#there definitely needs to be a rooftop gang event

[roipecheur]

Do you think Frank and Slade are similar?

Would Frank kill (or try to) Slade?

Ok you have asked the right person because I could totally write a Marvel/DC Punisher vs. Deathstroke crossover. Here's your pitch.

THEN: VIETNAM

U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Slade Wilson and Marine Lieutenant Frank Castle (Francis Castiglione) get separated from their respective units somewhere in the jungle. They initially both become aware that there's another person in the general vicinity who's not showing themselves and both think they're being stalked by Viet Cong. After some plotting, they attack each other at the same time and stop when they both realize that they're on the same side. Both are impressed that the other survived the initial attack, which was designed to kill. Slade technically outranks Frank, but they team up out of mutual respect.

(It's a little ((a lot)) homoerotic.)

Around their shared camp that night, they start to talk about back home, and they realize that back home is...different. Frank insists he's never heard of Gotham or Metropolis or Star City or Central City. They disagree on major historical events. Slade doesn't know who the Avengers are. Frank doesn't know what the Justice League is. Eventually, they give up and arrange watches for the night, each thinking the other is probably nuts, but hey, he's probably the only shot at getting out of this alive.

Over the next few days, they save each other's lives a bunch. I'm thinking they get injured and they have to (homoerotically, of course) patch each other up. If I were writing this for real, I would read a lot of war stories and literature about war stories that deal with the intimacy with other men that's allowed in war and on the battlefield in a way that it isn't back home. I would try to summon Hemingway's equally repressed and horny ghost. Anyway.

Stuff gets weirder. Creatures out of myth start attacking them, and they haven't seen another human being for days. Eventually, they come to a barren landscape that definitely doesn't belong in the middle of the Vietnamese jungle and are made to understand, possibly via a Watcher (Marvel) and Monitor (DC) that they aren't from the same place and the way they crossed paths got them stuck in between and is causing cracks in both realities. They both get sent back to their own worlds and aren't sure how much of that was actually real. But, they're both practical sorts, so they put it behind them and move on with their lives.

NOW: NEW YORK CITY

Frank falls into the DC universe. He needs to be the one who falls into DC rather than Slade falling into Marvel for this to work. At first, Frank doesn't realize that anything's changed. He gets into a fight with some heroes he doesn't recognize (the Titans), but that's not that unusual--there's always some new idiot in spandex popping up. By the end of the day, Frank has picked up the trail of what he thinks are his targets (a gang, traffickers, drug dealers, whatever) and goes to crash their party. He runs into Deathstroke, who's there to fulfill a contract, and they save each other's lives just like they did back in Vietnam.

Frank doesn't know who Deathstroke is, of course. He thinks Deathstroke is there for the same reason that he is, sharing his war and his moral crusade to fight crime in a lethal fashion. After the fight, when Deathstroke takes his mask off and reveals that he's Slade, Frank's old friend, this only solidifies Frank's assumption about Slade's motives and what he does.

They share a meal on a rooftop somewhere and talk about what they've been doing since the war. I think it would pack the biggest punch to set this in the preboot era where Slade had watched Grant, Joey, and Adeline die in front of him and hadn't discovered Rose yet. They could bond over watching their wives and kids die and being powerless to stop it. I'd incorporate the NMCU version of Frank where his wife and kids died because of him and not just due to a random mob hit happening in the park that day. Slade's honest about Adeline shooting his eye out and his role in Grant and Joey's deaths, if vague. He doesn't want to explain the exact nature of what he does yet. I think there could've been a time where Frank fucked up as a parent and almost got Lisa or Frank Jr. hurt and he knows in his bones Maria would've left him if it'd been worse, so Frank is uneasy with the way Slade lost his family, but feels he can't judge him.

Because Frank's phone isn't working and Slade's still is, it's pretty easy to determine which world they're in. Or, if you want to go the retro, pre-cellphones route with this, they could just turn on the news and see stuff about Superman and Metropolis and Frank just goes, "shit. It is real." This is another reason why it's better for Frank to go to DC rather than Slade going to Marvel--Marvel does have made up cities and countries, but they don't feature as heavily as DC's.

Of course, Slade lets Frank crash at his place (a very nice safehouse) and promises to help him get back to his world. Due to their earlier conversation, in which Frank waxed romantic about his war, Slade knows that Frank would kill him if he knew who Deathstroke the Terminator really was. Still, he feels a connection with and an obligation to him due to their time in Vietnam, so he will help him regardless. The plan is to do that before Frank knows too much.

Meanwhile, Frank is suspicious of how nice Slade's place is because the Punisher is a nasty stinky grungecore man who lives in his battle van or dirty warehouses and canonically bathes once a fucking week. So he's wondering where Slade got the money for both a swanky apartment and the state-of-the-art weapons stash that Slade couldn't resist showing off. (Phallic objects, homoeroticism, etc.)

So, while Slade's sleeping that night, Frank does a little research. He finds out who Deathstroke the Terminator is. All the people he's killed. Some of it Frank doesn't object to--most of them are bad, and he's worked with Elektra, after all--but Slade's also killed some people he can't excuse. And if Frank finds out about Tara and/or that Slade killed a teenage girl's dog, listen... In terms of overall morality, Frank is better than Slade. He might be a mass murderer, but he'd never hurt a child or animal (we're ignoring the MAX comics where he killed dogs, that's not canon to me). It's a low bar, but Slade congas right under it.

(Yes, Slade killing the dog happened in the reboot, not the preboot. I mix and match canons, it's what I do.)

If you want to extend this a little, Frank doesn't have to find all of this out by himself with Google or whatever. Say he finds out just enough to make him leave, and Slade wakes up to find him gone. Frank seeks out the Titans because he fought with them earlier and Slade mentioned having a "long history" with that group, and they tell him about the HIVE contract, about Tara, about Tanya's poor dog. Once he's gotten what he needs, Frank sneaks away from them, and one of them--I'm thinking Dick--realizes that Frank is going to try and kill Slade. Now, none of the Titans know who The Punisher is, and all Frank told them was that Slade's an old war buddy he came to town to catch up with. They leave to track him down and stop from getting himself killed.

Frank is definitely on his way to kill Slade. He's angry, he's betrayed, and he's hurt. He's not in touch with his emotions enough to like, know that, but it's true. Slade has become the next target in his war. Frank walks right back into Slade's safehouse, where Slade's just chilling in the kitchen and making himself something to eat. In the middle of Slade asking him where he's been, Frank takes out his gun and shoots him.

BUT. Frank doesn't know about Slade's healing factor, or he just doesn't realize the extent of Slade's healing factor. So Slade's fine. While Frank is helping himself to Slade's impressive armory, Slade gets up again, and they start fighting. The Titans show up. Because I'm entirely self-indulgent, Frank looks at Nightwing's escrima sticks and says yeah, I know a sanctimonious idiot with sticks like yours. And when they crackle with electricity, Frank goes, huh. Well, not exactly like yours.

(Frank's never going to mention that to Daredevil. Doesn't want to give him ideas.)

Because the Titans are attacking both of them, Slade and Frank have to fight together. Frank notices that Slade isn't shooting to kill. They manage to escape, and Frank asks him about it. Slade says that he doesn't kill anyone unless he'd paid to. When Frank pushes, Slade talks about how he doesn't agree with the Titans, but they have earned his respect, and he appreciates what they did for Joey. It changes Frank's perception of him a little. Slade doesn't share Frank's morals, but that's not to say he doesn't have any.

Once they've calmed down--maybe Frank gets injured and Slade has to patch him up in a callback to their war days--Slade talks to him. Tells Frank that this isn't his world and isn't his war, and that he needs to get home before spending too much time in the wrong place starts to fuck with things. They both remember what happened last time. Frank grudgingly agrees, and they go back to find the Titans.

Slade calls a truce, and he and Frank explain that Frank isn't from here and needs to get home. Fortunately, Raven is uniquely suited to help with that. She does some magic stuff and opens a portal. Before Frank leaves, he and Slade clasp arms (homerotically) and look each other in the eye. Frank says, "If I ever find you on my side..." and Slade says, "I know" and lets him go. Frank goes home, and the last scene would be them standing in the same place in different versions of New York, mirroring each other.

---

So, to answer your question: Yes, they have a lot in common, and yes, Frank would try to kill Slade lmao. I know this is more than you bargained for, but I hope in a good way!

#asks #frank castle #slade wilson #deathstroke #punisher #wrote stuff #kinda #this is enough of an outline go to in that tag lmao

[tsukikoayanosuke]

Twisted Wonderland x Project Sekai - In Which I Put the TWST Boys into Proseka Scenario

Aka. I impulsively made a color coded lyrics video and put all TWST boys in them at 1 am. I ended up making five of them, one for each group. I’m very normal, guys. Trust me.

So, enjoy these crappy videos I created half-awake and funny (temporary) band names.

Basically:

Leo/need => Sunny/Ultramarine

More More Jump = > Viva Viva Muse

Vivid Bad Squad => Stray Crimson Quartet

Wonderland x Showtime => Fantastique Squadron Twinkle-Twinkle☆Showtime!

Nightcord at 25:00 => After Midnight Composition 

Sunny/Ultramarine (the one that sounds a bit like K-On)

A group of childhood friends decided to form a band.

Azul, Jade, and Floyd are acquaintances since middle school, not necessarily friends, they were just often in the same study group. They even got a scholarship from the same high school they're going to enroll in.

Azul saw how becoming a pro might be a great indie money-making business, so he purpose this to the Leech twins. Jade and Floyd just went along since it might get interesting.

But they might need more than three people to form a decent band.

Kalim and Jamil have a complicated relationship. Kalim's parents have a huge company and Jamil's parents have been working for the said company for years. Technically they are childhood friends, but Jamil is always being reminded not to ever upstage the boss' son.

Kalim was very excited about being in a band when the trio approached them, Jamil was dragged into this.

Jamil was proven to be a talented musician but was held back by Kalim being there.

It took a lot of convincing for Jamil to let loose and be his true self in the gang.

He also had the strongest voice, thus making him the main vocal and vice leader of the band. Azul, of course, is the leader.

Viva Viva Muse (The one that’s definitely not NRC Tribe)

An idol group filled with people who want changes.

Vil and Neige used to be in the same group, but Neige kept upstaging Vil to the point that Vil slowly pulled back from the agency, wanting to find another way or focus on modeling or TV Show host. But there was no doubt that he missed singing on stage. If only they wouldn't waste his potential.

Rook was the first one to approach Vil when he enrolled in the academy in their first year. At first, Rook was the biggest Neige fanboy and got closer to Vil because he was interested, but the longer he interacted, the more he was enamored with the ex-idol. They become best friends since then. Rook still talks about idol stuff and Vil gives him insight. He's on board with Vil's comeback, but let him return on his on time.

The time came sooner than they expected as they ran into two freshmen.

Deuce wanted to change. He didn't want to be a bad boy anymore. So he decided to be an idol (which is the very opposite of a street gang in his opinion). But he doesn't know how and even he knows that barging into an agency prepared is unethical. So he starts small by watching idol performances on YouTube.

Sebek has the hardest time fitting in, with him being the clingiest among his childhood friends/family. Because of the promise they made to go on their own ways once he enters high school to be independent and stuff (which means he can’t join Malleus’ theater troupe). Crashing into Deuce when he was practicing on the rooftops, Sebek immediately asked to join in. Honestly, he was proud of himself that he found something to fulfill his promise.

Rook, being his usual observant self, told Vil about the two freshmen. Seeing the opportunity, Vil and Rook approached Deuce and Sebek with a deal of idol self-training and to form a new rising idol group. Everyone agreed.

They decided to become a freelance group when the agency didn't accept newbies (Deuce and Sebek) and slowly gained attention, giving hope for people to not be afraid of changes.

Stray Crimson Quartet (The one where I questioned about the rad weekend)

A group of street musicians who aim to make the greatest event to surpass the legend.

Ace and Jack are two kids whose heart was stolen in one performance. RAD WEEKEND, is considered to be the greatest event of all time. Ace's brother is part of the group, thus planting in Ace's mind (and Jack's as well) that music is the coolest thing ever. Both of them aim to create an event that one day surpasses RAD WEEKEND.

Jack teamed up with Epel. Epel's family is a family of a classical musician who kinda forces Epel to continue the legacy. But he doesn't want to, feeling that it's too stiff. Thus he moved to street music. That's where Jack found him. Together they formed the duo Stray Wolves.

Meanwhile, Ace had a bit of trouble. He hadn't found the perfect partner who can catch up with him.

That was until someone by the name of Lilia entered the stage.

Lilia attends night class because he mostly works online during the day while taking care of his sick brother. But that doesn't mean he's not familiar with the many night events and battles of the band. He had heard about RAD WEEKEND but didn't witness it.

When Ace met Lilia, while he was strange, their voice immediately click. That was when Ace asked Lilia to be his partner. Maybe he would finally have a chance.

Interested, Lilia agrees. Together, they are the Crimson Hearts

Jack-Epel and Ace-Lilia eventually crossed paths in one of the events, Lilia's first event. While they didn't steal the show, the exposure is enough. They met again in the future, and each time, the two duos became more and more skilled

A couple of events later, Lilia purposes to combine the four of them as one team since they have the same goal. After some debate and persuasion, they agreed. Joining together as Stray Crimson Quartet.

Fantastique Squadron Twinkle-Twinkle☆Showtime! (The one in which Malleus is a clown)

A group of kids who find themselves joining a theater trope.

Let's start from the very beginning. So, there's this big amusement park. It's owned by the Draconia Family. Thus, technically speaking, Malleus is the heir of the amusement park or something. Basically, everything is his when his grandma is dead.

While there's no doubt that Malleus can run the park, his grandmother is mostly worried about his social skill. Sure he has four childhood friends, but they made a promise that they will try to go separate ways once the youngest of the group enrolls in high school. After that, Malleus won't have any friends.

So, grandma has a brilliant idea. There's this empty stage, with a little renovation it'll look good as new. Malleus' job now is to find his troupe to perform on the stage.

Technically, Malleus accepts, but uh...how?

Let's cut from him for a second and go to Trey and Ortho.

Both of them are in a similar position: having a strained relationship with the one who they care about. For Ortho, it's his big brother Idia who hadn't come out from his room after Ortho had woken up from his long coma. For Trey, it's his childhood friend Riddle who he hadn't spoken to since the amusement park incident.

All four of them are connected with one thing: the wonder of watching a stage performance. Seeing their dearest smile from watching a wonderful performance, solidify their resolve to join a theater troupe. While Ortho wants to act, Trey wants to be the director.

Both of them actually came to the amusement park where they met Malleus who straight-up accept them without an interview.

But three people were not enough to make a whole trope.

That was when Ruggie approached them. He was a student with many side jobs because of financial struggles. One of the jobs is being the amusement park mascot (one of the jobs that don't really require skills).

Ruggie agreed to join the troupe if only Malleus would pay him. And Malleus agreed (damn rich people).

Their plays were a mess, especially compared to the bigger ones in the same park. But honestly, the companionship between these fours started to warm up for each of them.

The last person to enter the scene is Cater, a vlogger and Trey's classmate. They're not that close because Cater always maintains his distance from many classmates.

Cater stated that "eh, joining a troupe sounds fun". He doesn't act, mostly wanting in publication, even making a YouTube video for them to post their performance.

Though because they only have five people in the troupe, everyone ended up acting on stage. Cater is surprisingly the best actor among them.

If you want to know who suggested the name, it was Cater and Ortho with approval from Malleus.

Does this count as found family?

After Midnight Composition (The one with the Discord server)

A YouTube music circle who often create their songs at 1 am and only ever communicate through Discord. They are people who are tired of the world and on the brink of disappearing but still holding on to this small circle.

It started with Idia who has been composing songs as some sort of atonement after Ortho's near-death accident. He hadn’t come out of his room for a long time, not even after Ortho was better. His relationship with other family members became strained and his responsibility as the company's heir is neglected. Everyone tries to make him go outside, But he's stubborn and filled with sadness.

Riddle (who had been secretly creating poems and lyrics) commented on one of his videos and they came in contact. Raised to be his mother's golden child, Riddle is slowly losing his identity and dreams, pressured to follow what his mother told him. He has trouble feeling things and nearly loses all his senses. Venting through poems and song lyrics is the only thing that keeps him from going too far.

When they need an artist, they went on an internet search and found Silver. He has complicated narcolepsy that prevents him to go anywhere without supervision. He started to learn how to draw when he has nothing to do, gaining attention from people on Instagram. He agrees to join on the first offer, wanting to do something useful for others for once.

Leona was the last to join, being contacted when the group need a video editor. He was skeptical at first, but it's not like anyone would care. He had a bad relationship with his brother and decided on wanting to leave the house, but Farena kept him because he promised their dying grandfather to look over him. He's talented, like very talented, but without the recognition from his family, he felt useless. He pretty much had given up on life.

The four of them gathered together at 1 am when everyone was asleep and created music videos. This has become a safe space for them.

#twisted wonderland #disney twisted wonderland twst #twst #project sekai au #azul ashengrotto #jade leech #Floyd Leech #Jamil Viper #Kalim Al-Asim #vil schoenheit #rook Hunt #deuce spade #sebek zigvolt #ace trappola #jack howl #epel felmier #Lilia Vanrouge #malleus draconia #trey clover #ortho shroud #ruggie bucchi #cater diamond #idia shroud #riddle rosehearts #silver (twisted wonderland) #leona kingscholar #can you believe i made all of these in one day? #yeah i'm surprised myself #project sekai colorful stage

[squeakygeeky]

Till The World Ends review

This review is basically just for @absolutebl, who should not watch this.

This series operates on post-apocalyptic B movie logic, with strong currents of dark humor and political satire. This definitely undercut my ability to take seriously the more tragic and romantic moments, of which there were many since this was still a BL. Well, that and its inexplicable tendency to use Christmas carols as background music. I enjoyed it, it wasn’t bad, but whatever it was a good example of is such an odd duck I don’t think it would be to most people’s taste. Definitely content warnings for the kind of violence, gore and general nonsense a post-apocalyptic B movie normally contains.

Full spoilers from hereon in:

The premise is that the moon is about to hit the earth and the whole story takes place within 13 days. Everyone is supposed to be evacuating into bunkers, as if that’s going to help somehow. (Every time the moon hitting the earth was mentioned I had to laugh and yell at my own brain to stop trying to apply logic to this show.) Golf has major anger issues so he ends up knocking out Art with his guitar when he thinks his new girlfriend is cheating on him with Art. Golf's ex takes his phone with the QR code or whatever you need for the bunker and he stays behind to care for Art and also because he wants to wait for his brother, who is in prison for political crimes and therefore won’t be allowed in the bunker. Art wakes up with amnesia.

