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thealtoduck · 10 months

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One Time Thing

Flash Thompson x Male Black Cat!Reader

Warnings: Smut, one night stand, bottom!Reader, top!Flash, unprotected sex, use of the word slut, doggy style, anal sex, fingering, reader is kinda drunk, Flash is kinda desperate and kinda slut shames you…

A prequel to the Male Black Cat!Reader series: Masterlist

Summary: Reader needs a ride home from the party and Flash is the only one available and the two decide to have a one time thing…

——

You stumbled around the party with a bottle in hand looking for your friend Caleb. You managed to find him doing shots on the couch making you roll your eyes and say ”What the fuck Caleb? You said you wouldn’t get drunk”.

”It’s fine, Y/n, Flash offered to drive you home” he slurred and took another shot. ”Goddamnit not Flash” you said and Caleb frowned. ”Flash said you two were cool, i’m sorry man” he said apologetically. ”Don’t worry Caleb, it’s fine, you’re lucky your my favorite” you said patting his shoulder.

You said goodbye to your friends and went to find Flash. You spotted him talking to his friends so you nudged him in the back and said ”Flash, come on, let’s go”. ”Okay, coming” he said and the two of you left the house and went to his car that was parked outside.

He unlocked his car and the two of you got in. ”So finally alone, huh?” he said in a flirty tone making you roll your eyes. ”Seriously? You offered to drive me just so we could fuck?” you questioned him.

”Bro, i heard you like putting out” he defended himself while you just silently glared at him. ”Sorry- I’m sorry, don’t worry i’ll just take you home” he said apolegetically and started the car.

You sat in silence as Flash started driving thinking about what to do once you got home, you didn’t feel like going to bed yet or watching a movie or anything, so your mind started wandering. Were you actually considering hooking up with Flash Thompson right now?…

Well, you didn’t have anything better to do.

”Hey Flash” you spoke up. ”Yeah?” he answered. ”Wanna stay over at my place?” you asked. ”Wait… you mean it?” he questioned. ”Yeah, i’m bored” you stated. Once you arrived he parked his car outside your house and the two of you snuck inside and up the stairs to your room.

You closed the door after Flash got in and then he asked ”So how do you wanna do this?”. You didn’t answer and just pushed him against the wall and smashed your lips against his. He was caught off guard but then started kissing back.

You pulled off your shirt as he started unbuttoning his own. The two of the moved to your bed, laying down and started making out hungrily. Flash started unbuttoning you pants and helped you pull them down.

Once both of you were in your underwear Flash asked ”Can i top?”. ”Sure” you answered. ”Get on all fours” Flash told you and you did as told. ”You got lube anywhere?” he asked. ”Bedside table” you answered simply. Once Flash had gotten the lube he got on his knees in front of your ass.

He pulled down your underwear revealing you ass to him. ”Fuck, you got a good ass” he said squeezing it, you gave a soft moan as he did. He then spread your ass so he could get to work fingering you open.

You felt him starting to push a lubed finger in to your ass. ”Fuck” you swore, it had been a while since you last hooked up. Flash hushed you and said ”Your parents might hear you”. ”Flash, my mom is in prison and my dad is an alcoholic who’s probably a bottle of vodka deep in sleep, we’ll be fine” you explained.

”Oh… okay” he said adding another finger in to you. Once he had gotten fingered you open he asked ”Ready to take my cock?”. ”I’m ready” you answered. He then grabbed your hips and pushed himself in to you, his lubed dick entering you slowly. You moaned softly uttering a small ”Fuck”.

”Fuck, you got such a tight hole” Flash said blissfully. Once you adjusted he started moving slowly in and out of your ass. ”Look, i know you don’t like me and stuff but i’m gonna fucking give you a night to remember” Flash said slowly inbetween groans.

He then started speeding up his thrusts making you shove your head in the matress while moaning loudly. ”Yeah, taking it like a good slut” Flash said moving a hand from hip to your back pressing you in to the matress. Flash calling you a slut was not a thing you expected to be a turn on…

”Yeah Flash, fuck me like a slut” you moaned. Flash got excited by this and started plowing you more roughly saying ”Yeah, you’re a little slut for me, huh?”. He gave you ass a slap whispering ”Yeah you like that, don’t you?”. Through your ecstasy all you managed to get out was a soft ”Yes”.

You felt yourself getting close and said ”I’m gonna cum”. Flash thrusted deeply in to you saying ”Cum for me baby”. You then reached your climax and came on the sheets below.

As you came Flash’s thrusts became erratic and he said ”I’m gonna fill you with cum like the slut you are”. He then delivered one last thrust as he painted your insides white with his load. He then uttred a last ”Fuck, yeah” as he slowly pulled out of your cum filled ass.

You laid down next to each other on your bed. ”Just so you know i don’t really think you’re a slut, i just-” he started but you cut him off saying ”No, i get it, it’s just kind of a turn on thing”. ”Yeah, exactly” he said.

”Do you mind if i stay tonight it’s kinda late?” he asked. ”Yeah, it’s fine” you answered tiredly closing your eyes. ”Cool…” he said. ”Wanna cuddle?” Flash suggested making you open your eyes.

”Only if you promise to never tell anyone about this” you told him. ”I promise” he said and you went to sleep that night getting spooned by someone you kind of hate.

#flash thompson x male reader #flash thompson x male!reader #spider man x male reader #spiderman x male reader #x male reader #male reader #x male!reader #mcu x male reader #marvel x male reader #avengers x male reader

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hahafixon · 9 months

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I Did It for the Show! ~ *Jeong Yunho*

Summary: Bright Orange Anxiety

Pairing: Jeong Yunho X Fem!Reader

Genre: Fluffy Oneshot

Word Count: 1788

Warning: Fangirling

Lipstick Series Masterlist

Orange is the color of enthusiasm and fascination

You couldn’t stop bouncing in your seat, making your group mates laugh at you. Today was the day you were doing a variety show with your favorite group, Ateez. You’ve always wanted to work with them and now you finally got to! It’s like a dream come true! You can’t wait to finally meet everyone! You just couldn’t stop fidgeting with excitement!

“Are you going to act like a crazy fangirl when we meet them too?” Miyun asked with a chuckle.

Blushing, you looked away. “Eh, so what if I do? I’m just excited! Let me have my fun! It’s not like I’m that crazy.”

“It’s cute seeing you this happy,” Lina commented, not looking up from her phone. “Perhaps you’ll even get to see Yunho today.”

“Well, duh! He is part of Ateez, you know!”

“He’s also your bias and crush” Both of them started laughing, making you bury your face in your hands to hide your blush. So what if he was your bias and possibly your crush? Honestly, you just wanted to meet him more than anything! You just hope you won’t embarrass yourself in front of him or make him hate you in any way, shape, or form. You don’t think you could live with yourself if you gave him a bad impression of you.

As the car rolled up to the studio where you would be filming, you practically lept from your seat to get inside as soon as possible. You were just too excited to wait any longer! As your two other members continued laughing at your antics, you were determined to make a good first impression before those two messed it up for you! Those two will not ruin your chance to look like a professional artist in front of Ateez and your bias!

“Hello! Are you from Beyond Infinity?” A woman at the front desk asked you as you entered the building. You nodded, before bowing. Her smile widened as she handed you a little folded card. “Here’s your special challenge for during the broadcast. Everything you’ll need to complete it will be in your green room.”

“Thank you.” You bowed again as you took the card and she walked away to greet Miyun and Lina. This variety show gave every participant special challenges before filming to be completed during the duration of the show. If they didn’t complete it or couldn’t do it for some reason, they’d be punished at the end of the show. Each member of the group gets to come up with an idea for the other members in their group and submit it. The producers then pick from the ones submitted for what that member will do. It was super fun and you were kind of excited to see what you would have to do!

However, once in the green room, you looked at your special challenge and frowned. So much for the special challenge being fun. Written in both Miyun AND Lina’s unmistakable handwriting was to kiss Yunho somewhere visible and leave a lipstick stain in some crazy color. Of all the things they could’ve dared you to do, it had to be this…

“Hey, did you get your special challenge?” Lina asked, attempting to sound innocent, as she entered the room.

You gave her a shove, effectively having her collide with Miyun, who was frowning at her own card while she entered. “How could you two betray me like this? What if he doesn’t like it or thinks I’m some weirdo because of this! You accused me of being a crazy fan in the car and yet this is the stunt you pull? Thanks a lot!”

Miyun looked up, still frowning. “Are you talking about the dare? Hey, it’s not that bad. No what is bad is my dare. Honestly, what were you thinking Lina? How am I going to sing a duet with Jongho? Isn’t it kind of weird to just burst into song with your bias? This isn’t some musical, Lina! People don’t just randomly burst into song.”

“Please! Y/n’s just as mean! She wants me to ballroom dance with Yeosang!” Lina wailed, her head falling into her hands as the card fluttered to the ground. “I can’t just ask him to dance with me like that! It’ll be weird!”

“I think we can all agree we got some pretty weird dares,” You exclaimed, trying to keep them calm. “Why don’t we all go down as a team and not do our dares. It’ll be easier that way.”

“Oh, no no no no no!” Miyun jabbed her finger at you. “We’re expecting that kiss! We’ve had to hear you go on and on about your bias crush and I’ll be damned if we leave here with nothing. Lina and I BOTH decided on this so you HAVE to do it. Two against one.”

You let out a whine. “But what if I don’t want to!”

Lina rolled her eyes and heaved a sigh. “Fine, here’s the deal: We’ll do our dares if you do yours, no matter how embarrassing they might be. Got it?”

“Ugh, fine!” You groaned

Well, at least the broadcast started out great. There was a small hiccup when the MC asked why you were wearing bright orange lipstick, but you managed to wave it off like it was part of the ensemble you were wearing. At least you rocked this shade of orange. Despite this, you were practically dying from excitement. Being in the same room as Ateez was like a dream come true and you were trying your absolute hardest to hold it all in and not let out a shriek. But every once in a while you’d catch Yunho’s eye, and you’d remember your dare, making the both of you blush. You wondered if you really could do your dare afterall.

Mingi already got his dare out of the way first, by trying to do the worm and failing hilariously. Then San did his dare, which was to fake propose to Wooyoung before saying it was a proposal for Miyun instead. The betrayal on Wooyoung’s face was priceless and you’re so glad they got it on video! You don’t know how she did it, but during a transition, Lina got to dance with Yeosang, leaving them both watching each other with red faces across the room for the rest of the show. Hongjoong tried to pick up Yunho and carry him to the other end of the room but ultimately failed, Yunho almost crushing him. Seonghwa somehow got Miyun to have a mini rap battle with him, which he lost because Miyun is a rapper you do NOT want to mess with. Yeosang sang Lina’s solo part in our debut song, and he absolutely nailed it! She was so proud of him when he was done, making his cheeks a brighter red. Everyone beat Jongho in an impromptu aegyo battle and Lina was pulled into a reenactment of some cheesy Kdrama scene with Wooyoung. All in all, it was pretty fun to watch as we also completed the segments of the show that were already scheduled.

As Miyun finished her duet with Jongho, you realized that it was just you and Yunho left. Lina and Miyun kept poking you and giving you sideways glances that told you time was running out to do your dare. You could either die a martyr and do your punishment alone or do your dare and ruin any chance you might have had with your “bias crush”. Was it really worth it? The possibility of holding your punishment over their heads was tempting, but at the same time, you didn’t want to get punished.

Taking deep breaths to try and calm yourself down, you finally made up your mind to go ahead and get it over with, like ripping off a band-aid. When all of you transitioned to the last segment of the show, you stepped up to Yunho, grabbed his shirt, and placed the biggest kiss you could muster on his cheek. You ignored the sounds of everyone else shouting and whooping at the two of you as you blushed and pulled away. Quickly bowing to hard your blush, you started to apologize profusely, when you felt him lift your head up gently by the chin.

“Okay, Y/n, I know that was a dare, but I do have to ask.” He took a deep breath before continuing, “Do you wish it were real? I mean the kiss. Like do you wish it was a real kiss, if that makes sense?”

Your jaw tried to drop in his hand and your heart practically stuttered to a stop. Was he being serious right now? Was your bias crush actually confessing to you? “Uh, y-yeah.”

He smiled softly, kicking your heart back into overdrive. “Good, because my dare was to confess to you. But I don’t want it to be a dare. I want it to be real. I want to really ask you out.”

Well, that was definitely unexpected.

When he noticed your vacant expression, he tried to explain frantically, “I’ve always admired you as a person and as a performer. After really meeting you today, I knew that my feelings for you were real and I’m willing to give it a shot if you are? You can say no. I’ll completely understand.”

You nodded dumbly, before being sucked back into the reality around you. Both Beyond Infinity and Ateez were hollering at Yunho’s confessions and the MC was asking the people working behind the camera if they got it on film. You swiftly pulled back to frantically say, “But what about your company? What about my company? Oh, they’re not going to be happy. We have a dating ban and-”

“I’m willing to wait if you are.” He replied sheepishly, giving a timid smile. “However long it takes.”

A real, genuine smile found itself onto your cheeks. “Yeah, I’d like that very much. But for now, friends?”

He nodded, intertwining his hand with your. “Best friends.”

Mingi threw his arm over his friend’s shoulder, startling the both of you. “We knew that dare would work!”

“I’m surprised Miyun and Lina dared you to kiss him though,” Yeosang added out of the blue. “Still, it was a great idea. I like the orange spot on your cheek, Yunho.”

“Oh,” You blushed as you noticed the embarrassing lipstick stain on his cheek. “I can clean it off if you like.”

“No, I like it. I think I’ll keep it as a reminder of what I have waiting for me after that dating ban of yours.” He winked, making you laugh.

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aireterra · 5 months

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spoilers present!!

My first time reading the light novel series, Ascendance of a Bookworm had only 20 English translated volumes available then and I opted to read the rest through the web novel by MTL along with the short stories and Hannelore's 5th Year.

I reread my favorite volumes after as I can't get over it and Hannelore's 5th Year hasn't concluded yet. The last I remember about it is Dregarnuhr and the gazebo proposal. I feel bad for Hannelore😭.

My obsession with it hasn't ended there though. I still reread it from time to time. Recently, I rewatched the anime and reread the translated LNs available from Part 1 to Part 5. It feels like dejavu sometimes as I feel like it's something I've seen myself do it in the past already—which I of course, did. It still made me cry a lot and it's still as enjoyable to read as ever. I'll probably reread it again when the English-translated LN Part 5 volumes 8 to 12 will be available.

