#(aside from pre-existing cancellation i guess)

[hadesknockedupintheunderworld]

Which era of Archie Sonic did you enjoy more? Pre reboot or post reboot?

Hmmm that's a good question. Idk I think I liked some of the writing post reboot better and I did like the new characters. I also personally think the removal of the love triangles specifically made the comic so much more enjoyable for me and opened up for better characterization for Sally. However, reading post sgw I did miss some of the old charcters (rip all those claimed penders ocs) and their now unresolved storylines, was sad at the loss of certain character struggles (like Rotor who was struggling between his health and wanting to be in the field again), and I missed how pre sgw had just some of the most insane or out of the blue plot developments/world building choices.

In terms of enjoyment, though, I'd have to say post reboot for the following reasons:

1. I enjoyed pre reboot for what it was more often than not, but I had my most fun during Flynn era. I liked how the Penders era moved things to being more serious, but I often felt like he had good and interesting concepts/ideas without the writing to back it up. Meanwhile, while Flynn wasn't perfect either, I felt like he was able to make a lot of those established relationships more believable to me, and while he also made some batshit plot choices he had more of the writing skills to back it up. This is all to say that aside from some stuff at the very beginning of pre reboot, it was a long while before I was able to really enjoy what I was reading instead of just taking things I liked where I could. Post reboot was a lotta Flynn, so despite the loss of characters and plotlines I enjoyed greatly, I at least felt like I could enjoy everything post reboot.

2. It didn't have all of those Sonic based love triangles. I know I know I'm a multishipper I ship Sonic with a lot of people but by god. I just could not take the Sonic/Sally drama anymore. Bunnie/Antoine was fine. Flynn actually made me believe in Julie-Su and Knuckles as decent partners. But by that point (and this is coming from someone who loved Sonic/Sally before reading the comic) everything going on re-Sonic and Sally's romance prospects with the opposite gender and each other was like beating a dead horse. And for Sally specifically, she had been recharacterized so so so many times pre-reboot just for the sake of drama that she often...didn't feel like her own character. So post reboot with the love triangles and the romance with Sonic removed I felt like we could really see who she was as a character and a clear vision of her ambitions/cares. I could feel like who she *is* wouldn't be changed on a whim for the purpose of plot.

3. As they say, people get better with practice. And while I thought some of his pre-reboot stuff was interesting, I felt like by post reboot era, Flynn had grown better at depicting the nuance of living under the eggman empire.

ㅤ

So yeah I guess I'd say, gun to my head? Post reboot. But it's really more complicated than that. I did enjoy both a lot, and especially in the last like 80 issues pre reboot. Pre reboot was wild an interesting in a way that I enjoyed with characters and storylines I loved, but it wasn't always written amazingly and contained much too many ongoing love triangles and mehhh canon relationships to me. Post reboot gave certain characters more time to shine as characters, reverted the pre reboot growth of other characters, delivered some of its nuanced situations better, and was largely written nicely, but you could often feel that the post reboot team was now restricted in a much different way than they were pre reboot (like, pre reboot's struggle was keeping up with existing storylines and relationships and keeping things true to what they have been, but post reboot's struggle feels more like it may have had some of Sega's restrictions we see nowadays).

In the end, though, I miss characters and storylines from both pre and post reboot after the cancelation.

[dont-offend-the-bees]

And If It Takes Forever, Forever It’ll Be (A Short Jagoras Fic)

My beautiful, amazing readers keeping track of my WIPs: you can’t force creativity! take care of yourself and your hands and we’ll be here when you’re ready to come back! take all the time you need, babe! 

Me: *comes back six months later with a totally unrelated one-shot for a little known BBC show that was cancelled in 2014*

My beautiful, amazing, long-suffering readers: *eye twitching* aaaaalllllll the time you need.

Because it’s their birthday, and also because they’re to blame for getting me into this stupid show, I dedicate this to @kieren-fucking-walker <3<3<3 and uuhhhh whatever’s left of the Atlantis fandom I guess, if ya still alive holler!!!

This takes place immediately post-2.02, and could also be titled ‘Jason finally gets tucked into bed and looked after ASMR’, feat. some relationship philosophy. I don’t write this to bash/ignore canon ships like Pythagoras/Icarus or more relevantly Jason/Ariadne, but I have Headcanons of my own and this is based on ‘em! To sum up: Ariadne and Jason are both waiting on gay awakenings, love each other in a devoted but not necessarily passionate/romantic way, Jason’s actually super duper in love with Pythagoras but has never considered the possibility of feeling that way for another guy before (not ‘cause homophobia, he’s just dense as hell), and Pythagoras is a patient experienced gay waiting Jason to figure this out for himself but if he pulls big enough puppy dog eyes he might just lend him a hand. Kind of more pre-slash/one-sided here, but very cute nonetheless <333

Title from Last Leaf by OK Go. Enjoy! <33333

(Also on Ao3)

***

Really, it was incredible that Jason stayed on his feet as long as he did. He’d made it considerably further than ten paces. Try a few thousand, and a couple of fights. By rights, he should’ve collapsed the second their victory was assured, yet still he soldiered on through the night.

Pythagoras rather longed for rest himself, but had opted to stay by Jason’s side, looking on in fond exasperation; anticipating the moment his friend’s feet could no longer carry him.

Surprisingly, that moment did not come until the next morning, when Jason emerged from the palace. His last visit for the day, or so he promised; he had wished to check on Ariadne, make sure she was coping in the aftermath of the fierce, bloody war, the first of her reign. The aftermath Jason himself had ill-advisedly spent the better part of the night helping to clean up, forgoing his own rest to trawl the city; aiding the wounded, counting the dead. Despite the hard and harrowing work of the night, Pythagoras expected to see relief on Jason’s face upon returning from his queen, happiness, perhaps concern for her wellbeing but ultimately gratification that she had made it through the battle unscathed, happy that he could spend a few minutes with her in the following quiet.

Instead, when Jason locked eyes with Pythagoras on the grand stone steps, his jaw was set tightly and his eyes glistened with unshed tears. It was startling enough that Pythagoras almost didn’t notice when Jason’s tired feet finally made a misstep. 

Pythagoras barely swooped in time, catching Jason under the arms as his foot slipped from under him, holding his exhausted friend close to his own chest before he could collapse and split his head open on the unyielding stone. What a tragically anticlimactic ending to his war efforts that could have been!

“Jason!” he breathed, awkwardly shifting the near dead weight of Jason’s boneless body in his arms. “Gods, are you alright?”

Jason made a noncommittal sound in the back of his throat, head lolling into the crook of Pythagoras’ neck. His hot breath ghosting across Pythagoras’ skin was nearly enough to elicit a shiver.

Sighing, Pythagoras tightened his hold. “Right. No more arguments- bedtime. Come on, one foot in front of the other, off we go.”

The first stretch of the journey was the most fraught with peril; persuading Jason’s unsteady feet to negotiate the steps was no easy task. Fortunately, once the ground flattened out into the plaza, it became far easier to half walk, half drag Jason by his side. It would have been easier still with Hercules to prop up his other side, but he’d disappeared some time ago, claiming he had something to do. Inquiries to make. Pythagoras had been a little too busy monitoring the droop of Jason’s eyelids to pry further.

It took easily three times longer than usual to reach home, but reach it they did. Pythagoras almost sagged in relief himself when he found the front door to their building had escaped the skirmish relatively undamaged. Their space, too, seemed in order, although he supposed anyone who might’ve thought to hide in or loot it while the battle raged wouldn’t have found much worth stealing. He was just grateful it hadn’t fallen to flames.

Jason didn’t fight when he was herded towards the beds, Pythagoras offering  his own cot because it was closest. Jason did not complain, or even chivalrously argue that he couldn’t possibly take Pythagoras’ bed from him, and that was when he really started to worry.

“Stay awake a moment longer,  Jason,” Pythagoras muttered, stroking a loose lock of curly hair back from Jason’s sweat-slicked forehead. Still so soft, even under the accumulated grime of adventure. “You should drink some water.”

He received no answer but an unintelligible mumble. Pythagoras hurried to inspect the clay jug, and found to his relief that there was some water inside. He risked a taste; fresh, somewhat. Hercules must have stopped off at home before embarking on his mysterious errand. Pythagoras wasn’t going to question it, there were more pressing things to worry about. He poured a cup and rushed it back to Jason, setting it down on the floor a moment while he sat on the edge of the cot and slid his arm behind Jason’s back.

“Come on,” he said, gently but firmly guiding him to sit. “Drink up.”

Jason was clearly halfway unconscious already. But at Pythagoras’ prompting he managed to clumsily take hold of the cup in both hands and sip from it. Content that Jason could handle that much at least, Pythagoras left him to it and began carefully unbuckling his leather cuirass; if Jason fell asleep in it he’d wake up unbearably hot, probably with some back ache and interesting pink impressions in his skin to boot.

“I ought to check your wound again, as well,” said Pythagoras, absently rubbing at the knots of tension in Jason’s shoulders as he carefully pried away the armour. “You’ve done a staggeringly irresponsible amount of walking on it. Does it hurt?”

Jason managed a barely perceptible shake of his head. “Can’ really feel i’...”

“Well, that’s not excellent, either. Finish your water.”

Obediently throwing back the last few drops, Jason unceremoniously dropped the empty cup on the covers, dry lips smacking. He’d need some more, a lot more. Pythagoras would go and collect some while he slept. That would probably be best. If he was sleeping, it might make the next part easier, too.

“Lie down now, Jason,” Pythagoras murmured, throwing the armour aside and guiding his friend back down to the pillows.  “Sleep, if you can; but this might hurt a little bit. I’ll have to make sure your wound isn’t infected.”

“It’s fine.”

“Well, you won’t be saying that if I have to lop the whole leg off at the hip.”

Jason snorted sleepily. “True…”

That little snort was about the most reassuring sound Pythagoras had heard all day. Even accounting for exhaustion, it wasn’t like Jason to remain silent for so long. With that and the tears in his eyes as the palace steps, it was impossible to tell what was going on in his head. The tiniest glimpse of his usual good humour nearly had Pythagoras jumping for joy.

Collecting up what he thought he might need as quickly as possible- leaves and poultices, bandages, a needle and thread should the wound be in need of stitching- Pythagoras was back at Jason’s side in two shakes of a goat’s tail. He hesitated when he realised he’d have to take off or cut away Jason’s trousers to see the wound properly, but he brushed it off quickly. Jason would not expect him to put propriety over necessary medical care. Besides, it’s not like he hadn’t seen it all before; there was, after all, the memorable kynikoi incident…

He compromised by pulling the garment away and swiftly covering Jason’s lap with the bedsheet, offering a modicum of privacy. He had no desire to sneak a glance without the full and enthusiastic consent of the owner, anyway. Maybe one day, when Jason figured out if that was something he wanted. Pythagoras’ suspicions pointed to yes, but it seemed like a discovery that ought to be made on Jason’s own terms. 

Tossing the distracting thought aside- along with Jason’s bloodied trousers that he’d look into salvaging later when there were less pressing matters to attend to- Pythagoras set to the wound itself, untying his previous hasty dressing attempts with trepidation. To his relief, the wound had not sprung open or bled extensively, despite the strain. He must have done a better job staunching the flow than he’d thought. Currently no outward sign of infection, either. Little to do but clean and re-dress it, easy peasy.

The difficult part would be persuading Jason to stay off the leg for a few days to give it a chance to heal, but they’d cross that bridge when they got to it. They’d find a way; Pythagoras would strap him to this very bed if necessary.

...Hm. Now there was an idea…

“P’thagoras…”

Hastily shelving that thought, along with a plethora of similarly inappropriate musings, Pythagoras looked at Jason’s face. “You really should sleep,” he said, briefly breaking from his work to tuck a strand of hair behind Jason’s ear.

Jason’s head lolled on the pillow, coming to face Pythagoras more directly. His hand, heavy with exhaustion, clumsily caught Pythagoras’, trapping it against his face. “Pythagoras,” he said again, barely above a tired whisper.

“Yes, Jason? Is everything alright?”

���Are you?”

A slow smile spread across Pythagoras’ face. Darling, brave Jason; always worrying about others before himself. “I’m perfectly alright, Jason. Looking forward to sleeping off the last few days. Something to eat would be a fine thing, too. Hopefully Hercules’ little excursion involves fetching us some food; if he comes back with wine again I think I’m within my rights to throw him out the window.”

Jason’s weak laugh was music to his ears. “I’ll help you.”

“You will not,” said Pythagoras sternly, returning to his work in earnest. “You’re taking a few days off, Jason. That means no running around after stolen artifacts, no sword fighting, and certainly no throwing men out of windows.”

Pythagoras didn’t need to look up to know Jason was shaking his head against the pillow. “There’s still much to be done. I must help in any way I can, Atlantis won’t recover from this attack overnight.”

“No, it won’t- so there’ll be plenty for you to help with in a few days once you’ve rested, won’t there?”

Jason huffed, but visibly deflated. Either he was too tired to push, or he could sense that on this occasion Pythagoras would not be taking ‘no’ for an answer. “Ariadne needs help,” he attempted, voice barely pitched above a whisper. Pythagoras couldn’t help but notice her name didn’t carry any of the usual sweet reverence it usually did on Jason’s lips. Just a quiet sadness, a resignation of sorts.

“She’s the queen,” Pythagoras gently rebuked, with one last disinfecting pass over Jason’s wound before he started unwinding a length of bandage. “People will be falling over themselves to help her. She can live without her handsome hero for a few days, I’m sure.”

With his hand pressed to Jason’s thigh to hold the bandage taut, he could feel the tension that overtook his body. Pythagoras chanced a glance at his face, and saw once again the subdued sparkle of tears waiting to fall. “Jason?”

As quickly as the tension set in it fled again, exhaled from Jason’s weary body on a wearier sigh. He turned those eyes on Pythagoras, and he looked so very, very tired but Pythagoras knew, somehow, that he would not sleep until he said the words waiting on his tongue.

“Pythagoras,” Jason mumbled. “Have you ever…”

“Have I ever… what?”

“Have you ever… been in love?”

Pythagoras’ heart ached for him, in that moment. For a variety of reasons. “Yes, I have.” I still am, he didn’t say, though he imagined it was written across his face for anyone to see. Anyone with a tad more awareness than Jason, that is. How dreadfully ironic.

Jason chewed his chapped lip, hand flopping over his chest to fiddle with his beloved necklace. “Is it supposed to hurt?”

Pythagoras could feel tears of his own prickling his eyes. “I suppose it can. And it does. But no, I don’t believe it’s supposed to. Jason… what happened in the palace today?”

Sighing, Jason closed his eyes. “Ariadne. She told me she… that we can never be together. Not even now, with no Minos or Pasiphae to tell her what to do.”

“I’m sure she has her reasons,” said Pythagoras gently.

“I know she does, I just…” Jason’s brow furrowed, frustration mingling with exhaustion on his face. “I just don’t understand them. I wish I did. She says she could never marry someone not of royal blood, but what does it matter? Why should that dictate our fates?”

“She’s a queen, now; her duties must come before matters of the heart, I’m afraid.”

“It isn’t fair.”

Pythagoras sighed. “You’re right, it isn’t. But it’s reality. Ariadne carries this entire kingdom on her shoulders, now. Alone. She will have adversity enough to face even if she does toe the line of tradition; she must hold onto control where she can find it.”

“I suppose…”

Pinning the bandage in place, Pythagoras pulled the sheets to cover Jason more completely. “Jason… can I ask you a question?”

“‘Course.”

“It’ll probably sound rude.”

Jason huffed out a feeble laugh. “That’s never stopped you before.”

With a small, sad smile, Pythagoras laid a hand on Jason’s shoulder. “How do you… know? That Ariadne is your love?”

Jason blinked, uncomprehending. “What do you mean?”

“How do you know that you love her? No, let’s put it a different way; tell me what you love about her.” He hadn’t wanted to be so blunt about it, or to rush Jason into this line of thinking. He was rather hoping this was a question Jason would find his own way to at some point, in his own time. But Pythagoras had no way of knowing how long that might be, and to sit here and watch Jason break his own heart was unbearable.

“She’s beautiful,” said Jason without hesitation, eyes cast to the ceiling as he considered. “And intelligent. Kind. She’s one of the most incredible women I’ve ever met.”

“Is that all?”

Jason stared at him. “Well… what else is there?”

“How does she make you feel? When you talk, or touch, or kiss?”

“It feels… nice.”

Pythagoras waited a moment, to see if he would elaborate. He did not, which was either deliberate obscurement of his true feelings or a telling lack of opinion. Shrugging, Pythagoras smoothed down Jason’s shirt. “Would you tell her things you tell myself or Hercules? Would you tell her more? Or are there things you would be embarrassed to share?”

“Perhaps. But everyone’s embarrassed of something.”

“True. Everyone carries something they would never tell a soul. But I think when you love someone, truly love someone, it’s… it’s like the pressure to be someone you’re not is lifted. The pressure to put your best self forward at all times.”

Jason, despite blinking back tears and tiredness, was clearly listening to him raptly. “D’you think?”

“Yes. I believe so. Perhaps not for all types of love- for there are many types, I’m sure of that. The love between a mother and son, for example, is different to a love between friends, which is different again to love between romantic partners, although they may bear many similarities.”

