#Frank x Sam is potential | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

hungermakesmonsters · 5 months ago

Text

Love, Sick Love

Chapter Four

Plot summary : Working at one of the shadier bars in Brooklyn, you have one rule; don’t mess around with the patrons. Most of them are criminals, dangerous. None more so than Billy Russo, but Billy believes that rules are made to be broken. Especially your rule. One lapse in judgement is all it takes for Billy to decide that you’re his, and he’s never been the sort of man to take rejection well.

Pairing : Billy Russo x Reader

Story Rating : R

Warnings : [This is a fic for 18+ only, minors DNI] Some smutty behaviour . All chapters will deal with dark and smutty themes, including but not limited to stalking. Please check the warnings on each chapter if you choose to follow this story.

Word Count : 5k

A/N : Reader is messy in this one.

CHAPTER ONE | CHAPTER TWO | CHAPTER THREE

Master List

Chapter Four

You didn’t tell anyone about Billy or what had happened in the cellar, knowing that it was your own fault for breaking your own rule and allowing him into your bed.

It was something that you knew you’d have to deal with on your own. And, you decided to do that in your usual way; by avoiding the problem. By avoiding him.

Sam hadn’t been too happy when you asked to switch to day shifts for a few weeks and Jenna had been downright devastated but you managed to spin them both a lie about how you hadn’t been feeling well, and if you didn’t switch to days, you might have to take some time off sick or potentially find a new job.

For all his bluster, Sam didn’t want you to quit. Mostly because he didn’t want to have to interview for a replacement.

Days were quieter and the tips were awful, no matter what you did, but you didn’t see Billy and that almost made up for it.

Most days you found yourself playing on your phone for hours or thumbing through the newspapers that the day-drinkers left lying around. The headlines were as entertaining as they were depressing; there was a crime spree gripping the city, a gang of masked men robbing check exchanges and stealing from other criminals. It was hard to tell if they were the good guys or the bad guys as, day after day, more of their crimes were reported.

And, then, there was the news that the Punisher might be back in the city.

You’d been around the last time, you’d seen the insanity that Frank Castle had wrought on the city and it was enough to make you think about getting out of New York.

Despite the distance you’d managed to create between yourself and Billy, you still found yourself having strange, paranoid flashes; feeling like someone was watching you, following you. You got a few strange phone calls, on your phone and at the bar. You’d answer and there would be nothing but silence. And, every time you went back to your apartment, it felt like someone else had been there. Things seemed to move and disappear completely - but, then, you’d never been the most organised of people so there was never definitive proof.

You even asked your neighbour if she’d seen anyone lurking, but she reassured you that no one had been near your apartment except you.

Quickly, you came to realise that you were fueling your own paranoia by constantly thinking about him, not allowing yourself to forget that night in your bed or the uncomfortable moment in the cellar. And, when you finally pushed it all to the back of your mind, the paranoia started to subside.

Jenna didn’t seem to be dealing with your separation well. Every night she’d text you, begging you to drop by Sam’s for a drink and every night you refused, despite how much you missed your only friend.

When her night off rolled around, she invited you on a girls night out and you couldn’t bring yourself to say no to her.

She met you outside your building, more dressed up than usual, obviously wanting to make this a very special night.

“Promise me you won’t get angry,” Jenna said, looping her arm through yours and fixing you with a grin that could only spell trouble.

You let out a sigh, already knowing you were going to be, in the very least, annoyed with whatever she had planned. “What did you do?”

“I might have told a few people where we were going tonight,” she said, laughing and pulling you along with her.

“Like who?”

“Just a couple of guys from the bar,” she answered cryptically until you gave a tug on her arm and forced her to stop and look at you. “C’mon it’s just Billy and Jake, and maybe some of their friends.”

“Billy?” You repeated. “You told Billy where we’re going tonight?”

“Oh, don’t be like that,” she answered, rolling her eyes. “I know you’ve got that whole not fucking the customers thing, but he’s a nice guy. He’s been keeping me company while you’ve been on day shift. And, honestly, if you’re not gonna fuck him, I think I might have to have a go.”

You let out a sigh, daring to hope that Billy had moved on to Jenna; she definitely wouldn’t put up with any of his creepy shit and she’d have no problem putting him in line if he tried to cause her any problems, unlike you.

“He’s all yours,” you told her, barely managing to hold back a grimace.

“Seriously, are you not even curious?” Jenna asked, still leading you through the New York streets towards your destination.

“Curious about what?”

“About Billy? About what he’d be like in bed?” She asked and you didn’t answer. “I bet he’s wild - I mean, you can tell just by looking at him that he’s well hung...”

“Jesus, Jenna,” you rolled your eyes, trying not to think about how right she was. “Do you want me to go home so you can be alone with him?”

Jenna laughed, nudging her arm into your side. She was truly incorrigible and you knew from experience that nothing you said or did was going to tame that side of her. Jenna was a free spirit, she loved the thought of love almost as much as she loved the thought of men in general and, normally, you wouldn’t mind, but listening to her talking about Billy like that just caused your stomach to knot uncomfortably.

She didn’t answer your question, she was too busy laughing at you as she pulled you into The Styx.

Unlike Sam’s, The Styx had a small dance floor and even had a stage for bands, so despite its bad reputation, most nights there got busy and wild. That night there was a DJ playing and, even though it was still early, it was already starting to fill.

Jenna waved at the bartender, a friend of hers, and one of the few reasons you tolerated drinking there; Mitchell made sure to always serve you and Jenna first, regardless of who else was waiting and he always liked to pour you both doubles.

Mitchell waved back and, before you’d even managed to shrug out of your jacket, there were two shots on the bar in front of you.

Jenna lifted her glass and smiled the sort of smile that spelled trouble each and every time you saw it. But, still, you raised your glass and clinked it against hers before knocking back the shot. The cheap vodka burned as it hit the back of your throat and, already, you could tell that it was going to be a very long night. While Jenna chatted with Mitchell, you let your gaze wander around the bar, looking for familiar faces and hoping that Jake and Billy would not show up. There were a few people you recognised, some guys who drank at Sam’s from time to time and others who you’d met on nights out with Jenna, but there was no one you really knew, no one you’d be comfortable approaching if Jenna decided to ditch you at any point.

Half an hour went by and you quickly lost track of how many shots Mitchell had placed in front of you, every drink and every minute that passed helping you relax a little more. The music soon got livelier and you soon allowed yourself to be dragged onto the dancefloor by Jenna.

You lost yourself to the beat, happily dancing close to your friend, laughing as she turned to grind her ass against you - that was what you loved about Jenna, her ability to have fun and not give a damn what anyone around her thought. You, on the other hand, felt your cheeks warming at the spectacle.

That’s when you felt it, that prickling sensation on the back of your neck that had you looking towards the bar.

And there he was, his gaze already fixed on you.

Jenna soon noticed and, before you could stop her, she had you by the hand and was pulling you towards the bar.

“Hi!” She said, grinning at Billy and Jake, who both offered their own greetings over the sound of the music.

You just stood awkwardly at Jenna’s side, looking anywhere but at Billy.

“Not seen you around in a while,” Jake said, giving you a friendly nudge, forcing your attention back to the group, “thought you might have gone and got another job.”

“No, I just wanted a change from the nightshift,” you told him, finally letting your gaze flit to Billy for a second.

In that second at least a dozen different thoughts and feelings seemed to pass between the two of you. He seemed surprised and confused, and you made it very clear it was because of him, which only seemed to confuse him more. But you didn’t say it. You didn’t say anything to him and he didn’t say anything to you.

“Everyone grab a shot,” Jenna said, breaking through the tension like a wrecking ball.

You let out an audible groan as another drink was forced into your hand - it was green like toilet cleaner and it tasted just as foul. Even Billy and Jake winced as it went down.

Billy took it upon himself to wave Mitchell over and order the next round of drinks, and everyone ended up with a whiskey in their hand. As usual, he pulled out a roll of cash and, for the millionth time since he’d shown up almost three weeks ago, you wondered where he was getting the money, doubting it was from anything legal.

“I see a table,” Jenna said, grabbing you by the wrist and pulling you towards it, the two men trailing after you.

Taking a seat, you settled in, knowing that you’d probably spend the rest of the night at the table now that Jenna had other distractions to keep her occupied.

“So what have you been doin’ with your evenings without us?” Jake asked, seeming a little more amped up than usual. “Hope you’ve not found yourself a man ‘cause I’m still waiting for my shot.”

“Sorry, Jake,” you said apologetically.

While Jake didn’t realise it, he’d given you the perfect opportunity to create a lie, to make Billy think you were off the table and show him, once and for all, that you weren’t interested.

“Wait, what?” Jenna asked. “You met someone? And you were gonna tell me about this when?”

You shrugged. “It’s early days, I didn’t want to jinx it.”

Your eyes flitted to Billy who was staring at you intently, his dark eyes seeming to look right through you, as if he could tell you were lying.

“And what does this new man do?” Billy asked.

You watched a he leaned forward a little, closing the distance between you and making you feel the full weight of his scrutiny

“He teaches English and poetry at an all boys school,” you answered quickly, reaching for the first lie to come to mind.

Billy didn’t seem convinced, but he didn’t have time to voice his doubts before Jenna was on her feet again, proclaiming that she loved the song that had just started playing and demanding someone danced with her.

You didn’t want to, and Billy stayed silent, leaving it to Jake to agree. And as she dragged him off towards the dance floor, you realised your mistake.

Sitting back, you waited, expecting him to say something, expecting him to become the man he’d been in the cellar. But he didn’t. He stayed silent, letting his gaze drift after Jake and Jenna, watching his friend light up as Jenna danced a little closer than he was expecting her to.

It gave you a moment to watch him, to study him.

It felt like there was something different about him tonight - or, maybe, there had been something different about him the last time you saw him. Though, actually, when you thought about it, it felt like he was a different person each and every time you saw him.

You saw the way he turned his head when he caught anyone looking his way, the way his shoulder ticked upwards as if he was trying to shrug it off. And you saw the way people were looking at him, the way they’d look and then quickly look away because they didn’t want to be caught staring at the freak.

As angry as you were at Billy, and as uncomfortable as his presence made you feel, you wanted to punch someone.

There were reasons to mistrust him, reasons to be unsettled by him, but none of those reasons had anything to do with the scars on his face.

You took to glaring at anyone who you caught giving him those kinds of glances, making sure they felt guilty the second they looked away. And it wasn’t long before Billy noticed your silent defence of him. That’s when he chose to speak up.

“Dead Poets Society.”

“What?” You asked, heart stuttering in your chest.

“Do you get all your lies from movies?”

“No,” you answered sharply, “sometimes I use books.”

His lips pulled into a smile, enjoying the moment, enjoying having caught you in yet another lie.

“I’m starting to wonder if anyone knows the real you, kitten,” he said, moving into the empty seat beside you.

“You don’t need to know me, Billy.”

“You’re wrong. I do. I need to know everything about you.”

You didn’t respond, desperate not to get pulled into whatever game he was trying to play with you. You couldn’t even look at him because every time you saw that smirk on his face, you were reminded of that night in your apartment and the way he’d smirked at you each and every time he’d made you come.

A couple more minutes were allowed to pass in silence before he spoke again.

“What did I do wrong?” He finally dared to ask. “Why are you so pissed at me?”

You could only look at him with a mixture of shock and confusion, not understanding how he didn’t realise why you were so desperate to keep your distance from him.

“I don’t get it,” he continued, “you sure as fuck weren’t complaining when I was in your bed.”

Nervously, you glanced around, not wanting anyone to overhear that you’d slept with Billy. Thankfully, Jenna and Jake were still dancing, and no one else around seemed to care even if they could hear him.

“Seriously? You don’t get it?” You asked and Billy gave you one of his uncomfortable shrugs, reminding you of his scarred shoulder and the way you’d stared at him as he slept next to you. “Following me into the cellar, telling me that I’m ‘yours’ - is any of this ringing any bells?”

There was a flicker of discomfort, a split second where he looked like he might finally understand, and you didn’t expect it from him.

“You wouldn’t talk to me,” he said, trying to justify his actions. “You practically kicked me out of your apartment, then you started acting like I don’t exist.”

“What did you expect? I told you from the start, I don’t sleep with customers.”

“I don’t know, I just didn’t expect... that,” he answered, a hint of frustration slipping into his voice.

You didn’t have a response for him, you didn’t know how best to explain it any more than you already had. You couldn’t tell him why you chose to live that way any more than you could tell him why you often chose to hide behind lies.

“This -” he started and stopped awkwardly, lifting his hand, holding it near his face.

Silence fell again for a few seconds, but a different kind of silence, it was tense and thick with discomfort. His discomfort. There was frustration and confusion on his face, like he couldn’t find the words, almost like he couldn’t even remember the words he wanted to say.

“This thing, it -” then came the anger, not aimed at you but at himself, at his sudden inability to express what he wanted to say.