I ain't really a fan of reading LN as they're more expensive than English novels and has more volumes than I could count but I'm glad I've chosen to read Honzuki. In fact, I want to read more and see what happens after Alexandria is established as a duchy and see who ends up with Hannelore and Charlotte.

Hannelore and Wilfried would have made a cute sincere pair. Ngl, when Hannelore accepted Wilfried's hand during that intrusion in the ditter game, I really rooted for Hannelore's liking for him but I Hannelore deserves better. I know Wilfried tied him to his circumstances and the people around him (his retainers) doesn't help either but I can't believe he's still so naive until now. How can he reject my favorite character Hannelore twice? I'm not sure if it's only my imagination or my poor memory but is it because he likes Brunhilde? I'm not sure if that's a fact and it's been so long since I've read the WN and rereading the LN didn't really mention anything about that. Must have just been my imagination and different comprehension before or because of MTL. I can't think of any good pair for Hannelore tbh. I only like her with Wilfried because she likes (liked?) him. Kenntrips is nice but I still can't swallow the fact that they're cousins and that such stuff is commonplace in Yurgenschmidt. On the other hand, I don't really have much of an impression on Ortwin except that he's smart and plays Wilfried like a harspiel which is not a good impression either. Hannelore's ideal guy is someone opposite of Lestilaut and she seems to like sincere guys that will do everything to get the love of their life (the Sylvester kind, not the Anastasius kind- I believe there's a distinction between the two). Wilfried has the sincerity I think... but he's still immature and frustratingly naive. With that said, I really can't think of anyone to root for for Hannelore's partner. I'm not comfortable with yuri but the only person I can trust Hannelore with are Rozemyne and Charlotte. There's not many archduke candidates we know of and I believe the only one left is Melchoir but he's much too young and if I remember correctly, he'll only be a first year at Hannelore's last year. I can't root for either Kenntrips nor Ortwin 100% but they have the best chances. And I'd rather root for the former than the latter despite them being cousins only for the fact that Kenntrips seems to understand Hannelore in some way. In any case, I will make a note for the future me to read the LN if ever Hannelore's story be made into one.

In Charlotte's case, I envy her mental and emotional strength. Given that she aspires to be an Aub though, I wonder if she will take interest in genwinnen and perhaps a bit of ditter as unlike Rozemyne and Hannelore, she doesn't have much experience in battle and strategy yet. In any case, I also wonder who's gonna be her partner. No one really comes to mind.

I'm just glad that Ehrenfest has Charlotte and Melchoir as archduke candidates. With them, I think Ehrenfest will be fine. Considering the law that grooms and brides be only married into Ehrenfest and not the other way around for 5 years, Charlotte may be able to stay there if she finds someone that'll support her as an Archduchess when she graduates.

Melchoir has a great sense of responsibility and seems to be more mature than Rozemyne. He has the potential to become Aub but I see him more as a support role like Bonifatius. I hope he takes the good points of his brother and sisters and grow up suited to be an Archduke.

#ascendance of a bookworm #honzuki no gekokujou #honzuki #i may or may not have a blatant dislike for the royals #i hope they get their hands of Hannelore or any of my favorite Characters #The only royalty that matters to me is Adolphine #I recognize that King Trauerqual is kind and overworked though #I hope Wilfried does not grow up to be like Sigiswald #Honzuki has a lot of great female characters #where's the wholesome male characters population at?#Tbh I still kinda hope for Wilfried to be saved and it's nice to see that someone sees him in a positive light given that that doesn't often #I'm annoyed that he lashed out on Hanne tho (iirc) but I don't really dislike him as I think he's a sincere person #his circumstances is mostly to blame

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happypopcornprincess · 2 years

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The Heartbreak Prince - Chapter Two

Warnings: Major Spoilers for Top Gun (1986) and Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

A/N - I had to do a literal ton of research for this one, and you can check on google maps that the campus of UC San Diego is a lot closer to Miramar than you might think, even I was shocked. A marvel easter egg if you squint. featuring a very awkward ex-best friend's meeting.

Italics are thoughts and/or emphasized words

Taglist is open and feels free to request headcanons or drabbles on this series

Prequel || Previous Chapter || Next Chapter || Series Masterlist

My Main Masterlist

Send your requests here!

Present Day

“Hey.” Nisha step forward, donning the same smile that was once Bradley’s favorite thing about her. The way her eyes wrinkled and her nose scrunched, he was always enamored by it.

Can someone’s smile get better with age?

“What- hey!” he practically ran to her, opening his arms to engulf her in a hug at the same time she extended her hand.

He stopped.

He extended his hand to shake hers then, but this time she opened her arms to hug him. They stared at each other, realizing how awkward it was between them after so many years. Bradley retreated his hand and shoved them into the pockets of his khakis. Nisha nodded once and held her cart.

Bradley took his time to look at her. She wore a maroon shirt and black pants. Her hair was loose, falling elegantly on her shoulders, once reaching her waist, but now just above her elbows.

“You finally grew the mustache.” she smiles, pointing at his face.

“Yeah, I did.” He laughed.

Silence fell between them, Nisha subconsciously rolling the shopping cart.

“Okay, I'm just gonna to say this, what are you doing here?” Bradley asks, the question nagging him at the back of his head for quite a while.

“I’m a professor at UC San Diego, I got a transfer from LA.” she nods.

Bradley’s eyes rose up, “wait, so that means…”

“Dr. Bagchi. She points at herself and says, "Doctorate in Physics."

Bradley’s jaw dropped.

The conversations of their youth played inside his head, how Nisha was dead set on getting the highest grades, the best scores in every single subject. How she could solve lengthy equations in seconds, the piles of books and test papers her room would overflow with. He realized Nisha understood the biggest life lesson first; respect isn't given, it's earned.

“Nisha! I’m so proud of you!” he held his head with both his hands, in awe of his best friend accomplishing her dream. He could just imagine how hard she had to work to get to this point in her life.

Can he still call her that? After years of not exchanging words.

“Thank you. Seeing as you're in fighter town, you're now an aviator?" she asked, raising her eyebrows and cocking her head to the side.

“Yeah, I’ve been flying for 12 years now, give or take.”

"That’s… a lot of jet fuel.”

Bradley rolls his eyes, which in turn makes her grimace, “that was, very lame. I’m sorry.”

“Nah, it’s fine. I did use a lot of jet fuel, you know,” he smiles.

The sound of his ringtone fills the air as he pulls it out of his phone, Amelia’s name flashing on it.

“Just, gimme a second…” he says, and picks it up.

“Hey, there brad brad.”

“Hello,” he answers unamused.

“Just want to say I’m waiting for whatever 80s monstrosity you’re about to show me, and also for my popcorn.”

“Yeah, I’ll be there, just ran into an old friend.”

"Oooh, old girlfriend? Is she hot?”

Bradley turned red, “I’ll be there Amy. Try not to burn the house down.”

He turns to Nisha, “sorry, it’s just Amelia, we’re having a movie night…”

"Who?” she asks him confused. He then realised she had no idea what a roller coaster ride the past few months have been.

How would she? It's not like you talked to her about it, or anything, for years Bradley.

“She’s Penny’s daughter. Mav’s wife.”

“Maverick got married!” her eyes blew wide in shock.

“Yeah, it’s a long story.”

—/—/—

There was no way Bradley was gonna let go of Nisha when she insisted on calling an uber. Therefore, he just grabbed her groceries and shoved them in his bronco. Nisha had no choice but to follow. As they drove towards Nisha’s house, Bradley caught her up in the whirlwind of plot twists that happened in the past few months.

“...and now Pete and Penny are in Hawaii and Amelia is making my life difficult.”

She squints her eyes at him, “Wait, so, Pete has been living in a hangar all this time?”

“I told you all this and that’s what you ask me?” he laughed out loud.

Nisha looks at Bradley sitting in the passenger seat of his bronco. This brought back memories of how she used to open the window and stick her head out when Bradley would drive on deserted roads. Also, that one time when they spilled milkshakes all over the front and Carole made them clean it in the driveway. He had grown into his features, a darker tan, and a 70s mustache that suited him way more than it should have. Those eyes were just as sweet and bright as they've always been.

We used to laugh until our stomachs hurt.

Her eyes met his and she snapped out, “Enough about me, what about you?” he asked, leaning back in his seat.

“It’s going well. San Diego is an absolute dream. The campus is much more lively than LA, and the people are amazing! Bradley, you have to visit the campus.”

“Of course I will visit!" he exclaims, “Do I have to call you Doctor when I’m there? Or is it reserved for the kids you teach?”

“I don't know, do I have to call you Lieutenant? Or is it reserved for your girl?” Nisha scoffs as Bradley turns red, letting out a chuckle. "Yeah... I don’t have anyone. Too busy with the Navy.”

“Oh shut up! I bet the girls here would be throwing themselves at you any chance they get.”

“They do that because they want one night with a pilot, to tell tales of how they once hooked up with the hot pilot guy from fighter town. I learned my lesson watching Jake.”

“Hmm,” she says, drumming her fingers on the dashboard, resisting the urge to mention Elena, the old ex.

“You got anyone?" he asks as he slows down the jeep nearing the location.

"I did," Nisha says, fidgeting with her fingers. His fingers gripped the steering wheel tightly, he was definitely not expecting this, “What happened?”

“That,” she takes a deep breath, “is a story for another time.” she looks at him and purses her lips, giving a sad smile.

Bradley stops the jeep in front of a small suburban-styled house, complete with a frontal porch and the side door indicating a backyard. It was somewhat similar to her parents' house in Virginia, but that had a wrap-around porch and a swing in the front.

“I have an early lecture tomorrow, got to be there at nine,” she says, as she collects her things, Bradley gets out and helps her with the bags.

“ I’d have dropped you at the campus, but I have to report at the base at 7.”

“It’s fine, thank you sunny.” she squeezes his arm, taking the groceries from him.

“Well, I'll call you, let’s hang out when you’re free.” He shoves his hands in his pockets, ignoring the jump that his heart did at the moment, watching her as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

“I, uh, changed my number.” she shrugs her shoulders.

“Oh, okay then, you’re on my Facebook. I’ll see you there,” he replies.

“You’re still on Facebook?” Nisha chuckles.

“Why does everyone keep saying that?" he furrows his brows, offended.

“Believe me, I got the same question from my class. Everyone’s abandoned the app that started it all!” she backtracks, spreading her hands. She turns to the house, waving back at him, “Bye sunny!”

“See you Pun- uh- see ya,” he shouts, closing his eyes as he almost called her punk.

What the fuck was I thinking?

—/—/—

Nisha rested her head on the door once she was inside. It was spinning from whatever had happened in the past few minutes.

Bradley Bradshaw.

The first guy to sweep her off her feet, who didn’t even know it.

It's always the unrequited ones that hurt the most, isn't it?

Flashes of her past flood her mind, how she would always save his seat during classes, how she would make sure to attend all his games and help him with academics. And him holding onto her hand as they walked, pinching her cheeks during arguments, and lifting her off her feet every time he hugged her, all of his acts that never failed to make her heart race faster.

Without realizing it, their innocent glances and stupid conversations turned into more. She had fallen for him, unapologetically. His smile, his laughter, the way he held her hand, his eyes, his hugs that always felt so full.

Nisha loved him too much, the amount that you couldn’t handle at seventeen.

And Bradley never saw it.

Some part of Nisha knew she will always be his best friend, his punk, but she still waited for that moment when he would see her more than that. In fact, she almost told him on their last night together, and she would often debate whether he would have stayed if she told him.

“Who was that?" The silky voice of Nisha’s friend filled the air, as Erin walked into the living room carrying a box full of doughnuts.

"Bradley Bradshaw,” Nisha replies

Erin gasped loudly and he would have tripped off the box of doughnuts but caught it just in time. "The Bradley Bradshaw!" He practically ran to the front door to catch a glimpse, but he had already left.

“Do you know him?” Nisha asks.

“Do I know him? Girl, the entire town knows him! You were not present at The Hard Deck when he sang that oldie song, had the whole bar on their feet! And he looks like that!" he says, pointing in the general direction where his bronco went.

“Let me guess, it was Great Balls Of Fire.”

“Yes! How do you know that?”

“We were friends in high school,” she says as she takes the groceries to the kitchen.

"Oooh, did you ever hook up? Because I would have if I were you. Oh my god, is he hot now or was he the same back then? Like, on a scale of Zac Effron to Chris Evans.”

“Erin,” she looks at him, crooking her head to the side and giving him a look. He was years younger than her, but he knew exactly what was going on by the look on her face.

“Oh honey,” his smile disappears, “you never told him, did you?”

Nisha takes a deep breath, “It was a long time ago, plus he had someone back then.”

"Nishiii…” he rushes to her and gives her a sideways hug, “it’s gonna be okay honey. I will plot you against each other like the fucking Parent Trap.”

“Erin,” she looks at him, “I don’t… want that. Bad things happen when I fall for someone, and you know it.”

Erin rubs her arm, hugging her tighter. "You say that because you haven’t found the right person yet. When you do, it will feel like you’re at peace, you know. You don’t question yourself, or anything, your inner self knows that it’s true.” he gives her a squeeze and let go, “now,” he straightens up, “I want you to go pick a book, and read it. I’ll make the dinner, and then we’ll have a sleepover.”

“We literally live together!”

“We’re crashing on the couch then, I won’t take a no. Now moooove!" He practically shoved her into her bedroom and Nisha silently thanked the higher power for having friends like Erin. Who annoys the shit out of her, but also has the purest of hearts out there.

—/—/—

Bradley did not protest when Amelia put on some superhero movie instead of Goonies and was fawning over the guy with the metal arm. He let her eat all the popcorn and the chips, leaving the soda, and was zoned out the entire duration of the movie.

His mind reverted back to Nisha's smile. It felt exactly the same, but years in his profession made him question it. He felt like there was something else. A sort of darkness hung over her features. She had grown into a capable and intelligent person. Despite being only a year younger than him, she seemed more mature, more elegant than him. She was more reserved than before, and she kept fidgeting with her hands a lot.

Holy Shit.

Amelia was startled by the sudden movement as Bradley sits up in sudden realization.

Nisha had a lighter tan on the ring finger of her left hand, reminiscent of a ring.

Prequel || Previous Chapter || Next Chapter

A/N - Thank you everyone for sticking with me till the end of this fic! if you liked it please let me know through the asks and the comments. Any and all requests, headcanons, and drabble requests about this AU is mostly welcome. Love y'all, Take Care!

