to be #poor jason #he probably always knew he would die young #whereas percy always knew hed have to fight to not die young #but at least percy always had that idea in his head #which makes it weird that camp jupiter has colleges and houses and shit #like yall encourage self sacrifice??? #god i wish i could re-experience HOO for the first time again #son of neptune was amazing and i miss it so much #getting to see camp jupiter after all the hype about it in lost hero?? #10/10 met expectations and surpassed them #it expanded the universe so much #underappreciated

[potahun]

Mysterious Lotus Casebook and the Analogies to Being Queer

this is not breaking new grounds or anything, there seems to be broad consensus in the (tumblr) fandom that LHL is a lot about being queer. there is also this brilliant meta by @seventh-fantasy about the jianghu being a queer space, which i love, and which dealt with the gender perspective for li lianhua in particular

having that in mind, i want to say how much i love that li lianhua and fang duobing's stories feel like analogies to two different queer experiences

we see li xiangyi in a few flashbacks and in how others viewed him before the east sea battle 10 years ago. we know he became the n°1 swordsman in the world, established a para-judiciary system and order in an otherwise lawless jianghu, that he used to duel just to win the right to pick flowers from someone's garden as gifts for every single lady in the sigu sect, and that he dated qiao wanmian and intended to marry her (judging by that flashback where he's seen drinking with shan gudao and the boys)

a lot of it is very heteronormative, and even a bit performative. and i don't want to say it's not genuine, i actually rly like the idea that many of those actions felt perfectly real to him at the time, and i genuinely think he had that show-off streak in him when he was a teenager

but regardless, everything about li xiangyi follows the heteronormative expectations of society, including his achievements, which command, among other things, admiration for his fighting prowess and his ability to establish rules. which is of course, ironic, as pointed out in the meta referenced above, since the jianghu itself does not follow those rules (and we slowly learn in the story that there was criticism of him for this even in-story).

but then we get to li lianhua, who does not fight, but cooks, learned to sew, to plant flowers, turns down every lady who looks his way, and who does not interfere in jiang hu matters if he can help it. and in particular, we get the conversation he has with qiao wanmian in ep 18, where she confronts him about his identity and asks him:

"if you'd already come back, why did you never reunite with us?"

and his reply is:

"all of this is so far in the past, now. i'm very tired. i just want to be free."

li lianhua is constantly put in contrast with li xiangyi. where li xiangyi performs, li lianhua just exists in the jianghu. where li xiangyi fulfils expectations and surpasses them, li lianhua turns his back to expectations. where li xiangyi establishes a domain and protects, li lianhua wanders freely, all by himself. where li xiangyi conforms to heteronormative standards, li lianhua doesn't.

we know that li lianhua is an unreliable narrator in that his opinion on his own past is biased, his knowledge incomplete. and he lies. almost compulsively. but there are also truth bombs that he drops between the lies. i personally believe that his willingness to detach himself from all the expectations thrown upon him and to finally exist away from norms, is part of those truths.

and this is very close to a type of queer experience, where you come out of some event or another in your twenties, suddenly realise you're queer and oh my god, it's time to live differently. and you start rejecting the norms and maybe your old friends wonder what got into you.

in the same conversation in ep 18, the following exchange happens between li lianhua and qiao wanmian:

LLH: "when we met each other, I was young and ignorant. I didn't understand what the feelings i felt for you were, either." QWM: "what do you mean? are you saying... you never loved me?" LLH: "back then, we were young. nothing of what we said then can still count now."

it can be interpreted in different ways, but it sure fits a queer narrative extremely well. the feelings were real, but he didn't understand whether they were romantic or not, he just followed the norms. but things are different now.

enters fang duobing

fang duobing feels like a different queer narrative. by family background, fang duobing is a person who has equal ties to the imperial court as he does to the jiang hu. the emperor and his family wants to engage him to the princess of the court, a perfectly normal thing in the societal context he lives in, and a luck few can hope to have. what does he do?

flee

i often joke that fang duobing's sexuality is to be a detective on the jianghu, but it really does feel like that kind of narrative. fang duobing never has any doubt that his place is away from the rules of the imperial court. In ep. 1, he tells his servants:

don't worry. once your young master makes a name for himself as a renown detective on the jianghu, they {his parents} will understand that, compared to the imperial court, i am much more suited for the jiang hu.

and yes, this is about escaping the rigidity of the court as such, but it's also analogous for the freedom to be who you are, to be queer, to not conform.

and fang duobing never backtracks. his parents want him to conform, and they want him to have the comfort that comes with this lifestyle. he rejects it thoroughly and consistently.

it's also interesting that in ep 25, once they meet the princess and they have gone through a case together, fang duobing still rejects the idea of the wedding. when li lianhua tells him "the jianghu is a place full of grudges and sinister schemes. why not become a carefree consort prince?"

fang duobing only looks forlorn and retorts "li lianhua, can you never say that again, please?"

in contrast, though, he has no qualms planning his whole life on the jianghu with li lianhua in ep. 15. so this is not about settling down with someone.

it feels very close to being confidently queer and knowing it from a very early age, and then rejecting the heteronormative expectations thrown upon you with assurance.

...

anyway, so what i want to say is: li lianhua is a tired millenial who discovered he was queer in his mid-twenties after a mild depression; fang duobing is a gen-z baby queer who doesn't know his queer history but is so confidently queer and he's never looking back

#fang duobing #li lianhua #lhl #mysterious lotus casebook #meta #lhl meta #mlc meta #mlcb #mlc #li xiangyi

[your-sweet-cookies]

🌈💻🌼🎙️📚🎀🥇📌🏆

𝑺𝑯𝑶𝑼𝑻-𝑶𝑼𝑻𝑺 𝑶𝑭 𝑨𝑾𝑬𝑺𝑶𝑴𝑬𝑵𝑬𝑺𝑺.

🌈 ― aesthetically pleasing blog

@prosopagn0sis - I always adored how Softie designed the layout of its blogs (be it its main or its RP blog), so it's definitely an ace when it comes to aesthetically pleasing blogs!

@kuinaoflight - There's something about how Elle knows how to choose the best quotes or images to adorn her Kuina RP blog with, that makes it simply amazing! This, along with the calming color pallet she's chosen for the background and text, make her blog a delight to look at and explore!

@hinataxsunshine - I always found Adrian's blog to be one of the nicest/cutest blogs ever! It just has something about it that speaks innocence and serenity, which fits perfectly the vibe of his OC, Hinata.

💻 ― excellent writing

@niragixpsych - Although she doesn't think her writing is any good if you ask her, Psych's talent in writing surpasses most expectations with the amount of thought and care she puts into every interaction. It's a true delight and pleasure to write with her and her blog is one I'll always recommend with the utmost happiness!

@aggwaseon - I love their writing because it's very versatile and detailed. You can tell the Mun puts a lot of effort into their threads, and even if lately they haven't been very active, I can guarantee you that this Mun right here knows precisely what they are doing and they are doing it with passion, dedication and care!

@kuinaoflight - Her talent at both writing Kuina as a character and stories in general is amazing! I always loved reading her threads and the amazingly well crafted answers to the RP memes that make even the most common of prompts feel uniquely written and personalized to the person who sent them. Looking forward to continuing reading Elle's amazing work and see how she'll continue improving even further! <3

@hoodedchishiya - There's a reason why this blog is my all time favorite Chishiya and that's because Alex's writing is usually 1000000/10, both when it comes to writing our favorite snarky cookie addict blonde and storytelling in general. I swear man, if I hear you say one more time that your writing sucks, Imma make it one of my to do list priorities to remind you daily that your writing is beyond excellent!

@artsspi - I really enjoy writing with them because they put a lot of thought and effort into each of their OCs and the threads we write together. I'm always looking forward to reading your replies!

@officerconners - The Mun does an excellent job at portraying Drake and every interaction is fun and captivating to read! They know how to write anything, from silly stuff to the most serious of action packed moments full of suspense!

🌼 ― creative headcanons

@niragixpsych - I always love reading Psych's rendition of Niragi and the headcannons she comes up with, they are very unique and interesting, especially since they add an extra layer of depth and complexity to NIragi's character, while also showcasing his human side.

@triggerhappymilitant - Nyx's headcannons about Niragi are another one of my faves when it comes to headcannons about Niragi. They are always interesting to read and I feel like she always manages to showcase Niragi's utmost essence in her own rendition of the character and its background!

@hoodedchishiya - If you want a fresh and unique version of Chishiya, this is the blog to seek. Again, just like his talent for writing in general, this man's creativity when it comes to reimagining Chishiya in a very unique, yet true to the core essence of the character, is baffling! I told you, I could listen to you ramble all day about your ideas and hcs about Chishiya and I wouldn't grow bored!

🎙️ ― great to talk to

@daikichixkarube - Karube's Mun is one of the most adorable and fun to talk to people I've ever met! I love talking to her on a daily basis and she always knows how to lift my mood or make me laugh! So she will always be one of my favorite people to talk to and one of my bestest of friends!

@niragixpsych - She's very supportive and I can count on her to always be there for me! When I'm sad, Psych will lift my spirits up; when I am stuck with a dilemma, she'll do her best to give me some suggestions and help the best she can; and her friendly talks full of affection will always warm my heart! I love you, don't you ever forget that!

@kuinaoflight - Full of life, sunshine and with the golden heart of an angel, Elle is a delight to talk with! She knows how to make a conversation fun, how to cheer you up or fuel your creative juices with her ingenuity! I especially love our fun conversations on our favorite TV shows and the funny things we come up with sometimes, like back when we put together a compilation of cat gifs and memes relating to the AiB characters!

@hoodedchishiya - We've had our differences and ups and downs, but once we got to know each other better, he's really a great conversation partner! Even if we don't talk much (and maybe sometimes I probably end up annoying him), he never fails to make me laugh, smile or feel better if I am upset. So no matter what other's might say, you are actually a great friend to have and a great person to talk to!