There’s a second couple who are the leader of a gang of psychopathic cannibals and his leather eye patch wearing subordinate. The leader’s sister dresses like a sexy schoolgirl. I am obsessed with them. It’s been like two days since everyone went to the bunker, how did this murder spree even get started? They are the high heat couple and get a particularly tragic and gruesome end, but tbf they were the villains.

Somehow Golf and Art manage to get together in typical BL fashion even after Art learns the truth but yes, the world literally does end at the end, it said so on the tin, the moon absolutely hits the earth and destroys everything and Golf and Art did not make it to a bunker, not that that would have mattered. The moon hit the earth, I cannot emphasize this enough.

Some events:

Golf serenades Art with the same guitar he knocked him out with earlier. It is very obviously duct-taped together. (P’ABL I feel like this is your ultimate nightmare scenario.)

The fact that extremely cliche post-apocalytic gang are cannibals is just casually dropped as they eat dinner together and one of them finds the earring of the lady they just murdered.

Art wears a shirt that says ‘nothing lasts forever’ to his own wedding.

Golf and Art don’t manage to get around to kissing each other until significantly after said wedding.

The scene once they finally get together is pretty good though.

Many people are violently killed and also one dog.

Chekov’s nail clippers come into play not once but twice.

There’s a road trip portion with gorgeous cinematography. Often shots feature the Giant Moon, which is very pretty but also to me hilarious.

Golf and Art make love for the last time on a rooftop under the Giant Looming Moon.

There are many many cgi fireflies throughout.

#till the world ends #till the world ends series #thai bl #thai ql #ql series #ql

[gothicprep]

Meditations on True Crime: A Very Long Post

In around February of this year, I was researching a potential video related to how true crime media portrays websleuths, contrasted against their efficacy in each specific case. The introduction was a brief primer on the genre’s evolution, beginning with its general association with low-budget LifeTime films, to a hobby with more dignity than that. I remember finding an article talking about Serial, and there was some commentary in there from another large true crime podcast host.

I didn’t think it was particularly useful for my purposes, but it said something to the effect of “true crime as a hobby can help women reconcile the trauma related to being in a world that is so hostile to us.” I rolled my eyes at it. It seemed dishonestly saccharine, like it was giving a sort of post-hoc legitimacy to just enjoying whodunnits. I didn’t think about it again for around seven months after I’d read it.

One of the subjects that I intended to talk about was Elisa Lam’s death and the online reaction to it. The story was adapted into a Netflix series a few months prior, and I was freshly reminded of how poorly it all sat with me. If you aren’t familiar with her name, she disappeared in Los Angeles’s Cecil Hotel in 2013, and her disappearance went viral after the respective police department release footage of her behaving strangely in an elevator. The case attained quick viral status and extensive discussion, due to the nature of the video and the hotel’s morbid history. When her naked body was discovered in a rooftop water tank a few weeks later, speculation exploded. But an autopsy isn’t an immediate followup, and the online sleuths would lose themselves to their imaginations in the time between. Many people wanted the murder solved, but many let their speculation fly off the rails. Shady hotel coverups. Metal musician murderers. Fear of the homeless. Ghosts. Demons. Government tuberculosis research. The gang was all there.

If you weren’t active online back then, it’s difficult to properly convey how huge this all was. Everyone was expecting Elisa to have been murdered. Iron-clad. Beyond the shadow of a doubt. She wasn’t. Her death was ruled an accident. She had a severe case of bipolar disorder and she wasn’t taking her medication. The severity of her illness was also not previously disclosed to the public. The working theory is that she experienced a manic episode with psychotic features, climbed in the tank in this state, to eventually strip out of her clothes in late stage hypothermia and drown there. It’s a horrific and painful way to die. All that’s left of you is water contamination – insult to fatal injury.

People weren’t happy with this, but not out of any sympathy for Elisa. There was palpable rage from many who had been following the case. No, she was definitely murdered. No, her killer needs to be brought to justice. No, this isn’t the real story. I don’t like it. I’m not satisfied. There needs to be an ending better than this.

Tragedy isn’t exactly in the habit of being kind to us.

When news of Gabby Petito’s disappearance was spreading, I noticed a lot of similarities between hers and Elisa’s. A woman in her early 20s vanishes while traveling, under very unusual circumstances. Footage was released during both investigations, which portrayed these women in mentally vulnerable states. The story was viral online. People rifled through Gabby’s instagram in the same way they did with Elisa’s tumblr. Social media detectives established an inappropriate amount of investment. Everyone is sure of a specific outcome. The family deserves answers.

Let’s talk about answers for a second. I’d like you to spitball a comprehensive explanation for this one: how could something like this happen? I’m not looking for a “how” in terms of events or circumstances. In this case, this isn’t a question. It’s a protest of the unfairness of it all. My daughter. My sister. My friend. Someone who meant so much to me. It’s a prayer to a vacant sky. It’s not a question, it’s agony. Nothing shy of resurrection can feel like justice. Even if the case leads to a criminal trial and conviction, it does nothing to fill the void loss burns within us. There is no good answer, because there aren’t answers at all.

Let’s talk about ourselves for a second. I noticed many people draw parallels between what they’d seen on the bodycam footage and their own experience with abusive partners. “This could have been me.” Do you really think this is appropriate? Could have been, would have been – these are statements with hypothetical validity. It has nothing to do with you. To emotionally identify with someone does not evidence anything. You’re here. She’s gone. This isn’t about you. She isn’t in the position where she can co-sign anything you say. If she can’t speak for herself, don’t invoke her.

Let’s talk about true crime for a second. It’s funny how true crime marketed to men has a distinctly different texture than true crime marketed to women. The former seems to involve knocking the perpetrator down a peg. It portrays them as something worth our disgust and ridicule. The latter tends to foster emotional identification with the victim. Podcasts and other media in this category tend to be by women, for women, and generally discuss women. This story is presented as catharsis for women who see themselves as similar to them. This woman is no longer a person, but an idea. And it makes me think of that stupid article quote that I resent myself for not having bookmarked. This is reconciliation. These women, in their passing, can be a motivating factor for us to break up with that one dumbass guy. I’m so happy this was a wakeup call. I’m so happy that this made me think about my own experiences. I’m so happy that this did so much for me. Sure, someone actually died, but what is that when compared to my own self-actualization?

I made a comment on Twitter about how disgusted I was with how people spoke of Gabby in such an evasively self-interested way, and someone who likely was of no relation to her interjected with how the family deserved the truth. Truth? What truth? What peace will grisly details give them? Is there any meaningful difference between knowing your loved one died of murder or collapsed from exposure? Or are you just a nosey person who’s projected an inappropriate emotional dog in this fight? Do you want answers for her family, or for your own curiosity?

I really don’t trust shit like that, nor am I willing to give leniency to people who say such things. I think we’ve been conditioned to relate to dead women in a way that’s completely separate from who they actually were. Alive, they’re deep, multifaceted individuals, with an array of likes, dislikes, quirks, and endless little details. Dead, they’re a concept to serve a purpose. The purpose is generally a form of narrative catharsis. The creep gets thrown in prison. A woman’s abusive partner gets the comeuppance he deserves. The story needs a good ending. The story needs an ending that satisfies me. People aren’t stories. Life is not a novel.

The real trauma of others will never belong to you. This not your therapy tool or plaything. This is real pain that will never be theoretical for plenty of people. Know your place. Keep your distance. Don’t objectify the dead.

#you know i'm going for the jugular if i bother to punctuate my posts #also do take my warning: it is long

[turquoisebooks]

Telling you that I absolutely love These Violent Delights means I don't have words to left to express how much I loved Our Violent Ends. I finished Our Violent Ends few days ago, and I feel like I could write 30 pages long thesis about this duology, yet at the same time I have no words. Anyway, I will do my best to describe my feelings.

After finishing the duology I can safely say that I consider Chloe Gong to be a writer-genius. Her storytelling captivates me, makes me hold my breath, makes my heart ache and my soul full of joy at the same time. Honestly, since I finished the book, I don't know what to do with my life. I have an urge to shout from the rooftops, turn around and scream, laugh enough to woke all my neighbors. I honestly can't wait for everyone to read this masterpiece, so I have someone to talk to and get it all out. Reading a book this great early is a blessing and a curse at the same time because I need to keep my mouth shut when in fact I want to talk about Our Violent Ends 24/7. The most perfect storm is raging inside my heart now. Juliette, Roma, Benedict, Marshall and more grew into my heart. There they took root, and I am never going to let them go. Juliette is such a great protagonist. I love the fact that she is the baddest B out there. She is not afraid to act. She does not hesitate to make touch decisions. I love her strength and resolve. She follows her heart to do what was is best for her people and for her city. Overall, she is a girl who would do anything to save the people she loves. She cares more for Roma, his sister, her cousins and the friends she made along the way, than the blood feud and being a gang leader. ​I absolutely root for that. Benedict and Marshall, aka. Benshall have been engraved into my heart as well. Yeah, Chloe Gong writes the best couples. Roma and Juliette's relationship takes the whole enemies-to-lovers trope to the next level. I love their dynamics. Their bickering is to die for. They are a couple which makes you to be on the edge of your seat the whole book and desperately hope for a happy ending. No, I'm not going to tell you if they get it. I can just say that it is a retelling after all and that the ending was absolutely perfect. Ominous and confusing, I know. I don't want to spoiler anyone, and I think it's the best to go into this hell of a ride totally unprepared. And you are not prepared for what's coming. Trust me on that.

The second book has it all. There is pain, there is anger, yet there is also longing and hope. Since the very beginning, the blood has been shed, betrayal has cut deep and sides have been chosen. Our lovebirds seem to be finished with each other, no longer wearing their hearts on their sleeves, yet they are not allowed to escape each other and quit playing the game. Their masks are back in place as a new threat torments both Scarlet gang and White flowers, and ultimately the whole Shanghai. There is not a single moment for them to take it easy and rest. Stakes are high. Revolution is coming. Chaos is unleashed and Roma with Juliette are in the center of it. There is a lot of tension and heartache between them because of what Juliette did in TVD. Roma. Oh, my sweet boy. He definitely grew some claws here. Due to the previous events, he became much darker. He seems cold on the outside, but there is an invisible storm raging inside him, which occasionally shows throughout the book. He just can't figure Juliette out. Her actions seem so conflicting for him. In sum, nothing adds up. Roma questions everything he knew about Juliette, or at least thought he knew about a girl he loved and worked with, and that truly haunts him. He is devastated by the previous events and the current situation. Juliette and Roma are on the opposite sides again, and Roma knows Juliette has to be eliminated. But for him, that’s easier said than done, as his feelings are not completely gone yet. Overall, conflicted - ruthless and kind - Roma is my favorite thing.

These two are an enemies-to-lovers couple that are... mad for each other. Importantly, they are also deeply rooted into me. I feel like they own my soul, and I don't mind. I'll never ever let them go.

I can say without a shadow of a doubt that if someone loved These Violent Delights, they are going to devour Our Violent Ends with a bated breath. While reading, I laughed, I cried, I almost forgot to breathe. Our Violent Ends and Roma and Juliette's circling of one another kept me on my toes. It is perfect. It is tense. It is everything I could wish for and more. It's everything I ever wanted ❤️❤️❤️. I don't know what to do with my life now when the duology is over 😭. Thank you Hodder & Stoughton for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review! You made my year!

#NetGalley #our violent ends #chloe gong #book blogger #book review #arc #turquoisereview #book blog

[originofjaehyun]

Interlude: No More Drama | Part 1 | Elevator (127F)

Interlude: No More Drama Masterlist

Word count: 2,180

Warnings: Suggestive, cigarettes, and it gets pretty hot passionate towards the end lol. Plus, I didn’t proofread this.

Part 1 | Elevator (127F)

“Can’t take it anymore, just follow me”

Next

“Cheers to the happy couple!”

Soojung raised her glass high, followed by your friends and of course you. Hanbyul and Mingyu, your highschool (best) friend, have been dating for years and after constant whining from the rest of the gang, they have finally become husband and wife last week.

You weren’t feeling it that night though, for one reason to another. You decided to come because Hanbyul has been your best friend as far as you can remember, and bailing the night out is definitely not an option for you. You raised your G&T as the other follows with the same drinks.

“To a happy marriage!” Soyou continues.

“To a happy marriage!” the rest follows.

You drink the liquid on your glass, regretting that you actually participated on the cheers when it is your third glass of G&T, after two shots of tequila and a glass of wine. You drink with your eyes wide open when you locked gaze with a man just across your table that happens to sip a drink that coincidentally at the same time with you. You are tipsy, that you are aware, as you tried to make a guess on what drink he’s been holding. From the color, it is probably a whiskey highball, but you decided not to attempt on making any more guesses as your vision went blur and you started to talk nonsense, saying how much you love the couple.

You are able to hold your drink, but Soyou, who is self-proclaimed the event organizer for the night determined that the night is still young as she suddenly brought another bottle of gin. Your drinking resume has been quite clean, and this night is definitely not that night where you want to ruin it.

“Where are you going?” Hanbyul asked you, as you briskly tried to leave the place without spoiling the mood. Everybody is queuing as they wait for their turn to pour their serving of gin.

“Cigarette break, I felt quite tipsy already. I’ll come back when I sobered up.”

“You definitely not going back home sober, my dear friend.” She retaliates. 

You laughed, “More like I can’t, Hanbyul. I know by the time I came back you’re going to fill my glass to the brim.”

“But another gulp of alcohol would force me to vomit everything out. So I’ll pause for a bit. I’ll be back soon.”

You brought your phone and your pack cigarette. You walked towards the balcony, and you regret your choice of clothing immediately. It was one of the nicest bars in Seoul, where it is located on a rooftop at one of the high-rises in the middle of the city. You can practically see the skyline of the city from here, and for that reason, Soyou booked the party here because she said there’s no way we’re celebrating this big of a celebration at some mediocre bar. Semi-formal attire is needed if you want to enter the bar, so you decided to wear a black halter top that leaves a one-third part of your back exposed, paired them with white cigarette trousers and a pair of black mules. The wind at this height is really harsh, but you really need a fresh breeze anyway. 

You tucked your phone on one of the pockets of your trousers, slip the white stick in-between your lips as you franticly tried to find your lighter that is nowhere to be found. You must’ve left them in your bag and now you have to walk all the way back to your table.

“Looking for a lighter?”

The owner of the voice standing right next to you, with a lighter on his hand. His voice was deep and velvety, like a rich and smooth hot chocolate. 

“Oh!” You flinched because you didn’t realize a figure was there next to you.

“Actually, yes. Thanks.” You took the lighter out of his hand, as you flick it and revealed the color of amber.

He chuckled, revealing dimples on both of his cheeks, enough to make your heart flutter. He dressed up very neatly, a high profile, you must say, so him having a set of dimples that are so adorable is definitely unexpected. “No problem.”

He took back the lighter as you returned it to him, while he took his own cigarette out of his jacket and light up the white stick and puffed out smokes out of his lips.

Fuck, that’s hot. You thought to yourself.

“Sorry?” He said while taking the stick out of his mouth with his index and middle fingers.

Realized you probably blurted the words out instead of keeping it inside your brain, you inhaled your cigs, making a few seconds of silence. “Oh, nothing.” You lied, as you don’t want to come off as a flirty woman that flirts with anyone. Though you know he would probably hear of those words millions time already. He might not be the hottest person in the world, but he is most definitely the most attractive man you’ve ever encountered. 

“I swear I thought I heard you said ‘Fuck, that’s hot’. Am I hearing things?” He repeated your words. As he saw your ears turned bright red, he knows he’s not just hearing things. He lets out a devilish smirk. “Is that for me?”

Seeing there’s no way you could escape his teasing, you just admit the truth, “There’s no one else nearby right?” as you take another sip from your cigs.

His eyes widened with your directness. He pushes the smoke away before letting his words out of his mouth. “For the record,” He said while inhaling another sip, “You’re just as hot.”

You felt your face is like on fire. Not sure because of the alcohol that starts to kick in or because a very handsome man just told you that you’re hot. Before you guys could continue to converse, your phone starts to vibrate and you saw your best friend name on the screen.

“Hello?”

“[Y/N]? Where are you?”

“I told you I’m smoking outside. I’ll be there in a minute, I’m halfway done.” As you saw the light is already midway from the cigarette you’re holding.

“Ok, later can you please help me bring Soyou’s bag downstair? She’s so drunk right now and passed out at the toilet. Mingyu and Seojun helped me carried her down, I think Seojun will have to drive her back. The rest are still upstairs, but they’ve been jugging down that fucking bottle of gin like crazy and I think you are the soberest person. At least you picked up my phone.”

You can’t help but laugh. “Hanbyul, I’m this tipsy and I’m the soberest? You better not hire Soyou for the next event you’re going to hold.”

“I know right? There’s no need to rush, finish up your cig. We’re already inside Seojun’s car anyway.”

After saying your goodbye, you took another sip of your cig as the person next to you starts to open up another conversation with you.

“Is everything ok?”

“Yeah, except my friend just passed out.”

“Do you need any help?” He said, genuinely concerned.

You smiled at him, “I’m good, I just need to bring her bag downstairs to the car. Also, didn’t you come here with your friends?”

“So you were watching me?” He smirked again.

“Well, you hit me first, sir.” you scoffed.

He pushed his cigarette butt to the nearby ashtray, “So I wasn’t wrong when I felt we locked gaze inside. Come on, let me help you out.” as he used his eye gesture to tell you to finish up your cigarette.

You’re a bit iffy with this man. Why would a stranger help you out anyway? You didn’t realize you knotted your brows together.

“I just can’t leave a woman alone, it would leave a bad taste on my mouth. Also, it seems like the rest of your gang are having the best time of their life to give you a helping hand.”

You took a peek inside and confirmed that what he said was true. Soojung and Yerim are already flirting with don’t-know-whos, while Junhoe making sure the table is still occupied while he continues to drink. You couldn’t help but sigh at the sight. 

“Let’s go.” He nods his head at the direction of your table, making sure you followed him.

He told you he would wait in front of the elevator, as you go back to your table to take Soyou’s bag. You told Junhoe briefly what Hanbyul said to you and he just nods in agreement.

His eyes sparkled as he saw you walk, approaching him. That gaze sends a shiver to your spines. 

“All good?”

“Yea, they’re having a blast when their friend is practically blacked out.” You said in a sarcastic tone. Both of you are laughing with your remarks.