Requests are open! Feel free to request anything.

Tag List:

@tuiccim @parkjammys @akinrawsx @asteph22 @ijustwantavacation @perpetuelledaydreaming @iamthebeth @thefandomqueenuno @onlyhereforthefics @yikesdameron @savedfanfics1992 @amigaytho @hoeensficrecs @samwilson-mylove @xbuchananbarnes-deactivated @jenniweaslee @anna-phora @fluffyprettykitty @ladiesluver

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moonlightdancer26 · 3 years

Note

What is your favourite Severus Snape moment ?

Every moment is my favorite Severus Snape moment. I’m not even joking. Every. Single. Moment.

“Hang on…” Harry muttered to Ron. “There’s an empty chair at the staff table…Where’s Snape?”

. . . “Maybe he’s ill!” said Ron hopefully.

“Maybe he’s left,” said Harry, “because he missed out on the Defense Against the Dark Arts job again!”

“Or he might have been sacked!” said Ron enthusiastically. “I mean, everyone hates him – ”

“Or maybe,” said a very cold voice right behind them, “he’s waiting to hear why you two didn’t arrive on the school train.”

Harry spun around. There, his black robes rippling in a cold breeze, stood Severus Snape. He was a thin man with sallow skin, a hooked nose, and greasy, shoulder-length black hair, and at this moment, he was smiling in a way that told Harry he and Ron were in very deep trouble. (Chamber of Secrets: “The Whomping Willow”)

I really love this moment. It’s never talked about which really upsets me, it’s criminally underrated. And it also shows how much he protects Harry. Every time Harry is late, Severus is always the only teacher waiting and searching for him!🥰❤️

Wait, there’s more

When Sev’s lips curl:

Snape's upper lip was curling. Harry wondered why Lockhart was still smiling, if Snape had been looking at him like that he'd have been running as fast as he could in the opposite direction. CoS - JKR

When Severus was how everyone felt about Gilderoy Lockhart:

Snape looked as though someone had just fed him a large beaker of Skele - Gro. CoS - JKR

Snape was looking as though the first person to ask him for a Love Potion would be force-fed poison. CoS

Sevy baby who cares about his little dunderheads:

“It has happened,” she (McGonagall) told the silent staff room. “A student has been taken by the monster. Right into the Chamber itself”.

Snape gripped the back of a chair very hard and said, “How can you be sure?” CoS - JKR

When Severus hears someone screams as though they’re being tortured:

At the foot of the stairs stood the only person who could make Harry's situation worse: Snape. He was wearing a long gray nightshirt and he looked livid.

“The egg was on your office, Professor?”

“Of course not,” snapped Snape. “I heard banging and wailing… I was coming to investigate….” GoF - JKR

Severus, the Slytherin through and through:

>> insert: Spinner's End, Half-blood prince.

Sev and toads:

Snape picked up Trevor .. no wait … wrong toad

“You are on probation!” shrieked Professor Umbridge, and Snape looked back at her, his eyebrows slightly raised. “You are being deliberately unhelpful! I expected better, Lucius Malfoy always speaks most highly of you! Now get out of my office.”

Snape gave her an ironic bow and turned to leave.

Snaters: SnApE oNlY dId WhAt He DiD fOr HiS cHiLdHoOd CrUsH NYAHHHHHH

Meanwhile, in Dumbledore’s office:

“Don't be shocked Severus. How many men and women have you watched die?”

“Lately, only those whom I could not save,” said Snape.

There’s more (I’m too lazy to write it all down):

Slashing Porker’s cheek (it’s a shame he didn’t aim it at Porker’s cherry-sized balls)

Entering the Forbidden Forest to look for Harry and Co in OoTP (this was off-screen/page but idk why I still love it)

Saving Remus’s life

Going into the Shrieking Shack in PoA (despite past trauma to apprehend a mass murderer and his little werewolf) and saving 3 children

ObViOuSlY

But if I HAD to pick one then I’d choose his interactions with Bella and Cissy in Spinner’s End (Spinner’s end is one of my favorite chapters, if not my favorite, in the entire series)

Sevy in Spinner’s End makes Harry look like an amateur!

#severus snape #pro severus snape #pro snape #snape #harry potter #anti snaters #professor severus snape #professor snape #pro professor snape

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avengers-age-of-fanfics · 3 years

Text

just for you, honeybee (1/?)

pairing: bucky barnes x female!reader, steve rogers x reader (platonic!)

word count: 3,172

warnings: a few curse words, bucky being cute, steve being awkward but also a great friend

authors note: hello! this is my first ever post on this account and the first chapter to a new series! im not sure how many chapters this is going to be as i got inspiration to write it a few days ago but im hoping to keep up with it. also, once TFATWS ends, i intend to do a series based on that as well! anywho, i hope you enjoy this and please leave feedback/lmk what i can do to improve! thank u :)

summary: dating back to 1943, you, james barnes, and steve rogers were best friends, including bucky being your boyfriend. when you get a notice that bucky died in the war, you make it your mission to find closure for yourself and protect steve as he is the only remaining piece of bucky you have left. once you are offered the super soldier serum, you and steve must make your way through world war 2 - and the unknown future hardships to come.

James Buchanan “Bucky” Barnes laid across from you on your bed, eyes softly glancing over your features as your hand grazed over his cheek and jawline. You chuckled to yourself, “looking a bit scruffy, Buck.”

He hummed, eyes now fluttering closed at your touch, “thought you liked it, doll.”

With a quick kiss to his lips, you nodded, “oh I do, don’t worry – no reason not to, really.”

Bucky let out a soft laugh before he ran a hand over your cheek, “I gotta get goin’ soon, doll. ‘Uniforms at Becca’s.”

With a sigh, you rolled onto your back and stretched, “she’s a saint, you know, washing and steaming your uniform for you.”

Bucky nodded in agreement with you, “that I do know, honeybee. I’ll meet you at Stevie’s, yeah?”

As you got out of your shared bed, you looked back at Bucky, “of course! Gotta see you off before you go put your life on the line, no big deal.” Bucky quickly dropped the conversation immediately after, understanding how you're feeling.

You weren’t mad at Bucky for joining the army – you couldn’t be, it wasn’t his fault. He was drafted and you knew that if he could stay, he would; and you knew you were being slightly immature about him leaving. You just wanted more time with him. So many people you knew had received letters that their loved ones hadn’t come back, that they had died in battle. It wasn’t fair, but when was life perfectly balanced?

By the time you got changed and got yourself cleaned up, Bucky was straightening out his shirt before he turned towards you, eyes hesitant. You walked to him, buttoning up his final buttons before you ran your hands over his shirt, “I’ll see you soon, Buck, okay?”

Bucky ran his tongue over his lips, “I know, honeybee. Try to keep Steve out of trouble for the time being, okay?”

You laughed, “I’ll certainly try my best – now get outta here!” With a smack to his ass, Bucky gave you one last kiss before he headed out the door to see his sister, Rebecca. You had asked her to iron Bucky’s uniform before he got sent off to war, wanting him to look his best – but you were sure he would look handsome in anything.

Looking in the mirror, you straightened out your favorite belted Peter Pan collar dress, fit with a pair of white heels; only the best for your Buck. You had begged him multiple times to let you register to become a nurse, in the slight chance of being close to him, but he always responded with the same answer: “I want to make sure I have someone to come home to, doll.”

You’d never tell him, but your heart warmed every time he said that.

Doing one more look-over, you smiled to yourself, grabbing your purse as you headed out the door. Steve’s apartment was only a few blocks away from your own, and honestly, you wanted to spend more time with him before Bucky left. The two were inseparable, and you knew Steve was going to struggle with Bucky being gone – that, and the unknowing if he’ll come back.

With sharp and prideful steps, you made your way across the street, saying hello to familiar faces and grabbing a newspaper from Grover, a vendor along the streets of Brooklyn. He stopped you before you headed off, “heard your boy’s goin’ off to war, y/n. How ya doin’?”

With a soft chuckle, you glanced down at the newspapers in your hands – one for you, Steve, and Bucky while he was on the train. You looked back at Grover, “I could be better, if I’m being honest. But I know he’s doing a good thing, so my silly feelings shouldn’t hold him back, Grove.”

Grover grumbled with a roll of his eyes, “you and your selflessness, just like ya ma. I’m telling yous, y/n, that boy loves you to the moon and back. Ain’t nothing he wouldn’t do for ya; if you asked him to stay, he’d go and fake his death to make sure you two go runnin’ off into the sunset together.”

With a laugh, you pushed the tears back, “and I love him too, Grove – but I can’t ask him to just not go. That just isn’t how it is, you know?”

Grover nodded, “yeah, kid, I know. . .Now get lost, I got customers to deliver these too.”

You glanced down at the stack of newspapers, “I’m headed over to Steve’s, anyone near his you gotta drop them off to?”

The vendor let out a hum and rested his head in his palm, “hmm, I think just Richie and Betty Davis right next to Rogers’ place. They get two, you good carryin’ an extra bundle?”

You gave Grover a look as he held up his hands, “just as fierce as ya mama, too – and being Barnes’ girl, probably the wrong question to ask.”

With a laugh, you held out your stack of papers, “pile them on, Gro. I’ll see you later, alright?” The vendor nodded and shoo’ed you away as you continued your journey to Steve’s apartment. Once you arrived, you left two newspapers on his neighbor’s doorstep, knocking once as you crossed back over to Steve’s.

As the Davis’ door opened, you knocked on Steve’s, already hearing rustling inside. Betty was at her door, “y/n? That you, sweetheart?”

With a turn, you greeted Mrs. Davis with a smile, “hi Mrs. Davis, how are you? How are the kids?”

The woman smiled back, “’mm, they’re good – always askin’ when the next batch of those delicious brownies are coming!”

You laughed and noticed Steve had opened the door, small statute waiting until you were done talking with Betty, “I’ll drop them by the next time I get to bakin’, Mrs. Davis. I’ll see you!” You waved to her, as did Steve, as he stepped aside to let you in.

Steve looked at the newspapers, then back at you, “you look great, y/n. . . Looks like I’ll be tellin’ Buck to shut his mouth when he sees you.”

You chuckled, “’cus he’ll catch flies or the obscenities he’ll be sayin’?”

Steve let out a laugh, “both, definitely both.”

Now that you both were in the safehouse of his apartment, you finally got a good look at your little army-hopper. He spotted a new black eye and a small cut on his cheek, yet he still looked as if he could go again if he wanted to. You nodded towards him, “where’d you get into a scuffle at this time?”

He shifted his feet until he let out a sigh, “behind a theatre. They were showin’ commercials for the army and some guy just started saying stuff.”

With a bite of your cheek, you sat down on one of his chairs, “so you had to fight him?”

“Just gotta be one of the good guys in the neighborhood, y/n.”

“I know, Stevie.”

An hour had passed and, in the meantime, you and Steve enjoyed some tea and tried to complete your own crossword puzzles. A small conversation had taken place between the two of you, talking about plans once Bucky was off fighting the war. You had talked about Steve moving in with you, but he was always so stubborn, wanting to prove that he could live on his own. You never thought that he couldn’t, but it could be a money saver.

One more glance at the clock, you figured it would be almost time for Bucky to show up. And, just like that, a knock was heard from the door and you smiled, getting up to answer it as Steve stayed back, grumbling at the pieces of paper in his hands. Opening the door, you saw your James Buchanan Barnes standing tall and proud in his new uniform.

Bucky whistled, glancing over your outfit as you did the same to him, “you look gorgeous, honeybee – even though I told you to not dress up.”

He stepped inside the apartment as you crossed your arms, “I mean, Steve agrees that this is kind of a big deal, so I think a nice dress will suffice.”

Steve and Bucky clasped hands and Bucky nudged his shoulder, “thought you were supposed to be a good influence on my girl, Steve.”

The smaller man shrugged, “kind of is a big deal.”

Bucky shuffled his feet, “yeah, well, I don’t want it to be. Let’s just go to the future and then see me off, alright?” The three of you stood in silence, light tension hanging in the air. With a sigh, you grabbed your purse, “well, off we go! C’mon now, boys.”

Bucky, you, and Steve headed to New York World’s Fair, hooked arms leading towards Howard Stark’s Expo. With bright lights, fireworks, and amazing technology surrounding you, your eyes failed to see Bucky staring at you with so much adoration. He never wanted to leave you – he’d stay if he could – but he had been drafted. All he wanted to do was stay in Brooklyn with you and Steve, and just never leave your arms. Hell, really, wherever you went, he went.

But that wasn’t the case in this scenario.

With a hand on your waist, Bucky looked up at Stark’s presentation of his repulsor technology with a flying car, head shaking in disbelief. While his car may have only hovered for a few seconds, the idea of not even needing to touch the ground to drive absolutely boggled your mind. During the presentation, Steve glanced up at you two and silently snuck off, hoping you didn’t notice his absence for too long. But he knew you and how observant and protective you were.

However, once you glanced around after a few minutes and found Steve in front of an army poster within the United States Armed Services Recruitment center. Squeezing Bucky’s hand, you slightly pulled him towards where Steve was, trying his best to fit his head within the frame.

With a slight push of his shoulder, Bucky nodded his head towards the Expo, “come on, we’re goin’ dancing – and hopefully find yourself a girl.”

Steve shook his head, “you – uh – you go ahead, I’ll catch up later.” He looked around, trying to divert the conversation between him and his best friend.

“Steve,” you started, “please? Just this one night?”

Bucky held your hand as he looked back at Steve, “you’re really gonna do this again?”

“I just – guys, it’s a fair, I’ll try my luck,” he started, looking between you both.

Beside you, you felt Bucky grow agitated, “that’s who, Steve from Ohio?”

“Bucky,” you said, squeezing his hand once more, “let him try one more, okay? We can go dancing and Steve will catch up later. If he doesn’t, I’ll hang his head on my wall like a prize.”

The boys let out a chuckle as Steve continued, “one last time, alright? I promise I’ll come later on – Mac’s, right?”

You nodded your head as Bucky sighed beside you, “don’t think you got to prove anything, Steve.” A small pause came over the three of you as Bucky continued, “don’t do anything stupid until I get back.”

You started to walk back with Bucky, letting go of his hand as he continued his conversation with Steve as he let out a small laugh, “how can I? You’re taking all the stupid with you.” You held up a finger at Steve, “you better mean that about himself, Rogers.”