“Philia,” Jason mumbled, fidgeting in place. “Eros.”

Pythagoras blinked. “Pardon?”

“I remember. Sort of. Seven types of love. Someone told me a bout it once.” He giggled quietly, and Pythagoras wondered if his exhaustion was morphing into outright delirium. “Maybe you lot haven’t made it up yet. S’not the only thing.”

Pythagoras raised his eyebrow. “Your life before Atlantis continues to intrigue and bewilder me, Jason. Alright, go on- what are the types of love, as you understand them?”

“Um… Philia, that’s the friend one. Storge is the family one. There’s the selfless one, the one that’s spelled like ‘agape’. Ugh, there’s, there’s a lot of names I can’t remember now but there’s the flirty one, and the self love, and the practical one that isn’t very romantic but… but I suppose is the one Ariadne will be looking for.”

“And what about the other one you said,” Pythagoras prompted, gently steering Jason away from that upsetting line of thought. “Eros, describe that one to me.”

Jason, rather prettily, blushed. “That’s the, y’know. R’mantic one.” He giggled again. “The sexy one.”

Pythagoras could have guessed that from the word, in truth, but he didn’t regret making Jason say it. “Right. There you go, very comprehensive. Which is your favourite?”

“Which is yours?”

Pythagoras considered it. “Well. I’m sure we’d all like a little more Eros in our lives. But my friendships… they define me. I cannot imagine where I would be without them. My love for my friends, for Hercules-” he lightly prodded Jason’s chest- “for you. It gives me purpose. Makes me stronger. I suppose, in that sense, I connect most strongly with Philia. But not exclusively. I wouldn’t be adverse to other forms of love in my life, or to the ones I have… shifting.”

Jason, though clearly alert to the conversation at hand, looked wearier by the minute. “If there truly are so many types of love under the sun, how do you ever choose which is… it?”

“Does there have to be just one?”

“I suppose not, but… where do you draw the line, between one and another? How do you know which relationships to… pursue?”

Pythagoras smiled sadly. “I don’t know. But I imagine it’s a bit like breaking new ground in mathematics; you can make all the predictions you want, but sometimes it just comes down to trial and error.”

Jason snorted. “Great.”

Sighing again, Pythagoras smoothed Jason’s rumpled hair. He was aware that he was touching it a lot, far more than usual, but Jason didn’t seem to mind, and there was something grounding about burying his fingers in those appealing curls. “I don’t want to tell you what you do or do not feel, Jason. I can guess all I want, but in the end your feelings are your own. I suppose I just wanted to help you find… perspective. Consider her, please. Think on what you feel for her, how far it scratches the surface; perhaps you truly do love her, in fact, I’m certain you do.  The question is how you love her. If you figure that out… well, perhaps you will find this setback is not the end of the world as you know it.”

“Is that what you did?” asked Jason, eyes fluttering closed under Pythagoras’ attentions. “When you were in love?”

Safe from his searching eyes, Pythagoras smiled. “Oh, yes. I know exactly how I love them.”

He didn’t use the past tense as Jason had, but the man was clearly too out of it now to notice or point it out. “How d’you know, then,” he mumbled, turning Pythagoras’ question back on him. “That they’re your love?”

“Some of the same reasons you do,” said Pythagoras softly, eyes memorising the soft planes of Jason’s handsome face. “They’re beautiful, and kind- kindest I’ve ever met. I doubt I’ll ever meet another with a heart so strong and pure. I admire them; their strength, their skill, their boundless courage. And…”

“And…?”

Jason’s voice was barely a mumble now, and Pythagoras could see the slow of his breathing. He’d drift off any second now, finally to rest after long, long days of trying too hard, working himself to the bone, for everyone’s sake but his own.

Pythagoras breathed out slowly, hand cupping Jason’s cheek. He didn’t seem to notice, or mind. “And they’re one of my best friends. I trust them with my secrets, and my life. I trust them to love me, too; even when I go on on tangents about triangles.” He snorted. “No pun intended. They’re… they’re patient, and loving. Being near them makes me feel safe but also brave, makes me take risks I never would have dared to face alone. Being with them gives me new purpose, a new outlook, makes the world seem so much bigger, so full of promise. And I can see in their eyes that they care for me, as I do them, even if they haven’t quite realised it yet. But that’s alright. I can wait. As long as it takes, I’ll wait.”

Jason’s breaths came soft and even, his mouth slightly open. Peaceful, at last. Pythagoras held him a moment longer, committing this moment of confession to memory.

“Some people are worth waiting for,”  he whispered.

There was really no way of knowing how much he’d heard, or how much he’d remember when he woke. But that was alright, too. Jason didn’t need Pythagoras to spell it out for him; he’d find his own way there, eventually. Of that, he was certain.

Smiling softly, Pythagoras disentangled his hand from Jason’s hair and stood, gathering up his herbs and supplies to put away. He put them down again almost immediately, choosing instead to concentrate on pulling the sheet from Hercules’ bed and laying that on top of Jason as well; carefully arranging it to cover his vulnerable skin, tucking it beneath him, safely cocooning him from the outside. It felt like such a small, silly thing. But if Jason could protect the whole of Atlantis from ruin, protect his friends from certain supernatural death time and again, protect the entire world because helping others was all he knew, then Pythagoras could at least protect him while he recovered his strength. He could, and he would, for as long as Jason needed.

He hesitated at Jason’s bedside. There was much to be done; put away his tools and tinctures, go in search of water, of food, of Hercules if he didn’t come staggering back of his own volition. But he spared another moment to just watch Jason’s sleeping face, smoothed out and slack, betraying none of his confusion or heartache.

And then- because he was feeling bold, and exhilarated, and acutely aware of how many times they had nearly lost each other in the last day alone- he bent down, pushed Jason’s hair back one last time, and dropped a soft, dry kiss to his forehead.

Take all the time you need, he said silently, granting patience and understanding with his kiss. To recover. To contemplate. To love me back, if you like. 

“Sweet dreams, my love,” he dared to say out loud, a small, wry smile on his lips. “My hero.”

***

Thanks for reading <333 Comments and reblogs are hugely appreciated!

[the-hidden-writer]

And Into The Fire

Chapter 9: A Little Bit Of Manipulation

Summary: Months after the Mitchells saved the world, Linda gets a phone call asking if she’s seen two defective Pal MAX bots. Powerful people are after Eric and Deborabot 5000, and it’s up to the Mitchells to protect them.

Taglist: @squidsushi , @astro-aye , @shitmyex, @sharks-are-friendly

Check reblogs for AO3 link!

A Little Bit Of Manipulation

There was no word to describe just how unprepared Katie was to deal with this. Nobody’s taught what to do in the event that a freaking CIA Agent comes knocking at your door in search of your missing robo brothers. Ro-bros, if you will.

Katie stepped aside to let her in out of sheer intimidation.

“Hey, um, is it urgent?” She dared to ask timidly as Agent Ward ventured further inside. “See, it’s kinda late and I’m expecting someone-”

“As a matter of fact, it is urgent.” The woman snapped, making Katie jump. “So I’m afraid you’ll have to cancel any plans. Now shut that door please, we need to discuss sensitive information.”

Katie did as she was told though in her heart she was very annoyed. As much as she wanted to help the bots, she’d been hoping that dinner with Jade would help distract her from her concern for them and her family. Guess that wasn’t happening any time soon.

Once the door was firmly locked with a click, Agent Ward spoke up again.

“Yesterday you made a phone call to Pal Labs claiming that you’d seen the missing Pal MAX robots. I’ve been sent by my boss to follow this up.”

“Yeah… cool.” Katie had to make conscious effort to stay calm and collected and not betray her inner panic. But at least this lady wasn’t the boss or anything. That made it a little better.

“So first of all,” the agent continued, “I have to ask if you have any proof of what you ‘saw’.”

Judging by the tone of her voice, Agent Ward didn’t sound like she believed Katie a single bit and was annoyed to even be there. Probably because she could tell it was all a lie and was good at her job.

Oh, how Katie was excited to prove her wrong.

“I sure do!”

As soon as she’d hung up on that original phone call, she’d rushed to her laptop and opened Photoshop. She already had a bunch of photos (some clear and some not so clear) of places both around town and around the campus, and she also had a decent collection of photos of the bots. It wasn’t too hard to add hints of the bots onto her pre-existing pictures and make them look natural enough to pass off as realistic.

Putting all her skills to the test, she’d even managed to forge a short Snapchat video with one of the bots hiding in the background.

Whoever said going to film school was useless?

(Her Dad used to, but that wasn't the point.)

Concealing her smug smile, Katie pushed her phone into the agent’s hands and pointed at the screen.

“These were all taken this week,” she said, “it felt like I was being stalked. It was kinda scary.”

She held her breath as Agent Ward carefully swiped through her expertly-crafted pictures, examining each one closely.

“Pictures at these angles were never released to the public…” She muttered, and Katie had no idea if that was addressed to her or not. She decided to stay quiet.

“There’s something I have to tell you.” Agent Ward said a little louder once she'd seen them all, so Katie knew for sure that she was supposed to respond. “Seeing these photos just confirmed our suspicions.”

“What is it?” Katie asked nervously.

“We have reason to believe that you and your family are in a lot of danger, and that these two remaining robots are seeking revenge on you for stopping their plans.”

Even though Katie knew for a fact that this wasn’t true, the agent had said it so darkly that it sent a shiver up her spine. Maybe in another universe, one where Eric and Deborahbot never joined their family, she would be terrified for her life right now.

...Would they have even been able to save the world in that universe?

“Really?” Her shock was only half-faked.

“I’m afraid so.” Agent Ward confirmed. She then paused and bit her lip for a moment, leaving Katie to watch her in suspense.

Eventually, she spoke again.

“You’re going to have to come with me.”

“What?!” Katie couldn’t help but exclaim. “I just wanted to help you find them, not get involved with whatever you guys are doing! I’ve got school tomorrow!”

She had dinner with Jade tonight!

“Your safety is more important. You can ride in the helicopter with me to get back to this project’s base of operations. We’ll send people to fetch your family too.”

“My family’s not home!” Katie blurted out and the agent raised an eyebrow. “They’re uh… on a road trip. I dunno where they’ve gone exactly.”

“Dammit.” Agent Ward cursed quietly. “I guess you’ll have to do for now. Pack some things quickly- the sooner we leave the better.”

Her glare was hard enough for Katie to start to rush to grab her belongings.

“Are you sure there’s no other way?” She called as she grabbed her backpack from next to her chair.

“Sorry, but yes.” Replied Agent Ward with no remorse whatsoever.

It didn’t take Katie too long to grab supplies. A couple pairs of clothes, her toothbrush and hairbrush, her laptop and charger, etc. All the while she tried to stay positive and think that she could at least help her family with their mission if she was in Silicon Valley too.

“Ready to go?” Ward asked. Katie nodded and followed her out of the door.

Only to be met with Jade approaching them down the hall.

“Katie!” Jade called, her eyes wide with confusion and concern and probably fear at the big scary woman leading her away. “What’s going on?”

Katie wished she could tell her everything. She would even drop her entire backpack if it meant she could take Jade with her. But she couldn’t, and it was best if Jade didn’t know too much. For her own safety more than anything.

Especially if the CIA really were the bad guys.

“I’ve gotta go, J.” She answered sadly. “I don’t know when I’ll be back.”

Jade seemed to understand that Katie was in over her head and acted confident for both their sakes. She loved Jade for that. “Alright." A beat. "Dinner’s off, I guess?”

“Yeah,” Katie laughed, “dinner’s off. Sorry.”

Jade smiled, though Katie could tell she was secretly very worried. Typical Jade.

“Don’t worry about it.” She smiled, keeping her gaze away from Agent Ward as she ran in to give Katie a hug.

“Take care of yourself.” She whispered into Katie’s ear. “See you soon.”

Katie tried to hold back tears that were pricking her eyes.

“Hopefully.” She replied before they pulled apart and she was led away.

Comments make my day! :)

[2018shawn]

Smut with the “Behave” prompt 🤭

hi angel, based on one of our last conversations, i went with ceo!tom bc why the fuck NOT thank u, GOODBYE i thoroughly enjoyed this eheheheh

