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#everyone is welcome to their opinion as long as they can be respectful about it
dead-dove-yandere · 2 months
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Can you imagine a reader where everyone around him is a yandere just because of him?
I hope this is alright! I kinda wanted to do something with a group of yanderes all loving the same darling but I wasn’t sure if I could pull it off lol. Enjoy!
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The Cult
TW: Stalking, obsession, religious themes and abuse, indoctrination, cult related themes
♡ - They were a regular congregation just like any other - a close knit community all lead in prayer by the priest, each and every single one of them normal.
♡ - That was until you moved into town. The moment you first attended church, all eyes were on you. It’s only natural, you thought - you were a stranger coming into their community, of course it would take time for everyone to get used to you joining in.
♡ - You took a seat towards the back, hoping not to draw attention to yourself, yet still you could feel everyone’s eyes on you even as the service progressed.
You had no idea just how much of an effect you had really left on them all.
♡ - The progression was slow, at first - none of them wanted to admit that they were feeling something for you, something sinful, something akin to desire. A few took confession with the priest, not knowing that as they poured out their hearts to him about how much they wanted you, the priest also felt that same desire.
♡ - It wasn’t long until they began to talk amongst themselves. You’d see people whispering into each other’s ears as they stole glances, eying you up and down. You dismissed it as gossip, but in reality everyone was testing the waters, trying to gauge the popular opinion about you.
♡ - Once it became apparent that everyone was obsessed in love with you, the congregation’s attitude shifter suddenly. You came one week to find that instead of stares or glances or whispers, the congregation greeted you warmly. Everyone smiled at you, offered you assistance or assurance, ushered you to the best pew right at the front where everyone could see you.
♡ - You couldn’t fathom what might have caused such a sudden shift, but you welcomed it, glad that you had seemingly been accepted into the fold.
♡ - Many of them came up to you before and after church, making small talk and asking about you, what you enjoyed and liked, all while they wore identical, pleasant smiles.
♡ - The priest would oftentimes gently remind you that he was always available for counsel should you need it, but it seemed almost like a plea, like he wanted you to be alone with him.
♡ - As the weeks progressed, the kindness dialled up. People who had asked you about your favourite foods would bring freshly cooked dishes to gift to you, some would give you items you’d mentioned wanting, others still would make you nice clothes to wear.
♡ - If it ever rained while you left church, everyone would be practically fighting to offer you their umbrella.
♡ - It comes to a head when during one service, the priest announces that he wants to perform a special ceremony, and asks for a volunteer.
♡ - No one puts their hands up - they all look at you.
♡ - As the priest beckons you forth, other members attend to you, adorning you in fine robes, guiding you to the altar, placing wreaths of flowers around you.
♡ - You’re confused and dizzied by the attention being lavished on you as you’re ushered on top of the altar, where everyone can see you. The crowd rushes forth, held back only by the priest that commands them to be respectful of their new God - you.
♡ - Countless hands reach out towards you, hoping to caress your face, hold your hand, kiss your lips. Each and every person desperate to adore and worship you.
♡ - It’s a delicate balance - each of them wants you for themselves, but they know they cannot fight against the rest of the congregation. So, a fragile peace is held together purely by you, and by their devotion to you.
♡ - You will want for nothing, and you will never set foot outside the church again.
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Dividers Credit: See Pinned Post
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satellite-evans · 8 months
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poets & soulmates
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Pairing: Harry Styles x reader
Summary: Harry doesn’t know how to react when he learns that you don’t believe in soulmates.
Word count: a cute little blurb
Warnings: angst? Flufffff
A/N: heyyyyy!!!!!
It’s been ages since I last posted a fic, so I am soooo excited to post my very first Harry Styles one! I really hope you guys like it, I’ve worked on this for a while, so let’s see how it goes. I’m very excited and nervous to post this, but I am so happy to be back! Please tell me what you guys think and give me as much as feedback as you can so I can grow and be a better Harry fic writer for you all xxx
English is not my first language, so I apologize if I made any (grammar) mistakes. Feedback, requests, talks, vents, recommendations or just simple questions are always welcome.
Happy reading xxx
I do NOT give permission for my work to be translated or reposted on here or any other site.
~
If you had to describe the love you shared with Harry with a poem, you would probably choose the one from Edgar Allan Poe.
“We loved with a love that was more than love.”
It said so much in such few words; the best description of your love for him.
Because it is true, it is more than love. Always had been. If you took the love out of the relationship, you and Harry would be left with so much to survive. There was trust, for example. And also intimacy. Not to forget there was an understanding between you, too, that no one understood. If you were in a room with thousands of people, he would recognize you, every single time. Like you were a shining diamond between rocks. The effect you both had on each other, was beyond explaining in chemistry. Harry could touch you, and the breath that would escape from your lips oh so silently would already expose the effect he had on you.
Harry was no different, either. Seeing you smile proudly when you looked at him, made him turn into dust, that you blew away with your eyes. But he was afraid at first. To love.
He was afraid to love you.
For him, you were a stunning mystery. You carried things deep inside you that no one understood, and Harry was afraid to fail like the others. In his eyes, you were like the ocean and he was just a man who loved the waves but was completely terrified of swimming.
How couldn’t he be? At twenty nine, everyone had an idea in their head about how Harry was in relationships. Some said that he was single because he had commitment issues, others said the reason he was still alone was that he was too much of a playboy.
Yes, he had a few relationships before you and some of them did not end well, but Harry always respected and treated them with his kindness, always wanted the best for them.
He would do everything for his love, for you.
“Hey, love?” He asked you, clearly with hesitation. The way his voice shook a little didn’t go unnoticed by you in his London home where the both of you were lying in his bed. After spring came, Harry offered you to stay with him until summer so the two of you could enjoy long walks in the park with his favorite companion. You never said yes to an offer so quickly before in your life.
“Yes H, everything okay?”
How? How was it that every time Harry wanted to start a subject that was sensitive for him, you already knew by just the way he asked you his first question? Call it magic, call it luck. Harry liked to call it love.
“Do you think we’re soulmates? Like-I mean, we would be together and we will be forever?”
He didn’t know why that question was so important to him, but it was. He wanted to know your opinions and thoughts about the future both of you had. Every time Harry was dreaming about his future and how it would look, he realized you were always there. In the audience when he opened his biggest show ever, in the delivery room when he held his baby for the first time, everywhere. So your answer was very important to him. He wanted- no; he needed to know if he was present in your future as much as you were present in his.
“No, I don’t think we are. But that’s because I don’t believe in soulmates.”
Ouch. That shouldn’t have hurt him, but it did. Blaming you would be pointless. You didn’t believe in the whole idea of soulmates, but that didn’t make him less insecure. He knew it was too good to be true. That you were too good to be true.
The whole aura of the room changed and Harry slowly got up from where he was lying between your legs. You saw that his demeanor changed and that the happy, slightly tired Harry got replaced with a sad Harry.
“Hey, hey what’s that all about? Why the sad face?”
Honesty was one thing you both took extremely seriously. So that’s what you wanted to do this time, too. But without realizing you broke slightly Harry’s heart.
“It’s nothing, really. You don’t have to believe we are soulmates. I don’t know why I’m sad if I am being honest.” He said with a slight smirk that didn’t reach his eyes. He was clearly devastated by your answer.
You sat closer to him on his bed, touched his cheeks with your hands, and stared him deeply into his eyes. Harry already felt his heartbeat going faster. It was going so fast that he thought he was going to have a stroke. He held on to your arm dearly, so if he fainted, you could hold him. Like you always had been.
“I don’t believe in soulmates, and I don’t think that you & I were meant to end up together. What I believe is that we fell in love & that we worked hard for our relationship. I mean, look at you, you’re an amazing person with qualities so great that an individual can only dream of having those. Every woman is lucky to have you. I am from another country and I am younger than you. Remember all the news that they made about us when we first started going out? They told me I was a gold digger, that you were too good for me, that you cheated on me, and so on. But we didn’t listen to any of them. We let our love grow because we knew, H. We knew that what we had was special, and not everybody was lucky enough to feel what we felt. So no, I don’t think we are soulmates. But you are the one for me; Harry. You were in my past when I didn’t even know. You are my person in the present, And you will be in the future. Because I will always, undoubtedly, love you.”
Without waiting for his response, you connected your lips with his. You knew he was sensitive and these bare confessions took a toll on him, so you just kissed him, to let him know it was okay. That you were there for him, always.
“Just give me 3-5 business days, and I’ll come up with even a bigger love confession, promise.”
Harry said, after he broke the bruising kiss.
He wasn’t lying. Harry had no words to say to you. He knew you loved him, but not that much. It was like his brain & heart were on fire and you just put them out with your words. Relief washed over him, and like a cherry on his favorite cake, you kissed him with adoration.
“Oh, I know you will. It’s a known fact that you were always better with words, but just so you know, you don’t have to. I feel your love every time you look at me. Hate to break it to you, but your eyes give it away how much you love me, Styles.”
He didn’t care about the idea of the whole soulmate anymore. He felt so stupid that he was thinking about that. The love that the both of you shared, was more special, and rare. The two of you were even better than soulmates.
“That I do, Y/N. That I do. I love you so fucking much. It sometimes hurts. It hurts not to touch you, not to be near you, not to kiss you.”
He closed the gap between you with a passionate kiss again, that knocked your breath away. Your whole body was on fire, not knowing what to do. With every touch of his on your skin, the fire started to get more and more aggressive. He released your lips, but stayed close, so you could feel his breath on your lips and he could hear your heartbeat going faster.
“I am no poet, Y/N but just know that if I was, you would be my biggest inspiration.”
You looked him in the eyes, trying to control your breathing, but it was a lost cause. His blue eyes were like ice digging into your heart, and the only thing you could do was surrender.
“That might be the best poem I’ve ever heard.”
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badasbebe · 5 months
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Pretty enough for you yet?
pairing ; bada lee x fem!reader
summary ; rivalry between reader and bada. rivalry or maybe more?
content warnings ; smut, explicit language, fingering, eating out (lmk if I forgot one)
word count ; 1.6k
a/n ; y'all i love my wife so much <3 bada lee
𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐍𝐒𝐅𝐖 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓, 18+ 𝐎𝐍𝐋𝐘, 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐒 𝐃𝐍𝐈
Bada and I never got along, that’s for sure. Since we’re both in a very competitive industry, it’s hard to want to be liked by everyone. But with Bada, it just never clicked, no matter what I tried. She was a very good dancer, everyone could see that, but she always tried to make you feel smaller to uplift herself. Her cocky smile, her provocative behaviour, everything about her screamed confidence and I absolutely hate it. Nevertheless, I tried to put our bad past behind us for the sake of the show we’re both competing on. Yes, a bit of competition is good, but fighting 24/7 isn’t.
When the first introductions came around, we were the last ones to be introduced. As we walked down the stairs, we felt the numerous stares of all groups who were already seated, but one person almost burned holes in my face with her stares. I knew she was coming on the show, but that doesn’t change the fact that I was annoyed by it, by her.
Of course she had to shit-talk my group in the introduction video, and me being sub-leader, I responded in a very fair way. I decided to pick her as my no-respect dancer, and challenged her to a battle.
‘You sure you wanna go up against her? I know she said some things about us, but we’re not affected by it.’ My leader said, trying to hold me back. ‘What? You scared I’m gonna lose?’ I say with confidence before walking to the centre of the stage as my name was called out.
‘So, we’ve been warmly welcomed by everyone here, but to some of you we’re just ‘talentless people who just move around and look pretty’, so we’ll show you how absolutely wrong some of you are.’ I said as I quote the exact words Bada used when describing my group. ‘The no-respect dancer I pick to battle is Bebe’s Bada Lee.’ I say as I look her dead in the eyes, not breaking eye contact once.
‘Is there anything you’d like to say before the battle?’ Kang Daniel asks Bada. ‘Well, I would just like to say- know your place.’ She says with a shit-eating grin. Kang Daniel looks at me in anticipation of an answer. ‘I came here to dance, not to shit talk other groups.’ I say before handing the mic back and getting ready. Bada gets to go up first and Money by Cardi B starts playing.
(full dance of my beautiful wife here for reference: https://youtu.be/VyyjZVLqmLE?si=0Vtnx4MbzUTsnuy2 )
Everyone expected her to be good, hell even I did. She didn’t let me down, I was glad that I picked a worthy opponent. Going up against a weaker dancer just to secure a win is pathetic in my opinion, so I picked someone my own level. Once she came up to me, she stood still in front of me and looked right over the top of my head- cocky asshole.
Once she was done bragging about her height, it was my turn. Angels in Tibet by Amaarae started playing and, in my advantage, it was my go-to jam so I already had some moves up my sleeve.
(dance reference for reader: https://www.instagram.com/p/CyzVGFMoAwt/ )
As the song came to an end, I twerked in her direction, not breaking eye contact. Two can play this provocative game, Bada Lee. She smirked and I went back to my side of the dance ring, my team supporting me and the crews around me calming down after screaming on the top of their lungs.
We waited in anticipation for the result, and…
I won by 2-1 votes, close call. As they revealed their cards, I looked at Bada and said ‘did I look pretty enough for you?’ still quoting her words from earlier, and I just got a smirk and an eye-roll in return. I went back to my spot with my group, feeling content.
After a long morning of shooting, we finally got a break. My group split up, some were out to get food in the cafeteria, some were socializing with other groups, but I had other plans. Right as I saw Bebe go into their group room, I followed. I knocked on the door, shortly after revealing a surprised Lusher. ‘Hi, sorry to interrupt, just came to congratulate you guys.’ I said with a sweet smile. I have nothing against Bebe, especially since almost all members are genuinely sweet. Lusher thanked me and invited me in, but I politely declined and headed back to my own room. As I reach my door, I feel someone touch my shoulder- Bada. ‘What do you think you’re doing?’ she says, my plan is working. The thing with Bada is: underneath that cocky and confident façade, is a leader who’s very protective over her group. ‘Just came to congratulate you guys. I wanted to congratulate you too, second place is very impressive.’ I say with a smirk.