Then you saw the buttons are not lighting up, meaning he hasn’t pushed it to make the elevator come and pick you guys up. Maybe he was a bit tipsy too, so he forgot? You thought to yourself while spreads your arms out to push the button. He stopped you before you could.

“Are you having a blast, too?” He asked while holding your hand, and you swore to high heaven it is as seems like he has watched you since the beginning, how you didn’t feel like partying tonight, how off you were during that party.

“It’s my best friend’s wedding celebration, how could I not?” You said, but your tone was contradicting with the sentence. Realizing there’s no point lying to a – technically a stranger you just met, you actually feel liberated to just tell him the truth. “I just don’t feel like partying tonight, but I can’t skip this or else she would kill me.”

“Do you want to have a good time?” He said, straight to your eyes. By then you know exactly what he meant. You weren’t sure, you never did this before. You are always very careful with your previous relationships, making sure you know who the person you’re dating and their background and you’re not the type of person who would freefall without knowing you have a safety net underneath. But somehow, probably the alcohol really pushed a side that even you don’t know, makes you want to taste him back. You give him a nod of approval. He smirked, but you are sure his gaze is able to gobble you up.

“I’m going to press the button and when the elevator comes and it doesn’t feel right, you can push me away.”

He pressed the button and as if he doesn’t want to lose any more second, he pulls you closer to him and kissed you. It was gentle at first, but as the numbers go higher, he got more and more passionate with his kiss. You pulled him closer, as you put both of your hand on his cheek, welcoming every inch of his lips. He knows you want more, and you can feel his tongue starts to slither inside your own, exploring it with all his might. You embraced it, and every time you did you left a small soft moan, enough to make him want you even more. He lowers his hands that were originally on your hips, squeezing your ass, making you moan louder. Not that you care that much, the music was loud enough to cover your moans. There was no one in front of the elevator, it was the peak of the night and all of the attention was to the DJ inside.

You didn’t want to be the only one who feels good, and you started to touch him too. After destroying his well-styled hair, you move your hands down to his pecs, and you can tell he keeps himself fit, as it was rock-solid. As you move your hands lower, you can hear him hissed in pleasure, but refuses to let go of your lips. He wants to consume you and drained every essence of you. Delighted that he feel what you’ve felt, you pressed him closer, pulling the belt on his trousers, ready for more.

Ding!

The sound of the elevator coming separated you. It was an abrupt way to end a kiss and both of you can’t help to giggle. You sound so cute to him, and he gently stroke your head, cleaning up the mess he made to your hair.

“That was awesome.” He said, eyes stare at you lovingly.

“I share the sentiment.” You said as you fix his hair too while waiting for the elevator to open. Once you start walking inside of the elevator, he follows you while chuckling.

“You know, I never learn your name. Mine is Jaehyun, by the way.”

“Don’t you think we messed up the step?” You sneer. “It’s [Y/N].”

Both of you are now inside, and as he about to press the button to the parking lot, he looked at you and you know exactly what he had intended.

“One more time.”

#jaehyun #jaehyun scenario #jaehyunxreader #fluff jaehyun #smut jaehyun #nct #nct fic #nct fluff #nct 127 #interlude no more drama #jaehyun fic #nct scenario #jung jaehyun #jeong jaehyun #inmd #neo zone #elevator #elevator 127F

[spiralcompendium]

Day Six: Arc One World Critique

This will be a review/critique of each of the five worlds in the first arc--what I thought was effective and ineffective about each world’s plotline, setting/lore, and characters! Spoilers: there are a lot of Problems but I still love this horrible little game anyway.

═══*.·:·.✧    ✦    ✧.·:·.*═══

.·:·.✧ Wizard City ~ A- ✧.·:·.

✦ Plotline  ✦

Wizard City functions well as an introduction to the game. We immediately get introduced to the main villain, but we don’t know what his plan is yet. The Wizard’s mission, at this point, is to stop Malistaire’s undead from overtaking the streets. After we defeat Lord Nightshade, we learn that this was all a distraction from Malistaire’s real plan--to get the Krokonomicon from Krokotopia. Even though this means that what the protagonist did in Wizard City doesn’t have a direct connection to the main plot, I still think that it works well as a low-level story. 

I appreciated the originality of some of the subplots on each street; some standouts include stopping undead from siphoning powerful Storm magic from the Storm Mill on Triton Avenue, as well as defeating Cyclops Lane’s Cyclopes and Trolls, who were originally summoned to defend against the undead. 

While some of the side quests were just your standard MMORPG delivery or defeat quests, some were also pretty interesting! For example, Gloria Krendell’s and Duncan Grimwater’s quests provide insight into Malistaire’s backstory. Even the more simple-seeming quests had flavor text that made it a bit more fun. Being sent to defeat a boss to get back the Sleeper’s Timepiece, a watch that can bring nightmares to life, is a lot more interesting than being sent to defeat a boss who’s just evil and attacking citizens.

✦ Setting and Lore ✦

Every game needs to start with a relatively basic area, and in this one, it’s Wizard City. Still, I love all of the little details that flesh out the world. The devs could have chosen to go with really basic fantasy areas and use just houses, castles, and libraries. Instead, we have places like the Storm Mill--“one of the main sources of magical energy for all of Wizard City,” the Hedge Maze that is watched over by an ancient seraph, and the Fireglobe Theatre in the center of a burning street. It’s also really cool how all of the different streets have a different “feel”--Triton Avenue seems very industrial, Colossus Boulevard seems very upper-class (despite the Gobblers), and Firecat Alley seems very artsy and creative. Having abandoned areas like the Haunted Cave and mysterious places like Sunken City imply a history to the world. Still, Wizard City doesn’t feel like it has much of a past.

Overall, Wizard City has a good amount of lore with the various magical creatures and villains, especially considering Bartleby, the creator of the Spiral, lives here. With the addition of the Catacombs quest, it seems like Wizard City has a lot going on behind the scenes. 

✦ Characters ✦

Very few characters stand out at this point in the story. I liked Duncan Grimwater’s arc (although this doesn’t pay off until arc three), and I loved dealing with the shenanigans of both Nolan Stormgate and Cyrus Drake while questing in Cyclops Lane. Still, none of the characters have any major presence besides Ambrose, who is just there to be an Old, Wise Wizard. I would have liked there to be a maximum of six or seven major characters, possibly to represent each of the main schools. They wouldn’t all have to travel with us everywhere, but it would be cool to have more overlap instead of just meeting one or a few separately in each street. I also wish that some of the villains had a larger presence in the story. We don’t even hear about Lord Nightshade, the final boss, until we’re sent to fight him.

.·:·.✧ Krokotopia ~ B- ✧.·:·.

✦ Plotline ✦

In Krokotopia, the Wizard is chasing Malistaire to try and prevent him from getting the Krokonomicon, a book of powerful Life and Death magic. They are also stopping the awakened Kroks and some undead along the way. The plotline could have been more compelling if there was more of a focus beating Malistaire to the Krokonomicon, stopping Malistaire, or having Malistaire find different ways to stop the Wizard. Instead, Malistaire has very little presence, and we learn at the end that he beat us there--who knows how he got there or what he was even doing the whole time. 

By itself, though, Krokotopia’s plot isn’t too bad. Freeing slaves and reassembling an ancient magical order of anti-authoritarian Kroks is a good premise. 

✦ Setting and Lore ✦

Krokotopia’s setting is somewhat compelling in theory, but I do wish there was more variety--we’re pretty much inside hallways the whole time. I liked how each major area (the Pyramid of the Sun, the Krokosphinx, and the Tomb of Storms) has their own Krok leading family, such as the Nirinis and Sokkwis. I liked the family conflict between the Ahnics and Djeserits in the Tomb of Storms, as well. Krokotopia has a much more obvious history to it than Wizard City. I really liked the Marleybone presence, as well, which hinted at their dominance over many different worlds in the Spiral; it also showed that the various worlds are interconnected and not just levels in a game.

✦ Characters ✦

Yeah, no one in this world is particularly important. The major Marleybonean characters are pretty much just there to give quests, and the villains are just there to be something to fight, similar to Wizard City. Hetch al’Dim’s character trait was Anxiety, which I thought was pretty cute. Alhazred’s character trait was Old, so… alright. Once again, we get introduced to our final boss pretty much right as we have to fight her. Still, her design is pretty fabulous, so that’s cool. 

.·:·.✧ Marleybone ~ D+  ✧.·:·.

✦ Plotline ✦

Marleybone’s importance to the overall plot of arc one is minimal:

1. Malistaire frees Meowiarty so he can steal the Krokonomicon.

2. Malistaire gets the Krokonomicon. 

These last two events happen at the very end of the world, so everything else feels like a lot of filler. The Wizard has to put a stop to gang uprisings and attacks by automatons, only some of which Malistaire is connected to--and these were only started to interrupt the Wizard chasing him. It would have been great if the narrative as a whole was a mystery; despite having some elements of a mystery story, it wasn’t one. Also, it would have been interesting to have more of a focus on the obvious social issues occurring in the world. We see the dogs discriminating against the cats, rats, and frogs throughout the story--accusing them of crimes they didn’t commit and literally paying the Wizard to attack Street Sweepers out of a pavilion who were doing nothing but loitering, at worst, just because Abigail Doolittle wanted to have a party celebrating the police. Yikes!

Beyond that, a lot of the side quests were unquestionably bad. I always hate doing the quests for the ladies in Marleybone, because it’s all just bringing hats and scarves to different places. One quest like that would have been fine. 

The moment when the Wizard had to chase Malistaire and Meowiarty during the prison break was pretty fun, although (as @calamity-callie​ pointed out) they immediately moved to an unrelated case in Knight’s Court instead of just continuing to ramp up for the Meowiarty fight. This makes the story seem kind of janky. Again, I would have preferred for both Malistaire and Meowiarty to have more of a presence in the story. 

✦ Setting and Lore ✦

Marleybone’s setting is a lot of fun, and I love how much it contrasts Krokotopia. While magic is deeply ingrained in Krokotopia (from the presence of the Balance school down to the colors of the Manders’ scales), Marleybone doesn’t practice magic at all. I like how dark the world is--it’s very fitting for a place that has so much turmoil. I definitely would have liked to see more of a variety in the specific locations though--Hyde Park, Chelsea Court, and Knight’s Court are pretty much the same, not to mention that 99% of the story takes place on rooftops. The lore is alright, but there’s not too much that I find to be super compelling--most of it is just Victorian English stuff + steampunk.

✦ Characters ✦

Sherlock Bones is kind of there, although he doesn’t really solve any interesting mysteries. The concept of Baxter was good--having a “guy on the inside” who could guide the Wizard--but he was a flat character. Meowiarty was probably the most compelling, but he didn’t have much of a presence. I would have liked the world to have much more of a mystery-based plot (as in, actual mysteries) that was focused on working with Sherlock Bones, Watson, and Baxter to find/stop Meowiarty and Malistaire. 

.·:·.✧ MooShu ~ F+ ✧.·:·.

✦ Plotline ✦

MooShu has always bothered me a lot, because it has little direct connection to the overarching story. Malistaire comes here, steals the Spiral Key from the Emperor, and then leaves before the Wizard even gets there. The Jade Champion was able to get the Spiral Key back right as Malistaire went through the door, but he did not give it to the Wizard because the Emperor must be the one to give it to us for some reason. Still, I really liked the concept of the different Onis affecting each area in different ways.

The side quests are… fine, I guess, although I did love the ones centered around the two lost lovers in the Ancient Burial Grounds.  

✦ Setting and Lore ✦

This is the first W101 world that stands out as being, uhhhhh,,,, NOT super PC. The accents, stereotypes, and blending of different Asian cultures is not a great look. If we’re able to look past that (which we shouldn’t), I honestly don’t really like look or aesthetic. There’s just a whole lot of brown and a whole lot of bamboo. Pirate101 MooShu is leagues better visually (although it has the same problems with reeeeeally problematic language and characters). I do like a lot of the lore though, especially concerning demons, the Spirit World, and religion. But yeah, I do wish that the setting had more relevance to the story as well. Malistaire wants an ancient magical text from Krokotopia--Krokotopia as a setting makes sense. The ancient text gets stolen by an England analogue and put in a museum--Marleybone as a setting makes sense. The Dragonspyre Spiral Key is kept in MooShu just for fun, I guess. We learn later that the Emperor of MooShu is a member of the Council of Light, so I guess it would make sense for him to have it, but they literally could have made him the Emperor of a world based on anything else and it wouldn’t have changed anything in the main, overarching plot. 

✦ Characters ✦

The characters sure do give you quests! They’re really good at telling you how to progress in the game. They absolutely tell you where to go to get XP. 

.·:·.✧ Dragonspyre ~ B- ✧.·:·.

✦ Plotline ✦

Dragonspyre’s plot definitely needed some work, as well. When we get there, we learn that Malistaire is in the process of summoning the Dragon Titan in the Headmaster’s Office, but the Wizard can’t get there until they can become a student at Dragonspyre Academy. So we, again, aren’t actively working against Malistaire, because he’s literally static the whole time--the Spiral would be screwed if the ritual took like five minutes. 

Despite that, some of the subplots in the different areas were pretty fun: going into the past to see the start of its end, learning lessons from its history in the Crucible, and hatching and raising a Drake (whom we never see again, which sucks). 

Like with MooShu, it would have been a lot more impactful to be actively fighting against Malistaire the whole time. In the other worlds, part of the tension comes from Malistaire’s minions attacking innocents. In Dragonspyre, the tension isn’t there because they’re all already dead. Still, if they had focused on this aspect (i.e., the Wizard is the only living person in a world full of ghosts and Malistaire’s minions), it could have been really impactful.

✦ Setting and Lore ✦

I love the premise of this world: a ruined city that was destroyed by a horrible, ancient power due to the hubris of its elite. Dragonspyre has one of the most in-depth histories out of all the worlds of the Spiral, and I love the blending of the cultures of ancient Rome/Pompeii and Russia + dragons. Plus, Dragonspyre Academy darkly mirrors what Ravenwood could become if Malistaire successfully summoned the Dragon Titan. 

However, similar to Marleybone, all of the different areas have the same buildings, color palette, and mood. I like the additions of areas that are based on ancient Roman structures (the Basilica, the Necropolis, the Forum, etc,), but it doesn’t really matter because they all look the same. 

✦ Characters ✦

Cyrus Drake is one of my favorite W101 characters. His character arc is really good, especially if you play as a Myth wizard. He’s tough on the Wizard at first, but I honestly think it’s because he doesn’t think this Literal Child should be sent to defeat Malistaire. 

Malistaire is alright as a villain, and I’m certainly glad he wasn’t a generic evil guy who wants to rule/destroy the world just cuz. I would have wanted him to have just a little something extra, though?? Morganthe is a necromancer who was once a student just like the Wizard, but her mind shattered after the Spider Magi showed her how to touch Shadows. Old Cobb is an elder god who wanted to end the Spiral and recreate it. Malistaire is… an old professor who wants to bring his wife back. I do like how it’s unique, but I would want there to be something more.

Besides them, the characters in Dragonspyre are once again very flat, although I am very gay for the Russian-accent soldier ladies. 

═══*.·:·.✧    ✦    ✧.·:·.*═══ 

Before writing this, I probably would have said that arc one was my favorite. Looking back, it has soooo many problems--writing isn’t exactly one of KI’s strong points lmao. I think that Wiz has some very creative ideas and premises, but sometimes the execution just isn’t the best. I definitely think that a lot of these problems were a result of crunch time, though. If they were actually given time to flesh out their ideas, I think that the game would have turned out much better in terms of storytelling and design. 

I’m thinking about making reviews for arc two and three, as I’d be really curious to see how they’d compare. They all have different strengths and different problems. Still, this game has been my favorite game since I was eleven, and it’s something that I will always come back to.

Image Sources

https://101universe.fandom.com/wiki/Wizard_City?file=Ravenwood.jpg

https://101universe.fandom.com/wiki/Krokotopia?file=Tumblr_n1e872SXlZ1tsc4dmo2_r1_540.jpg

https://www.swordroll.com/2013/05/Pirate101-Krokotopia.html

https://www.mmorpg.com/columns/wizard101-abigail-doolittle-is-the-true-villain-2000108162

http://www.edwardlifegem.com/2018/11/wizard101-questing-where-we-ended-up_14.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hGd5cDTxd0

https://finalbastion.com/wizard101-guides/w101-pet-guides/pets-dropped-mooshu-wizard101/

https://101universe.fandom.com/wiki/Dragonspyre_Academy?file=Dragonspyre_Academy.jpg

http://www.wizard101central.com/wiki/File:(Location)_The_Crystal_Grove.png#axzz6a4BqFgfv

#wiztober2020 #Wizard101 #w101 #spiral lore

[jenchwuq]

3, 6, 7, 21, 25, 38, for lauren!!

3. Did they have a good childhood? What are fond memories they have of it? What’s a bad memory?

Yes and no? Like poverty’s rough to grow up in, and she definitely went without a lot. But she was loved and happy so. At least there was that!

Some of her fond memories include weekly family dinners (although the term’s used loosely--not so much dinner as whatever time they were all available, sometimes it’d be at like 2 in the morning!!), they’d eat and play games, and it was a surprisingly wholesome time for the rough circumstances they were in. All the neighborhood kids carrying out elaborate games in the middle of the street. Exploring alleys trying to find/pet stray cats. Being a lil parkour daredevil. Rooftop sleepovers with her friends.

Bad memories, hmm, largely a matter of when her parents weren’t around. Riley worked crazy hours, which wasn’t her fault, just. The sad reality of being part of Night City’s working poor. And MG spent a lot of time unemployed so he’d typically be in charge of the kids, but when he was on a job (or just. disappearing off with friends -__-) they were on their own. One night in particular when they were seven and four, her and Valerie were home alone and someone (clearly tripping balls) started banging on the door and screaming out there trying to get in. She didn’t know what to do and was terrified. Also Valerie was completely freaking out and crying the whole time so. Eventually Riley got home, and founded them hiding under a bed scared out of their minds, and when MG finally got home they got in a huge fight and broke up. Not the best memory.

6. What were they like at school? Did they enjoy it? Did they finish? What level of higher education did they reach? What subjects did they enjoy? Which did they hate?

Not great, but then again she didn’t exactly get the best education. She skipped a lot and dropped out as soon as she was able. She’s also the sort of person who needs to work with her hands and keep her mind engaged, and sitting in a desk for hours a day was just. Not compatible with that.

Most of her learning was done outside of school, tbh. MG taught her how to fight, use weapons, and do badass nail art. And all of her technical expertise is from Riley, honestly, the woman was a genius (mainly because the factory she worked at underwent a major automation overhaul, but nothing worked the way it was supposed to and management never wanted to pay to fix it, so she had to figure it out herself or get fired. so she did). Also she learned a lot just from running around Heywood with her friends lmao. Just like. Current events. The way the world worked. Languages (actual knowledge, not just through translator apps). That sort of thing.