Steve held up his hands, “yes ma’am! And Bucky –“

Bucky turned around once more to his best friend, “don’t win the war until I get there.” With a mock salute, Bucky dragged you back towards the Expo as you waved back at Steve, making sure he’d meet you at the bar before your boyfriend was shipped off.

With a sigh, Bucky wrapped an arm around your shoulders, pulling you close as he kissed your head, “that punk is gonna get himself in all loads of trouble, honeybee.”

You held his hand that was around your shoulder, “I’ll keep Stevie in his place. Seriously, Buck, try not to worry about him.”

“I just,” Bucky gripped your hand, “I don’t wanna come back to nothing, you know? Steve’s my best friend and if he somehow gets himself killed here or in the war, I don’t know what I’d do.”

You pulled Bucky to a stop, putting your hands on his cheeks, “James, look at me, please.” With soft eyes, Bucky looked into yours, “I promise you, Steve is going to be okay – he won’t do anything stupid, at least without me. We’re going to be okay, and you will, too. . .’cus if you aren’t, I may go and kill Hitler myself.”

Bucky chuckled, “I don’t doubt that for a minute, sweetheart. I love you, you know that, right?”

You leaned up, kissing Bucky softly before pulling back, hands tight on your waist, “I love you too. Now C’mon, I wanna go to Mac’s and celebrate my newfound freedom.”

Bucky groaned and pulled you even closer, “maybe I should tell Steve to keep an eye on you.”

With a mock salute of your own, you giggled at your boyfriend, “aye, sir, my new mission is to protect Steven Grant Rogers from being an idiot!”

Bucky couldn’t help but laugh, “toughest job in this whole war, honeybee.”

As the night continued on, Steve actually showed up to Mac’s and had a new look in his eyes.

‘Hmm,’ you thought to yourself, ‘looks like I gotta ask him about something later.’

Steve, you, and Bucky didn’t drink, but instead enjoyed each other’s company before Buck was shipped off; this really only included Bucky and Steve making fun of each other and you keeping the boys in line. Laughs and a few smacks on the head filled the atmosphere, but you knew it wouldn't last long.

By the time it was nearing close to Bucky’s train departure, the three of you took to the streets and headed to the train station, silence enveloping you. Bucky’s hand was wrapped tightly around yours as you dreaded this goodbye, even if you had high hopes he’d return to you and Steve.

At the sight of the train and fellow troops heading into their cabins, Bucky turned to Steve, “you take care of yourself, alright punk? I don’t want any letters from my girl telling me that you’ve been actin’ out.”

Steve shoved his shoulder, “you’re acting like I’m 12 years old again. I’ll be fine, Buck.”

Bucky nodded, but looked to his best friend, “and Steve?”

Steve held his breath but let go, “yeah, Bucky?”

“Please take care of her.”

Steve glanced back at where you stood, picking your nails as your anxiety was pricking at your skin. He nodded, “I will.”

Bucky let out a sigh of relief, “thank you, pal. I love her, so make sure she doesn’t do anything stupid either, okay?” Steve nodded in response.

Bucky then headed over to where you were standing, his eyes raking over your beautiful dress, your heels, and most importantly, your face. He did not want to forget a single thing about you or your features – he wanted them committed to memory. With a gentle hand, Bucky tilted your chin up towards him, “you alright, honeybee?”

You nodded, too afraid to use your voice as tears flooded your eyes. Trying to dry them up anyway, you nodded once more, unable to look at Bucky. He sighed, “c’mere, sweet girl, I got you.”

With no hesitation, you fell into Bucky’s arms, tears threatening to fall as you felt his hands rest upon your back and your head. You sniffled, “I’m going – I’m going to miss you so much, Jamie – so, so much.”

Bucky kissed your head, “I’m gonna miss you too, sweetheart. Don’t you dare think that I won’t for a second. You’ll be the first thing on my mind every second of the day.”

You breathed, “can living through this war be the first thing on your mind? And maybe completing a crossword puzzle?"

Bucky let out a small laugh but held you tighter, “just for you, honeybee.” Pulling back, he wiped away stray tears that threatened to fall from your eyes, a soft smile on his face. “You’re gonna be alright, and I’ll be comin’ home to you in no time.”

You nodded, a few tears slipping free from your eyes as you looked up at Bucky, thumbs rubbing over his cheeks and light stubble. You slowly traced over his lips, his nose, and his eyebrows, committing everything about him to memory. With a small smile, you leaned up, catching him in a kiss once more, “stay safe, you hear me? And take this damn thing with you - maybe you'll complete it." With gentle hands, you handed him the newspaper you had gotten today.

He carefully took the newspaper from you, already hoping the crossword puzzle would be easy this time around. Then, Bucky pecked your lips before he headed towards the train, “gotta come back for my best girl. I love you!”

As he stepped onto the train and hung out the window of a cabin, he continued yelling, “I love you, y/n l/n! I love you!”

You cried, a bright smile on his face, “I love you too, James Buchanan Barnes!” Blowing kisses towards him, both you and Steve watched as the train slowly started to pull away, seeing him mindlessly hand his ticket to the worker, not bothering to tear his eyes away from you or his best friend.

“I love you!” he shouted once more, all before his train sped up, leaving you and Steve behind on the platform.

Wiping your eyes and your nose with a cloth, you cleared your throat and turned to Steve, “gah, sorry. Let’s uhm – do you want to head back to my place?”

Steve nodded towards you, “yeah, yeah that sounds good. You alright?” He hooked your arm with his as you headed out of the station, continuing to wipe your eyes. “Yeah,” you started, “I’m okay. I knew this was coming. . . I guess I just hated the whole ‘saying goodbye,’ you know?”

Your best friend rubbed the back of his neck, “I get it, y/n, but he’ll come back – he has a reason to, and that’s you.”

Your heart fluttered, and tears welled up in your eyes once more. With a quick sniffle, you reached into your purse and grabbed your key, unlocking your door to your apartment. Once inside, you quickly got to making tea for you and Steve, something to get your minds off of your missing puzzle piece.

Once tea was made and you both were sitting in your living room, you turned to him, “tell me, Stevie. Please.”

Steve looked at you, a confused look etched upon his face, “tell you what?”

You leaned back into your chair, picking at your nails once more, “what happened at the recruitment office? I’ve known you long enough to see that there’s something you’re not telling me, there’s something in your eyes, Stevie, so please, just tell me.”

Steve seemed shocked that you were able to read him like that, but was defeated. With a sigh, he turned and reached into his handbag, pulling out a file, “there was this Doctor there, Doctor Erskine, who uh – he approved me for the army, y/n. But it’s for an experiment, something they call a super-soldier experiment, I’m not sure. But, I’m going – I leave in a couple days.”

How is your world falling apart this quickly?

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gra-sonas · 4 years

Photo

A Kiss a Decade in the Making

Pairing: Malex, Alex Manes/Michael Guerin

Words: 4.8K | Rating: T | On AO3

"Is Jenna going to schedule snogging rehearsals for us?”

Alex smiles at him.

“It’s a fair question to ask. How do we, two people who’ve only just met, play two men who’ve been in love for a decade?"

Initially, the story stems from the question how the actors - who hadn't met before filming the pilot - may have worked out the 'logistics' of the Malex kiss in 1x01, and whether there was something like a snogging rehearsal. Any similarities between the characters and the actual actors are - of course - purely coincidental. ;)

A couple of dialogue snippets from the original Roswell New Mexico 1x01 script have made their way into the fic, they are displayed in a 𝚍𝚒𝚏𝚏𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚏𝚘𝚗𝚝.

This fic has been sitting in my WIP folder for months and initially I had no plans to ever post it, but thanks to the wonderful encouragement and helpful beta works of @i-never-look-away & @cosmiceverafter, here it is. Love you, guys! ♥

~*~

When they get up to leave showrunner Jenna Cameron’s office, there’s a moment of hesitation as they arrive at the door at the same time. Michael takes the initiative and opens the door. He can’t help himself and bends his knee in a ridiculous half curtsy while he gestures at Alex to walk out first. Alex looks slightly bewildered for a moment but then he smiles.

“Thank you, Michael.”

Michael perks up. Not many people call him Michael, there are way too many Michaels in the world, that’s why he goes by Guerin everywhere.

“You can call me Guerin, it’s what everyone does.”

Alex nods.

“I’ll think about it. I like it though. Michael. It’s a good name. Suits you.”

He walks off and leaves a stunned Michael behind. What does that even mean, he’ll think about it? Michael’s just a name. Not a bad name, he also considers it a lucky name, after all it has landed him a role that could very well be his first leading role in a major network TV show. At least that’s what he likes to think.

For that to happen, the show just needs to get picked up to series. After reading the script and hearing Jenna talk about what she envisions, he’s even more confident that the show has great potential. If they are going to do this right, they will be picked up.

Doing it right is the thing though. He already loves Mikel Rath, sees a lot of himself in him, and a lot of things he can at least relate to. The quick wit, the anger issues, the sarcastic and funny side of him.

There’s just one thing he’s unsure about. The thing with Alistair. The Alistair & Mikel thing. He wonders what their moniker would be? Milistair? Or Alikel? Do they have to come up with one themselves, or will they leave that to the fans? He makes a mental note to ask Jenna about it.

Michael has a bunch of LGBTQ friends, he’s even part of the community himself (although he’s never acted on it, which sometimes makes him feel like he’s not allowed to claim membership), and he’s lived in LA long enough to be aware of the significance of LGBTQ representation on screen. He knows how important this relationship is going to be to many people. How important it is to get it right. From what Jenna’s just told them, she has a lot in mind for these two characters, but only if there’s going to be a show Aliens of New Mexico .

The pilot only gives them one shot at selling it. It won’t just be on their shoulders alone, of course, Liz and Max will have to do most of the heavy lifting with their characters, but he has a feeling that this Alistair and Mikel thing will still play a vital role in TV executives making a decision that could change his life forever.

Michael takes a deep breath and slowly walks back to his trailer. On the way he recalls the meeting he had with Jenna and Alex. Jenna’s awesome, he’s met her before back in LA, and she’s also responsible for hiring him. He met Alex for the first time in Jenna’s office just now, though. He hasn’t had much time to get to know the man yet.

Alex had been earnest during their meeting, notes written in the margins of his script and post-its marking some pages. He’d asked Jenna a lot of questions during their read through of the Alistair & Mikel scenes.

It had been interesting to listen to an experienced TV actor asking all these questions. Michael had never been an avid watcher of Charming Young Deceivers, but even he had heard about Gemma & Mic’s popularity. Referred to as Gemic by fans, they’d been crowned Best TV Couple in almost every online poll for several years, and Alex Manes had won three Teen Choice Awards for his portrayal of Mic, plus two others with his co-star for Best Couple. They’d also won three awards for Best Kiss. So, no pressure.

When Michael had found out that Alex Manes would play Alistair, he’d almost felt a bit giddy because he instantly knew what face went with the name.

He’d then done what he imagined most people would've done in his position: he’d gone and looked up Alex Manes in news and on social media. Since Instagram seemed to be his personal favorite, he went there first. Impressive follower count, very curated content (gorgeous photos though), cute dog (a beagle called Buffy, Alex had tagged her ‘Love of my Life’ in several photos). Alex seemed like an interesting guy who was not only very photogenic, but also had great taste in interior design, music, and he loved to travel. Michael had been looking forward to meeting him.

Then he’d read Alex’s Wikipedia entry. Like the character he was about to play, he came from a military family, his parents got divorced when Alex was in middle school and he’d grown up with his mom, while his three older brothers had stayed with their dad. He’d filmed a couple of indie movies and to Michael’s surprise, had released a number of singles. Michael’d listened to all of them and really liked them. One song had stood out to him in particular, a duet with Rosa Ortecho, a household name in the LA indie music scene. Michael was impressed.

Reading about the incident in Afghanistan, where Alex had been visiting US troops and lost part of his leg when their convoy had been attacked, had made Michael swallow hard. He’d then gone back to Alex’s Instagram account and looked through some of his more recent pictures. Now that Michael was aware of what had happened, he’d noticed a crutch in the background of some of the pictures. And there was a photo of Alex in a German military hospital, a beautiful dark-haired woman (probably his mom) by his side.

Now that they’ve met, Michael is not sure what to think of Alex, who seems to be so much more than the handful of “facts” Michael had gathered from the internet. Alex had been nothing but friendly during their meeting with Jenna, he’d often looked at Michael, had tried to include him in the conversation (it had seemed like he’d been aware that Michael didn’t come with the same kind of TV experience under his belt as he did), had asked him questions, had listened with great attention when Michael spoke.

All things considered it had been a great meeting. It had given Michael much needed input to get a better idea of the Alistair & Mikel dynamic. And yet her he is, still feeling somewhat insecure about it.

There’s one line in the pilot script that stood out to him in particular when he read the script for the first time, and it’s been nagging him ever since.

𝚆𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚗𝚘 𝚒𝚗𝚍𝚒𝚌𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚘𝚏 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚏𝚒𝚛𝚜𝚝 𝚖𝚘𝚟𝚎, 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚖𝚞𝚜𝚌𝚕𝚎 𝚖𝚎𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝚜𝚙𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎 -- 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢’𝚛𝚎 𝙺𝙸𝚂𝚂𝙸𝙽𝙶

Muscle memory springing to life? How are they going to pull that off when they barely know each other?

When Michael reaches his trailer, he looks around. Max’s trailer is to his left, Isobel’s trailer is to his right, Liz is right across from him. Valenti’s trailer’s right to Liz’s, and if memory serves him right, Alex’s trailer is to Liz’s left.

With just an idea in his mind, Michael crosses the short distance and knocks on the door of Alex’s trailer.

“Come in.”

Michael opens the door and is hit by a waft of warm air that smells rather nice. He quickly enters the trailer and closes the door behind him. He looks around and although they’ve all arrived in Albuquerque just 48 hours ago, Alex’s trailer already looks very cozy and lived in.

A set of what must be scented candles is burning, set on a wooden plate on the sideboard in front of the big mirror. Something slow and jazz-y is playing over two small speakers, and Alex, clad in gray sweat pants and a soft looking baby blue hoodie, lounges on the recliner, a beautifully patterned quilt in earthy colors draped over his lower legs.

He’s looking up at Michael, carefully placing a bookmark in the pilot episode script he'd been reading when Michael entered the trailer, before he places it on the table in front of him.

“Michael, good to see you. Can I offer you some tea?”