just so ya’ll know, there do be dom tendencies and oral and FUCK ME I’M HOT

~~~ saucy saturday/sunday ~~~

tom holland didn’t have his own successful business for nothing. he was a man with power. a man that didn’t have to tell someone twice. that was until he met you. and two years later, you still answered back to him and threw his paperwork across his office when he didn't give you the answer you wanted, and he still took care off you for being a little brat when he’s in working hours, whether someone could walk straight in or not.

when his office door clicked open, he knew it would be you, because no one ever enters his office door without knocking first. “tom, you can’t cancel dinner!” you exclaimed, slamming the door shut behind you so loud, he was sure they’d have heard it in the offices across the road. 

“i didn’t say i’m cancelling, i said i just need to get this finished first.” he leant back in his chair, dropping his ridiculously expensive pen to the desk when he realised he’d be far from being able to concentrate on any work whilst you’re in the room. 

“that sure sounds like cancelling to me.” you scoffed, crossing your arms in front of your body and cocking your hip to the side, revealing the demanding attitude he knew all too well. he smirked, noting how your cheeks were flushed from driving over to his offices so quick, fingers tapping against your arm in annoyance, probably because his blonde receptionist tried to tell you you couldn’t come in without an appointment, even after two whole years of being with the guy. 

he pushed his legs against the floor, rolling his chair backwards so he left an empty space between him and the desk. “come here.” he held his hand out and although you didn’t want to, because you didn’t feel like giving into his demands, you did. “what is it you want baby?” he purred as you lowered onto his thighs, barely affecting him. 

“you just work so fucking much, and we need time together tommy. i can't remember the last time we went on a date.” you sighed, hands falling to your lap as he pulled you both back closer to the desk where he picked up his pen and began reading back through some paperwork. 

he was the hardest worker you’d ever met, and you wouldn’t be where you was today without that, but sometimes it was so infuriating when you had to give up your nights with him because business called. “keep me company whilst i get this done?” he asked, and although your back was to his chest, he swooped his head to see your reaction. you took your lip between your teeth, nodding hesitantly, but even so, it was a nod of approval, “and you’re going to behave?” you repeated the gesture and he smiled. 

five minutes in and you couldn’t grasp any sense of the words that were written on the papers in front of him, although he seemed more than confident in singing off the contracts. so you began to figit. sharpened the pencils on his desk. straightened his phone. changed the background on his computer. so invested in the choice of image that when his hand smoothed up your thigh, underneath your skirt, you almost missed it. “baby, you’re grinding on me.”

his words sent shivers, but you couldn’t be more still. unaware that your moving around in the last five minutes had caused quite a stir beneath his trousers, it soon became apparent when you grind on him again, positioning your ass deep in his lap until you could feel him straining up onto you. clearing your throat to act like you had some form of composure, you passed him his next paper, the thin document shaking desperately in your grasp. “thank you.” he pressed a kiss so light to the crook of your neck that you almost didn’t feel it. “now, behave.”

trying so hard to ‘behave’ as he called it, was proving to be quite a task. the room was silent, only filled by the sound tom clearing his throat once or twice as he focused on the words in his hand. it didn’t stop his other hand from circling patterns up your thigh, teasing the skin close to your always welcoming center. you wrapped your hands around the edge of his desk, steadying yourself although you knew he would never let you buckle beneath his touch. it was almost as if you needed to support yourself from falling deeper into his body. his fingers felt icy cold against your burning skin when he traced the outline of the lace pattern of your panties and he pictured in his head which particular pair you were wearing. he guessed it to be the navy blue with white lacing, but he was going to find out at some point regardless. your hips bucked, ass wriggling further against him as he made it impossibly hard to remain still under his teasing. “you’re makin’ this really hard, darlin.”

you cocked your head to the side, curls falling over your shoulder and you could gaze down into his eyes with perfect clarity. “the work or something else?”

he cocked one eyebrow, tongue running along the slit of his lips as he thought about your remark. returning his tongue to his mouth, his lips closed into a firm line and his jaw tensed. the hand containing work papers scrunched up and he didn’t seem very concerned about the creased sheets. “really couldn’t just wait could you?” he finished the question by slipping a finger into your panties, running his index down the line of your folds. the wetness made it easy for his finger to slide with ease, so he introduced another, then eventually his thumb which took place on your throbbing clit. “pass me the next one.”

you gulped and nodded, chest contracting deeply with each breath as you reached for more papers. the strain of you leaning forward caused his hand to add pressure on your clit, his other digits dangerously close to your entrance. it felt like a lifetime, waiting for him to read over another paragraph of words as he continued to tease you with his fingers. he passed it back to you with a nod and you added it to the confirmation pile. it took you by surprise when he thanked you, for that one in particular, considering you’d passed him about 20 others. his lips connected with your neck, voice muffled as he whispered about making the rest of the documents wait. your head fell back, resting against his shoulder as he worked on the skin of your neck, fingers still repeating patterns against your throbbing folds. “tommy... ple-”

he either had the worlds quickest reactions, or was planning on doing it anyway. his two fingers slid into you, with the help of your pre juices, and you let slip a moan of relief and pleasure. your back arched away from him, head still resting on his shoulder and he used his other hand to cup your breast that was prominently sticking up into the air. “i’m not sure this is what girls who don’t behave deserve.”

just as quick as they’d glided in, they were back out, completely removed from your panties and underneath your skirt. he brought his fingers up to your mouth, hovering between your slightly ajar lips. lifting your head, you took them in, sucking off the vague taste of yourself from his brief encounter.

“down.” he demanded, grabbing your hips and pushing you away from his body. another pathetic nod later, you were beneath his legs, knealt on the floor, eye level with his bulging core and it was a sight you’d be happy to see forevermore. he swiftly unbuckled his pants, wriggling his garments down to his thighs until his cock sprung free, slapping against the material of his crisp white shirt. you stared up with dreamy eyes as you waited for some form of confirmation. so when he nodded, you leant forward, your fingers of one hand wrapping around the base of him. you tried squeezing your legs together to try relieve your own tension as your hand pulsed up and down his needy cock, thumb rubbing at his tip and spreading his pre cum.

his head, this time, fell back, resting against the plush leather headrest of the chair, hands tightening around the arm rests. he closed his eyes to focus solely on your touch, the feeling of your cheeks sucking around him and tongue gliding on the underside of him. the feeling of his cock tapping the back of your throat everytime you dared to take him that little bit deeper. the feeling of his thighs tensing as you worked on making up for your misbehaviour. “shit- fuckin- yes” he moaned, reopening his eyes and looking back down at you. he never thought he’d seen anything like it, you beneath him, practically curled under his desk as you gave him the most amazing knotting in his stomach. you looked up at the same time, eyes clicking into full connection as he watched you at work. “that’s- ah- yes- right there-” he whimpered as you deepthroated continuously, your breathing practically non existent mixed with each loud gag of his thick cock. you pulled away suddenly with a pop, his length springing around, and your peppered kisses over his tip, licking his throbbing head as your eyes stayed connected.

he used the opportunity to reach down, hands hooking under your arms to pull you back up to his height. a playful squeal escaped your mouth as he slammed you down onto his desk, brushing away the piles of papers you’d previously organised. he hiked your skirt up, bunching the material up at your hips and you thanked him by popping open a few shirt buttons so you could leave trails of kisses, followed by a few sucks of his skin where you hoped to leave light bruising. skillfully sliding your panties down your legs, he tossed them aside, along with his discarded papers. his hands returned to your hips and he tugged you closer to make sure you were as close to the edge of the desk as possible. happy with your positioning, he stepped forward, his soaking cock nudging the lips of your pussy. “maybe i’ll misbehave more often.”

tom taglist: @imaginashawnns​ @fallinallincurls  @mendesficsxbombay @cosmicholland @fallinfortom 💓

[heartslogos]

de-classified texts from the inquisition’s elite [106]

(305):  Don’t drink the Bloody Mary - it’s vodka and salsa. - (870):  Cancel your plans for the fourth someone is streaming iron chef on twitch -

“I should really start checking my phone, huh?” Herah says, eyes closed as she focuses on not throwing up. It’s less about how much it sucks to throw up and more a matter of pride in that she won’t throw up after drinking that vile concoction. “Who the fuck made the Bloody Mary?”

“Dagna,” Sera says, “Who tipped you off? If you need to barf just do it. But like. Aim for someone I don’t like. You should’ve figured something was off anyway. You can’t smell the friggin’ onion from the salsa in there?”

“I mostly just smell vodka, Sera. Also you guys have a giant spread of pizzas. At least half of them have onions on them.” Herah passes Sera her phone. “It was Evelyn.”

Sera cackles. “Well I didn’t tell her and Dagna didn’t tell her, that means she tried it. Shit. I wish I put in a hidden camera next to the drinks so I could’ve caught her face.”

“And that kind of attitude is why I’m surprised you aren’t higher ranking in our intel squad. You and Leliana are a very particular type of…I’d say sadist but it isn’t even that.” Herah sets her cup down on a table. “Are there any other surprises I should know about concerning the food? Is there hidden ghost peppers in the pizza crusts? Random bits of asparagus in the dip?”

“One, if there were anything else why do you think I’d tell you about it? Two, that’s really the worst you can think of? Use your imagination.”

“Unfortunately Kaaras got all the imagination in the family. It’s because our mom listened to a lot of generic oldies pop when she was pregnant,” Herah says, “That’s half of why he’s so anxiety prone and subject to bursts of semi-random paranoia.” She pauses. “Though lately the paranoia’s paid off because people really are now out to get us because of all the stuff we do. I’ll give him that much credit. For someone so big he’s got really sharp prey animal instincts.”

“Did you just call your own brother a prey animal?”

“Look me in the eye and don’t say you don’t agree.”

“I never said I didn’t, I just thought it was hardcore cold of you to be the one to say it out loud. Damn, Adaar. You gonna pin him as the weakest link next?”

“Yeah, how’d you guess?” - “That sounds.” Evelyn searches her mind of a word that isn’t condescending, insulting, or otherwise negative. Even with extensive training in neutral language from Josephine, years of being the daughter to a semi-important wealthy family of blue bloods, and at least a decade of academia she can’t find one that doesn’t fall short and doesn’t sound pathetically weak to the ears. “It sounds like something.”

“I don’t share these messages with you for you to attempt politeness and civility,” Mahanon says. “Why would you think I want that from you?”

“Because…this is how I try to be with everyone?”

“Disappointing?”

“Nice?”

Mahanon’s nose wrinkles. “What’s the difference?”

Evelyn puts that aside. She’s not opening that can of worms. Not today, not ever. No one can pay her to do that.

“I’m telling you about this so you can take responsibility,” Mahanon says instead. Evelyn feels like she’s just gotten whip-lash.

“Take responsibility? For what?”

Mahanon points at the text his sister sent him.

“How is that my fault?”

“You’re the one who’s grounded her. She’s that bored,” Mahanon says. “At least let her do minor missions. Small excursions. Anything to get her off base and away from — “ Mahanon gestures broadly around them with a turn of his wrist. “This.”

“Her job? Her life? Her home? Her second family? One of the most secure places on the planet complete with state of the art medical facilities and some of the best physical therapists available?”

“Lassitude and complacency,” Mahanon sneers in response. Evelyn shakes her head. “I’ll admit that she probably shouldn’t be in the field. But. I can’t handle her like this. Next she’s going to pick up a completely useless hobby that’s going to clutter our shared living space and fizzle out in about a month after she gets alright at it and manages the basics. Or maybe she’ll stat a new MMO and binge on it until it’s the only thing in her brain. My sister trends towards obsessive behavior if she doesn’t have anything to do. And you don’t live in the same space as her so you don’t have to deal with it. Bull gets to leave and sleep in other places but I can’t. You’re punishing me for no reason at this point.”

“Has she considered using any of this time to actually rest? You know. Avoid strenuous activity? Because if she has then grounding her is working and I’m not revoking that until she’s made a full recovery, completed her rounds of physical therapy, and is signed off by at least two Inquisition doctors,” Evelyn says. “I’m not backing down on this one, Mahanon. The health and wellbeing of the people who wear the Inquisition insignia on their uniforms is important.”

“What about my mental health?”

“Damaged and otherwise unwell from the start, that’s a pre-existing condition you’re going to have to work around,” Evelyn answers immediately. “Besides, the two of you have lived with each other since you were born. I’d imagine you’ve figured out coping mechanisms for dealing with each other by now.”

“Yes, but they usually involve our mother and at this stage in our lives I’d rather not go running to her for help with my own sister,” Mahanon retorts. “I’m a grown man.”

Evelyn is sorely tempted to tell him to act like one, then, but she knows that’s just calling danger down on herself. So she wisely keeps her mouth shut on that and instead says, “Figure out another one. Because I’m not reversing this, Mahanon. Either your sister gets better or you learn to cope. End of discussion.”

[punkscowardschampions]

Ali & Ro

Ali: One of your kids is here??? Ro: Oh no! Ro: I double checked everyone was aware of the cancellations and everything Ali: You know what people are like, probably received but didn't actually read/listen to the message, like Ali: I'll quickly get in before ma can be her charming self any harder Ro: Thank you Ali: [allow time for that] Ali: Done Ali: Why'd you have to cancel anyway? Ro: Sadly I have yet to master being able to be in two places at once, especially when one of those places is so ridiculously far away Ro: What's more surprising though is that you've remained at home for long enough shepherd my pupil in and out for me without assumedly cursing Tess Ali: Ugh, I feel that Ali: until we're blessed with time-turners, we'll all have to muddle through Ali: and I've been there enough myself to guess where you are, so I won't pout about any potential adventures you could've been on Ali: everyone is DOA and MIA today, plus if I let her shout at me for long enough she might not ground me forever 🤞 Ro: Indeed Ro: Well, I can't deny that would be very much appreciated as I've been subjected to plenty of pouting already as things stand Ro: You can let her know that I'll be making my grand return soon enough which will at the very least give her another target should she desire one Ali: You can probably ignore him, he's just feeling the ill-effects of a 3-day bender, like Ali: some hydration and vitamin c and he'll be over it Ali: can't say the same of mother but my sins definitely outweigh yours Ali: though the offer is appreciated 💚 Ro: He's very much fine in that regard I'd been assured prior to my arrival and of course did my part to truly make it so by making him a late lunch or early dinner once I got there Ro: Regrettably, that offer was taken very much not in the manner it was intended Ro: The tally of my sins therefore apparently exceed the number of yours, in Drew's eyes at any rate Ali: Sounds like Drew Ali: you spoil him Ali: Caleb's mum made him work today, as he was too sick for school Ro: All I've spoilt is his afternoon seemingly Ro: Yet again, I'm a waste of time Ali: Hey Ali: don't take on his bad mood just 'cos he's mad he didn't get what he wanted Ali: you know it's bullshit Ro: None of his grievances are unfounded Ro: I shouldn't break promises Ro: Even if I did make them for less than ideal reasons Ali: No, but you know Ali: you have those reasons regardless Ro: And he has his own reasons to be upset Ali: Which you're clearly giving a fuck about Ali: so he owes you the same in return, yeah Ro: Of course, but his anger is fuelled by how much he does care, obviously Ro: It's because he likes me so much that he wants to take things further than they are Ali: Partly Ali: but I don't think anyone can say that that's all it is Ali: not to discredit how he feels in any way Ali: if anything, it takes into consideration all aspects Ro: He is the only one who can address that with any degree of clarity but its a conversation we're unlikely to have for a while Ali: I'm sure it won't be anything like that long Ro: That almost sounds as if you are in fact discrediting how he feels but I have no desire to get into a disagreement with you about the one I just had with him Ali: No, I'm saying he's nothing if not persistent Ali: trust me, he'll get over it if he has any sense Ro: It's less about the sense he possesses and more about the degree to which my own has abandoned me Ali: Do you regret the fact you didn't or regret the fact you were considering it? Ro: Both regrets somehow exist side by side and I have no idea how that can be Ro: Or which of the many internal voices vocalising my many mistakes I should begin to listen to Ali: Sounds about right Ali: are you in love with him? Ro: Yes Ali: Yeah Ali: it's Ali: the worst kind of headfuck Ali: amongst many other things Ro: What would you do in my place? Ali: About what Ali: specifically Ro: My next move Ro: He says I won't lose him but I know it's more likely than not Ro: Especially now that Carly has her own caravan to host in Ali: You shouldn't do it if that's the only reason why Ali: doing it because you're fearful of any outcome is just a bad idea Ali: it should always be primarily that you want to Ro: I do want to but I also don't want to Ro: It's complicated Ali: It is Ali: it might stop being complicated Ali: or you might do it before it does Ali: either of those is fine and valid Ro: What if it doesn't and I can't? Ali: You will Ali: if you want to, then you will Ali: I said it was the most important factor but definitely not the only, not even close Ali: it's complex but you know, like most things, stressing upon it will never make it less so Ro: I suppose Ali: It's like all this stuff isn't it Ali: thinking you'll never get your period and then it just happens Ali: we've all got our own pace for all of it Ro: And my pace is several steps behind always Ro: Maybe next time I should just go to the party Ali: Well his is coming up so Ali: you will be at that one Ro: Oh my god, don't remind me I haven't even begun brainstorming gifts yet Ali: 😂 Ali: you do have time Ali: but it might distract you from this worry so have at it Ro: You're so fortunate that Caleb's is ages away Ali: I know Ali: so much of me cannot hack that, I'd actually die Ro: After emerging from Carly's mostly unscathed, you could be forgiven for believing yourself immortal, I'm sure Ali: It was pretty hectic Ali: not sure if I'd say life-threateningly so but keep that between us Ali: could tell ma though Ali: keep her from hysteria Ro: I'll use that as my conversational opener when I come in if you'd like Ali: Subtle, cheers Ali: tell her there were no recreational drugs or pre-maritial relations too, whilst you're at it Ro: Carly would appreciate the lack of, I'm certain Ro: More so than Tess would my attempts at such a clearly crafted lie Ali: Can't win with her, like Ali: don't lead with that though Ali: even if that's a truth Ro: It's the kind of day I'm having Ro: I'll simply wish on everything possible that the losses extend to calories as well Ali: Don't waste the magic Ali: I know you skipped lunch Ro: You know because I told you I was busy running around after Drew Ali: Exactly Ro: Nonetheless, I've spent more time on this bus than anything else Ro: It's a pity I can't transfigure my bike here Ali: it seems like a good idea until it starts chucking