Before I know it, she opens the door, pushes me inside the room against the door and closes it. ‘It’s already very excruciating to have to be in the same place as you for the next few months, so I’d suggest you leave my crew alone.’ She says, looking pissed off. ‘And what it I don’t?’ I ask, looking up at her through my lashes. ‘If you don’t shut your mouth-‘ she tries to say. ‘Make me.’ I whisper.
Her lips smash against mine in a hungry battle. I knew she was touch starved based on how she looks at me, but I never knew she was this hungry for a kiss. She rips my buttoned top open, a few buttons falling but who cares?
Underneath that rivalry between us has always been some kind of lust for each other. I mean, can you blame us? Bada is not only an insane dancer, she’s also really attractive, and I just like to get under her skin sometimes.
I drag her to our couch, pushing her down and getting on her lap. ‘What? Cat got your tongue?’ I tease. I take off her shirt as I suck on her skin, leaving marks for everyone to see. ‘Fuck, don’t leave hickeys.’ She says while panting. ‘Too late.’ I say before slowly kissing my way down to her pants. I hear her groan as I apply the tiniest bit of pressure to her clothed clit with my hands. ‘Stop fucking teasing.’ She says. ‘You don’t make the calls, Bada.’ I say.
I rip her pants off, leaving her in a crew shirt and her panties. I trace kisses along the inside of her thigh, leaving her a groaning mess above me. I know just what to do to make her fold.
This isn’t the first time we’ve done this. Sometimes, when we’re in the same building practicing ‘till late at night, we bump into each other and throw snarky comments at each other. One night, she came into my practice room and started criticizing my whole routine. ‘Bada can you just leave? I really don’t wanna deal with you right now.’ I ask her in an exhausted tone. ‘What’s up baby? Can’t handle criticism anymore?’ she asks, babying me. ‘I really can’t fucking stand you.’ I say, looking her dead in the eye. ‘Sit on me then.’ She said dead serious. I think we all know what happened after that.
One thing about Bada is her hatred of teasing when she’s already aroused. I slowly pull her panties down, and run a finger along her slit as she hisses. As I insert a finger, she grabs my wrist. I start pacing my finger a little faster. ‘Fuck you’re so good.’ She says. It’s rare to see Bada not dominating, but she has her needy moments.
‘Didn’t really like what you said out there about me. Must suck to lose to such a talentless person, huh?’ I say as I pace my fingers faster. She moans something that sounds like ‘sorry’, but she’s too hazy to form a proper sentence. ‘What was that, baby? Didn’t hear you there.’ I tease, slowing my fingers down. ‘No- fuck- keep going. I’m sorry, I’m sorry baby. I didn’t- shit- I didn’t mean it.’ She says, panting like crazy. I add a second finger and she whimpers. ‘Was that a whimper, baby? Where’s that big mouth now?’ I tease.
I remove my fingers and she looks at me very confused. I bring my face closer to her wet cunt as I start eating her out. I hear her moan my name. ‘Let me hear you baby, loud and clear.’ I say as she starts moaning my name.
In a reflex, her hands start to grip at my hair. I feel her hands shake a little. ‘Fuck, I’m gonna cum baby. Please let me come.’ She begs. ‘Shouldn’t you be begging for forgiveness first?’ I tease. ‘I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean it I swear. Please I wanna cum.’ She says as I notice a tear rolls down her cheek from the overstimulation. ‘Cum for me baby.’ I say and she lets loose. Her stomach goes up and down as she tries to catch her breath.
I grab a towel from my luggage to clean her up, I’m still a decent human being. As I look up, I notice a camera.
She seems to realize it at the same time aswell. ‘Fuck.’ We both say as we look at each other. We burst out laughing and I help her clean up. She leaves in silence after a while, but before she steps out the door, she turns around and says: ‘Next time you dance like that, you’ll be the one begging under me.’ And she leaves the room. I smirk to myself, already in anticipation of next time.  
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starrystormwritings · 9 months
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Something's Off
Something's Off
Master List <3 Request List <3 Criminal Minds Master List
Spencer Reid x Reader
A/n: Hey so I haven't written anything in over a year and this is my first criminal minds thing ever so any criticism is welcomed. This was written at 3am so any bad grammar or writing can be excused in my opinion lol. Please consider sending me some requests or ideas for anything on my request list, I'm desperate to get back to being active on here but I'm running low on ideas.
Summary: You and Spencer work at the BAU and after a lapse in Spencer's judgment you end up getting hurt.
Warnings: Murder, guns, shooting, stabbing, blood, hospitals, possible death, general criminal minds talk to gruesome murders
Word Count: 2669
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(NOT MY GIF)
"There she is, we were starting to think you'd quit on us." Derek joked as me and Spencer walked into the briefing room hand in hand.
After a particularly long and emotional case I had decided to take some time to myself to recover from it.
It had only been a week but in this job that felt like years.
"Yep here I am, no need to worry. I know how much you all missed me." I said with a laugh while sitting down at the round table, Spencer going to grab our coffees.
"Can't argue with that, lover boy over there has been lost without you." Emily said with a laugh smiling at me.
Everyone else had taken their seats as Spencer sat next to me, sliding my coffee in front of me with an excited smile.
"Well as much as I wouldn't use the word lost I have missed having you around here." He blushed lightly, trying to speak in the least awkward manner as he could.
I knew he had missed me at work, everyday he came home to our apartment he'd be glued to my side explaining every detail of the case he'd just gotten back from, wanting to hear my opinions and spend time with me.
As much as hearing about work took away the point of taking time off from it watching Spencer ramble on passionately and excitedly to me was nice.
Plus if I'm being honest with myself I'd be bored without it.
"Six women have been found dead in a suburban town in Texas, all between the ages of twenty to thirty and have appeared within forty-eight hours of each other." Hotch explained whilst Penelope showed the pictures of the crime scenes behind him.
"All girls were found within sixteen hours of being deceased and had already been missing for more than a day, meaning he keeps them before murdering them. He has stabbed them all once in the abdomen, careful not to hit any vital organs so the body doesn't shut down. Instead he stabs them to leave them to slowly bleed out." Penelope added whilst handing folders of information out to everyone.
"So it's likely he already has another girl with him now?" Rossi asked with a frown as he flicked his folder open.
"More than likely yes, and with and increasing confidence and skill set we can only assume he's going to continue at a quicker or more brutal pace the longer he's able to." Spencer added, looking to the group with a smile that matched nothing that he just said.
I sighed and looked at the images in front of me, at least this case seemed fairly simple in comparison to some of what we've had to face.
~~~
"This guy is most likely a social younger man who holds enough respect and familiarity within the area for people to feel comfortable enough to get into his vehicle alone at night. He doesn't force his victims to comply they willingly trust him until it's too late due to his natural charm and charisma. Then he holds them for a day before killing and disposing of them. He doesn't hurt them in their time of captivity, meaning he most likely feels remorse or is unsure of his actions, but the thrill of the kill is to enticing for him to let them go. He's confident within his ability to kill, shown in the slow and precise manner he takes in the murder. He is most likely a local who has lived here his whole life due to his knowledge of the area and the trust everyone has toward him. He also appears confident in his ability to not be caught, since he dumps the bodies rather than hiding them. He believes he's more intelligent than most people and above the law, and his high IQ helps fuel this narcissistic ideal he has of himself. That is all thank you." Hotch walks away from the room of police officers who were noting down his profile, gesturing to Emily, Rossi and Derek to follow him into an interrogation room.
I jumped up from the table I was sat on and gathered my notes from next to me.
"I just don't understand how we could have such a sick individual in our community doing this to women. It's just shocking to me." Officer Davis said from beside me.
He was the head officer on the case and the chief of police in this town, he'd been assisting me and Spencer in the last few hours with trying to create an idea of where to begin looking.
"Yeah it always comes as a shock when a member of your community causes something like this." I offered him a small smile whilst gathering my stuff to head over to Spencer, Officer Davis following closely behind me.
"I just can't believe something like this could happen here."
"Can you think of any groups of people within the community that hold a lot of respect and trust? Like public speakers, church groups, large charity groups or public helpers?" I asked him flicking to the page of possible careers I had, smiling at Spencer as I settled my stuff next to him.
"Well apart from the obvious like the police and fire force, I couldn't think of anything. We're quite a religious area but none of our churches have any well known priests that everyone would know, we have too many churches and priests for people to form personal connections with. Although we do have a large neighbourhood watch group. They do nightly patrols in cars around the streets and main roads. They're a very large group of people."
Spencer's head shot up at the last bit. "Do they have a known leader people would know? Or any type of uniform they wear to be recognisable?" He asked Davis while scribbling something on his whiteboard.
"Not uniforms no. Although, the patrol cars they use do have these stick on lights they use to be recognisable. Pauls the leader, he tells people when their needed for patrol."
"So our unsub could be a patrol member, approaching women in his car so they know he's apart of the watch group and trust him enough to get into the car without any hesitation!" Spencer said turning to Davis "I need a list of names of the leaders of the group."
I opened my phone, calling Penelope "I'll get a list of the people on patrol the nights that these girls were taken, see if there's anyone that was working every night."
~~~
Less than a day, that's all we had to find this woman before it was too late.
I was stood in an office with Spencer and Rossi, bouncing ideas off of each other, hoping something stuck.
"Penelope got him." Derek said with a smile walking into the room.
"Paul Fredrick, thirty-five years old, lived here his whole life, was arrested ten years ago for an assault against an twenty-one year old woman, and in charge of the neighbourhood watch patrol schedule." Spencer read from the paper Derek just handed him.
"Hotch, Emily and that detective are already heading there. We need to go this girl probably hasn't got that long left." Derek said gesturing us out of the door quickly.
~~~
"He's confessed." Spencer said with a smile, kissing me on the head as he took a seat next to me.
I'd been sat in this empty office in the police station for an hour now, something just doesn't feel right.
"Really? Doesn't that seem strange to you? I mean according to the profile this guy is confident and intelligent. Surly he wouldn't confess after an hour of interrogation." I bit my lip lightly as I re-read my notes again and again.
"Well sometimes the profile isn't completely correct. Plus they found the girl in an abandoned warehouse a ten minute drive away from his house." Spencer shrugged "he isn't as confident as the profile indicates, he was also quite anxious and stressed when confronted which was surprising, but the evidence points to him and he's confessed. All of the logic adds up."
"I guess. I just don't feel right." I sigh and look up to him with a frown.
He matches my expression and stands up, kissing my forehead lightly before collecting his stuff. "You probably just need some rest it's been a long weekend. The plane leaves in an hour, I'll go collect our stuff for us."
He gave me one more smile before leaving the room. As I glanced after him I saw the rest of the station basically empty and the time was three in the morning.
With another sigh I gathered my stuff and headed out the door. Maybe ten minutes outside in the fresh air would chill me out.
"Everything alright?" A voice from behind me asked, making me jump.
"Davis hi you scared me." I said with a laugh, holding the door for him as we both walked outside. "Everything's okay yeah I'm just rethinking the case."
"What's bothering you about it?" He asked, lighting himself a cigarette.
"I don't know, the whole thing just seems off, I mean why would Fredrick confess so quickly? He doesn't match the profile at all, he's awkward and of a lower intelligence. I just don't see how he could do this alone. Plus why would he take these woman to an abandoned warehouse that could be accessed to the public or the police whenever rather than his own house? He lived alone in an remote area with no neighbours. It just doesn't add up." I shrugged and pulled my arms closer to me since the cold was nipping at my arms.
All of a sudden I felt a blunt pain hit the side of my head.
~~~
(Spencers pov)
"Everything alright kid?" Derek asks me with a concerned look.
"Yeah, I'm just worried about Y/n." I reply, fidgeting with my fingers as I talk "She's been questioning the case and I'm starting to think she might've been onto something."
"What do you mean?"
"Well didn't Fredrick seem odd to you? He had a low IQ and no charisma at all, even if you knew of him I doubt many people would willingly get into his car. Plus he transported the girls for no reason, he put himself at risk by doing it in that warehouse rather than his own home. There's no way he could've done this alone."
"What are you getting at here kid?"
"Well didn't he come across to you as more of a submissive personality?"
"You think we have two unsubs here? A team?"
I shook my head quickly calling Y/n as I spoke. 
"No not a specifically a team. A dominant who lured the girls and killed them, and a submissive who picked the girls out, disposed of the bodies and took the fall. It would make sense, Fredrick was to easy to find, this unsub would be to intelligent to be this simple. Fredrick was on patrol the nights the girls were taken, he most likely saw them first and then alerted the other unsub of them so he could then take them."
"Well if this unsub was so intelligent how come it was so easy to find his partner?"
The phone rang out, that's strange Y/n always picks up.
"He wanted us to. He pointed us in that direction to throw us off, he didn't need Fredrick and he knew he would stay loyal if he was caught. He wanted us to catch Fredrick so we'd leave."
Derek's eyes went wide as he got his phone out of his phone to call someone.
"You know who told us about the neighbourhood watch and the list of likely suspects?"
Derek asked with a frown.
"Davis."
~~~
"Has anyone seen Y/n?" I asked as I walked into the room that the rest of the team were in.
They all looked at me with worried expressions as Emily handed me my bulletproof vest.
"According to the CCTV she was last seen leaving the station with Officer Davis" Hotch said clearing his throat, trying to remain stern and collected even though he was as distraught as the rest of the team.
"What?" my face fell as I scanned the room, everyone either looking away from me or straight at me with concern. 
Derek's phone beeped and everyone's heads snapped up to look at him as he stood. "Pen's got an address, lets go."