7. Did they have lots of friends as a child? Did they keep any of their childhood friends into adulthood?

She hung out with the local kids, and they were a pretty tight-knit bunch. But the older they got, the more the just sorta. Went their own ways. A lot of them either joined gangs or went corpo, and the rest just kinda got absorbed in their own lives. Sometimes she’ll still see someone around that she remembers from childhood, but. It’s more of a ‘wave and keep walking’ kind of situation, provided the also recognize her lmao. There were maybe a couple she still sometimes saw into adulthood, but then Valerie died and she just. Withdrew from everyone, and then lost contact when she went to Atlanta

21. Do they have a temper? Are they patient? What are they like when they do lose their temper?

She’s not one for angry outbursts, but in a way, yes. Honestly in her line of work, patience doesn’t always pay and you’ve gotta be pretty forceful. She’s actually fairly empathetic and good at reading situations, so. She’ll let herself show some compassion if the situation calls for it, but it rarely does, so generally she’s just really mean lmao.

25. What do they find funny? Do they have a good sense of humour? Are they funny themselves?

Her sense of humor is mainly centered around just. Absurdity of daily life, I guess. A little deadpan, a little dark. Like that one quest where you happen upon a guy with a certain. Malfunctioning implant? For the longest time, it’d pop into her head and she’d just be there laughing to herself. Like she didn’t wish him ill, and she’s happy that he. Got it sorted out and everything but. Big yikes. And she finds it hilarious.

She herself, however, is not particularly funny. Rarely one to crack jokes, and even when she does, they rarely land. But it’s a way she can sort of. Gauge where she stands with people lmao. She knew she and Jackie would be a good team when he laughed at her jokes. And way back in the day, she and Valerie could communicate solely through inside jokes. Basically, her humor is fairly niche, and you have to know her pretty well to pick up on it.

38. What do they admire in others? What talents do they wish they had?

The traits she values most in anyone are authenticity and a kind heart, which are rare, especially in Night City. And honestly she wishes she possessed both of these. Like on one hand, she should give herself more credit, but sometimes her own coldness horrifies her. And the persona of V is completely fabricated, and sometimes she really does feel as though her whole life’s a lie.

As far as talents go, she’d honestly love to have some sort of musical talent. An unexpected bonus to her and Johnny’s situation was being able to be in the backseat while he was playing. Living vicariously and all that.

#oc: lauren #thank you aidan!!!!

[crazyrandomfucker]

Marichat May Day 21: Fireworks

Summary:

Chat Noir and Kitty Noire decide to enjoy the night of Heroes' day with their civilian friends

-------------

After a hectic Heroes' Day filled with activites here and there and lot's of places and meetings to attend to, the four defenders of Paris are finally relaxing for a bit in a rooftop with views to Place de la Concorde. They chit-cat about their plans for the night activites of Heroes' Day and about what they had seen during the rest of the day. When the time comes, Lordbug and Ladybug stand up and leave early to meet some friends as they had already decided before. Some moments after the bugs are no longer in sight, the cats also stand up and leave the place, running with a certain destination in mind as they wager their tails playfully from side to side. They land perfectly at Marin's roof nd greet the twins who already were there drinking a cup of tea while waitng for Chat Noir and Kitty Noire.

"It's nice to see you" says Marinette.

"Busy day I guess" says Marin.

"You have no idea" says Chat Noir stratching a bit.

"But at last, we have some time to spend with our favourite civilian friends!" says Kitty happily.

"Do you know what events are going to happen tonight by chance?" asks Marin.

"Nope, it wouldn't be fair if only my Lady and My Lord were to be the only ones not knowing what's in store for tonight" says Chat Noir.

"One would think that the heroes would be informed of what would be going on during their day" points Marinette.

"Well, they want to make it a surprise for us, so I don't think that's bad" says Kitty.

"At least, we do know one thing for tonight, don't we sis?" says Marin looking to Marinette.

"Yes, we do know something" says Marinette.

"Huh? What is it?2 asks Kitty curiously.

"We know where will we be having dinner, because our parents decided to invite you two to have dinner" says Marin.

"Oh, but we wouldn't want to impose or anything" says Chat.

"My father has forgiven you for last time, you know?" says Marinette.

"And that's exactly another reason to refuse the invitation. It'd be so embarrassing" complains Chat.

"Oh come on brother, it would be rude to refuse the invitation" says Kitty making puppy eyes to convince Chat.

"There is some quiche, pizza and even focaccia among other things for tonight~" says Marinette taunting the catboy.

"O-Okay, we'll accept the invitation, but out of respect, this is definitely not because of the food" says Chat salivating.

Marin chuckles. "That would be much more convincing if your mouth wasn't as watery as it is right now" says Marin.

"Kids, supper is ready!" calls Sabine from downstairs.

"Shall we go then?" asks Marinette with a smile.

"Sure" says Kitty Noire.

The four of them went downstairs and the cats properly greeted Tom and Sabine as well of thanking them for inviting them to dinner, to which both adults just nodded and smiled happily. They all sat down around the dinning table and ate at their hearts content, especially Chat and Kitty since they were enamoured by the food. After singing some praises to Tom and Sabine for their food and for their bakery as well, Tom proposed to play a round of videogames with the cats to see how good they were. While they played, Tom and Sabine were complimenting the heroes for their achievements in fighting crime as well for their gaming abilities. In the end, Chat only managed to win once against Tom and Sabine beat them all mercilessly before Marin recieved a message from Alen about the night time activities.

"Look at all those activities" says Sabine impressed. "We could go to that night market in the ninth arrondissement, we might find something interesting".

"We're going ther then!" says Tom happily, but then he turns to the teens. "What about you kids? Is there somewhere you'd like to go?"

"Don't worry about the time for tonight" says Sabine to her children. "It's a festivity day and you're in good hands I believe".

"Should we maybe go and see this street performances near the Louvre?" proposes Marinette.

"That's fine for me" says Marin shrugging off. "Maybe we run into Alix and Alex thought" says as he looks at the cats.

"Don't worry Mar, we've got this covered" says Kitty smirking. "Remember that time you caught us as civilians?"

"Please, don't tell me that you're going to detransform" says Marinette worried.

"Worry not Marinette, this cats have thought of everything" says Chat. "As our civilian selves, we have the disguise you saw us on minus the sunglasses, but we also added these big plastic mask of our hero selves! No one will recognize us since lot's of people will be wearing heroes' masks".

"That's actually quite a good idea" recognizes Tom. "Will you be able to transform back in case anything happens?"

"Yes, we have a lot of cheese to bribe the things that power us up to behave and to transform us" explains Kitty.

"You need cheese to transform?" asks Sabine surprised.

"Unfortunately, yes. The smellier the better, that's how our kwamis like it" says Chat. "The kwamis are the ones who give us power and transform us and ours are cheese gluttons".

"Must be tough to mask the smell" says Marin.

"Don't even get me started with that. My classmates think I have an obsession with cheese" says Kitty.

"Oh, look at the time" says Marinette looking her phone. "We should maybe hurry up and get going if we want to get there early".

"Have fun kids" says Sabine waving as the teens rush to go outside.

Not much later, they get close to one of the allies nearby the Louvre and the cat-themed heroes detransform. As they had said, their outfits were nothing like the usual clothes they wear everyday and they had masks of themselves on, so not even Marin or Marinette could see their faces nor recognize them. Once the kwamis were fed and hidden, the gang run towards the permormance site and watched excitedly how different dancers moved at the rythm of hip-hop and some singers roasted eachoters in rap battles. During the performance, they met with the Kubdel twins as predicted, who were accompanied by Kim, Jin, Max and Mathilda. When the performace ended, they said goodbye and went to the next place, Eiffel's tower, where Jagged Stone was playing along with Clara Nightingale and the arising band Kitty Section.

Upon arriving to the entrance of the improvised enclosure where the concert was going to be held, someone pulled Marinette aside. It turns out that the one who pulled Marinette aside to get her attention was no other than Jagged's assistant, Penny. She told Marinette and Marin that since the three groups playing that night had some of their clothes tailored and designed by Marinette and Marin, they had a space reserved for them and any friends they brought with them. Between each concert, Jagged, Clara and Kitty Section paid a visit to the designers to have a chat, all of them happy to see their favourite designers assisting their concerts.

After the concert, they looked again at the night activities and selected one unanimously: Fireworks from the Seine. They went to an alley and Chat and Kitty transformed back into their hero identities to have some privileged seats for the show. They carried Marinette and Marin all the way to Notre Dame and sat in a hidden spot on the roof where the views of Paris and the Seine were amazing. There was still some time until the fireworks, so they relaxed a bit and talked about their everyday. Before the fireworks started, Kitty asked Marinette to change her place under the pretext of sitting next to Marin during the fireworks, while in reality her intentions where to make Mari sit with Chat to give them a gentle push, even if she definitelyappreciated spending such a romantic moment with Marin.

"Do we know the exact hour for te fireworks?" asks Chat Noir.

"They'll start anytime know" says Marinette looking at the horizon. "I'm quite excited to see them, they are always so beautiful".

"I doubt their beauty can hold a candle to yours thought" says Chat teasingly.

"You flirty cat" says Marinette rolling her eyes.

"I think maybe we should go somewhere else Kitty, because they seem to be about to kiss" jokes Marin.

"Indeed, who would have thught that tonight we'd become family" replies Kitty having fun.

"And when is your wedding then?" asks Chat Noir. "You two seem so awfully close to eachother".

"It was yesterday, I forgot to send you an invitation" replies Kitty sassily.

"Then mine too, because I don't remember you two being so close" teases Marinette as a payback.

"It must have been the mailm-" tries to says Kitty, but the fireworks lit the sky and all of their attention turns to the fireworks.

"Woah, so amazing" says Marin.

"It always leaves me with all this excitement" says Marinette energically. "I think I could lift Chat if I wanted to".

"She really gets into the mood" says Kitty Noire surprised.

"I never saw Marinette this excited since that time she found those super fabric rolls" add Chat.

Marinette blushes a bit awkwardy because all of their comments. "Sorry if I get too hyped by them" apologizes the girl.

"Don't worry Princess, it's cute to se you like that" says Kitty smiling.

"She took the words from my mouth" says Chat Noir. "Your cuteness' levels skyrocketed for a moment".

"Now, now. If you flirt with her that much I'll have to call you two in-laws" jokes Marin while Marinette hides her blushy face.

"You could call me something else if you wanted to Prince Charming" says Kitty winking at Marin.

"Okaay, time to stop" says Cat. "For real flirting you cn go somewhere else, kiss and whatever, but not in front of me please".

"Says the one who is holdig back the urges to cuddle with my sister" points Marin and Chat sits straight.

"I'm not holding any urges back!" says Chat blushing.

"It would be more convincing if you weren't blushing brother" points Kitty.

"Come on Kitty, let's give them some space to calm down and stop blushing like red lightbulbs" says Marin.

Kitty Noir picks him up bridal style. "We'll come back later, make sure to kiss a lot!" says Kitty smugly.

"I'm going to skin Marin fo that" says Marinette blushing.

"Same here Princess" says Chat Noir.

They fell into an awkward silence, stealing glances from one another but not uttering a single word. As MArinette shivered, Chat got closer to her and offered his Jacket for her, which she refused to accept and they ended up sharing it instead so neitherof them would freeze. They stayed like that for some time, simply sitting next to each other without speaking until it was time to go back home. Meanwhile, not much far away, Marin and Kitty Noire were truly enjoying the fireworks. After a quick confession from both sides, the sat together holding hands with their heads resting on Marin's shoulder. They had some chaste kisses, afraid of exploring the other's lips by the mere fear of scaring the other for going 'too fast'. But they enjoyed the fireworks, much like the blushing messes known as Marinette and Chat Noir.

#marichatmay2020 #miraculous ladybug #miraculous au #miraculous fanfic #Twins!Au

[agustdmono]

DIVERSION; knj Oneshot (M)

Pairing(s): Kim Namjoon x Reader

Summary: When Namjoon assigns you a mission to prove a point, he didn’t expect his underlying desires to get the best of him.

Word Count: 7.7K+

Genre(s): ONESHOT!Mature (18+), Smut, Mobster AU

Caution(s): Dom!Namjoon, drug use (for mission purposes), mentions of violence, unprotected sex, riding, belt restraint, name degradation, blowjob (slight face-fucking), daddy kink, overstimulation, ** Read at your own risk! ** ( •̀ω•́ )σ

Author’s Note(s): Lmao what is smut? Clearly, we can’t write it (we tried) HA ( ³⌓³).

Namjoon was occupied with keeping track of the shipment of weapons and members going in-and-out of their safe place. They were popping out of their cave-like hideout at a rate he knew that one slip up could make all of the difference. He and his crew had been roaming the public streets with little to no conflict for years now, and the last thing he wanted was to do was begin a bad reputation for himself. Being one of the well-known mobsters in the community, he had to ensure his enemies that he was the serious deal. For example: using his power and leverage to threaten others (and easily getting his way).

He recently made peace with one mob in another area. While they’re known as the Rising Suns―and Namjoon’s Jaded Dragons―somehow the two had been caught in a brawl with each other. It may have been due to both of their father’s and their underlying conflicts; that clearly taking a toll for the worst. Now, they’ve come up front with the situation, face-to-face, and decided to openly speak about it. The so-called “meeting” couldn’t have gone any better too. Namjoon was frank, leaving the other leader engaged. Facts were laid down before they shook their hands. On the other hand, though, the entire conflict wasn’t entirely solved, but it was a start. They both hoped each other for the best future endeavors.

While the previous interaction was still replaying in his mind, he wanted to find if there were any hints that seemed a little off. He was always taught to keep his guard up. And as he was letting his mind run, he caught himself watching you from the distance. He quietly observed you as you walked around, making sure there was nothing suspicious going on around you, but you didn’t know that. You were simply minding your own business: staying in check, reassuring you held a secure spot on his team. While you are apart of his group, known as the diversion, he made sure to keep an extra eye on you; especially since you were one of the few females that was exposed on mission grounds. To say he was protective was an understatement. His gaze followed you no matter where you went; until the sound of someone’s throat clearing snapped him back to reality.

“Hey boss,” Yoongi spoke. “They finally finished with the shipment, but their leader wants to have a little chat with you. His words, not mine.”

Namjoon found that unsurprising. After the major deal that the two finally accomplished getting passed, he only expected a one or two more interactions concerning where they stood. As he gazed to his employee, he made it seem like he was giving Yoongi his full attention. But actually, his eyes made their ways passed his head to take a look at you. Before officially diverting his attention to the other male before him, he let out a sigh and reluctantly nodded.

“Alright,” Namjoon began. “Thank you for informing me.”

Just before he thought that his acquaintance would make his way to his other duties, he was stopped by the sound, of what seemed like, a suppressed laugh. His eyes shot back at the being and furrowed his brows. It was nothing to hide when Namjoon was upset; but when it came to Yoongi, they acted more-so like brothers who constantly teased each other.

“Stop checking her out while you’re at it,” he snickered, nodding at your presence from the distance.

Yoongi then acted fast and walked away from Namjoon before he could respond to his little comment. Typical. He glanced over at you one last time, knowing he should be focused on someone else that was actually waiting for him, or really did acknowledge his existence. When you caught his eyes for one second, he motioned you to follow along to the meeting. Finally, as he gained all of his willingness to leave you out of his sight, he headed for the front gate of the hideout. Everyone was already gathered around the exit, keeping an eye on the opposing gang members. While anything could still go downhill, or this may be a ploy to just get The Jaded Dragons to simmer down, Namjoon and his gang knew that gameplay all too well. Namjoon then walked up to the leader and firmly shook his hand.

“So this will be the end of our war,” the man smiled, letting his eyes wander around everyone before Namjoon.

“And I look forward to what the future holds for the both of us,” Namjoon responded, crossing his arms over his broad chest.

“Let us know if you need anything. Don’t be afraid to ask.”

“Same goes for you,” Namjoon reassured.

He was decently pleased with their easy going conversation. Although the tension in the air could be cut with a blade, their offered favors made the atmosphere just a tad bit lighter. Everything was going smoothly and Namjoon had hope for their partnership so far, and he prayed that this would be something to last.

“Perfect…” he trailed off, letting his eyes trail over to you. Once he nodded in your direction, Namjoon glanced at you. “So is that girl available?”

As you were caught in the mix, you rolled your eyes at the comment. You didn’t know whether he was being funny or not, but you had to take any words―that came from anyone but your boss―seriously, on the level of enemies. As you divert your attention from the opposing team’s leader, you had to make up your time by letting your eyes wander around.

Namjoon’s eyes immediately darkened though, and you have yet to notice that. The rest of the people surrounding you both had definitely taken in his protective aura.

“My crew is never an option,” he stated, his eyebrows furrowed towards the center of his forehead.

“I’m kidding of course,” the man chuckled as he jokingly put his hands up.

After a few more words were exchanged before the male and his crew left the area. Namjoon let out a long sigh and dismissed everyone. Byes were exchanged between people while you gave Yoongi a quick hug goodbye and gave a small wave to Namjoon before you left to go home as well. Both of the two males just watched you gradually disappear out of sight.

“She gives you a hug while I just receive a small gesture,” Namjoon complained.

“You like her,” Yoongi stated.

“No, I don’t. I just think it’s unfair; especially when I’m her boss.”

Yoongi rolled his eyes and patted Namjoon on the shoulder before leaving. There really wasn’t anything that he could think to do at this point. All Yoongi knew was they Namjoon was someone who would always get what he desired.

You got called in by Namjoon and headed for his office. Normally, you didn’t have a problem whenever he summons for you, but after the whole ordeal with the other gang leader, you didn’t know how to feel. You tried convincing yourself that he was just really protective of his crew and not just you. He was your leader and you were just his subordinate. Finally reaching the door that led to his office, you knocked in a certain pattern to let him know it was you. You heard a faint ‘come in’ before opening the door for yourself and giving him a respectful bow.

“You called?”

“Yes. I have a mission for you,” Namjoon informed.

“I’m all ears.”

Namjoon loved that part of you. You never hesitated to take a mission; always keeping your mind open for him. Not to mention that your confidence is one of the key points that got you into his crew in the first place. You were thankful for that.

“We need you to be bait,” he checked your facial expression before continuing on. “There’s a huge event being held at the Emerald casino, and many powerful people are going to attend. You’re going to distract our target while we try to sneak Trazodone into his drink. He’s been cutting off our funds by threatening our sponsors. We’re just going to scare him a little.”