His hand slammed down on the table in frustration. You flinched, recoiling a little, and Billy noticed.

“If I was gonna hurt you, don’t you think I would’ve done it by now?” He asked, this time turning some of his anger towards you. “I’d never hurt you.”

You stayed silent, your gaze shifting to Jenna, hoping beyond hope that she’d come back to the table. But she was too busy dancing, having attracted two more men to her side.

“I used to be good at this,” he said, his voice softening, his hands slipping into his short hair, holding his head, fingers scratching over concealed scars. “I used to be good at talking to women and -” he left the thought unfinished, but you could fill in the blanks. “But now, because of this I’m...”

The pang of sympathy inside you came unbidden, knotting your stomach with discomfort. You didn’t want to feel sorry for him but you could see how much he was struggling, how much pain he was in.

He’d told you that he couldn’t remember what had happened to him and you’d assumed that he still struggled with the trauma of it, regardless of being able to remember it, and seeing him this way just confirmed it.

“I’m sorry about all that,” you said, forcing yourself to speak, to fill the silence and hopefully put an end to things, “but it was one night, Billy. I told you, I like to keep things separate. The bar is work and out in the real world is the rest of my life...” you shrugged.

In a moment of daring stupidity, you reached for him, placing your hand over his, feeling the tension in his fingers, the way he was pressing them against his own head, as if he was trying to hold himself together.

You didn’t expect Billy to flinch at the contact, for him to pull back as if your touch burned. Then he looked at you, his expression betraying his uncertainty. He shook his head, like he was trying to shake away whatever darkness had suddenly gripped him. Then he reached for his drink, knocking it back.

“I get it,” he said, almost as if the last few minutes hadn’t even happened, like he was suddenly back to his usual self - whoever the fuck that was. “I like to be on my own sometimes too.”

“Who says I’m on my own?” You asked, annoyed, feeling like you were getting whiplash just from talking to him.

“People stop by the bar to see Jenna all the time and she’s always got stories,” he said with a shrug. “Only time I’ve ever heard you mention anything happening outside the bar that wasn’t a lie was when you told her about the physiotherapist who couldn’t get you off.”

How had he managed to read you so easily?

How was it that he managed to see through you where others couldn’t?

“Yeah, well, I don’t like people,” you answered, tone betraying your irritation.

“I’m not people.”

“No, Billy, you’re a pain in the ass.”

“Maybe, but you’re only lying to yourself here,” he said leaning closer. “You don’t have to like me to want me, kitten. And I know you want me. Eventually, you’re going to realise it too.”

You shook your head. “If you’re looking for someone to fuck tonight, you’ll have better luck with Jenna.”

You didn’t let him answer, you didn’t wait for any sort of response. Without warning, you got to your feet and headed to join Jenna on the dance floor.

She let out a squeal as you approached her, grabbing you and pulling you close, starting to dance with you. Again, you quickly fell into step with her, losing yourself in the music.

After a few songs, you found someone handing you a drink - one of Jenna’s new friends - and you downed it without hesitation, watching as Jenna did the same.

It continued like that, song after song, you and Jenna dancing together, until she found a guy she wanted to throw her arms around. Normally, that was the point in the evening where you would head to the bar and keep Mitchell company but, every time you dared to look, you saw Billy watching you.

On the dance floor you felt safe, daring to believe that he’d keep his distance.

And, for a while, he did.

The drinks kept coming and you kept knocking them back, the alcohol settling your discomfort and allowing you to just enjoy yourself. Until one of the guys who’d been bringing you drinks started to get a little handsy.

He placed a hand on your hip and tried to pull you towards him, unperturbed when you tried to push him back. He stepped in front of you again, both hands on your waist this time, trying to pull your body against his.

You were about to push him away when you saw his eyes widen a fraction, and you felt an arm possessively snake around your waist, pulling you back. He muttered something that sounded like an apology, but not to you, to the man who was now holding you.

“I’m willing to put up with a lot, kitten, but you’re pushing my limits,” Billy muttered in your ear.

A shiver ran down your spine, feeling his lips brush against your earlobe with each word. His hold on you tightened, stopping you from pulling away from him.

“You look so good out here,” he continued, the slightest hint of need in his tone. “Just let me have one dance.”

Part of you didn’t want to, but a much drunker part of you saw it as an opportunity to get some revenge, to show him that he couldn’t have what he wanted. You were going to rile him up, frustrate him, and then deny him. You were going to show him not to mess with you. A plan that, in your intoxicated state, you didn’t think could possibly backfire.

“Fine. One dance,” you conceded.

Without another word, you started to move your hips, your hand covering his on your stomach, enjoying the heat of his touch as it bled through your dress. He held you closer and you felt him start to sway with the music, his chest against your back.

“You’re the only person who makes me feel like I’m not losing my mind,” he muttered against your ear. “You’ve got no idea what you do to me, kitten, how much you make me want.”

The admission left you feeling breathless and more confused than ever, your inebriated mind trying to understand him from all the broken pieces he’d let you see. Regardless of what you thought or how you felt, there was just something about him, something you couldn’t deny. He seemed as lost as you often felt, and you felt a strange connection to him, an understanding that neither of you seemed to want to address.

His lips pressed to your neck and you leaned in to his touch, pressing back against him as you moved your hips. Billy let out a ragged sigh against your neck and you felt a tell-tale bulge growing in his jeans. You started to grind your ass against him in time with the faster tempo of the music, enjoying that you could have that effect on him. It made you feel powerful, like you were the one in charge for a change.

You knew that you were being stupid, that you were allowing yourself to indulge in something that was going to cause you problems, but you didn’t care. And, despite your initial plan, you quickly realised that you weren’t proving any sort of point to Billy. All you were doing was turning him on.

And getting turned on yourself.

His lips returned to your neck again, teeth scraping over skin and pulling a soft moan from you, and that little slip was all you needed to know that you’d fucked up.

The second the song stopped, you slipped from his hold and started to walk away from him. You’d told him one song and that was what you’d given him. Now, you needed to put as much distance between you as possible.

Slipping into the bathroom, you started to shut the door behind you, only for him to stop you, pushing his way inside. He closed the door and locked it before turning his attention to you.

You didn’t say anything, even though you knew that you should.

He looked at you for a moment, then he was on you, his hands framing your face as he pulled you into a desperate kiss. And you let him, kissing him back against your better judgement, tasting the whiskey on his lips and tongue.

It was a bad idea, but part of you couldn’t help but want him.

You wanted him to make you feel the way he had that night in your bed.

More than that, you wanted to be wanted by someone who saw you, someone who could see past the bullshit and lies that you surrounded yourself with.

But common sense started to wage war on your drunken horniness. Your hands found his chest and pushed him away.

Billy regarded you for a second, his gaze burning through you, causing your cheeks to heat and your thighs to clench.

“Give in to me,” he groaned, lips covering yours again before you had the chance to respond.

Despite what you thought you wanted, you lost yourself in the kiss, trembling in anticipation as you felt his soft hand trailing up your thigh and under your dress leaving goosebumps in its wake. You barely noticed as he lifted you onto the counter.

“I can’t,” you told him breathlessly.

But, again, you didn’t even attempt to pull away when he kissed you, silencing your protests. Your mind said no, but every other fibre of your being was screaming yes.

His leg unceremoniously pressed between yours, parting your thighs so he could step between them, holding them apart and allowing his hand to continue upwards. You felt your cheeks start to burn, knowing what he’d find when those roving fingers reached your panties; you were already wet, your body already anticipating his touch.

His breath caught the moment his fingers reached wet lace. You felt his lips pull into a smile as he continued to kiss you, stealing your breath.

Billy slipped his fingers into your panties and let out a low, desperate groan, sounding like it had been years and not a few weeks since he’d last touched you. You tried not to make a sound as his fingertips stirred between your folds, easily coating themselves in your arousal. But once you felt a finger slide between your walls, you let out a moan that was just as eager as his actions.

“So wet and ready for me. Admit it, you need this. You need me,” he muttered against your lips before sinking into the kiss again so you couldn’t respond.

You hated that he was right, that he could have such an effect on you, that he could make you want and need in equal measure. But, more than that, you hated how good it felt as that finger started to move, stroking in and out of your body at such a delicious pace.

A second finger joined the first and you felt about ready to lose your mind, climbing higher and higher, already getting close to an earth-shattering orgasm. His lips hungrily swallowed down every moan that tried to escape you and you almost felt yourself surrendering to him.

You wanted to give in to him, to the pleasure you knew he could offer for a few sweet minutes. But Billy had made it clear that he didn't just want a moment, and that every kiss, every touch, and every orgasm bestowed came with the price of his ownership. This wasn’t about your pleasure, it was about him staking a claim on you, and that was something you didn’t want.

“Stop,” you said, finally managing to find your voice and your common sense.

To his credit, Billy stopped immediately, but he didn’t pull away.

“You don’t want me to stop, not when you’re so close,” he told you, his lips ghosting yours.

You took an awkward breath, trying to ignore the way his still fingers felt inside you, trying to ignore the little voice in your head that demanded you let him finish what he’d started.

“Yes, I do,” you answered back, breathless and having to force the words from your lips. “I’m not yours, Billy.”

As he leaned, your breath caught and you froze as his lips met yours again. He kissed you, but only for a second, then he was pulling away, his hand slipping from beneath your dress, leaving you feeling bereft. And you watched as he lifted that hand to his face, slipping his fingers between his lips, giving a hungry groan as he sucked them clean. Your stomach tied itself in knots and you found yourself filled with the realisation that this was far from over, and that Billy wasn’t going to give up so easily.

“You’re wrong, kitten. You are mine,” he said as he turned back towards the door. “Keep working the day shift if you want, but you’re not going to be able to avoid me forever. I'll make sure of it.”

And, then, he was gone, leaving you alone with nothing but your own racing heart.

End Note : I know that reader is all over the place in this one... it will be explained and built upon in later chapters as to why she is the way she is, just like I'm going to be playing more into Billy's injuries as things go on. Anyway, hope you all enjoy this chapter!!

As always your comments/likes/reblogs/asks/general screaming is always cherished and appreciated. I hope you all have an amazing weekend!

Let me know if you'd like to be tagged in future chapters! If tagging doesn't work for some reason (aka Tumblr being dumb) I post most Fridays around 7:30 gmt (and on AO3 at some point in the hours after).

Tag List : @xxxsweetcarolinexxx @sweetserendipity65 @dreadfulxives18 @snowkestrel @ladyblacky

@readingabouthim @cheshirecat484 @broadwaybabe18 @oliviaewl @lincerad

@benbarnesprettygurl @fireeyes-on-teller-dixon-grimes @whereismymindnow @danzer8705

#billy russo #billy russo x reader #billy russo x female reader #dark!billy russo #the punisher #billy russo fanfic #billy russo imagine #lsl ff #stalker!billy russo

81 notes · View notes

send-noodles-not-nudes · 1 month ago

Text

taglist

howdy hey! figured i'd get started collecting names for a taglist now that i'm more seriously migrating over here with my writing

tl;dr: if you see something on the list you'd like me to tag you in when i write it, just let me know! you can either dm or reply to the post

there's a bunch of different things that i write for, so i figured the easiest way to break up the taglist would be by fandom, then by character. if you want to be tagged in everything, just let me know! two mini-disclaimers i'll make are that i do occasionally write original stuff, but won't post much about it on tumblr since i'm attempting to write an actual formal book, and that most if not all of my fandom writing will be oc inserts instead of x readers.

fandoms with current writings/hcs:

marvel (mcu + the tiiiiniest amount of comic knowledge)

umbrella academy

psych

bbc merlin

fandoms i'm not currently writing for but may write later:

supernatural

fantastic beasts/harry potter (fuck jk rowling)

lord of the rings

bones

if you want me to tag you in a general fandom regardless of which character it revolves around, just let me know!

if you'd like a specific character, here's a more broken down list. assume romantic ties unless otherwise marked, though romantic ties don't exclude platonic ties as well, especially in fandoms with multiple ocs.

divided by characters:

marvel:

peter parker

loki laufeyson

bucky barnes

matt murdock

foggy nelson

wanda maximoff

peter quill

gamora

karen page

wade wilson (platonically)

tony stark (platonically)

mobius (platonically)

venom and eddie brock (platonically)

frank castle (platonically)

melody stone (oc)

cassiopeia stone (oc)

adelaide stone and wreckage (oc)

malcolm o'dorcey (oc)

umbrella academy:

diego hargreeves

klaus hargreeves (platonically)

viktor hargreeves (platonically)

alicia cooper (oc)

alexander harper (oc, no formal form yet but he's mentioned in alice's)

psych:

carlton lassiter

shawn spencer (platonically)

burton guster (platonically)

spenser spencer (oc)

onyx williams (oc)

zenith cooper (oc, no formal form yet but he's mentioned in spenser and onyx's)

sherman williams (oc, same as zenith)

bbc merlin:

arthur pendragon

gwaine

merlin (platonically)

the knights in general (platonically)

gaius (platonically)

roman cobalt (oc)

supernatural:

sam winchester

gabriel

dean winchester (platonically)

castiel (platonically)

bobby singer (platonically)

chelsea mcneil (oc)

meagan mcneil (oc, no formal form but mentioned in chelsea's)

samosian, logan, and eunice mcneil (ocs, same as above)

fantastic beasts:

newt scamander

jacob kowalski (platonically)

tina and queenie goldstein (platonically)

anya drummond (oc)

harry potter:

fred weasley

draco malfoy (mainly platonically, unless i dig out my old ocs)

george weasley (platonically)

ginny weasley (platonically)

various other cannon characters, mainly if not solely in platonic capacities (neville longbottom, ron weasley, hermione granger, lee jordan, angelina johnson, etc)

laelia fitzeroy (oc)

linkin fitzeroy (oc)

lorcan fitzeroy (oc)

eunice breely-mcneil (oc)

nyisha harper (oc)

nova snape (oc)

lord of the rings:

pippin took

samwise gamgee (likely platonic, potentially not)

legolas greenleaf (platonically)

merry brandybuck (platonically)

the fellowship in general (platonically)

elmyra greenleaf (oc)

bones:

jack hodgins

finn abernathy

wendell bray (platonically)

temperance brennan (platonically)

seeley booth (platonically)

zack addy (platonically)

angela montenegro (platonically)

lance sweets (platonically)

linkin fitzeroy (oc)

nyisha harper-fitzeroy (oc, no formal form but mentioned in link's)

2 notes · View notes

citrus-the-orange · 5 months ago

Text

Marvel x The Magnus Archives au???