Michael is not much of a tea drinker, but it’s cold in Albuquerque this time of the year, and if Alex’s already offering to make tea, this could be a much-needed bonding experience. He smiles.

“That would be great, thanks. Can I help?”

His mom Mara has raised him right, he never expects people to just serve him, but Alex is already up and heads over to the small kitchen area. He busies himself with boiling water and placing cookies in a ceramic bowl. He looks over at Michael.

“Sit down and make yourself comfortable. Are you warm enough? I can turn up the heating some more if you’re cold?”

Michael plops down on the comfy chair offered to him and shakes his head.

“Thanks, I’m naturally running hot, I’m good.”

That remark earns him a raised brow from Alex. No kidding, Alex Manes is capable of raising just one brow. It gives his face something almost diabolic for a second, until one corner of his mouth twitches and he smirks.

“You’re running hot, huh? Good to know.”

Michael blushes. He honest to god blushes. Holy shit. Is Alex Manes flirting with him? He’s not sure. Alex is so different from his group of friends and the people he’s worked with in the past. They are usually just taking the shit out of him (and vice versa). With Alex it's all new and unknown terrain.

He’s being pulled out of his thoughts when Alex returns to the table and puts a mug of steaming tea in front of him. And of course, he doesn’t just place it on the wooden table, he’s putting a coaster underneath. Because Alex Manes is a cultivated man who brings his own quilt, scented candles and fucking coasters to a 3-week-shoot in the desert.

Michal is impressed, but also intimidated. His usual crowd is loud and rambunctious, and it suits his outgoing personality perfectly. Alex is only three months older than him, but he almost feels like an insecure kid meeting a man of the world. He shakes off that mental image and waits until Alex is snuggled up under his quilt again before he takes a cookie. It’s chocolate chip, and it tastes divine .

“Holy shit, these are amazing. Where did you get them? I have to buy three boxes.”

Alex chuckles.

“I don’t usually do orders, but I can give you the recipe, they’re quite easy to make.”

Michael is in awe. He loves food more than almost anything in the world, and he knows his way around a stove or oven. He’ll figure out a way to make these cookies.

“Didn’t take you for a baker, but you sure know what you did with these. They are incredible. I’d love the recipe. I’ll send it to my mom. She’ll be so excited.”

He must’ve said the right thing, because Alex’s smile turns warm and genuine for the first time since they’ve met.

“Moms, right?”

Michael couldn’t agree more and nods enthusiastically. He picks up his mug.

“To amazing moms.”

Alex picks up his mug and toasts back.

“To amazing moms.”

They both sip some tea and for a moment the music in the background is the only sound in the trailer. Michael is careful to place his mug on its coaster before he picks up the conversation again.

“Okay, now that we’ve established that we’re both momma’s boys, I hope we can take it from there and get to know each other better and maybe build something for our Alistair and Mikel dynamic. What do you think?”

He’s nervous all of a sudden. Alex is an experienced actor, he’s been doing this professionally for more than a decade. When Michael sees Alex’s face soften, he’s feeling better immediately.

“I think that’s a great idea. There’s this one sentence in the script that shows how close they are, or at least how close they must've been at some point, and I think it would be good to find that closeness somehow. And then we’re going to show the execs what a kiss a decade in the making looks like.”

Michael laughs.

“You won’t believe it, but that’s been my thought process on my way from Jenna’s office to your trailer. I mean, Liz and Max still have the biggest responsibility to convince the higher ups, but in my opinion, Alistair and Mikel are just as important and as much of a selling point.”

Encouraged by Alex nodding in agreement, Michael continues.

"The scene you mentioned, is our springboard, that’s the moment where the audience has to realize that this isn’t just a spur of the moment thing. These two men have history. We may not know about that history yet, but it has to be clear that they know each other. It’s really helpful for me that Jenna wrote that bit about muscle memory into the script. The question is, how do we get to a point where we look like we’ve done this before? Is Jenna going to schedule snogging rehearsals for us?”

Alex bursts out laughing. On the one hand Michael’s delighted that he’s managed to make Alex laugh, on the other hand that he’s worried he’s made a stupid suggestion.

“Uhm, sorry if that was dumb. I’m just a very hands-on guy. I often approach my roles from as much of a physical perspective as I do from the emotional perspective of my character.”

Alex smiles at him.

“You didn’t say anything dumb. It’s a fair question to ask. How do we, two people who’ve only just met, play two men who’ve been in love for a decade? I want this to be every bit of convincing and true to these characters as you. In all honesty, I might have an even bigger interest in it, given that I’m part of the community who will watch this part of the show very closely.”

Michael knows that Alex is gay, in his research he’s found articles and an interview that had been released after Charming Young Deceivers ended. Media and fans alike had been in a frenzy over the coming out, especially after Alex had been part of one of the most beloved straight couples in TV history.

Michael looks at Alex as open and honest as he feels.

“I’m bi myself, so this story means a lot to me, too. I want to do it justice, and I want to do right by a community I know is marginalized in many, many ways. They - we - deserve me giving it my all. And that’s what I want to do. That’s what the script demands. And I think Alistair and Mikel have the potential to be as important and relevant as Liz and Max’s characters. Maybe even more so.”

Michael’s run out of breath at this point, something that barely ever happens, but this is important to him, and he hopes Alex understands what he means. Going by the look on Alex’s face, he does. His eyes seem to glisten, but maybe it’s just a trick of light.

Alex clears his throat and takes another sip from his mug.

“You know, I’ve had the hardest time making the decision whether to take on this role. After seven years on my previous show and coming out after we wrapped, I took a year off. I just needed a break from pretending to be someone I’m not for way too long. The media just always assumed I had to be straight because I played a straight guy on TV. I knew it was risky to come out when the show ended, it could’ve ended my career as well, but I couldn’t live the lie by omission my life had become any longer. I did a lot of soul searching and focused on myself. I was at a point where I didn’t know if I should continue to work in this business, when the accident happened. After that, I didn't know if I could continue to work in this business. I’m sure you know enough about the industry to understand how hard it is as an able-bodied, assumed-straight, assumed white male actor.”

Michael nods, he knows all too well how hard it is. He’s been driving Uber and Lyft for more than a year to make ends meet, and as a talented mechanic, he’d also done the odd car repair job for friends or people recommended to him for extra cash, he’d spent on more acting classes.

Alex puts his mug down and rubs at his eyes with the palms of his hands before he looks at Michael again, his gaze intense.

“Well, after playing a straight white guy for years, people now know that Alex Manes is actually a gay man, who’s half Native American, and also disabled. I’ve worked my way up in LA for years, until my name was one casting people and show execs would recognize. Expectations were always high, but the longer Deceivers went on, the pressure to replicate the success got bigger every year, and the media wanted to be fed with the same narrative over and over again. Especially in regards to my personal life.”

Alex shakes his head, probably thinking about gossip magazine headlines questioning whether his female co-star of seven years and him were banging in real life. Michael shudders in sympathy.

“When the show ended, I just couldn’t continue and pretend to be the guy they wanted to write about. If someone had asked me one more time what my dream girl would have to be like, I can’t guarantee I wouldn’t have committed a murder. And now they know that I’m really not that guy."

Alex points at the script on the table.

“When I got this, I’d more or less made my peace with the idea of never being able to act again, while simultaneously worrying about what to do with my life instead. This role, this story, came at the right time. I read the script and I knew immediately that I wanted to play Alistair. That – to a degree – I am Alistair.”

Alex takes a steadying breath.

“I’m not going to make this about me all the time, don’t worry, but I wanted you to know where I’m coming from, and that there’s the potential that some part of my story will bleed into Alistair’s story. Mentally I’m still a bit ‘all over the place’ right now, I’m more emotional than usual, and I still struggle with the decision of having signed up for a project that could turn into yet another commitment of several years. But I think the show has the potential to be really good. For myself, and for many people like me.”

Michael gets up from his chair and walks over to the recliner. He reaches out to Alex with both arms.

“Man, would it be ok if I offer you a hug? I know I could use a hug right now. It’s ok if you don’t want, of course, but I thought I’d ask?”

Alex looks at him with big eyes, but then he untangles himself from the quilt, gets up and steps into Michael’s open arms. Michael wraps his arms around Alex’s upper body, while Alex’s arms slowly wind around Michael’s mid-section. It’s only awkward for a second, then both men give in and melt into a comforting embrace. They just stand there in the middle of Alex’s trailer for a long time, holding each other, breathing in and out in perfect sync.

They lose track of time, but eventually Alex bends back a little to look at Michael’s face from close up.

“Momma’s boys and suckers for hugs, I have a feeling, things between us are going to be just fine.”

Michael snickers.

“I’m warning you, I’m a cuddle slut. I can fall asleep on people’s shoulders, or I will sloth-hug them from behind when I’m tired. Feel free to tell me no at any time though, I know not everybody’s comfortable with that kind of invasion of their personal space.”

Alex smiles.

“Thanks, I’m trying to listen to my needs more closely. In general, I do enjoy a good hug, but sometimes it can be too much. Boundaries are hard.”

Michael nods.

“Don’t I know it. I mean, I’m not having a hard time to accept or notice other people’s boundaries, it’s more like that I often ignore my own boundaries in an effort to please everyone. Leaves me drained and exhausted, but then life demands that I’m being me again, and I never seem to have enough time and space to recharge.”

They end the hug, but when they sit down again, they do so on the recliner side by side, their knees touching. Michael’s right leg bounces.

“So, after we’ve bonded over some emotional stuff, how do we get to the muscle memory part of our characters’ connection? Kissing boot camp? I’ll admit, although I know I’m bi, I’ve never kissed a dude before. I don’t expect it to be that different from kissing a girl, but I can’t be sure. I’ve looked up your filmography and saw that you did this cool musical film where you played a seemingly gay man. How did you and your co-star approach that thing between your characters?”

Alex laughs.

“Did you see the movie?”

Michael shakes his head.

“I didn’t have the time to watch it, but I saw the trailer, and, uhm, there’s a making of clip of one rather steamy scene on YouTube, I watched that.”

Alex smirks at him.

“Did you now? Interesting. Well, in general we talked with the director of course, how they wanted the scene to go, stuff like that. We did a screen test where we kissed before the shoot. Colton’s also gay, so we both had no trouble with the ‘kissing a dude’ part. But as it is with any kiss on screen, kissing a stranger is never easy.”

Michael nods.

“Okay, that makes sense. Maybe they’re going to do a screen test with us, too? To make sure we’re compatible? Jenna didn’t mention anything, right?”

Alex shakes his head.

“No, she didn’t. I don’t think there will be a screen test. This is just a pilot, and they’re on a tight budget. They’ll expect us to knock it out of the park as soon as the cameras roll.”

Michael swallows around a lump in his throat that wasn’t there a minute ago.

“Good, that’s cool. I mean, looking at you, it’s not exactly a hardship to imagine how great it must be to kiss you. I’ll do my best to make it not awkward.”

Alex smiles at him, but the smile doesn't quite reach his eyes. He’s careful with his next words.

“If it makes you feel better, we can do a screen test without cameras? Figure out how to embrace without colliding? I mean, we don’t have to kiss, obviously, if it makes you uncomfortable or you think it’s not necessary. But we could work out some kind of choreography and develop the ‘muscle memory’ for the kissing scene?”

Alex doesn’t look straight at Michael when he makes his proposal, only when he ends, his eyes are back on Michael with full focus. Michael feels like he’s blushing furiously, although he really hopes that isn’t the case.

“Uhm, okay, that’s a great idea actually. A choreography. I like that. I’d rather not knock you unconscious with my thick skull just because we both go for the same side.”

Alex laughs and stands up again. He holds his hand out to Michael.

“Come on then, let’s try.”

Michael takes Alex’s hand and lets himself get pulled up into a standing position. Alex doesn’t release his hand, so Michael follows him to the middle of the trailer where they have enough space to move around without bumping into furniture. Alex takes one more step until they stand opposite from each other.

“Is there anything off limits with what you’re comfortable with? Like, do I have to know about any particularly ticklish spots, is it ok to touch your hair? That kind of stuff.”

Michael thinks about it for a second, then he shakes his head.

“I can’t think of anything. How about you?”

Alex shakes his head.

“I’m pretty ticklish, but I don’t think you’re going to tickle me. Should we just act out the scene like it’s in the script and see how it goes?”

Michael nods. He picks up his script from where he’d placed it on the table earlier and quickly reads through the instructions for the scene’s set-up.

“Okay, why don’t you take the chair from over there, and I enter from the kitchen area?”

Alex nods in agreement. He pulls out the chair from under the desk and props up his right leg on the seat. He pulls up the leg of is sweatpants and pretends to adjust something on his prosthesis.

Michael’s stepped back into the kitchen area and looks at Alex. His hair is tousled and he looks warm and slightly flushed. For a moment, Michael glances at the metal of Alex’s leg reflecting the light, but then he takes a deep breath and closes his eyes. He’s Mikel Rath now. An alien who’s lived in this town for ten years while the love of his life went to war. They are not on good terms, but there’s still love.

A love that’s been tested over and over again, but never went away. Michael opens his eyes and looks at Alex. Alex, who’s Alistair Jessup now, a decorated war veteran. Not the same person Mikel fell in love with a decade ago. Not a boy anymore. Alistair is a man now. But the love, oh the love, it's burning just as bright as the first day he’d laid eyes on him.

Mikel takes a step forward into the room, as per description “belt buckle first”.

"𝙽𝚘𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚕𝚐𝚒𝚊’𝚜 𝚊 𝚋𝚒𝚝𝚌𝚑, 𝚑𝚞𝚑."

Alistair adjusts the leg of his pants and puts his foot back on the ground. He looks at Mikel, his eyes dark and questioning. He sighs.

"𝙸 𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚜𝚞𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝙸 𝚐𝚘𝚝 𝚋𝚊𝚌𝚔 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝙸𝚛𝚊𝚚, 𝚢𝚘𝚞’𝚍 𝚋𝚎 𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚐 𝚐𝚘𝚗𝚎."

Mikel feels embarrassed all of a sudden. Alistair is right, it’s been ten years and he’s still stuck in the same place, wasting his life, just like Alistair said earlier. But then Alistair doesn’t know why he never left, what kept him in their hometown, or rather who. Mikel is tired, and his shoulders drop. He sounds resigned.

