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allmoshnobrain · 4 months

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𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

part 29 of 35 | masterpost

word count: 2563 | ao3 link | fic's playlist

I wasn't ready for any of that. The wounds from losing Dave were still too raw, to the point that acknowledging the desire I felt for James made my heart tighten with regret. What the hell was I thinking? I'd chosen Dave. And yet, he’d left me. What I wanted didn't mean shit in changing anything. How could I want anything from James when the very feeling I had for him had wrecked everything I held dear?

✦ summary: After reuniting with her friends, Nore is compelled to confront the conflicting feelings she still harbors for James.

✦ on this chapter: dave mustaine x female!oc, james hetfield x female! oc, oc is cliff's cousin, +18, language, slice of life, angst, love triangle

✦ a/n: Hello! I've talked about this previously on my blog, but as we're headed into the last stretch of the story, I would like everyone to know: while the next few chapters are gonna dive into James and Nore's feelings a bit more, Dave will be back! His story with Nore isn't over yet. Also, we'll have an epilogue that is still on the works. I've wrapped up the main part of the story and I'm hosting a poll to see if you guys prefer I keep posting new chapters once a week or if you're up for me posting them twice a week. If anyone wants to vote, here's the link. Hope you enjoyed the read, any feedback is welcome! 🖤

✧ There's something hanging in the air, I won't say shit 'cause I'm too scared / I'll just pretend we're two lovers not destroying each other / And you don't want me to go, and I just can't say no ✧

I met with Cliff and the guys at Los Angeles airport a few days later. I have to admit, the idea of reuniting with my friends after all those weeks left me a bit on edge, and not fully in a good way. However, catching up with Cliff and Leanne, and then with Kirk and Lars, did ease some of that tension. On the flip side, seeing Pat and James hanging out together didn't really help my state of mind. I couldn't help but wonder how, in just two months, they had become so close that she got an invitation to join the tour. Then it hit me with a pang in my heart that I hadn't needed much more than that to fall completely in love with Dave after meeting him.

I didn't really chat it up much with James. Seeing him with Pat kinda brought back all the wounds from that rainy weekend a few months back. But, he did give me a hug the moment he spotted me, holding onto me for maybe a beat longer than needed before whispering, his lips right by my ear:

"Missed you so much."

Hearing that sure didn't make things easier.

Seeing the guys all pumped up about the trip gave my mood a little boost. None of them, except Lars and me, had done the whole international travel thing before. The flight to Amsterdam was gonna be a marathon, so I had plenty of time to catch up with Leanne, who picked the seat next to mine. We mainly talked about everything that had happened in San Francisco during my absence; Leanne didn't ask much about me, which I was genuinely thankful for. It was nice having her around, but I wasn't really up for diving into how the last few months had been a rough ride. We kept the chatter going deep into the night until fatigue finally caught up with us, and we crashed.

We rolled into Amsterdam about twelve hours later, and man, we were wiped. Headed straight to the hotel, and lucky for us, the producers only snagged double rooms. Since we had an odd number and sharing a bed with Kirk or Lars wasn't my jam, I lucked out with a double bed all to myself. Honestly, better than I thought it'd be.

When night crept in, the guys and Leanne hit the town for some drinks and city exploring. Pat and I, though, opted for a chill night in, catching a few movies on the TV. Not that I wasn't up for hitting the streets, but all the hours spent on the plane did a number on me, more than I expected. Pat called it a night and went back to her room early, but I left the TV humming in the background, not really paying much attention to what was on.

It was well past midnight when I heard some heavy footsteps echoing down the hallway. My curiosity kicked in as a few deliberate knocks hit my door, and I pondered for a moment, debating whether I should bother answering. But the knocks persisted, and my curiosity won out. With a sigh, I rose from my spot and opened the door. My heart quickened when I found James leaning casually against the door frame.

"Mind if I come in?" he asked, a faint smile playing on his lips, though his voice betrayed a touch of uncertainty. I sighed, feeling warmth spread across my face. Having him so close made my heart flutter in a way I hadn't experienced in a while.

"This isn't your room," I mumbled, stupidly, my ability to think straight suddenly on vacation. He chuckled softly, a quick, dry laugh.

"If you hadn't said anything, I would never have guessed. Can I come in or not?"

I hesitated but eventually stepped aside, letting him in and closing the door. He stretched, shrugged off his jacket, and tossed it on my bed before settling down, kicking off his shoes. I furrowed my brow.

"You should head back to your room. Pat's probably waiting for you."

"She can wait," he said, finishing up with his shoes and pulling out a hair tie from his pocket, using it to secure his hair into a ponytail. Oddly, the sight made him even more attractive. I couldn't help but wonder if the hair tie belonged to Pat, who would often wear her hair tied up, and if he was picking up some habits from his new girlfriend. He stood up, seeming totally oblivious to my thoughts, and casually opened the mini-fridge, grabbing a Coke and popping it open. Then, he lifted his serious blue eyes to me. "I wanted to see you."

"Why?" I questioned, feeling my face warm up and my heart race, a million butterflies in my stomach going wild at his words. He sighed, a faint bitter smile playing on his lips.

"I missed you," he said, his voice low. "Last time we met, everything went south. I thought you hated me. Yet, when I saw you today, Nore..."

"James, please stop," I murmured, my voice trembling. He furrowed his brow, looking away, seeming hurt by my words, and I felt my heart squeeze uncomfortably in my chest. "You shouldn't be saying that."

"Oh, really?" He stood up, placing the can he was holding on the table before coming closer. I took a step back, feeling my face burn as I caught the storm brewing in his blue eyes. "And why’s that?"

"You have a girlfriend, don’t you?" I questioned, my voice holding accusation and hurt. "You brought your fucking girlfriend, so maybe you should just head back to her..."

"You make it sound so simple," he growled, taking another step closer, prompting me to lift my head to meet his gaze.

"And isn’t it?" I shot back, my tone bitter. "How aren't you ashamed of this?"

"Ashamed of what? Of bringing the girl I started dating to try forgetting about you?" he scoffed, clearly pissed now. "Tell me, Nore, what was I supposed to do? Just watch you reject me, again, and again, and again, and then act like you loved me just to mess with my head?"

"This isn’t fair to her!" I blurted out, all worked up, my voice getting louder. "This isn’t fair to me!"

"And what about me? Is it fair what you're pulling on me?"

"I don't get why you thought bringing her along was a genius move..."

"It didn't have to be genius. When you bailed on LA, I called you for days. You were the one who wanted nothing to do with me."

"You're such a jerk!" I spat out, my irritation cranking my voice up more than would be okay for past midnight, but honestly, I'd stopped caring about that ages ago.

James growled, getting suddenly closer, gripping my waist with one hand and pulling me against his body, forcing me to look deep into his eyes as he pressed his forehead against mine, his breathing erratic. His other hand cupped my cheek, his thumb tracing my lower lip. All the anger I had seemed to spill over at that moment; I wanted to punch him, to kick him out, to yell I never wanted to see him again, but I couldn't. Not when his lips were inches away from mine, his blue eyes locking onto mine with a fiery passion that made my whole body warm and vibrate inside.

"You fucking love me," he murmured, a smug smile slowly creeping across his lips. "Things would be so much easier if you just admitted it."

"Shut up, James," I growled, my heart doing a sprint in my chest, blood pulsing with fury in my ears, my hands clutching the front of his shirt and yanking him towards me. I needed him to split; I didn't know how much longer I could trust my anger to hold back the temptation of surrendering to his arms.

"Tell me you don't love me, then," he said, throwing in a sarcastic laugh. "Say you don't love me, and I’ll forget all this and leave you alone. You can't, can you? Because you fucking love me, damn it," His words buzzed with almost unrestrained joy, his grip on my waist tightening enough for me to let out a muffled moan from between my lips. Damn, I wanted him to kiss me. For the first time since all that mess had started, I wanted him to kiss me, to touch me, to make me forget my own name.

"Leave," I shot back, the defiance in my voice wavering as I sensed his body against mine. He let out a low chuckle but stepped back, his eyes ablaze, a smug smile on his face. I rested one of my hands on my chest, feeling my heart thudding against my fingertips, and noticed I was shaking. Gripping the doorknob with my other hand, I turned it but hesitated to open the door. "Just... Go, James. Please," I whispered, the adrenaline of the moment wearing off, and the old pain flooding back to fill my chest as my eyes welled up with tears.

James seemed to catch onto my shift in mood, the triumph in his eyes giving way to pity when he noticed my tears building up. That sparked a rage in my chest; I didn't need his pity. I didn't need anyone's pity.

He made a move to come closer, but I just shook my head, turning away as I opened the door. After he left, I leaned against the closed door, letting myself slide down to sit on the floor, hugging my knees to my chest, feeling more alone, confused, and guilty than ever.

I woke up the next morning, feeling like I hadn't caught a wink of sleep. I groaned my way out of bed, pausing only to wash my face, brush my teeth, and swap outfits before heading down to the hotel's restaurant. There, I spotted Kirk, Lars, Cliff and Leanne already posted up at a table, digging into breakfast. I snagged a plate and plopped down next to Lars.

“After breakfast, we'll pack our bags and grab a shower. We're hitting the road after the show for the next city, so tonight, we’re all gonna be sleeping on the bus,” Cliff was laying out the plan when I rolled in.

“Great. Even crashing on a bus is cozier than sharing a bed with Lars,” Kirk griped, ignoring Lars' offended expression before shooting me a grin. “Hey, Nore, fancy bunking with me next time?”

"As if," I scoffed, and Lars burst into laughter.

"Hey, where's James?" Kirk asked, and I shrugged. Leanne bounced up to snag a hot cup of coffee, and Cliff sparked up a cigarette.

"Bet he's sleeping with Pat. Ever since they got together, she's been glued to him," Lars remarked, not looking too thrilled. Cliff snorted, rolling his eyes.

"Jealous, Lars?" I jokingly tossed the question while slathering butter on a piece of toast. He shot me a look, raising his eyebrows with a smirk.

"Hmm, not me. Can't say the same for you, though, huh?" His ironic smile lingered. I let out a frustrated huff, rolling my eyes, feeling the heat rising in my cheeks. Okay, maybe I walked right into that one.

A few minutes later, James and Pat finally strolled in. James, much like me, seemed to have had a rough night, evident in the dark circles under his tired blue eyes. On the flip side, Pat appeared to be the poster child for joy, easy smiles appearing on her lips as she talked to James, occasionally hugging his arm or intertwining her fingers with his. It was like she exuded confidence, as if she knew this was exactly where she belonged. Kind of got on my nerves, but I wasn't ready to dig into why.

The hustle for the show kicked off right after breakfast. We only had a short break to change and pack before heading back to the hotel lobby. A producer-arranged bus was set to pick us up, transporting everyone to a studio for the guys to rehearse the setlist during the day, and later to the venue for the shows. This leg of the journey got us all pumped. It wasn't just the band's inaugural international gig; we were also looking forward to meeting Venom and, naturally, enjoying some complimentary drinks. I must admit, even I was feeling a twinge of excitement and anxiety about the upcoming events.

I sparked up a cigarette while we hung out in front of the hotel, checking out the guys in action. They were teamed up with a couple of roadies, hauling gear that had been lugged up to the rooms the day before. Leanne strolled over.

"Got a light?" she asked, flashing a grin. I nodded, fished out my lighter, and passed it her way. She sparked up her cigarette, taking a few drags till it glowed. "Can I ask you something, Nore?"

"Sure thing, Lea," I replied, all curious. She shot me a look, her usual relaxed vibe getting a bit serious. Her eyes narrowed, like she was attempting to peek into my brain. "Spill it, what's on your mind?"

"How's it all sitting with you? You know, this whole James situation?" she asked, making me feel like there was a spotlight on me.

"James? What do you mean?" I stammered, feeling the heat hit my face. She let out a soft chuckle at my reaction.

"I'm seriously wondering how she hasn't picked up on it yet." Leanne nodded toward Pat; she was holding James’ hand and talking to Lars, who seemed bored out of his mind, like he'd rather be doing anything else. "The way he looks at you. And the way you look at him."

"What are you getting at?" I whispered, my heart doing a somersault of sorts in my chest.

"You're into him, right? And it's crystal he's into you. Maybe you two should ditch the pride act and just… Allow yourselves to be happy."

"But Pat likes him too," I mumbled, letting a touch of annoyance creep into my voice. And I still don't know if I can allow myself to like anyone again.

"Honestly? I think she's crushing harder on James Hetfield, the Metallica frontman, than our James," she said with a chuckle. "Babe, you and James always clicked so easy. You seriously gonna let that slip away like this?"

I was kind of stumped for a response; right then, the bus rolled up, stealing everyone's focus. Lea crushed her cigarette and shot me a smile, then sauntered over to Cliff, offering a hand with carrying an amp. I took a minute to soak in the sight before joining them, attempting to shove aside the tornado of feelings Leanne's words had kicked up in me.