Okay, this concept has been on my mind since Marvel became one of my new hyperfixations but hear me out on this.

Dr. Strange finds a weird book containing archives and information about the 15 fear entities. Reed suggests that he shouldn't read more of the book however Tony brushes it off and assures Strange that he'll be fine. Oh was he wrong... So wrong.. After reading the entire book strange and unnerving things start happening to their friends, family and even enemies and as the days continue Stephen Strange continues getting the feeling the someone or something is watching him.

Potential Avatars of the fear entities Idk...

The Buried: Ben Grimm (The Thing), Namor?, Mole Man

The Corruption: Eddie Brock (Venom), Janet Van Dyne (The Wasp), Carnage

The Dark: Matt Murdock (Daredevil), Kurt Wagner (Nightcrawler)

The Desolation: Johnny Storm (Human Torch), Jean Gray (Dark Phoenix, Ghost Rider, Pyro

The End: T'Challa (Black Panther), Thanos, Lady Death

The Extinction: Tony Stark (Iron Man), Hank Pym (Ant-Man), Ultron

The Eye: Stephan Strange (Doctor Strange), Charles Xavier (Professor X), Mysterio

The Flesh: The Blob, Bruce Banner (Hulk)

The Hunt: Kraven The Hunter, Logan Howlett (Wolverine), Sabretooth, Beast

The Lonely: Susan Storm (Invisible Woman)

The Slaughter: Steve Rogers (Captain America), Bucky Barnes (Winter Soldier), Sam Wilson (Falcon), Clint Barton (Hawkeye), Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow), Rhodey Rhodes (War Machine) Frank Castle (The Punisher), Wade Wilson (Deadpool), Kate Bishop (Hawkette/Hawkeye)

The Spiral: Loki, Wanda Maximoff (Scarlet Witch), Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic)

The Stranger: Mystique, Morph, Vision, Tony Stark (Bc I feel like it and I feel like his dumbass would touch the web table and get replaced by a Not!Them)

The Vast: Thor, Scott Lang (Ant-Man), Glalactus, Black Bolt, Electro, Bill Foster (Goliath), Ororo Munroe (Storm)

The Web: Spiderman (No specifics, just Spiderman)

#the magnus archives #marvel #alternate universe #I'm probably gonna make an ao3 fanfic about this #marvel au #please give me more ideas for this #or advice idk #the magnus archives au

1 note · View note

anitosoul · 3 years ago

Text

tripreport.022: Year of the Space Tiger

it’s all just the same thing 🐅

A-Side: Transfiguration Tracklist

1. 00:00 St. Vincent - Year of the Tiger 2. 03:22 Anz - Loos in Twos (NRG) 3. 04:00 Technotronic - Pump Up the Jam (Hugo Cantarra Remix) 4. 06:00 Gesloten Cirkel - Submit-X 5. 07:20 Ayesha - Potential Energy 6. 09:40 Kettama - B O D Y 7. 11:00 Overmono - Diamond Cut 8. 14:10 Daft Punk - Adagio for Tron (Teddybears Remix) 9. 17:40 Empire of the Sun - Walking on a Dream (Sam Le More Remix) 10. 19:15 Mitski - Love Me More 11. 22:15 Manni Dee - Persist and Change 12. 24:50 SASAMI - Call Me Home 13. 27:50 PPK - Reload (Space Club Mix) 14. 29:45 Nikki Nair - Justtryingto (Hermeth Remix) 15. 32:20 TAALIAH - Transdimensional (feat. KAVARI) 16. 34:00 Black Rave Culture - Sub Poppin 17. 36:07 W1NRAR - SICK & TIRED (feat. Lancey Foux) 18. 37:15 SINJI, DJ PLAYASTATION - CREEP STREET 19. 38:05 Piri, Tommy Villiers - beachin 20. 40:00 Two Shell - no reply 21. 41:30 Ezekiel - help_urself 22. 42:55 Acetantina - Fanfare for Astral Projection 23. 44:20 Burial & Four Tet - Nova 24. 45:20 PinkPantheress - Pain (LSDXOXO Remix) 25. 46:20 Jamie xx - Loud Places (Special Request VIP Remix)

B-Side: Renewal Tracklist

1. 00:00 Yaeji - THE TH1NG (feat. Shy One, Victoria Sin) 2. 03:45 Yuné Pinku - Affection 3. 06:35 Papa Hugs - Chocolate Pain 12. 07:00 Freestylers - Right On 13. 09:30 FJAAK, J. Manuel - XoXp0rt (Cocktail Party Effect Remix) 14. 12:00 Raito - Moon Dance 15. 14:45 Posthuman - Pleasure Machine 16. 16:45 Hackman - Close 17. 18:45 Caribou - Never Come Back (Four Tet Remix) 18. 21:15 Soundbwoy Killah - Burning 19. 24:00 The Weeknd - Sacrifice (Swedish House Mafia Remix) 20. 26:00 Aurora Halal - Eternal Blue (Wata Igarashi Crossing Remix) 21. 28:15 Slikback - KYOKAI 22. 29:45 Enduser - Not So Distant Drums 23. 30:55 Sewerslvt - Mr. Kill Myself 24. 35:00 Frank Ocean - Solo (East loft remix) 25. 36:55 SUCHI - Lotus 26. 39:30 Four Tet - Insect Near Piha Beach 27. 41:40 ishi vu - This Is Your Life

This month was an exploration into an idea initially explored in September 2021 centered around this idea of music that represents the future. It was tied more deeply, though, to the type of experience that connects immigrants, immigrant kids, and people of color and attempting to pin it down. It was my first time living in my apartment in Chinatown during the Lunar New Year and there was an air of celebration around me. It was nice feeling connected to a celebration of culture; despite only having a small amount of Chinese heritage, being in that jovial space and feeling connected to it through that thing that links all of us POCs was special.

February also saw the return to live DJing as places were starting to feel more comfortable opening up again. We had our Cosmoglitch party at Purgatory and to this day it remains one of the most fun DJ sets I’ve ever done. I went b2b with Lissoms and people were dancing so hard the whole time. We also had our planetqueer fresh beginnings party at Bar Jade which I closed out, playing from 3-4am. It was really fun going deep for that set and having a solid crowd still there for the end. We packed out Bar Jade that night, and it was a super validating experience as a DJ as well as an organizer for planetqueer.

The vibe for this month fully formed after seeing Four Tet do a surprise show at Nowadays on Sunday, February 20th. After the show, my friend Emil and I stayed up until the sun rose and talked about “the thing.” It’s hard to describe, but it’s the feeling you get when you’re around another POC/queer person/working class person or whatever where you don’t have to explain yourself. It’s that shared understanding that we’re a new generational wave that bears the weight of survival trauma in addition to the need to self-actualize. The Year of the Space Tiger represents that courageous push towards the future to define a new reality built for us, by us.

#trip report #music #music writing #year of the tiger #dj #dj mix #mix #dance #leftfield #the thing #reflects #SoundCloud

1 note · View note

nalooksthrough · 4 months ago

Text

I have a running hypothesis as to why gene inheritance seems so strong in the mutant population. Granted I am no scientist so there isn't going to be much theory to back this claim, I'm just a person whose loves reading into these things. Plus it's comics, the science is always going to be questionable at best.

So onto the hypothesis...

In the comics it's stated that humans, the baseline homo sapiens can have a gene that acts as a "dormant" X-gene or "pre X-gene" (which I will call the power gene), which can be recessively passed down over many generations. However this gene won't become an "active" X-gene until certain yet to be explained biological factors (and lets be frank; never to be explained) occur. This activation seems to act like your typical mutation with an endless possibility of abilities manifesting. A pair of siblings can both have active X-genes and manifest completely different abilities. A famous example of this in the Marvel universe is with the Guthrie's whose multiple mutant children have a range of different abilities. But even still there are genetic factors that increase the odds of manifesting certain abilities or aspects of certain abilities. Looking to the Guthrie's again, three of their five mutant children developed a power based on the discharge of some form of energy; Sam, Melody and (formerly) Jeb.

Once this formerly "dormant" gene activates for the first time. It's converts from this recessive power gene into a dominate X-gene. And when this power gene becomes an X-gene, the powers associated with it become inheritable traits because that potential power has now been "awakened". And when a Human and Mutant are paired up this "awakening" is more likely to occur in future offspring, resulting in a higher chance of mutant children. Children who have a higher chance of inheriting traits from their mutant parent, then a child of two humans gaining them by happenstance. An example being Draken who inherited his father's traits; the bone claws, the healing factor and enhanced senses. While also manifesting his own set of abilities; pheromone manipulation.

So when two mutants reproduce, the resulting child will most likely inherit one of their parents powers or a combination of both, with a possibility of an extra unrelated ability manifesting along side it. It's fairly rare for a child to manifest powers completely unrelated to their parents and rarer still for that child to be born lacking the X-gene all together.

This power gene can also be activated artificially without becoming a X-gene due to outside influences. Like with the Fantastic Four. This activation leading to their respective powers. It's how even though they were all hit by the same cosmic rays they all manifested different powers. But since this wasn't a biologically induced mutation their power genes were never turned into X-genes making them pseudo-mutants, or mutates. And because of this their powers never became inheritable traits, explaining why Franklin and Val didn't inherit their father's malleable body or their mother's invisibility/force field projection.

This power gene is what prevents these former humans from dying from these otherwise highly dangerous substances/energies. For example, Bruce Banner becoming the Hulk rather than dying from radiation sickness.

There are flaws in this "power gene" hypothesis like with other mutate characters passing their powers on to their children. Or people gaining the same/similar powers from a superpowered blood donor. Or the X-gene being detectable before powers manifest. But this is just how I like to explain it to myself.

Shortened Version

There is a recessive "power gene" in the marvel universe that signifies a potential for power in humans which once activated becomes the X-gene resulting in the manifestation of a random power. However certain powers can have a higher chance of occurring.

Once a "power gene" becomes an X-gene it turns from a recessive gene to a dominate one and the powers associated with it become inheritable traits which mutant parents are more likely to pass down to their offspring.

This "power gene" can be activated artificially by means that would normally kill a person without this gene. However it won't be converted into a X-gene since it was done through "unnatural" means.

X-Men/Mutant Dynasties

Something I've always felt uneasy about is when offspring of Marvel mutants basically inherit their mutant gift 1:1. The X Gene (though I don't love that either) is supposed to be a naturally but randomly occurring thing in humans that causes them to develop a strong mutation. In many cases, a superpower as opposed to six toes. I'm sure people experience such minor mutations as well but it's not due to the X Gene.

A character that exemplifies the my dislike of this is Raze, the alternate reality/'future' child of Wolverine and Mystique. Them existing in a pretty ridiculous era with a constant nostalgia recycling is a factor too.

This idiot. He literally just has both parents gifts - shapeshifting, claws, and a healing factor. Maybe it's a Mystique thing and she's like a ditto in Pokémon breeding because her kid with Xavier is this chump.

It's just Charles Xavier again! I'll admit part of the dislike is them featuring in such mediocre, unimaginative stories, and they're pretty transparent Nostalgia bait. Has it lead to good stories? I don't think so, not as a critical element.