"𝙸’𝚟𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚘𝚗 𝚊 𝚠𝚊𝚢 𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚊 𝚠𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎. 𝙸𝚝’𝚜 𝚜𝚕𝚘𝚠 𝚐𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐. 𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝? 𝙵𝚘𝚛 𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚐𝚘?"

Alistair shakes his head, he also looks tired, his eyes are hollow.

"𝚆𝚎’𝚛𝚎 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚔𝚒𝚍𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚢𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚎. 𝚆𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚍𝚘𝚎𝚜𝚗’𝚝 𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛."

The ‘what I want never mattered’ is hanging like an unspoken truth between them. Mikel takes a step forward, his eyes on Alistair. Alistair in return, takes one step in Mikel’s direction. They are close now. Very close. They look at each other, their eyes telling an entire story while they remain quiet.

When they both start moving at the same time, there’s no need to figure out a choreography. Mikel’s arms reach for Alistair’s head, his fingers slotting around his neck just so, while Alistair’s hands go underneath Mikel’s arms and wrap around Mikel’s torso. They both pull the other in until there’s no space left between them. Mikel takes another breath before he closes the last inch of distance between them and their lips meet in a searing kiss.

They are swaying back and forth, their lips pressing firmly against each other. They are Alistair and Mikel for a long moment, until Mikel Rath slowly turns back into Michael Guerin and Alistair fades back into Alex Manes, and now it’s them kissing all of a sudden, and no longer the characters they are supposed to play.

Michael doesn’t know how to stop. He doesn’t want to. He’s holding onto Alex’s face and looks at him like he’s searching for something. When he sees what he’s been hoping to find, he closes his eyes and lets his lips go soft, his mouth turning into a pliant invitation

When he feels Alex’s tongue nudging at his lower lip, he opens his mouth and lets him in.

#malex fic #malex #alex manes #michael guerin #roswell new mexico #my fic #rnm 1x01 #rnm fic

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maxwellatoms · 5 years

Photo

I recently rediscovered some of the mods I made for The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion back in 2007 (right as Billy & Mandy was wrapping up). When my hands are idle, I do... things.

The Elder Scrolls is probably my favorite CRPG series of all time. Mostly because it has an incredibly deep lore peppered with all sorts of weirdness (like time traveling knights and world-ending robots) and all sorts of mysteries, monsters, and unreliable narrators.

Because I rarely have time to get deep into a game, I generally play through any given Elder Scrolls game once. This is my canon play-through, and I try to play as close to a “roguelike” as I can. I let my character’s decisions stick and only reload if they result in my character’s untimely death. I usually pick a “background” for the character and let their beliefs and the lore drive them. It’s sort of the ultimate single-player RPG.

My Oblivion character (seen above) was Muzgob Gro-Gurk, a scrawny Orcish highwayman who found religion, drank a (bugged) potion that made him eleven feet tall, quite possibly went mad, and eventually became an archmage who could hurl ogres from mountaintops with a flurry of tornadoes.

One of the other great things about TES is that there are tons of mods which allow you to tailor the experience to your desires. I’d been using TES mods since Morrowind, and in 2008 I decided I’d give a little back by making up some book covers for the official Spell Tomes DLC. I do love me some mystical tomes.

Anyway... just reflecting on silly little art projects. I miss being able to crank something like this out in a weekend. Maybe for #6!

#tes #elder scrolls #nerds #Black Secrets of the Un-Stars

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brianc521 · 6 years

Text

Announcements

Series Masterlist]

For Shawn the pregnancy became real when he could see it. When he could see your bump, could physically touch it.

For you? It became real when you told your Mom. She’s your bestfriend and you tell her everything, and keeping it from her was almost harder than keeping it from Shawn.

You couldn’t leave Canada, where you can Shawn are currently living. So a long facetime chat served as your way of telling your family.

They were having a family get together and the plan was to facetime you and Shawn so everyone could say “Hi” and catch up with the two of you. The last time anyone had really seen you both together was at the wedding.

Everyone was seated around the TV where you and Shawn were starring as their stars. And when you smiled at Shawn, getting his nod you called for your Mom and Dad to come up front, your siblings joining them.

“So I just um wanted to call you out.” You giggle, suddenly nervous.

“Call us out on what?” Your Mom asked with confusion running across her face.

“Being bad grandparents, you haven’t sent like clothes or even toys.” You shrug.

Your Dad gasps but your Mom doesn’t quite get it yet.

“No way!” Your sister yells out, jumping up and hugging her husband.

“What?” Your Mom asks looking at your sister.

“Honey,” Your Dad touches her shoulder. “She’s pregnant.”

Your Mom looks at you with wide, tearful eyes. “Are you?”

“10 weeks.” You say holding up the sonogram picture.

“If you open that envelope right there your 5 week and 10 week sonogram pictures await.” Shawn points, seeing the envelope on the table.

Your Dad rushes to rip it open, both your parents and siblings huddling over it to see.

“Oh my god! Y/n!!!” Your sister yells.

You laugh and wipe your eyes from the few tears that have collected in the corners. Shawn grins, kissing your temple and pulling you closer into his hold.

Your hands shake slightly as you watch his old neighbors’ houses pass by. Pulling into the Mendes residence you let out a stuttery breath.

“Baby?” Shawn looks over at you, noticing your behavior.

“I’m nervous, really nervous.” You blurt.

He gives you a small smile, putting the car in park and turning to face you.

“Why?” He asks softly, leaving on the console so he can be consumed by you. “You weren’t this nervous to tell your parents.”

“My parents won’t think your trying to trap me or something.”

His eyes go wide and his smile drops. “What?” He croaks. “Why- my pare- what?” He stutters over himself, not able to form a full sentence.

“I’m sorry that was-”

“No, don’t.” He shakes his head, “I know what you mean. I can understand.” He says taking hold of your hands and bringing them to his lips so he can plant sweet kisses to the backs of them. “My parents aren’t going to think you are trying to trap me in this relationship, you kind of already did that when you said ‘I do’,” He smiles. “I think you’re just nervous, and that’s okay. But Baby I’m right here, always will be.” He looks at you with his honey brown eyes.

“Okay,” You let out a deep breath.

“I love you,” He pouts at you.

“I love you.” You smile, leaning closer and giving him a quick kiss on his pouty lips.

You get out, waiting at the steps for him to come with the three wrapped boxes.

“Let’s get in, it’s cold out here and I need my Babies warm.” He says offering an arm after tucking the boxes under his left arm.

You smile, looping your arm with his, squeezing his bicep. You look up at him, squeezing again, getting him to flex it a bit. “Workin’ on your arms Babe?” You ask, squeezing one last time.

He smirks, kissing your cheek before opening the door.

“Answer my question.” You giggle, following him in the house.

“Yes I am.”

You grin, and shut the door as he slips his jacket off, offering to help you with yours. He hangs them up and turns back to your smug look. “What?” He asks.

“You’re hot, did you know that?”

He laughs, cheeks tinting pink. “You’ve told me a time or two.”

“Well thought I’d tell you again.”

“Well thanks, you’re quite hot yourself.”

You scoff, “Whatever I’m all swollen and gro-” You stop when Karen pops in the room.

“Shawn! Y/n!” She cheers when she sees you.

“Hey Mum.” He says, giving her a hug before moving on to his Dad that’s walked in behind her.

You hug Karen, Manny and then Aaliyah before moving with the rest of the clan to the living room.

“What are those!” Aaliyah asks with googly eyes, pointing at the boxes Shawn’s set on the floor next to the couch.

“Leave it to Liyah to call out the gifts.” Shawn chuckles, looking at you with raised eyebrows, asking if your ready. You give a slight nod and he slides them out, handing them to the respective party.

“You have to open them together.”

“What is this Shawn? You don’t have to get us anything.” Karen fusses.

“It was Y/n’s idea, and it’s something we found not to long ago.” He says looking at you, sliding his hand on your thigh as you scoot forward, hugging his arm.

“Just open them.” You giggle to the three that stare at you both.

They all rip into the boxes, pulling out the onsies.

“Grandma’s Favorite!”

“Grandpa’s Favorite!”

“I get the sass from my Aunt.”

Karen looks up with wide eyes, Manny brings a hand up to cover his mouth and Aaliyah just stares at the onesie in awe.

“Are you really pregnant?” Karen asks, moving to stand up.

“Yeah,” You nod, standing and hugging her tightly as you cry into her shoulder.

“Oh Shawn,” Manny stands, pulling Shawn into a hug.

Shawn hugs his Dad, but watches Aaliyah over his Dad’s shoulder.

She hasn’t taken her eyes off the onesie since she opened it and it’s making him a little worried.

“Liyah?” He asks after pulling away from his Dad.

Her head snaps up to look at her brother, a smile running across her lips. “I’m so excited!” She cheers, jumping up and tackling him in a hug.

He smiles, hugging her back. “I’m scared shitless.” He laughs into her ear quietly.

She just hugs him tighter and laughs with him.

You and Karen are still embraced in a very tearful hug and she rubs your back as you squeeze her tighter.

“Oh Honey,” She coos.

Shawn looks over, worry crossing his features as he notices how emotional you’ve gotten.

“I’m sorry,” You sigh into Karen’s shoulder. “Just, my Mom isn’t here,” You pull back, wiping under your eyes. “It feels so good to tell you. Because I have so many questions.”

“Ask away, come on.” She says pulling you into the kitchen.

Shawn turns, almost following but stops when his Mom shakes her head and tells him quietly to stay.

He turns back to his Dad and sighs as Manny claps his shoulder, “She’s okay, just needs a Mum right now.”

Shawn nods and stuffs his hands in his pockets.

“Come on, tell me everything.” Aaliyah says flopping on the couch, Shawn doing the same.

When you both leave that night it’s hard for you not to fall asleep on the ride home. You cried so much with Karen and you were exhausted from the games and other family activities you did with the family.

Shawn looks over when he notices you lean your seat back a little.

“You can fall asleep Baby, I’m not gonna get offended.” He smiles.

“Are you sure?”

“Positive, want my Babies rested. Go to sleep.” He whispers, drawing soothing circles on your stomach.

You nod, leaning over and resting against his shoulder.

You’re asleep in no time and Shawn smiles as he kisses the top of your head at a red light.

“Hey there,” He whispers, tapping your belly a little. “So pretty much everyone knows about you in there.” He grins. “I’m so excited, a little scared. You are a big step in our life together but we’re ready for you. So just stay healthy for me, and be nice to your Mommy. She’s sacrificing so much for you, for us to have you. Just be nice to her okay?” He looks down for a quick second.

And in that one second he can’t be happier. His dream was to become Shawn Mendes, the Pop Sensation that tours the world singing his hit number ones. But now? His dream is finally coming true. He’s married to the most amazing woman and you both were about to start your family.

And he vows to himself, and to the both of you snuggled up into his arm, that he’ll always be there for you. Even if you don’t want him to be. He’ll protect you and do whatever you needed till his last day. This was his dream, and he’d do whatever it took to make sure it came true.

#shawn mendes imagine #shawn mendes fluff #shawn mendes fic #shawn mendes blurb #shawn mendes request #shawnmendes imagine #shawnmendes fluff #shawnmendes blurb #shawnmendes fic #shawnmendes request #shawn imagine #shawn fluff #shawn fic #shawn blurb #shawn request #shawn mendes #shawnmendes #3 makes a family.

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pocsuperheroes · 6 years

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Hi can you tell me some Latona superhero’s from DC Thanks :)

I assume you mean Latina so all go off that but if I’m wrong I’m sorry. And sorry this took so long!

The Question (Renee Montoya): Originally made to be a cop on Batman: The Animated Series but she migrated to the comics where she eventually became a superhero. She is also one of the most prominent lesbian superheroes in comics which has caused her family to disown her and caused trouble in her job. But she is nothing if not a survivor and BA. Victor Sage, the original Question, picked her to be his successor as he was dying of lung cancer. Renee has also had a romance with Batwoman.

I’d recommend reading

Gotham Central mainly Volume 3 Half a Life ( issues #6–10) where she is outed to the whole police station.

52 (the series not the relaunch) where she becomes the Question

DC Comics: Bombshells (2015-2017) #45 onward. It’s an alternative universe but its a fun one. I mean Renee gets to fight Nazi’s what not to love.

I haven’t read but I’ve heard is good

The Question # 37

Question: The Five Books of Blood

Question: Pipeline

Detective Comics Annual # 11, 12

Batman Annual 27, 28

The Question # 37

Birds of Prey # 11,12

Convergence :The Question # 1, 2

More under the cut

Green Lantern (Jessica Cruz): She is a Mexican American who was traumatized after her friends were murdered. This left Jessica Cruz with anxiety issues which would make her role as a Green Lantern hard. Especially since she was forced to accept the ring, unlike most Green Lanterns who accepted it willingly. Even with such hardships she had grown into her role as protector of earth and has formed a strong connection with her fellow Green Lantern, Simon Baz.

Haven’t read but heard is good

Justice League Vol 6-8. (Forever Evil and JL Vol 5 for more context)

DC Super Hero Girls: Spaced Out this is definitely

Green Lanterns: Rebirth She and Simon Baz team up to.

Aquagirl (Lorena Marquez): She is from San Diego and found herself was submerged with the city after an Earthquake. Instead of dying she found that she could breathe underwater. Lorena then proceeded to help Aquaman locate other survivors and take down the man responsible for this a Scientist named Geist. Eventually, she became the second Aquagirl.

I’d recommend reading

Aquaman #15-20 [2004] This storyline is the first appearance of Lorena (specifically issue #16) and it has been collected in Aquaman (2003-2006): Sub-Diego

52: #35-40 [2007] these issues are mainly about Steel (Henry Irons) but she helps.

Haven’t read but heard is good

Teen Titans #17-19 [2004]

Aquaman #26-28 [2005]

Teen Titans #34 [2006]

World War III: The Valiant [2007]

Teen Titans #69 and Teen Titans Annual 2009 where she officially joins the Teen Titans.

Teen Titans #99-100 [2011]

Fire (Beatriz da Costa): She has two main origins that I know of

#1 Her parents were surveyors of the Amazon River Basin. Due to this, she was born among a tribe of people known as the Ge and it was foretold that she would be given powers from the Sky Spirit. Her family was skeptical of this but when she turned 15 she got superpowers which she used to fight crime. She eventually became the head of the Brazilian branch of Wayne Enterprises.