✧ if you'd like to be tagged on the next parts, let me know and I'll add you to the tag list! ❤ ✧

tag list: @killazilla777 @whatsupvic @70srogah @genswine9

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throughtrialbyfire · 7 months

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𝑾𝑰𝑷 𝑾𝒆𝒅𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒅𝒂𝒚 ♥

i hope everyone's doing well and taking care right now!! we're coming into the colder months in the northern hemisphere, and i'm always amazed how fast the sun begins to set around this time!

tagged by the amazingly talented @thequeenofthewinter and @mareenavee !! thank you so much <3333

tagging the incredible @dirty-bosmer @skyrim-forever @gilgamish @aphocryphas @totally-not-deacon @orfeoarte @viss-and-pinegar @thana-topsy @caliblorn @boethiahspillowbook @umbracirrus @v1ctory-or-sovngarde @wildhexe and you!!!! even if your name isnt here, you're always welcome to join in and tag me!!

i've got two story snippets this week! i'm starting on a new fic, but it's going to be slow goings. the working title is "Bone of my Bone", and it's the backstory fic for Wyndrelis of my Dragonborn Trio that i've been talking about! it's going to be a good while before i can post it in full since it contains spoilers for the main fic, but i love working on this and writing in his POV!

Another gods damned rejection. Wyndrelis paced the cramped room of the inn he'd rented, a temporary residence until he'd finished his application with the Synod. Of course, this proved in vain. He bitterly crumpled the parchment between his grey hands, balling it tight until his fingers ached. The Dunmer paused and loosened his grasp slowly, fingers uncurling until the ball landed on his desk in a sorry, compressed state. It curled up next to all the other rejection letters. Quick, biting, quill-strikes. Names of professors he'd never meet. Every Synod Conclave from here to Anvil undoubtedly heard the news, and every single one of them rejected him since that night. He heaved a breath, his cheeks hot with the frustration of the scenario he'd landed himself in. He was far from home, with no longing to go back, and all his bets misplaced in scholars and wizards who would have nothing to do with him. There were other ways, of course, other people, other groups. This did little to ease his vexation.

'Mr. Wyndrelis Femer, We at the Leyawiin Synod Conclave hope that this letter finds you well,' The pleasantries had ended there. Then began the statements of fact, the obvious ban on Conjuration, the musings of how it led to Necromancy, a reference here and there of the end of the Third Era. He rubbed at his temples in small, soothing motions to stave off a headache. He plopped down into a creaking wooden chair. He rushed his hands through his raven-dark hair, his posture slumped, his body thundering with his pulse so deeply it made his temple throb, his hands shake. Anger, no. This was not anger. Frustration, perhaps, or even guilt. Guilt. A sword he swallowed whole. Ever since he was a mere boy, the Hermoric clasping for knowledge pitted his stomach, burning up until he could deny it no longer. He'd devoured every book he could get his hands on that contained any fragmentary notion of the things he sought, and when his family was not around, he'd raise his palm and work the magicka into his fingertips and he'd weave it slow, in, out, like water through a sloshing pitcher. Waves of it, smooth as silk, heavy as lead. He'd learn how to move objects in their home. He'd know how to ignite a tiny spark on his fingertips, and eventually, how to dance it between the tips of several digits without letting it falter. His parents had always despised his knack for the arcane. The curse on their name had been enough to cause his ancestors to scorn the practice, leaving Morrowind generations ago and fumbling their way into a small, mountain town in County Cheydinhal. His home would be a memory he spat out. He was no longer welcome there. He did not want to return.

the next snippet is something i typed up in comic sans to break my brain out of a cage! it's chapter 27 of "Cycle of the Serpent", on the road to Mount Kilkreath to return Meridias Beacon, although they don't really know that's what they're doing. teehee >:3c

Fateless stars align, moons rise and fall, and all Athenath wanted was to be at the Bards College right now. That's what they had come here for, that hallowed institute of the arts, the halls which they'd heard whispers were paved with plaque-decorated displays of instruments from famous bards long passed, the stone paths that wound their ways through the high-rising establishment. From the moment that he'd gotten his wits about them after the first night in Solitude, he'd stretched longing looks in the direction of the building, knowing from the groups shared map what streets of Solitude lead where, and how deeply they wished to just march up the steps themself and ask about applications. The beacon radiated a warmth every time he touched it, like the sun off a rock, or the body heat of a small animal. It alarmed him to some degree, the strangeness of the feeling, but they embraced it. The journey to Mount Kilkreath gave them plenty of time to practice their talents, and practice he did, tossing the beacon to Wyndrelis haphazardly and bouncing from heel to heel, capering down the mountain paths and through the trees with songs bubbling from his lips. Sometimes, they'd trail off, coming to a silent standstill as the words escaped him, before shrugging and pulling back into another song.

[….]

"Oh, there once was a hero named Ragnar the Red…" Athenath sang in a sprightly tone, Emeros' eyes avoiding either companion, something the Altmer had noticed. From the moment the trio had decided to set up camp until now, he could feel Emeros' personal twistings of mental acrobatics, but exactly on what, he didn't know. All they knew was that the sun shone bright off the sea, glittering like beetle wings off an aristocratic Bosmeri gown, in its soft and elegant light. He longed to dive into the sea, deeper and deeper, gather shells in their arms and sort them at the beach, turn them over and over for signs of life, for molluscs and crabs, the kind of games he played on the rare visit to the Anvil beach with his family and their old friends, scent of salty, wet fur a brow-furrowing comfort for the Altmer. They could practically hear their old friends calling him down from the mountain, humming and hawing and beckoning the bard down to the shoreline. A hand on his shoulder planted them firmly in the grounds of reality, and Athenath slowed their stride, spinning to face Wyndrelis. "Yeah! What's up?" Wyndrelis pointed down the road. "We're nearing Mount Kilkreath. Do you want the beacon?" He asked in his usual, cold voice. Athenath nodded rapidly, taking the object into their arms. "Isn't it kinda weird how warm it is?" Athenath asked with a smile spread along his carmine mouth. Wyndrelis furrowed his brow. "Warm?" He repeated. Athenath looked to him, confusion dimming the brightness of their eyes.

if you read until the end of this i wanted to give you a special thanks <3 i hope you're doing well, and i'm casting spell of WIP Motivation be upon ye!!

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team-heavenly · 8 months

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Drumroll‚ please! 🥁

It’s been some time, and I managed to slip on my promised deadline once again (thank you for your patience)... But finally‚ we return to the story of Teresa and Andrea in our Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky Randomizer!

A few items of note before we get started (and yeah sorry this is overly detailed and lengthy because idk what it means to be concise, just scroll down if you're not interested):

Please be aware: updates to Team Heavenly’s story will not be as frequent as they were during main. I now work a full-time job in a field where my schedule is somewhat contingent on unanticipated emergencies. And in general‚ I’m just a very busy adult! So I unfortunately can’t give you an exact (or even rough) timeline of when posts will be released— It basically comes down to whenever I have the time to do it. But rest assured‚ the entirety of this tale will be told… eventually!

I’ve gotten my hands on a newer tablet since last year, so my camera quality is much better now! …However. While snapping pics for this post‚ a seemingly unavoidable digital blue glare persisted‚ no matter how I adjusted my screen brightness. When I subsequently ran these photos through the auto function‚ they didn’t really… improve? So I had to do a lot of manual tweaking… Anyway‚ all of that to say if one shot doesn’t look visually consistent with another, it’s because each image got edited a little bit differently.

I will link multiple posts for a single "chapter" (see last bullet) in the same manner as before, with preceding and succeeding parts linked at the beginning and end, respectively. I’ll also update the table of contents in the pinned post for continued ease of navigation.

Also, please note... last year, my older iPad somehow managed to circumvent any sort of (consistent) image limit. But that is not the case this time! There is a strict hard limit of 30 images per post. It's therefore likely that post-game chapters will have more parts than the main-story chapters ever did. (Though whether that actually equates to a "lengthier" chapter is up for debate.)

As the post-game content does not get separated into official chapters‚ I will be partitioning the story based on subject matter! For example, this first act will focus on the guild’s graduation exam, the next will include Sky Peak, and so on. I also intend to use a random number generator to select chapter names from this list. (I mean, c’mon, that's part of the fun of a randomizer!) But for the sake of clarity, I will be including the actual subject matter after the chosen title in (parentheses). Thus‚ this first unofficial post-game chapter is known as…

Chapter 21: Would you like to eat moss?

(AKA: The Guild’s Graduation Exam)

As a result of Teresa and Andrea’s heroic actions… The destruction of time was stopped and peace returned to the world of Pokémon. They went back to Totodile’s Guild and fell back into their daily routine of vigorous training.

One morning‚ several months later…

Pineco: “:/ Hey hey, why can Teresa and Andrea take the graduation exam before we do? We’ve been around a lot longer…”

Tropius: “…They literally saved the world and have proven themselves to be worthy many times over. Also skill issue lol.”

Don’t feel bad for Pineco though; he’s not the only one getting roasted.

Lol rip.

Anyway‚ Andrea asks the very sensible question of what exactly this exam entails…

Dark Chasm? Evil MANSION?!

Are you— are you sending us back to the future‚ Totodile?! WTF??

Oh! That’s easy enough though. I mean‚ compared to scaling a collapsing tower while Time itself crumbled at our feet? Pshaw! This will be a cakewalk!

...You know, this is really the first thing that should have tipped me off as a kid 🤦‍♀️

🤨 How convenient.

Okay, so he's not gonna be any help, unfortunately. Looks like we're going in blind. (Haha unintentional pun...unless?)

But for real, anything that makes Mewtwo cry out in fear and run away is a force to be reckoned with indeed.

As we enter Nautical Cottage to begin our preparations, we run into our stand-ins for Teddiursa and Ursaring! After a quick chat, Horsea reveals they are also headed to the Dark Chasm...

*seen (sorry).

Also, at the risk of beating a dead Horsea (aHA! TWO FOR TWO ON THE PUNS!), y'all go play WHERE? *gets hit immediately by a Snipe Shot*

Andrea immediately suspects something is sus. Unfortunately, this is the smartest she's ever gonna get about it.

Anyway, it's been a hot minute, so I go to check my storage and evaluate what I have to work with...

BRUH?? I do NOT remember picking this up omg 😳

So my plan is to equip this for the exam, right? But then I totally forgot to do that 😅

Also I don't have a picture for this but I was able to buy 3 Poké from the Finnkecleon shop for free lol

✅Mission: set ✅Destination: arrived ✅Chance of success: 💯😎🎆

Oh my god, this really is the future of darkness!! I guess our efforts to save the world weren't enough, damn 😓

🎶I'm starting with the man in the mirror I'm asking him to change his ways🎶

A couple of Gummis later, Teresa learns the Lava Evader IQ Skill! Neat!

Me when Ivysaur used Fly:

Believe it or not, this actually almost killed Andrea at 96 damage. But the stairs were nearby and I wasn't too worried about it until...

Go figure, amirite?

Then Andrea reminded me of the awesome power of Blizzard and we knocked out everyone except Combusken and the Kabuto on the first turn <3 And she got right back up again in no time with the Fast Healer skill!

Does anyone remember that one time when I had the foolish idea to forget Quick Attack in favor of Helping Hand? Yeah, not one of my smartest moves. But I managed to find a TM in this dungeon that does the same thing as Quick Attack but better!

Here's the info for Quick Attack:

And here's the info for Mach Punch:

Higher power and hit ratio? Yes please! (Yes, I'm aware both are only one star stronger. But hey, every bit counts.)

I teeechnically have enough room for three more images, but this feels like a natural transition point so click here to advance to Part 2!

#pokemon mystery dungeon #pmd explorers #randomizer #post game #the guild's graduation exam #chapter 21

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late-to-the-party-81 · 2 years

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Very, very frightening

AN: And I made it! Down to the wire, but it's done. Kinktober 2022, you've been a blast (even if tags didn't work for most of it!)

We're finishing today with a return to Sex Worker Thor, from Thunderbolts and Lightening.

I’m using dialogue prompts from this post by @nightprompts and they can be found emboldened in the text.

Kinktober 2022 Masterlist

Main Masterlist

Beta’d by @lunarbuck

Dividers by @firefly-graphics, banners and covers by me.

Pairing: Sex Worker Thor x Reader

CW: Electroplay, Safe word usage, Explicit sexual content, Safe sex, Feelings and Angst

Word Count: 1.8k

You shouldn’t be this nervous. Wasn’t the second time supposed to be easier?

The reds and golds of the room were familiar, and as your hand brushed over the coverlet on the large bed, images from your previous time in this room played across your brain. You were so caught up in your memories that you didn’t notice the door open, didn’t notice his appearance until he was right behind you and he spoke into your ear.

“Good to see you again, little mouse.”

You jumped, shrieked, and spun around. Thor caught your upper arms with his hands, steadying you and chuckled.

“Still a nervous little thing, I see. But you have returned, as you said you would. I am glad. I have lots to show you.”

He slid his hands down to clasp your much smaller ones and turned you both, so he could sit on the edge of the mattress and draw you to stand between his broad thighs.

“And what would you like to do today then? I bet you have been researching.”

You nibbled your bottom lip and looked down at your feet. This was stupid. You didn’t need to feel embarrassed; this was his job. He leant forwards and peered up at you.