it down halfway Ro: True, I'd be unlikely to garner any sympathy or permission for more time off from Tess even if I caught my death Ali: Seriously Ali: if she has to see any of us tomorrow at all, she might actually lose it completely Ali: what with Bea and Fraze being their delightful selves all weekend too Ali: the only ones not on the shit list rn are Tommy and Joe and that's only through absence Ro: Precisely Ro: Much like how the idea of finding birthday gifts for Drew is favorable after the nightmarish pursuit we all have to endure in order to provide something that Bea will undoubtedly dislike and return where possible Ali: 😂 s'why I kick it homemade Ali: good luck finding any takers for my sentimental tat, babe Ali: bless Ro: Alas the memory of my childish homemade cards finding their way to the recycling bin earlier than I feel necessary haunts me still Ro: Did Carly like what you made for her though? Ali: 😞 Ali: Yes, thankfully she's far more receptive and forthcoming with her thanks Ali: and the caravan looks amazing Ali: looked, I HOPE everyone kept out Ro: It would be difficult for her not to be, Bea, of course, is without competition in that regard Ro: I was impressed by the pictures despite being well aware of your artistic eye and resourcefulness in gathering materials Ro: Perhaps you should take and utilise all the magic yourself immediately Ro: Protection spells have been employed and succeeded for less Ali: True Ali: and a good idea to boot Ali: I better do it remotely Ali: aside from me leaving the house for anything but school and work rn being a deathwish, I'm not sure of the state I'd find the residents in, like Ro: Hm, yes arguably that is an even better idea Ali: Obviously, I do not plan to be her prisoner for long Ali: but for a great escape, I need even greater plans on the outside Ro: It would be my pleasure to extend such an offer, dear sister, but my own flight of fancy earlier did little else but backfire so it's best I stay under lock and key until I feel suitably chastised Ro: Either by Tess or myself Ali: Self-flagellation is next to godliness, of course Ali: I'll think of something Ro: I have no doubt that you will Ro: But whilst the subject of faltering has been raised, can I ask you something? Ali: of course Ali: scientia potentia est Ro: I was just wondering if you spent much time with Drew this weekend, that's all Ali: Not a huge amount Ali: but I saw him about, doing his thing Ali: if I saw anything like that I would've kicked his arse and told you Ali: in that exact order Ro: Okay Ro: Well, thank you Ali: Of course Ali: sisterhood before everything Ali: especially boys Ro: My favorite religion and the one to which I've been devoted to for the longest and most faithfully Ali: 💚 Ali: What's your ETA? Ro: 13 and a half minutes Ali: Ooh precise Ali: that'll please the jailer Ali: tell her 15 and you'll be back in the good books when you're arse is up the table without her even having to shout up the stairs Ali: 👍 Ro: I already told her 21 minutes so I have enough time to fix my face somewhere that isn't a very full bus Ro: She doesn't need to know that I've been crying Ali: 😕 Ali: Cold water fixes all Ali: we can talk about it properly after Ali: feels like forever Ro: It's not too late to pray for a summer storm Ro: Though it seems everyone misses me until they get the opportunity to spend time with me, so I might be wise to adjust my prayers accordingly actually Ali: Not everyone Ali: just him Ali: and just because he's mad Ali: we'll tea and talk, promise Ro: As long as you share too Ali: I gotcha Ali: you wanna hear all the fantastical and sordid exploits Ro: Fantastical yes, sordid not so much Ali: 😂 Ali: I'll do my best to spin the yarn into something comfortable and befitting Ali: don't worry Ro: Being guaranteed one less thing to overthink about will forever be appreciated Ali: That's my job Ali: one of Ali: labour of love, really Ro: tá mé i ngrá leat freisin Ali: 💚💚💚 Ali: right, I got a table to set Ali: not gonna know what's hit her Ali: Rock even agreed not to throw any spaghetti up the wall Ali: providing I buy him sweets for a week Ro: I'm in awe of your power whether or not she will be Ali: whether a six-year-old can stick to a deal is another thing Ali: did threaten him with a broken pinkie so 🤞 Ro: I'll likewise threaten him with the type of hex befitting a 6 year old promise breaker if needs be Ali: 💀🐸🐀🕯🥀💀 Ro: Our minds have always worked in similar ways, that's a truth which deserves to be universally acknowledged Ro: But for now, go Ro: There will be plenty of time for talking later

[didanawisgi]

BY SHARYL ATTKISSON

“A world-renowned pro-vaccine medical expert is the newest voice adding to the body of evidence suggesting that vaccines can cause autism in certain susceptible children.

Pediatric neurologist Dr. Andrew Zimmerman originally served as the expert medical witness for the government, which defends vaccines in federal vaccine court. He had testified that vaccines do not cause autism in specific patients.

Dr. Zimmerman now has signed a bombshell sworn affidavit. He says that, during a group of 5,000 vaccine-autism cases being heard in court on June 15, 2007, he took aside the Department of Justice (DOJ) lawyers he worked for defending vaccines and told them he’d discovered “exceptions in which vaccinations could cause autism.”

“I explained that in a subset of children, vaccine-induced fever and immune stimulation did cause regressive brain disease with features of autism spectrum disorder,” Dr. Zimmerman now states. He said his opinion was based on “scientific advances” as well as his own experience with patients.

For the government and vaccine industry’s own pro-vaccine expert to have this scientific opinion stood to change everything about the vaccine-autism debate — if people were to find out.

But they didn’t.

Dr. Zimmerman goes on to say that once the DOJ lawyers learned of his position, they quickly fired him as an expert witness and kept his opinion secret from other parents and the rest of the public.

What’s worse, he says the DOJ went on to misrepresent his opinion in federal vaccine court to continue to debunk vaccine-autism claims.

Records show that on June 18, 2007, a DOJ attorney to whom Dr. Zimmerman spoke told the vaccine court: “We know [Dr. Zimmerman’s] views on the issue. ... There is no scientific basis for a connection” between vaccines and autism.

Dr. Zimmerman now calls that “highly misleading” and says he’d told them the opposite.

Vaccine safety advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., of Children’s Health Defense, describes the DOJ attorneys’ alleged cover-up and misrepresentations as “one of the most consequential frauds, arguably in human history.” He has filed a fraud complaint with the DOJ inspector general against the DOJ attorneys involved. (The inspector general’s office said it cannot comment on investigations or potential investigations.)

As a backdrop, it helps to understand how vaccine injury claims are handled in the United States.

Congress created the special vaccine court in 1988, in consultation with the pharmaceutical industry. In this special court, hearings are private and vaccine makers don’t defend their products — the federal government does it for them, using DOJ lawyers. Money for victims comes from us, not from the pharmaceutical industry, through patient fees added to every vaccine given.

Rolf Hazlehurst is the parent of one autistic child whom Dr. Zimmerman states got autism from vaccination. A criminal prosecutor, Hazlehurst told congressional staffers at a briefing in 2013 that “if I did to a criminal in a court of law what the United States Department of Justice did to vaccine-injured children, I would be disbarred and I would be facing criminal charges. I think that scared the hell out of them.” An upcoming House Oversight hearing on the topic was abruptly cancelled.

Dr. Zimmerman’s opinion mirrors that of another pro-vaccine medical expert — the late Dr. Bernadine Healy, former director of the National Institutes of Health. And it lines up with what the head of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Immunization Safety, Dr. Frank DeStefano, told me in 2014. When asked about vaccines triggering autism in certain susceptible children, DeStefano acknowledged it as possible.

“I guess that, that is a possibility,” said DeStefano. “It’s hard to predict who those children might be, but certainly, individual cases can be studied to look at those possibilities.”

No known studies have been attempted. However, vaccine court cases show that some children whose autism was triggered by vaccine had unknown pre-existing susceptibilities including Tuberous Scleroris (TS) and mitochondrial disorder. The U.S. vaccine court has paid $4 billion to date, including for injuries in which children ended up with autism but when the plaintiff’s alleged the brain injury using the term “encephalopathy” rather than “autism.”

When asked, the DOJ, the CDC and the pharmaceutical lobby group PhRMA had no comment about Dr. Zimmerman’s affidavit. The primary attorney named in Dr. Zimmerman’s affidavit as having misrepresenting his opinion no longer works for the Justice Department, and did not answer repeated requests for comment for a recent “Full Measure” program on the controversy.

The CDC website currently makes no mention of Dr. Zimmerman’s opinion, his published findings or similar studies, or numerous cases in which the government has paid damages in vaccine court to children who — according to the vaccine court and medical experts — got autism as a result of their vaccine injuries. The CDC states unequivocally that “vaccines do not cause autism.”

Scientists say it’s entirely possible to identify conditions most likely to make children susceptible to vaccine injury and to devise a safer vaccination policy to protect them, while continuing a robust vaccine program for the rest.

For the sake of children, Congress should re-examine both sides of the medical science in this case.”

Sharyl Attkisson is an Emmy Award-winning investigative journalist, author of The New York Times best-sellers "The Smear" and "Stonewalled," and host of Sinclair's Sunday TV program, “Full Measure.” Follow her on Twitter@SharylAttkisson.

[republictrooper]

Star Trek Discovery Season 2 Finale Thoughts.

Ok, so like. I finally got to watch the last episode since I was on Vaycay last Thursday.

I like the ending. It was 90% explosions and 10% plot, but I liked it, a lot, some reservations aside.

I mean, I always felt like we needed a new Trek series set in the future instead of all these prequels (one reason I’m not on the “Pike Miniseries” train), but sending the prequel series into the future to BE that series was... actually a pretty smooth move.

On one hand, it’s a little ingenious how many holes it plugs up from the timeline perspective - Spock never talks about his sister because it’s a matter of temporal security, the Spore Drive never sees wide use because both ships that used it met a grisly,grisly end, Cornwall never showed up in TOS because she was KIA in a battle that was at least partially classified, etc.

On the other hand, I found that most of the people concerned about that stuff were of the whiny fanboy brigade angry that the SJWs were taking over their beloved trek, and honestly, screw those guys. Retcons are a standard of most longrunning series, so just retcon that Michael took her wife Tilly to the Enterprise for regular visits with Spock and constantly teased him about how he was obviously smitten with Jim, and that Hugh and Bones constantly traded tips about how to be gay doctors in space and the Red Lizard alien bridge crew member actually always existed on the bridge even during the TOS era and was Uhura’s beloved wife and helped Spock spirit Pike away to Talos after his injury and etc, etc, etc... Cuz retcons can be ok in a lot of cases and the fanboys could learn some humility.

So it’s comme-ci, comme-ca, I guess. Overall, I do think releasing the series from the shackles of being a lore-friendly prequel was a GOOD thing for sure.

Other thoughts:

We finally got the promised Paul/Hugh reconciliation and it was everything I hoped for and more.

Jet Reno has seen the future, and says she has “at least” 5 lives left? 

Did she see herself almost die 5 more times? 

Did she see herself DIE?

Or was she just using a colloquialism and I’m reading too much into it?

Nhan definitely likes ladies, I’m pretty much convinced of it given how she and Phillipa were basically flirting while they pursued Leland. Hopefully she gets with a nice girl who’s not a backstabbing evil bisexual empress from an alternate dimension, though, tbqh. I could see her and Jett or even her and Michael making a great team, tbqh. I’m pretty sure she survived the fight with Leland, at least.

Speaking of the fight with Leland, the fact that he WAS Control in the end (enough such that his fleet couldn’t keep fighting once he was magnetized) makes me a little nervous that he went to the future with everyone else. I don’t trust those magnets to completely stop him. Or even if they did, what if he reconstitutes in the future and keeps the apocalypse going? Frick, I hope they manage to completely erase and dispose of EVERY SINGLE NANITE. Or do future nanites get their data erased by magnets like old school floppies?

On the other hand, maybe Zora evolves in part because she IS the remnants of control. Which uh. might explain why she was abandoned. Control starts reconstituting again, gets full sapience via the sphere data on Discovery’s computers, so they have to leave her in a space storm in the past in hopes it prevents her from going full Borg again?

Man, I really hope Control isn’t somehow the protoBorg. THE BORG ARE ALWAYS AT THEIR BEST WHEN THEY’RE MYSTERIOUS DAMMIT.

I like to think that shot of Detmer getting back to her chair after Leland left the bridge was because she was making sure her girlfriend was alright. I am glad Owosekun looks alright, when she got hit I was bracing for the worst.

Still not sure I get the whole Ash Tyler situation. This is one of the biggest weaknesses of prequels, at least for me, and one of the few loose ends they didn’t actually tie up with the time jump, oddly enough. You can talk about Ash reforming Section 31 into something better and more transparent, but we already KNOW he fails. At some point in the future, Section 31 will be the horrific secret police of the DS9 era, even grimmer, more nihilistic, and less transparent than pre-Control Leland. I was never an Ashburn fan, and I’m still a little sore at him for killing Hugh, so I’m not especially mourning the fact he stayed in the past, but frick, at least let him go back to Earth and sail boats for the rest of his days. He deserves that more than vainly struggling to reform an organization we already know will fail to live up to the goals he has. 

Anyway, Section 31 was a mistake and Ash Tyler was too good of a character to waste on that. Given they sent Phillipa into the future, I was hopeful they had cancelled the S31 series in favor of keeping her on the main series cast and the concept of S31 as anything other than the clear villains could die a quiet, peaceful death, but I GUESS NOT.

Also, still a little weird that the Klingons are gonna be cold war enemies for the next few decades/centuries. I guess at some point L’Rell is no longer able to hold the Chancellorship solely on strength of threatening the other clans with blowing up Quo’noS and/or doing the whole “Mother knows best” thing? Or then again, they never quite established how or why she gave up the whole Klingon supremacy movement, so maybe she just goes ahead and gets back on that now that most of the Starfleet-aligned people keeping her in check on that are either dead or 900+ years in the future.

Anyway, the biggest question is, what happens in the future?

Do we have a weird Voyager-like situation in which they are so far in the beta quadrant and in time they have to work with limited primitive resources and/or try to make it to federation space despite a travel time of multiple decades, whether because Paul can’t jump anymore due to his injuries, or Phillipa fried the spore drive when she killed Leland?

Or are we gonna have a full on Federation that’s spread between Quadrants, and if so, how does Discovery slot into that? Do they just get reintroduced and get the Discovery retrofitted to full futurosity? Does Tilly get to fulfill her dreams of captaincy in the future Federation, or does she just have to hope Saru or Michael passes the captaincy on to her when they die or retire? Or does she give it up because everything’s gone sideways and instead stays on the Discovery (possibly as chief science officer, while her wife moves up to 1st Officer)?

I mean, I have always loved Trek for its optimistic view of the future, so I hope the Federation is around and basically a forward-looking, peaceful organization, but given the brief glimpse we got from Calypso was of a warn-torn future, I’m a little iffy. S2 was great in part because it dared pull away from the overly darkness-filled S1, I hope we don’t plunged back into a grimdark future. I guess there could also be a plot twist with Zora and Craft. Maybe the Alcor IV folk are human separatists and the V’draysh are the peace-loving forwarding thinking Federation.

The spirk nod was amazing and gdi, I would pay like a million bucks for a retcon somewhere down the line that establishes Kirk and Spock got married at some point and settled down somewhere, where Kirk died peacefully of old age (and not on some dusty distant planet after being swallowed by the metaphysical concept of heaven then spit back out to get unceremoniously bodied by Malcolm McDowell) sorry Generations) before Spock went back to being an ambassador and doing all the stuff in the TNG-era shows/movies/novels/etc.

I don’t even necessarily ship Spirk that hard, Spock is just undeniably queer as hell and we deserve that reading of him finally being canonized. 

Anyway, I liked Season 2 overall. I look forward to season 3!

[no-taxis]

ILLNESS Pt. 2: You got sick. Now what?

Nothing ruins a trip more than getting sick (aside from like, personal injury or death). It can actually be quite scary. You’re in a country where you probably don’t speak the language, you feel like shit, and you might be alone. 

This is a general advice post and is not a substitute for professional care.

Things you should bring with you:

ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Ibuprofen can be prescription only in some countries)

pepto bismol, or whatever you take for an upset stomach

Immodium

Your insurance card

Your shot record

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, a letter from your doctor describing the condition and any prescription medication you are currently taking, including the generic names.

The original bottle for your prescription medication. Some medications may be considered illegal in other countries, you should be able to prove to customs that you’re allowed to have it, and have a backup plan in case you lose it.

Emergency contact info. There’s a page in your passport for it.

Money. However much you can afford to budget for illness and accidents.  Your consulate can facilitate payments from family or friends back home to doctors if you don’t think you can afford a doctor’s visit by yourself.

Steps to take when you get sick:

1. Tell someone. Especially if you’re alone.

Literally anyone. Call your mom. Talk to the front desk person at your hostel or hotel. Contact your embassy or consulate. Make sure someone knows so that they can check in on you in case something goes wrong. See if you can talk your roommates or the hostel people into bringing you food and water if you don’t think you can get out of bed.

2. Determine the extent of your illness and what can be done to treat it.

Google is your friend here! Or bing, I guess, if you’re in China. Research your symptoms:

Is it just a cold? Buy some tea and a surgical mask so you’re not the asshole that infected everyone else, then wait it out. 

Is it traveller’s diarrhea? Drink a shit ton of water, take some pepto bismol, and wait it out. If you absolutely must travel, take immodium (an anti-diarrheal medication) that basically just... stops you up.

Is it food poisoning? My condolences. Cancel your plans, set yourself up with a trash can and a shit ton of water, and wait it out.

If you are feeling at all feverish and/or dizzy and/or experiencing unusual pain, procede to step 3.

3. Find a doctor.

The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers has a handy tool for searching for nearby English speaking doctors.  Also, most insurance providers have a website where you can search for doctors that are covered by that company within a certain region. (Side note: It might be a good idea to get traveler’s insurance, expecially if you’re travelling to a second or third world country. You can purchase a short term policy that covers you abroad.) 

4. Rest.

Don’t kid yourself. Don’t force yourself to go out and sightsee if you have to stop and throw up in every other trash can. If you’re really, really sick, you might just have to go home. It sucks. You probably just spent a lot of money to go abroad and now you can’t even enjoy yourself. But shit happens and you have to take care of yourself.

[vacationcalendar]

7/19/21

Alright bitch, welcome back. Holy shit I make sitting down to blog look fucking impossible don’t I. Alright alright, let’s keep it pg-13 if we can..

I set an alarm for 10am to go off every day that just says BLOG TIME. I’d preferably like to get banging out words onto the page a little bit BEFORE that. It’s a powerful “awakening” activity in my experience, and I should be using that to my advantage. I also want to take as much time as I can on this project, especially if it’s psuedo-replacing a 40hr/week job. The earlier I get started the less I have to worry about what time it is when I’m done. My procrastination on day 2 has cost me the entirety of a sunny day. Well, it’s 2:30 now; so I imagine by the time I wrap this up I’ll have missed peek sun time. But who’s to say?