~~~
"FBI!" Derek yelled as he kicked down the door, letting himself into the house as I followed behind, gun trained ahead of me.
"What am I looking for here Reid?" he asked, clearing the first room.
"A basement most likely." I said walking ahead, spotting a door that appeared to be heading downstairs.
I nodded my head toward it and Derek went ahead, opening it slowly and walking down.
I followed close behind him, a loud smash was heard from in front of us and before I could even see Derek shot, leaving Davis on the floor.
"He tried to run, threw something glass at me." Derek said, gesturing to the blood from the new cut on his arm.
"Can you see her anywhere?" I pushed in front of him as he flicked on the light switch.
I scanned the room before my eyes landed on her figure in the corner, laying on the floor looking pale and bleeding from somewhere. "Y/N!" I ran over there, putting my gun away as Derek called for a medic through the radio.
"Hey your going to be okay. I'm so sorry, I should've listened I'm so sorry. Y/n please. Come on open your eyes. Please..." I felt Derek's hand on my shoulder as I started to cry.
Before I could comprehend what was happening a group of medics came in and surrounded her, Derek pulling me out of the room.
~~~
I paced the hospital waiting room floor, it had been hours and we'd heard nothing.
Emily was asleep on two chairs. Hotch was sat looking at the floor, tapping his foot anxiously. Rossi had been standing up to speak to the receptionist every ten minuets, and Derek had be constantly picking up calls from Penelope who had kept ringing for updates despite Derek promising to call her as soon as we knew.
And I had basically paced a hole through the floor.
"Reid sit down and eat something. Stop punishing yourself." Hotch said with a frown.
I shook my head and continued pacing. "I can't, I should've listened to her, or stayed with her. I didn't even try first aid I just froze when I saw her..." I replied, voice cracking.
A doctor cleared his throat behind us "Y/n L/n?"
We all looked up at him with matching worried expressions.
I held my breath as we waited for him to say something.
"She was stabbed in the abdomen but luckily suffered no trauma to any organs. She's lost a lot of blood but she's going to be okay. She's just woken up so she's a bit out of it but she can take one visitor."
I felt my whole body relax as I took a breath.
"She's okay?" I asked again with a shaky breath.
Derek put his hand on my shoulder and nodded with a smile "She's going to be okay kid."
I let out a little sob and nodded my head with a small smile.
"Reid you should go see her, let her know we're all here." Hotch said patting my other shoulder.
I nodded at both of them and followed after the doctor, taking a seat next to her bed, holding her hand in mine as carefully as I could.
She opened her eyes, slowly turning her head to look at me.
Somehow she was still smiling as bright as ever, provoking my face to mirror hers on instinct.
"Hey you." she said with a small laugh.
"Hi." I kissed her knuckles, a few tears escaping my eyes as I looked at her.
"Why're you crying? I'm the one who's be stabbed dumbass." she joked with a small laugh, causing me to chuckle.
"I love you so much, don't you ever do this again. I really thought I'd lost you. I don't know what I would've done."
"I'll try my best to stay alive then, just for you Spence."
She smiled sweetly at me with another small laugh, I admired her face for a second before leaning in to kiss her lips softly.
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momokarp · 3 months
Note
Heyyyy I saw your Danny Phantom comic about him reading the Great Gatsby during the fight with Vlad (great art btw), and I was wondering if u could give a long-suffering student a rundown of the themes?
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I’m gonna cover the themes I can think of off the top of my head and if you really need me to go into more details, I CAN??? But this is just a quick “it’s 7 in the morning for me and I’m actually gonna hyperfixate real quick” kinda moment.
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Yes, there are two kinds of rich people, and yes, one side really doesn’t like the other. It’s apparent in Tom and all of his opinions of Gatsby are later on in the book when he finally attends one of his fancy parties.
Old money gets their opinions and styles and tastes from their parents who got it from their parents. It’s a boys club, if you’re in? You’re in, and it’s hard to get in unless you’re of a certain pedigree.
New money? Loud. Outrageous. Doesn’t even know what to do with all that money and everyone is welcome to enjoy it. Gatsby owns a BRIGHT ASS YELLOW CAR not because it’s of a certain model but because it screams loud and expensive and “look at me” and it’s not just cause he’s trying to get with your wife. He knows how to ACT like old money, to a certain degree, but at the end of the day, he can’t hide that he wasn’t born into it.
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An unreliable narrator is usually a story told from a first person point of view and their own biases can often warp the reader’s perspective on the events unfolding. Nick even tries to clarify that he doesn’t judge people. Yeah, OUT LOUD, but he’s judging internally. Which is making you, the reader, judge. Tom has an affair with Myrtle Wilson. Nick IS quietly judging them although he tries not to and how could he not? Daisy is his cousin, and he sees the man she’s married make her move away from Chicago and Tom is not hiding his affair very well, she clearly knows about it and hates it.
Oh but here comes Gatsby, with this beautiful story of how he fell in love and went to war and couldn’t be with her and came back and she’s MARRIED and now he’s trying to win her back- and Nick HELPS HIM. THAT’S NOT UNBIASED. HE IS SWAYED. He sides with Gatsby through and through, even when he starts to see the flaws in Gatsby’s vision, he wants to cheer for him.
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We’re going back to the green light here for a minute. Gatsby gets a house DIRECTLY ACROSS the lake from where Daisy’s is. There’s the green light at the end of her dock that flashes, that’s a reminder to Gatsby when he looks out that his dream is just over there. Daisy, the perfect gal, along with acceptance into the fancy rich lifestyle. He wants to meet her parents, he wants to have kids with her, he wants to be a somebody, an established respectable person.
But he’s kind of fooling himself too. He wants too much. It’s not enough to have Daisy, she needs to RENOUNCE her ever loving Tom and then properly marry him. He wants to be a part of the boy’s club, but Tom finds out that he has gained his wealth through the mafia and that’s not very respectable! He wants Daisy to call him in the morning, a call that never comes because she won’t cast aside her lifestyle for him. She was raised to trust and live in the sheltered life she was brought up in, even if she’s unhappy. It’s safer than the unknown. She chooses to stay with Tom, as even she realizes she can’t live up to Gatsby’s ideals.
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It’s ironic cause this is the Oxford English Dictionary definition and Gatsby is an “Oxford Man!” Not only has Gatsby idealized on the American Dream, but it’s a dream that was never real. Yes, he did get rich, but not because he had equal opportunities. He got lucky to help out an old rich man on his boat (WHICH HE DIDNT EVEN GET ANY MONEY FROM) to learn the rich social skills, and he worked with the mafia to get all his wealth. Yes, he got Daisy, but not REALLY. He had an affair with her. They didn’t marry properly, didn’t have kids, didn’t move in together. And Daisy never intended on doing any of these things. She wanted to run away.
And Gatsby was never going to get these things because he wasn’t BORN rich. Tom represents the concept of Old Money so well not only in how he lacks any genuine character that isn’t inherited from his father, but how protective he is of keeping the status quo, so that he remains in power and no one who doesn’t fit the club can come in.
And Gatsby pays the price of his affair while Tom gets away with everything. How is this the American Dream? It isn’t.
Okay, that’s my stuff. I can go into symbolism on the yellow car and big billboard and all that other stuff if this was helpful at all. I hope it is helpful???
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cloveroctobers · 4 months
Text
DECEMBER PROMPTS 🧊 — 2. EVAN BUCKLEY
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A/N: spoke it into existence and we get to see the 118 in just a few months! Too excited but disappointed about station 19. Anyways…here’s something fun??? and a little more my speed for the holidays.
PROMPT IS FROM HERE + I’m using: 20.) Caught Under the Mistletoe (teasing, shy, “It’s tradition”)
Synopsis: in which a moody reader wishes they could spend the holidays elsewhere and away from “the most wonderful time of the year,”…until Buck decides to walk through their childhood home.
WARNINGS: reader isn’t a Christmas lover by any means + going through a breakup—10 points for you if you can place the connection, language, family resentment & use of y/n + also gender-neutral friendly!
*GIF BELONGS TO @fireladybuckley !!!
❆⋆꙳•☃︎⋆꙳•✩⋆꙳•❅ ❆⋆꙳•☃︎⋆꙳•✩⋆꙳•❅ ❆⋆꙳•☃︎⋆꙳•✩
There were a combination of things that irritated you and Christmas happened to be one of them. Your family was one of those families that happened to be obsessed with Christmas and any sort of gathering, always have been and probably always will be—until they leave this earth. They were the neighbors that were welcoming to any and everyone and encouraged people to come on over with any shindig they threw. Unfortunately for you, you got stuck with attending this Christmas gathering because you moved back to Rhode Island right after you quit being a firefighter.
It was still a topic of many gossiping conversations with your mom’s “good friend,” deciding to bring it up in the living room, “y/n, do you ever want to be married? When are you going to start having a family of your own? Surely you must have found someone in sunny LA?”
Little did she know you did and in Chicago. You were surprised your mother took your boundaries into consideration when sharing certain information to her good friend…or did she know and was simply trying to get a rise out of you? Miriam was “good” at doing that.
You never liked Miriam, sorry not sorry. Mainly because she always had a opinion and liked to compare you to your older siblings. Your older brother was finally engaged to his long time girlfriend who had a face of a model, worked for a successful tech company, while also being a composer on the side and always had a good head on his shoulders. Then the middle child, your older sister was pregnant with twins and recently stepped down from being a pilot after almost fifteen years; was always the charmer and “favorite” according to friends of the family.
“I’ll start as soon as you stop scamming the elderly into marrying you so you can collect a check after they pass,” you smiled sweetly at Miriam, who’s mouth dropped and your older sister fought back a snicker from beside you in the sitting room, “I’m going to get a refill.”
You were just thankful your mother wasn’t near to hear this but you were sure with the snitch she called a best friend, she would repeat it and you would get a earful at some point tonight. Nonetheless you received a wink from your god-father and dad’s best friend up ahead, who was the designated pianist of the night and just finished up a tune by Nat King Cole.
Judah, your godfather was always lending a ear to listen since you were young and it seemed to still be the same sentiment more than your own parents but! That’s a different story for another day. You had to relish in the overload of wreaths that decorated every cabinet in your childhood kitchen, lightly scoffing and shaking your head as you filled up the flute with more champagne.
Sure you didn’t want to spend the holidays sulking but it only seemed to kick in more once people always felt the need to butt into your life. They didn’t speak on your accomplishments because it was never deemed as good enough, it was always a rule to follow into your family’s footsteps. Your mom’s a respectable elementary school teacher who hosts book clubs on Sunday’s with once strangers turned friends, your dad builds sailboats and is heavy involved in charity work and not just to say he did it but because of his own tough upbringing, your brother’s traveling all over the world due to his craft of being a composer and is so in love with his soon to be wife Alani, who’s also involved in building medical centers for poor communities—not just on her native land of Hawaii but countries as well, and your sister always knows just what to say to any and everyone, she’s so likable and building her family with a great guy, who isn’t just putting on for the cameras since he happens to be a well-known athlete.
Then there’s you…the sibling that’s just floating through life at thirty-one years old. Back at home with their parents after giving up a job that you thought you saw yourself doing up until retirement. Your head’s always been in the clouds but when your eyes were set on something you weren’t ever afraid to give it a try. Thats exactly what you did choosing to go to the academy out in California and worked your ass off to be a firefighter. You weren’t a fan of what people said after your severe injury…you just wanted to move on and always felt like you would be a firefighter at heart no matter what.
Most didn’t get that and it wasn’t okay with you but that didn’t stop you from putting one finger in the air.
Life will always lead you places and Rhode Island wasn’t your first choice but it was your best choice with the way the world shifts. Which is why you just wanted to get this holiday over with so it didn’t feel like you were constantly sinking from the inside out. The pretty lights, delicious eats, spending time with family, and finding joy was supposed to be a given but instead you were just ready to kick this year to the fucking curb for good.
If anyone asked you, New Years was way better because you can always start over especially if the year prior was not it for you. However one good thing came out of this year, you were one step closer to getting that home in New Mexico.
It took drumming on the counter to bring you out of your thoughts, making you snap your eyes at your brother who had a wicked grin on his round face. After pulling a face, you side eyed him, “what, Marcus?”
“Is that anyway to talk to your big brother?” He leaned against the counter, at pure ease.
Sipping at the flute, the bubbly went down nicely before you popped your tongue at the after taste then you responded, “what did you do?”
The thirty-seven year old sighs, “I didn’t do anything but you might want to send that energy to Larissa.”
Quickly glancing over your shoulder, you craned your neck to see back into the sitting room but couldn’t see your very pregnant sister anywhere. Shrugging your shoulders you turn back to the amusement on your brother’s face, “I don’t see her anywhere, so stop with the games and just spill.”
The both of you turned to the new voice that enters the kitchen from the left, “There you are! Look who I’ve found outside.”
If there was one person you wanted to push into the fireplace, now make it two, meaning you adding your sister to that list. Your eyes burned into her pretty beaming smile as she lightly jabbed a thumb in Evan Buckley’s direction. From behind them you spotted your brother-in-law, Kheri ready to enter the kitchen from the same opposite end but abruptly stopped as he easily picked up on what was happening and spun back around, hoping not to be seen by Larissa.
“Uh hey, y/n.” Evan awkwardly waved in your direction before you clenched your eyes shut and deeply exhaled.
Marcus whispers from your right, “that’s what.”
“I got it, Mark.” You hissed while he raised his hands in surrender, letting out a low whistle that sounded just perfect.
Evan glanced back and forth between the siblings, frowning, “I’m getting the sense that you were blindsided about me coming.”
A cackle bubbled past your lips while Larissa bounced on her toes, “I may have forgotten to mention it but when a party is going on…you just get wrapped up in so many other things.”
Evan nodded his head at this but he didn’t entirely believe that.
“Bullshit,” Marcus coughed out before smiling at Evan.