“Don’t be shy, now.”

You took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

“I’m interested in the claws and the um.. internal… um… probes.” He grinned, his blue eyes sparkling with amusement.

“See, that wasn’t so hard.” He drew you down to perch on one of his thighs, his hand splayed behind your back, supporting you, as his other pressed gently on your chin, turning your face towards his. “But before we get to all that, mouse…”

His lips captured yours sweetly and oh so masterfully. You granted him entry almost straight away, eager to feel him anyway you could. His fingers made quick work of the buttons on your top, the light fabric floating down to the ground within moments. Your skirt followed quickly, and he eased you down to the bed, pressing kisses to your heated skin.

Just like last time, he pulled away with a smile, discarded his tunic top and tied his hair up out of the way. With a broad smile, he made his way over to his toy cabinet.

You writhed on the bed, beads of sweat rolling down your forehead as your body was tortured, inside and out, by the pleasurable electric stings. Pressed deep inside you was an e-stim dildo, the stimulation coming in waves, causing you to clench down on it. On your skin however, were multiple points of sensation. Thor had the violet wand strapped to his thigh, the electrode pad against his skin, and four metal talons on his right hand. He lightly scratched them down your skin, sometimes one at a time, sometimes all together, or in any combination thereof.

You had no idea how much time had passed. It could have been 10 minutes. It could have been 10 hours. You were babbling, almost incoherently, your breath leaving your chest in ragged bursts. You were enjoying it, but yet, something didn’t feel quite right. Another jolt ran through the dildo and you winced. It was inevitable that Thor would notice.

His taloned fingers left your skin, and a moment later, the hum of the violet wand ceased.

“Are you alright, mouse?”

“I… um…” Another jolt and you were decided. “Enough! I don’t like it, I…”

In an instant the dildo switched off, and Thor was gently pulling it from your body. He lay down next to you and pulled you to his body, his hand sweeping up and down your back, soothing you.

“Talk to me, little one. What was it that you didn’t like?”

“The… umm… talons were nice. I liked them. But it was the… erm… you know…”

He chuckled at your vagueness.

“The dildo, mouse. You didn’t like the dildo. Do you think you can tell me why? What was it about it that you didn’t like?”

You took a few moments to really think about it, trying to work it out yourself. Thor let you have the time, just humming low in his throat while he stroked your naked body, making you feel safe.

“I think I worked it out, but you’re gonna think I’m silly.”

He tilted your chin up, so he could look at you properly.

“Little one, in matters such as these, I would never think so. It is important that everyone involved is comfortable with what is happening. You didn’t like it, so you safe-worded and that was exactly the right thing to do.” He pressed a kiss to your temple. “Now, tell me, so I know what not to do, should we meet again.”

You gulped, feeling shy, worried he would take this the wrong way.

“It was… umm… because… it wasn’t you. I know you were controlling it, but it wasn’t the same as the wand last time, and the talon this time. With those, I felt that it was your touch on my skin, making me tingle. The dildo just felt wrong. Do you understand what I mean?”

His lips twitched up in wry amusement.

“You, little mouse, are a boost to the ego. Now, the important question; are you done for today?”

You didn’t need to think this time.

“No. If it’s okay by you, could we continue, just without the dildo?”

“Whatever you wish.” He captures your lips again, washing away the uncertainty with the force of his presence. When the crackling of the wand started up, again you whimpered into his mouth, feeling the tingle pass from his lips to yours. When he broke the kiss, it was so he could resume using the talons, drawing patterns on your skin, and drawing moans from your lips. Every so often, his other hand brushed over you, adding a different, softer sensation on another part of your body. You felt your arousal grow again, and you wanted more. You wanted… him. No, you needed him. Needed him to fuck you.

“Thor!”

He stopped, pulled his hands away and the crackling died.

“Yes? Do you need to stop?”

You lifted your hands to his face, pulling him back down to you as you whispered against his mouth.

“I need you.”

He gathered you to him, his corded arms wrapping around your body, holding you close. You could feel his cock, hard and heavy under his harem pants, and you found yourself grinding over him. He shucked the talons, the wand, and all its accoutrements, all the while still stealing the breath from your body. He had to finally pull away to remove his pants, and you couldn’t help the whimper you let out when you saw his cock for the first time.

Thor smiled at you before reaching into his drawer for the small foil packet. A few moments later, and he climbed back over you, almost tenderly stroking your face as he settled between your thighs. His cock nudged against your thigh, and you bit your lower lip, the anticipation almost too much to bear. You lifted your hips, desperate for any friction, and Thor chuckled at your eagerness.

“Okay, little one. I will tease you no longer.”

He reached down between you and guided himself to your aching core, breaching you slowly, and gently sliding his whole length into you, until your head tilted back and your eyes rolled.

“Oh God!”

He pulled back in increments, before snapping his hips forwards again, impaling you on his cock. Your hands flew to his muscular shoulders, digging into his flesh. This felt miles better than the dildo.

He laboured above you, dropping down to kiss your lips and nip at your jaw.

“You are beautiful, my little mouse. Part of me wishes that we had met differently. I shouldn’t allow myself to get this close to you.”

His words made a warmth bloom inside you, his admission more erotic than any toy or position. You hooked your legs up around his waist, locking him to you, urging him deeper. His cock felt so good inside you, stroking you, stretching you, filling you to your limit. No partner before had ever made actual sex feel so good. In fact, you were so unused to it, that you didn’t recognise the feeling of your orgasm approaching until you were clenching down on him, shaking as the pleasure surged through your body.

Thor wasn’t far behind you, groaning deeply as he spilled into the condom. He rolled off you, discarding the used prophylactic, and then brought you into the circle of his strong, warm embrace. You lay in his arms, dazed as you came back down from your high. Your heart was beating out of your chest, and you’d like to say it was because of the sex, but you knew it wasn’t solely to do with that. You were feeling some way about Thor. A way that you shouldn’t be feeling about a man you were paying for sex. Warm kisses to your neck and shoulder brought you back to the present, and you looked up at your temporary lover. You suppressed the ache inside your chest and shot him a smile, hoping that he wouldn’t notice that it didn’t meet your eyes.

“Thank you. That was, well… wow. I’ve never cum like that before.”

Something flashed in his eyes but was gone as quick as it appeared, and he answered your smile with his own.

“You do not need to flatter me.”

“I’m not! Really. I mean it. I didn’t think it was possible. Turns out I wasn’t having sex with the right person.” You chuckled, but even you could hear it was forced. You jumped off the bed, anxious now and confused about how you were feeling, so you turned away from him to gather your clothes. You could hear him moving around behind you, straightening things up, but you jumped when he tapped you on the shoulder and passed you a washcloth.

“Um… thanks.”

You dressed quickly, and picked up your purse before going to hover over by the door.

“Will you be back, little mouse?” You heard the deeper question in his voice.

You passed him the handful of bills as you opened the door.

“Of course I will…” As you walked out of Lady Marmalade’s you knew that both of you knew that you’d been lying. You didn’t think your heart could take seeing him again like this; these feeling were too frightening.

Twenty minutes later, having tidied his room and righted some of his equilibrium, Thor found himself at the Madam’s door, knocking brusquely and walking straight in. The woman known as Lady Marmalade raised her brow as he entered.

“Madam, I know it goes against all policies, but what do I need to do to get you to release a client’s number to me?”

Tag list: @christywantspizza @jobean12-blog @tuiccim @yarnforbrains @sidepartskinnyjeans @maladaptivexxdaydreaming @krissy25 @bodeckersdiamonddoll @goldylions @ohsymphony @luxeavenger @wheezy-stucky @doasyoudesireandlive @chemtrails-club @sheismarvelousworld

#kinktober22 #kinktober 2022 #late writes #thor x reader #thor x you #sex worker thor #sex work is work

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priestessamy · 3 months

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genuine question, how do you have an official publisher, but not a single person took more than 5 minutes and 2$ worth of stock images to design the cover?

On the one hand, I appreciate you specifying this is a genuine question. On the other hand, that means you realize this was asked in kind of a shitty way, on anon. So you probably get that while we're not off on the wrong foot, we're not off on the right foot either. But I'm gonna take this in good faith regardless because I think it's worth being transparent.

Cool? Cool.

Bella Books doesn't have any artists on staff presently. That's the short answer.

The long answer is, predictably, longer. I had a whole concept for a cover that I wanted, with the two main characters standing back to back, hand in hand, each examining the instrument of destruction they can't seem to shake. It was poetic and cool. And Bella informed me it wasn't viable.

The best they can do on their mid-sized budget is manipulate stock photos.

[It should be noted at this point that I believe but have not confirmed that they will allow you to use art produced by an outsider artist. But! I didn't have anyone on speed dial nor any idea of who I could go with, I didn't have the money to commission, nor the confidence that after all our work would meet with approval.]

So I came up with a concept and cobbled together a selection of images that I felt would best convey the subject/tone of the book. You can still see that version in some places where the new cover hasn't been posted. Harper's knife, Esther's cross, some suggestive blood in the background. It was simple but good enough. I refused to use images of humans because no one really fit the bill and sometimes that can look even sloppier.

A few weeks before publication, the publisher came to me and said they had spoken with some store reps and gotten strong feedback that my original idea was a little too niche and wouldn't attract the broadest audience.

We were down to the wire and the new version they came up with was that dawn forest scene with the cross dangling off the title. I worries it looked a little too...A Walk to Remember-esque, and scoured the stock library for an appropriate wolf, one with black fur that looked relatively at ease, to give the reader the idea that "this werewolf isn't like other big scary werewolves".

So yes, they were rushed on their end, I was rushed on my end, and the cover ended up being uninspired. In a different universe, I would have just taken the hit and commissioned someone from the start.

But I'll say this much, and I know it's a massive cliche, but the old addage is true. Get past the cover, and I think the text speaks for itself. It's really really really good fucking text that I'm unbelievably proud of. I hope you read it. I hope you love it and tell other people to read it. Or maybe it won't be your thing. That's okay too.

Just, like... Be a little cooler about it next time? For me? Now that we're buddies and all?

#the realities of publishing #it cant always go perfectly #last minute changes are no fun for anyone #this maybe also comes across as a little aggro I admit #and defensive im sure #but i love this story #and i wish i could have gotten that dream cover #and having an anon come through like “cover sucks bro” isnt fun #i knew it would happen eventually

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soothinglee · 2 years

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𝑰 𝑶𝑵𝑳𝒀 𝑯𝑨𝑽𝑬 𝑬𝒀𝑬𝑺... : 𝑴𝑼𝑵𝑺𝑶𝑵

note: hey y'all....I'm just gonna leave this here, see you guys in 6 months! (I think I'm kidding), there's another way I want to take this, so I'll post it later.

eddie munson x gender neutral reader

synopsis: you and Eddie spend a moment in each others company, the flamingos providing a background music.

warnings: lowercase letters, mentions of weed.

beholder | time: 11:50 a.m

"I only have eyes for you..."

your fingers strum across the cords with ease, lightly tapping your feet to the melody. the comforting smell of eddies shampoo hits your nose roughly, you crinkle it but plow through it with the next line.

"I don't know if we're in a garden.."

the bed shifts underneath a new kind of weight, and a chest is pressed against your back, your body unconsciously leans into the heat. a warm breath hits the back of your neck making you halt your movements,

"eddie!" you giggle, swatting his face away, "get back, you're making me mess up!"

he groans, throwing his head back in mock frustration, "I just wanted to watch you playyy."

you continue to strum, only pausing to readjust the strap on your shoulder, "you can watch me play-" you briefly nod towards the space in-front of you, "on the floor."

he groans again, this time throaty and childish, "why can't I watch from over here?"

"because your breath is like a sauna and all I can smell is chocolate chip cookies and weed." you deepen your voice, titling your head slightly.

eddie smirks, leaning so he could softly whisper in your ear, "I thought you liked it?"

you turn your head around towards him, just enough to still see the cords your strumming while being able to see his cocky grin. there was little light in his room, him having breaking it awhile ago- when play fighting with dustin. the sun shines through his boarded up window, providing some yellow light into the room. when he moves closer the light shifts towards the right side of his face, just below his lips.

you quickly look away before he notices, "I never said I did," you hum, moving your hands to the next progression, "or on a crowded avenue,"

"I beg to differ," he quickly turns around, moving his hands up and down his back while making damp kissing noises, "oh eddie!" he mocks, adding in wild head gestures, "I love it when you kiss me! you always smell so unique, I wish I could just eat the smell!"

a giggle escapes you as you push him away, "gross!"

"you are here and so am I..."

eddie stops moving around, situating himself against the pillows on his headboard, the sleeves of his sweater slide downwards as he neatly folds his hands in his lap. he looks content, which is a strange because he didn't seem like a doowop type of person. his main music taste was heavy metal, nothing slow or blues-sie. the contrast was very different.

you take a moment to take him in, a slight smile ghosting his features, it takes everything out of you to not put down the guitar.

"maybe a millions of people go by..."

"y/n?" eddies voice speaks over the music, you hum in response, pausing to say the next verse, "where did you learn how to play guitar?"