I’m starting to get that sense of dread again. That feeling I sometimes get when I can see hard plans lining my calendar far too densely populated for my liking. Big dentist appointment tomorrow. Day after that is a wash as far as I’m concerned. Even if my mouth miraculously heals in time to actually enjoy my Wednesday, I can already guarantee the psychic wounds of enduring an hours long, 600$-ish sit under the drill will take at least a couple extended sets of the fitful rest to recover from. Then I leave on Thursday to begin a full weeklong family vacation. And in that week I’ll have to figure out how to keep fucking blogging, or this thing is gonna stall out on the train tracks 100%. Do I have to explain that to you? I mean you get it; you know I’m right about that. I’m a naturally cowardly, sinful guy. I have to build up inertia on any remotely dutiful or healthy task, or I simply cannot keep it up...

So the next 3 days are all going to test my ability to actually sit here and write something. I’m really not going to want to, even though I want for literally nothing else right now. The only thing I want to do more than this creative process is to simply not exist at all. And it’s all compounded by these blasted plans. Fuck these plans. These are the dastardly plans that just cannot get canceled. They’re too high impact, and “good”(?). So then the fact that these blogs are also a “plan” just piles it up too high for me seemingly. It is quite clearly, objectively, not too much to handle. But I cannot help the fact that I feel claustrophobic. I just do. The strategy can’t be to NOT feel that way, it can’t be preventative. It has to deal with the feeling somehow. Hmmm... it’s tricky. To me, in this moment, as I’m typing this, it feels tricky. I honestly think that by the time I’m finished typing here, it WON’T feel so tricky. I’m certainly hoping that’s the case. 

Ok new track: Part of why I procrastinated so long today was pretty simple. I was hungover. I was hungover and I didn’t know what to talk about. Instead of going to be thinking about my usual faire, I was just thinking I feel like shit; I hope I don’t throw up. So I woke up late, slow, and with zero thoughts bouncing around my head. So I just watched LCS footage and read twitter, and by the time I got up and made coffee (mandatory for the blog. Blogging without coffee sounds insane. What would you ponderously sip between sentences? Water? How would that even work?) and sat down to write, I had squeezed out another full hour of procrastination. Now I won’t be hungover again for a while. This was a special occasion of sorts. Another one of my dreaded “plans.” Fuck’s sake. It was a 2nd meet up of Olivia’s peeps for drinks. It was penciled in after the first hang so that we could include everybody that didn’t make it the first time. Perfectly reasonable idea. And the first time sitting and drinking was so much fun that I sort of figured I was obligated to, pay my dues I suppose, for this second meet-up that sounded significantly less fun. But it was perfectly enjoyable. It had the energy of a hangout that could happen every single week like a sitcom. Very easy, probably more drinking than one could maintain if it were a weekly occurrence, but not too much. I don’t know where I’m going with this. Just record keeping, I guess?

Anyways, this morning was not the le morning that I can usually anticipate. So circumstances withstanding PLUS the procrastination ended up pushing the writing well past 3pm. These next 3 days (and the next 8 days after that, holy shit) are also going to mesh quite poorly with this sloppy, laissez-faire approach to getting this done. So I’m worried about it. Look, I want to do this, but I absolutely don’t want to have to worry about it. Is that asking too much? And obviously I can do this without worrying about it, in theory.  But I do not believe in myself, ok? I don’t. I’m telling you that right now. I want to cancel everything and just do this when I fucking get around to it. And, well; here’s the kicker. I didn’t mention this yet, and I probably should have. Once I get back from this GD vacation, my hiatus between jobs will officially be past a full month. I can hear the timer ticking in my head. I am in charge of how much sand I put in this particular hourglass. My mother will fully disagree with me there. I mean, I’m about to spend 8 days with someone who ask me every single day “so have you gotten your new job yet?”

You’re thinking, ‘Max, it’s not just impractical to ask a question with such a clear answer more than once without waiting for any circumstances to change, it flat out does not make any sense at all!’ I agree. We are on the exact same page guy. But you are missing the fact that “it doesn’t hurt to think about it. And maybe you can look online on your phone while you’re here trying to enjoy a vacation.”

Parents are weird. This feeling I’m describing is so relatable to some people. And other people just can’t parse it at all. There are a tiny handful of people in your life that will exist in totality literally forever. I mean one of you will die first, but for that person who died, the other people existed THE ENTIRE TIME. Minus like pre-birth and stuff, but that’s semantics. They are inevitable. They can travel all over the spectrum of human emotion vis-a-vi your relationship, but 99.9% of the grades will result in your staying completely still in your relationship to them. He sucks, but he’s my dad. He’s my dad, he’s fine. He’s my dad, I love him My dad’s the best! These father/son relationships all virtually fill up the exact same liminal space as far as I can tell. The way far ends of the bell curve are where it ever seems to yield different results. My dad is my best friend! One day I will kill my father, and I will finally be free of him. Let’s set those aside for this cross-section (vocab?). Every other relationship ship under the bell curve carries this seeming inevitability to it. These relationships seems like they get “finished�� in a way. We know the personality of our parents so completely (and they have stopped changing/growing as people at a certain point), that we don’t actually have to go to them to learn about them. You don’t have to ask them questions or inquire about their opinions, because you can successfully deduce the answer using simple math. But THEN, you have to talk to them still, because they are close to you and want to learn about YOU, because you are still an incomplete puzzle. I don’t know, I just think the part of the parent/child dynamic where you have to share info with a parent even though the conversation has already been “solved;” the formality of it. The chore of it. That’s what it is. It’s chores. We know how chores are going to go, but until you actually do them, there’s this disorder. But instead of a dishwasher it’s a human being, that doesn’t “get” CRT. And if I can’t fucking convince my mother that my 28,000$ in savings will be able to tide me over for more than a week while I actually take a legitimate run at feeling fulfilled in my LIFE, convincing her to dismantle the foundation of our nation’s socio-economic structures in order to save our species from annihilation seems, I don’t know, tough.

Ok, I think I’m done. That took about an hour. I don’t think that’s bad at all. Am I still scared about tomorrow’s blog and therefore the rest of my life as I know it? Yes. Of course.

But at least you’ll be there with me when I get there. Take care bud, eat a good dinner tonight.

Love you

[soocouldbemyonlystar]

Chaebols: The Arrangement Pt3

Genre: Angst/Fluff

Length: 6k

Pairing: Kyungsoo x OC

First  Previous  Pt3  Next

The lighting was just right in the dining room. In one spot, on the table at the end furthest from the kitchen, with her back to the hallway door, it was just perfect. Jae-eun threw a sheet over the table cloth, set up her isle and arranged the beautiful summer flowers her father-in-law sent her, until they looked just how she wanted. With earbuds in, music turned up and supplies in place, she took pastel chalk to paper.

Jae-eun had been fighting the urge since the guys had been over for dinner a couple of months before. Her art had been something she stuffed in a box and set aside because it was what her parents asked, but she no longer lived in her parent’s house. She was grown and married, and here she could breath. She hadn’t even asked Kyungsoo his opinion. Once she had seen the rich blues, pinks and yellows framed by green stems and leaves, in a matte pink glass vase with an English “J” etched on it, she knew she had to do it.

It was her soul, splattered on canvas. Jae-eun always compared her art to music, like a choir. Each hue voiced its own sound, some loudly, some muted, some sharp and others flat, all coming together in a chorus of color. She was completely engulfed in the drawing, using her fingers to pull some of the color away or spread it around. Her hair was pulled up in a messy bun, stands breaking free brushing across her face, tickling her nose. Time was lost for her.

Until she stepped back to take a better look and finally caught sight of the figure beside her. Jae-eun gasped at Kyungsoo’s intense stare and started to back away, forgetting she had set the box of supplies on the floor beside her. She hit the box with her heel and her momentum sent her careening over it. With wide eyes, Kyungsoo lunged forward to catch her, but he miscalculated and lost his balance as well.

There was no stopping it now, Jae-eun squeezed her eyes shut and waited for the impact. They crashed to the floor but with less pain that she had anticipated. Kyungsoo was wrapped around her, a hand cradling her head and the other lay under her shoulders. He held as much of his weight off her as possible, but his head was tucked into her neck and he lay motionless. Panic coursed through her.

“Kyungsoo, are you okay,” she asked as she pulled the earbuds from her ears.

He moaned in response, lifting his head and leaning on the arm that was under her. His face was too close, his eyebrows furrowed, two dimples appearing just above the thick masses. Dark eyes looked lazily over her face, and Jae-eun’s breath hitched just slightly. Kyungsoo made no move to get up, instead his hand slid from behind her head and he dragged the pad of his thumb across her bottom lip. It was just a light graze, it shouldn’t mean much, but then Kyungsoo had never touched her like this before.

There had been a little caress or sometimes he would hold her hand, things that sold the lie, but it was always in public and only within the lines of what Kyungsoo was comfortable displaying. In private, he always kept a distance. Now, he was touching her, with a look on his face she had never seen before, while they were so close they were practically existing in the same space. Jae-eun’s heart raced, she could feel the heat rise in her cheeks, and as hard as she tried, she couldn’t take her eyes away from him.

He raised an eyebrow as he held up his thumb for her to see. Jae-eun erupted in laughter, bringing up her free hand to hide the embarrassment of being caught with chalk all over her face. As if it was against his will, a smile crept up on Kyungsoo’s face, and he lifted himself up, sitting back on his knees, extending his hand to help her sit up.

“It’s pastel chalk, my hair kept falling in my face and it itched.” She tried rubbing the back of her hand across her face to wipe it off.

“You’re making it worse,” he chuckled. His hands moved to her face again, gently brushing the color away from her forehead, her cheeks, the bridge of her nose and of course her bottom lip. His eyes narrowed as he focused intently on the smears. “It’s not coming off.”

Jae-eun smiled. He looked like a pouting child, trying to make the color disappear. “It’s okay, it will wash off.”

Kyungsoo dropped his hands then, looking over the spilled contents of the tote. “What is all of this?”

Jae-eun picked up paint tubes and brushes, throwing them haphazardly into the tote. Most of it was old and had gone bad. She would need to go through and throw most of it away and make a list of what needed to be replaced. “It’s my old art supplies. I haven’t been through this in years.”

“Most of it looks like trash,” he noted as he helped Jae-eun refill the box.

“It probably is. Some of this I even had in college. I had to be sparing with my supplies then because my dad would only pay for my business program, so, I moved into a small apartment with a roommate, worked full time to pay bills and buy what I needed and used my living stipend to double major. My parents were so mad when they saw the art degree that they made me box all of it up and threatened to throw it out if I got back in it.” She explained, “I’m sorry, I should have asked if it was okay to do it in here, but the lighting was just right and your dad sent me those beautiful flowers.”

“Why would you need to ask, this is your home. Do what you want.” He shook his head, “Wait, did you say my dad sent you flowers?”

Jae-eun nodded, “Yes, to thank me for having lunch with him yesterday.”

“You had lunch with my dad yesterday?” He seemed genuinely surprised by this, “I guess that’s why he canceled on me.”

“I usually have lunch with your dad a couple of times a week.” She threw the last of the supplies into the tote and stood up, Kyungsoo followed. Jae-eun pointed to the flowers on the table, “aren’t they beautiful?”

“I didn’t know my dad liked you so much.” He seemed puzzled about this, his brows furrowed again as he looked over the elegant bouquet that was obviously pricey.

“He’s my favorite person in the entire world. I like him better than I like you.” She flashed him a toothy grin.

“Haha,” he huffed sarcastically. “Did you forget about our work dinner tonight?”

“No,” she grabbed his wrist to check his watch. Every three months, all the Ganghan directors attended a dinner party at Kyungsoo’s parents house to discuss business in a less formal setting. His father had started it when he first took over the company and it became a tradition. This was the first one she would attend. “I still have plenty of time. I’ll just put this away and get ready…”

“Leave it,” he cut her off, “it’s nice.”

Jae-eun smiled, “You just complemented me,” she stated proudly.

Kyungsoo pursed his lips in annoyance. He took her by the shoulders, moving her until she was in front of the dining room door, then he turned her around and lightly shoved her out the door.

She showered quickly, curling her hair and arranging it so that it cascaded to the side off her shoulder. She dawned a dusty-rose colored fitted bodycon dress with a Queen Anne neckline. She had talked to Sehun about having the dress designed to match the shirt she had made for Kyungsoo. It was a color she had recently become fond of.

Kyungsoo was waiting in the foyer for her, dressed in gray slacks and a black dress shirt.

“That color suits you.” He looked her over and though she didn’t know why, it made her feel fluttery.

Jae-eun untied Kyungsoo’s tie, “Maybe, but it definitely suits you, which is why I had it made.”

She threw the tie over her shoulder and started for the buttons of his shirt. Kyungsoo stood uncomfortably still as she pulled his shirt off. “What are you doing?”

“Don’t worry, the goal isn’t for you to undress. I had a dress shirt made for you.” She walked to the coat closet and pulled out a dress shirt Sehun had made. It was similar to the color of his lips. She had noticed the exquisite color the first time they had dinner with his friends. Jae-eun had a feeling the color would look good on him.    

“I’ll match you.” He said matter-of-factly. This seemed to concern him.

“No, I’ll match you. My dress was made as a complement to your shirt.” She held the shirt up and he slipped his arms into it. Jae-eun sat the shirt up on his shoulders and let him button and tuck it then she turned up the collar and slipped his tie back on.

He watched her as she worked, “You’re really good at this.”

“I better be, I trained all my life for it.” She said as she tightened the knot, “I called Jongdae while I was getting ready, I’m really worried. He’s drunk again, and more often than not when I call. His little study friend from school, So-young is with him, and she promised to get him home safely, and Minseok is going to stop by to make him coffee in the morning, but I would still like to check on him when dinner is over.”

Jae-eun was terrified that Jongdae would self-destruct soon, his entire life had changed over-night, and he didn’t seem to be adjusting. Everyone was trying to keep an eye on him and pitch in when he drank too much.  

“Of course.” Kyungsoo replied.

Jae-Eun smoothed his collar back down and whisked away the one stubborn strand of hair on his head that always fell out of place. “I think you’ve complemented me three times today. It’s a record. If you keep this up I may think you actually like me a little.”

“I’m just trying to butter you up for our eventual argument tonight.” The corner of his mouth turned up in a smirk.  

“You’re scheduling our arguments now?”

“We’re going out in public, Jae-eun. That always ends up in an argument.” He adjusted his tie until it was comfortable and Jae-eun retrieved her clutch from the table.

“Good point.” She laughed. Then she took him by the shoulders, like he did when he sent her to get ready and turned him to the mirror that hung on the wall, “Then here is my pre-fight complement, you look amazing in that shirt.”

Kyungsoo shrugged turning back to Jae-eun with little consideration to his appearance, “I need you to do something for me.”

The worry lines that spread across his forehead amused Jae-eun. He was so careful, planed everything, she loved keeping him on his toes. Watching him attempt to account for what she may do was one of her favorite things. She raised an eyebrow.

“Some of the directors are old friends of my dad’s. They are old fashioned and have some outdated opinions, so could you please just sit there and look lovely and keep your opinions to yourself tonight?”

The worry now marred every feature of his handsome face and though the request made anger pound in her chest, she knew she should do as asked. It was one thing to drive him crazy at home, but his business was something that would always be off limits. She needed him to succeed, and if keeping her mouth shut at a business dinner would be helpful, she would super glue it shut.

“If that’s what you need.” She agreed.

“It is. Now are you ready to go?”  He asked as he held the door open for her.

***

 Kyungsoo had been right. About the outdated opinions of old men, and about their eventual fight.

And Jae-eun was in a lot of trouble.

They rode home from Jongdae’s in a horrible, thick silence that had Jae-eun bouncing her leg and tapping her fingers in a nervous fidget.

Jongdae had been drunk in bed mumbling about how much he loved her and Kyungsoo and how she had to promise she would never leave him. So-young was hunkered down on his couch for the night, so Jae-eun didn’t feel so bad about leaving him, though she wished she could have made the excuse to stay so that she wouldn’t have to deal with the backlash of her stupidity.

She had tried. She sat as quietly as possible, answered in short, to-the-point statements, and only held conversations with Sehun, who was the director of their fashion brand, or Kyungsoo’s parents. But she hadn’t been able to contain the scoff when the Director of Advertising made a ridiculous pitch. She tried to play it off when he called her out.

“Do you disagree, Madam Do?”

“No, of course not.” She could feel Kyungsoo relax beside her at the response.

But the man had pushed, and she let him have it, promptly telling him how absurd it was to market house hold cleaning products to women only. What was she supposed to do? She had played it off, but the old geezer insisted she give her opinion. She had tried to wiggle out of it once more, but the Director continued to insist.

“Okay, yes, I disagree. Statistics show that more and more men are staying home or having a more active role at home, so tailoring the ad to only women would have us missing out on a growing market. The company will lose money because you believe a man should work and a woman should stay at home.”

Jaen-eun had felt the tug of Kyungsoo’s hand on her elbow, then a slight squeeze, prompting her to be quiet. She did as he asked, even as the conversation continued, even after Mi-sun, with all her motherly-glow, agreed with her. Even when the Director called her insolent and disrespectful. That man’s opinion of her didn’t matter to her in the least.

Kyungsoo on the other hand was furious.

“You are the one that’s disrespectful, Director.” Kyungsoo interrupted.

The man scoffed, “How can you call me disrespectful, I’ve worked for your father faithfully for all these years. Only now, near the end of my life am I retiring and taking some time for myself and my family.”

“You can keep telling everyone that, but do you honestly think I don’t know that you are retiring here and going to our competitor who’s offered you more money? And before you try to deny it, I wouldn’t have brought it up without proof, so we can skip the innocent act.” Kyungsoo thundered. “I was going to discuss this with you separately but since you think it’s okay to insult my wife and embarrass her in front of all our directors, I’m done caring about you feeling humiliated.”  

Jae-eun’s heart pounded against her ribcage. She had grown accustomed to his anger being directed at her, but to see it aimed, rightfully so, at someone else, watching him defend his business, defend her, was thrilling. Her husband was damn fine when he was angry. And she wasn’t all together too happy about that thought.