Larissa added, “I thought that you would be happy to see a friendly face here, y/n. I mean—you hate everyone else so…voila! You’re welcome.”
You declared, “If you weren’t pregnant with my nephews, I might just beat your ass to sleep with a lump of coal.”
“Hot coal or cold?” Larissa hummed, tapping her dimpled chin.
You scoffed, “I’d let you pick bitch.”
“How sweet,” Larissa winked as she turned back to pat Evan on the shoulder, “as you can see, this is a loving household and you’re only going to make it better for my dear sibling. So thank you so much for coming, Evan Buckley.”
Evan tilted his head to the side at this whole interaction, breathing out a laugh, “well…you kinda bullied me to so…”
“Oh is that how the conversation went down?” Marcus shoved some chips into his mouth, ignoring the glare you sent him.
“But,” Evan added, “I wanted to be here, it was the right thing to do and I missed you guys. Not really the east coast since it’s pretty damn cold here, man i keep forgetting that but it’s always nice to see a white Christmas and some faces that feel like home you know?”
Larissa placed her hand on her chest, “now wasn’t that beautiful, y/n?”
“So beautiful that I almost want to vomit on you, Larissa.” You coo at the Bob-wearing woman while Marcus continues watching this match.
Larissa scowled, “stop being a Scrooge and just be glad that Otis was busy.”
*Jazz music stops playing*
“What?” You gritted at the mention of your recent breakup.
Flights out to Chicago tended to get pricer and tricker during the whole pandemic but lucky for you, you managed your money much better now.
“Wrong thing to say,” Marcus mumbles, seeming to be the only one in the room that was aware that this was a touchy subject.
Swallowing you turned to the eldest in the room, “Did you know about that too, Mark?”
Marcus sighs, “I was there for that conversation yes…but I didn’t think Rissa was serious about Buckley after the call with Otis didn’t exactly work out.”
You couldn’t grasp why they—Larissa would think it would be okay to go behind your back and call Otis in the first place?!
“Is this what you’re gonna be like now, Ris? Trying to mold my love life and be in my business because you’re too bored with motherhood?” You snapped at the thirty-five year old who looked taken aback.
Larissa slowly speaks, “woow! That was kinda hurtful…I was just trying to do something nice because you always get like this around this time of the year and I figured a person you deeply adore would cheer you up but obviously I was wrong.”
Deeply adore felt like another stab to you.
Holding your hands out, you say enough just by that action which makes Larissa roll her eyes. She turns to the sea eye colored man and says, “Good luck with that one, the sticks pretty far up their ass this evening.”
Laughing to yourself, you don’t bother watching your sister leave the kitchen and turn back to the fridge in search of the desserts instead.
“Well…that was not as entertaining as I would have liked but you know that comment wasn’t cool right?” Marcus says while you send him a middle finger from inside the fridge, “noted but you better be over this damn attitude by the morning.”
Here you are in your thirties and you still had your brother thinking he can boss you around.
He says a few words to Buck and once the coast is clear, you spin back around to place the fruitcake on the large island counter. Just staring at the dessert makes you further nauseous and you motion with your eyes, “want a slice?”
“…only if you’ll join me?” Evan sucks air through his teeth, trying to put on a smile although it was more of a grimace.
You snicker, “don’t say what you think I want to hear. I wouldn’t feed this to Dudley.”
Evan begins to look around at the mention of the old bloodhound, “no way! He’s still alive?”
“Very much and probably sticking up the house somewhere away from everyone,” you laugh at the thought of the gassy dog as you pick up the cake, analyzing it in disgust before making your way to the garbage.
Evan nodded, “Ah so like it’s owner?”
“Watch it Buckley,” you wag a finger at him, “you just got here and you’re already talking shit to me?”
“I thought that’s what friends are for?” He shows off his laughter lines before taking a seat on one of the the bar stools, while you glanced at the flute and expensive champagne bottle before choosing the bottle it’s self, “…I would ask how’ve you been but I don’t know what kind of answer I’m going to get.”
Shrugging your shoulders you take a swing from the bottle and go into a two step as, “Holly Jolly Christmas,” beings to play making Buck shake his head at you playfully, “just jolly can’t you tell? I mean we haven’t spoken in months since I left LA—
“Right,” Buck agreed, “I wanted to give you some space and I thought I was being a good friend giving you that, although there were plenty of times where I just wanted to hear your voice.”
You snort, “don’t get mushy on me, Ev.”
Evan sighs, “and you ghosted me a few times.”
“Out of the respect of your relationship with Taylor—
“You didn’t even like Taylor or Abby?” Evan frowns, “and that was before we decided to give each other a try and with you debating about quitting after what happened at the parking garage.”
Long story short: you were at the 118 six months before Evan Buckley ends up walking through the doors. At the beginning you had everyone fooled with the way you gave him the cold shoulder in the beginning, as if your mothers weren’t the best of friends and you didn’t alternate summers between Rhode Island and Pennsylvania. You were forced to be friends but it’s not ever something you truly regretted. It’s like Toy Story, you had a friend in Buck and that was something you were thankful for. The both of you bonded over just being in the moment and while he was more impulsive than you, you found your footing just a bit earlier than he did.
You went to California as soon as you reached eighteen and fell in love with it that you didn’t ever want to come back. You didnt have dreams of being a firefighter but you were always passionate about having a positive impact on someone’s lives and fighting fires didn’t sound so bad. By the time you came back after visiting and being forced to go to the community college for half a semester, you withdrew and left without a word. It took a shared phone call from Buck and Maddie to get you to answer, with Maddie pleading with you just to call your parents whereas Buck encouraged you to keep going.
Shortly after, he was traveling around the world and sending you postcards too. Evan was always just your friend that you spent summers with then holidays and then birthdays to speaking on AIM if not every day then every other day. It was clear that the both of you were meant to be in each others lives…until you made the terrible decision to catch feelings. Out of all of the years that you’ve known this guy, you just had to feel a way—despite him fooling around on the job, which you tore into him more than bobby did. From random hook ups to potentially serious relationships—that you never agreed with, you just had to do it and you were stubborn and fought it for so long.
Having your face almost crushed by concrete would do it to you. You didn’t know if you were going to make it, that was your real taste of death—although you got hurt on the job before this was the one that really had you questioning everything. The team outside of the parking garage tried to keep Buck from getting to you but if there’s a will, there’s a way. You tried to blame it on the partially crushed skull once Buck brought it back up at not the best timing—after physical therapy but he was firm and stood on the words shared.
He broke up with Taylor, you told him to give it time and if he truly still felt the same months later, you’d give it a go. He respected that and once you were back to normal as you can be, it happened and it was short lived because you didn’t take the topic of marriage with him seriously. And it had nothing to do with what he thought.
Evan Buckley was always good enough, if not more.
“It was better getting used to the idea of not being in each others lives.” Was what you went with.
Evan pressed his arms onto the counter, “what do you mean?”
Sipping from the bottle again you state, “you must have felt the same way I felt when I got the news that you were struck. Like time is only temporary. We’ve known each other since we were what? Fourteen-fifteen? And sure that feels like forever but it really just means it starts over.”
Evan stares at you from underneath his eyelashes, “so…declining our friendship was the better answer for you?”
“Oh I’d think we’d always be friends…even if there’s distance.”
“That you created.” Evan points out, “I didn’t think you believed in alternate universes.”
You swallow, “I didn’t, until you told me what it was like in that coma.”
“Then you left…to be with Otis.” Evan fills in the blanks while wiggling his eyebrows which makes you scoff, “want to talk about it?”
You blink, “I just told my sister to mind her business…do you want me to deliver the same thing? Let’s catch up and focus on you…I’m surprised you’re not in PA.”
“I let Maddie and chim deal with that.” Evan says, “Christmas Eve was enough for me and poor Jee, I should have taken her with me.”
Resting your chin against the palm of your hand you say, “that bad huh?”
“Ah the usual. You know how parents can be,” Evan chats, “they’re really pushing to meet Natalia.”
Squinting you try to recall the name as Evan informs, “right…uh someone I met on the scene. She’s a death doula.”
“A what?”
“Someone who helps people who are facing death find peace with it. Like the good version of what a hospice is supposed to be.” Buck tells, coming to terms that there has been gaps in what they should know, yet this was what you wanted apparently.
Tapping against the glass you say, “and she’s your…girlfriend?”
“Well, yeah.” Buck smiles a bit while you hum, taking a swing from the bottle, “what was that response?”
You shrug, “just surprised your parents would want to meet her…does Maddie like her?”
“She doesn’t not not like her.” Evan frowned.
“How long have you been dating?”
“Not long…uh what’re you getting at?”
“Look, I don’t know her and I’m not going to further rain on anybody’s parade but just be careful. Take your time you know?”
Evan scratches at his birth mark above his brow and huffs, “thought you were a big believer in time not lasting forever and starting over…That’s what I’m doing.”
Nodding your head you say, “I’m not judging you.”
“Good because my plan wasn’t to argue with you here at your childhood home in the kitchen on Christmas.” Buck tells as he takes in the decor, “We can hash anything else out at a later date because it’s the most wonderful time of the year right? I’m here until the 31st by the way.”
“When exactly did you drop in?”
“The 21st.”
“Oh you’re staying for awhile.”
“I think I should.” He waved his hand for the bottle which he takes a swing at and lets out a deep burp, excusing himself with a grin after you scrunch up your nose.
Snatching the bottle back you leave it unattended as you peek through the trays of food, thinking about another round since the preview of desserts were lackluster.
“Huh,” Buck says now peering above his head, “when did that get up there?”
Turning you attention back to a old friend in the maroon sweater, you follow his gaze to the mistletoe hanging from the ceiling above his head. “Which one of your siblings pulled this one?”
“Don’t think that was their doing honestly,” you reputed, “feels very traditional and something my dad would do.”
Evan thinks about it and seems to agree, remembering how affectionate the man tended to be back then. “Well…it’s tradition and we shouldn’t break it.”
“Don’t know if you notice Ev, I thought the all black attire would be a giveaway but I simply do not care about this holiday.”
“I’ve noticed—
“And didn’t you just say you have a girlfriend? I can kiss anybody else and tend to very soon.” You almost went into a daydream state of the all the possible contenders you’d lock lips with in just a few days.
“True but who are you going to find that’s as gorgeous as me?” Buck challenged as he placed a hand on his chest.
“Did Eddie fly in with you guys?”
“That’s not funny.”
“So you cross the line at your work husband but not nat the death doula?” You quizzed the tousled haired man.
“Why are you giving her a whole title like that?”
“It’s Natalia’s profession…?”
“Yeah but nobody calls you: y/n the retired firefighter turned air traffic controller.”
“You don’t know that and you just did.”
Buck felt his eye twitch, “I was giving an example!”
“Hey, inside voices! The singing and music is loud enough. Not to mention the carolers that will be here by eight and will probably give me nightmares tonight—
Evan shakes his head, “no I don’t think you understand. We have to kiss or else it’s going to bring bad luck in our love lives for who knows how long and I could really use a consistent love and what better person to do that with than you.”
One thing about Buck, he was a thousand percent superstitious but that wouldn’t stop you from poking fun.
“Evan Matthias Buckley…are you flirting with me?” You tease as you caress the counter while slowly make your way around the island.
The man appears almost shy now as you grip his face, taking in the features you’ve come to known and appreciate. Evan was still him regardless of the miles you put in between each other. With his hands now on your waist you enjoyed the moment because face it, it was always nice to be held, so you stared into his eyes for a moment and then his tulip tinted lips.
Lips that you didn’t mind on yours or anywhere on your body once upon a time…until you self sabotaged. You could have married evan and would have in a heartbeat but you also felt marriage wasn’t for you. You didn’t want to fuck that up just like you did everything else.
And that wasn’t really true, that’s just the bad parts of your brain getting in the way but you were working it out in therapy. However a smile was on your lips now that you pressed your forehead to the man that’s seen all sides to you before and you could have sworn Evan was holding his breath, just wondering how this would work.
Yet he was the one insisting that they share a kiss!
Caressing the scruff that was along his jaw, you lightly pinched his face, holding him in place as you put a lingering kiss right beside the corner of his lips. The deflation was evident and you didn’t know whether to take that as relief or disappointment but Evan pulled you into a hug filled with warmth anyway.
Which you welcomed, arms locked around his broad shoulders before resting a hand on the back of his head. He squeezed you just right and if you wanted to be in your soft era tonight, you may have shed a tear but pushing that to the side felt better for now. It’s been awhile but you didn’t want to cross that line especially if things were serious with Natalia.
Evan didn’t know about Otis or how you were battling moving on from that but he’ll take what he can get from you. Whenever you were ready then he’d always be around and that’s something he wanted to remind you of but being here with you on this holiday—even if you were being a complete grinch about it! felt like he made the right decision.
“You know Ev Bev,” you started as you pulled back but kept your hands locked around his shoulders, “has anyone ever told you that you reek of spruce?
Evan blinks, “no one’s ever told me I smell like a tree before…but considering the job? I’m not offended.”
“Well I am. You’re supposed to boycott all things Christmas with me if you still consider yourself my bestie,” you shook your head in sorrow.
You’re ready to untangle yourself but Evan just tightens his arms around you, leaning forward to get a whiff of you, “and you smell like fruitcake.”
Faux gagging gets Evan to widen his eyes and loosen his grip, “don’t make me sick—
“I think that’s enough champagne for you.”
“You’re right, it has my toes buzzing but I can definitely go for something stronger which my parents don’t have but I’ll sneak out before the Carolers get here to get some.”
“Or…you can find the true beauty in Christmas that doesn’t have anything to do with alcohol.” Evan offered while you gave him a unimpressed stare, “maybe next year then?”
“Oh I plan to as soon as the new year hits and I get some answers.” You unravel yourself from him and move to take a seat on the other velvet stool.