"my dad taught me along time ago, when I was little. thought I could put my quick learning skills to use," you play the next cord, "turns out I picked it up faster than expected."

he yawns quietly, not bothering to close his mouth, "why don't you ever play metal music?"

a light laugh shakes your body, "because that's your thing, ed's. not mine,"

"but they all disappear, from view..."

a light tease laces his voice, and he lifts his torso up for a second, with his eyes still closed, "so what is your thing, y/n?"

you don't say anything, letting the next verse hit him better than anything else, testing him to see if he was actually paying attention.

"and I only have eyes, for you..."

#Eddie munson x reader #Eddie munson #Eddie munson blurb #x reader #stranger things #stranger things x reader #masterlist #x y/n #doowop #stranger things x y/n #fluff #Eddie munson fanficition #‧₊˚✩彡 𝐄.𝐌 𝐗 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑

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sunglowes · 1 year

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I feel terrible that I haven't had a chance to write anything and I deeply apologize.

So... I probably should have an official hiatus status or something and since I'm not sure when I'll feel up to writing again, I guess that makes it an indefinite hiatus...

For those who joined my Ease the Pain Collab, you can still tag me whenever you post your piece and I'll add you to the masterlist. I'll still be here on the app, just not posting any writing for the time being.

If you'd like to read a little life update I'll put it below

Tw: mental health and stuff

I'm not quite sure I can pinpoint when it started but I've been having a bit of trouble with my motivation to write. At first I just assumed that it was due to my full-time job and just not having the mental energy to put towards writing.

Although, I did find out halfway through the year that I actually have adhd so not only does my anxiety and depression cause me to have issues with focusing, my adhd does as well...

Which totally tracks as to why the end of high school (and during college as well) we're pretty rough...

But I'm currently working with my doctor to find the right medication to help balance my adhd so that could also be affecting my motivation to write. I've also been having a bit of a problem with my creativity. Coming up with ideas to write about has been difficult. Which could be answered by the fact that I work in the creative field for 8 hours a day and by the end I'm just mentally exhausted. Especially with my new medication because of the drop you get when it begins to wear off.

I'm also dealing with other factors within my life right now that aren't directly just my mental health. The main thing being that my grandfather has been in and out of the hospital for the majority of the year. He was admitted again before Thanksgiving and has since been placed into a care facility that he's been to before. We learned that his heart is working at only 25% and that one of the arteries or valves (I can't remember) has calcified (hardened) and isn't working which causes the rest of the heart to work even harder. He's on medication for it and eventually will have a procedure, but it's his call as to whether he wants it and he's on the fence about it.

The part that has been taking a toll on me is accepting what's going on. I feel as though I should feel more empathetic about what's currently happening. That I should feel sad and worried that this may be the end and that he could pass within the next couple months.

Except, instead, I almost feel a sense of relief because I know he's been a big stress factor over my father and my aunt because they've been having to go and take care of my grandfather, who can be an asshole to them. I feel guilty because for the last few years, I talk back to him because no one else really does. I give him a piece of my mind when he makes a snide comment about my grandmother, but she's deaf and can't understand him when he yells so I defend her. While, yes I feel guilty, I know I shouldn't because that's just who he is. He's always been this way...

Anyway. Enough with that.

I hope at some point I regain my motivation to write. Until then, take care of yourselves 🧡

#important #going on hiatus

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typingdyslexiaisathing · 3 months

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The Mad Dash (Trigun fic) part 1

summary: A new challenger enters the ring to save Vash and Wolfwood from a dire situation. Someone that proves to be a formidable and capable fighter.

characters: Vash the Stampede, Nicholas D. Wolfwood, OC

content: blood, violence, injury, medical treatments, broken bones, serious injury, mention of death, serious fighting, explosions, tending wounds, tending broken bones, established relationship

// I wrote a pretty long fanfic back in 2019. And so I am posting the first part of it here for people to read. Hope you enjoy the throw down. //

She moved to block the shot with effortless ease. The shield taking all of the blow with a resounding clang. Vash wondered how it didn't break her arm from the fact it wasn't just a bullet. It had been a missile from a rocket launcher. And from the fact she flinched to then grab the shield with her free hand meant that there had been damage. Yet her glare was as sharp as a razor as she huffed in air. But then Wolfwood stepped in with a few shots of his own. The enemy falling back as Wolfwood shouted, "Move your asses! GO!" The woman nodded to drop what looked like a bomb of all things. Kicking it into the crowd of bounty hunters to shout, "Have a party favor!" Then she rushed at Vash to swoop him up under one arm and sprint forwards with him doing his best to keep up. Or not just fall flat on his face as she about flew over the ground. Wolfwood brought up the rear as they made a bee line for an abandoned building a few blocks down. The bomb going off for even more explosions to rend the air. The woman vaulted through the open window with Vash still hanging on. Vash giving a shout when he went through the window with her. To then be cushioned into a roll with her and having her take most of their weight as they rolled. He was sure by now she had broken something. With Wolfwood jumping through the same window to then duck down behind the wall for cover. Vash was then tugged up off the floor and through a doorway. Being sat behind the wall in that hallway as the woman panted and heaved for air next to him. With the shield falling off her now very twisted arm to thud to the floor. She gave a hard growl of a noise to get her feet under her and stand. Obviously going to push herself even further. So Vash grabbed her by the shoulder right away. His words worried as he told her, "Stop. You shouldn't move with your arm like that." She huffed to look at him with a glare. Making him almost back away at the intensity. But then she grit her teeth to dump her bag next to him, grabbing a kind of shawl to fling it over her shoulder. Within seconds she had her broken arm secured to her front and tied with the shawl. Ensuring it wouldn't be moving when she did. Her voice was full of pain as well as resolve. "I stop when we're clear. So get ready to hightail it in three…" Before he could grab her to stop her, she charged forwards back into the main room. With Wolfwood giving a shout to exclaim, "Wait a- STOP YOU CRAZY-" But then she was vaulting out the window, her sword poised and her cloak swaying behind her. "Don't make me have wasted my time with you two! NOW MOVE IT!"

Vash tried to scramble after her with her bag over his shoulder. But Wolfwood had other ideas to grab him and slam him into the floor. "You idiot! Stay down! She's right! It's YOU they want Spikey!" But Vash gave a hard snarl to try and get Wolfwood off of him. "I don't care! They'll kill her if I don't do something! MOVE NICK!" But Wolfwood gave a growl to hoist Vash up and back out into the hallway, the opposite direction of the window. "I never said we should leave her to die! I'm saying we need to be smart about it! Now move your ass so we can circle around for the bike!" Vash hated that idea and the direction they were going. But he got the lead out regardless. The two of them moving around to the back entrance to head down the street and for where they left the motorcycle. By then there was shouting and explosions sounding off in quick succession down the other street. Making Vash extremely worried to borderline on panic. But Wolfwood got the bike started to then throw their bags into the side cart. Vash could hear more shouting as the chaos moved up that side street. And so he got on the bike as soon as Wolfwood gunned the engine. The two of them speeding off towards the noise as Vash held on tight. By the time they got to where most of the noise was, the both of them felt highly on edge. And it proved justified when they saw what was going down. The woman that had jumped into their mess was all bloody and caked with dirt. While she was backpedaling away from a really big guy with a chainsaw. Several of the bounty hunters had already gone down. But there were three left and they were highly augmented with cybernetics and armor. She was also looking like she was about to fall over. Her entire body trembling as she moved. Her dodges just barely keeping the whining teeth of the chainsaw from touching her. A few times she didn't even dodge completely. Nicks and red appearing on her legs and a good chunk of the cloak getting shredded. She ended up tossing the cloak off to then have it get caught in the chainsaw. Which only stopped it for five or six seconds as Wolfwood sped the bike up. Vash cursed to then state, "Hurry up Nick!" Wolfwood growled to exclaim, "Shut it! OI! INCOMING!" The woman turned just as the chainsaw ripped through the cloak to start back up again. Her sword instantly sheathed into it's scabbard at her back. Leaving her hand free as she held her arm out for one of them to grab her. Vash took aim to shoot the guy with the chainsaw just as Wolfwood grabbed her arm. The chainsaw sparking to then explode as they sped off.

Wolfwood kept his arm in hers as she moved her feet into the side cart. Then she let go to grab the shield and set it up to give their backs cover. Bullets pinged out in succession as she huffed and kept the shield up. All while Vash hung on tight to get a few shots off as they sped away from the mayhem. It didn't take long for them to get across town. And by then Vash was certain that the woman who had just saved their lives was about dead. She'd already collapsed in the side cart once the gunshots had stopped. Her body going limp into his side as Vash had grabbed her collar to keep her in the cart. So once they got to the back street of their hotel, Vash was about to freak out. But Wolfwood stopped the bike for Vash to scramble off the seat. Wolfwood killing the engine as Vash lifted up the woman to get a better look at her condition. And she looked like several aisles of bad road by now. Her eyes closed as she took ragged pants of air. Her clothes were a mess. Several cuts leaking ever so slowly as a few forming bruises could be seen under the rips in her pants. But the worst was her left arm. It looked like it had been rolled up the wrong way while still in the shawl. Which made Vash flinch at the idea it might just fall off once they untied it. "Nick. This is really bad." Wolfwood took off his sunglasses to look. And he too ended up grimacing to run a hand through his hair. "Ah Hell. Let's get her inside." Vash nodded to carefully lift her into his arms. And she gave a hard flinch to shiver all over. Wolfwood grabbed all of their gear to then get them through the back door and up to their room on the second floor. Wolfwood tossing the bags into the corner to then start getting the hot water going in the sink. Vash moved with care as he got into the room with his cargo. Setting the woman into a chair to start getting the shawl completely removed. He hissed in air as the shawl came away sticky. The red soaked into the material for him to curse. "God. This is bad. Nick. You got any needle and thread? We need to do something about this bleeding right away." Wolfwood routed through one of the bags to then set out a bowl of water as well as rags. His movements precise as he then found needle and thread in the bag the woman was carrying. "I found better. This looks like actual surgical needle and thread along with disinfectant." Vash gave a nod to then give a squack of surprise, since it was then a hand clamped down on his wrist. Both he and Wolfwood looked down to their guest. Who was blinking furiously at Vash as if to clear her vision. Her air was strained as she tried to get on her feet. And she asked, "We clear?" Vash gave a nod to keep her seated. "We lost them all. And are at a hotel across town. Now don't move and we'll see to getting you stitched up." She gave a hard huff of air to then shiver. "There's medical glue in a jar with a blue star on the cork. Use that to make sure I don't bleed out onto the floor."

#The Mad Dash #Trigun fanfiction #Trigun Fanfic

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mondaysjournal · 10 months

Text

7/22/2023 - Long Exposure

Hey, princess. I always like talking to you. Even when it's about things that can be difficult and scary, like the future. I didn't always like thinking about those kinds of things before, because I just felt alone and incapable, and the only thing that I could tell myself that would alleviate all that would be that things would work out eventually. No one else was around to tell me that it would be okay. I don't know if you need that as badly as I did, but that's what I'm here for. No matter what happens, where we go, where we stay, what we do, I will always love you and take care of you. That is what I want to do above everything else. It might be difficult at times, figuring everything out, not knowing what exactly is going to come next, but no one said that it was all going to be easy. It's because we're doing it together that we can have hope, and we can find the strength to keep going. And on the other side, there's going to be a lot of fun adventures we'll get to go on where we'll get even closer to each other. I hope you find that as exciting as I do.

I know I've said stuff like this a hundred times in a hundred different ways, but...it's really important to me that you know just how much I love you. And you never should say that I "didn't have to do that for you," because even if I don't have to, I still want to do everything I can to make you happy. I didn't realize I could feel this fulfilled and purposeful until we started seeing each other. So I hope you'll keep letting me love you in the ways that I know how, and I'll be happy as long as I can do that. That's all I really need, other than being able to cuddle you and sleep next to you at night. And kiss you. And a lot of other things. But those are the main ones. Anyway, I just had to tell you all that before I talked about my week and my latest trip.

I was going to make a post last week about the previous week, but then I ended up telling you everything when we talked on the phone. Tuesday night, there weren't enough people for magic club, so I stayed home and Bill and I watched mission impossible 6 and ate chinese food, which was cool. He left the next day around noon as I went to the office. At night I went to the gym. I was originally going to not tell you that I was going to surprise you, but then I realized pretty quickly that I wasn't going to build up enough strength over two months to all of a sudden be able to pick you up with ease from where I am now. But yeah, that's something I do now. I probably don't go as often as I should or spend as much time there as I should, but I'm sure that'll improve over time. I just hope that at some point, I'm able to make your fantasy come true. So I'll keep working hard for you.