“I knew it was a mistake for the former CEO to offer you a contract without a non-compete clause.” He nodded respectfully to his father, “But your friendship was more important than that to him. It’s no matter, because I’ve decided you can spend your last month with us preparing our new advertising director to take over.”

“But we haven’t hired a new director yet.” The Director stated, “I’m starting the process of interviewing next week…”

Kyungsoo cut him off, “That won’t be necessary. I’ve been trying to find a place for Jae-eun within the company and after what I’ve just heard I think she would be a perfect fit for the position.”  

Jae-eun froze. Her mind must have wondered off during the conversation, she thought Kyungsoo just said she would be the new director.

“I won’t stand for this, Do Kyung-chul are you going to let this disrespectful child behave in such a manner?” The director complained.

“Kyungsoo,” his father’s voice boomed, echoing across the dining hall so loudly it made Jae-eun jump.

She had never heard Kyung-chul speak so loudly, or sound so angry. Jae-eun regretted opening her mouth in the first place. Now, not only had she caused this commotion, but Kyung-chul was upset and Kyungsoo would be in trouble with his father. Curse her opinions. Why couldn’t she just keep her mouth shut like he had asked.

But Kyungsoo didn’t falter, “Yes, father.”

“Good job, son. I whole-heartedly agree with your decision.”

Jae-eun turned to him in surprise.

“That is, if Jae-eun wants the position.” He smiled at her, and Jae-eun once again thought he was her favorite person in the world.

“Yes, father, I’ll do my best.” She bowed her head to him.

The director spoke up again. “You can’t do this, I will not help that girl.”

Kyung-chul turned his attention back to the director, “You will do it. Need I remind you, you still have one month left on the revised contract that stipulated your retirement in which I agreed upon when I still held your friendship in high regards.”

Jae-eun marveled as Kyung-chul declared he’d sue if the director didn’t comply. Pride for her husband and father-in-law swelled in her chest. One thing that she couldn’t deny was the men in this family took care of their own. Kyungsoo was sure to be angry with her, but it didn’t stop him from standing up for her and his own business when either was threatened.

Warmth invaded her thoughts as he slipped his hand into the one she had resting in her lap. Jae-eun gazed as his fingers entwined with hers. It was foreign to her, their hands together, but she realized just how perfectly her hand fit in his, the contrast of her almond colored skin and his darker beige, her delicate fingers laced between his longer, callused ones.

There were times, like this, when he felt right. When it didn’t feel like part of an act. It seemed like an unconscious act as he was more focused on the conversation than the thumb that rubbed circles into the back of her hand. Sometimes it bothered her, she didn’t like feeling connected to him. He seemed intent on making them both miserable. But sometimes, she could catch little glimpses of the real Kyungsoo, the one his family was so proud of, the one his friends loved, and those moments were etching themselves into her very being. She craved the part of him that he kept hidden from her, and that was the most dangerous thing Jae-eun could do.

The director, having been thoroughly chastised by Kyung-chul, left the dinner. When the party was wrapping up, Kyungsoo stepped away from her, searching out his father to discuss everything. Sehun made his way to her side.

“Noona, I think I love you, run away with me.” He whispered in her ear. Jae-eun giggled at his request.

“Sehunnie, we would have a great love affair, but I would only break your heart in the end.” She beamed up at him.

Sehun congratulated her on setting the old crab in his place like so many others had wished to do. They chatted a while longer, about how well Kyungsoo’s shirt fit and how the color suited him just as she had thought, she spoke with her father-in-law who congratulated her, and as the people started dwindling, Kyungsoo collected her so they could leave.

  When they were closed in the back seat of their car, the driver making his way to Jongdae’s, Jae-eun finally spoke.

“I’m sorry…”

“Just don’t.” he snapped.

Jae-eun clamped her mouth shut. She knew he would be mad, and just as he told her before they left, tonight they would fight.

“Just pretend everything is fine. Hyung doesn’t need to deal with us fighting.” Kyungsoo mumbled, “but I will tell you this. The decision to bring you in as advertising director didn’t have anything to do with tonight, Dad and I have been discussing this for a while. You seem to have a good eye for it. But this is your only chance, if you screw this up, you won’t have anything to do with Ganghan again. Understand?”

“Yes, Jagi.” She nodded.

So-young had Jongdae tucked in and seeing her set up on the couch to watch over him for the night made Jae-eun feel a little more at ease. Minseok was coming in the morning, so they left, confident that Jongdae would be alright.

The rest of the ride home was as quiet as before.

And when he didn’t erupt as they walked into the house, Jae-eun became anxious. They argued frequently, but more often Kyungsoo tended to just walk away. Avoidance had become a theme for them and she knew that if they both continued to bottle things up, the later explosion could result in destroying everything she was trying so hard to build. She didn’t want to fight and bicker with him constantly, but it was as if he baited her. It seemed as if he liked to make her angry. And at the moment, the longer he stayed quiet, the more she fumed.

Kyungsoo slipped off his shoes, loosened his tie and made his way into the living room. The silence beat like a drum in her chest. It was the sound of everything crumbling around her. Why was she the only one trying? Jae-eun knew she messed up this time, she wasn’t so arrogant that she couldn’t admit when she was wrong. But, how could she apologize, how could she make it right when he wouldn’t talk to her. The more she thought about it the angrier she became. What right did he have to be mad at her when she tried, when she put in more effort into their marriage than he did.

Kyungsoo’s answer to everything involving her, was avoidance. No matter what she did, how she tried to make it work, he was never satisfied with her. Why should she feel bad when he was already assuming they would fight, that he would be angry with her before she had even done anything wrong?

Jae-eun kicked off her heels, threw her clutch on the table, and when he still didn’t say anything as she stepped into the living room, she decided she had had enough of the silent treatment.  

“Okay, we’re home, so just let it out.” Jae-eun urged.

“I’m too tired for this right now, we can talk later,” Kyungsoo replied, but there wasn’t a hint of exhaustion in his voice.

“That’s right, just avoid me at all cost, like you always do. I want to talk it out and you just want to run away.” It was the truth, and Jae-eun was done pretending.

“Well I wanted you to keep your mouth shut at dinner. We don’t always get what we ask for.” He shot back.

“Come on, Kyungsoo, that pitch was ridiculous.”

“Of course, it was ridiculous, I told you that some of the older directors were old-fashioned. All you had to do was sit there, smile, and nod. But that was obviously beyond your ability.” He snapped at her.

“I’m not your damn trophy wife, Kyungsoo. I tried to play it off, avert his attention but he kept pressing.” She countered, turning her back to him. “Unzip me.”

He did, quickly without a second thought.

“You’re pretty sure of yourself.” He scoffed.

“Yes, I am, because I’m secure enough to not need your validation to know that I’m attractive.” She turned back to face him. “You want a woman who will keep quiet and look pretty. A vapid, uneducated, airhead to be your arm candy.”

“You have no idea what I want.” He interjected, his voice was low and Jae-eun could feel a hint of danger in it.

“That’s because you don’t talk to me.” She yelled at him, consequences be damned. “You won’t even let me apologize. I can admit when I’m wrong. But you…you just can’t seem to understand that I’m not your enemy. Why is it so hard for you to just trust me and try to make this work? I can’t keep being the only one trying.”

He didn’t speak, didn’t try to deny, explain his behavior, or find a compromise. He glared at her with those eyes that, despite everything, somehow managed to make her feel weak. Just like every other time she tried to work things through, come to an understanding, he was shutting down. Jae-eun fought back the lump in her throat, the constrictions on her lungs that threatened to cut off her air supply and let her suffocate.

She couldn’t let him close up, everything he said was one step closer to learning something new. If he wouldn’t volunteer the information, she would have to pry it out of him by any means. If just asking didn’t work, she would have to hit him where it would do the damage. In the subject where he wouldn’t keep quiet.      

“And I didn’t see you get angry when someone else gave their opinion.”

Success! Kyungsoo threw his hands in the air. “Don’t bring Mi-sun into this. She has nothing to do with us.”

“Maybe not, but she is one of your directors and you didn’t look twice when she gave her opinion. It’s okay for her to say what she thinks, but I’m forbidden?”

“She’s not my wife.” He roared, the deep timber echoing though the room.

“Too bad for you, huh,” She hated saying it. She regretted it the moment it came out of her mouth, but it would be the most effective way to push his limit.              

Kyungsoo growled, “You’re infuriating.”

Jae-eun, lost what little control she had left, stepping closer, face-to-face, where he couldn’t hide, and unleashed months of fury in just a few words, “And you are a bitter, hateful, self-centered asshole.”

The room fell quiet. They stood a foot apart, his chest heaved and his jaw twitched, but Jae-eun didn’t back down. She refused to let him intimidate her with his ridiculously piercing stare, those deep, dark depths. She didn’t falter, her eyes just as sharp, her breath just as heavy.

Faster than she could register, Kyungsoo’s hand snaked around the back of her neck, pulling her forward, into him, his lips capturing hers. Shock rendered Jae-eun motionless for a moment, she had been prepared for a heated exchange, she had instigated it, but this was not the heat she was expecting. Reality hit her fast and she fought against him, bringing her hands to his chest and pushing him back.

He gave just enough slack for their lips to part, but he was still too close, it was too hot and the air too thick, his breath leaving a damp tingle as it brushed against her skin. In her mind, what little of it was left working, she tried to rationalize this. Things were emotional, they were angry, HE was angry and that can lead to uncharacteristic behavior. But there was something in his face, as he looked over her, making her feverish, that stopped her from protesting as he pulled her back to him. His lips played over hers, a little softer this time, but just as demanding.

Though she was hesitant at first, curiosity eventually won Jae-eun over. She had to admit, she wanted to know what this was like, how it felt for Kyungsoo to kiss her with passion, to touch her like he needed her.  

She had to admit it was intoxicating.

His lips like soft pillows caressed hers, his tongue teasing, tasting. She wrapped her arms around his neck holding him to her, taking whatever he was willing to give.

Jae-eun hadn’t realized they were moving until she felt the decorative table press against the small of her back. Kyungsoo’s hands ran over her hips, around the curve of her bottom, grasped the back of her thighs, and lifted her up to sit on the table. Vaguely, in the distance, she could recognize the sound of pictures being knocked over and a fancy metal dish clattering to the floor. It seemed like a world away as Kyungsoo’s thumbs hooked into the hem of her dress inching the fabric upwards, his own hips following, fitting himself between her thighs.

He molded his body against hers, as she ran her fingers into his hair. She had a brief thought, while his mouth assaulted her in a way that set her aflame, that those lips were made for this. Made to make a woman lose herself in the pleasure they promised. Jae-eun didn’t know if she wanted to be lost, but despite the feel of his body in line with hers, the way his scent surrounded her, the way he seemed to drink her in, reason threatened to pull her back to reality.

The reality that this would only end badly, anything involving her and Kyungsoo always did. It was a stupid move. She had kept herself shielded from him for so long only to offer him control. And with control he would only bruise her. She wasn’t so confused that she thought herself in love with him, but she found herself wishing she was. He was attractive, she had always thought that, but desiring Kyungsoo was new and it scared her, because it was something that couldn’t only strengthen her pull to him. Kyungsoo was determined to destroy any connections she attempted to forge between them.  

All these thoughts fled as his fingerstips skimmed over the bare skin of her back. Warm hands splayed out, leaving chill bumps in their wake. They drifted up further, taking each side of her unzipped dress and pulling it away from her shoulders. Then his lips moved away from hers, leaving an irresistible trail of kisses across her jaw, down her neck and along her collar bone. A sound, somewhere between a groan and a growl, escaped his throat as she held him where his lips pulled at her skin, the sting causing her to release a sigh of her own.

Kyungsoo freed the tender flesh he’d scarred, his eyes moved over her, taking in the sight of her wrapped around him, the dress barely covering her chest, her face flushed and lips puffy from their violation, but the look she had seen earlier was gone. The cold, indifferent Kyungsoo had returned and Jae-eun felt her heart sink to the floor.

He took a deep breath, a smile forming on the corner of his lips, “Well now I know how to shut you up, or should I continue?”

Jae-eun stared at him for a moment, in disbelief. She had known better, this wasn’t anyone’s fault but her own. She had messed up for the second time tonight. Stunned, embarrassed, so many emotions engulfed her, but most of all she was enraged. This was too much. She had wanted to push him to his limit, but instead he had accomplished the same thing against her.

Her hands shot forward, shoving him away from her, dropping herself to the floor and holding her dress up with one arm. He stumbled back a step, that smile still mocking her. For the first time, Jae-eun used her self-defense training she hand learned in the states, balling up her fist, throwing it forward with all her weight behind it, and landed the blow against his jaw. His head jerked to the side, but he stood in place.

“I hate you,” she hissed.

Kyungsoo turned back to her, blood pooling at the corner of his mouth, but the smile remained. He ran his tongue across the lacerated lip. “Finally, the truth comes out.”

Jae-eun fought back the tears that begged for release. She wouldn’t let him see her cry. He didn’t get to have that satisfaction, he didn’t get to see that he had hurt her. Even if he knew it. But no matter how she hard she fought, a tear escaped. Like the first raindrop of a storm hitting the window, the lone tear streamed down her face.

His façade faltered for a moment, his brows furrowing, and concerned colored the edge of his stare, but he blinked it away quickly.  

“Go to hell, Kyungsoo.” She barked as she turned, head held high, and walked out of the living room to the foyer.

“I’d probably be stuck with you there as well,” he called after her.

As she retrieved her clutch from the table Jae-eun caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her dress was barely held up by one arm, her hair disheveled, but worse was the dark, purple, bruise that rested against her collar bone. A reminder of her stupidity.

Without another sound she walked out the front door, she didn’t know where, but she had to get out of there. Looking at him would be impossible, being under the same roof was more than she could manage. Jongdae’s was out of the question, so she pulled her phone from her clutch and dialed the only number that made sense to her.

“Jae-eun-ah,” Chanyeol answered after the third ring, “It’s late, is everything okay?”

“Oppa,” she sobbed, no longer able to keep her tears a bay, “I have to get out of here, can you please come get me? I don’t think I need to drive, but I can’t stay at this house right now.”

“What happened, where’s Kyungsoo?”

“Please, can you just come get me?” She cried as she started down the drive to the street.

“I’ll be right there. Ten minutes, I promise okay? Don’t leave, don’t go back in, I’m on my way.” Chanyeol assured her before he hung up.

Jae-eun made it down the drive way and out the gate, barefoot, her hair in tangles, her dress unzipped, and dropped to the curb. The tears fell involuntarily, she didn’t want to cry over him, she didn’t want him to have won, whether he knew it or not. But no matter how much she tried to breath, to calm down and stop the flow, they flooded her eyes and poured down.

True to his word, Chanyeol pulled up in just under ten minutes. He shot out of the car the moment it was parked and was at her side as she stood.

“What happened, Jae?” Chanyeol looked her over. The passenger door of the car opened and Jae-eun recognized the girl from the video Chanyeol had showed her. “Yeon-hee, can you grab my jacket?”

The girl turned back to the car.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know who else to call, I just need to get out of here.” She managed between sobs.

“Did Kyungsoo do this?” Anger was evident on his face. Chanyeol didn’t wait for an answer, he turned and started for the gate, but Jae-eun caught him.

“No,” she yelled grabbing his arm and keeping him in place, “It’s my fault, we were arguing and I pushed him too far, I went too far.” It wasn’t a lie, she wasn’t defending him, not really.

Yeon-hee came back with the jacket. Chanyeol took it, pulling it around her shoulders, rubbing her arms for warmth.

“Jae-eun-ah, did he hit you?”

She could sense the hesitation in his voice as he asked.

Jae-eun shook her head, “He wouldn’t do that.”

“Then what is this?” he pointed to the dark marring on her skin.

She looked away, red creeping into her cheeks. Jae-eun didn’t really know how to explain that part to Chanyeol.

“Oh,” he caught on quickly, as he looked her over again. “Oh!”

“Can we just get out of here, please? “She didn’t want to remember. Right now, she wanted distance between her and the man that just threw all her hopes off the cliff he’d been dangling them over for months.

Chanyeol helped her into the passenger side of the car, Yeon-hee sat in the back, silent as Chanyeol attended to Jae-eun.

“Where do you want to go?” He asked.

Jae-eun pulled his jacket tight around her chest. “Anywhere, as long as it’s the hell away from here.”

[newstfionline]

Saturday, December 5, 2020

Biden adjusting agenda to reflect narrow divide in Congress (AP) President-elect Joe Biden is adjusting the scope of his agenda to meet the challenges of governing with a narrowly divided Congress and the complications of legislating during a raging pandemic. Rather than immediately pursue ambitious legislation to combat climate change, the incoming administration may try to wrap provisions into a coronavirus aid bill. Biden’s team is also considering smaller-scale changes to the Affordable Care Act while tabling the more contentious fight over creating a public option to compete with private insurers. The maneuvering reflects a disappointing political reality for Biden, who campaigned on a pledge to address the nation’s problems with measures that would rival the scope of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal legislation. But Democrats acknowledge that big legislative accomplishments are unlikely, even in the best-case scenario in which the party gains a slim majority in the Senate.

California Will Impose Its Strongest Virus Measures Since the Spring (NYT) California, the first state to impose far-reaching lockdowns because of the coronavirus, announced on Thursday its strictest new measures since the earliest days of the pandemic in an effort to keep a surge in cases from overwhelming hospitals. Gov. Gavin Newsom said the new round of regional stay-at-home orders would take effect as intensive-care beds filled up. Millions of people across Southern and Central California are likely to see outdoor dining shuttered, playgrounds roped off and hair salons closed within days if the available intensive-care capacity in their areas dips below a 15 percent threshold. The new restrictions will last for at least three weeks, strictly limit store capacity and allow restaurants to serve only takeout or delivery. The governor also said people should temporarily call off all nonessential travel.

Americans are largely skeptical of the news media, but say there is room for confidence to improve (Pew Research Center) In general, Americans tend to express more negative than positive views about the news media and feel that that it is beneficial for society to approach the media with some level of skepticism. But the public does not view the media as a lost cause: A vast majority of U.S. adults say it is possible to increase their level of confidence in the institution. Respondents were asked to evaluate news organizations overall across five different dimensions. One dimension that particularly stands out is that many think news organizations lack empathy toward those they cover, with 53% saying news organizations do not care about the people they report on, 30 percentage points higher than the portion who says news outlets do care (23%). Roughly two-thirds of Americans (63%) think that, ideally, it is better for society if the public is skeptical of the news media. This is far higher than the portion who say it is better if the public is trusting of the news media (36%).