Evan holds his hands out, “…care to elaborate?”
“Sure, why the hell not? After spending too much time here and becoming financially stable, I’ve finally decided to buy a house.” You give jazz hands.
“That’s fantastic news!” Evan perks up, “Wait…does anybody else know?”
“Nope, just you my friend.” You sigh, “I should know if they accepted my offer by the 29th the realtor says but can expect some delays based on the stupid holidays so…fingers crossed.”
Evan snickers, “then that’s something to celebrate and I’m sure your family will be happy for you.”
“Maybe, maybe not. My decisions are always based on selfishness apparently.” You fold your hands, “I know the first thing that’s going to be said and then comes the guilt tripping but I don’t want to be in this place anymore. I’ve been here a good portion of my life and had to come back because the world decided to go apocalyptic. I’m tired of feeling stuck and New Mexico can be the freedom I’ve always been searching for.”
Evan took in your words carefully. He knew you weren’t always this down but stepping away as a firefighter definitely triggered that and the old childhood insecurities resurfaced living here again although you tried to bury them. He’s been around the world while your family tried to keep you sheltered—even into your adulthood, you were always the one who wanted something different than them. Evan saw that the first day he met you and instantly took a liking to you, although it took more convincing on your end. New Mexico was far from Rhode Island but not too bad from Los Angeles.
“It will be and we’ll make the best of it.” Evan squeezed the tension from between your shoulder blades.
Looking at him you echo, “we?”
“Do you really think you can keep hiding from me? Now that you let me back in, you’re not getting rid of me again.” Evan grinned in excitement while you groaned, “We have a house to plan for, like when’s the expected move in date when you’re approved?”
You shrugged, “realtor man Danny didn’t tell me that exactly but if I had to guess, probably sometime in February.”
“That works,” Evan nods, “if it falls around Maddie’s birthday I might just suggest New Mexico.” He winks at you while you scoff.
“Don’t you think you’re jumping the gun? Who’s to say I’d even give you my address?”
Despite saying this you knew Buck would always find a way and it’s not something you were truly against. You’d be lying if you said you didn’t miss seeing him around but ultimately that was your choice.
“Ouch, that’s no way to treat the guy that’s had your back since we were kids and is about to make you a mean peppermint mocha.” Evan says in a sing song tone as he drums on the table before sliding down from the chair.
Tilting your head at the thought you reply, “will it be spiked?”
Evan shakes his head as he makes his way over to the espresso machine, “I’m trying to save your liver so that’ll be a negative.”
“Boooo! Buck sucks more than Santa! Tomato, tomato.” You gave a thumbs down as Evan chuckles to himself.
Buck was attempting to bring you holiday cheer, you could feel yourself sort of exhaling as you watched him move around the kitchen. Whenever Evan was around, it usually felt like putting the negative on pause because you tended to forget about it for awhile thanks to his infectious spirit.
“Are you two playing nice?” The voice of your brother, Mark fills the room as he enters the kitchen once more and now holding the hand of his fiancée, Alani who teasingly scrunches her nose up with a smile at you two.
Throwing your head back, you sigh, “as nice as I can be, Marcus.”
“That’s not saying much,” he goes to elbow Buck jokingly, who nods with a shrug.
Alani takes the seat beside you, “so…what we really want to know is, did you guys share a kiss and decide to fall deeply in love with each other?”
“Lani!” Marcus warns while the curly haired woman lifts her shoulders.
You laugh, “and this is why I’ve always liked you Lanz, you’re never on any bullshit, unlike Mark and Ris.”
“Yikes, I’m not touching that one.” Alani reached for the champagne bottle.
“You may have actually made her cry by the way,” Marcus announces making Evan peer at you over his shoulder.
Turning your eyes into slits you question, “made who cry?”
“Larissa.”
You huff, “she pissed me off.”
“Yeah but you didn’t have to attack her motherhood which she has yet to really experience…” Marcus states and you take a breath.
You knew that comment was harsh but you never lacked a back bone. When anyone got on your nerves, you were going to tell them and didn’t care who they were or where you were. It’s a defense mechanism and yes that was something else you were working on.
“I’ll make up with her after I get into this spiked peppermint mocha.” You grinned in content.
Evan corrects, “how many times do I have to tell you, it’s not spiked?”
“Until you change your mind, sugar plum.”
“Yuck,” Marcus laughs while Alani smirks.
Sooner than later, Buck is handing out four cups of peppermint mocha and crouches over the counter beside you as you all take in the festive drink while, “Deck the halls,” starts to play for the sixth time this evening. Normally you would be considering sticking your head inside of the oven or making your severe allergic reaction act up by eating a gingerbread cookie just so you could get out of listening to this boring music but somehow you tune it out.
Physical touch was how Buck liked to be loved so you didn’t think much of it as you looped a hand around the crease of his arm. acts of service was how he gave love. He glanced over at you while you listened to whatever your brother was blabbing about and when you caught his stare, you thought to yourself, maybe reconnections should have been on your wishlist.
A tender peppermint kiss to your temple was enough to solidify that and this time? You fought the urge to playfully smack Evan’s scruffy jaw to get off you and allowed the affection from the man you knew for years.
You let the love soak in, as cheesy as it sounds but isn’t that what Christmas is all about?
Who really knows?
You’re more of a New Year’s Eve lover anyway…
❆⋆꙳•☃︎⋆꙳•✩⋆꙳•❅ ❆⋆꙳•☃︎⋆꙳•✩⋆꙳•❅ ❆⋆꙳•☃︎⋆꙳•✩
Check back for my ~5 days of Xmas~ anthology prompts here.
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vibratingskull · 6 months
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"Can I request thrawn x female reader where someone trying to seduce him and reader kinda insecure about themself." -anon
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Insecure reader incoming! But Thrawn won't tolerate it!!!
Thrawn x f!reader
No pronouns or Y/n
You adjust your corset.
God it is tight, but that’s how the dress must be worn.
And Thrawn said you looked superb in it. So you’ll suffer it for his pleasure.
You hear the party raging on in the next room, the shoutings, the laughs, the clinking of glasses with the music… It is a lively party. You insisted for Thrawn to accompany you despite knowing he would rather stay at your Corusantian apartment to work. But it is good for him too to go out and meet people, so you dragged him anyway. He reluctantly abided by your choice with a patient and gentle smile and escorted you to the party very gallantly. You promised him you would not stay long, just enough for you to have some fun and him to make some profitable relationships.
You observe yourself in the mirror of the bathroom, you’re a little tired but nothing a touch up of make up couldn't mask, you comb your hair again too and put back on some perfume, Thrawn’s favorite, the one he offered you for your birthday. Someday when you put it on he just comes from behind you, hugs you and buries his nose in your neck to deeply inhale the fragrance. You flush and speed up your process, impatient to get back to his side.
As you get out of the bathrooms you search for him a bit, walking among the guests in grand clothing and expensive jewelry. You spot him in a deep conversation with a lady in a deep showy red dress with a deep cleavage.
You don’t judge, you rock your own, but something in her demeanor displeases you. Is it how she smiles? How she swing her hips as he talks? How she seem to press herself against him when someone needs to pass behind her? At any rate you hurry your pace to join him as quickly as possible.
“Ah, dear!” He welcomes you “I was just talking with this lady about Togruta’s tapestries and carved statues. She is a real goldmine.” All your senses are on high alert, it is your privilege to speak about art with him for hours on end. 
“Really…?” You say with a shy voice. You look up to him and see his eyes sparkling and a thin smile on his lips.
No… 
You never saw him like that.
Not even with you.
“Oh it is nothing much really, everyone knows about that.” She laughs.
You gulp. You know nothing about those subjects, or just a little. 
“I see your glass is empty, dear. Let me bring you another one.” He gallantly takes your glass to refill it of any fine wine they got.
She observes him go then turns back towards you with a carnivorous grin.
“And who might you be?” she asks, judging you head to toes
She towers over you with her high heels and sparkly necklace. Yours don’t sparkle as much.
“I’m his fiance.” You stick out your chest.
Her smile turns into a sly grin.
“Oh really? I don’t remember seeing a ring.” She licks her teeth.
Thrawn’s culture doesn’t use rings and you didn’t want to impose that on him.
“Well… That’s because he doesn’t have use for them!”
“Oh? What an excuse. If you want my opinion it’s because he doesn’t want to be bound to you forever.” She continues with honey in her voice. “I had a little discussion with him as you were trying to look…. salvageable in those bathrooms. He’s a man of great talent and a magnificent mind. He must find a woman with matching grandeur!” She chuckles with sparkles in her eyes. “And I quite don’t think you’ll make the cut, honey…”
“I… You… What makes you say that?!” You try to gather your words as all your insecurities bubble up under your skin.
“Oh honey, it is useless to state the obvious. You’re a pretty little creature for a working class person, but you’ll never be nothing more.”
“He doesn’t care about that! He’s working class too, we have more in common than you think!” You flush of anger and embarrassment. “And I am a Lieutenant Commander, show some respect!”
She tuts.
“He may not care about your standing, but he sure cares about his career. And a woman of la creme de la creme of Coruscant would secure him significant political power. Tell me, what bonus and advantages a Lieutenant commander can bring him?” She puts her hand on her hip. 
“He doesn’t understand politics.” You gulp
“It’s okay, I can teach him. I can be a really good teacher when I want too.” She traces her bosoms with the tip of her finger mind-absently. “Especially for such a handsome man.”
It makes you want to puke. What if she’s right? You dig your nails in the fabric of your dress, tears gathering behind your eyes.
“Oh honey, don’t cry. You’re gonna ruin your low budget make up. I’m sure you put a lot of effort just to look presentable.” She hands you a handkerchief with pity in her eyes.
You don’t take it. You feel constricted in your corset, like air doesn't go down to your lungs. 
“He loves me.” You greet your teeth.
“I’m sure he does. Like someone loves a sick half-breed puppy found in the trash. He’s too polite to tell you but he just keeps you around until he finds better. And if I’m not mistaken…” She readjusts her bustier and deepens her cleavage, “He just did tonight.”
“What might you be talking about you two?” Thawn reappears with your glass in hand.
“Nothing. About taking a fresh start in life with good partners.” She laughs, clinking her glass with his. 
He looks puzzled for a second ,“Should I be worrying?” He turns towards you with a raised eyebrow. You immediately wipe the tears that started rolling down before he can notice them and shake your head.
“No.” You mumble. “I need some fresh air…” You excuse yourself and heads towards the doors as quickly as your heels permit you. You let your tears run, ruining your mascara.
A hand seize your arm.
“Dear? Is everything good?” Thrawn ask with frowning brows.
“Yes. Leave me alone.” You try to evade his grasp but he squeezes harder.
“Not even for a second when you cry like that.” He looks around. “Follow me on this balcony.”
He guides you, his hand on your lower back and closes the windows behind you once you're on the balcony. You hug yourself, trying to relax. He comes behind you and embraces you. You stiffen in his arms, not turning towards him.
“Talk to me love, do not remain alone with your pain.” He murmurs in your ear.
“Thrawn, do you love me?” you ask bluntly.
He parts with you to look in your eyes, with an air of seriousness and sadness in his eyes.
“Is it what is worrying you?”
“Answer me.” You remember how he looked at her, curling your hands into fists.
“I love you.” He caresses your cheek, speaking softly. “Of course I do. Every second until my heart stops beating I will love you with all my soul.” 
“Would you leave me for someone else?”
“Is that what you really talked about with her?” He inquires in a murmure.
“Forget her for a second” you gulp, pushing back your tears. “Would you?”
He looks into your eyes, searching for something, then sighs.
“I do not know what the future holds,” he admits “maybe our paths are bound to separate at one point. But maybe not. Maybe we are destined to remain together until the end.” He presses you against him. “As of today, I want no one else but you at my side.”
“You don’t regret choosing me?”
“Why would I?” He put a strand of hair behind your ear. “You are perfect for me. You keep me grounded, you help me to never forget the price of a life because yours is beyond any riches of the galaxy. You comfort me and hold me close in your arms. My home is where you are.”
“You would say that about any lover.” You put.
He winces for a second, calculating his mistake.”What could I say or do to convince you?”
“What do you even see in me?”
“Everything. I love your mannerism, the way you take a breath before talking, the way you walk on heels. The way you think completes mine, how you take problems like no one else would. I love the scent of your hair and the way your eyes reflect light. I love your nose…” He says brushing his nose with yours, earning a small chuckle from you. “I love who you are as a person and as a colleague. I never feel as much supported and prepared when you are at my side.I feel invincible with you.”
You look up to his gaze with teary eyes.
“So you do love me?” You ask with a shaky voice, full of tears and hope;
“I do.” and he seals his words with a tender kiss. You grasp his white uniform and dig your nails in the fabric, forcing him to lean on against your lips. He slide his hand in your back and behind your head, deepening the kiss.
You part only when you lack air, panting to breathe while he looks unbothered. It makes him chuckles and kisses your forehead. “You are perfect to me, ch’acah.”
You faintly smile at the pet name, and hug him back.
“Thrawn?”
“Yes, ch’acah?”
“I want rings.”
“Yes ch’acah. Let us quit this boring party and find a jeweler’s.”
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@bluechiss  @thrawnalani @justanothersadperson93 @al-astakbar @thrawnspetgoose @readinglistfics @elise2174 @debonaire-princess @twilekchiss @pencil-urchin @ineedazeezee @mssbridgerton
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jpitha · 1 year
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Humans are Space Oddities/Deathworlders/Space Orcs/Whatever worldbuilding: Remember it's a living world! Think about how everything fits together.
Even if you don't put it into your story, think about how things would actually work on your space station/starship/planet/whatever. It can be a fun exercise to imagine things like:
How does everyone get fed?
Where do they sleep? In barracks? In houses? in dormitories?