Thursday, there were enough people at magic club for two pods. The first game, I lent Albert my sefris deck, which did it's usual thing of establishing an unbreakable board state leading to everyone surrendering, which I counted as a win for me since it was my deck. I was playing shelob, which doesn't have too many tools to break through avacyns or serra's emissaries. I switched off to Melek, who I hadn't played in some time, and surprisingly was able to win with a big storm turn using primal wellspring, melek, and storm kings thunder copying turnabout 11 times. The deck doesn't really appear to do anything except draw and scry cards a lot until that happens. It's a little less flashy than your kaza deck, but I still like having to play off the top of my library. I played your dina deck a few times after that, but it was against decks that were much stronger, so I didn't get to do much with them. Pretty much all the pieces for Ratadrabik are here (except for ratadrabik himself, and samwise), but I will hold myself back and not play it until you're here to play it first. Oh, I also preordered the eldrazi commander deck, since I figured I had to make a colorless deck anyway and this would be a cool commander for it. I now have a place to play my mana crypt and mana vault that actually makes sense, instead of just shoving them into liesa just because they're expensive. It'll be a few weeks before it gets here, though.

On friday, I got lunch with khalil around north station. I had a calzone and he had some mini arancini. I talked about you and he told me about this one girl he was seeing that he doesn't feel too strongly about at the moment. I'm not sure if that's going to go anywhere, and it seems like he doesn't know either at the moment. But I guess we'll see what happens. Unrelated to that, lint said that they would be coming down to new hampshire to visit their grandparents some time in early august, so I'll probably make the drive up there to meet them in person. I guess that's the "next thing" to anticipate.

Anyway, let me tell you about Pawtucket. On the map, it looks like it's very close to providence, but you couldn't really tell that just from walking around. It was sort of in between Londonderry and Amesbury, in that I was definitely able to see more by walking around, but it wasn't terribly dense.

My first stop was Untapped Games, which was a very nice looking LGS that had a lot of product both old and new, with many items on sale. I decided to get a journey into nyx pack (since that's the set I started on) and a japanese dragons of tarkir pack. The nyx pack was a dud, but the cards at least smelled nostalgic. In the japanese dtk pack, I got a collected company, which I was surprised to see was around $10 in value. If I get into pioneer, that's one less copy of CoCo I have to buy. The store is on the very right of the building pictured below.

After that, I went looking for lunch, and bought an eggplant parm sandwich from this place called sandwich hut. It was okay, and I regret not searching further for food, as there were a few indian places near the park where I sat down to eat that I could have gotten food from. I don't regret it terribly, though. As I was walking back from the sandwich place, I saw this, which I thought was amusing.

I think these kinds of photos are what I'm more interested in capturing than panoramic shots of grand vistas whenever I visit places like this. Most places look the same, but it's little things that tell stories and differentiate one place from another. I looked up the nearest park on google maps and drove to it so I could sit down somewhere to eat my sandwich. This is what it looked like from where I was sitting:

It was a nice park. And there were people there, too, which is more than I can say for Londonderry. Once I finished eating, I went down the road to see some gift shops like this:

They did have some nice things, but nothing that was particularly compelling. After that, I went across the street to a bakery and bought one baguette.

I could tell it wasn't fresh, but I didn't particularly care. I was going to just toast it in the oven and eat it with some soup anyway. Once I noticed it was around 4, I left so that I could be back home in time to feed Thalia. I know there was more I could've seen, but not so much that I'd want to come back before seeing other towns in rhode island. I hope that once you're back, we can keep doing this, finding random places to spend a few hours just walking around, doing nothing in particular. Although, I'd probably take more care in finding places that are actually interesting for this purpose. Next week, I will be going to Ipswich, as I feel the sea calling me...

Every day I am more and more excited to see my little flower again. I love you so much.

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thesacredtwink · 3 years

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A Wolf in Kings Clothing

Chapter 2

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Gathered around one of the inns tables, the nine men look down at the open piece of paper. At the head of the table, Wind stands on his tiptoes to get a better view of the document, squinting his eyes as if that will make the unfamiliar hylian script make sense.

"Well?" Time asks.

"It's not good," Twilight responds with a sigh. "The Captain wasn't off the mark yesterday. So far, things are at a stalemate but Castle Town is blocked off. They have water thanks to the main fountain, but food..." The Rancher trails off.

"How long does the Princess think they can last?"

Twilight scans the page.

"A month, maybe more if the rationing goes to plan."

Legend snorts, crossing his arms over his chest.

"That's unlikely."

Warriors makes a nose of agreement, unfortunately familiar with the logistics of keeping a town fed under the pressures of attack. From beside the tall blond, Hyrule speaks up.

"So we're helping, right?"

"No duh," Wind mumbles, earning himself a smack on the shoulder from Four. Warriors smirks and shakes his head at the antics, before slipping back into seriousness.

"I stand by my assessment from last night. It takes an army to fight an army, and we are good fighters. But-" He shakes his head, letting the unspoken hang around the table.

Sighing deeply, Twilight pushes the letter away and drags a hand through his hair.

"Any ideas, Pup?"

Looking around, the Rancher finds that all eyes are on him. This is his era, his home, and by that virtue makes the Ordonian the best source of knowledge in spite of not being the most senior. Warriors words echo in his mind, and its one of those times where Twilight hates to find himself agreeing with the soldier. He runs a hand down his face, thinking hard. They aren't enough on their own, and tempting though it is to try and attempt a rescue of Castle Town, its not the smart thing to do. Unbidden, the memory of his dream pushes its way to the front of Twilights mind. He can almost feel the breath on the shell of his ear as green painted lips whisper a proverb that was once as foreign to him as the person who said it.

"One grain of sand..." he mutters to himself.

"What was that, Twi?" Four asks.

Twilight shakes his head.

"Nothing. But I think I know some people who would be willing to help. Just-" he sucks in a breath "-I'm gonna need y'all to trust me, okay?"

Around the table, some of the others exchange glances, and Twilight doesn't have to look to know that Time is looking at him curiously. At the far end of the table, Wild raps his knuckles against the wooden surface, drawing everyone's attention.

"We trust you," Wild signs, face serious and motions firm, before looking around at the other heroes as if daring them to disagree with him. No one does, and the ball of stress that has started to build in the Rancher's stomach eases slightly at the support from his protégé. Now, he can only hope that the rest of this goes smoothly.

---

The desert was hot, far hotter than any other place the Ordonian had visited before. Though, it's no cooler now than it was the last time he stepped foot in the sandy place. He doesn't know why he came back, doesn't know what he expected to find other then painful memories. But staying in the village was too hard. Everything was different now, or maybe its that he was different while everything else was the same. Either way, staying in Ordon felt wrong. Link had hoped that, after everything, maybe life could return to normal. He doubted it though.

A week into his journey, when he had bent over the river flowing into Hyrule Field and caught sight of his reflection, Link knew those doubts were right.

Lines, faint but unmissable, rested on his forehead and beneath his eyes. They could almost be mistaken for smudges of coal from the mornings fire, if it weren't for the way they mimicked the white pattern on the muzzle of his wolf form. Around his neck, the curse shard weighed like an anchor, keeping Link from turning away. He stopped his hand half way to his face, looking at his frozen reflection and the anguish that danced in his eyes.

There would never be any going back.

After that, Link wandered, spending a few days on the road and a few in the castle - Princess Zelda quietly understanding, giving the Rancher room to exist without offering judgement. When the Rancher finally left, she saw him off personally, wrapping Link in a hug unbecoming of her status.

By the time he reaches the desert, the marks on his face have deepened, standing dark against his copper skin.

Underfoot, the sand gives with every step. Occasionally his boots slip, forcing Link to focus on the world around him. Its good - a distraction- and it keeps the Ordonian from truly succumbing to his thoughts. Sweat drips down his brows, and although the physical exertion does claim most of his attention, it's not quite enough to fully drive away the thoughts of her.

Midna.

His heart clenches at her name. In the weeks since the Twili left, the Rancher has done his best to not think of her. Deep down, he knows that doing so isn't fair to either of them. Minda deserves the chance to be remembered, and he deserves the chance to move on. But the emotions attached to the memory of the Princess are confusing, and if Link is being entirely honest, he isn't sure he wants to know what they are.

Link's attention wavers for only a few seconds, but its enough. His feet slip out from under him, and the Rancher find himself faceplanting in the sand. He sputters as he pushes himself up, spitting out as much of the offending grit as he can. He never hears the footsteps that approach, and when the press of a cool metal blade against his neck captures his attention, Link doesn't dare to breathe.

"Well now," a female voice says from above him, "What have we here?"

The way she pronounces her 'v' sticks to her lips, rounding the sound till it is closer to a 'b', and her 'r' catches on her tongue reminiscent of a cat. Slowly, Link lets his gaze look up- and up, and up, and sweet Hylia up- until finally stopping on a pair of brilliant yellow eyes and sharp grin. Though it's not the time for it, Link reconfirms his assessment. Definitely like a cat.

---

"Hey Rancher, how much further?"

Twilight resists the urge to sigh. It's the sixth time Legend has asked that question. He knows his Hyrule is one of the larger ones, especially in comparison to the Veteran's home era. But even that understanding isn't enough to keep the usually level headed man from wanting to smack his friend. Before the Twilight can give into his desire to growl, the Chain rounds a bend and a small house perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking Lake Hylia comes into view.

"We're close," Twilight says, and tries not to be offended on behalf of his home at the small chorus of relieved whispers that break out behind him.

Wind jogs up beside him.

"So this is where your friends live?" the Sailor asks.

Twilight shakes his head.

"No, this is how we get to where my people live."

"Oh," Wind says, then after a moment, adds "And how are we getting there?"

For the first time since the group of heroes learned about the situation brewing outside the Castle, Twilight smiles.

"You'll see,"

He's been looking forward to this part.

#gerudo!twilight #gerudo twilight #gerudo twilight au #twilight linked universe #warriors linked universe #my oc #flashbacks #a wolf in kings clothing #linked universe #linkeduniverse #linked universe fanfic #my writing #the saga continues

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artificialqueens · 3 years

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Bitch Fight, Ch.4 (Multi-Ship) - Lita

Welcome to the world of Femme Fatale Wrestling. The future is female, and we're here to prove it.

A/N: Thank you guys again for all the love - I'm stupid excited to post this one, the wider supporting cast is arguably one of my favourite things about writing this story, and I'm finally getting to introduce more of them. I've not got a ton more to say, so hope you all enjoy! <3<3

CHAPTER FOUR: WHAT

Adore trails behind Bianca into the locker room, her backpack slung over one shoulder. She’d been excited about this ever since Bianca had brought it up to her - her first real show, her first true steps into the business; the start of something new, the beginning of the rest of her life or what-the-fuck-ever. But contrary to her expectations, it feels kind of...boring?

There are maybe five or six other girls milling around in metallic spandex, mostly sitting on the benches staring at their phones; a couple stood in front of the mirror putting on makeup or fixing their hair. The room smells like hairspray and Icy Hot, and it’s overly-bright and depressingly empty. They’d come around the back entrance to the building, Bianca leading Adore through endless white, fluorescent-lit corridors that she really hoped she wasn’t going to have to navigate herself on her way to the ring, because she definitely hadn’t been paying enough attention to know where she was going a second time.

Bianca drops her bag down on the bench, starting to fish her gear out of it - Adore stands next to her, not sure what to do with herself. The woman sitting across from them looks up from her phone, walking over to them. She pulls Bianca into a hug.

“Thank god you’re here - Miss Fame got food poisoning, so she’s off the card. She was supposed to be working the main event with Courtney - who, by the way, isn’t even here yet, - Bill’s been tearing me a new asshole all night, and trying to get Jinkx to give a crap is like trying to get blood out of a stone- hold the phone, who is that?” She’s talking at an insane speed, even Bianca seems to be struggling to understand her, before she stops dead; staring Adore down.

“This is Adore. I found her in the parking lot a few weeks ago and I’ve been training her. I figured that we could give her a chance to work some shit in front of a real crowd tonight. She’s still green, but she can bump like a motherfucker and she’ll do basically anything you tell her to.” Adore gives an awkward smile, waving. “And before you ask, yes I okayed it with Bill.”

She breathes a heavy sigh, relaxing her shoulders. She’s a little shorter than Bianca, and curvier; short, dark hair, dressed in a black and lilac singlet. Bianca turns to Adore.

“Adore, this is Dela. I’d say she doesn’t always seem this crazy - she does, but you learn to live with it.” Bianca says. “I have shit to do that doesn’t involve babysitting people all night. You-” she turns to Adore. “-go talk to people, make some friends that aren’t me. And Dela, chill the fuck out.” She takes her stuff, walking off in the vague general direction of what Adore assumes is the bathroom to go and get changed.

“Y’know, you need to stop talking about people like they’re not standing right in front of you,” Dela shouts after her, before turning to Adore. “It’s nice to meet you, sweetie. Sorry about all that.”

“It’s cool,” Adore shrugs, easing up a little. “I like your hair. It’s cute.”

Dela blushes. “Thank you.” She sits down, patting the bench beside her. Adore takes a seat next to her. “Yeah, I promise it’s not usually this bad, tonight has been more of a wreck than usual. My wife owns the promotion - she used to wrestle too, but she had to retire last year, and let’s just say she hasn’t taken to it well. Every day is kinda substitute teacher day right now.”