In a holiday season unlike any other, avoid unfounded claims about suicide (Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania) The holiday season usually has the lowest monthly suicide rates. And while the COVID-19 pandemic has increased risk factors associated with suicide, the media and the public should be careful this holiday season not to make unfounded claims about suicide trends. Last year, during the holidays and before the pandemic, about half of the newspaper stories that connected the holidays and suicide contained misinformation falsely perpetuating the myth that suicide increases over the holidays, according to a new analysis by the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC) of the University of Pennsylvania. Though the pandemic has increased factors associated with suicide such as unemployment, financial stress, and social isolation, there is no clear evidence to date that it has increased the suicide rate, so caution is needed when reporting on this, as noted recently in The Lancet Psychiatry. In addition, a study found that suicide rates did not increase during the Massachusetts lockdown in March, April, and May, while a BMJ editorial reviewing national suicide trends during the early months of the pandemic found either no rise or a fall in suicide rates in high-income countries, including the United States. For decades, the holiday season has had some of the lowest suicide rates, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Abandoned oil wells (Grist) As the finances make large numbers of individual oil wells fiscally untenable and threaten the balance sheets of the companies that now maintain them, an ongoing crisis of abandoned oil and gas wells is poised to get a lot worse. In Oklahoma, the agency that regulates the oil and gas business has a list of 12,000 “orphaned” wells, or holes in the ground that have been abandoned by an owner who may very well not exist, or no longer possess the money to plug it. Last year, the state plugged a mere 138 abandoned wells, so it’s going badly. Across the country there were 50,000 wells on cleanup lists in 2018, and the true estimated figure for abandoned wells is between 200,000 and 750,000. Including idle wells, the count is about 2.1 million.

Mexicans asked to curb Christmas plans to control pandemic (Reuters) Mexicans should cancel year-end travel plans, curb their movement and even avoid exchanging Christmas presents amid rising coronavirus case numbers in the country, the president said on Friday. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador also announced increasing capacity for more hospital beds as well as extra medical equipment and staff to help in the fight to curb the pandemic. The leftist president, outlining a 9-point plan, said the suggested steps to limit the spread of the virus were especially important for residents of metro Mexico City, the densely-packed capital with a population of over 20 million. Lopez Obrador said there would be no mandatory lockdowns and that he encourages people to act responsibly. But he warned that traditional festive gatherings known as posadas, where friends and family typically gather in a single house, should not take place this year. He also advised there should be no New Year’s Eve parties and even suggested Mexicans do not give Christmas presents this year, saving them for another time.

Venezuela Votes as Opposition Boycotts Election (Foreign Policy) Venezuelans go to the polls on Sunday in a National Assembly election that is likely to extinguish the country’s opposition following months of electoral maneuvers by the government. In 2015, the last time such elections were held, opposition parties won in a landslide victory. The win paved the way for the ill-fated Assembly President Juan Guaidó to attempt to take power by declaring himself the rightful leader of the country. More than 50 countries followed in recognizing Guaidó’s claim in 2019. Five years later, due to a decision to boycott the vote, neither Guaidó nor traditional opposition politicians are on the ballot this time around. Over the summer, Venezuela’s Supreme Court handed over the leadership of the country’s main opposition parties to government loyalists, and those party names will still appear on the ballot on Sunday. A new assembly dilutes Guaidó’s claim to control in Venezuela as he’ll no longer be the most recent president of the assembly. Turnout in the sanctions-ravaged country is expected to be low despite government attempts to entice voters to the polls, including a promise of “special prizes” to the communities with the highest rates of turnout.

‘Field of Broken Dreams’: London’s Growing Taxi Graveyards (NYT) EPPING, England—Drive through a leaf-strewn forest and past a charming street market in this town about 20 miles northeast of London, and a jarring sight appears: black London taxis, parked bumper-to-bumper by the hundreds in a muddy field, surrounded by beehives and a barn for raising squab pigeons. It’s a monument to the economic devastation wrought by the pandemic. The cabs were returned by their drivers to a rental company because of the collapse in business after Britain went into lockdown last March. As the number of idled taxis piled up, the company ran out of room in its garage and cut a deal with a local farmer to store about 200 of them alongside his bees and pigeons. “I call it the field of broken dreams,” said Steve McNamara, general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association, which represents about half of the British capital’s more than 21,500 licensed cabbies. “It’s awful, and it’s getting worse.” It’s anyone’s guess when central London’s deserted streets will once again fill with office workers, theatergoers and tourists. As of now, barely a fifth of London’s taxis are currently operating, Mr. McNamara said, and the drivers still on the road are averaging just a quarter of their pre-pandemic fares. The city estimates that 3,500 taxis have left the streets since June. They are stashed in parking lots, warehouses, garages and fields all around the capital.

India’s winter of discontent: Farmers rise up against Modi (AP) A chilly breeze whirls through New Delhi in the mornings and the sun is partly obscured by toxic haze, a marker of another winter in the Indian capital. But along the city’s borders, this year is visibly and viscerally different. The perpetually busy arterial highways that connect most northern Indian towns to this city of 29 million people now pulse to the cries of “Inquilab Zindabad”—“Long live the revolution.” Tens and thousands of farmers with distinctive, colorful turbans and long, flowing beards have descended upon the city’s borders, choking highways in giant demonstrations against new farming laws that they say will open them to corporate exploitation. For more than a week, they’ve marched toward the capital on their tractors and trucks like an army, pushing aside concrete police barricades while braving tear gas, batons and water cannons. Now, on the outskirts of New Delhi, they are hunkered down with food and fuel supplies that can last weeks and threatening to besiege the capital if Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government doesn’t meet their demands to abolish the laws. Many of the protesting farmers hail from northern Punjab and Haryana, two of the largest agricultural states in India. An overwhelming majority of them are Sikhs. They fear the laws passed in September will lead the government to stop buying grain at minimum guaranteed prices and result in exploitation by corporations who will push down prices. Many activists and farming experts support their demand for a minimum guaranteed price for their crops.

Bangladesh ships Rohingya refugees to remote island despite outcry (Reuters) Bangladesh naval vessels carried some 1,600 Rohingya refugees towards a remote island in the Bay of Bengal on Friday despite complaints by refugees and humanitarian groups that some were being coerced. Bangladesh says it is only moving refugees who are willing to go to Bhasan Char and it will ease chronic overcrowding in camps that are home to more than 1 million Rohingya, members of a Muslim minority who have fled neighbouring Myanmar. But refugees and humanitarian workers say some of the Rohingya had been coerced into going to Bhashan Char a flood-prone island that emerged from the sea 20 years ago. Bangladesh has built more than a thousand cinderblock housing units on Bhasan for the Rohingya refugees. More than 300 refugees were brought to the island earlier this year after several months at sea in an attempt to flee Bangladesh. Rights groups say they are being held against their will and have complained of human rights violations.

Rains in western Indonesia leave 2 dead, 2,700 homes flooded (AP) Torrential rains in Indonesia’s third largest city caused four rivers to overflow, flooding thousands of homes and killing at least two people, officials said Friday. The local disaster mitigation agency said rescuers were searching for six missing people, including a toddler, after the heavy rains in Medan, the capital of North Sumatra province. At least two people were found dead after being swept away by the floods, which began Thursday evening, the agency said in a statement. More than 2,700 houses were flooded in the city, which has about 2.9 million people, forcing authorities to cut off electricity and water supplies, it said. Floods and landslides are common in Indonesia during the rainy season. Severe flooding and landslides that hit greater Jakarta early this year killed more than 60 people, displaced hundreds of thousands and forced an airport to close.

Egyptians released (Foreign Policy) Egyptian authorities have released three employees of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights, one of the few independent human rights organizations still operating in the country. The trio’s arrests garnered worldwide attention in November, with Antony Blinken, the nominee for U.S. secretary of state, sharing his concern on Twitter. The move comes as two Washington-based groups, the Center for International Policy and the Project on Middle East Democracy, called on Biden to impose strict human rights conditions on the $1.3 billion in annual U.S. security assistance to Egypt.

Jupiter and Saturn will come close enough to form first ‘double planet’ visible in nearly 800 years (Washington Post) In the complex dance of the cosmos, two celestial bodies are about to partner up. Jupiter and Saturn often look far apart—two separate specks puncturing different parts of the night sky. But later this month, the two largest planets in the solar system will come so close to each other that they may appear to be overlapping, according to NASA, creating a kind of “double planet” that has not been visible since the Middle Ages. The once-in-a-lifetime sight is the product of an astronomical event known as a “conjunction,” in which two objects line up with each other in the sky. When it involves Jupiter and Saturn catching up to each other, it’s sometimes called a “great conjunction.” “You can actually see it with your own eye. It doesn’t have to be measured with sophisticated instruments,” Michael Brown, an astronomer at Monash University in Australia, told The Washington Post. “The two objects are appearing very close in the sky, but ultimately they’re very far away from each other.” While Jupiter and Saturn will be separated on Dec. 21 by 0.1 degrees, or less than a third of the moon’s width, the two planets will nonetheless remain separated by about 450 million miles in space, he said. The last time Saturn and Jupiter were close enough to create a “double planet” seen from Earth was in March 1226, Brown said.

Adolf Hitler Uunona wins election in Namibia, says he isn’t seeking ‘world domination’ (Washington Post) A man named Adolf Hitler Uunona has won a local election in Namibia with 85 percent of the vote, becoming a councilor in the Ompundja Constituency. According to the Electoral Commission of Namibia, Uunona claimed a seat for the South West Africa People’s Organization, also known as the SWAPO party, after racking up 1,196 votes last month. Uunona has no connection to his unusual namesake—but does have a sense of humor about the situation. He is not “striving for world domination” and does not have plans to “conquer” the Oshana region, he told German newspaper Bild. In his interview with Bild, Uunona said that his father had named him after the Nazi dictator but “probably didn’t understand what Adolf Hitler stood for.” His wife, he said, calls him Adolf. The southwestern African country is a former German colony, and a number of streets and places still have German names.

[auburnfamilynews]

WE HAD AN AGREEMENT.

HEY. HEY. THOUGHT WE WERE GOING TO PLAY SOME FOOTBALL THIS WEEKEND.

GUESS NOT.

NEWS | The Auburn at Mississippi State FB game of Nov. 14 is postponed due to positive tests & subsequent quarantine of individuals within the MSU FB program. The action is consistent with SEC COVID-19 management requirements. The game is tentatively rescheduled for Dec. 12.

— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) November 9, 2020

WE HAD AN AGREEMENT ON THIS.

ONE, YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO BE CAREFUL, FOOTBALL PLAYERS AND COACHES, WE HAD TO DEAL WITH A TIME SANS SPORTS FOR QUITE A LONG TIME, AND THIS WAS OUR SWEET, SWEET RELEASE OF FRUSTRATION AFTER THE LOCKDOWN. WE WERE SUPPOSED TO GET TO WATCH AUBURN DESTROY A FLEDGLING — FLEDGLING, I SAY — MISSISSIPPI STATE STATE THIS WEEKEND.

Instead, we get to watch everyone else play. Well, not everyone else. Alabama-LSU is also in danger of cancellation. Apparently T.J. Finley is the only quarterback available for LSU, and they have no tight ends. But back to our case.

What needs to be noted off the top is that this is in no way an indictment of Auburn. Gus Malzahn’s program hasn’t had a positive COVID-19 case since before the season began. The Tigers have been extremely careful, and the few injuries that they had were supposed to be healed with the off week ahead of this Saturday’s game. Apparently, not to be. Auburn is being punished for other programs failing to hold their players and coaches accountable.

Now, the danger for most of these college students is little. It’s pretty evident that the younger you are, the less the virus affects you. Sure, there are cases akin to the flu or a bad cold, and you do have outliers of those with pre-existing conditions and comorbidities. In the end, it’s really the possibility of the uncontrolled spread that poses the biggest threat. And while the players might be at little risk of serious illness and lasting effects, let’s note that many of the coaches in the SEC are of advanced age.

What can you do about this? It’s pretty simple.

This feels like a good time to remind everyone to wear a mask when you’re within six feet of someone who’s not from your household because it’s really not that onerous and just because I can’t control college athletics doesn’t mean I can’t help stop the spread in my own circle. https://t.co/n9fiQs4WvG

— MTP (@marytylerpoor) November 9, 2020

You can’t control college kids going out to party and spreading this virus, but you can do your part. Mike Leach didn’t take this thing seriously, and it didn’t just cost his team (even though they’d probably prefer not to get their teeth kicked in by us at this point). 2020 might as well be over for them right now with the way they’re playing. LSU is in a similar situation. Probably a blessing that they may not have to give up 65 points to Alabama this Saturday night.

Mike Leach was asked about what he thinks of COVID protocols. He said he has plenty but elected not to share them. He did say this, though: "Our country has quickly become less free than it used to be."

— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) November 9, 2020

There were people clamoring for this man to be the head coach at Auburn. Aside from allowing his team to run wild and screw up the SEC schedule for teams being responsible, you may remember his losses (multiple) to FCS teams at Washington State, or his propensity to tweet deep fake videos and then argue with people who try to tell him that they’re doctored.

We’ll hopefully get to see Auburn and Mississippi State make this game up on December 12th, the weekend before the SEC Championship Game. In the meantime, the Tigers get an extra week to heal up before taking on Tennessee next Saturday night at home, with kickoff set for 6 pm CST.

Ugh, I thought we were all told this thing would just go away after the election. Guess it turned out to be a real thing, At least the Masters is on this weekend. No worries about conflicting interests at all. Now, you can watch all of Augusta’s fall glory instead of waiting to change the channel until Auburn throws down a first half fifty-burger on the Bulldogs. See y’all next weekend.

from College and Magnolia - All Posts https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/2020/11/9/21557747/auburn-mississippi-state-postponed

[danielhitome]

Recipe for the Future of Eating

Meet Jessie and James. They’ve been married for over 3 years now and neither of them will hesitate to say that this has been some of the most wonderful time in their lives. Just as long as you don’t mention cooking.

"What should we eat tonight?"

"Who's cooking?"

"Can you do the dishes?"

"I told you not to buy so much, now they are all going to waste!"

The lovebirds were both laughing with a hint of embarrassment as they recounted things that could have potentially "sabotaged" their marriage.

For a lot of people, cooking isn't an easy or pleasant experience when you have to do it every day.  It can be the most stressful moment of the day, and it isn't hard to imagine how it could strain a marriage or family relationship. And it isn't just about the time pressure that 77% of Americans feel when rushing to cook a meal in less than an hour after a long day of work. Even experienced home chefs can get burnt out by the mental stress involved in figuring out what to serve on the dinner table every week, while trying to keep meals interesting, on budget, and with minimal waste.

Unlike many other families that cook to save money, eating out is an option for Jessie and James. The millennial couple make enough money to eat, travel, and enjoy the finer things in life from time to time.

"It’s hard to eat out and stay healthy. Do you know how much a quinoa salad with a little bit of chicken costs?", James joked, "Anything that sounds healthy are expensive, I guess there’s no traveling for us or we can't pay our rent!"

Humor aside, cooking is essential for many. Whether it's to sustain a balanced millennial lifestyle or keep the family sane and healthy, the benefits come with a substantial time and psychological expense for those who take on the responsibility in the household.

But wherever there's a problem, there's also opportunity for enterprising individuals.

Food channels, recipe websites, and food bloggers have all raced to rescue. There are certainly no shortage of recipe ideas on the Internet that attempt to inspire people with great dinner ideas., But choosing the right ones can be overwhelming. Content companies like Tasty are trying to make cooking seem less stressful by capitalising on our desire for simple and practical dinner ideas. Traditional media too, Jamie Oliver' "30 Minute Meals" ("15 Minute Meals" more recently) and other cookbooks that appeal to busy would-be home cooks constantly make the bestselling list.

But when it comes to actually saving people time and stress, the real game-changers came from several slick mobile apps.

Does this sound familiar to you?

You wake up late on Saturday morning with an empty fridge because you have had a busy week. You open Instacart, select what you want, and they will get all the ingredients you need for brunch within an hour. You don’t even have to get out of bed. Feeling even lazier? Place an order at your favorite breakfast place using UberEats or DoorDash. You can order whatever you want in a few taps.

The latest invention certainly counts meal kits. Anyone can order everything they need for a few specific recipes and have a box of ingredients in the exact amounts delivered to their home. The initial excitement among time-strapped consumers who still aspire to cook have successfully propelled leading companies like Blue Apron and Hello Fresh to IPO. But these companies can only continue to remain successful if the meal kit subscribers don’t cancel their services within a year - Most of them do.

Why is this happening? A lot of it has to do with the fact that meal kits are expensive, and people are certainly not thrilled by the excessive amount of tiny bottles and boxes that are used to transport the ingredients.

While all these advances in the food space certainly have made feeding ourselves and our families easier, consumers are still constantly making trade-offs between time, cost, health, and taste.

Eating tasty and healthy meals require either time or money, sometimes both. And there’s a real need to solve this problem, despite an incredibly challenging one. But as Jeff Bezos put it, if it’s a need that is not going away in the next 10 years, it’s a good problem to focus on.

Luckily, now we really have the opportunity to not just solve this problem, but to go about it in a way that’s actually good for our planet.

Here are couple personal predictions that, if all come true, will completely re-shape the economy of eating.