Who takes care of the utilities?
What happens if there's a fire?
When the humans came aboard the starbase they brought with them their own ideas about how to do things. After all, they've been in space for a long time, most of that time alone. Just about any scenario that could happen, did happen to them at least once...sometimes twice if they weren't paying attention.
With their propensity for solving problems with explosions (they will always exclaim that it was a "minor" explosion) and their seemingly genetic tolerance for risk, it is inevitable that the humans have robust systems in place to help with disasters. One of their most respected first responders on the joint Human/K'laxi starbase is the Fire Brigade. Made up of two-thirds human and one-third K'laxi, their highly polished red pressure suits with gold accents and the large Maltese Cross - a human symbol for a fire brigade - is a welcome sight anytime a conflagration gets out of hand.
One may point out that in space, all the starbase AI has to do is remove the air from a room with a fire and it will be extinguished. This is true, but should only be considered a last resort. If a fire can be extinguished in a more traditional way, with foam, water and carbon dioxide, it's a much less traumatic experience for all involved. Additionally, there are many internal rooms where there is no direct access to hard vacuum. Multiple rooms would have to be evacuated to extinguish the fire. There is always work for the Fire Brigade.
It is a volunteer service, which meets 3 times a week for training; usually in the evening. All members are required to be available to drop what they are doing as respond to an emergency at least 4 times a month.
They keep their pressure suits in whatever suit locker is closest to their homes and it is their own responsibility to maintain and keep it clean. Polished brightwork and gleaming suits are a hallmark of the fire brigade, and every member takes it seriously.
Nearly every weekend, children of all stripes will congregate at the main "firehouse" and watch the members train and polish and maintain their equipment. The fire brigade vehicles - while small and meant more for hauling gear and hoses rather than people - are just about the only vehicles on the starbase, so they're always a big hit with the kids.
Many children request a visit from the fire brigade at birthday parties. So long as they're not currently occupied, they're always willing to have a few members show up lights and sirens blaring in full turn-out gear to teach fire safety and let the kids sit in the truck and wear the pressure helmets.
The fire brigade is a respected institution on the starbase and their word on fire safety is final. Even the starbase AI will ask for their opinion about things related to fire safety.
They may never be the main focus of life aboard the starbase, but everyone is glad they are there, ready to help.
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weird-bookworm · 1 year
Text
ᴍᴀꜰɪᴀ!ꜱᴇᴠᴇɴᴛᴇᴇɴ
HYUNG LINE MAKNAE LINE
a/n: been wanting to do this for a long time now, hopefully y'all will like it <3 i don't really do reader x member stuff though, so this'll just either be member x member ships or no romance at all 😅
pairing: jihancheol, junhao, verkwan
genre: headcanons, fluff, crack, romance (kinda), angst (?), mafia
warnings: slight mentions of non-graphic violence, illegal stuff obviously
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S.Coups
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leader, for obvious reasons
hella protective over the guys, will kill for them
won't admit it, but also very soft for them
belonged to a family already involved with the mafia, knew the inner workings of an organisation like this since very young
unforgiving and unrelenting if he sets his mind on something, especially if that something is revenge
lost his parents to a rival mafia early on, was out for revenge when he stumbled across the members one by one, and that's how svt
came to be
did end up taking revenge, the rival gang doesn't exist anymore
helps in cleanup because muscles
worries about the others during missions but then tells himself that he's being stupid and everyone has had years of experience and there's no one he would rather trust
has known jeonghan and joshua since they were 14
is also very whipped for said men (and their puppy dog eyes)
ruthless, yes, but holds his member's opinions in high regards
often pretends he doesn't see the members going out of their way to take care of him after a rough day so they don't get embarrassed
once went MIA for a week
the group was in hysterics, there was chaos everywhere, some were worried, others were ready to kill, the mansion almost burned down at least 7 times, half of them were starving by the end of it because everyone was just so darn busy trying to find where he disappeared
jeonghan, jihoon and seungkwan almost lost their minds trying to bring order to the chaos (a near impossible task, let's be honest)
only for him to return later, very confused about the welcome he got (his members on top of him, most of them either already crying or on the verge of tears and a very angry jeonghan, seungcheol had never feared for his life more)
turns out he had left for a overseas meeting; it was sudden and he was urgently required in the middle of the night
in his defence, he had left a sticky note on the door of their bedroom, for maximum visibility, which no one had noticed somehow (you'd think they'd be good at this shit, being, y'know, mafia members)
he never let them live this down, but only after he made sure jeonghan and jihoon weren't going to murder him in his sleep
got scolded about forgetting his charger before going on the trip in retaliation (which is why he couldn't text or call them)
wonwoo threatened to replace his phone and give him a normal one instead of the non-traceable ones he made specially for the group
was reluctant at first, but warmed up to the idea of dating and is now in a poly relationship with jeonghan and joshua
Jeonghan
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the seducer, again, for obvious reasons
looks like an angel and acts like one too, but only for the kids
can be really scary when he wants to be
the kids have a weird sense of respect for him and the way he gets shit done
can be surprisingly lazy
too good at mind games
knows how to crumble even the toughest person
has his fair share of bad days
needs cuddles all day long
will demand them like a baby
the members will then proceed to do some manly cuddling
ran away from home at the age of 13, but no one knows why, even his boyfriends
met seungcheol when he was 14 by chance in a convenience store, trying to swipe a loaf of bread under the cashier's nose while flirting with her
he gave him a place to stay and food to eat
that's when he knew he was in love
poor baby was very confused when he fell for joshua because he still definitely was in love with seungcheol
knows he is ethereal and uses the knowledge with the precision of a knife
low-key the mother of the groups, fusses over little things
also radiates chaotic gay energy 24/7
somehow even ropes the most responsible, calm members into doing some weird shit on a daily basis
has made it his personal mission to annoy the hell out of seungcheol and joshua
gets annoyed when it doesn't work and they just get fond instead
prefers knives and daggers over guns and has learned the art of swordfighting
has a hard time trusting someone new
got himself kidnapped in their early days
had gotten a little cocky at the consecutive successes they had been having and hadn't bothered to hide the knife properly
said knife stuck out like a sore thumb and a rival gang hadn't even waited long enough to let him get to where he was supposed to be before abducting him
was tortured with all kinds of punches and kicks
the torturer sadistically didn't hit his face
the group had to give a huge ransom for him
felt guilty for ages before vernon, surprisingly enough, slapped (literally) some sense into him
was so shocked he didn't even think about scolding the younger for hitting someone older than him
came to accept that mistakes happen
but is still careful on every mission now
Joshua
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the 'undercover agent'
trained with jeonghan and jun
but works closely with seokmin and vernon
often infiltrates other gangs posing as a new recruit
a genius in disguises
can go from looking pretty to looking like a blotchy old man with a hump in no time and barely any special materials
loves posing as girls
flirts a lot as a girl
then renders his target unconscious to get the required information
because a lot of pervert gang leaders are actually stupid enough to take their one night stands to important places like their offices or bedrooms
if anyone was to ask him a memorable experience, he would tell them about the one time he had to switch disguises from an old bearded man to a pretty young lady
and how he forgot to take the beard off and had worn the bra the wrong way
he was supposed to be going for an interview for the secretary of the ceo
got a itch on his nose in the elevator and realised the beard was still on his face
was very glad that he was alone in the elevator
checked himself just in case and found he still had a flat chest
had to take off his blouse, put the bra back on properly
and then get dressed again, all in less than a minute
gave wonwoo hell because he hadn't warned him despite having eyes on every single camera in the building
only got a laugh in response
is weirdly obsessed with water
he and jeonghan make a pair to be reckoned with
poor seungcheol loses his mind on a daily basis with these two someone save him
gets homesick really easily
will spend ages talking with vernon in english when he feels so
a master ventroquelist
this unexpectedly has come in hand way too many times
his original dream was to be a preschool teacher
still questions how he ended up where he is on a near daily basis
doesn't regret it one bit though
a proper gentleman, but only when he isn't in the mood to do some crazy shit
which actually isn't that often
but god knows it's intense when it happens
obviously everything he ever plans he plans with jeonghan
and the target is always seungcheol
"the others don't lose their patience as quick as you, y'know, you're fun to tease"
*cue cheeky grin and getting chased by a mad cheol*
Jun
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more of a lure than a seducer, but prefers the latter term
way too confident
but only in his face
gets adorably flustered if someone compliments him on anything other than his face
a goofy lil shit
everyone will collectively unanimously agree that he is the group's weirdo
he won't even try to deny it
had a hard childhood, was attention and touch starved
his family went bankrupt and the first thing they did was "kick out the liability"
was working a part time job secretly though and decided to change countries
that's how jihoon stumbled upon him, on the street
revels in attention
top class humour
loves to act all coy and pretty and damsel-in-distress on missions
says it attracts people easily
only to go all 'i-am-an-expert-martial-artist-fear-me' on them
except it's not quite as funny as it sounds
because he is trained in all sorts of traditional martial arts
of most east asian and south-east asian countries
half of whose names the other members can't even pronounce
often worries the others by preferring to go into missions without any weapons
says it helps in maintaining the cover
which it certainly does
and that he doesn't need any weapons anyway
"i am a weapon"
*grin*
(it's fine but only because it's jun 👀)
practises with minghao, who is not quite as trained as he is, but gets the job done
has insane stamina
once fought a small rival gang in hand to hand combat all by himself
flexible as fuck
makes too many dirty jokes about it
(must be the only idiot to actually make dirty jokes about himself smh 😔)
sleight of hand
master pickpocket
steals from the members just for the fun of it
they don't even blink an eye when they find something missing, will simply go to his room and find whatever they are looking for on his dresser
is also somehow very forgetful
a babie
Hoshi
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the pyromaniac
prefers to be called the entertainer of the group though
had a weird penchant for fire when he started
once set fire to the headquarters of a small gang
really liked doing that
so they gave him asked him to work with seungkwan and chan
and make bombs and fire guns of all sorts
is also weirdly obsessed with tigers
(but don't we all know that already 😩)
one of the few members who uses an alias in the mafia world
has too much raging gemini energy
strangely intuitive when it comes to finding traitors
or the person responsible for committing whatever new atrocity svt is dealing with
hates wearing suits
but still enjoys how good and authoritative he looks in them
until he goes all crazy again
annoyingly loud
also annoyingly sweet
he and seokmin are sunshine in human form
almost has the same amount of weird energy as jun
they are the gemini twins after all
will either get on your nerves on a daily basis
or will convince you to help him get on someone else's nerves
very squishy
dramatic, but not in the drama queen way
just in the attention seeking way
doesn't really mean it, it just happens
is actually an introvert, but has a hard time believing it himself
most of everything he owns is tiger themed
even has a customised yellow gun with black stripes
they don't let him take it out though, so just uses it for practise in the headquarters
can and will steal the member's clothes and accessories
and will proceed to tease them about it
he doesn't know, but everyone is very fond (read:whipped) for him
even the younger members
because god knows he acts more like a maknae than the real maknae
has a fourth degree taekwondo black belt
also helps in cleanup
a surprising amount of things need burning after fights
can withstand a high amount of heat because of how used he is to it
another babie
Wonwoo
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the tech guy
or as ned would say, the guy in the chair (im sorry i had to 🙈)
smarter then he looks
which is saying something because he already does look smart
nimble and quick fingers
has glasses, goes kinda blind without them
was a streamer before he joined
hence the affection to computers
still games, but doesn't stream anymore
a master at puzzles
works with chan for new projects, the younger is good at assembly while he handles the programming and electric part of everything
svt only ever uses the cctv cameras made by him
so they're never compromised
seldom joins the others for field work
becomes the guys' eyes and ears for most missions
one of the best hackers out there
also one of the quickest
the guys had a special basement made just for him
just in case someone manages to enter the headquarters
has a tinier but just as strong basement under his house too
for emergencies
only the 13 of them even know where to get to the basement (in the headquarters)
and he is the only one who knows the passcode required to enter
the room is absolutely filled with all things computer
was one of the first people to meet seungcheol and jihoon
they also forced him to learn hapkido when they met him
is a black belt now
practises with jun and minghao weekly
usually quite and reserved
his crazy side comes out rarely
but when it does, it comes in full force
his parents still think he works for an IT firm
said firm is actually a legitimate cover to the shady ongoings in svt
so he never really has troubles coming up with realistic stories
does help the employees there though
has his name stated in the official employees list
the other members either haven't noticed or don't care
because he probably hacked into the website to put his name there
an easy task considering he was the one who made it in the first place
once ate some dish with crab while giving instructions during a mission
threw up all over his brand new computer
demanded to know who ordered it
turns out it was him who accidentally clicked on the wrong dish while ordering
was sheepish
but still threw out the computer
Woozi
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sub leader
seungcheol's right hand man
and his left hand man
and a lot more
is the entire group's reality check
enjoys more authority over the members than seungcheol does
but that's because they can't bully him like they do with seungcheol (some save him pt. ∞)
does a lot of jobs in the group
mainly helps in cleanup
also does the recruiting
made the entrance tests for people looking to join
designed them himself
while cheol decides what to do, he decides how to do it
did i mention he's actually cheol's cousin?
a very distant cousin
but a cousin nonetheless
his family had also always been involved in the mafia world
he ran away from home though
said it was too toxic
even for a literal criminal gang
still wanted to work in a mafia though
him and cheol had been close when they were younger
got to know about how the elder was planning to take revenge for his parents
was the one to convince him to actually form a proper gang before doing anything stupid
said he'd help
refused to be the leader
but agreed to have a position of importance
unnervingly good at predicting stuff
...all sorts of stuff
can usually tell the weather of the entire day early in the morning
but more often than not acts as a warning system to the guys on field
which is the entire reason he even accompanies them
they once went near an abandoned river to search for something
said they would find something even more precious
they found a small pouch filled with black opals
is the personification of 'i might be small but you're all still beneath me'
(i am inclined to agree ✊🏻)
actually a lil cutie though
not anywhere near as cold as he seems
might wanna read:
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commander-rahrah · 2 months
Note
REALLY???!!! I wouldn't have sent this idea if I knew you're planning to use it for your fic! I'm sorry about that! You're welcome!