Also, I think taking the randomness out of it just leads to eugenics and bioessentialism - a place the x books should not go, or at least not have nominal heroes doing it. Leave it to Mr Sinister.

Mutant trait inheritance has been around since almost the beginning. Polaris has Magneto's powers but weaker, Siryn has *similar* powers to Banshee, Nightcrawler looks like Mystique (though that makes sense through retcon. Shit, maybe she IS a Ditto.) On the flip side, there's even more Mutants that inherited none of their parents' mutation.

IRL Mutation is supposed to be, well not random per se, but the result of damage to genes. In our universe it's neither a good thing nor bad thing. In 616 it's pretty muddled tbh. I'm not a scientist - I'm a writer, so I'm not going deep on something that doesn't have internal consistency. I'm always going to dislike thin characters trying to evoke familiarity through mashing two iconic ones together, but it's more than that. What's the source of my discomfort then?

Yeah, it's the eugenics. HoxPoX actually took it further, revealing that Moira and Charles intentionally sought to breed reality warpers, to the point of researching partners that would give the desired result. They were successful too, resulting in Proteus and Legion, two of the most powerful mutants alive. The ethics of these actions aren't editorialised but I think they're meant to be read as horrifying - especially when you consider the context of the 'pairings' and the lives these poor kids have had. Maybe it's not so surprising Xavier views David as a weapon and Moira seems to hate Kevin. It makes Chuck and Moira look terrible.

Pic unrelated, I just wanted to break up the text and what better than Beatnik Namor?

The superbaby schemes never come to light and they're not really punished for being shit parents. Certainly not socially. I'd love a book where they were, but the time has kinda passed. Maybe the fairy tale morality of big two comics doesn't have the framework or the desire to explore it, though I think that if you're going to put eugenics in your fiction you probably should.

I've been sitting on this draft for months because I feel like I don't have the knowledge or vocabulary to explore it properly. I'm probably missing something. I've decided it's been edited and rewritten enough and I'm posting it as is, so if you have any thoughts on this I'd love to hear them. Join the conversation!

#x-men #hypothesis #mutants #homo superior #this does mean that some people in the marvel universe are just immune to gaining powers #which I think is funny #so I'm keeping it #also yeah charles and moria should be held accountable for their little genetic experiment #which resulted in two traumatised men with the power to shape reality #not good

49 notes · View notes

andydrysdalerogers · 2 years ago

Text

Following Team Orders ~ A Steve Rogers -Formula One AU

Pairings: Steve Rogers x OFC Olivia Williams

Formula One

It's the top of the top, best of the best, most intense racing in the world. There are only 20 drivers at a time that can race. 10 teams that get sponsored. Twenty-three tracks around the world to test the skills of these drivers and crown one champion.

No woman has ever won a race.

And Liv is given a chance to prove them wrong.

After Bucky Barnes, a driver for Red Bull, is injured at Bahrain, Olivia Williams has the chance of a lifetime: be one of six female Formula One drivers in the history of the sport. Liv has been racing since she was 5 and she takes the opportunity to become one of the elite 20 drivers in the world. Bucky sees her potential. His racing partner does not.

Steve Rogers is the number 2 driver in the world behind his chief rival, Ransom Drysdale. He thought this would be his year, racing with his best friend Bucky and taking on rival Mercedes. Until Bucky is hurt during the first race of the year. They are bringing in a rookie to complete the team. And Steve is not happy. Because a woman has never succeeded in this sport, and he sure isn't going to let the beautiful and tenacious Olivia bring his year down.

Now, he has one year, 23 races, two rivals and one attraction that could make or break his chances at the championship. They just need to follow team orders. But will they be able to when they take a chance at following their own hearts?

Warnings: A-N-G-S-T!!! Smut (eventually), car crashes, death, degrading speeches, a mean Steve Rogers, an even meaner Ransom Drysdale, fluff

Chapters:

Bahrain

Saudia Arabia

Australia

Emilia Romagna

Miami

Monaco

Montreal

Silverstone

Austria

France

Series Break

Spa-Francorchamps

Netherlands

Monza

Sochi

Singapore

Austin

Mexico City

Las Vegas

Sao Paolo

Sao Paolo - Part 2

Abu Dhabi

Epilogue

One Shot: He's a Yankee Doodle Sweetheart; but She's his Yankee Doddle Girl

Cast

Olivia Williams (Gal Gadot) – rookie driver for Red Bull, youngest daughter of racing legend David Williams

Steve Rogers - veteran driver for Red Bull

James "Bucky" Barnes – veteran driver for Red Bull, injured in first race and becomes Olivia's crew chief

Andy Barber – team principal Red Bull

Ransom Drysdale – principal driver, Mercedes, Olivia's former boyfriend

Lance Tucker – second driver, Mercedes

Lloyd Hansen – owner, Mercedes

Sam Wilson – Steve's crew chief and other best friend

Frank Adler – Olivia's best friend and mechanic- team Red Bull

Johnny Storm – shameless flirt – driver – team Ferrari

I will start posting this one once a week on Wednesdays! I'm adding in my normal tag list but please let me know if you want to be added or removed

Taglist:

@patzammit @slutforchrisjamalevans @texmexdarling @jennmurawski13-writes @firephotogrl74

#andy's hea #following team orders #steve rogers fanfiction #steve rogers au #steve rogers x ofc #chris evans fanfiction #bucky barnes #andy barber #ransom drysdale #formula one au #female f1 driver #andy's shenanigans #chris evans #multifandom rp #lance tucker #lloyd hansen

59 notes · View notes

inactiveuser374 · 2 years ago

Text

Masterlist/Rules

request status; OPEN

MAIN RULES

I only write male readers

I only write x reader fics (no character x character unless it’s a poly relationship w/ the reader)

I write in second person only, sometimes third person if specifically requested

Anyone is allowed to read/follow but please don’t request fem readers

★ ★ ★

CHARACTERS

MARVEL; Bucky Barnes, Sam Wilson, Matt Murdock, Frank Castle, Erik Killmonger, Eddie Brock

TLOU (game and/or show); Joel Miller, Tommy Miller,

COD MW2; König, Simon ‘ghost’ Riley, Mace, Kyle ‘gaz’ Garrick, John Price

MIA (simon riley x winter soldier!reader) 2 3 4

Star Wars; Din Djarin, Poe Dameron

DBH; Marcus, RK800 (Connor), RK900 (Nines), Gavin Reed

Gavin Reed GIF set

Other; David Loki (Prisoners, 2013), Officer K (Bladerunner 2049, 2017), TBA

PLEASE READ BEFORE REQUESTING

WHAT I WILL WRITE

oneshots

additions to fics I’ve already written (if you want to request something that is based on a fic I’ve already written, I will keep the events that have happened and I won’t change the way the two interact)

fics inspired from given prompts or songs

characters that are not on the list BUT I know of (list is just the main ones)

angst

sexual content (not PWP, it’s gotta have a story or plot of some sort) nothing past 3rd base

character and or reader deaths

smoking/alcohol/drug use

comfort (including potentially triggering topics like abuse, death, etc) - warnings will always be at the beginning

WHAT I WILL NOT WRITE

fetishizing or glorifying certain topics.

characters that I don’t know

female reader or anything besides male reader

I won’t write anything I’m uncomfortable with

real people

incest or anything close to that (no step siblings or parents either)

minor x adult (platonic or family is OK)

just ask first if you think your request might fall under something I won’t write, I’m pretty tolerant of most things, there’s just some boundaries I have

#fanfic masterlist #fanfic request #marvel fanfiction #male reader #x male reader #cod fic #mw2 fanfic

64 notes · View notes

almanacrat · 3 years ago

Note

Hi there!

Would it be possible to please request an imagine with Josh? Maybe y/n is an intern at a recording studio and that’s kind of how they meet? the whole time would be them flirting with each other and joking around idk I’m feeling some josh fluff xx

Spin Me Round (Josh Kizska x Reader)

Warnings: none

Y/n had been an intern at Sun Studios, a recording studio in the heart of New Mexico, for around for months now. She never saw anyone too special at her work. There were a few relatively famous people she had met, but they weren't too different from the usual one hit wonders or trust fund babies she usually had to deal with. Y/n mentally prepared herself for the day. She had been told by her supervisor, in a pretty frank manner, that a new rising band would be coming in to record, so she needed to keep her head in the game.

"Y/n, we've got a band coming in to record tomorrow that could be potential rockstars. You're great, and I believe in you and all that stuff, but don't jack this up." He instructed with a heavy New Jersey accent.

Y/n heard the bell on the glass door chime as the hand on the clock passed 10:30. The supposed rockstars were supposed to arrive at 10:00, but were nowhere to be seen at that time. Y/n understood that mornings were hard, but 10 in the morning isn't unbearably early, and punctuality is important. She scoffed internally as she made her presumptions about what the band would be like. their lack of timeliness led her to believe that they would be stuck up and pretentious. Y/n swept her negative thoughts aside, numbing the dread that had built up in her mind, and went to greet whoever had just walked in. At the front of the studio stood four boys, three of which couldn't seem to stand in place.

"I'm so sorry we're late, we had some unforeseen difficulties." One of the boys spoke, noticing Y/n. He had dark, curly hair and tan skin.

"He means that Josh wouldn't get out of bed." Another spoke. This one was about the same height as the one with the darker hair, only he had light hair that waved gently at the ends.

"That is not true!" A boy with a curly afro-like hairdo interjected.

All except for the dark haired one broke out into a semi hushed argument amongst themselves. Y/n could hear bits and pieces of them fighting over who made them late and who didn't do what.

"Greta Van Fleet?” Y/n asked, confident she already knew the answer.

“That’s us. I’m Josh, I play vocals.” Josh stepped forward, giving her hand a gentle kiss and smiling.

“I’m Sam and I play keys and bass.” Sam shook her hand, “By the way, vocals aren't a real instrument.” He whispered in her ear, making a smirk form on her face.

“I heard that!” Josh fired back, starting another hushed argument between them.

Y/n didn't usually take a liking to extroverted people like Josh. She typically just found them to be a nuisance, but something about the way Josh acted enticed her. The way he seemed to bounce off the walls without moving a muscle piqued her interest, and his looks certainly didn't hurt.

“I’m Jake, Josh’s twin, and I play guitar.” Jake said with a hint of shyness.

“I’m Danny, and I play-” He let out an exasperated sigh as the arguing beside him increased in volume, distracting him, “And I play drums. And babysit too, apparently.” He gave an annoyed glance at Sam and Josh.

This brought a warm laugh out of Y/n. She understood how Danny felt, having two younger sisters of her own, who also happened to be twins.

“Brothers? All three of them?” Y/n asked Danny, pointing to the trio.

“Yup.” Danny said.

The three brothers weren’t paying attention in the slightest. Josh and Sam had seemed to rope Jake into their argument and now all three were fully invested, making wild hand gestures and an array of expressions.

“Okay, boys, as much as I'd like to hear your life stories, time is money.” Y/n gestured for them to follow her back to one of the studio rooms.

All followed obediently at first, but Josh trailed off and got sidetracked by a picture of Y/n with Mick Jagger that hung on the wall.

“Firecracker!” Y/n addressed Josh, briefly forgetting his name, and thankful that he answered to the nickname, “Come on.” She said with an amused smile.

The other boys snickered at him for getting distracted, but he didn't seem to notice or care.

“You met Mick Jagger?” Josh asked with gleaming eyes.

“Sure did.” Y/n responded.

“How was it? Was he as grand and royal as he seems? What was he like?” Josh’s words sped up and his round eyes got larger.

“He was grumpy.” Y/n said simply, causing all the boys to laugh.

“We’re going to be in studio 5 today. There shouldn't be anyone else here so you can be as loud as you want, just please don't break anything. I’m going to let you all have some practice time while I get the tech room set up.” Y/n told them before retreating to the tech room to make sure everything was ready to go.

Y/n’s mind wandered as she put some things away that had been left out from the day before. Jake’s guitar sounded in the back ground, joined by drums and piano. Y/n couldn't stop thinking about the vocalists strong arms and wondrous eyes. she was in love with the way he spoke within seconds, and wondered what if would be like to mean something to him. As y/n stepped onto the ladder to put something on the top shelf, she lost her balance and found herself falling backward. A squeal escaped her mouth, thinking she would hit the ground, but a strong pair of arms wrapped around her waist.

“Careful there, mama.” Josh’s voice made her stomach jump.

“Thanks. Don't you need to be practicing?” She asked.

“I find talking to you more appealing.” He grinned at her.

“Do you, firecracker?” Y/n blushed.

“Indeed I do, darling. I want to know more about you?” Josh brushed a stray standoff hair behind her ear, grazing the tips of his fingers lightly down her neck, making her skin tingle.

“What do you want to know?” Y/n avoided eye contact.

“What’s your favorite band?” He asked.

“Green Day.” Y/n still refused to make eye contact, certain that her cheeks were still tinted pink.