@twentyfourhourtitts and @hinataxsunshine - I put those two together because they are like siblings to me and I love our little funny conversations (which I really miss sometimes when our group chat falls silent for days on end).

@lillyontheborder - She's a new addition to my friends group, but I can assure anyone that Lilly is a great friend and a great person to talk to! She knows to listen to you and she will do her best to help!

@risa-of-spades - Risa has always been a great listener and supportive pillar of our community and for that I feel like I owe her an endless amount of gratitude and appreciation! She's always there to show her love and support to each and every one of us and if someone needs a shoulder to lean on, they can always count on her for that, as she'll never shun anyone away!

@officerconners - This Mun is a ray of sunshine and delight to talk to! Plus, they know how to give good advice when you need it! A great friend and an amazing conversations partner!

📚 ― nice threads to read

@niragixpsych, @aggwaseon, @artsspi, @triggerhappymilitant, @hoodedchishiya, @kuinaoflight, @officerconners - Mostly for the reasons stated above + some have really funny threads too along with the more serious threads in nature.

🎀 ― all-around kind person

Everyone mentioned previously. uwu Love you all! 💗

🥇 ― well-developed oc

I feel like everyone in this community that writes OCs do an amazing job in writing their characters, so it would be impossible to tag every single one of them. But even so, know that the AiB RP community has some of the greatest well-crafted original characters you'll ever meet!

📌 ― a staple on the dash

Everyone I mentioned thus far are staples on my dash and I wouldn't have it any other way!

🏆 ― 10/10 blog, would recommend

Again, everyone I mentioned above are a 10/10 in my book: great people with great hearts, amazing talents, outstanding writing skills and are infinity/10 friends! And I want you all to know that I love each and every one of you! Never forget that! <3

#ooc interactions #ooc post #aib rp #aib roleplay #alice in borderland roleplay #alice in borderland rp #anonymous #blog shout-outs #ask mun

[beautifulpersonpeach]

Another episode of what BPP told me was right: https://www.reddit.com/r/kpopthoughts/comments/19eaumi/having_a_hard_time_stanning_hybe_groups_after/

I can't believe it but SM stans do have negative bias against HYBE groups. How does someone become like this?

***

Well, that person says it themselves. They got into k-pop when they were younger and started with SM groups. The fandom norms already existed back then so a younger person would’ve easily absorbed those ideas without much resistance. And if you understand the reversion of status between SM and BigHit/HYBE in the last 10 years, if you have an inkling of just how far from grace SM has fallen over that time, with HYBE not just replacing that company at the top but surpassing them… I’ve seen even the most rational SM stans sound bitter when HYBE groups are mentioned in certain settings.

I mean, we can pretend all we like, but the drama with the Pink Bloods last year was the clearest indication of the kind of bias on show here. You’ve not seen a real BTS anti until you’ve met a Korean (typically from the West) person who is a fan of an SM group. The hate is almost beautiful to see in its intensity. Delivered in that frank, mostly neutral/academic and kinda psychotic way a lot Korean insults are delivered.

That Redditor was just saying the quiet part out loud, saying what I’ve seen many of them say, and I hope others in the comments are able to talk sense into that person. In any case, the next major flare up in anti-HYBE sentiment from that camp this year I expect to see (1) when any member releases music or a new project this year, (2) whatever the results of Grammy nominations this year, (3) the debut of SM’s new girl group, (4) and every time NewJeans in particular releases music and RIIZE inevitably releases similar content (because that’s going to be their whole shtick).

#kpop stans #kpop #kpop fandom #sm entertainment #Hybe #BigHit #BTS #NewJeans #BTS fandom #fandom behaviour

[questforgalas]

You call that a plan??

Summary: Rex and Anakin meet for the first time

Notes: This is so self indulgent. I HC that Rex and Anakin both thought they had to be super serious with each other and were nervous about their first meeting, but soon realized they're both the same brand of crazy so anyway, here's my self indulgent tale of that

Word count: 2.4k

Warnings: None

Tay's Masterlist

On AO3

10 years had led to this moment. 10 years of simulations. Of strategy training. Of honing his playbook to near perfection. 10 years of hearing, “You’re soldiers. You will protect the people of the republic.” 10 years of hearing about the jedi, the best warriors in the galaxy - according to everyone except the Mandalorians. Force wielders who’ve never heard a call they can’t answer. 10 years of listening to legends as a young cadet who called stark white walls, rain slicked platforms, and a dark grey battle simulator home.

Rex felt this odd twisting in his gut as he waited on the landing platform of the GAR base on Coruscant. The time had finally come to meet his general, and he was surprised to find himself nervous. He’d never met a jedi, and his knowledge came from the few stories the trainers on Kamino told them. These beings that could manipulate the energy around them to do everything from lift small objects to influence the mind. Not to mention their skill with an ancient weapon powered by kyber. One trainer in particular, Kal Skirata, was fond of filling their time with vivid tales of jedi warriors he’d encountered through the galaxy. They were blurs of light. Still as statues. As Ferocious as a Gundark. Gentle as a loth cat. Never expect a direct answer from them since they only spoke in riddles and philosophy, but they could cut you down with their words as swiftly as they could with their lightsabers. In Rex’s mind, they were magnificent.

That strange twisting feeling in his gut kept gnawing at him. He didn’t want to acknowledge it – he was captain of the 501st legion for Maker’s sake. Not once in all his years of training could he remember feeling this way, but ten minutes on this platform waiting to meet his general had his stomach in knots. He wasn’t suddenly questioning his skill or if he was up for the job. Not at all. Cocky wasn’t an adjective used to describe Rex, but confident certainly was, and he was confident in his ability as a captain, a tactician, and a brother. It was humbling, but he knew he was up for the task. No, that nagging knot was coming from another of Rex’s traits.

One of the reasons why Rex’s playbook was undefeated was because he thought outside of the box. The Kaminoans caught it early on, around when he was 5 and first started strategy simulations. They’d give him orders, and he’d follow them, but as he did, he’d identify weaknesses and holes that could cost unnecessary lives. At first, he brought this up to the trainers. Surely, they’d want to know where a plan could be fortified. To his surprise though, Rex was told to run the order again, no changes. So, instead of going through the strategy like last time, he’d quietly add his tweaks as the simulation ran. Soon, Rex’s outcome numbers were surpassing his brother’s three years ahead of him. The Kaminoans couldn’t ignore that.

Then came the battle simulators. Orders would come through, and Rex would have the weakest points identified within 7 seconds of the alarm sounding. So, he’d make his adjustments. Would it be the strategy the Mandalorians told them to run? Not exactly, but it got the job done in record time. When questioned why he made the changes, Rex simply answered, “The plan was flawed. I found an alternative that saved time and lives.”

As he grew older, Rex developed a reputation as the free-thinking clone who could change a strategy flawlessly in a second. So, it wasn’t a surprise to anyone when he was tapped for ARC training and then again for command training. Rex wasn’t a fool – he knew the only reason he wasn’t disciplined or even decommissioned was because his plans worked so well, but that didn’t stop him from giving the Mandalorian and Kaminoan strategists subtle headaches now and again.

None of that seemed like a problem to Rex until now. Of course, it would take facing a jedi for him to question his very nature. He wouldn’t call himself rebellious per se, and certainly not a slacker. He just refused to be constrained by protocol if it meant better results for his men. But for 10 years he heard about the strict jedi who adhered to their code like it was imprinted on their souls. If anyone was going to expect him to follow protocol, it’d be his code living general. The more Rex thought about it, the more that knot in his stomach twisted as he counted down the minutes.

“I can do this. I can support my general’s strategies without modifications. Nothing to it,” Rex repeated to himself like a mantra. It was exactly 0859 – his general should be here any minute. Something in the corner of Rex’s eye caught his attention, and he turned his head to see Commander Cody walking towards him from the base.

“Cody, what brings you here?” Rex greeted as he clasped his brother’s forearm. Cody copied the gesture.

“Thought I’d try to catch you before your meeting. Finished up with mine a few minutes ago,” Cody answered.

“How’d it go? The jedi live up to everything we’ve heard?” Rex eagerly asked.

Cody didn’t answer right away. Instead, he stared out at the Coruscant skyline as if pondering Rex’s question.

“Yeah. They’re uh, they’re something that’s for sure,” Cody responded in time. “You and I will probably see a lot of each other. My general, General Kenobi, is your general’s old master. Word on the street is the two of them are inseparable. Apparently, your general, General Skywalker, just went through their graduation ceremony the other day, so he’s young. About 19 I think. General Kenobi talked about him with a smirk but also a fondness in his eyes, so I don’t know what to make of that.”

Rex groaned, “I’m not a babysitter Cody. I’m leading a battalion. I can’t keep our brothers alive if I’m also watching over a kid.”

“Rex, you’re 10,” Cody quipped back not holding back his smirk.

 Rex rolled his eyes. He had a retort on the tip of his tongue but it was stopped by the distant groan of a ship approaching the platform. They both watched a ship touch down just under the cover of the hangar ceiling. Rex wasn’t sure what to expect regarding jedi transportation, but it certainly wasn’t a Corellian G9 light-freighter that looked like it was one bumpy landing from completely disintegrating.

Before the gangway lowered, Rex shot a look to Cody who took the hint and made his way back to the GAR base, shoulders shaking with laughter knowing Rex’s need for good impressions. One last glare thrown at Cody’s back, Rex quickly put his bucket on and swiftly stood to attention as a figure made its way down the ramp. He was taller than Rex expected, even at this distance. The person, General Skywalker apparently, strolled over to where Rex had been waiting with no sense of hurry in his gait. Rex didn’t need the force to feel the smug energy radiating off of this one.