#2 She started as an amateur model in Brazil before becoming a showgirl, stage performer, and an undercover secret agent for the Brazilian government. An unusual career path to be sure. While working as a secret agent she was caught in a pyroplasmic explosion which gave her fire-based super-human powers

Regardless of the version, she is known for her long stint in the Justice League (mainly the Justice League International) along with her friendships/partnerships with fellow league members Tora (Ice) and Sigrid (Ice Maiden).

I’d recommend reading

Justice League International (1987-1989) #14 onward or Justice League International Vol. 2 and Justice League International Vol. 3 onward

Formerly Known as the Justice League (2003)

Haven’t read but heard is good

Justice League International (2011-2012) Vol. 1: The Signal Masters

Super Friends #25

Hawkgirl (Kendra Saunders/ Kendra Munoz-Saunders): Okay there have been several Hawkgirls who tend to be reincarnations of the first one so it can be a little confusing. Kendra Saunders is the semi-reincarnation of Shiera Hall. Kendra was her Grandniece but when she committed suicide Shiera’s soul walked in but she retained no memory of her previous lives and refused to believe that she was Shiera. Then three years in one line of dialogue in “Hawkman #1” that Kendra’s mom had been a “beautiful Hispanic woman.” While Kendra Munoz-Saunders is from an alternative universe where she a treasure hunter has wings permanently grafted to her back. And she is definitely latina.

Many different kinds of media have embraced Kendra as Latina even though it was a rocky start. Such as DC Superhero Girls and the CW superhero shows.

I’d recommend reading

JSA Secret Files and Origins #1

DC Comics: Bombshells (2015-2017) #58 onward. In this version, she was raised in a Mexican orphanage.

She makes several appearances in Birds of Prey my favorite is #104. It’s barely any screen time I just find it funny that after dealing with the Secret Six, Oracle gives her with a car a for her troubles.

Haven’t read but heard is good

Earth 2 #2 onward

Empress (Anita Fite): She is the daughter of Donald Fite, of the All Purpose Enforcement Squad (APES.), and his wife Oshi. Oshi was the daughter of a powerful Voodou priestess. Anita’s grandmother preformed a ritual where she asked the Oya, goddess of the wind, fire, and thunderbolts, to “sponsor” Anita and serve as her “Gros Bon Ange” (Big Guardian Angel). Anita Fite grew up displaying considerable athletic abilities and learning Vodou from her mother and grandmother. Her mother was killed when she was young by the villain Agua Sin Gaaz. Anita would join the Young Justice team. However, she was written out when her father was killed and her parents reincarnated as babies that she would end up raising. Which isn’t weird at all…

I’d recommend reading

Young Justice #16 onward even if she ends up raising her own parents

Haven’t read but heard is good

She apparently made several minor appearances in the Wonder Girl miniseries in 2007-2008

Wildcat II (Yolanda Montez): Yolanda Montez was born with meta-human powers due to the genetic manipulation and had retractable claws. Yolanda became the god-daughter of Ted Gran (Wildcat I), a close boxing friend of her father, “Mauler” Montez. She died but has made a come back on Earth 2.

Haven’t read but heard is good

Infinity Inc. #12 onward

she makes appearances in Earth 2

Black Orchid (Alba Garcia): A former army private whose arms had been amputated during her time in a magical alternate dimension which gave her powers as Black Orchid. Currently, she is a member of both A.R.G.U.S. and Justice League Dark.

Haven’t read but heard is good

Justice League Dark (2011-2015) Vol. 2: The Books of Magic

Catwoman (Selina Kyle): Pretty I don’t have to give a backstory on this one. She is half Cuban (as confirmed by Catwoman #81), however, that regularly ignored. But I’m bitter and you can pry her being Cuban from my cold dead hands

I’d recommend reading

Catwoman (1993-2001) #81

Catwoman (2002-2008) Vol. 1: Trail of the Catwoman onward. There is no mention of her being Latina but it is a good series (would have been better if she was confirmed, Latina)

Wonder Woman (Maria Mendoza): The daughter of a local judge in Peru, she was an activist protesting against the brutal excavation of an ancient holy site. The man in charge, Armando Guitez, wanted the power of the runes within the site to gain enough strength to rule the world. When he kills Maria’s father is she sneaks onto the site to get revenge but stumbles upon two runes. The second rune, one of light spirits, is accidentally shattered and she is whisked away by the Sun God of the Incan people. She was gifted with magical powers which she uses to defeat Guitez.

She came from a story written by Stan Lee and it’s not that good to be honest (you can watch Linkara’s review here: X) but I’m a sucker for her design and the idea of a Hispanic magical girl Wonder Woman.

I’d recommend reading

Just Imagine: Wonder Woman

Ya'Wara: When she was a child her plane crashed in the Amazon Rainforest but she was saved by the Forest Mother who would then give her special powers so she could protect the forest. She became a member of the Tapirape tribe. She would later go on to join The Others, who wanted to gather the Seven Artefacts of Atlantis to keep them from falling into evil hands. They would split up the relics with Ya'Wara who took the Globe of Transportation.

I’d recommend reading

Aquaman #7 - The Others, Chapter One onward

Aquaman and The Others

These are the one that comes to my mind and there are probably great (or better) ones that didn’t make it to the list. And a few of these characters I’m not super familiar with so there may be mistakes. Also, some of these are or have poor representation (‘big surprise’). Even so, I hope these helped you.

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rapidashrider · 7 years

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Tag Game (another one!)

Thanks to @yavemiel for the taggeroo.

(Copy, Paste, Answer, and Tag 10 People When You’re Done!)

What’s the story behind your username? I'm a big fan of Harry Potter and the original Pokemon, and I always felt drawn to fire types. So I figured my Patronus would be a Rapidash. (Knowing my luck it'd actually be a Magikarp but hey)

What’s your favorite scene or quote from a series/book you’re currently obsessed with? I haven't been hooked on a series for ages. But this is from one of my favourite books, Love Of Seven Dolls by Paul Gallico, published in 1954: "He sat there immovable as a statue, gaunt, hollow-eyed, bitter, uncompromising, yet dying of love for her". ...I mean... despite the title it's really not a kids' book.

What’s the most ridiculous fact you know? I know so, so many miscellaneous facts. A favourite is why foam bananas and other banana flavoured things don't taste like bananas. The fact is - they DO, but the flavour was modelled on a variety of banana called the Gros Michel (yup, the Big Mick) which was larger and sweeter than bananas we have today. It was wiped out by a disease in the 50s but we still have the simulated flavour.

Name 3 of your pet peeves. - unkindness - astrology - film lids on readymeals that don't peel back properly and you end up with scraggly bits of plastic all around the rim of the tray

What are your favorite toppings on a pizza? I'm pepperoni trash, but if you then go ahead add mushrooms to that I'll basically be your personal slave till it's gone.

What are 3 things you like about yourself? - I surprise people - I'm versatile - I look good in all black

Favorite type of dessert or thing to treat yourself with? I'm with Yavemiel on this. Lemon cheesecake, baby. Also, my mum makes "fluffy jelly", which is kind of half jelly, half mousse, and that is just KILLER, in both blackcurrant and lemon flavours.

What is your favorite scent? Fresh plaster and paint; cut grass; wild garlic; rug departments; hops on sea air; rabbit food; freshly-cut pinewood; mulled apple juice with the sharp tang of frost.

Which fictional character would you cosplay as? I'd love to do Cassian Andor (...as cosplay... ahem) but I wouldn't want to overstep my mark as a white girl so probably better to steer clear. I've done Ash from Pokemon before and I quite fancy having a bash at the Hero of Brightwall from Fable 3.

What was the best piece of advice you were ever given? You can't give a good performance without butterflies. You just have to teach them to fly in formation.

Share a gif that makes you laugh.

I’m not tagging ten people because that's a LOT and I also think most of the people I'd tag have probably already been tagged so... @thenewleeland @castiellover77 @ruby-red-inky-blue @sambargestuff @forestpenguin @softwedge @sabbysocks

#tag game

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mrmichaelmbarnes · 6 years

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Book Briefs #39: More Biennale Publications

"Book Briefs" are an ongoing series of posts with short first-hand descriptions of some of the numerous books that make their way into my library. These briefs are not full-blown reviews (though some might go on to get that treatment), but they are a way to share more books worthy of attention than find their way into reviews on this blog. On Sunday, November 25th, the 2018 Venice Architecture Biennale wraps up its six-month run. Back in June I featured a half-dozen publications, including the main catalog, from my visit to the Biennale when it opened in May. Not all exhibition catalogs were available at the time, so here are a few that followed (with one from the 2016 Biennale): on the Australian, Chinese, Catalan, and Spanish pavilions.

Repair: Australian Pavilion, 16th International Architecture Exhibition, La Biennale di Venezia 2018 edited by Mauro Baracco, Louise Wright | Actar | 2018 | Amazon / IndieBound How does one translate an exhibition or installation into book form? It's a particularly pertinent question for the Australian Pavilion, one of my favorite pavilions from this year's Biennale. Called Repair, the pavilion focuses on the role of architecture in repairing natural systems and generally creating "good" environments. Baracco+Wright Architects, with Linda Tegg, filled the pavilion in the Giardini with transplanted grasslands, drawings attention to the threatened plant community in Australia. Accompanying the plants are lights that enable the plants to thrive indoors and Tegg's short films about buildings projected on the walls when the lights are down. It's a highly immersive exhibit that involves sight but also movement, touch, thermal comfort, and interactions with others exploring the planted interior. Baracco and Wright didn't strive to create a catalog to the pavilion. They used it to go beyond "the limitations of exhibition" and unpack the Repair theme "through the diverse lens" of their team and some invited authors. Essays and interviews make up the first half of the book; strands of ecological thinking and indigenous culture permeate these texts. Following them are fifteen projects as well as more information on the Repair exhibition's design and realization. The projects are documented fairly traditionally, but they do include stills from Tegg's videos, linking the book and exhibition. My favorite project is the oldest one: Robin Boyd's Featherston House from 1967. Boyd brought nature indoors, creating a series of platforms over the sloping landscape and beneath the translucent roof: a clear precedent for Repair's transplanted landscape. Architecture China: Building a Future Countryside by Li Xiangning, Mo Wanli, Rebecca Gros | Images Publishing | 2018 | Amazon / IndieBound Another 2018 favorite, the Chinese Pavilion, (located at one end of the Arsenale), focuses on the rural, presenting many projects that run counter to the common view of China as the land of "weird" contemporary architecture. These are my kind of projects: AZL's Internet Conference Center, Rural Urban Framework's Angdong Hospital, Vector Architects' Captain's House, and other buildings that fit sensitively into their contexts rather than standing out from them, screaming for attention. The catalog documents many such projects (most built) in six typological categories (dwellings, production, cultural, etc.) plus the same number of installations built especially for the exhibition.

RCR Dream and Nature: Catalonia in Venice by Pati Núñez, Estel Ortega | Actar | 2018 | Amazon / IndieBound Each Venice Architecture Biennale is made up of three components: the International Architecture Exhibition, the national pavilions, and collateral events. Since Catalonia is a region of Spain, its contribution falls under the last category. Situated on the island of San Pietro di Castello — halfway between the Giardini and the end of the Arsenale where the Chinese Pavilion is found — the Catalan "pavilion" is removed from the rest of the Biennale. In turn, the 2018 contribution is an immersive installation that further removes visitors from the exhibition and the city to express how Pritzker Prize-winning RCR (the trio of Rafael Aranda, Carme Pigem, and Ramon Vilalta) views dreams and nature in one project: La Vila. In June I described RCR Dreams and Nature as a "somewhat hazy environment crafted from various plastics" with low levels of illumination and videos projected on suspended discs. It's a tricky exhibition to translate into book form. The book starts with some color photos of a few RCR projects followed by a handful of essays from the curators and some big names in architecture: Glenn Murcutt, Juhani Pallasmaa, Pedro Gadanho and William J. R. Curtis. The longest essay is by Jordi Pigem (none are very long, since the book is English, Spanish, and Catalan), who looks at the cosmology, or "flowing, creative, dynamic and living process," of RCR at La Vila. The last half of the book consists of the "visual episodes" that were suspended in the "hazy environment" at the Biennale. Although the circular, bubble-like images are removed from the immersive space, as pages in a book the images allow readers to spend more time with them, poring over the imagery but also the words accompanying them. Even so, these glimpses into the dreams of RCR are still impenetrable at times — as they probably should be. Unfinished: Ideas, Images, and Projects from the Spanish Pavilion at the 15th Venice Architecture Biennale by Iñaqui Carnicero, Carlos Quintáns | Actar | 2018 | Amazon / IndieBound

Back in 2016, the Spanish Pavilion won the Golden Lion for Best National Participation with Unfinished. The exhibition compiled unfinished projects in order to provoke reflection on how Spain had responded to the post-boom real estate crisis. Curators Iñaqui Carnicero and Carlos Quintáns wanted to generate debates on new strategies that have emerged within this period. Accordingly, some of the images were mounted on an armature that would raise to facilitate presentations and discussions. What stood out for me were projects like the Restoration of the Old Church of Corbera D'Ebre, which consisted of an ETFE roof over the ruins of the old church. This and other projects are documented in the book through photos and drawings, making up about half of the catalog, with the rest featuring photographic responses to the crisis, essays by some Spanish critics (unfortunately bios are not included in the book), and interviews with architectural voices from outside of Spain (Barry Bergdoll, Kenneth Frampton, Sou Fujimoto, Martino Stierli, etc.). Like the Chinese Pavilion, Unfinished veers away from the high-profile projects that garnered the most attention but detracted from the more sensible solutions born from history and crisis.

from A Daily Dose of Architecture https://ift.tt/2B5pnds

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cpt-in-el · 7 years

Text

Tag ! (En retard)