“Look at me, mama.” Josh swerved his head, trying to make eye contact with her. “Don’t get shy with me. Come on! What’s got you being weird?” Josh teased, making them both laugh.

“You! You're making me be weird!” Y/n teased back, shoving him playfully and lightly.

“Yeah? How’s that, hmm?” Josh poked her sides, a giddy smile on his face.

Y/n tried, but failed to hold in her giggles as Josh prodded her, making her stumble to the ground, bringing Josh with her.

“Stop it!” Y/n gasped through giggles.

“Stop what?” Josh had a shit-eating grin on his face as he held her, her back to his chest.

“You know damn well what!” Y/n shot back.

“Only if you say the magic words.” Josh nuzzled his face into her neck, his hair tickling her skin even more.

“Please?”

“Wrong. You have to tell me I’m a very handsome boy.” Josh required.

“Fine! You’re a very handsome boy.” Y/n told him breathlessly.

“Why thank you!” Josh exclaimed pompously.

“I’ll get you for that, Kizska.” Y/n swore, regaining her composure.

Y/n took her opportunity to embarrass him during the recording session. Josh kept messing up the words whenever he would look at her, making the rest of the group laugh and become frustrated simultaneously.

“Quit staring at me and get your head in the game, pretty boy.” Y/n spoke over the intercom after Josh messed up, causing Jake, Sam, and Danny to snicker.

This didn't stop Josh from staring at her, but it did help with getting some work done. Of course, Y/n messed up plenty herself. She got so distracted by the intense eye contact they made and how pretty he looked singing that she would slip up and have to redo something. Because of this, they had to record the drums and keys again for one song. Josh sat at the back of the recording room with Sam and Danny, sipping some water. Jake entered the tech room, taking a seat next to Y/n.

“My brother has taken quite a liking to you.” Jake said after a few minutes of casual conversation.

“Oh, yeah? Which one?” Y/n asked just to mess with him.

“You know which one! The one that kept messing up his words because he was staring at you.” Jake replied.

“Oh! you mean the one that’s staring at us right now?” Y/n looked at Josh through the glass, who was staring right back at her and Jake.

“He looks like a lost puppy. It’s disgusting.” Jake said sarcastically, making them both laugh.

As the two boys with their instruments prepared to play again, they kicked Josh out. You could hear them telling him to leave because he was too hyper and that he needed to “take a lap around the country”. Josh left the room and appeared seconds later at the door to the tech room. Josh began to open it before Jake shut him out, locking the door.

“No. You’re not allowed in here.” Jake spoke to him through the closed door.

“What? Why not?” Josh’s muffled voice sounded through the room as Y/n held back laughs.

“Because you’re going to be in here goofing off and flirting, and then it’s gonna take us longer to leave, and I'm ready to go home.” Jake said before adding, “No offense, Y/n. You’re great, but I'm tired.”

“Unbelievable!” You saw Josh’s jaw drop as he feigned shock.

After another hour of talking with Jake and recording with Sam and Danny, the session was finally finished. The boys all looked tired. Well, all except Josh, who was a constant sunbeam.

Everyone said their goodbyes and headed out to Josh’s white jeep truck. Sam and Danny were trying to decide where to eat while Jake got on his phone. Josh lingered in the doorway, the warm light of a streetlamp illuminating his features.

“So...” Josh suddenly got shy.

“So...?” Y/n stood in the doorway of the studio.

“I really liked meeting you... and I, uh...” Josh couldn't decide what he wanted to say, but it didn't matter. the space between their faces was closing, and he felt as though it were then or never. He cupped Y/n’s face with his hands and pressed a soft yet tender kiss to her lips. His heart filled with glee as Y/n kissed back, placing a one hand on his chest and looping the other one behind his neck. After a few seconds, they broke the kiss and cheers erupted from the truck. Sammy’s wolf whistle the loudest of them all.

“I oughta be goin, mama. See you around.” Josh’s cheeks were red and he planted a quick peck on Y/n’s cheek before going to the truck, looking back at her as he got in.

Y/n went back into the studio, face warm and brain numb, to start on second half of her work on the album. She saw a yellow post-it note on the sound control board with writing on it, and smiled as soon as she picked it up and saw the number on it with a little message.

“Call me :)

xx Josh”

Thank you for the request!! I hope you enjoy it :)

Also sorry if it seems a little scatterbrained, I got really sick so I was on steroids when I wrote this.

191 notes · View notes

meganwhalenturner · 4 years ago

Text

Please never vote for any of these people again

Sorry, St Bluebell isn’t here today. Besides how much I hate Hobby Lobby, the one potentially rage inducing issue I bring up on this site is voting. After I have encouraged all of you to register and cast your votes, these people voted to nullify the election results in states where their candidate didn’t win. They did so *after* the assault on the Capitol Building, after they had seen the consequences of their attempt to undermine the peaceful transfer of power in this country.

Every year our government becomes more powerful, gains more power over the daily lives of its citizens. Its knows where you live, it knows who you talk to on the phone, it knows what library books you checked out, it knows what you had for breakfast. The most important issue facing us today is whether we, the people, will ensure that we have a government we can trust before we lose all control of it. Every single one of these people should be primaried by their own party and never allowed to hold any public office again.

Senate

Tommy Tuberville, Ala.

Rick Scott, Fla.

Roger Marshall, Kan.

John Kennedy, La.

Cindy Hyde-Smith, Miss.

Josh Hawley, Mo.

Ted Cruz, Texas

Cynthia Lummis, Wyo.

House

Robert B. Aderholt, Ala.

Mo Brooks, Ala.

Jerry Carl, Ala.

Barry Moore, Ala.

Gary Palmer, Ala.

Mike Rogers, Ala.

Andy Biggs, Ariz.

Paul Gosar, Ariz.

Debbie Lesko, Ariz.

David Schweikert, Ariz.

Rick Crawford, Ark.

Ken Calvert, Calif.

Mike Garcia, Calif.

Darrell Issa, Calif.

Doug LaMalfa, Calif.

Kevin McCarthy, Calif.

Devin Nunes, Calif.

Jay Obernolte, Calif.

Lauren Boebert, Colo.

Doug Lamborn, Colo.

Kat Cammack, Fla.

Mario Diaz-Balart, Fla.

Byron Donalds, Fla.

Neal Dunn, Fla.

Scott Franklin, Fla.

Matt Gaetz, Fla.

Carlos Gimenez, Fla.

Brian Mast, Fla.

Bill Posey, Fla.

John Rutherford, Fla.

Greg Steube, Fla.

Daniel Webster, Fla.

Rick Allen, Ga.

Earl L. "Buddy" Carter, Ga.

Andrew Clyde, Ga.

Marjorie Taylor Greene, Ga.

Jody Hice, Ga.

Barry Loudermilk, Ga.

Russ Fulcher, Idaho

Mike Bost, Ill.

Mary Miller, Ill.

Jim Baird, Ind.

Jim Banks, Ind.

Greg Pence, Ind.

Jackie Walorski, Ind.

Ron Estes, Kan.

Jacob LaTurner, Kan.

Tracey Mann, Kan.

Harold Rogers, Ky.

Garret Graves, La.

Clay Higgins, La.

Mike Johnson, La.

Steve Scalise, La.

Andy Harris, Md.

Jack Bergman, Mich.

Lisa McClain, Mich.

Tim Walberg, Mich.

Michelle Fischbach, Minn.

Jim Hagedorn, Minn.

Michael Guest, Miss.

Trent Kelly, Miss.

Steven Palazzo, Miss.

Sam Graves, Mo.

Vicky Hartzler, Mo.

Billy Long, Mo.

Blaine Luetkemeyer, Mo.

Jason Smith, Mo.

Matt Rosendale, Mont.

Dan Bishop, N.C.

Ted Budd, N.C.

Madison Cawthorn, N.C.

Virginia Foxx, N.C.

Richard Hudson, N.C.

Gregory F. Murphy, N.C.

David Rouzer, N.C.

Jeff Van Drew, N.J.

Yvette Herrell, N.M.

Chris Jacobs, N.Y.

Nicole Malliotakis, N.Y.

Elise M. Stefanik, N.Y.

Lee Zeldin, N.Y.

Adrian Smith, Neb.

Steve Chabot, Ohio

Warren Davidson, Ohio

Bob Gibbs, Ohio

Bill Johnson, Ohio

Jim Jordan, Ohio

Stephanie Bice, Okla.

Tom Cole, Okla.

Kevin Hern, Okla.

Frank Lucas, Okla.

Markwayne Mullin, Okla.

Cliff Bentz, Ore.

John Joyce, Pa.

Fred Keller, Pa.

Mike Kelly, Pa.

Daniel Meuser, Pa.

Scott Perry, Pa.

Guy Reschenthaler, Pa.

Lloyd Smucker, Pa.

Glenn Thompson, Pa.

Jeff Duncan, S.C.

Ralph Norman, S.C.

Tom Rice, S.C.

William Timmons, S.C.

Joe Wilson, S.C.

Tim Burchett, Tenn.

Scott DesJarlais, Tenn.

Chuck Fleischmann, Tenn.

Mark E. Green, Tenn.

Diana Harshbarger, Tenn.

David Kustoff, Tenn.

John Rose, Tenn.

Jodey Arrington, Texas

Brian Babin, Texas

Michael C. Burgess, Texas

John R. Carter, Texas

Michael Cloud, Texas

Pat Fallon, Texas

Louie Gohmert, Texas

Lance Gooden, Texas

Ronny Jackson, Texas

Troy Nehls, Texas

August Pfluger, Texas

Pete Sessions, Texas

Beth Van Duyne, Texas

Randy Weber, Texas

Roger Williams, Texas

Ron Wright, Texas

Burgess Owens, Utah

Chris Stewart, Utah

Ben Cline, Va.

Bob Good, Va.

Morgan Griffith, Va.

Robert J. Wittman, Va.

Carol Miller, W.Va.

Alexander X. Mooney, W.Va.

Scott Fitzgerald, Wis.

Tom Tiffany, Wis.

436 notes · View notes

remypat · 3 years ago

Text

Saw MoM tonight and let me be frank, it had the potential to be amazing but failed utterly. Having a fantastic cast, mind-blowing cameos, and stunning visuals means nothing when the storytelling flops. Read below for a spoiler induced rant.

There are a lot of things that I wanna talk about but its nearly 4am for me so I won't drag on.

To start off, I feel as though absolutely nothing has changed in the MCU excepted they tried to nerf Wanda. Stephen went through absolutely no character arc, they teased Evil!Dr.Strange but didn't fully deliver the way one twenty minute long episode of What if? did, which is to say, that is a bit ridiculous. In What if? he learns that no where in the multiverse will he ever be with Christine no matter what lengths he goes through. He falls down a terribly dark path and sets himself up for utter doom but in MoM what did he learn or grow from? How different is the Dr.Strange from the end of the film to the Dr.Strange from the beginning of the film? How big of a threat did they want to paint Dr.Strange to be when the villain was Wanda? Which oh my gosh...i love Wanda but they just did her wrong. Did Sam Raimi even do his homework with Wandavision??? My dude totally ruined her character arc. She mind-controlled an entire town, realized the gravity of her mistakes, and came to terms with the consequences. When the people of Westview turned on her, she didn't grin and bear it, she understood just how badly she fucked up. She was grieving and let herself fall deep into her own pain. But she learns to live with it and becomes all the more powerful for it. MoM shows us the contrary. Here she isn't over it. Here she shows no remorse for some reason even though she spent all of Wandavision trying to live with a guilty conscience. It was a cheap take at wanting to make her a villain. It was just not it.

Then there was the horror aspect of it all. I don't care much for horror and I can appreciate it but for a movie about superheroes, wizards, and witches, it fell flat. Of course it being an MCU film, the graphics were great but jumpscares and cheesy horror one-liners just didn't do it for me.

okay, I'm not all bitter. The cast was great. Both Benedicts were incredible as always. Xochitl was amazing even though I still don't feel like we got to know her character all too well. America Chavez still feels rather unknown to me. Not to mention we got the Fantastic 4 and the X-Men finally thrown into the MCU. It was brief, so incredibly brief, but I hope that it's not a cheap take to get our hopes up high.

All in all the film could have been much worse but it held the potential to be much better. Hopefully i don't anger any insane Marvel fans because I too am an insane Marvel fan and I was just heavily disappointed with the movie.

Anywho time for me to sleep..

#multiverse of madness #marvel cinematic universe

7 notes · View notes

fangirlovestuff · 5 years ago

Text

fangirlovestuff's masterlist!

* - indicates smut

all readers are written as female unless specified otherwise

requests are closed!!

series:

Holding Out For a Hero - Steve Rogers x avenger!reader: completed

ch.1 ch.2 ch.3 ch.4 ch.5 ch.6 ch.7 ch.8 ch.9* ch.10 epilogue

Summary: You get recruited to work for the Avengers, which is really anyone’s dream job. So you’re not going to let your little crush on Captain America get in your way. How hard can that be?