“Oh great,” Rex groaned inwardly. “A kid and an ego.” Kid or not, Rex still felt the knot of nerves in his gut twist as the jedi got closer. When they were within 4 steps of him, Rex shot into a salute.

“Sir! It is a pleaure to meet you, sir. I’m CT-7567, captain of the 501st, and it is an honor to be serving under you,” Rex rattled off when the jedi came to a stop in front of him. This close it was easy to take in the details of the person he was about to go into battle with. Short, shaggy soft-brown hair topped a long, soft face. Blue eyes took in the clone, and a smirk seemed to live on the general’s lips like he was in on a secret no one else knew. Rex hoped for Skywalker’s sake that the short stub of hair tied in the back was a jedi requirement and not a personal choice. Hidden behind his helmet, he took in the rest of the general as he eyed him up and down, and that’s when he caught it. Slightly concealed by the long, dark sleeve of a tunic was a cybernetic hand.

Groan number three made its way through Rex as he realized he was looking at the jedi padawan who lost his hand to Count Dooku. Rex heard the reports. Impulsive. Reckless. Those are the conclusions Rex came to about the jedi in front of him before today. Taking in the permanent smirk on Skywalker’s lips, Rex felt fairly confident with his conclusions.

“What do I do to get you to stop doing that?” Skywalker’s odd question jerked Rex out of his thoughts.

“To stop doing what, sir?” Rex slowly answered.

“Stop standing like a statue. Not even Obi-Wan is that stiff when he’s meditating,” the jedi answered. Again, at a loss for words, Rex didn’t know exactly how to respond. Was he simply looking for Rex to go at ease? Did he know nothing about standard procedure? Was Rex expected to go to into battle and keep his brothers alive with someone who didn’t even know protocol? Maker, save him.

“Uh, you can tell me to go at ease, sir. Then I can address you more casually,” Rex suggested.

“Ah ok. Then, at ease CT-7567. Any chance that also means you can remove your helmet? Figured I should know what my second in command looks like.”

Rex couldn’t tell if that was an attempt at a joke. He was a clone. They all looked alike. The general just simply had to walk into the base behind him, and he’d see what he needed to. Granted, Rex’s blonde mutation made him stand out a little easier, but the face was all the same. Rex stayed silent as he took in the general. That smirk had softened a bit, and his eyes held a genuine curiosity that had Rex reaching for his helmet.

“Not much to look at, sir. A base full of me just behind us,” Rex attempted to joke back. He must have delivered it wrong though, because Skywalker’s eyebrows suddenly furrowed and he looked insulted at Rex’s statement.

“Not to me, captain. You’re not just clones. Neither of you are the same in the force, and each one of you is a man I’m responsible for. I don’t take that lightly,” Skywalker said sincerely. “CT-7567 is a bit of a mouthful. Any chance the Kaminoans were fans of names?”

A light laugh passed Rex’s lips, “Not the Kaminoans, sir, no. But my brothers and I took it upon ourselves to gives us some identity. The name’s Rex.”

“Rex. I’m Anakin Skywalker. I guess I’m your general,” Anakin stretched out his cybernetic hand in front of him. Rex grabbed it with a strong grip before giving a brief shake and letting go. “I’ll be honest Rex, I’m a little out of my depth here. General of an army isn’t exactly part of jedi training, but I already have a few tricks up my sleeves I think you’ll be impressed with.”

“Eager to hear them, general. We’re to report in the hangar at 1400 to make our way to Christophsis,’ Rex supplied.

“Plenty of time for us to go over my plan. Here’s what I was thinking.” For the next five minutes, Anakin didn’t take a breath as he rattled off the mess that he was calling a plan. Rex was in disbelief. When Anakin had started, he’d let out a soft chuckle because he thought the jedi was joking, but Rex realized Skywalker wasn’t stopping. This was genuinely Anakin’s idea of a plan. He could appreciate out of the box, but this. Rex didn’t have words to describe what he just listened to. The words “impulsive” and ”reckless” made their way back to the front of his mind as the minutes passed. It was easy to tell Anakin was eager and dedicated to his men, but it was also clear he didn’t possess a tactical bone in his body.

“My general’s worse than a shiny,” Rex thought.

Granted, Anakin may be rough around the edges, but he had the raw potential to become a great leader. He just needed some polishing here and there. Lost in his thoughts, Rex hadn’t realized that Anakin stopped talking and was now looking at him with eyes similar to those of an eager Loth pup awaiting praise. Rex kept his face neutral as he responded.

“Well sir, I understand better how you lost your hand if that’s what you call a plan.”

Of all the moments to not have a camera. Anakin’s mouth fell and his eyes went wide. Rex did his best to keep his face straight, but the longer he looked at Anakin, the harder it was to keep his laughter in. Eventually, the laughter won. Anakin blinked once, then twice, and then joined his captain. Maker, Rex couldn’t remember the last time he laughed this hard, and he felt the formal tension between him and the general fade into the Coruscant air.

“If I may speak freely sir, that plan leaves a lot to be desired. I see the overall picture you’re trying to put together. If you’d like, I could make some adjustments to fortify the weak points and add in some surprises the clankers may like,” Rex offered.

“Sounds like a deal, Rex. Could you do me one favor though? If Obi-Wan asks, tell him you thought it was a good plan. He’d never let me hear the end of it if my captain ripped apart my first ever battle strategy,” Anakin asked with a sheepish smile taking over his usual smug smirk.

“Not a problem, sir. Wouldn’t want the 212th getting cocky now. I’m happy to go over some strategy basics with you once we’re onboard, too. This stuff I’ve been learning since I came out of the tube. Could say it comes naturally.”

That softness from earlier returned to Anakin’s eyes as he rested a hand on Rex’s shoulder, smug smirk back in place. “Well, let’s go then. We have a war to win.”

#tay writes #the clones wars #captain rex #anakin skywalker #rex and anakin

[uchiha-7thsingularity]

Rime a Stepdad (ft.MC)

Did not proofread. Wanted to do this one for a while. This fic is all over the place. On Spring break. Shitshow all the way. Relish daddy rime!

Daddy Varela!? Deer stud became a papi??!! DILF??!akdjkksjjjsks…. What? How? Him? 😳 Well he knows the "How" part. And besides his bed manners surpassed your expectations. Ahem. Anyhow, you said something? Oh…ah….you're not pregnant. You have a kid/kids but from a previous relationship. Yep. That makes more sense.

Congratulations, you look horrendous in white anyway. The jig is up MC. "R-Rime!!" Kidding. Am I?.... *flock his white tinted nose*

Establishing your relationship with rime can be three scenarios. First can be straight-up enemies but one day he sees you with anisa talking in the courtyard on her shift. She giggles hair poofed at whatever nonsense you said to make her show her fangs. He gets a bit closer overhearing your two's chatter. "I can't imagine how you do it, MC?" "I make do as I go along. It's challenging but I love them to the moon and back!" Wrinkling his nose at your lady's talk he peaks from behind the wall to see a picture on your….box thing. Rectangle tool. Earth garbage. (Of course, you're in the photo but another/others appears next to you with a smile) "Being a single parent is brutal. I just hope I can get home to them again before they notice I'm gone. They just turned….!" "Aw!" Walking off you leave rime to be dumbfounded at the brutal truth he wished he hadn't heard. His whole goal is to wipe your existence from the planet. Now his scarred chest flares up aching with every breath he inhales through his flared nostrils. Jaw tight and back hitting the pillars his muscles constrict on themselves like a coiled serpent. Skin heated at the tips of his fingers he curses his mortality for tugging at his melted heart strings. "Damn it all!!" He despise you. Even so, his new goal is getting you home quickly to be rid of your ugly mug. 

Second and third stage is beneficial adversaries to tough love friends to potential lovers.

Will ask questions and concerns. You tell him things here and there. Like their favorite hobbies or likes and dislikes. Nervous. Super nervous of their impression of him. Especially if you told them the backstory of how you met. Man needs a drink. When he does meet them for the first time is surprised at their enthusiasm. Your kin flaunt to him for his features. And his height. Climb him. Babies squealing for him to hold them. Kids will ask HIM questions on his magic. Teens just shrug and nod at him chiming in when he talks to them. Instant connection. Man is relieved. 

Personally, his family history is tainted. In hindsight, he's the type to be difficult with children altogether. In time he bends the knee for them to rain terror on their enemies. Which he becomes their dark knight. 

If you adopted he isn't surprised of your kindness and love. It's the idea of you not being able to conceive that makes him want to hug you close murmuring reassurance that you are a great parent no matter how burnt out you are. 

If they're your own he admires the strength you have to carry a person/ person's for nine months. Unless they were born early or late. Then he sometimes rubs your stomach scar if you got a c-section to kiss your cheek with a sly grin. "Hello, indestructible!"

From newborns to toddlers, he is out of bound to this paternal instinct thing. Definitely not a clue what to do in this situation. In time he asked you in the roundabout way of your kin. "MC! They keep reaching for my antlers make them stop!" "They are just curious rime." Huff's and complains but over time gets used to their touch. Small hands and toes. Diaper changing makes him ill. Disappers for a minute to warm the bottle up and hears the baby/babies cry and immediately returns to hear them stop. Walks out again to hear them scream their lungs out. "Give me a break! I'm just a man!" 

I have a feeling for kids age 3-10 he plays fetch with them and MC tells him to actually engage in playtime. "Their not dogs. Skips rocks with them or tell them to play outside." "How was I suppose to know that they can handle advance topics at their age." (Child/children tug his skirt) ".....What now?" *holds up the stick* "AGAIN!!" Looks to MC with a raised eyebrow. "Hhmm, see they know the basic hands on activity." "Your ridiculous." "I'm a genius."