“Alright, just let me know when everything is set up,” you replied, shrugging at the simplistic mission.

You were dismissed after he told you to wait for the signal. As you were about to open the door, Yoongi pushed it open, causing you to be taken aback. The two of you briefly greeted each other before you headed out to prepare yourself for the upcoming mission. Right after you had removed yourself from his office, Namjoon debriefed Yoongi about the mission.

“So you’re going to make her seduce the target?” Yoongi gawked, knowing damn well that the idea didn’t sit well with Namjoon, himself.

“Yeah, problem?”

“You know we can just call Hoseok to snipe him down right?”

“I’m trying to prove a point.”

“Which is?” Yoongi asked with one brow raised.

“That I hold no feelings towards her whatsoever.”

There was a long pause before Yoongi lost his shit. His laughter could be heard through the thick walls, and poor Namjoon had to sit there in embarrassment. The only thing he thought to do was ignore it, making sure he wasn’t giving the kind of reaction Yoongi was looking for. With that, he assigned Yoongi to hold a position on the rooftops; just in case there would be a mishap. As the two of them continued to talk about the plan, going through the process to make sure that nothing could go wrong. As dawn approached, they both exited the office to get themselves ready. The only goal in Namjoon’s head was to prove that you were nothing to him that was more than a partner in crime.

You waited in the limousine that Namjoon ordered for you. By doing this, it indicated that you were one of the people who have such significance to their presence. He told you that it was necessary for you to make a grand entrance to the casino. You looked out the window, and you saw many politicians making their way towards the building. The chauffeur pulled up to the front on the walkway, giving you a full view of the carpet. You adjusted your dress a bit before stepping out of the vehicle, the breeze hitting your skin once you were exposed to the outside; as well as the people who also paved way for the doors. As you walked down the pavement, you felt the gazes that followed you behind. It was Namjoon’s fault for providing you a dress that fully exposed your back and a bit of your cleavage. The dress hugged your body in all the right places; which gave you a headstart with your mission. This gave you great emotion to hold up a grand facade. You had to walk up straight to look more posh, proving that you had the confidence to enter by yourself.

The casino was filled with a sea of people. You had to converse with the attendees to make it seem like you belonged there. As you talked to casually them, you scanned around the area in search of your target. Namjoon mentioned to you that he would be wearing a snake-shaped pin on his right-hand side. As you were talking to the mayor, you spotted a man heading for the bar. To determine whether he was your target or not, you slithered passed people in order to get a full view of their attire. Just then, getting a full view of his right side, you saw the snake pin on his suit. Thankfully, the mayor didn’t mind you leaving halfway through the conversation. You looked over your shoulder and offered him a meaningful bow; which he then dismissed as no big deal.

You followed the man to the bar, but you kept your distance. He already had a drink in his hand, but he seemed bored. This was a perfect opportunity to entertain him for a bit. You casually walked up next to him and ordered a martini from the bar. As he drank some of his beverage, he looked at you from head-to-toe. You took a sip of your drink and let out a sad sigh to act like you’re disappointed about something.

“What the matter?” he asked.

In your head, you applauded for yourself for getting his attention just like that. If only Namjoon saw how smooth the operation was going so far. You flashed him a sad smile to add more effect to the act.

“My date ditched me to network with people,” you told, leaning your chin against the palm of your hand.

“I wouldn’t mind keeping you company, doll,” he winked, taking a good look at your overall physique.

You wanted to punch the guy at that very moment; especially because his throat was exceptionally accessible, but you acted delighted with his words. You pulled some flirtatious moves you learned from those cliche movies, like lip biting, twirling the ends of your hair, and even looking away to make it seem like he made you nervous. 

Now that you’ve gotten his full attention, he placed his drink back onto the counter to face you. You hoped that one of your crewmates’ plans on sneaking the drug into his drink right about now. It was taking a little longer than you wanted it to, and you were irritated if you had to move it any further than this. As you guys fluently carried on the conversation, you saw a familiar figure move behind the male; their actions slick as they weaved through the crowd. Luckily, there weren’t many people around them to notice their hand hovering over the target’s drink. You watched as the pill dissolves into his drink, leaving the bubbles to rise up to the top. Once you noticed his eyes were at the beginning stages of suspicion, you wrapped your arms around his neck. By scooting closer in proximity to him, this was just to direct his attention to your facial features.

“You make great company,” you smirked, letting your eyes wander all over him. “How about I keep you company in your room tonight?”

The guy grinned widely and eagerly nodded. Of course, he wouldn’t think about what could possibly go wrong. He slid his arms around your waist and leaned in for a kiss, but you pressed your finger against his lips. 

Did he really think you were that easy or was he just plain out stupid?

“Save it for later,” you hinted, praying that this comes to an end soon enough.

He released his hold on you and gulped down the remaining of his tampered drink. From this moment―in about ten minutes―he will pass out, you noted to yourself. When the two of you left the casino area, away from the public eye, you took your time to stall whenever you could. You would pretend that your shoe got caught in your dress or you would act a little tipsy from your martini, so you slowed your steps, gripping onto his suit to pull him back as well. It was almost funny with how impatient and frustrated he was easily getting.

Once the two of you left the elevator, you were beginning to worry. Seeing at the dings passing each floor increased, there was a chance that he was on the upper-most floor. You were trained to not be stressed in situations like these, but there was no sign of him getting drowsy. He took out his hotel key and made his way towards his room. The door made a beeping noise to indicated that it was unlocked. He held the door out for you and you walked into the room while observing every inch with every step. Sure, you had faith in your team, but the moment you noticed no one was following you two, your doubts were at an all-time high. You looked both left and right, and you hadn’t seen anyone in sight. To calm yourself, you closed your eyes as you made your way into the room. 

You sat on the edge of the king-sized bed and leaned back to put your weight into your hands. As you held yourself up, you watched intently as he peeled off his blazer. Since you were still on the job, you were sure to keep your role in check. And when he began to unbutton his shirt, you debated if you should kick him in the balls and make a run for it. You gulped down your aggression before he dared speak further.

“We’re here to have some fun tonight, doll,” he attempted to seduce.

Just as he got to the last button on his shirt undone, there was a knock on the door. He groaned, losing his last bit of patience. After putting up with your act, he just wanted to get in your pants. The look in his eyes was hungry, and boy did you want to take the mission into your own hands. As he shuffled towards the entrance, he let out another annoyed sigh while covering up a decent amount of his torso. He disappeared out of your sight, but you began to relax into your seat when you heard a pained grunt, followed by a loud thud against the carpet. You quickly got up from your seated position and put your fists up in preparation for combat. But as soon as Namjoon came into your line of sight, you sighed in relief.

“Do you mind helping me clean up the mess?” he rhetorically asked.

“Do I even have a choice?” you amused.

Namjoon took some rope and duct tape from his belt already prepared to tie up the man. The two of you then dragged the unconscious body into the bathroom and left him on the cold floor. You knew that knocking him out while he had already ingested a drug would be a double whammy, so there was no chance that he’d wake up anytime soon, according to Namjoon. As you observed your superior, you also noticed the veins still prominent―from the single punch―through his skin. You examined his physical properties as he turned to shut the door. You shook your head to avoid looking distracted from your own boss’s attractiveness. It was against the rules, and you didn’t want to risk it; especially since you were on a crucial mission. Instead, you grabbed a chair and placed it against the handle to create a type of mechanism. It was to suggest that you had a general idea of what to do.

“Great job Y/N,” he complimented. “You did well.”

“Thanks, Joon,” you smiled. “Now I can go home and disinfect myself.”

With those words, it ignited something within him, causing a stir in his emotions. He went from stoke to frustrated in a blink. His hands balled into fists; which directed your attention to them as his sides. You were puzzled at first, and you would’ve asked him what was wrong; but when you felt yourself stumbling back because of him. You looked up to see that he caged you between his firm stature and the wall. You were surprised at the sudden act; especially because his hooded eyes underlined something like envy. It was the side of Namjoon you hadn’t encountered before, and you were sure that there was a reason for that. The way your heart was pounding was already distracting you from your thoughts. It was difficult for you to think correctly when his face was that in contiguity to yours.

“Is something wro-” you began.

“I saw you two,” he interrupted. “I was watching, and it pissed me the fuck off. Tell me, Y/N: where did he touch you?”

“Wait… You were the one who put the pill in his drink? I thought that was someone else was-”

“Forget about that and answer that damn question, Y/N.”

You were slightly intimidated by his dark aura. Usually, you’d see your boss as someone strict, but this was opposing.

“Just my waist,” you answered nervously. “It’s really no big deal, Namjoon.”

His hands made their way to your sides and you shivered. Pleased with your reaction, he pulled you in to close the gap between you two. You then looked into his darkened eyes, that were clearly full of lust, and you felt your knees buckle below you. He brought his hand up to your chin and leaned in for a kiss with his index finger and thumb guiding yours. At first, you stood there with your eyes wide in shock, but his lips were soft. You never thought you’d want them to leave yours. But when you felt that he was about to pull away, you quickly acted upon it by cupping your hands around the back of his neck to hold him still. And he was obviously surprised by your gesture, not expecting you to desire it as much as he did. Two can play it that way.

The kisses became more intense and sloppier as you both let your hands roam. He slowly led you to the bed with his mouth still on yours. You felt his hand travel to your back; until he found the zipper of your dress and pulled it down, leaving your bare back exposed. Just before you got on the bed, you let him drag the dress down your body―along with your black laced underwear―fall from your torso and onto the floor. Both of your eyes glanced down, but only Namjoon’s dared to stray even further. You peeked up at him, seeing that his tongue ran over his lips with excitement.

“No bra?” he questioned, raising an eyebrow and a lingering smile.

Before you could reply to him, you felt his body heat in your bubble. He gently pushed you onto the bed, and you landed back with your elbows digging into the white sheets. They were cold and uncomfortable, but the burn of his stare kept you warmer when you caught it. Even though you were still nervous, you knew it was out of pure anticipation.

“I’ve always wanted to do this,” he spoke as his hands glided down the curves of your physique.

His touch was warm and reassuring; which made your eyes trail down to where his skin touched your own. Goosebumps laid across your skin, praying that he would stop stalling and get going. His body hovered over yours and captured your lips once again. It was a chaste kiss, and you wanted it to last longer; but when you felt the fabric of his shirt, you knew you had to do something about it. If he left you like that, you felt like it like it was only fair for you to undress him as well. After you broke away from the kiss, your fingertips danced from a button to button on the way down his front side. By finishing your task of undoing the last one, you helped him out even further by pushing it off of his shoulders. You took the matter into your own hands to toss it somewhere, making sure it wasn’t something that could get in the way. As soon as you caught each other’s eyes again, his lips instantly reattached to yours. You two moved in sync with one another while you let his hands gradually wrap around your wrists. By feeling the dominance building up with his frustration, he immediately took control of your actions. Before you could make any further movements or gestures, he held your hands over your head, leaving him in charge of what was to happen next.

“Did you like it when he touched you, slut?”

“N-No.”

“No?” Namjoon mocked, hinting that he yearned for something more.

“No,” you repeated while feeling the next round of shivers running down your exposed skin. “Daddy.”

He then smirked at the nickname; feeling impressed with your ability to take the guess.

“Say it one more time for me baby girl,” he whispered into your ear.

Before you could comply with his request, you felt his other hand glide down your body. You watched his every move as if you could do what you pleased to him, but he was already nearing your heated core. You bit the bottom of your lip, trying not to let out a moan this early. The grin on his face was evident when he saw you squirm beneath him, knowing he had you in the palm of his hands. You then stared at his touch with your lips parting for the impatient sigh. You hated how much a minimal touch from him could do to you, but you also enjoyed experiencing his reaction. As he pressed his fingers against your clit, he began to rub in circular motions. You could tell that he knew what he was doing when he hummed out a single tone. While his touch eased into you, his eyes gazed up to your face with a curious brow. All he wanted was to see more reaction out of you.

“I didn’t hear you say it yet,” he taunted.

“D-Daddy,” you stuttered, a greater flush of red prominent across the apples of your cheeks.

Satisfied with your obedience, he rewarded you by inserting two fingers inside of you and beginning to pump in and out, keeping his pace gentle and slow. Though his motions were unhurried, your eyes eventually rolled back from pleasure. The room was filled with the sound of your moans; which was practically music to his ears. You didn’t even think to note the walls and their thickness, but then again, that was the least of your worries.

“You’re so wet,” he hissed with his attention focusing on your center. “Did he turn you on that much?”

You were shocked at his words, and you didn’t hesitate to shake your head. If anything, you thought that any of your answers would possibly cause him to stop and tease you.

“Use your words, slut.”

“No,” you yelped. “For you... I’m so w-wet for you.”

As he continued to find pleasure with your honesty, he proceeded to draw circles with his fingers against your sensitive spot. Occasionally you would arch your back, hoping he would give you some kind of ease out of his grip. It was no use; seeing as the strength in his one hand remained unmoved. Although the pleasure was amazing, you’d also find yourself closing your legs around his hand from the remarkable amount of sensation.

“Keep ‘em open from me, baby,” he demanded, his hot breath hitting the crook of your neck.

“I need y-you,” you said, trying to break out of his hold. “Please.”

He didn’t let you touch him from the beginning, and you thought too highly if you would get that chance. When he felt you fight against his hold, an idea set off in his head. He moved away from you and unbuckled his belt. You sat up nervously, wondering what he was going to do to you. As the belt passed through the final loop of his slacks, he advanced towards you and placed his knee in between your legs.

“Are you okay with me using this?” he wondered, adjusting the belt in his hands, feeling a little unsure of how you would react.

While being embarrassed, you were also open-minded. With that, you just nodded your head, not minding the idea at all. In fact, you were excited; especially because you were going to experience it with someone who you trusted. One thing you couldn’t help but think about was the way he cared about how you felt. If anything, you felt more relaxed at the thought of that. As he shuffled behind you, the sound of the metal frame rang in your ears. Once he made his way around you, you knew you couldn’t help but let your eyes wander after him. The way he slowly made his way to your backside and worked his fingertips to trace over your wrists drove you absolutely crazy. He was gentle while the fastener was tightened: just enough to restrain you from freeing yourself.

When he finished the job, you saw Namjoon move back to the edge of the bed. He stood before you as he fumbled with the button of his pants. All you could do was watch him, your eyes fighting your thoughts of doing it for him. Out of habit, you closed your legs tightly, showing him how the ache between your legs caused you such agitation. As you glanced up to him, you noticed how he motioned you to get on your knees.

“Knees. Now,” he demanded.

You froze at his booming command. Eventually, you gathered the courage to obey him. Once you did, you looked up passed your eyelashes and waited until he did something. Since your hands were tied behind your back, he grabbed onto his waistband and pulled down his boxer-briefs. In awe, you followed his cock as it sprang out right in front of you. You licked your lips already wanting to get a taste of him. But without trying to get too ahead of yourself, you waited for any other instructions.

“Suck.”

You swallowed down your nerves and proceeded to wrap your mouth around his tip. You wanted to start off little by little, still making sure you watched his reactions. As you gradually took in his entire member into your mouth, you let his cock hit the back of your throat once. From then on, you began to bob your head back and forth. His moans could be heard throughout the room, and you felt your confidence rise with that assurance. He then grabbed a fist full of your hair to hold you steady, preventing you from going anymore. That’s when he decided to take the scene into his own hands and began to thrust into your mouth. You could feel his cock hit the back of your throat with every jolt forward. You tried not to gag, but you couldn’t stop the tears from forming at the corner of your eyes. As he pulled his cock out of your mouth completely, you hissed in to make sure not too much saliva wouldn’t escape onto the carpet. Seeing you like the mess you were, he let out one last moan as he felt that he was going to cum.

“You’re nothing but a cockslut to me,” he insulted, holding up your chin with his index finger.

He pulled you by the arm to lead you to the couch. He plopped down on the cushion and pulled you onto his lap. With his help, you placed your knees on each side of his legs with your entrance already aligned with his hard cock. You slowly lowered your weight onto his member to let the tip pass your folds. Still, with your hands tied behind your back, you felt your fingers twitch with frustration. You just wanted to take him under your control. It was almost as if he were teasing you when he just sat back and watched you concentrate all by yourself. All while you were doing as you desired, Namjoon tilted his head off to the side to get a fuller view of his cock slipping into you.

“Fuck,” he breathed. “Keep going…”

With no other ands, ifs, or buts, you paced yourself to take all of him in. Still sinking yourself, you knew your jaw would slack open from the wave of lightning down your spine. Even with your great balance on top of him, there were times you felt surges of pleasure out of nowhere; which then you would begin shaking. You hadn’t even started pleasing him to the fullest by increasing your speed and showing your potential; yet, you felt as if you could melt. Not only was the atmosphere around the both of you swallowing the tension, but the sudden feeling of his warmth running along your sides drew you to let out a suppressed sigh. Now feeling back of your thighs touch the top of his, you peered over your lower appendage to watch his cock disappear and reappear in and out of your pussy.

As you continued with your mediocre pace, the strands of your hair fell in your vision. But when you realized you couldn’t help yourself with it, you tried to flick it off to the side to get the view. Namjoon eventually saw that as a cue to assist you. He grazed his hand across your shoulder blade to push it away for you. Once you could see him clearly in your view once more, you shot him a devious smirk, biting down on your bottom lip. Gladly, he granted you a smile of his own. With his hands snaking around your waist to pull closer. You made a spur of the moment decision to test the waters and roll your hips. You saw that he had thrown his head back with great pleasure. It was a true feeling of triumph and gladness to see that you made him that way. If you wanted to, you could take that reaction for granted and go even further. When you were about to alter your movements into something more effective, you heard his deep tone complimenting you.

“You ride Daddy’s cock so well.”

“Only for you,” you responded with your pace still similar.

“Don’t stop baby.”

You would try to stop yourself every now and then to make sure you wouldn’t cum without his permission. It was just the feeling you got from Namjoon: the dominance and order he wanted things to run. By just looking at him, you could feel the high in the pit of your stomach bubbling within you. As you felt the pressure increasing in your pelvis, you unconsciously slowed your pace down. It was gradual, and you didn’t think he would take notice of it. But there was a halfway point from stopping completely that you closed your eyes. You felt your breath getting heavier as you lazily pleased him. Just before you could conjure up the rest of your remaining energy, you felt your legs tremble above him, causing a sudden stop with your deed. It was like you hadn’t gotten even a second to take a breath. At that split moment, the feeling of his fingers digging into your skin made your eyes shoot open. You glanced down to yourself before he decided to abruptly thrust into you. You were glad that he took charge of the rest, but you didn’t know how much longer you could hold up.