The Heart Wants What it Wants - Chris Evans x actress!reader: completed

pt.1* pt. 2 pt.3

Summary: You and Chris meet at an after-party and hit it off, but you know the age gap isn’t going to go over well with the media. What can you do when loving someone can potentially destroy your careers?

Random Objects Headcanons - Chris Evans x reader: completed

Shower* Sink Table Shelves Bed* Bonus!

Summary: Domestic headcanons inspired by random household objects. (less stupid than it sounds, promise, give it a chance!)

Cycle - Steve Rogers x reader: completed

ch.1 ch.2 ch.3 ch.4* ch.5

Summary: You want a relationship but keep getting tangled up in one night stands, while Steve just keeps getting himself friendzoned. When pollar opposites with the same desires meet, will you change each other’s lives?

Rumor Has It - Chris Evans x actress!reader: completed

pt.1 pt.2 pt.3

Summary: It’s just lunch with your coworker, until chris thinks it’s not. Angst/breakup fic. check out the playlist:)

A Very Colin Christmas - Colin Shea x reader: completed

ch.1 ch.2 ch.3 ch.4 ch.5

Summary: You were planning of spending a low-key Christmas at home, when your neighbor / maybe crush asks you for an interesting favor... for you to pretend to be his girlfriend to get his judgy family off of his back. The results? misundersandings, epiphanies, and some holiday spirit.

Silver Lining - Wanda Maximoff x reader: completed

Silver Lining Water Under The Bridge All’s Well That Ends Well

Summary: You’re in a relationship with carol and nat but you were gone for a while on mission. When you get back, the two exclude you from everything, so now, someone new has a chance to enter your life.

headcanons:

friends to lovers - Chris Evans x reader

Hot Pool Stranger - Colin Shea x reader

Fireworks - Steve Rogers x reader

Romantics- Chris Evans x reader

Undercover - Chris Evans x reader

Night Out - Kyle x reader (The Perfect Score)

Playful - Chris Evans x reader

Shopping With Chris - Chris Evans x reader

Pool Day - Chris Evans x reader

(Extra)ordinary - Chris Evans x reader

Comfort - Chris Evans x reader

Cloud Nine - Chris Evans x reader

To Infinity And Beyond - Chris Evans x reader

Going Public - Chris Evans x reader

Be Mine - Chris Evans x reader

Heal - Natasha Romanoff x reader

‘stache Stories - Chris Evans x reader

Chris dating a writer would include... - Chris Evans x reader

cevans dating a young foreigner - Chris Evans x reader

taking each Avenger to a pride parade would be like... - various characters, relationship unspecified

Cuddling with Valkyrie - Valkyrie x reader

A Birthday Before - pre serum! Steve Rogers x reader

Take Care - Chris Evans x reader

andy barber whisking you away on vacation would be like... - Andy Barber x reader

Calm Before the Storm - Chris Evans x reader

taking care of sick Loki would look like... - Loki Odinson x reader

Halloween Headcanons - various cevans characters

oneshots / drabbles:

Chris Cross Applesauce- Chris Evans x reader

Take on Me- Chris Evans x reader

His Haven - Chris Evans x reader

Here - “Me” x reader (Playing it Cool)

You Make Me Feel Right - Steve rogers x reader

Queer Eye - Chris Evans x bi!reader, platonic Scott evans x reader

Knocked it Out of the Park - Colin Shea x reader

Child’s Play - Chris Evans x director!reader

Worth It* - Andy Barber x reader

Family* - Frank Adler x reader

In Your Corner - Chris Evans x reader

A Thin Line || Table For Two - Natasha Romanoff x avenger!reader

Sleepless - Ransom Drysdale x reader

Butterfly Effect || You Give Me Butterflies - Steve Rogers x reader

Loving Him Was Red - Chris Evans x ginger!reader

Don’t Go - Loki Odinson x reader

Home To You - Chris Evans x actress!reader

April Showers Bring May Flowers - Chris Evans x reader

Questioning - Natasha Romanoff x reader

Vacation - Steve Rogers x reader

Spooky Scary Steve - Steve Rogers x reader

Cuddly Chris - Chris Evans x male!reader

An Apple a Day - Ransom Drysdale x doctor!reader

Crazy Ex Boyfriend - dark! Ransom Drysdale x reader

Happy Place - Chris Evans x reader

Magical - Chris Evans x reader

A Tale Of Nephews And Princesses - Chris Evans x reader

Forever - Ari Levinson x male!reader

The Perfect Tree - Jake Jensen x reader

Holding On - Andy Barber x reader

littera scripta manet - Steve Rogers x reader

Everytime - Chris Evans x reader

Wanda Saves Valentine’s - Wanda Maximoff x reader

Smile - Thor Odinson x reader

Chaperone - Chris Evans x reader

Reality TV - Wanda Maximoff x reader

Seasons of Love - Chris Evans x reader

To Many More - Sam Wilson x reader

One Last Kiss - Steve Rogers x reader

More Than Meets The Eye - Steve Rogers x reader

Together - Chris Evans x reader

Daddy Daughter Day - Andy Barber x daughter!reader

Fears and Furniture - Andy Barber x reader

Never Too Late - Chris Evans x reader

Bad Dream - Agatha Harkness x reader

With Love - Carol Danvers x reader

Bad Day - Bucky Barnes x reader

Scary - Sam Wilson x reader

Mine - Natasha Romanoff x reader x Wanda Maximoff

By Next Winter - Carol Danvers x reader

Too Good at Goodbyes - Frank Adler x reader

Romantic Stylez - Jake Jensen x reader

Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince - Bucky Barnes x reader

Tiny Dancer - Killian Jones x Emma Swan (Once Upon a Time)

I Will Always Find You - Loki Odinson x reader

Invisible Touch - Agatha Harkness x reader

You Have Me, Heart and Soul || And I’m Yours, Forever - Ransom Drysdale x reader

Shadows - Loki Odinson (not reader insert!)

blurbs:

Tolerate It || Happiness || Sad Beautiful Tragic - Ransom Drysdale x reader

I Want More - Natasha Romanoff x reader

Does Your Mother Know - Steve Rogers x reader

Clean Up In Aisle ‘Shut The Fuck Up’ - Wanda Maximoff x reader

The Good Type Of Pain - Bucky Barnes x reader

Sunsets Don’t Seem As Pretty - Steve Rogers x reader

Harmony - Chris Evans x reader

Cheesy - Agatha Harkness x reader

Sweater Weather - Agatha Harkness x reader

Getaway Car - Wanda Maximoff x reader

Change - Chris Evans x reader

more stuff coming soon!

#chris evans #chris evans x reader #chris evans headcanon #chris evans smut #chris evans fluff #steve rogers x reader #steve rogers #steve rogers imagine #captain america #masterlist #leila writes #chris evans x female reader #colin shea x reader #colin shea #natasha romanoff x reader #wanda maximoff x reader

1K notes · View notes

jamie-leah · 5 years ago

Text

War of Wolves (11)

Season 1

Episode 11 - Death, Drugs, and Art

Bucky x Reader

Summary: You have been on the streets for the past two years, ever since your accident that left you with the ability to tell if someone is lying. You work as an informant for the white wolf and his mob but you had never met him…until you overhear a phone call that leads you to saving his life. Now he wants you to work for him. Its an offer you couldn’t refuse…right?

Word Count: 3192

Warnings: Mentions of death, Mentions of drugs, Guys acting super creepy, swearing, displays of violence maybe?

A/N: Another part is up! I’m sorry this is so inconsistent, work is kicking my ass and I’m having too much fun with the new BF. Most of it is written so if you can’t wait any longer for a new part just yell at me! Enjoy this one Lovelies, things are starting to pick up again! :)

<---Previous Episode Next Episode --->

War of Wolves Masterlist Series Masterlist Oneshot Masterlist

You get woken up a few hours later by a light shaking. You open your eyes to find Bucky in the dark, “hey Doll, I’m sorry to wake you, but we have to go now”.

You nod groggily, “s’okay”.

Bucky reaches over the sleeping kids to scoop you out of bed without disturbing them. He sets you down on your feet gently and leads you by your hand down the stairs. You start putting your shoes on when Peggy and Steve come out of the living room.

Steve kisses Peggy, “ring me if you need anything”. She nods looking tired.

You go over to give Peggy a hug, “thank you for having me around. Dinner was gorgeous”.

Peggy smiles, “make sure you come back often”, she then looks at Steve and Bucky, “look after her boys”.

“Yes ma’am”, they say in unison.

You, Bucky, and Steve step out into the night and head to the car. You get in the back as the boys jump in the front, Bucky driving.

Bucky lets out a big breath, so you ask, “what’s happened?”.

Its silent for a few moments. The only sound is the car moving down the dirt road until Bucky speaks with barely contained rage, “One of my drug supply vans was raided by another mob, although I don’t know who”.

You scrunch up your face, “surely the men transporting your van would be able to tell you?”.

Bucky’s hands tighten on the steering wheel. Steve answers for him, “they’re all dead”.

The car is silent for a while, until Bucky speaks low, “as soon as I find out who it is, I’ll kill them”.

Steve speaks to Bucky, “and I agree with you, but what did I tell you about keeping a clear head if we’re gonna figure this out?”.

Bucky raises his voice, “four of my men are dead Steve! The drugs are gone and we have no idea who did it-“.

Steve cuts him off, “which is why we’re gonna have a meeting and figure out what to do next”.

Bucky doesn’t speak until you get inside the house, “Steve, go get Sam and go to the office”.

Steve nods and walks off. You go over to Bucky and take his face in your hands, “Steve’s right, you need to keep your head clear. Is there anything you need me to do?”.

Bucky shakes his head slightly. His turns his head so that he kisses one of your palms on his face, “I need you to go to bed and get some sleep”.

You nod, giving each other a kiss before Bucky walks in the direction of his office. You watch him go and then head to the stairs. You pause at the bottom of them, thinking. It doesn’t seem right that you go to bed to sleep while the boys stay up to sort this mess out.

You head to the kitchen. You turn the lights on and start brewing some coffee. You then decide to cook a bunch of things for the boys. You load it all on a tray and then make your way to the office.

You knock and enter straightaway. It doesn’t take Bucky long to protest, “I thought I told you to go to bed?”.

You shrug as you bring the tray over, “I want to help”.

Sam’s head shoots to you, “what was that Y/N? Did you just say you want to help?”.

“Don’t push it Sam”, Bucky’s voice was all but a growl.

You look at all of them, “what did I miss?”.

Bucky mumbles, “it doesn’t matter”.

Sam says under his breath, “I beg to differ”.

Bucky gets up abruptly, squaring up to Sam as Sam responds in the same way. Steve gets in between the both of them, “okay children. Let’s sit back down and get a hold of ourselves”.

They both comply reluctantly, staring daggers at each other. You roll your eyes, “will someone tell me what’s going on?”.

Steve answers, “Sam came up with an idea that involved using you and Bucky shot it down”.

“Damn right I did”, Bucky says folding his arms.

Sam pipes up, “it’s the best idea we have”.

Bucky shakes his head, “no, its not”.

Sam laughs, “oh, that’s right! Because it’s the only idea we have”.

Rage flows from Bucky like waves, “keep fucking talking Sam”.

You cut in, “tell me the idea”.

Bucky goes to protest, but you shoot him a look and he snaps his mouth closed. Sam explains, “there is a party happening at a gallery opening for Frank Black, a mob boss. Lots of different mob bosses will be there, but Bucky wasn’t invited because its pretty much all the people he’s pissed off. Word will get around what happened to Bucky’s supply and they’ll be talking about it. One of them probably even did it and might brag since it’s a room full of Bucky haters. None of us can go in because they’ll recognise us, but you, they won’t know who you are. Plus, you have your ability that can sift out the rumours from the genuine truth. No one will even question why you’re there because you’re a beautiful woman that they’ll just want to flirt with”.

As you think it over, Bucky says, “but none of that matters because it’s not happening”.

You ignore him, “when is it?”.

Bucky looks at you sharply as Sam answers, “in a few days”.

You nod, “we should at least consider it. Talk about logistics and how we would plan it-“.

Bucky stands again, “no. This is ridiculous. Steve, please tell them”.

Its quiet for a while. Steve sighs, “it is a good idea Buck”.

“Oh, come on Steve!”, Bucky runs a hand through his hair, “you can’t be serious”.

Steve gives Bucky a look, “it’s a solid idea. One we would have to plan properly, but I’m not gonna rule it out, especially if Y/N wants to do it”.

Bucky gives him a serious look, “what if it was Peggy? You would honestly let her in a room full of people who hate you? Who would do anything to get back at you? People who are dangerous and could hurt her?”.