Teenagers vs rime. He let's them sneak out the tower sometimes. When he scolds them he secretly buys praises their mischief, cleverness with sweets. Vibe all day long. Outfits on point. And insults on blast. If caught by guards he pretends not to know them until they are kicked out  or banned. "You got caught….HOW!!?" "Look on the bright side." "...Bright side?" "MC loves me/us more than you so forgiveness is key." Chases them around a merchants table as they laugh at his attempts to catch them. They make silly faces at him all day long till MC and Felix comes along to scold them. 🤪😝😗🥴. Rime finally tackling them and tickling them to the point of tears escaping them. "Yield or suffer!" *cough* gasp *sputter* "n-n-n…never!!" 

 When the children fall sick he is by their bedside checking their fever and cooing silly stories to them. Reads to them with illusions. Cooks rarely but does it when they ask for his meals. 

Plays hide and seek with them with sage and tulsi till they lose them. Then he'll breaks lose as all three panic and tell at each other.

Elowen just swishes her tail at the fools looking under the mess halls table with giggling troublemakers. "Spin three times and quack like a duck. Then slap yourself. The kids might appear." "Listen feline we are NOT doing that." "Fine get yelled at by MC"..." What was the first thing you said again Ellie" "Tulsi!!" "What!"

Buys them endless clothes and jewels. Gets their ears pierced.

One day they go up to him and ask if they can call him "dad" he runs into a door. Talks with MC for hours and hours till he goes up to them and approves. Ruffles their hair. Prefers to be called dad, pa, father, and so on. 

Drops them off to their biological guardian (your ex) to keep that bond. God knows his relationship with his parents are none existent. If you are a widow will celebrate the anniversary with the kids to remember the happy times. Just wants you and them to be happy. 

Doesn't diminish their relationships platonically or romantic. Respects their own choices and gives them honest advice. Never lies to them.

One day you all hang out and he notices you've all fell asleep and couldn't be happier how is life turned out. Grateful. Loved. And adored. He is in heaven.

#fictif #last legacy #rime solano varela #rime varela #fictif rime #last legacy rime #gender neutral s/o #found family

[halflingkima]

Most Surprising Books of 2022

Finally we’re on the upswing! These weren’t necessarily the best books I read this year, but they were certainly the ones that blew me away the most, which I think also deserves the recognition. There’s really no consistency in these picks except they met my expectations and then pleasantly pushed past them.

Here we go! My ten ranked most surprising books of 2022 (again, read this past year, not necessarily published in the year)

10. Chocolat (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) by Joanne Harris When the mysterious Viane moves to a quiet French village, she reinvigorates the residents, much to the dismay of the local clergy.

Starting off lightly, this one didn’t exactly blow my expectations out of the water, but I was thoroughly impressed with how well it met them. This is one of my favorite movies and I was unsure how the whimsy would translate in the original text, but it did so well that it deepened my love of the film. The book allows a much deeper dive into characters’ inner lives while keeping the same magic of the film alive.

9. Ella Minnow Pea (⭐️⭐️⭐️) by Mark Dunn The island of Nollop reveres the pangram, but when letters begin to drop off of the pangram monument, leaders decide no one may use the fallen letters, leading to dire consequences.

This book is mostly a gimmick, given that it’s written in letters to residents of an island that must by law begin restricting their use of letters of the alphabet (i.e. as letters become illegal to use, they must communicate more and more creatively). Beyond that, I was incredibly impressed by the plot the book managed to pull off. Being that capital punishment is introduced so it gets quite a bit darker than I expected, and the ending was quite hopeful. Given the constraint of the text I was. impressed. not sure what else to say about it lol

8. The Fiction Class (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) by Susan Breen Arabella Hicks teaches a fiction writing class while navigating her relationship with her ailing mother.

This was a reread that I first read at far too young, and loved it despite that. In my mind it was an Adult Romance, but it’s actually an adult contemporary. Ultimately I was surprised at how well it held up. The romance was as iffy as I remember, but the writing class insets were even better than i remembered. Additionally, I could now appreciate the focus of the mother/daughter relationship that the whole story sits upon that went over my head before. I’m also now aware of ensemble casts and why I like them and this did fully hit those marks.

7. Sky in the Deep (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) by Adrienne Young When captured in battle by a rival clan, Eelyn learns her brother is alive and living with the enemy; she must grapple with her definition of family and decide who she fights for.

This was an impulse read that I had next-to-no expectations for because I’d never heard of it before. I figured if it was well done and unique, I would’ve seen reviews or even just mentions. Which meant it was quite easy for it to surpass those expectations. This might’ve been my barbarian main taking over but I really enjoyed the cultural worldbuilding and also like. the violence :). and the romance! and the found family. Lotta trope buttons hit and hit well when I didn’t expect them at all.

6. Ex Libris (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) by Matt Madden A meta exploration of the graphic novel format and what it can do for its readers.

This weird shaped book was the bane of my existence at work this year because it didn’t fit on the shelf nicely and I finally snapped and checked it out myself. idk if I’ve made it clear but meta narratives are my shit. And this was a great one. It also really uses the format to its fullest while also exemplifying what it can do and why its an important art & story form. It’s a simple story but it did give me a stab of existential fear. Loved it!

5. Glitterland (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) by Alexis Hall A pretentious, bipolar writer meets a boy who glitters and can’t seem to stay away.

This one I had middling expectations for because it’s by my current favorite author, but it’s one of his indie published backlist. And I found it just as good if not better than his traditionally published stuff (so far). It has the unique, often maudlin, magic of an (good) indie gay romance with the magic of Hall’s unique writing style. I do think it even made me cry.

4. All My Broken Pieces (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) by Hollis Shiloh During re-certification for his job at the police precinct, Tim, a disabled wolf shifter, is paired with Levi, a human who helps Tim discover and define what he actually wants in life.

This is the most surprising list, not a list of quality, and thus this beat out Glitterland. This is not what I would call a good book. Mainly, it’s a self-published indie that needed a heavy editing hand; the plot was meandering and circuitous, the world building was shallow, and it was far too long and long-winded. Despite all that, I found the premise interesting, I was invested in the romance, and the heat level was just about perfect for my taste. But above all, the representation of disability and like, the mental comorbidities that result – severe depression, anxiety, loneliness, exhaustion – really spoke to me, I guess. I found it heartwarming when others finally began to reach out to the MC, to empathize and help him better his life by just providing information and options, and Tim doing the work (mainly emotional) to allow himself to heal in so many areas. Basically, the book was far more intensive than I expected, and I became far more invested in the main character than I had planned.

3. Follow Me to Ground (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) by Sue Rainsford Ada, a more-than-human, un-aging healer of sorts, uncovers secrets about herself and her father when she tries to strike out on her own.

This was the first book I read of the year and it absolutely blew me away. I had heard of it and picked it up simply bc I needed an audiobook for a drive. The full cast was an exceptional experience and really layered on the southern gothic that I don’t think I would’ve interpreted myself, which I think was a huge part of my enjoyment. I also didn’t know it was a sort of light horror, and the creep factor was perfectly to my taste. I was so shocked by this that when I finished it, I rewound and started listening again lol.

2. The Subtweet (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) by Vivek Shraya Two trans desi musicians befriend, idolize, and ruin each other.

This was my first Vivek Shraya (mainly because I’m a little afraid of the emotional pain in her other works) and it left me slack jawed. I think I’d describe it as a modern story in the tradition of a greek tragedy. It focuses very narrowly on the experience of brown trans women indie musicians in canada but does not feel narrow in the slightest. It’s a heartbreaking tragedy of female friendship that feels inevitable in the culture in which it’s set. I was also impressed with how deftly social media was handled in the work – there’s no thread inserts, no breaking of narrative walls, all we get is the characters interpretations of certain “posts,” and it drives the narrative while avoiding the reader feeling like they’re doom scrolling. Very artfully done.

1. The Wonder Spot (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) by Melissa Bank A sort of non-linear memoir, Sophie recounts moments in her life that shaped and taught her.

This was by far the most surprising read of the year. It was a general women’s fiction sitting on my bookshelf since I was in elementary school. I had no clue what it was about and the internet provided very few answers. When I picked it up, I found a poignant story that I wish I’d read in college or nearer to graduating. I think this book flawlessly executes what that millennial ennui genre tries too hard at – or at least, executes what I want when I dare to pick up millennial ennui stories. I’ve taken to calling this gen x ennui because it’s a realist narrative, but also has that hint of hope that I need from my escapism. Fully expected to unhaul this book and it is now in a place of pride on my keeper shelf.

#maddy's reads

[sweetxvertigo]

2022 was… a year.

Putting this under a Read More because I wrote quite a bit haha.

I don't know if it was a good one or not. It definitely had a lot of ups and downs.

January 1st I went back to streaming 1st after taking about 6 months off due to burnout.

In February I had definitely the best birthday I've ever had though. I played an acoustic stream on twitch and a bunch of my close friends showed up at my house mid-stream with gifts + taco bell and it was just the absolute best. I don't know if any future birthday will surpass that. I'm so thankful that I have such incredible friends.

In March I quit my band of over 10 years. It was one of the hardest things I've had to do, but I did it for many reasons. I did it because I was frustrated with things within the band that I knew would never change. I did it because I wasn't totally feeling the direction we were going musically. And the big thing, was I wanted to try and really focus on getting my shit together this year. I really fumbled the ball on that last one. My last show was a really good time however. So many of my friends came out from different states and that I'd met playing music over the years which meant so fucking much to me. I was fully expecting to not be able to play the set without bawling my eyes out. Music has been my passion since I was 16, and giving up on it, even temporarily, was not an easy choice. I ended up being more angry during our set however because the sound person didn't route like any of my guitar through my in-ear monitors so I pretty much had to wing it. I wish I could have a do-over of that last show but oh well. A few days after that show a friend of like 7 years randomly messaged me telling me that we were no longer compatible as friends and then blocked me on all social media and to not contact them again. Definitely a kick in the teeth after an emotional weekend, but whatever.