“It’s okay - I don’t mind. I’m just excited to be here.” Adore has to stifle an excited laugh - it’s true. It didn’t matter how hard training had been - Bianca had worked her like a fucking drill sargeant for the first few days, until she realised that the one thing that Adore could do quite well was throwing herself at the floor. Those years on the deathmatch circuit had definitely paid off. She’d started learning some actual wrestling; mostly just locking up and basic holds and maneuvers - her back was still black and blue from learning to run the ropes - but she was making good progress, and they’d discovered mostly by accident that she was capable of a semi-passable moonsault. It felt good - seeing the pride in Bianca’s face whenever she did something right. All the sucky nights of sleep, and bodily aches, and early mornings, and exhaustion felt fucking worth it.

She had been like a kid on Christmas Eve the night before. Lying staring at the ceiling of Bianca’s guest room, as she had been for the last month or so - at Bea’s insistence; since Adore would be sticking around for the foreseeable future, it made more sense than having her sleep in her driveway. Bianca was, at her core, really sweet, even if she seemed to hate people knowing it - struggling to even contemplate going to sleep because she couldn’t shut her brain up. But that morning, the excitement had melted away into nerves, which had steadily mounted as the day dragged on.

“Bianca said she’d been training you, right?”

“Yeah - I’ve been like, sort of wrestling for a few years. But it was all backyard deathmatch shit, I didn’t really know how to do anything besides hit people with chairs and make them bleed,” she shrugs, laughing a little.

Dela grimaces. “I feel like I don’t need to ask what happened to your arm then?”

“Oh yeah,” Adore laughs. The scars from her last match are still red and raw-looking, freshly healed and still kind of gross. Which probably hadn’t been helped by her insistence on picking at them, much to Bianca’s general disgust, but she thought they looked cool. “A guy threw me through a sheet of glass, it was fucking dope. That’s how I met Bianca. I’ve been watching her since I was a kid - I ran into her in the parking lot here, and asked her to come to one of my matches. She did, and then she freaked the fuck out and drove me to the ER, but we’re friends now, so it’s cool.”

Dela looks a little uneasy, before perking up. “Well, I think you’re gonna like it here. The other girls are all really nice. Plus you’re in good hands with Bianca - I’ve known her for years, she’s a great worker.”

“She is really cool,” Adore smiles. “So are you,” she adds. Dela smiles.

“You’re sweet,” Dela says. “I need to go talk to Bill - you’ll have heard me talking about him, he’s our referee and - I hope - temporary booker, so I can try and work out where you’re gonna fit on the card. What’s your ring name again?”

“Uh, Adore Delano.”

“And where do you wanna be billed from?”

“Uh, I’m from Azusa.” Dela has the notes app open on her phone, and she jots this down, nodding.

“So, I think the best people to try and put you with will be either me or Bianca - you’ve obviously worked with her before, and second to her I’m the most experienced person here. Not that anyone else is bad, necessarily, but I feel like being in there with a veteran to keep you on the right track is a good idea. Does that sound okay with you?”

“Sure,” Adore says, nodding.

“So, you’ll probably be opposite either Dela Monsoon - that’s me - or Santerìa, which I think you know is Bianca, on the card.”

“Party,” Adore says. Dela gives a bemused laugh.

“Cool - I promise nobody bites, go talk to some of the other ladies,” Dela says, standing up. Adore smiles as she leaves the room.

This is fun. Stressful, but fun. Adore isn’t really sure what to do with herself, looking around in the room of new faces and feeling an unfamiliar ball of nerves sitting in the pit of her stomach. As much as she doesn’t miss what went on in the ring quite as much, she misses the atmosphere before the shows she used to work. It was more chilled-out than this - and there were more people like her. More people who seemed less straight-laced and focused. She didn’t have much in the way of a pre-show ritual, but throwing back a couple of beers in someone’s car before taping up her fists and heading to the ring had always been pretty par-for-course. Turning up to the venue and then sitting around doing nothing for hours felt insane to her.

She feels out-of-place and a little unsure of herself; everyone else seemed so polished. She looks over to the girl standing across from her in gold attire. She has one foot up on the bench as she laces up her boots; dark skin and white-blonde hair down to her hips.

“Hi,” Adore calls over to her; the other woman gives her a quick, tight-lipped smile, saying nothing as she turns back to tying her shoes. Adore breathes in, crossing her legs and readjusting herself a little uncomfortably.

“What the fuck are you doing? Go get changed,” Bianca, back from the bathroom, elbows her in the shoulder. She’s in her ring gear now - a crop top and tights, dark red with gold accents. Her hair is tied into a loose bun at the back of her neck, and she’s turned to rake around in her bag for her makeup.

“Bitch, I am changed,” Adore protests. She’s in the same denim shorts and bra combo that she’s always worn to the ring.

“Really?” Bianca looks her up and down. “I know for a goddamn fact that those shorts are still covered in your blood, because you have not done a single load of laundry in the last month.”

“It gives them character.” Adore shrugs.

“I’m more concerned that you don’t seem to ever change your underwear,” Bianca mutters, rolling her eyes. “What about your hair? Makeup? Anything?”

“Done and done,” Adore says, blasse. Bianca looks exasperated. She’s wearing her hair down, yesterday’s eyeliner having become today’s smoky eye, and little more effort put in besides throwing on some lipstick and fresh mascara. Adore has never bothered to put in any more work than this before a show, and she’s not sure why Bianca seems to expect that she should change that now. Bianca seems different to usual - tense and a little edgy.

Bianca rolls her eyes. “The show doesn’t start for another hour and a half, do you literally have nothing else to do besides staring at the wall with your thumb up your ass?”

“I wanna go smoke,” Bianca huffs a sigh; Adore looks up at her with plaintive puppy eyes.

“Fine - there’s a fire exit down the hall. Go out there, and don’t take forever.”

******

Adore steps outside, pulling her pack of cigarettes and lighter out of her bra. God, this place is big, and the hallways are confusing. There are two others out there already - a brunette, a few feet away from them with her finger in one ear, arguing into her cellphone in what sounds like Japanese, and a blonde standing with a joint between her fingers.

They’re both wearing matching bra and shorts combos, in chartreuse green, with kickpads and elbow-length fingerless gloves that both read ‘PRETTY DOPE’; carrying matching title belts. The brunette has hers around her waist, the blonde’s is slung backwards over her shoulder as she holds it by the end of the strap. Adore breathes in, approaching the blonde as she lights her smoke.

“Hey.”

“Who the fuck are you?” She curls her lip. She has hair to her shoulders with short, blunt bangs and sporadic streaks of green through it. She blows smoke out through her nose, straight into Adore’s face.

“Uh- I’m Adore, I’m-”

“Honey, no-one asked,” the blonde says bluntly.

“But you literally just-”

“Bitch, I don’t care. You’re killing my vibe here.” Adore shrinks into herself a little, taking a drag of her cigarette. The blonde pushes Adore out of the way to lean over to shout to the other girl: “Hey Gia! You want a hit?”

The brunette gives an exasperated groan, yelling into her phone again before abruptly ending the call, stuffing the phone into her bra and walking over to them. She takes the joint out of the blonde’s hand, placing it between her lips.

“Urgh, I wish my mom would hop off my fucking dick - who is that?” She points at Adore, who is now leaning against the wall, trying to make herself seem as small as possible. Her voice has gone up about three octaves compared to how she was speaking on the phone.

“Some bitch called Adore. Are you okay?” She looks at Gia.

“Yeah, just more stupid shit about wanting me to come back home. I mean, I know it’s been six years or whatever, but like, you know I can’t.” The blonde looks a little concerned, her face tentative. “What? Are you on her side now or something?”

“No! Just like…I dunno, she’s your mom. Maybe she just misses you and shit.”

“You need to hop off my dick too.” Gia curls her lip. She flicks ash at the ground, passing the joint back to the blonde, who takes another long draw.

Adore scuffs the toes of her shoes along the ground. The sun is still up; the air hot, sticky, and gross. She doesn’t do humidity. She can feel herself sweating, and is struck with a sudden, weird paranoia over body odour - did she pack deodorant? Someone in the locker room will have, she can ask them. Can she ask them? She isn’t sure - she doesn’t want to annoy Bianca, and everyone else keeps looking at her or, in the case of the two standing across from her, whispering into each other’s ears with their backs to her, talking to her like they think she’s insane. God, Adore can’t remember the last time she felt this self-conscious.

“Yo, Adore!” the blonde calls over to her. Adore jumps, dropping her cigarette on the ground. Gia laughs, loud and obnoxious, before her friend elbows her; Gia grabbing at her arm, scowling. The blonde holds her joint out to her. “Want some?”

Adore stutters a little. “Uh- no thanks, I’m good.”

“Loser,” Gia says. “We’re trying to be nice.”

“Sorry, I-”

The door that Adore is leaning against opens, hitting her in the back, and she trips over; only just stopping herself from falling on the ground.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry!” A familiar voice cries out - grabbing Adore’s arm to steady her.

Thank fuck - it was Dela on the other side. Gia and her friend start shuffling around, pushing each other as if trying to hide from the older woman, in plain sight. Dela lets out a heavy sigh.

“Ladies, I’m not stupid. I can smell it from down the hall.”

Gia holds up her empty hands. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Her voice is drawling and cunty as she takes a step towards Dela, like she’s trying to intimidate her.

“Laganja?” The blonde avoids eye contact with Dela. “You have a match later, I shouldn’t have to keep telling you this shit - we expect literally everyone else to be sober in the ring, you guys aren’t an exception.” Dela says. Laganja gives a heavy roll of her eyes, dropping the joint on the floor. It’s only been around a quarter smoked. “I’m gonna pretend I didn’t see that.”

“You suck,” Laganja says as they both trail back towards the door, Gia muttering ‘fucking narc’ just loud enough to be audible as she deliberately rams her shoulder into Dela.

Dela bites her lip - clearly trying to compose herself as Adore lights another cigarette; the one she’d dropped had only been half-finished, and she’s still a little tetchy, feeling a bizarre need to occupy her hands.

“You want one?” She holds the cigarette pack out to Dela, who takes one; Adore lights it for her.

“Thanks,” Dela takes a drag, before breathing out a heavy sigh, relaxing a little. “Are you okay?”

Adore nods. “Pretty much - they were kinda dicks.”

Dela raises her eyebrows knowingly. “Pretty Dope are harmless,” she says, her tone flat and somewhat insincere. “Yeah, they’re dicks, but if you want my opinion, it’s on purpose because they think it makes them look cool. Do you know the meaning of the phrase ‘being a mark for oneself’?”

Adore shrugs. “Kinda?”

“They believe their own hype too much,” Dela explains. “Like, we all have our persona or gimmick or whatever, but they live theirs rather than working it. It’s a lot. That said, they’re both great performers. They’re our tag team champs - I think they probably will be for a while, we don’t have a ton of other tag teams.”

“Right,” Adore nods.

“Have you spoken to anyone else?”

“Uh...the black girl in the gold bikini? Well, I tried to, anyway. She didn’t speak to me back.” Dela smiles a little.

“Oh, that’s Trinity. She’s a sweetheart - she’s just insanely shy. It’s not you, I promise. She’s incredible in the ring, though - big wrestling family. You’re way too young to remember GLOW, right? Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling?”

Adore shakes her head.

“It was a wrestling show from the 80s, all women - it was kinda before my time too, but my dad had a few tapes of it when I was a kid, and I was obsessed with it. Anyway, Trin’s mom was on that for years, she was a pretty big deal - ‘The Welfare Queen’ Latrice Royale?”

“Holy shit - I think I met her at a convention when I was like, nine. My mom used to take me to stuff like that all the time.” Adore smiles.

“Like I said, I was raised on that show - she was always one of my favourites, I think I nearly died when I found out Trin was her daughter,” Dela laughs.

“Have you been wrestling for a while?”

“Ten years? Maybe fifteen. I started out as a manager - my wife and I had this really cute knock-off Randy Savage and Miss Elizabeth thing going for a few years, then we started teaming together. It was awesome - we used to be called The Weather Girls, we walked out to the ring to It’s Raining Men. I miss working with her.” Dela gives a long sigh.

“Bianca talks about her a lot too. She sounds dope.”

Dela gives a weak smile. She looks distant - not saying anything for a while, staring at the ground between draws. Adore isn’t quite sure what to do with herself. Dela shakes herself off a little, putting her cigarette out against the wall and turning to Adore.

“Shit - I totally forgot, I came out here for a reason. Bianca said this is where I’d find you, I need to talk to you. We finalised the card - I promise everything isn’t usually this last-minute, but tonight has been a little crazy. Now, this is gonna sound insane, and it seems like a lot for your first night, but- y’know what, just come back inside.”