Steve sighs heavily, “I would hate it, just as much as you. I would probably be reacting the same way as you are now. But I would also come to realise that Peggy is her own person and that I can’t get that damn woman to do anything she doesn’t want to do…so, I would rather do it and do everything I can to protect her and make sure she’s safe instead of pushing her away and potentially make her do it on her own”.

Bucky stares into space for a long time. You speak softly, “its not just some missing drugs, four men are dead Buck…tell me you wouldn’t go through with this idea if it was anyone other than me?”.

Bucky’s eyes flick to yours. He searches your face but stays quiet. He can’t tell you that because he would be lying. Bucky speaks low, “this is something you want to do? And I mean something you genuinely want to do, not just because Sam put you on the spot about it?”.

You nod, “I told you, I want to help”.

Bucky nods slowly, “fine. I’ll consider it. If we come up with a good enough plan now that we can implement in time for the gallery opening, then I’ll do it”.

You end up staying in the office talking over details and plans for the rest of the night and morning. Once the plan was sorted they wanted to move onto putting it into place, but you stop them, “nope. We all need a few hours sleep at least and no one is arguing with me on this. So, let’s go”.

Sam and Steve don’t argue as they get up and leave, but Bucky stays in his chair. You go around his desk and take his hand. You pull him all the way to his bedroom where he finally starts getting ready to jump into bed for a few hours.

You both face each other in bed on your sides. You study his face, “tell me. Tell me what you’re thinking. Don’t bottle it up from me”.

His voice is barely above a whisper, “I’m-if anything happened to you-“.

You cut him off as you bring your hand to his cheek. You swipe your thumb back and forth across his cheekbone, “you would be there. I have so much faith and trust in you”.

His eye’s close at your touch, “that’s what I’m afraid of”. You give him a while to explain, “I don’t want to fail you. I don’t want to let you down”.

You don’t miss a beat, “hey, look at me”, you wait for him to open his eyes, “the only way you’d fail me is by not giving me a say in the matter. I know that you would do anything humanly possible to keep me safe, because I feel the same about you”.

Bucky pulls your body closer to his, “you’re amazing and I’m glad that you’re mine”.

Preparation and planning took up most of the time in the few days before the gallery opening, which is what made the few days go by so quickly.

You were getting ready for the night when Bucky walked in dressed in black combat boots and trousers and a black T-shirt. You had just slipped into the red dress that Bucky had got you for the party.

You pull your hair to one side and present your back to Bucky, “can you zip me up?”.

You can hear the smirk on his face, “now why on earth would I want to do that?”. He zips you up anyway and then leans down to kiss your exposed neck. He then looks at you in the mirror, “you look gorgeous”.

You take a deep breath and he speaks again, “you’ve got this”. You nod as you both make your way out to the van. Sam is the one driving as Steve and Bucky get you prepped in the back. Steve gives you a tiny earbud to hear the boys talking to you in the gallery.

Bucky is showing you pictures of certain people to look out for and then gives you tips, “let them come to you, that way your questions won’t seem like an interrogation. Float around to listen to conversations and if no one is coming over to you then insert yourself into a group of people talking, never pick someone on their own. They’ll be suspicious”.

All too quickly, Sam pulls up not far from the gallery. He also climbs into the back as you start making your way out. Bucky says one last thing, “if you feel like things are going south or you’re getting too uncomfortable just leave. Your safety is more important than the answers”.

You leave without another word, wanting to get this over with before you chicken out. You make your way quickly up the steps to the gallery and then enter. It hadn’t long opened, and the place was already packed. From people talking in groups to people admiring the art.

You hear Bucky in your ear, “go have a drink Doll. Take the edge off, but not too much”. You make your way slowly to the bar and order a drink. But before you can pay for it, someone else does.

That someone else happens to be the man of the gallery, Frank Black, “I hope you don’t mind. I can’t seem to stop myself from buying drinks for beautiful women”. He flashes you a smile.

You return it, “well, thank you”.

He hands you the drink, “speaking of beautiful women, I usually remember a pretty face, but I don’t know who you are”.

You take a sip of your drink before laying on the charm, “let’s just say I’m an admirer of art”.

His smile widens, “beautiful and mysterious. Those types of women usually end up in my bed”.

You hide your shock of his forwardness and your sickness. Although the growl in your ear nearly broke your careful expression, “it’ll take more than a drink and a quick flirt to get me into bed Mr Black”.

He laughs, “classy too. I’m surprised no one has snapped you up as a wife. I have other people to meet but stick around. I’d love to buy you another drink”.

Before he walks away you give him a small smile, “maybe I will”.

Once he’s out of sight you down your drink. You hear Bucky say begrudgingly, “you did great. You basically got approval from Frank to stay there so you can float around without worry now”.

You walk around pretending to admire the art but actually listening to conversations. Bucky was the topic for some conversations, but most of it were people speculating.

You stand in front of a particularly big and stunning painting when another man approaches you. He stands next to you, facing the painting, “it’s a lovely piece isn’t it?”.

You nod, “its exquisite”.

He leans a bit closer to you, “it’s the brush work that makes this particularly appealing to me. What about you?”.

You tilt your head slightly, your answer an honest one, “The colours. The way they blend so well. Colours that shouldn’t work together, but they do. It’s a shame though”.

He looks at you, “what is?”.

You glance at him and then back at the painting, “that most people here are too busy talking about that incident to appreciate the art”.

He nods, “ahh, do you mean what happened to the White Wolf?”.

You face him, “that seems to be the hot topic. I mean, I would understand if people knew the truth of what happened instead of pure gossip. The truth might just be more interesting than this art”.

He chuckles, his arm finding his way around your waist. You hear Bucky growl and complain to Steve in your ear and you forgot that they were also watching from the cameras inside the building.

The guy leans so close to your ear that you can feel his breath, “if I got you that truth, do you think things would get more interesting?”.

Its obvious what he was asking, and it made you extremely uncomfortable, but if he knew, you’d put up with it, “let’s see how good that truth is first shall we?”.

He gives you a smirk as he guides you over to another man. They talk in private for a moment and you were starting to wonder if this was a bad idea until they both come over.

The new guy studies you, “so you want to know what happened?”.

You try to look as innocent as possible. Looking up at him through your lashes and tucking your hair behind your ear, “well, doesn’t everyone? I just can’t imagine anyone strong and brave enough to go up against the White Wolf”.

The new guy scoffs, “that prick. He thinks he’s the boss of us all. He’s getting too rich and powerful for my liking these days”.

The other guy chips in, “I agree. Which is why I’m glad you did what you did, put that asshole in his fucking place. I’d love to put a bullet in that fucking guys head”.

You hear the truth in what he just said to the guy. You think he just told you who did it, but you can’t tell because you can’t isolate it from everything else he just said.

His friend looks pissed, “dude! What the fuck. Be more careful with what you say, you just told her it was me”.

You look at him wide eyed and in admiration, “it was you?”, you give him a flirty smile, “wow, I can’t believe you did that and got away with it”.

His annoyed expression turns to one of hunger for you. His arm snakes around your waist, “you like that huh? Yeah it was me”, you hear the truth in it but can’t celebrate as you feel his hand on your ass, “I wouldn’t have done it if I wasn’t paid very generously by the man that really wanted it done”.

You hear a bang in your ear and had to fight the urge to jump. You can hear Steve, “calm the fuck down Buck. You nearly scared the shit out of her”.

You look at both of the men, “I’m assuming you won’t tell me more without a little warm up?”.

You raise an eyebrow and they look at each other as the man with his hand around you speaks too close for comfort, “hmm, if you’re a good girl I might tell you who the guy was”.

You hear Sam laughing in your ear as Bucky swears a string of curses. The lie from the guy is oozing out of him. You flash them a smile, “okay, well go get us some drinks and I’ll freshen up in the ladies”.

They agree and let you go with a slap on the ass. You feel sick and just want to get out now that you have a lead. You look back to make sure they’re not watching as they make their way to the bar.

Once you’re sure you head towards the exit. Bucky speaks in your ear, “you did great, now get out”. You weave in and out of people as casually as you can.

You’re nearly at the door when someone steps in front of you, “well, I didn’t think I would be seeing you here, I must say”.

You look up to see Isaac Williams from Darren’s party. You mentally curse and try to skirt around him, “I’m sorry, you must have me confused-“.

He steps in your path again, “don’t patronise me Y/N”, he gives you a smile that feels anything but friendly, “you look beautiful tonight”.

You don’t say anything, knots twisting in your stomach. He speaks again, “so what are you doing here?”.

“Looking at the art”, you say bluntly.

His smile twists slightly, hardly noticeable, “don’t be like that Y/N”.

You start to move passed him again, “I was just leaving. I don’t feel well”.

He grabs your arm, harder than you liked, “would you like a lift? If you feel unwell you shouldn’t be out alone”.

You try and tug away from him, “no thank you”.

He stares at you for a few moments as you try and pull your arm back from him, “let me go Isaac”.

His grip tightens, “ah, so you do remember me? I’m honoured that my name has made its way into your memory”.

“Let me go”, you say it through clenched teeth.

You hear Steve in your ear, “Buck, wait! You go in there and its all over! Buck!”. You can hear a slight struggle follow after what Steve says.

You yank your arm harder, finally breaking away from him. You walk passed without another word as he calls after you, “I hope to see you soon Y/N”.

War of Wolves Taglist: @a-really-bi-girl @scuzmunkie @loving-life-my-way @crazyblonde124 @summerwelsh @pequenaguaxinim @paranoid-borderline-insane @lilsonbucky @somanyfandomsblog @broco8 @inquisitor-selvala @mad-red @k-n-e @ranting-introvert @rinkashirikitateku @duhh-danielly @boundtomyfate @kalesrebellion @booktease21 @whatinthyworld @flyingbabyunicornnamedangel @gaycooties @asapkyndall @yaszx @armoredashley @aveatquevoldy

#bucky #Bucky Barnes #James Buchanan Bucky Barnes #james bucky barnes #mob!bucky #james buchanan barnes #bucky x y/n #bucky x reader #bucky x you #bucky series #bucky reader insert #bucky and reader #bucky au #bucky fucking barnes #bucky fandom #bucky fluff #bucky fanfic #bucky fanfiction #bucky barns x reader

129 notes · View notes

katymacsupernatural · 5 years ago

Text

Providence

Jensen Ackles x Reader

1300 Words

Written For: @spnfluffbingo and @spngenrebingo

Squares Filled: Interior Designer AU(Fluff) Jensen Ackles (Genre)

Warnings: Little bit of angst, mentions of a previous assault

“Today’s the day,” you muttered to yourself as you poured your tumbler full of coffee. Your nerves were running high, but you were so excited as well. This job you had landed could make or break your entire interior design company, and you needed everything to go well. “Everything okay in there boss?” Your assistant, Emily, asked. “We’re needing to leave in five minutes to make it to the house on time.” Placing the lid on your coffee, you made sure you had everything you needed. Your tablet with all your ideas. Fabric swatches and paint samples. You had spent the last three nights staying up, making sure that this was going to be perfect. Emily walked with you down to the parking lot, climbing into the passenger seat while you slid behind the wheel of your sleek, black, Volkswagon. It wasn’t exactly prestigious, but it looked nice and had amazing gas mileage. It was only a ten-minute drive to the neighborhood where your potential client lived, and you went over the information with Emily one more time. “So we do not know this man’s name, they wanted to keep it private. But he is a well-known actor, moving back to Texas after a divorce. He bought this house, but wants it decorated to better suit him.”