In April I got to meet the singer of one of my favorite bands, The Wonder Years and show him my typography project based on their song Oldest Daughter which he thought was really cool. Ended up getting covid at that show, but thankfully it only felt like having a cold. I had a mild panic attack for a few days when I found out I had it AFTER making out with somebody and worrying that I gave it to them / their family, which it turned out I didn't somehow?

In May I went to my first concert since the pandemic started and it was to see The Menzingers, who are like a top 3 all time favorite band for me now. What a cathartic show it was to be able to scream along to their songs for over an hour.

The first day in June I woke up to the news that a friend, not one I was particularly close to but one that I enjoyed being around and got to bond over Coheed with a few years prior had passed away. It's so weird losing someone around the same age as you. I saw one of my best friends get married to the love of her life and got to celebrate it with all of my close friends. I went to a few more shows, mainly to see You Me And Everyone We Know.

I don't remember much about July. I remember being extremely stressed out about a lot of things. I did get to hang out with my friend from CT a few times which was cool though.

August was the last time I streamed until a one-off in September. I don't think I'll ever be the streamer I once was again, and that's fine. I broke things off with the person I was seeing. Oh and at the end of the month was when I made that bootleg MCR shirt that sold over 1100 copies? Wild.

In September I went up to NYC with a couple friends to visit one of my best friends from highschool that I haven't hung out with much in about 10 years. I went to my first burlesque show and got to see a really hot goth clown staple pages of the bible to her body. Went to at least another YMAEWK show, and obsessed over the new Wonder Years album.

Speaking of The Wonder Years, in October I got to see them and Fireworks twice. Some of the best shows I've ever been to, hands down. One of my favorite local musicians started releasing new music after like 7 years which was really awesome. I also got to take some cool engagement photos for a friend. At the end of the month I got to meet a bunch of cool online friends in person that I've grown closer to over the last year.

In November I got drunk for the first time at a friend's halloween party which was fun. The next day I got to see The Menzingers for the 2nd time this year, this time playing the album that got me into them in full and I got to be like 3rd row the entire set. I got to see a few of my friends play at the First Unitarian Church in Philly for the first which is so cool after seeing so many of my favorite bands there before. I ended the month seeing The Spill Canvas playing "No Really, I'm Fine" in its entirety which was such a wildly inspirational album to me back in the day.

And now we're in December. I started off the month by going up to CT for the weekend with my friend from NYC to visit another friend of ours we knew through twitch. We had a lot of soups that weekend. It was a good time. Had a friends Christmas get-together last week with was a lot of fun. I do feel bad that I couldn't get everyone gifts / didn't spend a lot but I'm glad that I got to see my friends and give most of them something. Honestly besides those things, this month flew by.

But here we are, less than 24 hours from 2023 and I don't feel any more accomplished than I did at the beginning of the year. I thought I was going to make moves this year and yet I couldn't get my brain to cooperate with me long enough to take the motivation I had to make any sort of strides towards reaching my goals. I've been super in my head this past week over stuff like that as well as other stupid things that have been sending my anxiety to wild levels. I did have a lot of good experiences this year though, along with the bad. I lost some friends, but I also gained some others. Maybe next year will be better over all.

#long post is long #2022 #cw: alcohol #tw: mention of death

[newstfionline]

Monday, April 8, 2024

Gazing Skyward, and Awaiting a Moment of Awe (NYT) On Monday, millions of people are hoping for a sun-powered experience of awe. A total solar eclipse will sweep across North America, from Mazatlán up through Indiana to Newfoundland. More than 30 million people live in the path of totality, where for a few brief minutes the moon will entirely block out the sun, and darkness will swallow the light of day. A halo will glow white behind the moon, the sun’s corona. The eclipse evokes for many a sort of mystical moment and childlike wonder, as awareness of the celestial encompasses the earth. It is a present reminder to everyone, on the same day, that life can be magical.

Travel Will Add a Record $11.1 Trillion to the Global Economy in 2024 (Bloomberg) The travel industry’s global economic impact continues to gain ground. This year, it’s expected to reach a record-breaking $11.1 trillion, surpassing its prior high of $10 trillion in 2019. In another decade, tourism is forecast to become a $16 trillion industry, at which point it would make up 11.4% of the global gross domestic product. Today, 1 in 10 people are employed in jobs that relate to tourism; by 2034, that will climb, with an estimated 12.2% of global jobs contributing to the sector. All this is part of the 2024 global Economic Impact Research released on Thursday by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

Amid explosive demand, America is running out of power (Washington Post) Vast swaths of the United States are at risk of running short of power as electricity-hungry data centers and clean-technology factories proliferate around the country, leaving utilities and regulators grasping for credible plans to expand the nation’s creaking power grid. In Georgia, demand for industrial power is surging to record highs, with the projection of new electricity use for the next decade now 17 times what it was only recently. Arizona Public Service, the largest utility in that state, is also struggling to keep up, projecting it will be out of transmission capacity before the end of the decade absent major upgrades. Northern Virginia needs the equivalent of several large nuclear power plants to serve all the new data centers planned and under construction. Texas, where electricity shortages are already routine on hot summer days, faces the same dilemma.

Mexico severs diplomatic ties with Ecuador after police storm its embassy to arrest politician (AP) Mexico’s government severed diplomatic ties with Ecuador after police broke into the Mexican Embassy to arrest a former Ecuadorian vice president, an extraordinary use of force that shocked and mystified regional leaders and diplomats. Ecuadorian police late Friday broke through the external doors of the embassy in the capital, Quito, to arrest Jorge Glas, who had been residing there since December. Glas sought political asylum at the embassy after being indicted on corruption charges. The raid prompted Mexico’s President Andrés Manuel López Obrador to announce the breaking off of diplomatic relations with Ecuador on Friday evening. Glas’ attorney, Sonia Vera, told The Associated Press that officers broke into his room and he resisted when they attempted to put his hands behind his back. She said the officers then “knocked him to the floor, kicked him in the head, in the spine, in the legs, the hands,” and when he “couldn’t walk, they dragged him out.”

UK lawmaker admits passing colleagues’ numbers to stranger met on dating app (Reuters) A senior member of Britain’s governing Conservative Party has admitted supplying the personal details of fellow lawmakers to someone he met online, saying he had felt compromised after he sent them intimate photos of himself. William Wragg told the Times newspaper he had handed over the phone numbers of colleagues to a man he met on a dating app, part of what is reported to be a wider operation targeting people working in the British parliament. The Times said those colleagues were then sent unsolicited flirtatious messages and two lawmakers had responded by sending explicit photographs of themselves. News outlet Politico said 12 men including a serving government minister were known to have been targeted in the suspected operation, receiving flirtatious messages and pictures from people who called themselves Abi or Charlie.

Christiania, Copenhagen’s hippie oasis, wants to rebuild without its illegal hashish market (AP) The now-aging hippies who took over a derelict naval base in Copenhagen more than 50 years ago and turned it into a freewheeling community known as Christiania want to boot out criminals who control the community’s lucrative market for hashish by ripping up the cobblestoned street where it openly changes hands. Over the years, there have been many attempts to halt the illegal hashish sales which have often ended in violent clashes between criminal gangs and police, with trading then quickly resuming. On Saturday, residents started digging up Pusher Street, after which they can receive government money earmarked for the area’s renovation. The plan is to create “a new Christiania without the criminal hashish market,” said Mette Prag, coordinator of a new public housing project in the enclave. Prag, who has lived in Christiania for 37 years, likened it to “a village.” “We don’t want the gangsters anymore,” said Hulda Mader, who has lived in Christiania for 40 years.

Farmers in India are hit hard by extreme weather. Some say expanding natural farming is the answer (AP) There’s a pungent odor on Ratna Raju’s farm that he says is protecting his crops from the unpredictable and extreme weather that’s become more frequent with human-caused climate change. The smell comes from a concoction of cow urine, an unrefined sugar known as jaggery, and other organic materials that act as fertilizers, pesticides and bad weather barriers for his corn, rice, leafy greens and other vegetables on his farm in Guntur in India’s southern Andhra Pradesh state. The region is frequently hit by cyclones and extreme heat, and farmers say that so-called natural farming protects their crops because the soil can hold more water, and their more robust roots help the plants withstand strong winds. Experts say these methods should be expanded across India’s vast agricultural lands as climate change and decreasing profits have led to multiple farmers’ protests this year. But fledgling government support across the country for these methods means most farmers still use chemical pesticides and fertilizers, making them more vulnerable when extreme weather hits.

New Zealand tightens visa rules amid near record migration (Reuters) New Zealand said on Sunday that it was making immediate changes to its employment visa program after a near record migration last year which it said was “unsustainable”. The changes include measures such as introducing English language requirement for low skilled jobs and setting a minimum skills and work experience threshold for most employer work visas. The maximum continuous stay for most low skilled roles will also be reduced to three years from five years. New Zealand, which has a population of about 5.1 million, has seen a rapid growth in its migrant numbers since the end of the pandemic, raising concerns last year that it was fanning inflation. Neighbouring Australia, which has also seen a big jump in migrants, has said it would halve its migrant intake over the next two years.

After six months of war, Israel’s isolation grows with no end in sight (AP) When Israel declared war against Hamas last October, it stood unified at home and enjoyed broad backing from around the world following an unprecedented attack by the Islamic militant group. Six months later, Israel finds itself in a far different place: bogged down in Gaza, divided domestically, isolated internationally and increasingly at odds with its closest ally. The risk of a broader regional war remains real. Despite Israel’s fierce military onslaught, Hamas is still standing, if significantly weakened. The offensive has pushed Gaza into a humanitarian crisis, displacing more than 80% of the population and leaving over 1 million people on the brink of starvation. Yet Israel hasn’t presented a postwar vision acceptable to its partners, and cease-fire talks remain at a standstill.