“F-Fuck, D-Daddy,” you stuttered. “It feels s-so good.”

And then, after you praised him in the slightest, a chorus of differently pitched grunts exerted passed his lips.

“Beg for Daddy,” he groaned, making sure his pace didn’t sway.

“P-Please, Daddy,” you whined, as your body began to weaken.

“Use your words and tell me what you want, slut.”

“Fuck m-me,” you begged, rolling your hips once more to show how much you wanted him so bad. “I want you to fuck me so hard...”

He gritted his teeth when you did that.

“I’m gonna fuck you until you can’t walk, baby girl.”

He couldn’t hold himself back anymore. Instead of staying on the couch, he needed something bigger to make sure you could undergo the best. All of the sudden, his thrusts had stopped, and the next thing you knew, you were being lifted up. He hooked his hands behind your thighs; which caused you to let out a squeal as he carried you to the bed. With his cock still inside you, you let out a postponed moan.

Only seconds after, your back hit the bed, where you initially were. The shadow of his silhouette was hovering to take in a full view of you. Thinking that he would carry on with a missionary position, he grabbed one of your legs and placed on top of his shoulder. You lifted your head to take a look at the intimate position he put the both of you in. Just by the sight of how vulnerable you were between the bed and him caused you to release another loud moan; which sounded more like a scream. Taking that his cue, he began to thrust deeper into you, not taking any second for granted. Once he started, it was like your entire body was being pushed into the mattress with no remorse. You just felt his cock continuously hitting your g-spot, not missing a single turn. There were no words for the amazement; instead, your head sinking into the cushion.

“I-I’m gonna cum,” you barely uttered.

Due to how aroused you were, every inch of your body fell weaker, and you could feel the pit of your stomach reach your limit. His pace was brutal, leaving no more room for you to breathe.

“Cum all over Daddy’s cock,” he groaned, letting his pace slow down; therefore, making each of his last thrusts count.

“F-Fuck, D-Daddy!” you screamed.

You felt yourself instantaneously let yourself go when he pushed himself inside of you and staying there. Just as you thought it was over, you felt a sharp tug on your hair. Your entire face was pulled forward as he assertively spoke to you.

“I’m not done with you yet,” he huffed. “I still need to cum inside of you.”

Before you could answer him, your thoughts were interrupted when he flipped you over. With your back and tied wrists facing him, his dick easily slipped inside of you. You could hear the wet noises coming from your soaked pussy every time he thrust into you. Your entire core was over sensitive after already cumming, and you could feel your center becoming heated all over again. The break between your high and him continuing was enough to get you moaning even louder and consistently.

“Already cumming again?” he jeered.

Since you wanted to take in all of the pleasure you could, it was hard for you to answer him. All you could remember was letting out your pleased tones with every push and pull he had in him. And once he grabbed your hips and pulled you onto him, he cursed under his breath. That’s when his pace and strength increased, controlling your body in his hands. As if you thought that was the furthest he could go, you were wrong. You could feel him getting deeper into your pussy; and luckily the ache between your legs fading when you clenched around his cock, finding that to be something to aid you with the overstimulation. As he let out a groan though, he continued to pound into you, but your stamina wasn’t good enough to keep that trick going. He knew the pleasure was so much for you to bear; especially when he saw your hands balling into fists behind you. It was when your knuckles turned into a paler tone that he barely decreased his speed.

“I w-want you to f-fill me up with your cum… ” you moaned, your cheek pressed against the sheets.

“You want to be Daddy’s cumslut now?” he hummed.

Without waiting for an answer, Namjoon leaned over you. He was slipping his hand in front of your pussy to stimulate you even more. With your clit being rubbed and his thick cock both doing their job, you knew you were close once again.

“Scream for Daddy,” Namjoon whispered into your ear. “I want him to hear who you belong to.”

“Fuck!” you shouted. “Oh my- I’m gonna cum again!”

“I want him to hear who you belong to… Louder.”

“F-Fuck, N-Namjoon!” you shouted even louder as you released onto his cock.

Right when he heard his name come out of your mouth, that was his cue to release at the same time. He loved it whenever you said his name; especially in this kind of scenario of course. As his pace slowed down, you relaxed your entire being on the bed. You knew that you were unintentionally cursing more than usual, but they came in whispers. Once you could feel him pull out while hearing his breathlessness, you sighed. Right when you lazy looked over your shoulder, you felt his fingers fumbling with the restriction around your wrists.

You hadn’t realized how long you two were at it, but when you looked out passed the opaque curtains, you cleared your throat to note it. As you pushed yourself up from the bed, you sounded on your back again. Your eyes met the plain ceiling once you collected any of your thoughts. It was like Namjoon drained you completely, but you weren’t complaining. And when he helped you get back onto your feet, he didn’t think twice about grabbing your attire and getting you ready before dressing himself. It was thoughtful and unexpected out of him because the way he was acting during your rendezvous would say otherwise. It was the first time you two had expressed your attraction towards one another, and you were already wondering if it would affect on both of your work ethics.

When you opened your mouth to speak, the both of you heard muffled screams coming from the bathroom. Namjoon looked back at you with a shy sheepish smile; which you kindly returned. You held yourself in a hug as you also followed behind him.

Namjoon removed the chair from underneath the doorknob to open the door slowly. The man was wide awake, and you could see the terror in his eyes after he saw the two of you standing in the doorway. You were unfazed by the scene since it wasn’t out of the ordinary, but Namjoon walked up to the guy’s side and kneeled to make sure they were eye-level.

“I let you off easy this time, Mr. Yukimura,” Namjoon warned, giving his face light and playful slaps. “You don’t want to be caught again by me.”

The man didn’t move a muscle after hearing Namjoon’s threat. His expression displayed no mercy or remorse for the man; which was even more terrifying. Taking one last look at the male, both you and Namjoon left the scene and locked the bathroom door from the outside again. He let out a long sigh and rubbed his temples. You were still trying to regain your energy from the whole ordeal that just happened not too long ago.

After a couple of minutes, the two of you walked out and headed for the exit of the casino. Namjoon was silent; which made you worry. You trailed behind him, hoping to avoid confrontation for what had gone down not too long ago. The atmosphere between you two was making you anxious, and you were dreading the ride back to the hideout. You watched as he made a quick phone call for his chauffeur. You could hear the cars driving by and people chatting with each other, but Namjoon’s silence overpowered the noises. You stood behind him, making sure he was still within your reach.

What felt like hours, with the burning silence, was only minutes when the car came into view. You silently screamed in your head because you weren’t ready to face the awkwardness that was about to come. Namjoon opened the door for you, his head hung low, and you slid onto the black leather seating. Before Namjoon could enter, you made sure you sat as close as you could to the door. And when he did enter the vehicle, the chauffeur raised up the partition and started driving. You knew this is the perfect opportunity to talk about what happened, but you’re stubborn. You simply crossed your leg over the other and looked out of the tinted window.

“Was I that bad?” he spoke up nervously.

Your eyes widened at the comment. You turned your head around to see that Namjoon’s hands were in his lap. He was playing with his fingers and rings like someone shy: definitely not who you encounter in the hotel room. It was the first thing he said to you afterward, and you really could not believe what had just come out of his mouth.

“No!” you exclaimed, shaking your head with reassuring hands. “You just- you weren’t talking, so...”

“And you weren’t either.”

“Well shit,” you chuckled, your eyes wandering down as well.

There was a slight pause after your quick conversation. You both looked away, smiling about each other and then peek back at the same time. You felt your smile growing wider as Namjoon did the same, ending with both of you laughing. He reached over to you and casually pulled you onto his lap. You pressed your lips together and made sure to catch his eyes. When he looked up at you, he planted a quick kiss on your lips. There was a swarm of butterflies that appeared in your stomach to feel the gentle gesture. You wrapped your hands around his neck as you rested your forehead head against his. You could definitely get used to these moments with him.

“So you’re mine right?” he timidly asked.

“I thought we already established this in bed, no?” you smirked.

You and Namjoon were monitoring the incoming shipment that came from the Rising Suns. You stayed by his side for the time being since there was nothing suspicious going on at the moment. And at the corner of your eye, you could see Yoongi approaching. He greeted the two of you and updated Namjoon about Mr. Yukimura and his escape from the hotel room. There were smiles that were exchanged, finding amusement with the event that took place. It was all the same thing just like how every day should be: organized and running smoothly. Since the incident, he never attempted anything that would harm the Jaded Dragons.

“I’m happy you guys finally got together, by the way,” Yoongi nodded approving. “But maybe turn your mic off next time, Joon.”

With that, he patted the boss’s back before walking out of the area as quick as he could. It seemed to always be a habit of his, making sure that Namjoon wouldn’t be able to say anything. You didn’t know how to react at first, but when you saw Namjoon looking right at you with his eyes wide open, the two of you exchanged glances, only for the both of you to turn away with humiliation.

“I feel bad for you,” you snickered, trying to mask your embarrassment. “Now everyone knows you have a Daddy kink.”

#bts fanfic #bts smut #namjoon smut #namjoon fanfic #bts x reader #bts fanfiction #bts oneshot #bts smut oneshot #bts au #namjoon fanfiction #namjoon smut oneshot #kim namjoon #bts #bts scenarios #smut

[thecauldroncake]

Wish upon a star (A Bucky Barnes One Shot)

Fandom: Marvel’s The Avengers

Pairing/s: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Warning/s: None, I guess. Fluff imho?

Word Count: 1,702

A/N: Hi! This is a belated Christmas and an advance New Year gift to all of us Bucky lovers and for Bucky himself cause he deserves so much love! Extending my apologies in advance for any grammatical/spelling errors. Love lots!

The whole tower was beyond excited when they heard the news from Bruce about an upcoming meteor shower. Sure, the Avengers have been to places in and out of the planet and basically have a literal god from another planet as a member of their roster but that doesn’t mean you and the rest of the gang will let the moment pass.

Tony prepared the headquarters’ rooftop with drinks, junk foods, blankets and a fireplace to make everyone comfortable as the universe shows its marvelous work to humankind. Steve has his arm resting on Sharon’s shoulders as they occupied one of the couches. Nat, Bruce, Pepper and Tony occupy the larger couch together, with Nat face timing her best friend Clint who’s in the farm house with his family also waiting for the event to happen. Vision and Wanda preferred the other love couch meanwhile Peter and Sam decided to seat on Maria’s sides in the extendable sofa.

Realizing another love couch is the only one left for you to sit on, you tried to think first if anyone’s missing a spot since you thought it would be better to just lay on the couch for two if it’s only you who’ll be using it, after only realizing that one member is missing: Bucky.

“Hey Cap, where’s your friend?” You asked.

“Oh, I’m not sure. I did tell him about tonight though, not sure if he forgot or he just doesn’t want to go…” Steve answered scratching the back of his neck. “Fine, I’ll just go check on him.” You pushed yourself up to go with your task at hand.

“FRIDAY? Where’s Bucky?” You asked the headquarters’ resident AI as you realized you’re about to head down the headquarters without actually knowing where he is.

“Sergeant Barnes is at–”

“I’m here, doll.” You saw the brunette super soldier appearing from the staircase. He’s wearing a gray sweatpants and a black shirt totally leaving very little for your imagination as his physical features are delicately wrapped by the said clothes.

“Hey, Buck. We thought you forgot about the get-together.” You smiled at him just in time for you to save yourself from embarrassment if he caught you staring at him, which he reciprocated with the same gesture.

“How can I? Steve can’t stop babbling about it.” Bucky’s eyes lit as he heard your soft giggles. “Come on, doll. We might miss the show.” You felt how his warm flesh hand softly rest on your lower back, lightly pushing you back from where you came from.

Upon reaching the rooftop, it’s when you realized that you’ll have to share the love couch with Bucky. You thanked the heavens that it’s dark and hoping he wouldn’t notice the blush powdering your cheeks right now. Unnoticed by you, Bucky pulled the pillow resting on Sam’s head as you two passed their couch until the Falcon literally just shout his annoyance out.

“Hey, mister centenarian, that’s my pillow!” Sam tried to yank the pillow from Bucky’s metal hand but to no avail.

“Buck, there are lots of pillows over your couch.” Steve exasperatedly commented.

“Oh, fine.” He threw the pillow back to Sam, hitting the latter square on his face. “God, that was satisfying.” He looked down at you to notice you biting your lips, trying not to laugh.

“Doll, those soft lips may bruise.” That’s when you realized his magnetic sky-colored eyes looking directly at your Y/E/C ones before looking back to your lips. You can’t help but to free your lips it and look down. “Is that our seat?” You noticed his metal hand pointing to the love couch.

“Oh, yeah… But if you don’t–”

“It’s perfect.” Now, it was his metal hand on your back. The moment you approached your designated couch, Bucky made his move to make sure you’ll be positioned to his right side, probably not wanting to annoy you with his metal arm. Unbeknownst to you, he also got some chips from your mini trip as you guys passed the table.

“Aren’t they beautiful?” Your attention was caught by Pepper and you all focused your vision towards the clear night sky which is now painted by the raindrop-like falling stars. “They are, babe.” Tony answered him before kissing Pepper’s temple.

“Buck, remember back in the days I would always wish on them and you would scoff on me telling me it’s not true?” Steve commented, you felt Bucky squirm a bit to move forward and to be able to answer Steve better who’s nearer from your side. As he moved, his flesh arm immediately rested on the back of your neck and his hand resting right at the edge of your shoulder. “Well, you’re pretty much a big believer for those.” Bucky chuckled.

“Hey, you guys truly speak like your ages!” Maria commented, earning laughter from all of you. The rest of you then fell in a comfortable silence and you realized most of your friends are starting to wish with their heads down and hands holding together like praying, you then proceeded to wish as well.

1. Safety and good health to all of your loved ones, including the Avengers.

2.–

You were about to say in your mind your last wish when you felt the cold breeze touch your skin and therefore leading you to sneeze. As you were about to untangle your enjoined hands to take the nearest blanket, you felt a soft piece of blanket snaking and enveloping your body.

“You fine, doll?” Without looking back at you, Bucky has his flesh hand which rests on your shoulder pushes you nearer him and run it up and down your arm to create friction and lessen the cold. “Thanks Buck.” Forgetting your unfinished wish, you carefully look at Bucky’s side profile and noticed how beautiful his jaw is from this side and how more manly his facial hair made him. His locks of hair which escaped the confinement of the man bun you’re sure he made himself holding his face perfectly. His eyes, god his eyes are pure blessings. Even without looking at you, his cerulean pools seem to sparkle every time you see them, and this time it’s no different, and not even the darkness of the night sky can hide it from you.

That’s when you realized Bucky haven’t made any wishes yet.

“Buck, you ain’t gonna wish?” He then finally looked at you, his eyes filled with curiosity and something you can’t pinpoint which.

“Nah doll, I don’t believe in them even back in the days.” He answered you with a light smirk. It’s not a smug-like one though, just something that probably he made to assure you that it isn’t a big deal.

“Come on, just try even one?” You cooed him to submission. Making Bucky do things he hasn’t felt satisfactory in your part, most of them being the things he have missed for the past seventy years. It had become a game to you and Steve (Yes, that Steve! It was funny at first, since Steve himself hasn’t known a lot compared to you but the guy sure is competitive. But he totally surrendered to you when you made Bucky play Just Dance in just one try, meanwhile when Steve first introduced the game to his best friend, Bucky didn’t talk to him for two days straight.), so you made it a mission to make Bucky feel alive again.

“Fine, doll.” The warmth of his flesh arm and hand left your side and the back of your neck as he entwined both his metal and flesh hands into a praying position. You watched him carefully as his eyes closed in full concentration. Reality hits you when his eyes fluttered open a few moments and looked back at you. It made you release a breath you didn’t know you’ve been holding since his beautiful eyes shut minutes ago.

“So, what did you wish for?” Querying him, you noticed how his flesh hand didn’t go back to where it was. Trying to hide the sadness, you pulled a smile.

“I remember being told that wishes should remain secret in order to come true.” He answered, his smile is genuine.

“Oh…” Quite disappointed again, you just nodded in understanding and looked back to the meteor shower in front of you just like everyone.

The meteor shower ended after 20 minutes or so, you’re not sure but you definitely did enjoy it. The disappointment was washed away by the beautiful falling stars but they easily came back when the rest went for the night and left you alone; or maybe when you thought you were alone.

“Doll,”

“Bucky?” You were standing and leaning on the rooftop’s railing for support while looking at the city’s night sky when he called you. You turn your body to face him, only for him to rest both his hands on the same railings, encaging you with his arms.

“I wanted to test it.” He said, his eyes plead of sincerity and gentleness; you’re immediately enticed by its breathtaking gaze.

“Test what?”

“If wishes from shooting stars do come true…” Then you just felt his flesh hand reaching for your chin, his forefinger tilting your chin up while his thumb caresses your cheek, you can feel his thumb going lower until it rests to your lower lips.

“May I, Y/N?”

All you did was smile and it’s all he needed.

His lips are softer and sweeter than you ever imagined. You love how his kiss isn’t rough nor needy, it was sweet, gentle and sincere, just like his smile a while ago. You felt his metal hand support your lower back and your hands slowly rest on his sturdy, warm chest.

“I guess I’m stupid for not believing in Steve all these years.” He can only smile like a child upon his realization. “So, will you go out on a date with me, Y/N?” He then seriously asked.

“Of course, Barnes.” You then felt him softly pushing you nearer to him again, hugging you gingerly this time. You can only think of thanking your lucky wishing star for answering your last wish even you haven’t finished wishing for it: Happiness.

#bucky barnes #james buchanan barnes #bucky barnes fanfic #bucky barnes oneshot #bucky barnes x reader #the avengers #the avengers fanfic #steve rogers #bucky barnes x oc

[kxllingjoke]

Lightheaded/fainting starters meme | Accepting | @lcstkey​

   (  ❝When’s the last time you slept?❞   )

Was there an honest way to answer this question without worrying the other in the slightest?? His mind began to ponder upon his recent events in order to answer this question. Just last night he's spent the majority of it on a 'manhunt' so to speak. Looking for an engineer that gang was after because of his poor judge of character when loaning money, the night before that he spent at maid cafes looking for the right girl that may have known a young man that's gone missing, the only clues were that he'd often visit maid cafes so Akira figured one of the maids might know where he might have gone last. Then the night before that he's spent majority of his day upon residential rooftops in costume looking for a specific cat that belonged to a little girl.