“I wonder who it is?” Emily asked, clutching the paperwork tight in her hand. “Who’s had a divorce?” Shrugging your shoulders, you pulled into the subdivision. “I don’t know. I don’t keep up with all of those fake celebrities. But remember, we are here for business. We aren’t going to act all wide-eyed and nervous just because they’ve made a couple of movies.” “Of course,” Emily gulped. “But just imagine. A famous celebrity telling everyone else that 5 Point Designs made his house look absolutely stunning.” “I hope it happens that way,” you agreed just as you parked in front of the house. It was a large house, not that you expected any less. You had been sent pictures of the inside, but pictures never really did houses justice. It wasn’t ostentatious like you had expected. Instead, the large, two-story house was warm and inviting, with it's worn wood and stone design outside. Smoothing down your pantsuit, you let Emily carry the paperwork while you rang the doorbell. Pasting a smile on your face, you told yourself it was all going to go great. He was going to love your ideas, and this house would put your business on the map. The door opened, and you stuck your hand out, ready to shake hands and introduce yourself. But you froze when your name was uttered by a man you had never expected to see again. “Y/N?” “Jensen?” You whispered, your eyes searching the familiar angles of his face, your heart pounding in your chest. “What are you doing here?” He chuckled, his voice deeper, smoother than you had remembered. “This is my house. Come on in.” He stepped to the side, letting you inside the massive foyer. But the house isn’t what had your attention. It was focused solely on Jensen. He was dressed casually, in a lightweight henley, and faded ripped jeans. His feet were bare, his hair mussed as if he had just woken up from a nap. A beard was just forming on his face, framing his plump lips that you remembered so much. “It’s good to see you,” he spoke softly once you and Emily were inside. Emily was glancing between the two of you, no doubt trying to figure out what was going on. “Emily, why don’t you go get some coffee,” you found yourself saying, your eyes still caught in Dean’s gaze. “I think I have this handled.” She handed off the paperwork, taking your car keys, leaving you alone with the man who had once held your heart in his hands. “Let’s go into the den,” he suggested, leading the way. It gave you a chance to calm down. His shoulders were broader than you remembered, tapering down to those legs that had driven you crazy all those years ago. Once he had you sitting down on the grayish-blue couch, he strode back over to a liquor cabinet. “I don’t know about you, but I could use a drink.” “Sure,” your voice warbled. “Still take it neat?” He asked, making your whiskey exactly as you liked. Handing if off to you, he sat down in the black armchair across from you, crossing his leg, acting as if your meeting again wasn’t affecting him at all. “So, you’re the interior designer Jared hired for me.” “Jared?” “My coworker. His wife knew of an interior designer, said she was new but did an amazing job. Didn’t realize it would be you,” Jensen spoke, his green eyes more like moss than you had remembered. “I can find someone else if that would be easier for you,” You started to say, utterly discombobulated. “I know there is a history between us and I…,” “Y/N, why did you leave all those years ago?” He asked, leaning forward, his whiskey glass barely hanging from his fingers. “We were good together, weren’t we?” "We were," you started carefully. "But we wanted different things. Jensen, I didn't want to hold you back." He stood up suddenly, rubbing the back of his neck as he started pacing. "Why would you have held me back?" You had never considered that this conversation would happen. The words were hard to come by. "You had found acting, and you were so good at it. You were going to California, and I knew things were going to go well for you. But that life wasn't for me." "That's a horrible excuse, and you know it!" He exclaimed, turning to face you. "We could have made it work. What was the real reason you left me?" You could feel tears welling up in your eyes, burning before they slid down your cheek. His face softened as he dropped to his knees in front of you. "Jensen, I wanted to tell you. Really I did. But I didn't know how to get the words out, so I just left." He reached up, brushing the tears from your face. His face was full of pain. "What couldn't you tell me? Y/N, I never got over you. I tried. Hell, I even got married. But she wasn't you, and I felt like I was living a lie." Sniffling, you dropped your gaze to your hands. "Jensen, do you remember the school's bonfire?" "Our senior year? Yeah, that's when I asked you to move to California with me." "Well..," you started crying then, the memories still painful. "I was assaulted. By the football captain." Jensen seemed shocked by your words. Kneeling back on his heels, he stared at you in dismay. "Frank? Why the hell didn't you say something? I would have beaten the bastard into a pulp." "That's why I didn't say anything," you whispered. "I knew you had big plans, and Frank's dad was the sheriff." "Damn it Y/N, I'm so sorry." Jensen's eyes were full of grief. "But Y/N, I wish you had told me." "You had this new life you were looking forward to. I felt broken, and I couldn't do it. I couldn't be happy and excited with you, so I did the only thing I could think of. I ran from you, from my problems. But my nightmares followed me, and it wasn't until a couple of years ago I finally started to feel like myself again." "And now?" He asked, sitting beside you on the couch. "Is there a boyfriend…," "Nothing. There had been. But there was always this one thing wrong with them," you said, staring up at him. "What was that?" "How could I give them my heart when you still had it?" Jensen's eyes widened slightly before he was pulling you towards him, his lips searching for yours. And you knew that this job was the big break you were looking for. Maybe not business-wise, but it had brought closure to one part of your life and hope for the next.

Dean/Jensen Tags: @acortez82 @acreativelydifferentlove @adoptdontshoppets @a-girl-who-loves-disney @akshi8278 @bebravekeeponfighting @brindz30 @cap-just-said-language @colette2537 @deansgirl215 @its-not-a-tulpa @jerkbitchidjitassbutt @just-another-winchester @karouwinchester @keikoraventeller @krys198478 @librarygeekery @misspygmypie @mlovesstories @mrsambroserollinsacklesmgk @mrspeacem1nusone @nothinbuttrouble2 @ria132love @ruprecht0420 @sortaathief @superseejay721517 @squirrelnotsam @team-free-will-you-idjiot @thing-you-do-with-that-thing @torn-and-frayed @tricksterdean @wonderfulworldofwinchester @woodworthti666

Forever Tags: @aditimukul @alexwinchester23 @algud @amanda-teaches @andreaaalove @artisticpoet @atc74 @be-amaziing @camelotandastronauts @caswinchester2000 @chelsea072498 @closetspngirl @docharleythegeekqueen @emoryhemsworth @ericaprice2008 @esoltis280 @gh0stgurl @goldenolaf25 @growningupgeek @heyitscam99 @hobby27 @horsegirly99 @internationalmusicteacher @iwriteaboutdean @jayankles @jensen-gal @just-another-busyfangirl @karlee-fay-my-wayward-son @lifelovelaughangell123 @li-ssu @linki-locks11 @littleblue5mcdork @lowlyapprentice @maui137 @mogaruke @monkeymcpoopoo @musiclovinchic93 @nanie5 @percussiongirl2017 @plaid-lover-bay25 @roonyxx @ronja-uebrick @roxyspearing @samanthaharper2018 @samanddeanmyheroes @sandlee44 @shamelesslydean @simonsbluee @sillesworldofwriting @sgarrett49 @spnbaby-67 @spn-dean-and-sam-winchester @spnwoman @superbadassnatural @thatcrazybookwormgeek @thewinchesterchronicles @vvinch3st3r @wecantgiggleitsafandom @whimsicalrobots @winchester-writes @zombiewerewolfqueen

#spnfluffbingo2019 #spngenrebingo #jensen ackles x reader #supernatural x reader #supernatural reader insert #katy writes #supernatural rpf #jensen ackles x y/n #jensen ackles fanfic #supernatural fanfic

198 notes · View notes

glenngaylord · 4 years ago

Text

OUTFEST 2020 FILM REVIEW: BOYS SHORTS 3 1/2 Stars (Average Score)

For many years, most LGBTQ+ festivals reserved their best short films for the Boys and Girls Shorts programs. Usually deemed the sexiest, funniest, or most cinematic of the bunch, they typically play to sold out audiences. Fortunately, shorts submissions have diversified and have showcased such incredible talent that festivals like Outfest offer a whole host of solid programs to enjoy.

Still, there’s nothing like packing into the Directors Guild of America’s main theatre on a Saturday morning to collectively enjoy some carefully vetted films. Unfortunately, this year, it’s just me and my admittedly cute-as-hell doggy sitting in my living room. No gaggles of gays to ogle. No over-the-top hugs, air kisses, or overhearing the constant refrain of, “What are you working on?” My sliding A/C unit makes a valiant but futile effort to cool us down as this endless Los Angeles heatwave threatens to kill our buzz. Outfest may feel a little less communal this year, but the quality of the filmmaking remains high. I also applaud the programmers and filmmakers for helping to redefine and expand what has made this particular program so meaningful and enjoyable time and time again. Here are my quick tales on the Boys Shorts program:

QUERY (Dir: Sophie Kargman - USA- 7 mins) 3 Stars

Two straight identifying lifelong best friends, Jay and Alex, played by Justice Smith and Graham Graham Patrick Martin respectively, spend a day challenging heteronormative concepts until Jay makes the suggestion that they kiss. What starts out as a bromantic, mumblecore trifle turns fascinating in its final moments, helped tremendously by some beautifully wordless acting by our two leads. I can’t say I loved the tired idea that one of the guys justifies the kissing by saying he’s wasted, but it’s handled in a fairly dignified way missing from so many gross-out comedies from the past. Shot and framed with a nice sense of classical style, the film, a mere 7 minutes, doesn’t outstay its welcome and leaves you with a provocative final line. Extra points for Armie Hammer’s blink-and-you’ll-miss-it jog-on role.

S.A.M (Dir: Eyre and Ely - United Kingdom - 16 mins) 4 Stars

Two outcast Manchester teens (Sam Retford and George Webster) meet on a swing set and discover they’re both named Sam. One appears to have a learning disability and the other smokes and seems to have an angry, rebellious streak. Over the course of several weeks at the playground , their friendship deepens, slyly revealing their attraction to each other. Both actors do a wonderful job dispelling common misconceptions of their challenges as they drink, swear brazenly at others, and develop a real bond. Its handling of sexuality couldn’t be more lovely and instructive. You wish more people would react to coming out the way we’re shown here. Although shot entirely at the swing set, this film covers a lot of ground as we witness the beginnings of a ride-or-die friendship. I hope the directing team of Eyre and Ely develop this into a feature. I could watch Sam and Sam all day.

KIND OF (Dir: Noel Schamus - USA - 9 mins) 3 Stars

With friends imminently arriving for brunch, a trans masculine couple hash out their differences over their recently established open relationship. Garcia (Tales Of The City) arrives home after a night out with a cis man to find Avi Roque preparing the meal. Noel Schamus and co-writer Arno Mokros mine the tension between the two expertly, allowing us to see the genial but uncomfortable hugs and the passive-aggressive dialogue. Things take an astonishing turn when they get brutally honest with each other, revealing a frank discussion many people have not had the opportunity to hear before. The filmmaking itself may feel functional at best, but its honesty manages to stun.

SEE YOU SOON (Dir: Tyler Rabinowitz - USA - 16 mins) 4 1/2 Stars

This gorgeously directed and acted film by Tyler Rabinowitz has a simple premise, aligned most closely with Boys Shorts of years past. Vincent (James Cusati-Moyer) and Anthony (Jonny Beauchamp) live in Los Angeles and Manhattan respectively, yet have met online, FaceTiming in anticipation of Vincent’s upcoming weekend trip east. Both actors have that glow and eagerness between them which gets awkwardly dispelled when they first meet in person. Still, they slowly gravitate towards each other as they traverse the city. Anyone who has ever been in a long distance relationship will recognize the hesitation, the fumbling, and the painful moment when they realize they’re rushing into things. With beautiful cinematography by Oren Soffer and a gentle, believable chemistry between the two leads, I felt immersed in their struggle to figure out their path. We may have seen this before with the seminal feature, Weekend, but it doesn’t take away from how well done it is here. Also, Cusati-Moyer is a star in the making with his expressive face and ability to break your heart.

LAST SUMMER WITH UNCLE IRA (Dir: Gary Jaffe, Katie Ennis - USA - 13 mins) 3 Stars

As Daniel (Igby Rigney, a potentially closeted teen, packs his bags for summer camp, his beloved gay uncle Ira (Wayne Wilcox), faces his pending death from AIDS complications. Daniel’s mother (Tony winner Stephanie J. Block) relieves her son of his duties so that he can go outside and have what will likely be one final chat with Ira. Set in the early 90s, the bulk of the short comprises of their conversation, with Ira trying to gently coax Daniel to come out, but the young man resists. While heartfelt and well-performed by all three, the production suffers from a somewhat maudlin tone and style. It harkens back to such films as An Early Frost, yet adds something fresh with the dynamic between the two leads. Although I can’t say I was wowed by it, the final moments did make me cry with its lovely expression of intimacy. Any film which can awaken my cold dead heart is worth something!

WHO CAN PREDICT WHAT WILL MOVE YOU? (Dir: Livia Huang - USA - 9 mins) 2 1/2 Stars

On the surface, this very aptly titled short appears to be about nothing as we watch two young Asian American gay men share a final night together on a basketball court and then in an apartment. With limited dialogue and scenes consisting of dribbling a ball, hugging, and staring into each others’ eyes as their hands intertwine, the film leans more toward the experimental side of things. Despite a nearly non-existent story, what Huang and her actors excel at is creating and sustaining a mood, a feeling. It’s simple and yet somehow conveys a sense of intimacy. I won’t remember having seen it tomorrow, but it sure did make me want to lie on the floor with someone.

THE CYPHER (Dir: Leia Solomon - USA - 15 mins) 4 1/2 Stars

Khalil (Nigel Cox), a closeted young Philadelphia man, may just win an upcoming rap battle, but when word gets out he has a boyfriend (Juan Gil), his plans may go up in smoke. Think 8 Mile meets Moonlight in this colorful, vibrant, story of a guy who learns what summoning courage and using it to hone his creative talents really means. With nonstop energy and a wonderful supporting turn by Kerrice Brooks as his sister Kiki, who unintentionally outs him, The Cypher hits all the right notes. Although still laden with homophobia, out artists such as Lil Nas X and Frank Ocean have made inroads in hip hop and rap culture. In this spirit, this sexy, thrilling short brings power, strength and fearlessness to queer black voices staking their claim to a previously forbidding genre. Nigel Cox, a relative newcomer, deserves attention for his loud and proud performance.

3 notes · View notes