Rwanda’s Ruler Holds Tight Grip (NYT) Blood coursed through the streets of Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, in April 1994 as machete-wielding militiamen began a campaign of genocide that killed as many as 800,000 people, one of the great horrors of the late 20th century. Thirty years later, Kigali is the envy of Africa. Smooth streets curl past gleaming towers that hold banks, luxury hotels and tech startups. There is a Volkswagen car plant and an mRNA vaccine facility. A 10,000-seat arena hosts Africa’s biggest basketball league and concerts by stars like Kendrick Lamar, the American rapper, who performed there in December. Tourists fly in to visit Rwanda’s famed gorillas. Government officials from other African countries arrive for lessons in good governance. The electricity is reliable. Traffic cops do not solicit bribes. Violence is rare. The architect of this stunning transformation, President Paul Kagame, achieved it with harsh methods that would normally attract international condemnation. Rwanda’s tragic history makes it an “immensely special case,” Tony Blair, the former British prime minister, once said.

Zimbabwe introduces new currency as depreciation and rising inflation stoke economic turmoil (AP) Zimbabwe on Friday launched a new currency to replace its previous one that in recent months has been battered by depreciation, and in some instances rejection by the population. Authorities hope the new measure will halt a currency crisis underlining the country’s yearslong economic troubles. Since January, the Zimbabwe dollar lost over 70% of its value on the official market, and was plunging even further on the thriving but illegal black market. Inflation increased from 26.5% in December last year to 34.8% this January before spiking to 55.3% in March, according to official figures. Friday’s announcement is the latest of a cocktail of currency measures undertaken by the Zimbabwean government since the initial spectacular collapse of the Zimbabwe dollar in 2009. The period saw the country at one point issuing a 100 trillion Zimbabwe dollar banknote before the government was forced to temporarily scrap its currency and allow the U.S. dollar to be used as legal tender.

#headlines #news

[latenightramblingstoyou]

and i did love you. i really did. i spent almost a decade waiting for you to love me back. for the timing to be right. and for a blissful few months - it was. i wish it could’ve lasted. i wish it could’ve been you and i. but i jumped and you didn’t.

your mom told me recently that you wish it had ended differently - and sometimes i do too. she said that now you understand what you lost, and wish you could take it back - and sometimes i do too.

but you made these choices. you chose to play games for 7 years. you chose to push me away when it got too real. and because of those choices, you will spend the rest of your life wondering why you didn’t love me the way you should’ve. why you let the best thing you ever had walk away from you. when you lay next to your boring wife in 10 years, you’ll wonder why on earth you let go of the only woman who’s intellectually challenged you.

and i’m sorry for you, i really am. but ultimately i owe you: because, if you’d chose me - i never would’ve looked for him. and he has loved me in a way i simply did not know was possible. and i love him, in a way that is totally different than the way i loved you. so thank you, for pushing me to find a love that surpassed my expectations - not one that just met them.

#lost love #former lover #it gets better #life goes on #the one that got away #thank you

[danganronpasurvivoraskblog]

thoughts on galactus vs unicron death battle, mod?

//Now that Season 10 is over I can confidently say that this was the best season of the show so far, and I'm really excited for Season 11.

//As for Galactus Vs Unicron itself...Well...

//It was good.

//But that's really all it was to me. I set expectations for the fight. They were all met, but none of them were surpassed.

//Although, as someone who's not big on either of the two characters, I didn't really have much of a sway in the battle.

//Don't get me wrong, I think the episode was pretty spectacular, and delivered well, but not in any way that is beyond that of how Death Battle normally delivers.

//If I had to say my biggest plus to the fight, it's that it is by far among the most aesthetically pleasing fights to look at. Galactus and Unicron both look amazing, the detail on their models is great, and the actual spacial environment and how the two use it is pretty astounding.

//But all in all, while I think it made for a good finale, if I had to put it in my top 16, with 1 being the best and 16 being the worst, I think it solidly earns Number 10.

//I think I might make a Death Battle countdown video on my YouTube Channel for this season, because I really did like it. Stay tuned for that, I might post it here.

-Mod

#mod

[homeplus-cleaning]

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#cleaning #cleaning services #house cleaning #cleaning tips

[sleeepypoppy]

Unit 6 Day 1

Today I started the study of Unit 6, Socializing on the Internet. The first content is online dating, and I got several takeaways.

1. Online dating has lost much of its stigma, and a majority of Americans now say online dating is a good way to meet people.

2. Online dating has jumped among adults under age 25 as well as those in their late 50s and early 60s.

3. One-third of people who have used online dating have never actually gone on a date with someone they met on these sites.

4. One-in-five online daters have asked someone else to help them with their profile.

5. There are 5% of Americans who are in a marriage or committed relationship say they met their significant other online.

6. 15% of American adults have used online dating sites or mobile dating apps 

7. 41% of Americans know someone who uses online dating; 29% know someone who has met a spouse or long-term partner via online dating

8. Those who have tried online dating offer mixed opinions about the experience – most have a positive outlook, even as they recognize certain downsides.

9. 19% of Brides Said They Met Their Spouses Online

10. Annual Revenue in the Online Dating Industry Has Surpassed $3 Billion

11. Couples Who Meet Online Tend to Get Married Quickly

12. Online Marriages are Less Likely to End Within the First Year

13. Some Dating Networks May Have Contributed to a Rise in STD Outbreaks

14. Half of British Singles Have Never Asked Someone on a Date Face to Face

15. Online Dating Has Come a Long Way, But There’s Always Room to Grow and Improve

16. More men use online dating than women

17. Age can impact finding a match

18. 53% of people lie on their online dating profile

19. 22% of online daters ask friends to help create their profile

20. Location matters

21. Female users aren’t just looking for hookups

Among these 21 findings from the course material, the one I found most interesting was that "Online dating has jumped among adults under age 25 as well as those in their late 50s and early 60s."

I was surprised to find that the number of elderly people who used online dating raised gradually throughout the years, and I was more surprised to find that one of my peers considered it normal because "many of these individuals may have never been married or are divorced, so they are looking for a relationship but struggle to make one in their normal environment because they have their life routine down to a T at that age."

I thought that she made a reasonable explanation for this finding, and I looked back to find the reason for my being surprised. I believe that this is because of the difference between culture in China and in the United States. In China, elderlies are more concerned about the relationships and marriages of their descendants because we have a stronger bond between older and younger generations due to traditional norms. However, it is the same norm that makes elderlies feel ashamed if they try to meet another person or start a new relationship in their 50s or 60s.

Therefore, I think that the usage of online dating is not only affected by age groups but also locations, social expectations, and cultural norms.

#Internet Psych Study

[the-active-news]

Aaron Judge Brother: Will Judge Outfit Have A Captain On It?

The New York Yankees’ (2016-) professional baseball player Aaron Judge, full name Aaron James Judge, was born on April 26, 1992. In 2022, he broke the American League mark for the most home runs hit in a season. His 62 home runs surpassed Roger Maris, a former Yankee, who had held the mark for 61 years. He signed a nine-year, $360 million contract to remain with the New York Yankees in December 2022. The judge was raised in Linden, California, after being adopted by teachers Patty and Wayne Judge the day after his birth. When Aaron Judge noticed he didn’t look much like his parents and started to ask questions, he was around 10 or 11 years old. Judge is multiracial, 6 feet 7 inches tall (2.01 meters), and weighs 282 pounds (128 kg). John Judge, his older brother, had also been adopted.

Aaron Judge Brother

Aaron Judge Brother The day after his birth, instructors Patty and Wayne Judge adopted Judge, who was raised in Linden, California. When Aaron Judge recognized he didn’t look like his parents and started to ask questions, he was probably 10 or 11 years old. Judge is multiracial, 6 feet 7 inches tall (2.01 meters), and weighs 282 pounds (128 kg). John Judge, his older brother, had also been adopted. I grew in my mother’s heart; some children grow in their mother’s stomachs. Since I was a young child, she has always treated me with love and concern. I’ve never had to question anything or think in a different way.” You also like it:- - Alex Haley Net Worth: Is He Still Alive Or Not? - Kenneth Copeland Net Worth: How Much Money Does He Make In a Year?

Will Judge Outfit Have A Captain On It?

The pitchers and catchers for the New York Yankees will report to Spring Training in Tampa, Florida, in less than 30 days. It’s a new year, so it’s time to take a closer look at the Yankees Inbox to see what questions you, the fans, have: The quick response is no. On the day of his news conference, I pointed at the Nike swoosh on Judge’s right chest and said, “No C?” when he entered the room to meet with the print media. “No, we don’t do that here,” he chuckled. And it’s true: neither Don Mattingly, Thurman Munson, nor any of the prior Yankees captains wore a “C,” and neither did Derek Jeter. In general, though it has happened a few times in baseball, it has been more of a label for other sports. I also remember Jason Varitek wearing the letter with the Red Sox from 2005 through 2011, and John Franco choosing to wear one when he was named the Mets’ captain in 2001. https://twitter.com/BRWalkoff/status/1613560674277363712 I also came across this comment that Jeter once provided me with when researching this: “I’m no different than everybody else in the club,” he stated in 2008. “I am aware that I have that position. I’m not suggesting that everybody who wears it is doing it wrong, but for me, it’s never been a problem.” Yes. In December, general manager Brian Cashman reaffirmed that Donaldson will “absolutely” start at the hot corner in 2023. The 37-year-offensive old’s production, which the Yanks are counting on to improve, saw him hit.222/.308/.374 with 15 home runs and 62 RBIs in 132 games (94 OPS+). It looks like Donaldson will have more opportunities to influence the Yankees’ lineup since both Cashman and manager Aaron Boone feel that the third baseman should have been heavily involved in the Gold Glove discussion.