#rpdr fanfiction #s6 #bianca del rio #adore delano #bendelacreme #gia gunn #laganja estranja #trinity k bonet #lesbian au #wrestling au #glow au #bitch fight #femme fatale wrestling au #lita

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allovertheplace-writing · 4 years

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• First Kiss •

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My Hero Academia

Characters: Mirio Togata & Tomura Shigaraki

Genre: Fluff

Type: Scenario

Warnings: None unless you don't like kisses

Description: Your first kiss with your boyfriend

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Mirio Togata

Smiling up at Mirio, you lightly squeeze his hand while walking past UA's school gates. "(Y/n)! Mirio!" Nejiro ran over while dragging Tamaki with her, "You two took so long to get here." You laughed nervously and scratched the back of your head. "We wanted to take our time today, it is a half day!" Mirio explained with a sheepish smile. "Pftt, okay, lovebirds~" She teased, finally letting Tamaki's arm go. "We're here now, so let's go..!" Feeling your face burn, you wrapped up up the conversation and tug Mirio's hand to let him know. He lightly chuckled and began moving, everyone quick in following.

"Sooo, there's this carnival in town for the next few days..." Nejiro paused for a moment before exploding in excitement, "You two should go there for a date!" Mirio laughed, "We're going there after school!" Tamaki let out a quiet chuckle, "Figures." We enter the school and make our way upstairs to our classrooms. You try to let go of Mirio's but he held on a little tighter. "We'll be in the classroom!" Nejiro announced as she bounced away with Tamaki. "What's up, Mirio?" Looking up at him, you see him brightly smiling at you. "I love you a lot, (Y/n)." He lowered his head and layed a gentle kiss to your forehead.

"I love you too." You reach up and cup his cheeks before brushing your nose against his in an eskimo kiss. "I'll see you after classes." The two of you unwillingly part, walking away to your classrooms. Once entering your class, you sigh and slip into your seat. "Miss him already, (Y/n)?" Your classmate, Emi(not an actual character btw) nudged your desk as she spoke. "Of course, he's just- he's so bright." You laughed a bit, covering your face as it warmed up. "Wrap up your conversations! It might be a half day, but we still have some work to do." The teacher clapped her hands and eased us into today's topic.

Once the last school bell rang, you hurried to put your books and supplies into your bag. "Calm down, woman!" Emi laughed and picked up your pencil and eraser from the floor after it fell. "Sorry, my nerves are just going haywire." You apologize and take your things from her. "(Y/n)!" Jumping, you snap your eyes to the door. Mirio stood there with a wide smile. "Got something planned? He's wayyy more happy than usual.." Emi mumbled. "We're going to the carnival, I have to go now. Thanks, Emi!" Stumbling to the door, you put your bag on. "Be careful, sunshine." Mirio wrapped his arm around you as you left the classroom.

"I'm just really excited for the carnival." You tell him as the two of you walk down the stairs and toward the exit. "I'm glad! During break, Nejiro and Tamaki helped me look up more about the carnival." He slipped his arm off your shoulders and held your hand, lacing your fingers together. "Really? Guess you'll have to show me around, then." Nudging his side, you lightly giggle. "Mhm!" He squeezed your hand as you walked down the sidewalk, the teacup ride peeping out from above a building. It only took a few more minutes to get there and pay for entry.

Strolling in, you notice the cotton candy immediately and accidentally gasp. Covering your mouth, you smile. "Want to get some?" He asked turning to you. "Well, I don't want to have you pay-" He snickers and tugs you over, "Come on!" Letting out a laugh, you watch as he quickly grabs and pays for a large twist one. Mirio pulls you over to a bench in the shade, opening the bag around the cotton candy. "Thank you, Miri." You smile at him as he plucks a piece of cotton and places it in his mouth. "Make sure you get some, I don't wanna eat it on you!" He practically sparkled as he plucked a piece and hovered it in front of your lips.

Opening your mouth, you take the cotton from him and beam at him, "I know we haven't done anything yet, but this is already amazing." You watched as his eyes softened, it looked like he melted at your words, "I'm glad you feel that way, sunshine." You leaned over and placed a quick kiss to his cheek, almost jolting back when he grabbed your face. Looking into each others eyes, you smile and lean into his hands. "I love you." He tilts his head slightly and brings his head forward, closing his eyes as his lips hesitantly brush against your own. A laugh bubbles in your throat as you tug him into your arms, holding him close, "I love you more, Miri."

Tomura Shigaraki

To say you were touch starved was an understatement. Your boyfriend wouldn't even look at you. You know he doesn't want to hurt you with his quirk, but knowing that isn't enough. So you made it your mission for the day. Get some sort of loving response from Shigaraki, weather it be a blush or a small nudge. Walking into the hideout, you stroll up to the bar and slide onto a stool, training your eyes on Shigaraki as he listens to Kurogiri. You take a deep breath, clenching your hands together. He wouldn't appreciate the affection as much if there's a lot of people around. You needed to do this before Dabi, Toga, Spinner, and Twice arrived.

Standing up, you stretched and popped your back. Covering your mouth as you yawn, you quietly stroll behind Shigaraki and pretend you're leaving the room. "Heading off to research, (Y/n)?" Dammit, Kurogiri! You hold back a groan, turning around with a small smile, "Mhm." Glancing over to Shigaraki, you notice he hasn't moved a muscle, almost like he stopped breathing. Kurogiri took note of your glancing and nodded to you, "Good luck." Attempt one: failed. You still had the rest of the day though, so you had some hope left.

1 2 : 0 0 PM

Lunchtime. What could you do during this time? Get him something to eat? That might work... but you'll need to be quick. Grabbing your jacket, you hurry out of your work room and down the stairs to the main area. "Whoa! Where you heading off to, (Y/n)?" Spinner announces your presence when you practically zoom by him. "Grabbing some food, want anything?" You offer as you slide your bag off the bar counter. "Ooo! Then can you get some chips?" Toga chimes in. "Can I get a sub?" Spinner asks with a smirk as he slaps an arm around your shoulders. An almost inaudible growl from the bar reached your ears, causing you to look over. Shigaraki's eyes basically burned holes into Spinner's head. "Alright, be back in a bit." Smiling, you leave the hideout.

Reaching the store, you immediately head to the fruit section after grabbing a basket. "He likes strawberries and watermelon... right?" You whispered to yourself as you peered through the fruit, trying to find the best ones. After a minute, you find a good pair of watermelon slices and a small bowl of strawberries. Placing them in your basket, you head over to the snacks isle. You grab baked potato chips and gently place them down. You make your way over to the deli area and wait in the small line. Feeling your phone vibrate in your pocket, you fish it out and check the message.

- | Shishi | -

(Shishi)- Be safe.

I will, love you 💕 -(Me)

(Shishi)- Mhm.

You couldn't help but be upset when he didn't say it back. "I can help whoever's next!" Looking back up, you realize you're next and began ordering Spinner's sub. "Cheese, mayo, lettuce, and tomatoes toasted, please." The employees were quick in making it so you put 300 yen in their tip jar before walking to a cashier to pay for everything. Once paying for your items, you hurry out of the store and down the street. You bumped shoulders with a few people, which ended up with just you apologizing or you and the other person to apologize. Glancing around, you slip into the alleyway and start taking the path back to the hideout. Knocking the code on the door, you open it and slip in.

"You mad or something?" Dabi grumbled toward you as you sat at the bar. Placing the bag beside you, you slumped forward and whined out a response, "...too many people." Dabi hummed in understanding and left you alone. "Shigaraki, welcome back." Kurogiri greeted him as he cleaned a glass with a rag. Grunting, Shigaraki shuffles over to the bar, lightly ruffling your hair before sitting. Smiling, you almost bounce when you stand. Opening the bag, you take the food out and set them all aside except the fruit. You walk over to Shigaraki, sliding him the fruit as you lean down. Shifting his father's hand, you place a lingering kiss to his cheek before moving back. Attempt two: Successful!

"Kurogiri, can you let Toga and Spinner know they're food's here?" He nods his and takes out his phone. You walk to the stairs so you can continue researching, but only make it a few steps before getting turned around. "..wait." Shigaraki lets your wrist go. Raising his hand to his face, he removes his father's hand before moving his face toward your own. His shaky breath fans over your lips before he lightly presses his lips against yours. Pushing your lips to his, you gently cup his cheeks and smile. Double success!

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#mha #bnha scenarios #bnha #mirio togata #shigaraki tomura #bnha shigaraki #bnha mirio #writing #scenarios

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fillingthescrapbook · 3 years

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Rewriting The CW's Kung Fu, Part 5: Act I

To see where we began;

Part 1: Character Sketches

Part 2: The Pilot

Part 3: The Mythology

Part 4: Story Map

In this post, Act I, our goal is to find out who Nicky Shen is--and why we should care about her. But instead of just saying she's a good person who loves her family, what we want to do instead is to show this. And that's what we'll do in the first four episodes after the pilot.

Episode 2: Patience

We're going to ease into a villain-of-the-week story for this episode. Our main plot revolves around Nicky wanting to fix her relationship with Ryan--but her older brother doesn't have time for her. When she asks Henry about any tips, seeing as he sees Ryan more than his own family now, Henry just tells her to help lighten Ryan's load.

Enter FAYE. She's a factory worker who can't afford to go to the hospital so Ryan has been treating her at the community center clinic. Nicky finds out about her situation, her goal to unionize with her co-workers at the factory, and the general sketchiness of her employer. Having a background in law, Nicky decides to help Faye out.

Nicky goes to Evan to ask for his legal advice. Evan is hesitant to help her--finally admitting that when Nicky disappeared, she broke his heart. That he's now with someone else. That he's engaged. And he doesn't think it's fair that he spend more time with Nicky. And then we reveal who Evan's fiancée is: SABINE, a classmate of theirs from law school.

Sabine is happy that Nicky is back. And she sees that Nicky is struggling to get back into the swing of things--so she's the one who decides to help Nicky out. Which forces Evan to spend more time with Nicky, making his old feelings for her come back again.

With Evan and Sabine's help, Nicky manages to find out Faye's workplace is supposedly in support of the workers' union. But when Nicky tries to make contact with the factory, she keeps getting turned away. When she finds out that Althea's fiancé, Dennis, has connections to the factory owner--Nicky gets them invited to a collection launch where she can confront the owner about his employee's health conditions. The owner, surprised at this, promises Nicky he will look into it. And that should be the end of it.

And then Faye is forced to go to the hospital. Nicky realizes that she was the one who put Faye in danger by being too aggressive with her approach. But when she tries to meet with the factory owner again, Nicky is surprised when she is faced by the owner's underling instead. The underling has been stealing money from the factory for years by cutting down on expenses that would ensure healthy conditions for the workers. And Nicky is ruining his operation. So now he will make Nicky, a woman who was already a ghost for the last three years, to really disappear.

This then gives us the opportunity to have Nicky be all kick-ass against the underling and his henchmen. She triumphs over them. She gets to help Faye. And she ends up at the community center clinic where Ryan has to treat her. Ryan knows what Nicky had done for Faye and he is grateful. And he is ready to fix their relationship again...

Because our B-plot for this episode revolves around Ryan meeting Joe at the hospital. They get to talking. They have spark. And Joe asks Ryan out. But Ryan can't answer because he's afraid that someone might see. That it would get to his parents. And so he hedges, saying he's a little busy right now. But now that he is embarking on a healing journey with Nicky, he might also be ready to start embracing his self again. So at the end of the episode, he tells Joe that he has a day off coming up. If Joe is still interested in going out with him.

And then, our C-plot is Henry investigating the painting with the marks from Nicky's burn scars. He can recognize some of the drawings--and he finally finds a book at the community center library about obscure myths and fairy tales. And he realizes that Nicky has touched the sword of Liang Dai-Yu, one of the eight most powerful weapons in China. Which he tells Nicky by episode's end.

Episode 3: Choice

In this episode, Sabine reaches out to Nicky because Evan has a problem at work and he doesn't want to trouble Nicky--so Sabine is doing it for him. A Korean college student, CODY, had been framed for homicide, and while he had been adamant about his innocence in the beginning, he suddenly changed his mind and is now saying that he was responsible. Cody wouldn't talk to Evan anymore, but Sabine think Nicky might be able to get to him.

In this episode, Sabine reaches out to Nicky because Evan has a problem at work and he doesn't want to trouble Nicky--so Sabine is doing it for him. A Korean college student, CODY, had been framed for homicide, and while he had been adamant about his innocense in the beginning, he suddenly changed his mind and is now saying that he was responsible. Cody wouldn't talk to Evan anymore, but Sabine think Nicky might be able to get to him.

When Nicky meets Cody, she finds out that he's second-generation Asian American--and he doesn't want his parents to get involved in a media circus if he continues to fight. So he's settling before people start equating his name with being a murderer. Nicky then spends the rest of the episode finding proof that could exonerate Cody, including pretending to be a college student again (with Henry's help) and facing off with a fraternity who has powerful ties.

Our b-plot revolves our Evan and Sabine's relationship. He admits to Sabine that spending time with Nicky have made his feelings for his ex resurface. Sabine asks him if he wants to break their engagement off. Evan doesn't know how to answer. So Sabine answers for him: not knowing means breaking up.

Meanwhile, Ryan tells Nicky and Althea that he's gay. And they're supportive of him. When Ryan reveals that he has a date with Joe, Althea helps him go somewhere their parents definitely wouldn't see them. And Ryan is grateful. (We will introduce a recurring caller for Althea here. A number Althea doesn't block, but also never answers.)