Here's my idea that I would love to hear your opinion! Just to let you know this is quite self-indulgent XD How would Astarion react to GN! Reader/Tav offering their blood... despite hating being pierced/cut/poked? Like they hate the idea of even a needle poking lightly them that it doesn't bleed 🤣
What do you think of it? I'm curious :3
Don’t apologize!!! You had no way of knowing (: I am excited to get to that part in the Talking to the Moon though, and if you read it I hope you enjoy it!
In regard to this concept, I definitely think this is interesting!! This is kinda long and ranty again ahah whoops.
Anyways, I think this concept is so interesting — especially when you consider Astarion learning about his own boundaries. I feel there is so much emphasis on reader/Tav respecting his boundaries, so him coming to terms with theirs would be so interesting.
Especially if the reader/Tav went through with the first night of letting him feed. Maybe in the moment, Astarion didn’t recognize the shakes and tremors as something negative/fear. He was just so lost in his first feeding he failed to recognize it.
So then if you offered yourself/blood up again to him? I think the shame would double for him. Maybe he would even start comparing himself to his old master — wondering how he manipulated you into this. That despite your clear fear or hatred of the sensation that you still offered yourself up for more. Like you had to. Just like he did all those years gathering more victims for Cazador by any means necessary.
If it is early days between the two of you, I think he would playfully reject your offers to avoid it. Like, “Oh I already had my fill with goblins and cultists today, darling” or “I think I’ll spare that pretty neck of yours of any further marks”. I think he would be too ashamed of himself, and also too afraid to have such a vulnerable conversation just yet.
But once you two were more established, like post confession, and you offered again, I believe Astarion would feel safe enough to bring it up/confront you about it. I feel like he would bring up that he could sense your hesitancy, fear, hatred of the sensation. That he couldn’t bear to get you to do something you didn’t want. Not again. He didn’t want to become a trauma or phantom pain for you like the unwanted/forced touches he dealt with for 200 years. Not when you had done so much for him already, and become so important to him.
If you agreed that it was too much, Astarion would respect that. Autonomy and personal choice may be a new concept to him, but it is one he would fiercely advocate for everyone, not just himself.
If you told him that you still wished to let him feed, I think he would need more reasoning as to why... And if you explained it was because you care for him, trust him, love him more than you fear or hate the sensation — I believe Astarion would agree BUT only if you set boundaries and ground rules like you had with him in regards to physical intimacy and sex.
Side note: this is kinda unrelated but also not — all I can imagine is reader accidentally pricking their fingertip on something and letting out a little gasp. And before they can freak out Astarion just sucking the tip of your finger so gently before placing the tiniest kiss on it. “There — all better.” And you would be so distracted from the sensation of his lips and his proximity and just him, that you would forget all about your fear.
Thanks for the ask anon! I appreciate these messages, it’s so fun putting Astarion and Tav/Reader in all these different scenarios hehe 🤍
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i-want-my-iwtv · 4 months
Text
♥♥♥ Carbonated Blood ♥♥♥
(ノ°∀°)ノ’.:*・°☆
Inspired by recent interest in this blog, and for ppl newly landing on it, I made this pinned post as a welcome, a warning, and some tags I would recommend that are specific to my blog for my favorite stuff. Here's why it's called i-want-my-IWTV.
🤘 A welcome: I'm Burnadette (21+) and this blog is an unofficial Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles appreciation blog started in July 2013, but it's not an authoritative resource, I'm just collecting fanworks and other dash goodies based on my own rubric, sprinkling catnip out to the fandom, and answering asks for ppl who are curious about my opinions on things. I encourage positivity and optimism! ✨
My AO3: Burnadette_dpdl
Co-mod @wicked-felina and I typically run the @vcsecretgifts exchange, you can check out the archive there. We had to take a 2 yr hiatus for real life reasons, we hope to revive it in 2024 💕 In the meantime, go check out @vamptember (@hekateinhell and @monstersinthecosmos), for a wealth of VC fanworks!
⚠️ A warning: You may encounter things you dislike on this blog, such as ship art of ships you dislike, discussions about dark fiction, problematic characters, and other such topics. My free time for fandom is limited and I do this for free for my own entertainment, so I don't engage in bad faith discussion, and I'm generally picky about engaging* in all discussion posts or personal posts.
You may have noticed that I don't post/reblog much about it if I can help it: While I do not like the current IWTV AMC 2022 adaptation, I can talk about it, and I do appreciate that it's brought fresh blood 🩸 into the fandom, a lot of talented fanart and writing! And yes, ppl can enjoy IWTV '22 and other adaptations and canon and absolutely whatever 🤝, these things are not mutually exclusive 😎 (I tag it #iwtv 2022 and #iwtv amc if ppl need to block those tags.) With that said, I think there are some fabulous ppl who can embrace it all, like @xxhellonursexx! There are role models like Nurse, able to venn diagram the VC content with a sense of humor and respect.
So I welcome new fans, and encourage them to ask questions and engage with ppl like me, there is limitless room for everyone.
ANYWAY.
Behold, my STUFF: Some of my favorite tags in no particular order, this may evolve over time:
(Cut for length)
Lin, get in here and settle this - (Not a tag but this is my 20 second magnum opus 😎✨)
vampire physiology - Both about Ricean and other vampire media, studying them like lab animals and talking about it!
Fandom laws - Fandom's been around a long time, and I think a big part of having a great experience in it is mutual respect, which ppl have codified in fandom laws. When/if you break them, you may turn other ppl off and that can spread quickly; you build your reputation by your actions.
digging up an oldie from the archive - when I need to throw an older post on the dash to share again, maybe there's a reason, or a great addition.
hello dinner - Various amusement about vampires and their dinner.
messy eater - Related to the above, it's less common (canonically) for a Ricean vampire to spill a drop of blood, so it used to be more dramatic when we'd see art/fic of spillage! There are vampires from outside VC in that tag, too, I couldn't resist reblogging them.
vampiredevelopment/interviews and rec - this is some of my favorite textmeme content 😂
memeything - y'know, memes, some are embedded in more serious posts, but I think when I first heard the word "meme" I didn't think mine really counted? So I made it "memeything" so as not to land in a "meme" tag if they didn't count, but eventually I decided that "meme" can be pretty widely defined, so mine kinda do, but by that point I was far into the habit of using my own word, so there it is.
how to make a post a vc post - when you just gotta insert your fandom into an unrelated post bc it FITS.
VC fandom hunters - when you're looking for other VC fandom ppl to role play with, etc.!
Lestatiquette - Lestat ettiquette.
Lestatuesque - Someone/something is acting like Lestat.
Lestats closet - Something you might find in Lestat's closet, a resource for fanartists/writers looking for inspo 🙏
Its a coffin - fanart and works involving coffins!
We appreciate and love Louis in this house - There was a wave of sentiment criticizing Louis for various reasons and these are thoughtful responses to that criticism. Tag started by the magnificent @covenofthearticulate/@theballadofmrslovett (go check out her ideas, and her AO3 covenofthearticulate, she is so so good 💞)
Defending Antonio - There's periodic discussion about Antonio Banderas as Armand in the '94 IWTV movie, I love him, and I'm totally rational about it
Louis has canon hair I know that will make at least 2 ppl I know very happy - and idk if I would even reveal privately who they are but definitely not publicly! I don't want to put them on blast! 😅 I appreciate Louis with different hairstyles and I've debated about it enough that like... I can appreciate Options but some ppl would prefer to see his hair as it's described in canon 😙
VC wedding hysteria - What it says on the tin.
iwantmyiwtv has opinions - a way to signal that these are my opinions only and not presented as fact.
Iwantmyiwtv rp - I sometimes take asks for Lestat or Louis to help inspire my fanfic. Specify who you're asking and they might respond 😎, Lestat response starts with ♛, and Louis with ♠.
vc news/vc casting - For sharing news and post casting ideas, as there are multiple adaptations and there's always fantasy casting! It never ends.
not vc/vc adjacent - I see some ppl have adopted these two! I made these out of a kind of purist approach, I wanted to reblog smtg and share it but it wasn't exactly VC, soooo, it's my acknowledgment accordingly.
VC - I may have used this in the past but I don't anymore, bc there are tons of things that could have that abbreviation, I assume, so I don't find it too be descriptive enough for use as a Vampire Chronicles tag 🤷🏼‍♀️
*You may see older posts that were written in a bubblier/sassier manner than I'd be comfortable with now, but I find those to be charming now, it's a 10+ yr old blog, after all! Our internet experience has evolved. What's cringe or even rude now was normal then and I know that my intention was always positivity and anti-censorship, so that includes not censoring myself. ✨ I ask that you have patience with those responses that may not have aged well as you have patience with an artist or writer's earlier works, or your own growth over the years! 🌱
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starleska · 1 year
Note
I just saw on YouTube that MatPat has made a GTLive about Welcome Home.
I’m honestly conflicted. On the one hand, I am genuinely happy that a big YouTuber like MatPat has noticed Welcome Home, as I do love his theories on occasion.
But I’m also worried. After everything Clown has been through with the sudden rush of a massive following, and also me knowing how MatPat’s very large fan base can be VERY zealous, I’m genuinely worried for Clown. I know they’re going through a lot and are currently on a well deserved hiatus, but I do have the sudden thought that the prospect of MatPat’s fan base getting too zealous may end up doing harm in the long term for them. They have done that before on other things.
And that’s not even getting into MatPat potentially making a theory video about Welcome Home when the project hasn’t yet left the Prologue Stage of its story, which may end up again doing harm.
I wonder what your opinion on all of this may be. What do you think of MatPat covering this potentially as a theory and do you worry about his fan base becoming zealous for Welcome Home?
hello sweetheart! thank you so much for sending in this ask, and for putting your thoughts down in such a respectful manner - very well articulated 💖 i'm going to pop my response under a read more, as i feel it deserves a good chunk of text for a reply.
and if you're a new Welcome Home fan - welcome to the fandom! 🥰 here's a simple guide i wrote which explains what Welcome Home is, where the story is taking place, and how you can support the creator.
okay, here we go! ✨
first of all, i understand why you're concerned. this explosive growth has been tough for Clown - and having caught the edge of the tidal wave of attention just for Welcome Home fanworks, i don't blame them for being so stressed! no one could've predicted Welcome Home would blow up so much, although it is a testament to Clown's artistic talent and skill 🔥
here's the thing: fandom isn't something you can control. i feel that even though this concern comes from a good place, we may be sliding a little too close to gatekeeping territory, and that isn't fair. i totally get what you're saying about the overzealous part, but i don't believe there's anything inherent about being a fan of MatPat's content which would cause someone to behave in a disrespectful, boundary-overstepping manner. let's be clear: we are not inherently more deserving of enjoying Welcome Home just because we discovered it earlier, or any other trait that would separate the earlier fandom from a new influx of fans from MatPat.
again, i sympathise with your perspective. i was an old MatPat fan myself: a real creepypasta-obsessed teen who discovered all sorts of cool fandoms through him and other channels! but i don't think Welcome Home being covered by MatPat means there's a higher risk of harm, or that those fans in particular are more likely to exhibit inappropriate behaviour. i worry about fandoms which, when trying to make sure everyone is being respectful, end up creating an us vs. them mentality...and there's nothing i dislike more than fans who believe they're more entitled to enjoy media more for artificial reasons, like if they discovered it earlier, or know more about the property, or engage in fandom the 'correct' way (whatever that means) 😕
i think that just because Clown is (very understandably!) stressed and needs time to adjust, doesn't mean we should try and halt the popularity of Welcome Home - which would be both unfair and impossible. there's no criteria for whether or not someone can be a fan - all that is to be expected is that they are respectful and kind. we should continue as always: being respectful, and echoing Clown's wishes. i think we should welcome all these new fans and show them a great time! and if a fan does do something harmful, we shouldn't attack them; instead, we should let them know why that's not okay, and not assume everyone is out to do harm. ignorance isn't always out of malice, and many of us discussing this issue have the luxury of being older, and having had our younger years in fandom under much less scrutiny. perhaps there's this lingering anxiety due to the claims of fans doxxing/hacking, which Clown has since debunked as being odd fandom rumours.
ultimately, Clown put Welcome Home out into the world for other people to enjoy. MatPat is allowed to make theories on Welcome Home, and his fans are allowed to enjoy it too. this is the same as an unknown video game being covered by Markiplier, or a similar property being picked up by the nerdcore music community. yes, it's likely MatPat's fans may be on the younger side, and perhaps inexperienced with fandom etiquette or boundaries. however, this is a generalisation! i feel perhaps this anxiety with new fans coming in has something to do with our own overzealousness, and how in the early days we began making fanworks/interacting with Clown's content in ways which he's since stated he's not comfortable with 💖
at the end of the day: whether we're 13 or 55; whether we compile large documents full of information about the Welcome Home story or write gushing posts about how cute Wally Darling is; whether we've known Clown's work for years or are just discovering it today - we're all fans, and we all deserve to be here. being zealous is what fandom is all about! the best thing we can do is just keep on putting out positive energy, and encouraging all of that lovely, budding excitement. let's keep helping new fans learn about the amazing story of Welcome Home, and making them feel welcome too 🥰
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beardedmrbean · 7 months
Text
WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans view college campuses as far friendlier to liberals than to conservatives when it comes to free speech, with adults across the political spectrum seeing less tolerance for those on the right, according to a new poll.
Overall, 47% of adults say liberals have “a lot” of freedom to express their views on college campuses, while just 20% said the same of conservatives, according to polling from the The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and the University of Chicago Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression.