J'ai été tagué par @prunif (et puis j'ai remis à plus tard et ducoup j'ai oublié , donc @captain-georgia-perrin aussi) A-Age : 18 ans ! Une fausse adulte B-Biggest fear: la phobie-scholaire compte toujours ? / does school-phobia still count? C-Current time: 11:44 am (j'ai faim!)/ (I'm hungry!) D-Drink you last had: thé vert pour changer.../ Green tea for a change... E-Every day start with: une sonnerie de jazz, une attaque de chaton et France info ( non en vrai je fais semblant de dormir pendant 10 min) / jazz alarm , kitten attack and france info (jk I pretend to be asleep for 10 min) F-Favorite song: fffffuck , I can't G-Ghost, are they real: disons que je ne pense pas qu'il n'y ait aucune chance qu'ils existent/ let's just say I don't think there's 0 chances they do H-Hometown: ahah! Le pays de Jaurès pour ceux qui connaissent I-In love with: les chats , le thé, les livres , les séries , des tonnes de personnage fictif et acteur ..... / Cats , tea , books , tv-series , a bunch of fictional character and actors.... J-Jealous of: les gens qui sont tout le temps heureux et qui ont de l'ambition / people who are always happy and have ambition K-Killed someone: maybe 😏 L-Last time you cried: hier devant spn M-Middle name: j'en ai pas , mais je vais essayer d'en avoir un , vous imaginez pas le nombre de personnes qui ont le même nom et prénom que moi / don't have any but will try to, you can't imagine all the people who have the same name and surname than me N-Number of siblings: 2 (and one in heaven, or somewhere) O-One wish: que tout le monde soit heureux ? Sinon de pouvoir voyager / that everyone is happy? Or that I can travel P-Person you last called/texted: techniquement @captain-georgia-perrin sinon sont mec / technically @captain-georgia-perrin or her bf Q-Question you're always asked: ta qu'elle âge ? Tu fais quoi en ce moment ?/ How old are you? What are you doing rn ? R-Reason to smile: le soleil, la pluie , un thé , un bon livre, un ami avec le sourire facile, les blagues pourries d'un autre , mon gang d'amis , mon petit (s) frère(s), les séries, les posts chelous de tumblr , les petits animaux et les gros..../ Sun, rain,tea,a good book, a friend with an easy smile, another one with really bad jokes, my squad , my little brother(s) , weird post on tumblr, big and smol animals... S-Song last sang: Riverside-agnes obel T-Time you woke up: 7:30am (but really 8am) U-Underwear color: Bleu V-Vacation destination: je rêve d'Hawaï / i dream of Hawaii W-Worst habit: j'oublie de répondre , je suis timide , je sait pas dire non, je bouge ma jambe(beaucoup)/ I forget to text back , I'm shy , I can't say no , I bounce my leg a lot X-X-ray's you've had: 0 Y-You're favorite food: crevettes , aligot , lasagnes ,pâtes carbo/ shrimp, aligot, lasagna, white pasta Z-Zodiac sign: scorpion !! 😈 Je tague personne parceque j'ai pas d'idée, mais faite ceux qui veulent,

#tag #ça fait au moins deux semaines que j'aurai du le faire #pour ma défense j'avais des problèmes de wifi #un peu #et j'étais occupé #presque pas

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josephborrello · 5 years

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Moment of Inertia, Issue #13 | Full Bloom

In the last Moment of Inertia, I discussed the detriments of STEM education as we know it today. In this edition, I'll put forward some of my own ideas on how we can ensure students (of all ages) are equipped with the technical tools they'll need to be empowered in the world of tomorrow.

_______________________________________________________

Full Bloom

When last we left this two-part series, I was making a case for the notion that the biggest detriment to advancing the goals of STEM education is STEM education itself. The bundling of STEM skills, technologies, and training, rather than being more accessible to all students, has to date resulted in a kind of winner-take-all educational situation where, instead of treating each letter in that acronym as different subjects that people can independently choose to learn, you have to subscribe to the whole bundle, like it or not Well, I've got news for you, folks. You don't need to know much more than elementary school math to be a great technologist and coder. I would argue that you don't even need to know the "S" in STEM at all to be competent at the "T". That being said, I do think everybody should have working knowledge of each of the disciplines represented in the STEM acronym, I just don't think STEM should be its own, standalone curriculum. The centuries-long removal of the STEM disciplines from the liberal arts has left entire generations and populations behind, not because they weren't interested in learning STEM topics, but because they weren't interested in subscribing to the whole package. What I'm really proposing, then, isn't the end of STEM education as much as it is the reintegration of STEM education. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics represent a set of tools that everyone should be utilizing in their lives regularly, if not daily. Political science stands to gain as much from big data and APIs as computer science, and sociology benefits as much from differential equations as aerospace engineering does. Whenever possible, we should be exchanging teaching expertise between disciplines, creating opportunities to show both students and peers new opportunities and capabilities created through the utilization of tools from the STEM toolbelt. One of my favorite examples of such an opportunity is the Sunlight Foundation "a national, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that uses civic technologies, open data, policy analysis and journalism to make ... government and politics more accountable and transparent to all." They provide a collection of APIs that make it easy to comb through the myriad amount of government data that gets generated every day in sessions of Congress, publications in the Federal Register, and meetings between politicians and donors, among others. For anyone who knows how to navigate a simple python code, these tools provide an amazing level of access to information and, perhaps more importantly, the power to very quickly aggregate a lot of data for the purposes of gleaning trends, outliers, or any other collection of information you might be interested in. The problem here is that the intersection of people who have the time, interest, and skills to do anything with these technological tools is very small. (At best I've got 2 of those 3 things.) Wouldn't it be amazing if everyone in the United States had the ability to go through this data? The amount of political action and government accountability that would result would be unprecedented in the history not only of the United States but of representative democracy writ large. And it's just sitting there, out in public, waiting for those few people who both possess the technical skills needed to access the data and the care to do so. I don't know about you, but I don't only want to empower a small subset of the US's software developers to hold their government accountable, I want everyone to be able to do it. The problem is that we've created a system where, in order to leverage this tool, you're expected to also be taught, broadly, how to code. As someone who codes very frequently, I can attest to how backwards this concept is as an educational strategy. Nobody really "codes". 99% of the time software developers google the problem they're having, or the function they want to perform and then copy-paste some lines of someone else's code into their own. (So yes, I suppose someone had to "actually" code at some point, but the bigger picture here is that the vast majority of the "T" workforce doesn't even regularly put their STEM education to use, they just pull from existing examples and snippets, kind of like a mosaic.) If our STEM workforce isn't even writing their tools from scratch, why do we want to create a STEM training paradigm where we expect students to do it? You want more people to use technology in the social sciences? Give them the code they need to get data from one of Sunlight's APIs. Just give it to them. Don't tell them to figure it out themselves, or even understand exactly how it's working. That's not STEM education, that's a bachelors degree in computer science. People are naturally inquisitive when they get a new tool. Show someone how to get the legislative data from the most recent session of Congress and in short order they'll understand the patterns and structure of the code enough to understand what one section they'll have to change to get data from previous sessions of Congress. When the only difference between one set of data dates.json?phrase=united+states&start_date=2009-01-01&end_date=2009-06-01 and another dates.json?phrase=united+states&start_date=2009-06-01&end_date=2009-12-01 is the dates you write into one line of the code, then you don't really need to understand the fundamentals of computer programming to be able to leverage the technology in a meaningful way. You just need to be shown how to set it up and make it run on your computer. I think somewhere along the line, we got a little carried away with STEM education. It went from adding new and important tools to everyone's repertoire to trying to make everyone into a software developer or aerospace engineer. That's not what this world is going to need. You don't need to understand how a website server works to know how to get data off of it, and you don't need to understand how to synthesize a polymer to know how to use a 3D printer. STEM education shouldn't be about training everyone to reach the ultimate level of technological competency and achievement. It should be about making people aware of the tools and opportunities that exist and then showing them just enough to understand how to make use of those tools and opportunities. If you teach a man to fish, he'll be fed for a lifetime, it's true, but nobody ever said anything about teaching that same man how to make his own fishing line. --- If many of my comments and prescriptions here over the past few weeks have felt generic, it's because I've tried to keep this core argument intentionally broad. Ultimately, the tools we add to our belt with vary from person to person, and from field to field, but we should all be well-versed enough to hold our own at a surface level - not everyone needs to know how to operate a router, but we should all probably know how to use a drill. I do have some more specific thoughts on these subjects as they relate to graduate education, and graduate education in the life sciences in particular, and I do plan on sharing those thoughts here as part of a tangential series, "GRO Your Own" (if that series title doesn't make sense to you yet, I promise it will). The GRO Your Own series won't be coming in the next edition of Moment of Inertia, though. I've got some other, unrelated, musings that've been knocking around in my head for a while that I'd like to share first...

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bigboobshaunt · 7 years

Audio

Here’s the voice meme I was talking about! It’s creeping up on 10 minutes soooo strap in.

The last two questions and part of the previous one got cut off in recording somehow, so I’ll have to re-record them another time :/

Transcript below the cut.

"Heya, this is Jack Bisexualowain speaking and I'm about to do this sort of voice meme because I realized I didn't put my voice out there that often, which lead some people to inquire about my accent, so I decided to take questions from Tumblr dot com. So here they are!

Anon asks: What are some cool video games you first played this year?

"Gosh there's many... I feel like most games I've played this year have been good. Some underwhelmed and/or annoyed me, but no real stinkers I can think of. My favorites I think were Stardew Valley, Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Bayonetta, Fallout: New Vegas, Night in the Woods, Golden Sun and its sequel."

Trish @ingleaisle asks a threefer: Adélie Penguins or Rockhopper Penguins? Fave citrus smell/look (since they're all gros, velvet-feeling, and inedible)? East or West Gastrodon?

"Uhh I feel like my honest answer to the first might be Adélie Penguins BUT with the eyebrows of the Rockhopper Penguins, but since that kinda chimera doesn't exist yet, I'll go with the vanilla Adélie. My favorite citrus smell would be boring lemons, because I am a w-word who steals them from their trees, and though my autistic mouth also finds them gross, they at LEAST smell clean, which I can’t really say for oranges.... As for Gastrodons... I think both are pretty good, but if a gun was put to my head I'd go with the East Sea, love that blue-green mix!"

Anon2 asks: How many active blogs do you have?

"Let's see, there's my main of course, Bisexualowain, then there's my Fire Emblem sideblog, currently Braveprincesslucina, my gaming sideblog, where I post my liveblogs, which is Owainsgamecorner, and then my not safe for work sideblog, which I will not name here, but that I assure you contains no less complaining than my others blogs."

User @sheseesthefuture asks: What would you say are your top 5 personal fave horror movies :?

"Really tough question. I do like horror as a genre a lot, buuut I feel like it's not even an uncommon opinion that... most of it is bad? But either way, I have a fondness for the Scream series, Halloween series, Hellraiser, Jacob's Ladder (which is a good, cerebral one) and... well this is a weird one but Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me, which isn't scary all the time but still."

Anon 3 inquires something I was not expecting at all: do you think well see renewable energy overtake non renewable within our lifetimes?

"My hopeful side wants to say yes, because it's not like we don't have the tech ready, buuuut also I feel like capitalism is such a broken system that it just will not happen that easily… makes me angry just to think about it."

Moving on,

Wiz @heywizards asks another three-parter: What is the first video game that you played that you fell in love with and couldn't put down? Which video game genre is your favorite? How cute and great is Shane from Stardew Valley? :3c

"I would have to go with Pokémon Ruby, which was my first video game. I always wanted a system but I don't think my parents ever GOT them until the neighbor's kid got this, so they allowed me to ask for one for my birthday, and I loved that game so much... even though I didn't speak English at the time and got lost and sidetrack pretty much constantly. I somehow managed to beat Pokémon Crystal before it, even though I got Crystal like a month after. I don’t think I'm MUCH of a genre person, I'm pretty adaptable as long as the game feels good, but I guess I'd say it's either RPGs or Survival Horror. As for the last one aaaa I’m already getting flustered just thinking about it, but Shane is such a wonderful character, both objectively and from his writing and due to the way I relate to him and besides, he's so cute and loving once you get past all the layers of self-hatred and insecurity... but even those make him very human in a way that's attractive to people with similar struggles and all, I guess. I love him so much!"

Anon 4 asks: Hey Jack! Do you play Fire Emblem Heroes? And if so, who's your favorite unit?

"Heya! Yes I do! For the longest time my phone didn't support it, because it was a dino, but I recently got a new one that DOES run it. I think you'd need to follow my sideblogs to see my posts about it though. But uhh my favorite unit is definitely Cain. He's the one I was looking forward to the most since before getting the game, and I was so SO lucky to summon him super early, haha! He's just really handsome and charismatic... plus he seems to be having a good time in it, as opposed to his last outing in FE12 when he was dealing decidedly with a lot. I also really love Festival Dancer!Olivia and Lady of Ballads!Azura, along with Brave Princess!Lucina, which I guess you could gather from my naming of my sideblog."

Ohhh alright this one... @calamitaswrath requests me to recite the opening narration to "Avatar: The Last Airbender"

"Alright here goes nothing! Sorry for my enunciation, because I didn't grow up with the english version, but: Water... Earth... Fire... Air. Long ago, the four nations lived together in harmony. Then everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked. Only the Avatar, master of all four elements, could stop them. But when the world needed him most, he vanished. A hundred years passed and my brother and I discovered the new Avatar, an airbender named Aang. And although his airbending skills are great, he still has a lot to learn before he's ready to save anyone. But I believe Aang can change the world... save the world. thaat sucked.

Anon 5 asks what my favorite second generation units from FE14 are?

"In no particular order: Ophelia, Shiro and Rhajat."

Then Liesel @florinian asks: pick a character you love and what's one way in which you and this character are alike and one way in which you're different?

"I'm gonna subvert expectations a little here and pick Leliana from Dragon Age. I love her to death, but I'm about the least religious person I know, short of actually being an atheist (I'm agnostic for reference) and though that one's more setting-specific detail I also haaaaate Andrastianism. The way I'm similar to her is that I like to believe the best in other people and I wanna change when compared to the way I used to be, and just like in her story, I don't want to see myself becoming the people who've hurt me... sorry if that got kinda deep, oops."

Anon 6 says: Do you have rarepairs you wish weren't rarepairs?

"Rarepairs… that’s a funny word. Doesn't everyone? I feel like the one that comes to mind right now would be Mathilda/Sonya, which I kiiiiind of built myself? Other people ship it now independently of my influence and that's pretty cool, but I was definitely the… definitely the earliest earliest, so that's kinda something I'm proud of. I just think they'd gel pretty well together and could work on issues with mutual support, if only they ever interacted…"

Lastly, Ayla @gentleralts asks me what my quirk would be if I lived in the BNHA world.

“I’m kind of a sap when it comes to questions like this, and I usually pick teleportation, but I feel like that’s too vanilla for BNHA, so I guess the drawback would be that if someone were to shut my passage through time and space I would just get totally quantum-fucked… so if Horikoshi wants to kill me this way, I guess he has an out.”

And that’s about it… I’ll probably hate listening to this later but… fingerguns tchau tchau.

#voice meme #personal #thank you for the questions!#my voice

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