1. Robot

Eating at restaurants is more expensive than cooking, of course. When we eat at restaurants or order take-out, we outsource the labor of cooking by paying nearly 20% of the price of the meal.

Can robots replace chefs? Probably not anytime soon if we're talking about Michelin star chefs. But we can certainly expect to see robot chefs getting adopted in commercial kitchens, and they will be versatile enough to cook (or assist the preparation and cooking of) 90% of everyday dishes.

We have already seen fully automated restaurants serving customers, and pizza robots that bake the pizza while delivering it to you.

What about cooking at home? My first prediction is that the future of eating will involve minimal cooking at home. We will "liberate" ourselves from the time and stress spent planning and cooking meals.

But having robots cook for us is only the beginning.

2. Data

On average, up to 34% of the food in a restaurant is wasted. And in some cases, they are wasted before they even reach a customer’s plate.

If a restaurant know exactly who will come and what they will order, zero waste would not be just a dream, and the savings can certainly be passed onto the customers.

However, most restaurants today can't even make personalized recommendations to impress their customers. And even if a restaurant does a fantastic job tracking and making use of data, it can hardly predict the diverse and constantly shifting tastes of the entire population. Unless a restaurant (or chain) serves a significant amount of the population.

Don't be surprised though, some companies already have this capability. Companies like Grubhub and DoorDash have been collecting data at scale that they can tell you a particular customer is likely to order Vietnamese Pho next week because he loves Asian cuisine with noodles being his go-to option, but he has just grown tired of Japanese udon.

Two things may happen in the future:

Data will be shared among restaurants to better predict demand and preference

A single gigantic restaurant chain that serves a large portion of the population will also come to own a significant amount of the data about our eating habits and preferences.

Personally? I’m betting on the emergence of a big restaurant chain, but it won’t be anything like the restaurants we know today. For now, let's just call it "Big Food". It certainly will serve fresh, healthy food that’s highly customised to people's individual taste preferences, and possibly body conditions.  

3. Supply Chain

When we buy groceries at supermarkets, we certainly don't enjoy the wholesales discounts that restaurants receive. And even if we want to buy in bulk, it's simply not realistic to store fresh ingredients in large quantities.

With a deep understanding of what people want to eat and what’s good for them, "Big Food" can accurately predict the demand for every ingredient and source ingredients very effectively at scale.

That's hardly where "Big Food" will stop. When it gets to serve millions of meals daily, owning the source is the only logical thing to do to enjoy maximum cost savings.

So, my third prediction is that, those who cook for us will also own the farms. But it would be a complete disappointment if it's all about chasing higher profitability. The significance of owning the sources of food is that, a forward-thinking (and ethical) "Big Food" that understands consumers' growing concerns about health and the environment can invest in developing sustainable farming that yield safer and more nutritious ingredients at much lower costs.

4. Logistics, Packaging, and Storage

Is cooking at home, eating at restaurants, or ordering take-out more environmentally friendly? This is a tough question to answer.

Besides food waste, there’s also packaging, disposable utensils, gas, electricity, and more.  

Let's start with energy consumption.

Most of us likely believe that cooking at home should be more energy efficient. And for the most part, that’s true. Restaurants consume significantly more electricity keeping their lights, air-conditioning, and equipment running. This becomes an even larger problem when ordering takeout because of the gasoline burned to deliver your food. But when you count the round-trip required to pick up groceries, which are shipped in bulk to a restaurant in one truck load, the equation becomes complicated. That's also without considering the packaging and plastic bags that come with our grocery shopping.

As far as packaging waste is concerned, some studies even claim that the disturbing amount of packaging in meal kits cause less of an environmental impact than the food wasted due to poor grocery planning.

Without delving into every factor of the carbon footprint equation, we can assert that the food of the future needs to be both convenient and enjoyed without guilt.  

So, here goes my final prediction.

"Big Food" will ship multiple cooked meals contained in environmentally-friendly containers that can stay fresh for an extended period of time, in a single delivery. It will leverage data to optimize its delivery routes for the lowest fuel consumption (thus lowest possible shipping costs too).  

This also has significant implications to the roles of kitchen appliances. In the future, perhaps our fridge may exist mainly to keep these pre-cooked meals fresh, intelligent enough to defrost the meal you're going to eat tonight ahead of time, and automatically shrink its size to keep energy usage very efficient as meals are taken out. In any cases, kitchen appliances need to adopt this new way of eating.

Reality

Most of these "predictions" are already happening on their own separate ways. When you put all of them together, it's not hard to see the emergence of super massive centralized cooking facilities, which I refer to as "Big Food" earlier. These companies will develop the capability to:

Cook a wide variety of ready-to-eat dishes and cuisines that cater to a massive amount of the population’s daily meals.

Integrate every component required to produce a meal from farming to the last mile delivery.

And most importantly, produce fresh, nutritious, very affordable, and environmentally-friendly meals.

However, there are many reasons why "Big Food" may go against our interests and bring negative disruption.

Think about the types of companies that are in the best position to define "Big Food". They are the industry leaders in food processing, consumer packaged goods, grocery retail, and even appliance manufacturers, most of whom tend to care more about shareholders' interests. We certainly don't want our food to be filled with unhealthy ingredients and preservatives, or packaged in materials that don’t decompose for the next 1,000 years. But if what they offer is cheap enough, most people will easily give in, predictably.

A lot more ethical questions still need to be answered. One thing I’ve always wondered is: How will we use the time regained when we are freed from cooking? A few more books, or 2 more hours on Youtube?

I do believe that the future of eating is a future without cooking. But for now, cooking is still your best option if you plan well!

---

Three More Food For Thought

Cooking will continue to exist and the market around cooking can still continue to be extremely vibrant, but it will likely exist as a hobby.

Food will be the next medicine, or “preventive healthcare” to be exact, and they will be tailored to our genetic makeup and body conditions.

A friend asked me: "If the future of eating is about efficiency, wouldn't the most efficient way to eat be taking pills that supply the optimal level of nutrients?" I do think that these "meal pills" might one day exist in the distant future, but its popularity would depend on the complementary VR experience that delivers a realistic eating environment that is essential to our human experience.

Photo credit: freepik, mrsiraphol, rawpixel.com, mrblmoreno

[karyu-endan]

Twilight Chapter 12 review: Just Get to the Damn Sparkling Already.

I didn’t think it was possible for padding to exist in the novel medium.

Twilight proved me wrong in chapter 12.

To be more specific, I was aware that Twilight was already padded a bit by Bella’s constant gushing about Edward’s appearance, but those are just minor things that add up to a mild annoyance. And it only really started to get bad during chapter 9, which is when Bella affirms that she’s in love with Edward and he goes from being the subject of a mystery to the subject of a romance. So you could make a case that the increase in prose describing Edward has its purpose in the story and is necessary to show us that Bella is smitten with him; after all, Bella’s narration is too dry to get that feeling across any other way. Still a case of bad writing (a competent writer would be able to show Bella’s infatuation with Edward growing without mentioning the vampire’s perfect face every other sentence) but not padding per se.

Chapter 12 blows that out of the water. It is almost entirely pointless.

The chapter starts with the follow-up to Bella meeting the Blacks and Charlie from the end of chapter 11. And… nothing happens. Charlie doesn’t learn that Bella’s seeing Edward. Billy doesn’t learn that Bella’s seeing Edward. Jacob does learn that Bella’s seeing Edward, but he laughs it off and is unaffected by the information (knowing what happens later in the series, this is hilarious). Oh, and Bella doesn’t crush Jacob’s delusions when she has the chance. Everyone leaves the reunion in exactly the same position they entered it.

Bella even lampshades the pointlessness of the scene in her narration when she claims she almost completely forgot about it when she wakes up the following morning.

Before Bella goes to bed though, Charlie talks to her and tells her that he’s planning to go fishing with some police buddies on Saturday, but if Bella needs a companion for the trip to Seattle he’s willing to cancel. Bella says that she doesn’t mind being alone, in order to keep him away so Edward can take her somewhere unknown without her father noticing.

That was the only part that mattered in their discussion, and it sickens me to write it down like that. But that’s what happened: Bella lied to her father so that she could see a boy behind his back and let him take her somewhere she’s never been before, and explicitly not the place her father thinks she’s going to be.

The next day, Firday, Edward drives Bella to school for a third day in a row. After a reminder that it’s still Edward’s turn to ask questions (the dick), it cuts to lunch and… without warning, Edward says he should have let Bella drive to school herself. Because he and Alice are leaving right after lunch so that Edward can feed before his date and, with him and his car gone, Bella won’t have a ride. Bella says that she can walk home. Edward objects and says that Bella’s truck will be in the parking lot by the end of the day. Bella thinks that there’s no point since she left her keys in her pants on Wednesday and they must be buried in the laundry room; there’s no way Edward could find them even if he broke into her house.

Of course, after Edward introduces Bella and Alice to each other and he leaves with his sister, the rest of Bella’s day is glossed over and she finds her truck where Edward parked his car this morning, with the key. And a note written by Edward that only says “be safe”.

Aside from Alice’s formal introduction, this whole business about Bella’s truck is pointless. It only serves to hint at Edward’s… visiting, and chapter 11 already did that with the CD player. Oh, and Edward’s… visiting gets hinted at again later in the chapter, which doubles the pointlessness of it.

Don’t believe me? After Bella gets home from school in her truck she makes a big deal about choosing an outfit for her date tomorrow. The following morning she greets Edward at her doorstep, and guess what?

Edward’s wearing a matching outfit! What a coincidence!

Except it’s very much not a coincidence, because Edward saw Bella’s date outfit overnight and dressed accordingly. Edward only had to leave school early because that was the only way he could feed without giving up watching Bella sleep. He doesn’t need to sleep himself, after all.

One hint could mean anything. Two hints are enough to make a logical deduction. Three hints?

That’s mind-numbingly obvious and insulting to a reader’s intelligence.

If the business with Bella’s keys were omitted, and Bella drove to school on her own and met Edward at lunch where he’d bring up leaving early to feed before the date, then there’d still be enough foreshadowing for savvy readers to predict Edward’s… visiting without being obnoxious about it. Especially since the truck business is the only one with a dead herring in Bella thinking there was no way Edward could locate her keys.

Also, in between lunch and getting to bed, Bella tells Mike (during Gym) and Jessica (over the phone after school) that she cancelled her plans to go to Seattle with Edward but still won’t go to the dance. These moments are pointless too since Bella’s ultimately just swapping out one lie for another; nothing is gained or lost by leaving Mike and Jessica under the impression she’s going to Seattle with Edward. These moments do have Bella reflect that it’s getting easier for her to lie to people, but that’s a lie in itself since we’ve seen her lie effortlessly from the very beginning.

What of consequence is left in the chapter, at this point?

Charlie’s plans and Alice’s introduction still matter, as pointed out earlier. And Bella getting to bed on Friday night. And Saturday morning, which is just Edward showing up with a matching outfit and giving directions to Bella to take her to a clearing in the middle of the woods at a dead end in the road, ending right as Edward’s about to step into the sunlight and show Bella his sparkling.

And all of that could be cut shorter since it’s littered with the gushing I explained at the beginning of the review. Mostly in regards to Edward on Saturday, but interestingly enough Bella considers Alice just as attractive. Even though what little we do get of an objective description - tiny with messy black hair - leaves the impression that Alice looks like a child who doesn’t know how to take a shower yet.

Maybe it’s Bella’s deeply repressed motherly instincts coming to the surface and wanting to give this dirty little girl a bath. It would be more interesting than her “relationship” with Edward as it is now, at any rate.

Oh, and Alice shares a name with the protagonist of Alice in Wonderland while Bella’s one letter away from Belle, the protagonist of Beauty and the Beast. They’re both named after Disney princesses. Was that intentional? Maybe. Is that Sue-ish? Definitely.

Regardless... it’s settled. Mike’s too good for Bella and he has Jessica anyway, so I’m on Team Alice for the moment.

Shame though, because Alice is apparently the only Cullen that supports Edward’s courting of Bella; everyone else is confused right now. And Rosalie in particular seems to hate the idea outright what with the glare she gives Bella in the middle of Alice’s introduction.

As for the introduction itself, it was a good idea on Meyer’s part; isolating Alice and introducing her to us on her own sends the signal that Alice is special among the Cullens and that she is going to be particularly important down the road. And considering how vital Alice’s power is to the story as a whole and how Alice is the Cullen that Bella bonds with more than any other except Edward himself, those signals are well-placed.

Enough about Alice, though. The only thing left I really want to talk about is Bella getting ready for bed. She’s apparently quite restless and can’t get to sleep without taking some pills.

So Bella drugged herself to sleep because of pre-date anxiety.

I’d say this was an effective display of Bella’s anxiety and a decent character moment, but the problem is chapter 9 exists. Bella was almost gang-raped and later on got her entire worldview shattered due to Edward going into detail about vampires, and she didn’t need drugs to fall asleep after those. Because of chapter 9, Bella using drugs to fall asleep before a date comes off as melodramatic and Bella getting weaker because of Edward’s abuse. And that’s not the impression Meyer wants to be giving me.

So at last we’ve come to the end of chapter 12. Basically nothing happened aside from laying the stalker foreshadowing on too thick and saying hello to Alice. A whole lot of this chapter could have been cut and nothing would be lost. Even with the intention to end a chapter on Edward about to sparkle, this whole chapter could have been condensed and tacked on to the end of chapter 11, which already ended on a cliff-hanger.

Next time, well… Edward’s going to sparkle. Prepare your anus.

[blazeburner14]

Alice Vermilion : Background

- Alice Gale Vermillion -

Alice Vermillion is the cheerful, mischievous, Hyena Faunus of Team DARK and Duran's partner. She is known for her laughter and joy for pranks.

- Background -

Despite her cheerful and mischievous personality, Alice sadly lived a life of loneliness, harsh ridicule, and abuse.

Being born in Vacuo, Alice lived with her mother and abusive father who was a former member of the disbanded White Fang who served Adam Taurus, which caused harsh ridicule towards her due to her father's sins one would guess. While her father still attended rallies, her mother was the only person who tended to her, often pulling her out of trouble for her mischievous funny tricks. Alice remembers her mother being the one thing that made her happy, and laughed at her tricks from time to time.

Unfortunately one day, her mother was said to have committed suicide. Leaving Alice alone with her abusive father.

Alice's time with her father was a sad one if mentioned. Aside from not having any "true" friends, she suffered physical and mental abuse from both bullies at school and her father who did nothing for her. He didn't laugh at her jokes or tricks as he would just beat her for it, as he wanted nothing to do with her or even acknowledged her existence.

Eventually one day attack a brutal attack on her while walking home from school due to her father's negligence, a powerful figure stepped in and removed Alice from the custody of her father. After a restraining order was place, Alice was moved to Vale as her father vanished from Vacuo from all sight. During her time in the orphanage, Alice got better over time, slowly returning to her old mischievous self, sadly retaining the traumatic experiences of her dark lonely life.

One day, while walking down the street from a certain "Diner", Alice looked up at a picture on a building and made a life changing decision.

She decided to become a huntress.

- Personality -

Alice as a front, and properly due to her Faunus traits as a Hyena, is mostly known for her mischievous and cheerful personality, coming off as kind of a peppy person. She has a great loved for fun and harmless pranks here and there, specifically known for finding trouble. Despite this, one can't deny her talents towards scientific Dust Manipulation and getting in and out of places on the fly. She's not 24/7 prankster mind you, however Professor Belladonna's referral stack could say otherwise.

Kind in mind that though Alice is mischievous by nature, having lived the hard life she did felt a big hole in her heart per say. Alice in truth is afraid of being alone. Not the alone thing, but it's the "alone and the thought that no one cares for you" way that scares her. Because of this, she tends to attach herself to people rather quickly, such as Duran.

In truth, all she wants is more than just a friend, but people who truly cares for her. In addition, Alice is actually very emotional person. She can be easily emotional hurt if her friends are hurt or fatally wounded. She cares deeply for their well-being, both physically and mentally.

- Semblance : Density and Diffusion Manipulation ( or Wisp ) -

If you think dealing with one Alice is enough, try dealing with a gang of herself. For Alice's semblance "Wisp" allows her to separate herself into multiple solid clones of herself, seemingly creating a max of four to five at a time, though she tries to keep it at two to three at a time for using this semblance cuts her aura a least by half with each clone she creates.

It's been noted that the clones are capable of conversing with one another individually and like Hyenas of which Alice takes her Faunus traits from, can fight either as a pack or separately. Though each of the clones speak in third person, referring to themselves as "Alice" rather than "I" or "me". They vanish when they either receive a certain amount damage or the original Alice cancels them to recover her own aura at will.

The bad news is that though the clones of Alice retain their will as a warrior huntress, they still are pranksters and tricksters at heart, often helping Alice with her pranks.

- Lilith's Trace : Garrote Wired Combat Gauntlets -

Alice's weapon, Lilith's Trace, are two hand worn combat gauntlet claw with wire threads running through them, and though the claws at the end of the gauntlet serve as close combat means, it's main purpose is the threads which can be used in various ways to attack, trap, defend against, or even immobilize her opponents and preys. Alice often uses the wires to create a perimeter used to detect enemies who crosses through them. The threads can easily be tied to other object, such as her combat knives, to control their course of flight of when thrown, thus taking the enemy by surprise.

The threads are in fact razor sharp and can cut through most things if forced launched or if attached to anything - forced back.

The majority of the wire is held in a larger than normal spool at the of her waists. Though you can say the this weapon is perfect for one who specializes in tricks and creativity.