Republicans perceive a stronger bias on campuses against conservatives, but Democrats see a difference too — about 4 in 10 Democrats say liberals can speak their minds freely on campuses, while about 3 in 10 Democrats say conservatives can do so.
“If you’re a Republican or lean Republican, you’re unabashedly wrong, they shut you down,” said Rhonda Baker, 60, of Goldsboro, North Carolina, who voted for former President Donald Trump and has a son in college. “If they hold a rally, it’s: ‘The MAGA’s coming through.’ It’s: ‘The KKK is coming through.’”
Debates over First Amendment rights have occasionally flared on college campuses in recent years, with conflicts arising over guest speakers who express polarizing views, often from the political right.
Stanford University became a flashpoint this year when students shouted down a conservative judge who was invited to speak. More recently, a conservative Princeton University professor was drowned out while discussing free speech at Washington College, a small school in Maryland.
At the same time, Republican lawmakers in dozens of states have proposed bills aiming to limit public colleges from teaching topics considered divisive or liberal. Just 30% of Americans say states should be able to restrict what professors at state universities teach, the poll found, though support was higher among Republicans.
Overall, Republicans see a clear double standard on college campuses. Just 9% said conservatives can speak their minds, while 58% said liberals have that freedom, according to the polling. They were also slightly less likely than Americans overall to see campuses as respectful and inclusive places for conservatives.
Chris Gauvin, a Republican who has done construction work on campuses, believes conservative voices are stifled. While working at Yale University, he was once stopped by pro-LGBTQ+ activists who asked for his opinion, he said.
“They asked me how I felt, so I figured I’d tell them. I spoke in a normal tone, I didn’t get excited or upset,” said Gauvin, 58, of Manchester, Connecticut. “But it proceeded with 18 to 20 people who were suddenly very irritated and agitated. It just exploded.”
He took a lesson from the experience: “I learned to be very quiet there.”
Republicans in Congress have raised alarms, with a recent House report warning of “the long-standing and pervasive degradation of First Amendment rights” at U.S. colleges. Some in the GOP have called for federal legislation requiring colleges to protect free speech and punish those who infringe on others’ rights.
Nicholas Fleisher, who chairs an academic freedom committee for the American Association of University Professors, said public perception is skewed by the infrequent cases when protesters go too far.
“The reality is that there’s free speech for everyone on college campuses,” said Fleisher, a linguistics professor at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. “In conversations within classrooms, people are free to speak their minds. And they do.”
Officials at PEN America, a free speech group, say most students welcome diverse views. But as the nation has become more politically divided, so have college campuses, said Kristen Shahverdian, senior manager for education at PEN.
“There’s this polarization that just continues to grow and build across our country, and colleges and universities are a part of that ecosystem,” she said.
Morgan Ashford, a Democrat in an online graduate program at Troy University in Alabama, said she thinks people can express themselves freely on campus regardless of politics or skin color. Still, she sees a lack of tolerance for the LGBTQ+ community in her Republican state where the governor has passed anti-LGBTQ legislation.
“I think there have to be guidelines” around hate speech, said Ashford. “Because some people can go overboard.”
When it comes to protesting speakers, most Americans say it should be peaceful. About 8 in 10 say it’s acceptable to engage in peaceful, non-disruptive protest at a campus event, while just 15% say it’s OK to prevent a speaker from communicating with the audience, the poll found.
“If they don’t like it, they can get up and walk out,” said Linda Woodward, 71, a Democrat in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas.
Mike Darlington, a real estate appraiser who votes Republican, said drowning out speakers violates the virtues of a free society.
“It seems to me a very, very selfish attitude that makes students think, ‘If you don’t think the way I do, then your thoughts are unacceptable,’” said Darlington, 58, of Chesterfield County, Virginia.
The protest at Stanford was one of six campus speeches across the U.S. that ended in significant disruption this year, with another 11 last year, according to a database by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, a free speech group.
Those cases, while troubling, are one symptom of a broader problem, said Ilya Shapiro, a conservative legal scholar who was shouted down during a speech last year at the University of California’s law school. He says colleges have drifted away from the classic ideal of academia as a place for free inquiry.
An even bigger problem than speakers being disrupted by protesters is “students and faculty feeling that they can’t be open in their views. They can’t even discuss certain subjects,” said Shapiro, director of constitutional studies at the Manhattan Institute think tank.
About three in five Americans (62%) say that a major purpose of higher education is to support the free exchange and debate of different ideas and values. Even more U.S. adults say college’s main purpose is to teach students specific skills (82%), advance knowledge and ideas (78%) or teach students to be critical thinkers (76%). Also, 66% said a major purpose is to create a respectful and inclusive learning environment.
“I believe it should be solely to prepare you to enter the workforce,” said Gene VanZandt, 40, a Republican who works in shipbuilding in Hampton, Virginia. “I think our colleges have gone too far off the path of what their function was.”
The poll finds that majorities of Americans think students and professors, respectively, should not be allowed to express racist, sexist or anti-LGBTQ views on campus, with slightly more Republicans than Democrats saying those types of views should be allowed. There was slightly more tolerance for students expressing those views than for professors.
About 4 in 10 said students should be permitted to invite academic speakers accused of using offensive speech, with 55% saying they should not. There was a similar split when asked whether professors should be allowed to invite those speakers.
Darlington believes students and professors should be able to discuss controversial topics, but there are limits.
“Over-the-top, overtly racist, hateful stuff — no. You shouldn’t be allowed to do that freely,” he said.
___
The poll of 1,095 adults was conducted Sept. 7-11, 2023, using a sample drawn from NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 4 percentage points.
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apollosgiftofprophecy · 3 months
Text
Warning: Rant ahead. Do not read if you wanna avoid me venting about the wider RRverse fandom & their attitude toward the TOA fans.
Seriously. This is a vent post. Stay away if you don't wanna risk getting upset. I just need a place to get it off my chest. It's been stewing in my head for long enough and I usually feel better if I write it down/type it down somewhere. Makes my chest feel less tight.
Stay safe <3
"No one is treating you guys like outcasts!"
"With your annoying POV-"
"Everyone was so OOC-"
"Meg is such a Mary Sue-"
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
SHUT UP
THIS IS WHY I STICK TO THE TOA FANDOM.
THIS IS WHY I BARELY INTERACT WITH THE LARGER PJO FANDOM.
THIS IS WHY I GET ANXIOUS ABOUT SAYING I LIKE TOA ON A DIFFERENT PLATFORM THAN TUMBLR.
BECAUSE. OF. THIS.
Recently, I have left a comment on a Youtube video. All in all, it was basically just me listing off reasons why I liked TOA and - in hindsight - naively going "idk why people don't like it".
Top Ten things said before disaster.
The next day, I got two comments.
One was along the lines of-
"Don't care."
The other was-
"Jasper broke up and Jason died - it's not canon to me!"
...
Excuse me for having an opinion, I guess.
What sucks even more is that when a fellow TOA commented to me, the second guy ALSO responded to them with "yeah but PJO and HOO are still better maybe even MCGAA to"
Like what the fuck. who does this. who has the time????
people who don't have a life, i guess.
And then. and then this same person just Keeps Going when I replied. They said "TOA's an AU" and "It relies too heavily on cameos" and then turns around and says "this would have been better if *proceeds to give a list of cameos* were with Apollo instead of Meg"
like. URGHHHHH.
They. Complain. About. Every. Single. Thing.
Even Tristan McLean going broke. And wishing "something" had been done to "fix" it.
Like fixing something of that caliber would be easy. One of TOA's things is that it deals with Reality - and I get it, some people may not like that, especially for a fantasy series - but come on. You can't expect everything to be fine and dandy 24/7 about a series of GREEK MYTHOLOGY, THE CREATOR OF TRAGEDY.
Then they went on to say they hoped that if the show gets to HOO, they "fix" its ending so TOA doesn't happen.
...BRO HOO ONLY EXISTS FOR TOA TO SHINE. RICK'S FAVORITE CHARACTER TO WRITE IS APOLLO AND THAT'S A PILL YOU NEED TO SWALLOW.
they also went on to say that TOA is "example of a story that overstayed its welcome" and i'm just. GAHHHHHHHH *screams into pillows*
"we got new characters in PJO & HOO-"
Me: *can literally name off 27 new characters from TOA from the top of my head*
Them: You need to respect other people's opinions-!
Me: SAYS THE GUY WHO INVADED MY COMMENT??? WHO LITERALLY CALLED ME ANNOYING??? WHO'S COMPLAINING ABOUT A CHILDREN'S SERIES??? AND REFUSED TO AGREE TO DISAGREE WHEN I GAVE YOU THE OPTION???
Them: There's a reason why people don't like TOA. Can you guess? Because we didn't read the book? Nope i read all 5 and the reason is it's not as good as the others-
Me: bro that's not even a solid REASON-
The condensation on that last one really pissed me off.
What was especially baffling, however, was...
Them: I am pretty sure you have hidden opinions that make you like ToA, like maybe you are LGBTQ or LGBTQ Supporter-
WHAT. DOES. MY. SEXUALITY. HAVE. TO. DO. WITH. THIS.
THAT'S NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!
and as a matter of fact, what are they even implying here??? it just sounds like they're saying I must only like TOA because of the queer rep and I can tell you that reason is bullshit.
(I love the queer rep dw it's just not the #1 reason why i love TOA)
also here's a full list of the characters they said were 'OOC': Piper, Frank, Leo, Calypso, Hazel, & Reyna.
A few of these, I understand the confusion (but also disagree with) - but FRANK? FRANK ZHANG WAS OOC?
AT THIS POINT THEY'RE JUST LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT.
(In another person's comment about loving TOA they also went "well there's no Percabeth in it-" OH MY GODS JUST STOP ALREADY.)
It was especially infuriating when I pointed out the hate the TOA fans in the comments experience, they replied with "Nobody's treating you like outcasts!"
TELL THAT TO EVERY TOA FAN WHO'S GOTTEN HATE!
TELL THAT TO ME WHO JUST GOT HATE FOR IT.
just. AJHGSFGH. people. some people.
I want to block them. But youtube has removed that feature (thanks a lot youtube).
I'll stick it out. I am point-blank telling them to drop it. We'll see how that goes.
just...people. Guess you still can't have an opinion, huh?
Jokes on them they merely fueled my stubborn fire. I only love TOA more now. The harder they argue, the tighter I cling.
Anyway. If you've stuck it out this far, thanks for listening. I just really needed to vent. It's been bugging me for a few days and ruining my mood every time I open up youtube.
No response is needed, btw - again, needed a place to vent.
ToA fans, you're the best <3 Love ya <3
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st33le · 7 months
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How do you think Charles would’ve gotten along with Trapper, Henry, and Frank?
SHAKES YOU!!! I have so many opinions on Charles interacting them!
I’ll start with Henry because I have the least amount of headcanons about him and Charles.
I do love Henry a lot but to be honest I just think a dynamic between him and Charles would just be a watered down version of what he already has with BJ and Hawk. Or at the very least, just Charles thinking that Henry is a bit incompetent and neglectful of his duties, but like charles already thinks everyone is pretty incompetent so like?? There’s not a lot there. Though I do think that Charles would appreciate the craftsmanship of the desk lmao. If Henry was CO during the time that charles got there I’m sure that charles would take waaaay longer to warm up to camp. Only because he would see Henry as someone who enables the shenanigans.
Now with Trapper, I actually believe it wouldn’t be too similar to how he treats bj. BJ, to Charles at least, is a decent man, a jokester and annoying especially if he and hawk are up to something, but a kinda of respectable family man when it comes down to it. Oh but trapper! Tapper John is Hawkeye’s perfect mirror and OH what a wall they would drive Charles up. I could go on a 3 hour rant about Trapper and Hawk being the perfect comedic duo on the camp, but this is about Charles. I think Charles would have a hard time merely being in the same room as trapper at times. I think trapper would act way better then Charles to get on his nerves, like act like he knows way more then he does about culture and opera and stuff like that, and that would drive Charles crazy. NOT TO MENTION that they’re both from Boston. Imagine Charles first coming to the 4077th and finding out Trapper was from Boston. Initially I think Charles would try to confide in him only for trap and hawk to pull a prank or something. I know in the early Charles episodes the show likes to laugh at Charles misery but oh well, can’t be helped I suppose. Another note, if they actually interacted in the should I could honestly see myself shipping Charles and trapper for a time. I think their personal dynamic would have been really really fun, trapper being overly flirty and Charles just being like “oh someone help me.” Though I don’t think they would be able to work long term, as trapper imo really likes to be ‘adored’ and taken care of in the relationship, and I don’t see Charles wanting that in someone, and especially cause of their economic difference it would make Charles feel kind of used? Idk. That’s just the Hawkchester part of me going off tho.
Okay okay, now Frank. I think, that this would honestly have been peak comedy for the show. ESPECIALLY if they were the same rank during their screen time together. If Frank was there I think that Charles would have very quickly gotten along with Hawk and BJ, especially if they were doing something to spite Frank. I can definitely see Charles, out of everyone hating Frank the most. I’m sure, it’s been said before, but I think it would be very funny if like Charles have a backhanded insult that frank is just too dumb so he interprets it as a compliment. Only for Hawkeye to add on. I think half of the dynamic between Charles and Frank is just Charles being bewildered by Franks incompetence. But also on a side not I can see him being like a wingman for Margaret like “honey you can do better then that.” Frank would definitely think there was something between Margaret and Charles, and he would get mad over that and ask Hawk and BJ for help only for them to laugh their asses off cause Charles and Margaret are MLM WLW solidarity.
Those are my basic thoughts on them, sorry for taking so long to reply I had to get my thoughts in order.
Also sorry for any spelling mistakes, writing and being coherent is hard lmao.
More asks about mash are always welcome!
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