Akira could try and try but majority of his days were filled doing rather dangerous assignments or rather unorthodox tasks for everyday people, so the concept of sleep was lost on him when considering he still needed to wake up for class. The male sighs, raising his glasses ever slightly to rub the bags under his eyes. “I can't even answer that question.” He finally spoke up towards the female before letting out a soft yawn passed his lips. “If I had to estimate, I've probably had six hours of sleep about two weeks ago..that was the most I've ever gotten.”

The male then tucks both his hands into his pocket whilst glancing towards the female. Though, it was nice to see that she actually cared..or was a bit concerned for him. “Thanks for caring though, but I promise sometime soon I'll actually get a full night's sleep.” It definitely was not going to be the upcoming night considering there were things he needed to take care of.

#◤✠: ANSWERS ━ PING✉. #◤✠: IN CHARACTER ━ There's something else. #you can continue if you want #lcstkey

[renaroo]

Double Time (10/24)

Disclaimer: Red vs Blue and related characters are the property of Rooster Teeth. Warnings: Language, Canon-typical violence Pairings: Tuckington, Chex Rating: T Synopsis: [Hero Time Sequel] After the events of Hero Time, the city and Blood Gulch are prepared for the true return of superheroes in a big way. But while Washington is attempting to adjust to a new relationship and a new living arrangement, the call of new heroes and a new mayor mean major changes for his professional life as well as his personal one. How will the balance of values fare when his new partners come to test everything he’s made of.

A/N: Who’s ready for things to get SAPPY in here? I am. I’m totally read for some more sap. Which is why I wrote it. ;P 

Special thanks to @analiarvb, @secretlystephaniebrown, @thepheonixqueen, @ashleystlawrence, @washingtonstub, @imagentmi, @a-taller-tale, @icefrozenover, @matt-you-got-this, @notatroll7, and Yin on AO3 and tumblr for the wonderful feed back! I truly appreciate it more than you know.

All On His Own

When Wash usually opened the door and was met by Church’s unimpressed expression, he was a swath of emotions ranging from mutually annoyed to exhaustedly accepting. 

On that rarest of nights, Wash was relieved and -- more than even that -- had been the one to call up the annoyed former super villain himself.

“I hate babysitting,” Church reported immediately, shoving past Washington without even bothering to shut the door behind him.

“I know,” Wash replied, taking the time to shut the door. 

“Junior hates me babysitting even more,” Church continued, turning and giving a level glare toward Wash. “Like, I’m pretty sure that little demon is big enough now that if I was organic in any way he’d just eat me and be done with it.”

Wash let the rant run its course and began gathering the rest of his gear and putting on his visor. Junior murmured angrily and chewed on the edge of the couch in agitation as he watched get ready to leave him. 

“Does Tucker know that you’re talking to me without him forcing you to?” Church asked testily, looking through the fridge for beer. “He might get jealous or something else disgusting.”

“Pretty sure he’d just consider it a breakthrough and annoy us both,” Wash replied dryly. He stopped by the couch where the supremely upset Junior leered at him. He offered an apologetic smile and then held out his fist for a bump.

With a small chatter, Junior complied, apparently willing to allow all transgressions to melt away so long as his hero worship could continue.

“I don’t get why you’re doing this,” Church said, leaning against the kitchen island with his beer. Like he always did despite his inability to drink with nothing but a robotic gullet. “I mean, I’d personally quit the hero business after getting my ass handed to me on national television by a single dude with a shitty costume.”

“Black’s intimidating,” Wash replied, looking toward Church with a raised brow. “I guess you’d have been more impressed if he was wearing a florescent wig and bought the rest of his gear from Hot Topic.”

Church had the gall to look offended and waved to his chest and the Ursula sweatshirt that Wash was just about sick of seeing. “This is official Disney merchandise!” 

“Right,” Wash replied. “In any case, getting my ass kicked, as you say, is exactly why I’m going out tonight. I need to make some adjustments to my plans for the future. Need to restrategize--”

Letting out an annoyed groan Church held up his hands and shook his head. “And I made the mistake of making you think I actually cared. My mistake. Please get your dumb face out of here before I’m further annoyed. Too late. Now get out of here before I’m further annoyed. I’ll even say please. Since you cornballs love that bullshit.”

With a long sigh, Washington ignored Church and made his way instead over to the far more annoyed and far more curious Junior who was standing on the couch seat and leaned up against the back, trying to watch Wash more carefully.

“Sorry to be in such a rush, and for the unexpected babysitting, kiddo,” Wash said to the hybrid child. “I’ll be home before you know it, though.”

“Yeah, you’ve done a bang up job of keeping promises lately,” Church mocked.

Screwing his eyes shut, Washington let out a long grunt of aggravation. “Church.”

The robot crossed his arms and tilted his head. “Yeah? Church what?”

“Nevermind, just... watch Junior and try not to kill each other,” Wash said, heading for the stairwell. “Surely that won’t be too difficult for you to manage.”

“I’ll manage the shit out of it just to spite you,” Church snapped nonsensically.

Washington didn’t even bother responding to that notion, merely shaking his head as he headed up the stairs and got to the roof. He kept telling himself that arguing with his boyfriend’s best friend was really not the best use of his time. 

On the roof, though, away from wandering eyes of the strange community he had built out of his once very quiet and lonesome apartment, Washington was able to regress to nearly pure muscle memory. 

His motorcycle was maybe his favorite piece of equipment to use for obvious reasons, but his natural abilities and the training he had underwent through the sidekick program at Freelancer was truly most fulfilled by traveling across the rooftops of Blood Gulch. 

Racing forward one step at a time, one leap at a time, Washington felt everything fro the cool winds working against hi to the vibrations of the loud sounds of the city. 

Even before Tucker, even before being tied by mind, body, and soul to the strange Blood Gulch community, Washington had been letting the connection withe the city and its winds 

Which was a good thing because reaching destinations like Sarge’s falling apart house could otherwise easily discourage any veteran superhero who had ambitions of bettering the world.

Especially when the front door flew open and Sarge stood patiently with a gun trained between his eyes. 

“You’re’a trespassing, Scumbag!” Sarge called out without even taking the time to see that it was Washington on the other side of the gun.

“Guns are not legal inside city limits,” Washington reminded him dully.”And I have friends in high places these days.”

“Oh, right,” Sarge responded, putting his muzzle of his gun down. “But you should know, as a retired officer of the law, I have a conceal and carry! So, as the great Reds before me have said: Naner naner nah hoo!”

"I still don’t believe a word of any of that,” Wash replied, lowering his hands with some amount of confidence that Sarge wouldn’t shoot him at that point. No matter how earned or unearned that feeling might have been. 

“Hmph,” Sarge muttered. “Good thing I don’t care much for the opinion of someone who got their butt handed to them in front of national television.” He gave an appraising look over Washington. “Look pretty good now, though. Only bruised your ego?”

“Not nearly as much as the fact that everyone else keeps bringing it up for some reason,” Wash remarked. “But somehow I think I’ll manage. What I need to know is if Blood Gulch is still going to have some form of superheroes supporting it even without my oversight.”

Sarge tilted his head. “After that performance, you really think the only thing keeping the Red Dead Blood Gulch Gang on the current path is fealty to someone who can’t hold his own against someone in a terrible costume?”

“I really don’t think anyone who was a villain in this neighborhood has any right to judge other costumes, and I refuse to resort to complimenting someone who tried to kill me, but there was definitely a good sense of style with the Locus guy.”

“Please, he wore green,” Sarge snorted. “That’s almost as bad as you -- going around, showing off your physique in a costume that’s blue. Disgusting and foolish.”

“Blue is heroic,” Wash argued before he could catch himself. He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Oh my god, what am I doing? I’m arguing with a madman who thinks painting street signs is a productive use of his time.”

“You’ve never seen what a menace those street signs could have been before I taught them what’s what!” Sarge argued. He chuckled. “Ah, those were the days. Before you came along and tried to make everyone go straight! Which is fairly ironic all things considering.”

“Oh, shut up,” Wash snapped. “This isn’t what I’m here for.”

“What are you here for, Washington?” Sarge asked suspiciously. “This is my home.”

“I came here because I faced my own mortality and I need to make sure that in the event of my death, that you -- as the leader of your little delinquent group of poker buddies -- can be relied on to still take care of the neighborhood,” Wash explained simply. “And that Tucker and Junior are going to be provided for.”

Sarge stared at him for a curiously long amount of time, his expression mostly unredable. 

“Yeah, sure,” Sarge replied with a casual shrug. “Why not? The boys seem to like them even before you came along. In fact, I think we may like them in spite of you coming along.”

Perhaps a bit in spite of himself as well, Washington let out a breath he hadn’t realized he had been holding. “Thank you, Sarge. That’s actually a comforting thing to hear.”

“It is? Damn it all, that wasn’t what I wanted at all,” Sarge muttered to himself. “Well, fine, whatever. I suppose I’ll admit to comforting you inadvertently someday. When forced under extreme interrogation or even torture.”

“Hm, and comfort is rapidly being lost,” Wash said to somewhat comfort the old, grouchy man.”

“Heh heh Bingo. Still got it,” Sarge chuckled. “But seriously, Kitty-cat, Blood Gulch belonged to the Reds long before you came along and proved to make a good hood ornament of nearly every type of vehicle one could imagine.”

“My humor is being drained rapidly,” Wash warned.

“I’m just telling ya not to sweat it,” Sarge said. “We’ll do what we always do in Blood Gulch. Rage against the establishment, fortify ourselves against mild annoyances. And stubbornly refuse to take care of the rest of the world. Even if it’s only three streets away from our neighborhood.”

“Okay I’m appreciating this conversation less and less the longer I stand here, so I’m going to make my leave. Somewhat dramatically,” Wash said, heading toward the other side of the street. “Pretty sure I saw a fire escape I could climb over here.”

“If you were my friend instead of acting like a parole officer for me and my movement, I would offer letting you use the second floor of my house! But you’ve not lost enough clothes on strip poker night for me to even call us acquainted!” Sarge continued to mock, shouting to make his point as Wash crossed the street. 

“I’m honestly ignoring you!” Wash called back as he reached the other side of the street and quickly made his way to the rooftops on the very fire escape he had been mentioning. 

Once again, he let his instincts run supreme. With the arrangement with the Reds no longer a concern, he could truly let loose and concentrate on a more average patrol. Specifically one that included taking out as many small time muggers and thieves as possible. 

Those plans for his evening, however, did not get him far when he was tackled by an invisible, but recognizable force and sent rolling onto the rooftop. 

“Tex!” he growled as he looked up and saw his fellow hero appear.

“Stay down,” she ordered, looking around warily before turning invisible again and slinking to his side, close enough he could feel her shoulder brushing his own. 

“Tex,” he whispered. “What are you doing?”

"Do you not have some kind of cat sense or something?” her disembodied voice asked testily. “Something useful in that repertoire of stupid you call your super powers?”

“I see very well in the dark,” Wash replied flatly.

“God you’re lame,” she muttered back. 

Squinting at her general area in annoyance, Wash pushed himself slightly off the pavement. “You sure you and Church can’t work... whatever it is out? It seems like you were made for each other. You definitely hold the same opinions of me.”

“Don’t offend me, I’m trying to save your life,” Tex said testily.

“From what?” he demanded. 

“There’s something that was watching you from a few rooftops over. Again. And I’m not convinced it doesn’t have something to do with the asshole who kicked your sorry feline butt on public access,” she explained. After allowing a moment to lapse into silence, she reappeared where she stood and scowled toward the buildings across the road. “Damn. Got away again.”

Officially annoyed, Wash leaped to his feet and glared at Tex. “Okay, start explaining stuff to me, and maybe start with why you didn’t help me the other day if you were seeing me get my feline butt handed to me.”

Tex turned and gave him a particularly daunting look. 

Flinching back Wash felt that swelling of boldness die a bit in his chest before he shrugged. “Please?”

She then shook her head. “No. I’m still looking into it.”

“Into what?” Wash demanded. “And what do you know about this Felix character that apparently saved my life? He seeps like... like...”

“A jackass?” Tex questioned.

“That’s putting it mildly. But... he saved my life,” Wash grunted out almost reluctantly. “And Tucker seemed to trust him.”

“Well, no shit, he saved the thing Tucker’s currently fucking. He’s lucky Tucker didn’t make moves on him,” Tex snorted.

“That thing is me, though,” Wash snapped.

“Which I’ve saved before, too. But Tucker knows better than to make moves on me. I would so kick his ass without thinking twice,” Tex chuckled. “But that’s beyond the point.”

Throwing up his hands, Wash was just about done with the circles they were running in. “What is the point, Tex? What the hell is going on?”

"I’m not in the business of giving straight answers,” Tex replied simply. “And for the record, I’m also not in the business of working with partners. Every time I do, I get disappointed. And I like you too much at a distance to really ruin that right now, so there’s your answer for earlier.”

Washington scowled at her. “You really believe I’m going to accept that as the final answer there. Tex, I can tell you know there’s more going on. And to be honest, as someone else who is pretty dedicated to a solo career, I’m not thrilled with needing to rely on you being truthful with me.”

“Solo career?” Tex laughed, looking back at him. “Wash, fuck off. You think you’re solo? You’re the furthest thing from it. Your problem is that you haven’t figured out yet when you’re relying on people too much and when they are or aren’t the right people to be relying on.” She looked off, a frown tugging at her lips. “Guess that was a lesson CT hadn’t gotten to yet.”

Thrown off at first, Wash let his jaw hang open. It quickly snapped shut however and he glared at his former teammate. “You don’t get to evoke Connie on the fly like that. She was my mentor. And she taught me everything I know.”

“Same,” Tex said. “In a less professional sense. Not that it matters in the end.” She turned away from Wash. “CT trusted me to help her with her suspicions. And because of that I know something about what’s going on right now, Wash. Can you trust me enough to take my advice blindly?”

“I don’t know,” Wash said honestly. “Maybe I have to remind you that Connie ended up dead by the end of all that. And I still haven’t gotten any answers for it.”

Tex hummed rather than fire back with a similarly damning remark, but Wash didn’t miss the way her eyes flickered with her glare. “Go home, Wash,” she said instead. “You might’ve come out of that fight physically intact, but you shouldn’t be out superheroing with any wounds. That includes your pride.”

“One to talk,” Wash said back. “You better keep me updated on whatever this mysterious thing that’s watching me is.”

“Maybe I will,” Tex responded before disappearing. 

Wash waited for a moment, until every sense he had told him he was alone. Then he reluctantly took Tex’s advice and started the journey back home. He hadn’t been able to keep track of his request to Tex like he had Sarge, but he figured she had been looking out for Tucker, Junior, and the rest of the Blood Gulch gang longer than Wash had ever been in the picture. 

He wouldn’t have to ask the same morbid line of questions of her. 

There were only three buildings between him and home when he recognized an outline standing on his roof. 

Encouraged and intrigued, Wash sped up, getting to the rooftop in record time, expecting to be met with the smells of a meal from the diner waiting on him along with Tucker. 

He wasn’t.

Once Tucker heard him coming, he turned and gave Wash something of a distant look, almost like he was struggling with what expression to pull. It wasn’t the most inviting reception Wash had has. 

“No leftovers from the diner tonight?” Wash asked as he landed on the roof. “I almost feel forgotten.”

“You went out tonight,” Tucker stated plainly. “One night after that thing with Locus and you went out again.”

“I’m fully healed,” Wash responded quickly, tilting his head. “You didn’t mind when I saved you and your son just two nights after being hit by a car.”

“Your son,” Tucker repeated again, the hint of anger in his voice not at all lost on Wash.

“We need to talk?” Washington asked worriedly.

“We need to talk,” Tucker confirmed, crossing his arms. “But I’m not really sure what either of us can say?”

“What does that mean?” Wash asked.

“I really don’t know,” Tucker said. “I feel like we’re stuck but we barely have even gotten started.”

“This stuff,” Wash said, waving to his suit and to the skyline of the city. “Tucker, it’s going to be a routine for me. And for you.”

“And this,” Tucker said, pointing at himself and to the door down to the apartment where Junior was no doubt eavesdropping eagerly. “This is going to be a routine for us, too. But only if we both want it to be.”

Taken aback, Wash tilted up his chin. “You think I don’t want it to be?”

“I think we need to work together to figure out how this is going to work. Especially where Junior is involved,” Tucker pressed. “Because I’m fine with babysitters if I know ahead of time.”

Suddenly, relief took over Wash’s body and he sighed with relief. “Church drank all the beer.”

“Yes!” Tucker shouted throwing up his arms. “Wash, you know we have to hide it! He completely wastes it! He can’t even get drunk.”

“You’re right,” Wash laughed. “My mistake.”

“You better believe it is,” Tucker said, poking Wash’s chest. “And mister superhero, I think I’m allowed to request one night off from you after near death experiences.It’s only fair.”

“You’re right,” Wash laughed. “But I had to put some things in order. Had to make sure plans were in place for bad scenarios. That I’m trusting all the right people.”

Tucker raised an eyebrow. “Are you trusting all the right people?” he asked curiously.

“I’m trusting you,” Wash responded lightly. “That’s more than enough for me. Now, c’mon. Let’s eat some Dinfast.”

“Dinfast?” Tucker asked, swinging an arm around Wash’s shoulders and guiding him toward the stairwell. “What the hell’s that.”

“Dinner-breakfast,” Wash retorted. “What? You’ve never heard of it? Who’s never heard of Dinfast?” 

#writing #rvb fic #RvB: Double Time #RvB: Hero Time #Tuckington #Agent Washington #Alpha Church #Tucker Junior #Colonel Sarge #Agent Texas #Lavernius Tucker

[noxtms]

❝       AMORTENTIA finally opens its doors this week, and you don’t need the gift of second sight to see the greatness in their future ! i was lucky enough to be given a private tour of the refurbished & freshly charmed building by the visionary behind it all, madam amare - and it definitely didn’t disappoint. the themed rooms are an absolute delight, and the drinks menu ( lineup wholly dependent on the room you find yourself in ! ) puts the three broomsticks to shame ! i don’t want to spoil the treat you’re in for when you make your way through those lacquered doors for the very first time, but make no mistake : i fully encourage you to put aside your inhibitions and get down there as soon as possible ! you won’t want to be the last person you know having the full amortentia experience !       ❞

WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE :  

young wix have been complaining for years that there’s nothing worth doing for their age group on diagon alley. with no trendy hangout spots available, their business has long been taken elsewhere & into the streets of muggle london, which has never been ideal, but has always been the best they had available. their complaints were always valid, of course, but nothing ever really seemed likely to change until last october when the poison apple on knockturn alley was at the center of a newsworthy event. the successful nightclub ran into difficulties pretty immediately, when it became obvious that even though the werewolf attack had nothing to do with the location of the club... no one wanted to risk it, anymore. it took a long time for business to pick back up again, and eventually, the poison apple began to draw crowds again - but it was too late. one woman saw a rare business opportunity in their brief period of suffering, and like it or not - the concept of amortentia, soon to turn into their only real competition, was born. 