Mei-Li and Jin get into an argument about Nicky's return. Mei-Li thinks Nicky should go back to college, and is ecstatic when she heads there (not knowing about the Cody situation). Jin is a little more scared of losing Nicky again.

And in the mythology side, while accompanying Nicky at the college campus, Henry stumbles upon the office of Professor Chau--who teaches Chinese art history. He tries to book an appointment but finds out that the professor is currently in Singapore for a symposium.

Episode 4: Parenthood

Our episode begins with a confrontation between Nicky and Mei-Li. The latter wants to know what Nicky plans to do with her life, pushing her daughter to go back to school. To finish something. Nicky heads to the park to meditate--reminding her of her first year at the monastery, when Pei-Ling was helping her work her resentment out--

Which brings us to the main story. Nicky meets RONDA at the park when the latter tries to shoot a man in self-defense and fails. When Nicky intervenes, both the man and Ronda run away. When Nicky brings this up with Henry at the community center (because she's avoiding her mother both at home and at Happy Dumplings), Nicky finds out about the homelessness situation in San Francisco. She vows to look for Ronda, and to do what Pei-Ling had done for her: help her stop running.

Our b-plot is Jin and Mei-Li's continued argument about Nicky's future. Jin accidentally lets slip out that he actually found Nicky during her missing years. At a monastery. And that he his daughter happy. That it took being away from her family to finally make her happy. And he couldn't bear to be the one to ruin that happiness. Mei-Li realizes that this was when Jin told them to stop looking for Nicky. This makes Jin breakdown. He tells Mei-Li that he doesn't want them to push their daughter away again.

In the a-plot, Nicky finds out that Ronda is the victim of domestic abuse. That she isn't a runaway as much as she was thrown away by her mother's current boyfriend. Nicky promises Ronda that she will help, but Ronda warns her that DEREK has friends that could hurt Nicky. But seeing how Ronda worries about her mother has touched Nicky's heart. And when she visits Ronda's mother, she realizes that the woman is also making a sacrifice because she doesn't want to see Ronda hurt by Derek. Who she feels trapped by.

When Nicky resolves the case, via a kung fu badassery of course, Nicky makes a realization about the relationship of a parent and their child. She heads home to talk to Mei-Li and Jin. To be honest with them. (With Althea and Ryan present, of course.) Nicky tells them that she doesn't know what she wants in life, but she wants the opportunity to find herself--and not just follow someone else's dream. Jin embraces Nicky and says he just wants the best for his daughter. Mei-Li asks Nicky to be patient with her, and that she will try.

This will inspire Ryan to come out to this parents (next episode), and Althea becomes pensive too.

Meanwhile, in the mythology side of things, while Nicky watches Henry at the community center teaching out-of-home youths (where we meet ANDRE) non-lethal ways to defend themselves, she remembers Pei-Ling telling her how fear and anger come hand in hand--relating a story about her family, and how she lost touch with them as well. In this episode, Nicky will decide to look for Pei-Ling's family so she could tell them about what happened to Pei-Ling.

Episode 5: Sanctuary

In the last episode of our first arc, Henry goes for center stage when he discovers that one of his students, ANDRE, is being vilified by the media as a dangerous delinquent after he was shot by the police. He asks for Nicky's help to prove Andre's innocence. In the course of Nicky helping Henry, we will discover Henry's past as someone who had to go through the system as a juvenile delinquent because his family wasn't part of the model minority myth, while also touching upon Jin and Mei-Li's beginnings as the owners of Happy Dumplings.

Ryan wants to come out to his parents, but things keep getting in the way. When Joe asks Ryan to stand with him at a rally to protest what was done to Andre, Ryan decides that he's finally speaking his truth--standing with Joe against Mei-Li's protests.

Althea finally decides to accept the call of the number that keeps trying to reach her. It's a former co-worker. She asks Nicky to come with her, and Nicky finds out that the former co-worker wants Althea to speak up about what happened to her at the company. That Althea was a victim of sexual harassment. That this was the real reason why she quit her job and not her engagement. But Althea also say she doesn't want to speak up against her former employer. Because she doesn't want Dennis to know. To see her as less than.

Meanwhile, Evan helps Nicky by looking for Pei-Ling's family. He discovers that she had two remaining relatives who are still alive: an uncle, and a sister. When he gives Nicky the news, he also gives her the sister's name: Zhang Zhi-Lan.

The episode ends with Zhi-Lan arriving in San Francisco. Setting up a home base. And showing that she already has two weapons at hand: the longsword of Liang Dai-Yu, and a dagger.

And this is where we stop for now. In the next post, we will discuss the next arc of Nicky's journey--which will now heavily revolve around the eight mystical weapons and the hunt for them.

#Kung Fu CW #tv talk #my words

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what-the--curtains · 4 years

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Braving the Elements

Chapter 5: First mission

Authors note:So from this chapter onwards its alot more focused on the reader and buckys relationship! Get ready!

Tw: violence, swearing

(Initial car chase)

(Starts when you say “good call” )

Pulling on the spandex suit with surprising ease you proceed to wrap the belt around your midsection before tightening the empty leg holsters around your thighs. Finally you clip the arm plates into place before pulling combat boots and rushing over to the main room.

“20 seconds ago someone broke into Stark Industries and stole the paper files that (y/n) brought to us. We’re assuming Romans behind this so we're going to try and get these guys in for questioning. Sam you get up in the air and locate the target. Wanda and Vision you guys are with me, Bucky, Peter and (y/n) your with Nat. Lets go.” Steve orders and you all head out.

You hop into the back seat of the car with Peter who’s pulled his mask over his head. Nat’s driving and Bucky’s sitting in the passenger seat loading up a machine gun.

“Though it was shotgun not, machine gun.” you say, clipping in your seatbelt.

Peter laughs and high fives you exclaiming “That was terrible I love it.” As, Nat pulls the car over into a nearby alley.

“Alright look alive everybody, target spotted, green Jeep, heading towards you Nat” Sam says

“Copy that Sam keep on them” Steve responds

Just then the Jeep zooms by you.

“Target spotted. In pursuit” Nat says pulling out from the alley and speeding to catch up to the Jeep. Bucky rolls down the window and lines up a shot, as Peter opens his door and swings out onto the top of the Jeep, but before Bucky can shoot out the tires an SUV rams you from behind. “Shit, we’ve got company.” He says. Nat weaves in and out of traffic doing her best to stay on her target while avoiding the SUV hot on your tail.

“You guys stick with the Jeep. I’ve got this one.” You say with confidence. Nat looks to Bucky and he looks to Nat then back to you with doubt plastered on his face.

“Oh come on don’t you trust me?” you ask

“Not really.” He responds

“Probably a good call” you quip before opening up your door and climbing out on top of the car. Quickly you formulate your next move. Noticing an upcoming lamp post you positioning yourself and jump. Swinging around the post and aiming a perfectly timed kick at the SUV’s side window. The glass shatters upon contact and you fly into the passenger seat taking out the man sitting there. Grabbing his gun you turn around and shoot the two in the back.

“Holy shit!” Nat exclaims “Did anyone tell her not to kill them?”

“She does fight like she’s invincible.” Bucky says impressed. You link your hands together forming a fist and hit down on the drivers wrists causing him to release the wheel. You open his door and force him out. Sliding yourself over into the driver’s seat you break hard and step out of the vehicle. During this time Bucky managed to shoot out all four of the Jeeps wheels which gave Peter enough time to web up the two guys driving the thing. Meanwhile you're aiming your newly acquired weapon at the SUV’s driver’s head.

“We need them ALIVE!” Steve shouts running towards you.

Tossing the gun to the side and shrugging, you ask “Well how was I supposed to know that?”

Steve and Bucky pull the other two guys out the car while Nat hoists up the one whose wrists you may have just broken.

“These are three of Romans middle men, wow you guys really went downhill without me hey?” you say smugly.

Steve, Nat and Bucky escort Romans goons back to the tower for interrogations leaving the rest of you to clean up the mess. After removing the last of the shattered glass from the road you, and the rest of the crew, head back home for the night. “Anyone hurt?” Shuri asks to the various gadgets attached to everyone’s bodies,

“No, but we’re all fine thanks for asking” Sam responds dryly

“Well of course nothing could ever kill you. I am not that lucky.”

“Alright I smell like blood and sweat so I’m gonna go take a shower.” you say.

As you’re walking to your room staring at your phone you hit a wall, or at least what you thought was a wall. You fall to the ground and look up to see a glistening Bucky, muscles and all, standing over you in nothing but a towel. He laughs and extends his metal hand down to you. The ease with which he pulls you up causes you to become slightly flustered. To break your inner tension you ask

“Doesn’t that rust when it’s wet?” referring to his metal arm.

“Well it vibramium, so…” he starts to explain

“So it’s wet often?” you say with a big smile hoping he’d caught the innuendo

He laughs “Can’t say I’ve heard that one before doll.”

Despite usually not being a fan of patronizing nicknames you kinda liked that one, or maybe you just liked the person saying it

“You call all the girls that?” you ask with a sly grin

“Guess you’ll have to find out” he smirks before walking back to his room to (unfortunately) put clothes on

#braving the elements #bucky x reader #bucky x oc #bucky x you #bucky barns #avengers fanfiction #Spotify

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lovejustforaday · 2 years

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2021 Year-end list - #6

For Us Alone - Alaskan Tapes

Main Genres: Ambient

A decent sampling of: Post-Rock, Impressionism, Slowcore

Of all the hidden gems and smaller names in music that I've discovered this year, Alaskan Tapes might just be my favourite (well, him and the next entry on this list).

Brady Kendall a.k.a. Alaskan Tapes is a Canadian ambient music composer who is as lowkey as his music. I found the guy's stuff on bandcamp earlier this year and immediately fell in love with it. The dude streams on his YouTube channel as well sometimes and I highly recommend checking it out. He gives a lot of great recs.

Okay, I know that this is not exactly a revolutionary piece in the field of ambient music. I have heard more challenging and avant-garde ambient albums released in 2021. But to hell if this isn't one of the very best written ambient albums of the last few years.

For Us Alone is a blanket of familiar sensations, juxtaposing soft tones of tactile closeness with distant sounds that seem to come from far off in the horizon. In other words, there is a wonderful chemistry of musical "foreground" and "background" on many of these songs that expertly captures that feeling of when you look at a night sky and feel as though you could touch the far away stars and the tiny little skyscrapers.

Like all great ambient records, this is not a series of simple soundtracks meant to quietly fill empty space and nothing more. Rather, this is music that stimulates all of the senses, and enhances your relationship with your surroundings.

The record begins by cleansing the mental pallette with the introductory "And Then, Calm", a cascade of cerebral calm that washes over the listener in a cool mist of sound. I get chills every time I hear this intro.

"Floating, Completely" then takes the formless, cold tones of the opener and settles into a warmth with the inclusion of slow, organic post-rock instrumentals. From here, the record starts to come alive just a little bit.

That said, I did not expect anything like "Real People In Real Places" when I first listened to this LP. The general ease of the first four tracks makes way for this subtle emotional gut-punch of an instrumental rock song. It's a slow burn, but it really did almost make me cry the first time I heard it. I don't really think I have the language tools at my disposal to describe the feelings that the repeating riff of this song gives me. You'll just have to listen to it for yourself.

"We" follows with blissful drowsy piano impressionism, recorded so that you can actually here the sounds of the pedals and the keys being played as if someone was in the room playing for you. This is yet another good example of Kendall's intentionality with sequencing; the track is a soothing come down after the emotional swells of "Real People In Real Places".

Towards the end of the record we're given "The Sky Sings Its Chorus (For Us Alone) [Pt. 1]", the busiest composition on the album. The percussion moves in slow, powerful sways like the pendulum of an old grandfather clock while an ensemble of strings, bass, and guitar fade in and out, trading the central focus in steady patterns like passing images. To me, it evokes the feeling of sitting in the backseat and watching the light from streetlamps passing through the windows of a moving car at night. The track eventually culminates in a soaring crest before disappearing into the night sky.

So yeah, in case you couldn't already tell, this record left a strong lasting impression on me this year. It was definitely a grower, but it grew on me very naturally as I kept wanting to come back to it. There are some things I could nitpick (like how it could've ended perfectly with the penultimate track instead) but really I'm mostly beyond impressed.

I think a lot of people don't appreciate just how hard it is to make a subtle ambient record that really sticks with you like this one does. For Us Alone is a real cut above the rest of its kind that I've heard come out in this year.

I really hope someone reads this review and decides to check out this record. The ambient music scene is a bit of an invisible entity compared to genres like hip hop, indie rock, and even things like vaporwave which have gotten more mainstream as of late.

But for what its worth, Alaskan Tapes should definitely be the much beloved rock star of his bandcamp ambient composer community.

9/10

Highlights: "Real People In Real Places", "And Then, Calm", "The Sky Sings Its Chorus (For Us Alone) [Pt. 1]", "Floating, Completely", "We"

#alaskan tapes #for us alone #ambient #post rock #aoty #2021 #list #year-end list #album review #music review

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