Aaron Judge Supporters Hope For Another Spectacular Campaign From Him

Aaron Judge’s tremendous season with the New York Yankees in 2022 completely spoils the fans. A player from the American League or anybody else without at least the appearance of a steroid scandal has never hit 62 home runs. But it would be a little ridiculous to anticipate Judge to have a similar season. Expectations were dampened by Michael Kay, who both hosts Yankees games on YES Network and produces a radio show about them. https://twitter.com/jonmorosi/status/1594868828525441024 Although not historically accurate, Kay’s projections could be sufficient for a second MVP campaign: Despite Judge’s remarkable season, there is no reason to believe that he won’t once again perform at an All-Star or even MVP level this year. He has consistently performed at that level while healthy, so there is no reason to anticipate a significant decline in 2023. For more information visit  theactivenews.com Read the full article

[social-mania]

Is the auto industry finally switching to the fast lane?

Utility vehicle sales have overtaken those of cars for the first time. But the two-wheeler segment is still struggling to make a comeback. Here's an insight into the auto industry and its challenges

India’s automobile sector, consisting of passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, two-wheelers, three-wheelers and quadricycles, again ended the last financial year on a bleak note. 

Total dispatches from factories to dealerships declined 6% to 17.53 million units, marked by diverging performances among the segments. The sector’s sales had peaked in 2018-19 when it sold 26.26 million units. 

India’s two wheeler segment was the worst hit by the pandemic and it is still showing no signs of recovery. The segment reported its lowest wholesales in the last 10 years in FY22, data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers shows.

After falling almost 18% in FY20, two-wheeler sales dipped further 13% in FY21 and another 11% last fiscal to 13.47 million units, the lowest since 2011-12. Two-wheeler dispatches are currently just 64% of the 2018-19 level when the segment scaled a high of 21.18 million units.  

On the other hand, the cost of ownership of passenger vehicles (PVs) and two-wheelers has also risen substantially following a surge in fuel prices, price hikes by manufacturers to cover BS-VI costs, and costlier raw materials.

Show the visuals of Honda Activa and Hero Splendour and TVS Jupiter

The transition to BS6 norms from BS4 came into effect on April 1, 2020. This pushed vehicle prices across segments as manufacturers developed new engines that met the rigorous BS6 emission rules. In the year following the introduction of BS6 engines, the price of top models like Honda Activa and Hero Splendour and TVS Jupiter became costlier by 10 to 11,000 rupees.

Meanwhile, the passenger vehicle segment put up a strong show last year, with dispatches rising 13% to 3.07 million units. This segment has recovered to 91% of FY19 level. (below gfx for this para, convert to bar graph)

But this recovery was completely led by a stupendous growth in the sales of utility vehicles, given India is in the midst of an SUV boom. Sales of utility vehicles registered a 40% jump to 1.49 million units while passenger car sales declined by 4.8% to 1.46 million units.

India’s automakers appear to have put the challenges of Covid-19 behind them as sales surpassed 2019 levels in the month of May this year for major car makers like Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra.  (below gfx for 

Two-wheeler sales remained sluggish but they benefited from some pent up demand and wedding season in the first two months of the financial year. People returning to offices and reopening of educational institutions is also helping Two-wheeler sales this year.

Anuj Sethi, Senior Director - Ratings, CRISIL says, growth momentum in PV sales will continue this year. If not for the chip shortage, sales in FY22 would’ve been higher, he said adding that chip availability is expected to improve from the second half of this year. PV sales can touch 34 lakh units, crossing FY19 record. Income levels in rural markets were impacted in last 2 years and 2W sales expected to register 5-6% growth.  

While semiconductor shortage remains the major challenge for carmakers, Maruti Suzuki Chairman RC Bhargava has said the government’s plan to make six airbags mandatory in passenger vehicles from October 1 will make small cars more expensive and drive out a chunk of potential buyers.

Providing driver and front passenger airbags in all cars is already mandatory.  Adding another four airbags will increase the cost by Rs 17,600, according to auto market data provider JATO Dynamics.

In some cases, the cost could be higher as companies will be required to make engineering changes to the car's structure to accommodate the additional airbags.

Buyers of entry-level cars are much more price-sensitive compared to the bigger car segment.

Meanwhile, the government also increased the third-party (TP) motor insurance premium for various categories of vehicles with effect from June 1, which will jack up the insurance cost of cars and two-wheelers—making their on-road version more expensive.

TVS Motor Company CEO KN Radhakrishnan said this will hamper the efforts of the industry to recover.

CRISIL’s Anuj Sethi says interest rates are still attractive despite the recent repo rate hike by RBI. Further, the reliance of two-wheeler buyers on financing is also coming down. From 70% pre-pandemic, less than 50% of new two-wheelers are purchased on EMIs, he added.

On the other hand, a media report said on Thursday that India’s top listed automotive and ancillary companies have earmarked Rs 30,000 crore for capital expenditure in FY23.

Tata Motors this week signed an agreement to potentially buy Ford’s plant in Gujarat’s Sanand as it looks to ramp up its production of electric vehicles while Mahindra Group has committed Rs 15,300 crore for capex between FY22 and FY24.

Last month, market leader Maruti Suzuki had announced a new factory in Haryana, the company's third in the state entailing a total investment of 18,000 crore rupees.

Anuj Sethi, Senior Director - Ratings, CRISIL, says FY23 capex is 30-35% higher than previous year. Driven largely by OEMs in passenger vehicle space. In 2W space, investments are being directed toward EVs

Sethi says that the order backlog for passenger vehicles caused by chip shortage last fiscal year is expected to contribute to this year’s high growth. He says the backlog could be anywhere between 4-6 lakh vehicles. But this figure could be inflated because consumers tend to make multiple bookings with different companies, and not all of it would translate into sales. Sethi believes that the actual number could be closer to 3-3.5 lakh. Nevertheless, PV sales could touch a new record this year.

Sethi also said that some amount of inventory buildup is required by dealers which could help OEMs in dispatches. The normal inventory level with dealers is about 25-30 days which has now come down to 12-15 days.

For the two-wheeler segment, although the expected 5-6% growth this fiscal is not impressive, especially coming after three years of consecutive negative growth, it would still mark the beginning of a turnaround.

#Maruti Suzuki #maruti #automobile news #technology #tech news #new technology

[marsbutterfly]

Skyfall

Summary: When you are hired to kill the most dangerous mafia boss, things get a little complicated.

Wattpad Version! | AO3 Version!

|◁ II ▷|

“This is the end

Hold your breath and count to ten

Feel the Earth move and then

Hear my heart burst again”

7:34pm

The clock on your wrist tics quietly but in the silent room, it nearly sounds like bombs being dropped from above. Not a word is exchanged between you and the man sitting across the room but you know exactly what he wants.

In his hand rests a dark colored suitcase, you can barely tell until the light hits his belt ever so gently but you finally see the gun he’s been carrying.

You take a deep breath, getting up for your seat. The sound of your heels clicking on the floor fills the atmosphere as you walk towards him, the smirk on his lips is undeniable and you don’t understand what he has to be smiling about.

He stands up a second after you and walks in your direction, bumping against you and dropping his suitcase and the papers in his hand. In response, you throw on the floor the suitcase you once held. 

The man apologizes profoundly as you help him collect the papers on the floor. You say over and over that it is ok, while all the curious eyes in the room land on you. As you stand up, you hand him the suitcase you once had in your hand and he nods, thanking you for the help and apologizing one last time.

You begin to make your way back to your car, the smirk on his lips still engraved in your brain as a chill travels down your spine. “Why was he smiling?” You ask yourself not wanting to admit it but you are a bit scared of knowing the answer.

Though once you open the suitcase, you understand why. Inside, rests the pictures and information of your next target, the millionaire leader of an enemy gang. Though you don’t enjoy taking sides, you’ve been paid a large amount of money to take her out, more than you have ever made.

The war between these two gangs has been going on for the longest time and you have killed enough people on both sides to earn a fair amount of enemies, but this time you couldn’t help but feel a sinking hole opening in your heart.

Hanji Zoe has always been the deadliest member of the underground group. Her kill count is even higher than yours, at least 500+ heads under her belt. They say her torture methods surpass even the ones they use in hell.

She’s known as the Devil herself.

“For this is the end

I've drowned and dreamt this moment

So overdue, I owe them

Swept away, I'm stolen”

8:15pm

Your keys unlock the heavy doors of your house and somehow the marble floors feel colder than ever. Your shoes rest in their designated spot by the coat holder and you throw the suitcase on the couch.

Two cups rest on the counter near the bar area inside your home. One of them contains what you assume is whisky, due to the color and the amount of ice in the cup, it has always been her favorite after a work day.

The lipstick marks are fresh meaning she has just now gotten home. Upon paying closer attention, you realize the shower is on and steam is coming out of the bathroom. You think about joining her but ultimately decide to have a drink first, trying to forget about your next target.

Gently, you take two rocks of ice and place them in the clean cup specifically placed out for you. Pouring yourself a single shot of whisky, you walk towards the balcony feeling as the cold air of the night hits your face.

You knew this day would come but you hoped it would take longer. 

Deep in your own thoughts, you don’t realize the water has been turned off in the bathroom and wet footsteps approach your body.

It’s not until her wet arms wrap around your black dress that you realize you are no longer alone. Her face is buried in your back and you can see steam leaving her arms as the hair on her skin stands up.

The tattoo of your initials on her hand still brings butterflies to your stomach. The memory of the night she got it is still one of your favorite moments you spent together, especially since it was after your first date and she told you she knew you were the one.

“I missed you.” She says, placing a kiss on your skin. You can feel as her breasts are pressed against you and a gasp leaves your body.

“I missed you too.” You reply, a disobedient tear rolling down your face as you chug the contents of the cup in your hand.

“What’s wrong?” She asks, placing her hand on your waist as she turns your body around so you can face her. She is a few inches taller, nothing too extreme but enough to make you look up at her gently.

Her thumb brushes the tear on your cheek before rubbing it above your lips. You take a deep breath, gathering the courage to tell her the news you just received.