DIAGON ALLEY’S newest and only nightclub opens its doors this week in what first appears to be a cramped stone building but boasts over a dozen themed rooms in the spaces that have been charmed to be twice - sometimes three, four times - the size. among them, there’s one dedicated to cabaret, another that looks exactly like a stereotypical muggle speakeasy. everything in the aptly named love room is bubblegum pink, and small amounts of their namesake potion is added to hidden vaporisers - it’s not enough to do anything too worrying, but they’ve got research to back up the theory that walking in and smelling your deepest desired is the best way to sell drinks. there’s a room of mirrors, a dance hall of strobe lights, a classy rooftop lounge - and the vip area with its silver shelves of expensive liquors, private dj & blacklight covered dancefloor was booked out months in advance of opening by mikaela karkaroff for her shared birthday. 

whether you got your invite ( and the rooms password ) for the karkaroff twins bash, are part of the weasley family pub crawl for percy, are joining the gang to celebrate theodore’s belated birthday & draco’s early OR, godric forgive, are just looking for a night on the town - there’s something for everyone at AMORTENTIA, and on opening night, the back of hand stamp ( a bright pink picture of a familiar vial of potion ) is the hottest ticket in town. 

OUT OF CHARACTER:

information regarding mini event requests can be found in the server that i’ll link you all to when i link this post, but i’d just like to take this opportunity to explain the concept as thoroughly as i can ! we’ve always had the ic channels ( and enjoyed them ), and i’ve always wanted to find a way to incorporate member driven events to an rp where ... members feel comfortable enough to approach me about them, and where they’re able to be given their dues ! discord - and your willingness to engage with what i put down - has encouraged me to try this one more time, and trial the concept of what i’m gonna dub ‘mini events’.

they’ll run the same amount of time as any other & they’ll be treated as seriously, but they’re going to be based in their own server opposed to on the dash. you’ll have full control of the server - no worries there, you’ll be able to create channels for private & open conversations - and you’ll be able to rapidfire, but it’s allowing an opportunity to have something fresh to get into without overwhelming you, on the dash. they’re not meant to take away from regular rping at all - just keep the juices going, and provide an easier setting for anyone who might be on hiatus, or who just wants to do even more writing but can’t on mobile ! 

i’ve always been looking for the best middleground between ... under stimulated and over, and i’m really looking forward to trialing this new idea ! this first mini comes from me, and future ones will have to come from you, that’s where the ‘member driven’ comes in - but we’ll discuss it more later ! maybe do a vote ! for now, please just enjoy the amortentia opening ! 

the event starts today ( with the posting of this message ) and will end two weeks from now. 

on dash does not have to be paused, and please keep in mind that no event threads should be posted on the dash.  

it’s up to you whether your characters would attend or not, but i definitely encourage everyone to give it a whirl ! even if you’re just creating outfits and posting them in the relevant channel, you’re giving it a chance ! 

if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to message the main ! please like this post once you’ve read it.

#nox.mini001 #nox.important #hp rp #harry potter rp #appless rp #fandom rp #canon rp #oc rp #mumu rp

[chicagoindiecritics]

New from Jonita Davis on The Black Cape: TIFF Reviews: From Romance Fizzling ‘Mondays’ to Historic Bros in ‘One Night in Miami’

The Toronto International Film Festival Kicked off on Thursday, September 9th with a film that so many Black critics were waiting for, Regina King’s directorial debut One Night in Miami. The film is as of press time, the best film of the fest for me. That does not mean that TIFF2020 is devoid of stories. There are so many tales from so many perspectives that this year’s festival has me watching films until the wee hours of the night. I ended last night with The Third Day, at about midnight–after doing some anxiety baking (peach cobbler). The series is a thriller that will really make you anxious and unable to stop watching at the same time!

Yes, I said baking. TIFF this year is a virtual affair that has most critics taking in the fest from home or wherever they can comfortably view them. My family has been tolerating me roaming the house with noise-canceling headphones on my ears and my eyes glued to the film on my tablet or phone. Here are capsule reviews for the films I viewed at the virtual TIFF over the first two days of the fest.

One Night in Miami

I’ve read countless accounts of the friendships that our most legendary figures formed while fighting for the rights we take for granted today. Regina King brings this musing to life in her directorial debut film One Night in Miami. In it was Malcolm X (Kingsley Ben-Adir), Jim Brown (Aldis Hodge), Sam Cooke (Leslie Odom Jr.), and Cassius Clay (Eli Goree), as four best friends who come together to celebrate a monumental win.

One Night in Miami is not set up like a biopic or historic narrative this is not. King pulls these four off their pedestal and drops them into a moment that is reminiscent of the Big Chill. She shows us their stark realities in conversations that you will only hear Black people speak amongst themselves. Then she takes us to a hotel room where some of the most explosive action happens, along with the most quotable phrases (“most people want a piece of the pie I want the whole damn recipe”), and raw revelations (Malcolm X realizing that the Nation was corrupt and he recruited Clay to help him leave without incident). The most powerful men of the movement are thus reduced to the human men they truly are, frustrated about their past and petrified of their future.

King’s (and Kemp Powers’s script) depiction is fun and thoroughly entertaining. Audiences will feel like they are a part of the moment. Just prepare tissue for those closing credits.

One Night in Miami premiered at TIFF on September 9. It will be released on Amazon Prime at a later date.

Rating 5 of 5

Penguin Bloom

A traumatic event can change a person’s life, but what about the rest of the family? In Penguin Bloom, we follow the Bloom family of five as they try to adapt to a new life after an accident that changes the way they live and love forever.

The oldest child Noah, played by (Griffin Murray-Johnston and Essi Murray Johnson as a younger Noah), narrates the tale of a family vacation gone tragically wrong. Noah, his mother Sam (Naomi Watts), father Cam (Andrew Lincoln), and brothers Oli (Abe Clifford-Barr) and Rue (Felix Cameron) are an Australian family that loves the outdoors. They are very active until Sam leans on a fence of a rooftop overlook and falls to the ground. Her injuries leave her in pain and two-thirds of her body paralyzed. At home after all the surgeries, the family tries to adjust to the new way of life, but Sam has the hardest time. Without her, the family seems helpless, until a broken baby bird comes into their lives.

Suddenly, Sam has somewhere to put her energy, a place where she can’t fail (as she feels she is doing in caring for her family). As the bird becomes a part of the family and heals from its injuries, Sam and the rest of the Blooms find their way out the darkness of trauma. Penguin Bloom is more than a saccharine story of a woman’s resilience. It’s about an entire family damaged by trauma and how the healing must include everyone, even those who don’t wear their injuries on the outside.

Noah’s narration drives this home, meanwhile, the cast, which includes Jacki Weaver who plays Sam’s annoyingly cheerful mom, all deliver stellar performances. This is important because Penguin Bloom, despite being a true story, treads the dangerous line between a feel-good drama and a corny Hallmark movie.

Rating 3.5 of 5

Akilla’s Escape

Akilla (Saul Williams) is a grown man in the drug business, just as the government comes in to legalize things. He’s been in the illicit business all his life, so he knows a boy in trouble when he sees Sheppard. The boy is part of a team that robs Akilla. So, he keeps Sheppard in an attempt to track down the cash. Along the way, Akilla goes back over his own life and remembers how the cycle of trauma is manifesting before his eyes in Akilla.

Charles King’s use of this noir story of drug dealers and gangsters isn’t the type of film the audience will expect. The film is actually a commentary on multigenerational violence and toxic masculinity. Both take a toll on Black men everywhere. The international setting will give Americans a new perspective on a topic that has tackled for far too long. Watch out for Thamela Mpumlwana, the young actor who plays young Akilla and Sheppard. He carries the film well, easily sliding between roles. Audiences will also appreciate King’s depiction of violence as it is more implicit than we are used to from films that delve into the drug trade and gang violence. Akilla’s Escape is a movie that may end up being an education for us all.

Rating 4.5 of 5

Monday

Sebastian Stan and Denise Gough are Mickey and Chloe, two people who fall hopelessly in love after a Friday night together in Athens, Greece. They are passionate and so deeply in love that by Monday, Chloe decides not to fly out to take a job in the US. That weekend was her last one before the big move. After falling for Mickey, Monday brings a whole new life for her. Monday picks up at the place where most romances end, right after the moment that true love is confirmed, and the couple commits themselves to be together. What ensues is the reality of loving a person you hardly know. For Chloe and Mickey, this also means asking if that first romantic feeling is really enough to keep a couple going after the lust has rubbed off.

Monday offers the stark reality of romance, something that fans of the genre will find interesting. The beginning is shot so well and feels so rich that it feels like enough. The second act, however, flips the entire script onto its head as we see the chemistry influence some very misguided choices that both end up having to live with if they ultimately stay together. There’s a drugged, drunken, desperate dash to rekindle things in the end that may end up making this situation monumentally worse.

Rating 4 of 5

The Third Day

Jude Law, Naomie Harris, and Katherine Waterston lead this cast of an HBO miniseries about a curious little island that can only be reached by a road that appears in low tide. The Law is Sam, a father, and a husband who goes into the woods on a serious sentimental mission. There he finds a girl attempting suicide. His day ends at this little island where they are preparing for a music festival. However, all signs point to shenanigans afoot. Viewers won’t be able to shake the feeling that Sam should’ve gone home when he had a chance. Not the tide is in and the road is gone until morning. He meets Jess (Waterson) who is there for the festival too, but also well aware of the ancient, Celtic rituals that the island residents are so proud of. They come in Summer.

Winter is Helen, Naomie, is a mother of two biracial girls who come to the island on an outing. She booked the Air BnB, but now no one wants her and the girls in their place. Everyone is inhospitable and they really should leave. However, that means getting to the causeway before the tide comes in. Their stay on the island comes after Sam’s, after the festival. The vibrant, charming community is now ravaged, feral, and the site of a gory happening that may not be over.

TIFF showcased two episodes of the show that were definitely not enough. This eerie show has the feel of that old FOX series Wayward Pines. Nothing is as it seems, and a sinister power seems to be in control of things. These two visits prove that. What is going on and why are two things we must figure out when the show airs on HBO.

The Third Day premieres on HBO September 14, 2020.

Rating 4.5 of 5 

Holler

Ruth, played by Jessica Barden, is a girl living in the Rust Belt, in Ohio. Her mother is struggling with opioid addiction, and her brother is a high school dropout. Blaze (played by Gus Halper) is struggling to keep himself and his sister from being hungry and homeless.

The factory that is the only decent workaround has no room. Worse, Ruth gets accepted to college and needs to pay the bill. She and Blaze team up with a no-good scrapper to do nightly raids on construction sites of their precious metals. This illegal job is bringing some real cash and also some danger. Can Ruth get her money and get out safely?

The story is one by the director, Nicole Riegel. I can’t help but wonder why she made Ruth so ambivalent to all the people trying to help her. Blaze even says at one point “I am getting tired of being the only one sticking up for Ruth.” This hints at his annoyance with her ambivalence. I am not sure if it’s a survival mechanism or something more. I also had a tough time getting into this film because it triggered me a bit on a story from earlier this year. Ahmad Arbery was run down by two white men who saw him coming from a construction site. They accused him of doing what Ruth nonchalantly calls work. Ruth and a whole crew of white men and later a woman. The girl’s ambivalence comes off worse with this knowledge on my mind.

Holler is an interesting look at white America in the Rust Belt, their struggle. It drags a bit and is sometimes tedious. However, they do offer a message of struggle to get out of poverty that some may find intriguing.

Rating 3 of 5

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[survivalgroupeurope-blog]

WHAT TO DO when the sh*t hits the fan??? - READ THIS ARTICLE if you are interested in a PREVIEW of what will happen...

Mention a dystopia to most people and they’ll probably think of Nineteen Eighty-Four, the Thought Police and Big Brother. That’s understandable, because there are worrying hints of it in our own society – are ideas like no-platforming, safe spaces and misgendering really so different from wrong-thinking and thought-crime? – but there’s a different kind of dystopia that’s a lot more common. Unfortunately it’s just as scary.

The word dystopia itself just means a society that’s unpleasant or frightening. That can mean a brutal, highly centralized authoritarian state like the one ruled by Big Brother’s Party (Orwell modeled it on the Soviet Union under Stalin) – but it can also mean a society where the rule of law has broken down (WROL – without the rule of law), and that’s a lot more common in the world today. For every North Korea there are half a dozen collapsed societies like Somalia or Pakistan. And, while it’s difficult to impose a one-party state and organize things to the point where you have absolute control over what people do and even think, it’s easy for a society to collapse. OR a natural disaster can do it – think New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. We've seen it over and over again...

Of course, that didn’t last; New Orleans is one city in a big, advanced country and the rule of law was quickly restored. But what if the government was weaker, or society was less stable to begin with? Or what if it isn’t one single event that causes the collapse, but years of neglect? Many countries are a disputed election or an economic crisis away from collapse – and there are even parts of the USA where the rule of law is too fragile to be taken for granted.

First Things First: Social Breakdown

If there’s one thing guaranteed to reduce a society to chaos, more or less instantly, it’s a sudden absence of cops. It doesn’t matter what kind of society it was to start with. For example, Canada is famously peaceful and friendly. What happened when the cops walked out? Nothing good:

“As a young teenager in proudly peaceable Canada during the romantic 1960s, I was a true believer in Bakunin’s anarchism. I laughed off my parents’ argument that if the government ever laid down its arms all hell would break loose. Our competing predictions were put to the test at 8:00 A.M. on October 17, 1969, when the Montreal police went on strike. By 11:20 A.M. the first bank was robbed. By noon most downtown stores had closed because of looting. Within a few more hours, taxi drivers burned down the garage of a limousine service that competed with them for airport customers, a rooftop sniper killed a provincial police officer, rioters broke into several hotels and restaurants, and a doctor slew a burglar in his suburban home. By the end of the day, six banks had been robbed, a hundred shops had been looted, twelve fires had been set, forty carloads of storefront glass had been broken, and three million dollars in property damage had been inflicted, before city authorities had to call in the army and, of course, the Mounties to restore order.” canada dystopia Unfortunately, police strikes are more likely than they’ve ever been, especially in the USA. Cops are under a lot of strain, and the media are against them right now. What happens if there’s an officer involved shooting, and under pressure from the media and far-left activists like BLM the officer is arrested? Is it that hard to believe the police could snap and walk out? And as soon as criminals realize the cops have gone home all hell would break loose.

In Montreal in 1969, the main problem was simple crime. Now there are political extremists to worry about, too. “Anti-fascist” protesters like Black Bloc are saying it’s acceptable to use violence against Nazis, and their definition of “Nazi” includes pretty much anyone right of Bernie Sanders. If you have a Trump 2016 bumper sticker, and suddenly the law isn’t being enforced, there are people out there who’ll take the chance to have a go at you – and your car, and your home, and maybe your family too. They’ll see this as the perfect chance to get revenge for all the imaginary wrongs you’ve done them, and maybe “redistribute” your property to “the people” – meaning themselves. And Obama and all his socialist and islamic anti-christian anti-west cronies are trying to bring our society down... let's face it: IT IS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW. Thought-police IS already a reality under the name of "political correctness".

So, what can you do if law and order suddenly disappears and your area becomes a free for all?

What you can’t do is tool up and go on a mission to clear the streets of crime. There’s a good chance the law will be re-imposed at some point and people will be called to account for what they’ve done – and, as a law-abiding citizen, you’re more likely to get caught up in that net than someone from a gang or a far-left group.

What you need to do is take steps to protect yourself and everything that matters to you, but make sure that you can justify them later. That means your aim is to avoid confronting the lawless elements, but be ready to defend yourself if a confrontation is forced on you.

#1 Blend In

The first thing is try to blend in. If you and your home don’t stand out you’ll attract a lot less attention, and that can be all it takes to avoid being attacked. If there are leftist mobs rioting in the streets they’re going to focus on any home that looks like conservatives live there, so at the first hints of trouble you should do an outside check to make sure you aren’t being conspicuous. It might be tempting to make a visible show of support for the cops, president or whatever, but is that worth the risk of attracting attacks?

#2 Bug In

Another good way to avoid confrontations is to just stay at home as much as possible while the crisis is going on. This is one of the best arguments for being a prepper – you should already have the food supplies and other resources you need for this. If you don’t, now is a good time to start. There’s no point leaving it until a crisis is developing, because the stores will be full of people panic buying. Joining the last-minute shopping frenzy is actually a good way to get into trouble, because tempers will be flaring and you can expect outbreaks of violence as people fight over the last stocks of food. You’re much better off sitting that out in a well-stocked home.

The same applies to all the other essentials of life. If you already have medical supplies and plenty of ammo at home, you can fall back on those reserves and avoid the disintegrating outside world. If you have a generator and a water source you won’t need to worry about failing utilities (but keep the generator inconspicuous).

#3 Self-defense

In the worst case, though, you’re going to have to defend yourself. Don’t trust to luck on this; be prepared. Firstly, plan things out. Decide on a safe room for your family in the event of a home invasion or a riot outside. The best option for this is a room with solid walls and only one way in – a room at the end of a corridor is ideal, because you can cover the approaches. Clear the corridor of any heavy furniture that attackers can use as cover. Also try to choose a room that has one way in but an extra way out – for example a second-floor room with a rope ladder fixed below the window. If attackers set fire to your home that gives you a quick escape route.

Stay aware of what’s happening in your home. Keep the family together as much as you can, and do regular security checks to make sure windows and doors are secure – especially if you have kids.

#4 Carry A Gun At All Times

When rule of law has gone carry a firearm everywhere – even if you’re just going to the restroom. If a mob breaks down the front door you don’t have time to go pick up the handgun you left in the kitchen, so it needs to stay on your belt. If you need to go outside, carry at all times – but not openly. That will just mark you out as a target. Have a concealed handgun on you, and a long gun hidden but easily accessible in your car – under a jacket on the floor works.

#5 Comply With The Rules

Even though the rule of law has broken down, try to keep within the rules as much as you can. That could make your life a lot easier when order is restored. If your home was attacked and you used deadly force to defend it, that shouldn’t cause you much trouble – but forming a posse and hunting down the bad guys might be a bit harder to explain.

Like most disasters, civil disorder is easier to survive if you’re ready for it. For most preppers this shouldn’t be a huge challenge. Just be prepared to fall back on your own resources, keep your head down and wait it out.

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