“You are my next target.” You say and Hanji nods, a sad smirk on her lips.

“Let the sky fall

When it crumbles

We will stand tall

Face it all together” 

9:00pm

The brush goes through her hair with ease for the first time, as if she took care of the tangles in the shower already knowing what the news you were bringing would be. After shower moments were the ones where Hanji was the most vulnerable.

She would simply close her eyes and appreciate the attention she’s been given as she fades in the echo of your voice. You hum a melody quietly, Hanji’s favorite song in the hopes to bring her any comfort at all.

Your tears drip down your nose onto her scalp as you put her hair in a ponytail, attempting to help her get ready for the party she will be attending in an hour. At the highest floor of the second tallest building in the entire city.

“How are you going to do it?” She asks, lighting a cigarette and blowing the smoke up in the air while trying to make rings out of it. You giggle, touching her shoulders before sliding your hands down her arms.

You notice the goosebumps rising on her skin and can’t help but smile at how she reacts to your touch. “Must we talk about it?”

“I need to know.” She replies and you nod, sighing heavily while finally agreeing to talk about the elephant in the room.

“I’ll be on the roof of the Paradise building. I am pretty sure they will send someone to watch me do it.” You begin, spraying the bottle of perfume around her and noticing as the drops of liquid fall on her tan skin, masking the smell of the cigarette.

“But they might not.” She says and you shrug your shoulders.

“They might not.” You say quietly.

“I wouldn’t expect any less from this city’s top 1 assassin.” She says, taking your hand in hers and planting a soft kiss on your palm, leaving behind the red mark of her deep colored lipstick.

She stands up, allowing the robe to fall to the floor and reveal her naked body. You can’t look away from the perfect shape of her breasts, the line that goes through her abdomen from a previous surgery and all of her battle scars.

“Make me yours one last time.” You say, pulling your shirt above her head as you expose yourself to her and she nods, a devious smile curling up on her lips.

You see a few old bullet wounds, some healed while others are still healing. Every single one of them tells a story about who she is and how she has lived her life but your favorite story has always been the one of how she lost her eye.

It was three years ago, the day you met. How could you ever forget?

“Let the sky fall

When it crumbles

We will stand tall

Face it all together

At Skyfall”

Since you were a teenager, you’ve been good at killing. First your shitty parents and every family member who sided with them, including your own brother and sister. Finally being able to control your life, you decided to make a living out of it.

This career put you through college where you earned a chemistry degree, learning how to mix your personal kinds of poison, some of which no one has ever even heard of which makes it hard for the police to find who was responsible for it.

At first, you would go for basic targets: rapists, animal abusers, anyone who dared hurt another soul but word got out of how excellent and quick you were at your job and your number of clients tripled and your name was in everyone’s mouth.

One day, you got a call from a blocked russian number. A smile creeped on your lips as you heard a familiar voice over the phone, Erwin Smith. The man who gave you a chance to grow in this life and made you who you are today, your mentor.

“Y/N, I’m dying.” He says, his voice is faint and you notice his life force is fading away. 

“I can tell.” You reply trying to lighten the mood and he laughs.

“Will you still work for the next boss?” He asks, coughing out a liquid which you could only assume was blood. 

“If that is your dying wish.” You respond and he hums in agreement over the phone, “Then yes.”

Later that week, two men showed up to your house to escort you to Erwin’s funeral. The rain poured over his coffin, hiding away the tears of those who loved him.

Surrounded by at least five men sat a woman in a black coat, her eyes looking in your direction as she took the cigarette to her lips. The tattoos on her leg on display for anyone to see, you could’ve sworn she was silently flirting with you.

And in a moment of weakness, a car drove by shooting up the place completely. Of course they were received with a buffet of bullets as well, but nearly a third of the people around the casket were now dead.

As a bullet makes its way towards you, the brunette with danger in her eyes rushes forward to protect you only to receive the bullet with a glass platter. Needless to say, an uncountable amount of shards found their way into her eyeball.

While she bled in your arms, you tried to make sure she remained awake.

“What’s your name?” You ask and she smiles, bringing your hand towards her lips and licking your thumb with a palpable sexual energy.

“Hanji. Hanji Zoe.” She replied, “The new boss.”

“Skyfall is where we start

A thousand miles and poles apart

Where worlds collide and days are dark

You may have my number, you can take my name

But you'll never have my heart”

10:05pm

Once you are finished redoing Hanji’s hair, she stares at the closet before finally picking out a blood colored suit. No shirt underneath, she places the blazer right above her nipples, only enough to cover them while allowing the rest of her breasts to be exposed.

You on the other hand plan to dress yourself in a completely black outfit hoping to blend into the darkness of the night. Luck was on your side for there were no stars to brighten the sky, allowing you to take complete cover.

As far as you know, nobody is aware of your relationship with Hanji, not even her subordinates. Keeping business away from your private life has always been a priority, even before you committed your first paid killing.

She places a final kiss on your hands and one of your lips, though it does not feel like a goodbye and you sadly accept any kind of comfort you can find.

When her car is out of view, you decide to go up and take a shower by yourself. You wanted to decline this job, to throw everything away: your reputation, the money and simply run away with Hanji to a place where you could live your lives.

But you can’t. Before even knowing who your targets are, you are always made to sign a consent form and if broken, it would cost you your life.

The warm water hits your face and you can still smell Hanji’s strawberry shampoo in the air mixed with the fading smoke of her cigarettes. You begin to remember every shower you spent together, every kiss you shared at the most exquisite places around the world.

Hanji always knew how to make you feel like the luckiest girl in the world. Eventually, you can no longer if the water streaming down your face comes from the shower or your tears.

As you finish your shower, you begin to get ready. The black outfit had never been colder and the unsettling feeling at the pit of your stomach still remains. While putting a mask above your face, you look at your rifle.

It has your initials and Hanji’s secretly carved on the side and on the other it has the date you started dating. A good luck charm, as she liked to call it.

Tonight will be a fucking awful night.

“Let the sky fall (let the sky fall)

When it crumbles (when it crumbles)

We will stand tall (we will stand tall)

Face it all together

At Skyfall”

1:53am

Hours have passed since you've been sitting at the top of this building by yourself, looking through the binoculars at the party happening not too far away.  In the end, they decided not to send anyone to watch over your shoulder as you do your job.

The richest and most powerful people in town were all attending and, even though they wore masks, you could still tell exactly who they were. The years of analyzing and recognizing targets from afar has given you the extraordinary ability to identify covered faces.

By the bar, you see her as she rests her arm on the glass top. She looks beautiful. Her whiskey brown eyes match the liquid in her cup as the black mask covers her features. For a second, you could’ve sworn she looked directly at you.

The instructions were clear: at 2am, a single bullet should be shot directly to her head, killing her instantly. So you position your gun, looking through the lense as Hanji disappears in the crowd for a bit before returning to her usual spot.

You sigh, stopping the tears that attempt to cloud your vision. Your finger slowly moves towards the trigger, as if time itself is desperately trying to stop you from killing your loved one, but it doesn’t matter. No one could stop you now.

Counting the seconds, you make sure the shot to her head is clear and you pray she won’t suffer at all. “Goodbye, my love.”

Time nearly stops once you pull the trigger. You watch closely as the bullet goes through her brain and blood splatters across the clear counter causing every person in the room to desperately run for their lives, not knowing they are all safe.

Only one man stands in the room and he raises his glass at you for he is the only one who knows no more shots will be fired. The asshole who hired you to kill the love of your life. Fucking Zeke Yeager.

With every ounce of your body, you decide that killing him isn’t worth it. He deserves to live to suffer in the future.

You bring your body back up, beginning to disassemble your rifle. It takes you less than a minute to be on your way and you can hear as police sirens approach the building in front of you.

“Where you go, I go

What you see, I see

I know I'd never be me

Without the security

Of your loving arms

Keeping me from harm

Put your hand in my hand

And we'll stand”

Finally getting back to your house, you throw the bag containing the gun on the couch before plopping your body right beside it, a long sigh escaping your lips.

Your eyes then notice the packed bags, all ready to leave as soon as possible. The clicking of heels comes from the other side of the house and you smirk, rushing your thumb through your lips.

“I feel bad for the lady you hired to die in your place.” You say, turning around and propping your chin on the back of the couch.

“Would you prefer if I had died in her place?” Hanji asks, rushing her hand through her freshly shaved head in an attempt to get rid of any hairs that still remain attached to her.

“Of course not, love.” You reply, walking towards her before taking the glass of wine from her free hand.

“Hanji Zoe is dead and the witness to it is Zeke Yeager himself.” She says, a devious smile on her lips.

You can’t help but link your mouth with hers, tasting the delightful mixture of alcohols she has had tonight. Her hands travel through your body, exploring every inch of your skin before gently brushing against your inner thigh.

You gasp gently, nearly melting in response to her actions. God knows you want to melt but you don’t have time.

“It’s 4:25am, the plane leaves in 35 minutes so we should go.” She says and you nod.

You grab one of the packed bags plus your rifle and she grabs the rest before extending her hand to you, hoping to walk away from this life with you by her side but not before staging your own kidnapping and death, everything so no one would ever look for either of you.

Once done with arrangements, she smiles. 

“So where are we going to make our new home?” You ask.

“My home is wherever you are.” She replies and you feel your cheeks getting warm before she continues, “But I was planning the Carribeans.” 

“Fuck yes.” Is all you say and she laughs, squeezing your hand as you both say goodbye to the apartment you’ve shared for years. Leaving behind a life of danger to live together in the house of your dreams, far away from all the negativity.

Just you and Hanji. And maybe a few cats and dogs along the way.

“Let the sky fall (let the sky fall)

When it crumbles (when it crumbles)

We will stand tall (we will stand tall)

Face it all together

At Skyfall”

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